Sophie Helpard– Executive Director
Sophie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Western University, where her interest in post-secondary education advocacy began. While at Western, Sophie volunteered on campus and eventually served as the President of the University Students’ Council. From there, Sophie explored the East Coast of Canada working as the Executive Director of Students Nova Scotia, the provincial advocacy organization for students in NS. In her spare time Sophie enjoys talking about new restaurants, feminism, Gilmore Girls, municipal politics, and good books (and a few bad ones too).
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Martyna Siekanowicz – Research & Policy Analyst
Martyna holds a Master of Arts in Political Science, specializing in Public Policy and Political Theory, from McMaster University as well as an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto where she studied Political Science. She has spent her time volunteering with groups like Amnesty International and WE Movement, as well as actively supporting her student unions while studying at McMaster and UofT through her activism and research work. Martyna enjoys spending time outdoors, taking naps with her cat, and fostering a vast amount of knowledge about The Office.
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Eddy Avila - Research & Policy Analyst
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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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. 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.