Eddy Avila - Executive Director
Eddy holds a Bachelor of Medical Sciences degree from Western University, specializing in Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences. While volunteering at Western, Eddy became interested in student issues and was eventually elected as the President of the University Students’ Council. Eddy took the skills he learned at the USC to Queen’s Park, where he became the Legislative Assistant and Issues Manager for the Minister of Community and Social Services. On his off time, Eddy loves to climb indoors and outdoors, exercise, eat lots, drink coffee, and play PokémonGo.
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Britney De Costa – Research & Policy Analyst
Britney holds a law degree, Master of Social Work, and Master of Laws from the University of Windsor specializing in the role of lawyers in systemic advocacy work, as well as an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Guelph where she studied Sociology. While in law school, she met a group of passionate students who motivated her to become involved in a number of advocacy initiatives, particularly addressing issues regarding sexual violence and poverty. This advocacy taught her the importance of elevating the voices of persons most affected by issues in order to achieve meaningful change. In her down time, Britney enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Cali and Brooklyn, collaging, and practicing yoga.
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Deborah Lam – Operations & Communications Director
Deb holds an Honours Bachelor Business and Administration degree from Wilfrid Laurier University with a concentration in Marketing and Brand Communications. Deb also received her Event Management Certificate from Humber College and is also pursuing her Social Media Certificate. Heavily involved in volunteering in her undergraduate career, she moved on to help students enjoy their undergrad experiences just as much as she did. As the former Programming & Promotions Manager at the Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union, she developed a passion for events and organization. She loves to help undergraduate students get the most out of their experiences. In her spare time she crosses new countries off her bucket list and adventures in her own backyard.
Ryan Tishcoff - Research & Policy Analyst
Ryan holds a law degree from the University of Ottawa and an Honours Bachelor of Arts specializing in Philosophy from the University of Toronto. He also completed post-graduate editing courses at Ryerson University. Ryan is passionate about improving students’ lives: after being heavily involved in campus events during his undergrad, Ryan volunteered as a Wellness Mentor in law school, counseling his peers in mindfulness and stress management techniques. In his spare time, Ryan enjoys reading, travelling, playing the piano, and watching the Maple Leafs win hockey games (finally).
Linda Cabral - Research Intern
Linda holds a Bachelor of Social Psychology, with a minor in Political Science, from McMaster University. After standing on McMaster Student Union committees Municipal Affairs and Provincial and Federal Affairs, she decided to involve herself more directly in student advocacy. When not behind a laptop, she likes to take photos of her small chihuahua.