Meet Ganyo: yOur SSU President

At Sheridan Student Union, our President plays a vital role in student leadership at Sheridan College. The President works with fellow Sheridan students, Board of Directors, College leadership and SSU support staff to advocate for the best student experience. We are proud to share that the SSU hiring committee has appointed Ganyo Soh as the new President.

Ganyo is a Sheridan College alumna, who holds a Bachelor of Social Community Development (2024), a Social Service Worker - Gerontology Diploma (2022), and a Human Resources Business Administration Diploma (2001). She has been actively involved in the Sheridan community as a leadership coach, student ambassador, and so much more. We sat down with Ganyo to learn more about who she is, what she’s looking forward to in this role and what Sheridan students can expect in the future.

Tell us a bit about yourself. What would you like the Sheridan community to know about you as a person and a leader?

“On a personal level, my purpose is to observe, listen and act with compassion towards all those I connect with daily. By focusing on the needs of the Sheridan community and understanding their resilience, I’ve been able to work alongside some incredible people and contribute to society in a positive way. I look forward to demonstrating acts of service in my role at the SSU and throughout my life. My professional passion is to work for an organization that shares the same desire to make a meaningful contribution. I like to be a part of teams that value inclusiveness and expand my levels of consciousness about the world and the people who exist within it.”

What was your motivation for applying to become the SSU President? And how would you describe your leadership style?

“My motivation was really to support the needs of all Sheridan students by building capacity through communication and creating social change. I would say that I’m a servant leader- it’s all about helping others.”

How did graduating from three different Sheridan programs shape your perspective on continuous learning, supporting people and community? 

“Well, each of my experiences at Sheridan happened in three different stages of my life. I would say the last degree/diploma captured me as a mature student.In retrospect, when I reflect on my younger years and first time in post-secondary education, I feel like studying at Sheridan helped build my confidence. College allowed me to find myself and learn where I fit in society. Over time, I gained a wide range of skills that helped me pursue my career path and build life-long friendships with colleagues, professors and staff. Ultimately, it ignited the leader within me.

There were so many enriching experiences over my studies - from group work, to studying virtually over the last four years, to participating in a work-study. Getting involved on campus shaped my understanding of community. The more I was exposed to people from diverse cultural backgrounds, ages and demographics, the more awareness and curiosity I had about diverse ways of learning and being. Together, we gained new perspectives on how to approach life.”

Being able to experience life as a student from three completely different vantage points also helps Ganyo empathize with diverse student experiences today. From the highs and lows of transitioning into and out of college, to the desire to excel in class while also managing your finances, health and other responsibilities are all aspects she understands. “I remember when I was first going back to school as a mature student, taking the Learn Well Series before starting my program really helped me feel a lot more prepared. But College can be an adjustment and everyone’s experiences are so different. There are a variety of college experiences faced by students, particularly international students, and I’m looking forward to hearing student feedback on how we can help.”

Earlier you described your leadership style as a servant leader.
How do you plan to serve and help students?

“I plan to build capacity through community and by this, I mean, creating safe spaces for students to share their feedback. Once students feel empowered to voice their concerns, it’s our job to actively listen, assess the needs, and offer initiatives, events and support tailored to their lived experiences.

Working with the College institution and faculty is also key to supporting student mental health, spiritual growth, and overall wellness. Building capacity involves providing professional development opportunities, improving available support, and equipping students with the tools they need to successfully enter the workforce. I plan to align our organizational actions with student feedback to ensure overall success.

“Students should know that the SSU is advocating for the students of today and the future.”

- Ganyo Soh, SSU President

When asked if there was anything she learned since starting in the position, Ganyo shared how surprising it was to discover that even though the SSU is situated within Sheridan, it is a non-profit organization governed separately from the college. She was inspired by the advocacy work of the SSU and excited to participate in a few upcoming plans. Even though Ganyo lives by the mantra “be present, live in the now,” we couldn’t help asking for a sneak peek into some future goals.

When you think about the future, what kind of legacy do you hope to leave?  

“I want to leave a legacy of inclusivity where everyone’s voice is heard. As a leader dedicated to social change and justice, I aspire to empower students with the tools they need to succeed. It's vital to have diverse perspectives at the table. As a mother, woman, racialized person, and recent mature graduate, I understand the importance of diversity, building friendships, and representation. My passion is advocating for marginalized and vulnerable communities, and I'm ready to serve and support all Sheridan students. I hope to be on the grounds and accessible for students to approach me, share their feedback and know that the Sheridan Student Union is actively listening.”

Ganyo Soh officially started her role as Sheridan Student Union President on June 3rd, 2024. We proudly welcome her to the team!

Ganyo works closely with our student leaders to help enhance your #SheridanLife!