YUGSA 2024 Executive Team
Alireza Gorgani, President
Alireza Gorgani Dorcheh (they/them) is a polydisciplinamory artist and a migrant worker living in Tkaronto, Treaty Thirteen. They hold a master's degree in Theatre Direction from the University of Tehran. Primarily through performance, film, and clowning, Alireza explores underlying structures of marginalization and oppression in their scholarship. They are interested in community-engaged work, which has given them the chance to work with their wonderful people of equity-seeking communities and get inspired by their artistic and leadership insight. They enjoy being around people who refuse to stay idle in the face of injustice and inequality and are committed to combating oppression. Alireza is currently pursuing their education as a Ph.D. candidate in Theatre and Performance Studies at York University, where they investigate the issues of migrant workers’ precarious status using multimodal performance. They are excited about having joined the executive committee of York University Graduate Students’ Association as President this year and truly believe in the power of our togetherness to bring about fundamental change. You can reach Alireza at president@yugsa.ca.
Arefeh Shamskhany, Vice President of Campaigns
Arefeh is a PhD Candidate at York University. She is currently conducting her research in the field of emerging environmental pollution. Originally from Iran, she brings a unique perspective as an international student. Arefeh possesses a remarkable work ethic and displays immense compassion, actively involved in various community support actions. Notably, she has successfully held positions of leadership, including the presidency of the Civil Engineering Graduate Students Association at York University and the role of Vice President of Internal at YUGSA. These experiences have equipped Arefeh with invaluable insights into the urgent concerns faced by graduate students. Now, armed with this expertise and a deep commitment to students' well-being, Arefeh aims to serve as a passionate advocate for graduate students' rights and needs. She tries hard to ensure that graduate students will have a committed and compassionate voice representing their concerns. Feel free to contact Arefeh at campaigns@yugsa.ca if you have any concerns/inquiries.
Nathi Zamisa, Interim Vice President of Finance
Nathi Zamisa is an M.A. candidate whose research looks at the relationship between race and cryptocurrency. Most of their spare time is spent addressing on/off-campus housing issues and gardening. As Interim VP Finance, Nathi hopes to develop a budget that refocuses social interaction and engagement in the YUGSA’s services and operations — think more opportunities to connect, share stories, and access essential goods (i.e. coffee, foodstuffs, hygienic products…). You can reach Nathi at finance@yugsa.ca.
Ali Gholami, Vice President of Community
Ali is a dedicated PhD student in Mechanical Engineering at York University, where he has actively engaged in various volunteering and community initiatives since his arrival as an international student in 2018. Ali has two years of experience as a member of the YUGSA Exec team, he served as VP-Finance in the 2021-2022 academic year and VP-Community in the 2022-2023 academic year. Passionate about fostering connections and advocating for his fellow graduate students, Ali is currently serving as the Vice President of Community Relations for the 2023-2024 academic year. He is wholeheartedly committed to creating an inclusive environment that embraces the diverse backgrounds and experiences of all graduate students. By promoting engagement and collaboration between students, university administration, local businesses, and community organizations, Ali aims to enhance the graduate student experience. Drawing from his previous involvement in student associations and unions, Ali is determined to provide unwavering support and advocacy for all students, striving to improve both their academic and social lives. With a genuine passion for building communities, he continues to make a positive impact by dedicating his efforts to the betterment of graduate student experiences. You can reach Ali at community@yugsa.ca.
