YUGSA Annual Election 2024- Candidates’ Bios
Vice President of Campaigns
Aishwarya Bhattacharyya
I currently serve as the Equity, GPASA, and UGPASA representative, as well as YUGSA Councillor, at the Geography Graduate Student Association. I already have experience as an elected Councillor and serving a union with a membership strength of over 8,500 students(at Jawaharlal Nehru University,New Delhi). Upon moving to York as a doctoral researcher, I observed similar challenges within the YUGSA that I’ve dealt with before. I recognize two main issues our union currently has that I would like to help solve.
1.YUGSA’s extent of engagement and strategic development often falls short of student expectations where the diversity of conditions is an important aspect. Even though all students are sailing in the same water, we are not in the same boat. YUGSA, in recent years, could not successfully reach out to the mass of its members with the necessary access and transparency. There must be better communication of all of YUGSA’s current campaigns (6, overall) to engage the membership and ensure awareness of the benefits &rights as part of YUGSA.
2.I recognize a lethargy within YUGSA currently, where members are expected to reach out to follow- up with its functioning, instead of a grassroots unionisation drive. Changing that, I aim to ensure proactive engagement with members by fostering active debates and discussions at the departmental level. I propose building an information cycle to prevent misinterpretation and communication loss. YUGSA currently faces significant shortages, including reduced funding and legal battles. Hence, it is imperative to continue advocating for our members, fighting for better funds from all possible sources without relying solely on membership fees. Moreover, we must vigorously engage with members, ensuring their voices inform YUGSA's strategies and statements. The UNION SERVES THE MEMBER, and not the other way around.
With three years of student union experience and two years of professional campaign management expertise, I am well-equipped to contribute to the students' justice that YUGSA champions and MUST deliver. I hope to earn your support as VP-Campaign to ensure that YUGSA's message, strategy, and fundraising efforts always reflect your voice. Unions are products of collective struggles for equity, they are our pathways to just futures!
Mostafa Hetteh
My name is Mostafa Hetteh, and I am a 4th-year Ph.D. student in politics at York University. I am running for Vice President of Campaign for YUGSA because I am passionate about advocating for the needs and concerns of graduate students.
Throughout my academic career, I have been actively involved in student organizations and have experience advocating on behalf of marginalized communities. I believe that as Vice President of Campaign, I can effectively communicate and address the issues that matter most to graduate students at York University.
My election platform focuses on promoting diversity and inclusion on campus, improving mental health support services, and advocating for affordable housing options for graduate students. I believe that by creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students, we can foster a stronger sense of community and enhance the overall graduate student experience.
I am committed to listening to the voices of my peers and working collaboratively to implement positive changes that will benefit the graduate student community. I am dedicated to creating a more equitable and accessible campus for all students, and I will work tirelessly to ensure that the needs of graduate students are prioritized.
Aryan Manafi Neyazi
My name is Aryan Manafi Neyazi, and I am currently pursuing my third year as a Ph.D. student in the Economics department.
Previously, I served as an economics graduate student representative at FGS Council, acting as a counsellor. Throughout my term, I prioritized advocating for the rights of graduate students, particularly focusing on the concerns of international students and addressing issues such as housing services for graduate students. I actively engaged with the dean's office to follow the graduate student's rights to vote for their representatives of the FGS council. Presently, I am honoured to serve as a CUPE steward in the economics department, where I am dedicated to addressing student concerns related to TAships.
In the upcoming election, I am seeking the position of VP Campaigns, driven by several motivations. Firstly, I observed shortcomings in the governance of our association by the previous YUGSA executive team. Their decision at FGS council to compromise with the plan to reduce the number of seats for graduate students highlighted the need for change.
Secondly, I believe it is time to diversify the leadership within our association. The recurrent candidacy of senior graduate students for various executive positions restricts the introduction of fresh perspectives and ideas. As VP of Campaigns, I aim to challenge this trend and empower the newer generation of students to contribute to our association.
If elected, I am committed to collaborating closely with CUPE to address graduate students' concerns regarding potential strikes. Additionally, I will prioritize tackling housing issues faced by graduate students and ensuring that the decisions made by the executive team are inclusive and representative of the entire graduate student body.
Thank you for considering me for the role of VP of Campaigns. Together, we can create a more inclusive and effective environment for all graduate students within YUGSA.
Vice President of Community
Sheema Khawar (she/her)
I’m an international PhD student in the Department of Politics with a focus on feminist thought and international security.
As someone who started their degree distantly and, in the pandemic, I deeply value the importance of this particular position and overall community building initiatives on campus and would strive to build connections between YUGSA and other unions to direct resources towards the more precarious and alienated members of our campus.
My experience of building community relations at York thus far has been centered around Palestine solidarity organizing on campus these last few months. I served active positions as an exec with the Palestine Solidarity Collective, and additionally with the CUPE 3903 Palestine Solidarity Working Group managing external relations and liaising with relevant stakeholders on campus.
Giving the experience of mobilizing students and campus groups in strike conditions, I think it is incredibly valuable to connect across various DGSAs, as well as student and labour unions on campus, to ensure that institutional resources are mobilized to support precarious and marginalized students on campus.
Student safety, precarity and alienation are critical issues that I think would be important to address using the YUGSA platform!
Ehsan Tabesh
(10 DEMERIT POINTS) - posting unapproved material, posting hearsay and violating fair play rules
Dear York University Graduate Students,
My name is Ehsan Tabesh, a fifth-year Ph.D. student in mechanical engineering at the Lassonde School of Engineering. My journey in student advocacy began during my undergraduate years, where I actively participated in various student associations and unions such as MESA and IUSAME from 2010 to 2016. Currently, I serve as the Finance Manager within MEGSA for the 2023-2024 term, following my role as the CUPE representative during the 2021-2022 term. Additionally, I had the privilege of serving as VP Finance for YUGSA during the 2022–2023 term.
I am excited about the opportunity to apply for the Vice President Community Relations position within YUGSA for the 2024–2025 term. As an international student residing on campus, I deeply understand the diverse challenges students face. Through my experiences as a teaching and research assistant, I have become acutely aware of the unique struggles encountered by graduate students at York University.
If selected for this position, I am committed to rebuilding the partnerships between YUGSA and other organizations. I will actively seek out and address equity issues and the concerns of marginalized groups within the university community. Additionally, I will work towards identifying and addressing systemic barriers, such as those within the admissions process and housing issues.
I am enthusiastic about the prospect of contributing to a more supportive, inclusive, and equitable environment at York University. With my experiences and dedication to social justice, I believe I am well-suited for the role of Vice President Community Relations. I look forward to the opportunity to serve the YUGSA and the university community.
Yours Sincerely,
Ehsan Tabesh
Aidin Torkameh
As a sixth-year PhD candidate in Environmental Studies, my academic journey is deeply intertwined with my commitment to combating national/cultural oppression, advancing anti-racism, and advocating for anti-colonial theories and practices. My scholarly endeavors have enriched my understanding of different and intertwined forms of oppressions.
In my role as Vice President Community Relations, I aim to foster a campus environment that is just and equitable. I am dedicated to upholding academic freedom and advocating for student rights, including free speech, as fundamental components of a progressive and transformative education.
Over the past year, I served as the Secretary-Treasurer for CUPE 3903 and developed crucial skills in financial management and member advocacy. These competencies are vital as we collectively strive to address our community’s needs efficiently. The advanced stages of my PhD studies have broadened my understanding of university affairs, especially concerning graduate students. My participation in various academic communities has helped me build a wide network of relationships across different faculties.
As your VP Community Relations my platform will focus on:
Strengthening Ties with Campus Organizations: I will actively liaise with campus groups to ensure their voices and concerns are heard at the YUGSA Council. My goal is to create a cohesive network of support that uplifts every member of our community, especially those from underrepresented groups.
Equity and Inclusion: By working closely with the TFAC and the Accessibility Committee of CUPE 3903, I aim to address and strategize on equity issues affecting graduate students.
Community Engagement: Through organizing and promoting participation in significant dates and events like Pride Parade and International Women’s Day, I hope to foster a sense of solidarity and pride within our community.
Support and Advocacy: I will be available for consultation with students, offering guidance and referring them to the appropriate campus resources.
Vice President of Equity
Sarah Hasbini
Hi, my name is Sarah Hasbini. I am a third-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Politics at York University. I have a BA in media and communication studies, a BA in Political science, and an MA in Political science.
My research interests focus on violence against women, examining both state and substateviolence. My other interests focus on rejecting all forms of violence, including economic, social, political, and academic violence, through supporting and being part of solidarity communities, especially during our short journey as graduate students.
My professional work experience highlights my role at UNESCO as a research assistant, researching poverty, women's access to education, illiteracy among marginalized communities in Lebanon, and the use of technology in elementary schools. These core projects were the focus of the third-millennium resolutions. As a communications coordinator at Ecosource (a charity organization), I was a crucial player in the Green People of Peel fundraiser event where we raised over 2500$ in one night.
In 2022, I served as a Teaching Assistant representative on the Committee on Teaching, Learning, and Student Success CTLSS, focusing on creating safe environments for student success during social and economic pressures. The committee revealed issues like food insecurity and limited food intake among York University's graduate and undergraduate students, particularly marginalized groups LGBTQIA2S+ and racialized students.
This year, I joined YUGSA during the heat of its crisis in November 2023 as VP of Equity because I believe in YUGSA as a student-led body that advocates for, and on behalf of students to support a greater community that welcomes diversity and fosters belonging and success.
Aside from all this, I am a sports and fitness enthusiast and duathlon challenger. If you ever need a cycling/running buddy, I’m here!
Parham Heidari
(5 DEMERIT POINTS) - posting unapproved material
I am thrilled to nominate myself for the Vice President Equity position within the York University Graduate Student Association (YUGSA). As a dedicated Ph.D. student in Mechanical Engineering at York University, with a prior M.Sc. degree from Sharif University of Technology in Iran, I bring a wealth of academic and international experience to this role.
Throughout my educational journey, I have actively engaged with student associations, demonstrating a commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. My involvement with the student union in Iran and my two-year tenure on the central council of Rouyesh Association have honed my leadership skills and deepened my understanding of the importance of equity and representation in academic settings.
In addition to my academic achievements, my passion for social justice and equity is evident through my extensive voluntary work. I have been actively involved in various social activities, contributing to the betterment of the community and advocating for the rights of all students. These experiences have equipped me with the skills necessary to address the diverse needs of our graduate student body.
If elected as your VP Equity, my primary goal is to ensure that the YUGSA remains a beacon of diversity and inclusion. I aim to develop initiatives that empower underrepresented groups, promote cultural awareness, and address systemic barriers within our academic community. By fostering an environment where every graduate student feels heard and supported, I am committed to enhancing the overall experience for all members of the YUGSA.
I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the YUGSA community and to work collaboratively with my fellow students to create positive change. Together, we can build a more equitable and inclusive graduate student experience at York University.
Thank you for considering my candidacy.
Sincerely,
Parham Heidari
Vice President of Finance
Shahriar Homaei
Greetings, YUGSA members,
I am honored to present myself as a nominee for the position of Vice President of Finance. My journey has been one of continuous growth and commitment to excellence. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, I am currently pursuing my Master's degree in the Mechanical department at York University.
During my undergraduate years, I had the privilege of serving as the Vice President of the Scientific Association at my previous university. In this role, I not only gained valuable leadership experience but also actively engaged in volunteer work, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
Following my graduation, I ventured into the professional realm, joining a reputable power plant company. In this dynamic environment, I played a crucial role in preparing budgets for the upcoming fiscal year. This experience honed my financial acumen and analytical skills, providing me with a solid foundation for overseeing financial matters.
One of the highlights of my professional journey was actively participating in annual general meetings, where I presented comprehensive reports on both product and financial sections. This exposure not only enriched my understanding of financial dynamics but also underscored the importance of effective communication in conveying complex financial information to diverse audiences. If entrusted with the role of Vice President of Finance at YUGSA, I am committed to applying my diverse skill set and experiences to ensure prudent financial management. I believe that my academic background, coupled with my hands-on experience in budgeting and financial reporting, positions me as a strong candidate for this crucial role.
I look forward to the opportunity to contribute my expertise and dedication to the YUGSA community and foster a financially sound and prosperous future for us all.
Thank you for considering my candidacy.
Sincerely, Shahriar
Fatima Qaraan
My name is Fatima Qaraan. I am a 4th year PhD student in Political Science.
My research focuses on child marriage and how politically engaged theatre can spread awareness while also facilitating community healing. Since starting my program, I have worked as an adjudicator for CUPE’s Ways and Means Fund and the Childcare Committee.
Since last October, I have served as YUGSA’s VP of Finance, and it has been an absolute privilege. I say that because I was part of the working machine that assures graduate students at York an amplified voice when it comes to their experiences and education in the institution.
During this time, I became better acquainted with YUGSA’s tangible obligations to our members, DGSAs and neighboring communities. This experience prompted me to join the Bylaw Review Committee Working Group where I contributed to the structural proposal for the committee that was presented and approved at the Annual General Meeting this past February.
If elected as your VP of Finance, I will work closely with the Bylaw Review Committee to ensure that our members, DGSAs and surrounding communities will have better access to more robust resources for this next term. If you vote for me, I will ensure that funds are available for every graduate student experiencing precarity due to rising living expenses, high tuition, and inability to access necessities. I promise to continue to consider every funding application from our members and DGSAs without discrimination, bias or judgement and work hard so that the decisions I am involved in are made in the most fair and equal manner.
I will keep working to resolve our members’ financial struggles because I understand the fears and hardships that come along with being a graduate student in the second most expensive city in the country!