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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Crystal Karmen Mak – Operations & Communications Coordinator
Crystal holds a Bachelor of Management degree with a specialization in Consumer Behaviour from Western University. Thriving on a number of extracurricular activities throughout her undergrad, Crystal moved on to work for the University Students’ Council in the USC Promotions department. While there, she learned the value of the student experience and how to communicate that to both internal and external stakeholders. Crystal loves to work with students to create campaigns and events, and when she isn’t crossing off to-do lists and spending time on social media, she enjoys hiking, catching the sunset, and watching Rupaul’s Drag Race.
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).
Zamir Fakirani - Summer Research Intern
Zamir is a Bachelor of Arts degree candidate studying Politics, Philosophy, and Economics at Western University. Passionate about advocacy in the realm of post-secondary student experience, he currently serves as the President of Western University’s Social Science Students’ Council and Vice-President, Operations of his Student Energy chapter. During his time in student governance, he has conducted anti-oppression research, sponsored sustainability-related policy, and implemented initiatives to empower queer representation in student governance. In his spare time, Zamir enjoys sitting on patios with his friends, reading Naomi Klein, and finding new tea blends.