Get to know the Presenters
A dedicated psychology student at York University, Aahana is passionate about developmental psychology and driven to understand human growth and transformation. Outside academia, she enjoys writing, which hones her communication skills and allows Aahana to convey complex ideas. She enjoys keeping up with current affairs, as informed perspectives are crucial for societal change. Aahana is a committed to using her knowledge to drive positive change through research and advocacy.
Abdulrahman Al-Humiqani is an incoming third-year Kinesiology and Health Sciences student at York University. He began his involvement with Calumet and Stong Colleges (CCSC) as an ambassador for KAHSSO in his first year, later becoming an Ambassador Coordinator. He also holds a work-study position as a Peer Tutor Coordinator at CCSC and co-founded THRIVE, an Agents of Change initiative supported by CCSC, that aims to support and empower newcomers in middle and high schools. Currently, Abdul serves as Co-President of both KAHSSO and Friends of MSF at YorkU. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family, drawing, and playing soccer.
Abdul is also interested in aviation. He enjoys plane sightings and playing flight simulator games. He dreams one day of getting his private pilot license.
Akshaya is a Health and Wellness Coordinator for CCSC. She’s in her final year of Kinesiology and hopes to pursue a career as a Women’s Health Physiotherapist. A few of her hobbies include Zumba, nature walks, listening to music, watching TV shows /movies and trying new foods!
Fadzha Abam is a 4th year Global Health student who is actively involved in various initiatives within Calumet and Stong Colleges. She is currently the Calumet College Council President and Global Health Student Association Co-President. She aims to implement initiatives that focus on the UN Sustainable Development Goals and ensure they cater the needs of students. Outside of York, Fadzha is working as a Registered Nurse at a rural community hospital where she provides culturally-sensitive care to individuals who visit the Emergency Department.
Amina Yaqoob is going into her fourth year of Global Health (Specialized Honours in Health Promotion & Disease prevention). Currently, she serves as an academic representative of Calumet College Council and is also a peer mentor/tutor for Global Health Student Association (GHSA). Additionally, she works as an editorial assistant at the Centre of Refugee Studies at York University. Amina’s passion lies in achieving health equity within communities, and she plans to further her education in Public Health.
Arjun is headed into his 3rd year at York this September, majoring in Kinesiology and Health Science and minoring in Biology. Throughout his time at York, he has sought out various leadership roles in an effort to support the community and aid his personal development. Currently, he is involved in SAHMPI as the Co-President, KAHSSO and HELM as a Peer Mentor, and with the CCSC Volunteer Crew.
Ayrik is a dedicated second-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Psychology. He is actively involved in his school community as a UPSA Peer Tutor and a member of SHAY, where he strives to be a supportive and committed peer leader. Ayrik is focused on excelling in his studies, with the goal of joining the Specialized Honours program and eventually pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. Outside of academics, he works as a report writer in a psychologist’s office, gaining valuable experience in the field. In his free time, Ayrik enjoys exercising, spending time in nature, and listening to music!
As the CCSC PT Coordinator and UPSA VP of Student Success, Bobbie Vayne is devoted to advancing student success and fostering a vibrant, supportive community. An international student with a personal understanding of academic and cultural adjustment challenges, she strives to create meaningful connections among students and build a robust support network. Her dedication to mental health drives her ambition to pursue a master’s degree in counselling, aiming to provide deeper, empathetic support. With a proven track record of leadership and advocacy, Bobbie Vayne is committed to empowering students to excel both academically and personally, ensuring they have the tools and encouragement needed to reach their full potential.
WELCOME TO YORK UNIVERSITY! The world’s most significant health challenges — such as climate change, pandemics, and chronic diseases — transcend national borders. York’s Global Health undergraduate programs prepare students for impactful careers by examining health through different disciplines, addressing inequities, and advancing social justice — to promote health and health equity for all — on local, regional, and global scales. Students can complete a Specialized Honours BA or BSc in Global Health — or an Honours BA or BSc Major in Global Health or a Minor in Global Health that can be combined with other major and minor programs within the Faculty of Health or York University more broadly. We also welcome students from across the Faculty and University to enroll in our Global Health courses as electives. If you are interested in any of these options, please email SGH@yorku.ca. Again, on behalf of the School of Global Health (SGH), welcome to York University!
Carikaalan is a 4th year undergraduate Kinesiology student, who intends to create positive change in society through promoting the importance of health care.
Clayton earned his Honours Bachelor of Arts undergraduate degree from York University in 1996 with a major in psychology. In 2006, he completed his Master of Arts in Education from the University of Phoenix. He has been full-time faculty with Durham College since 2006. Currently, he teaches a creativity course, a history of hockey course, and a communications course. In 2021, Clayton received Durham College’s Faculty Employee Excellence Award.
As an alumni member, Clayton has been thrilled to participate in many York University alumni-student connection opportunities such as Career Matters, LEAD with Us, Career Spotlight webinar, Career Compass, and Calumet College Award and Bursaries Adjudication Committee. In 2021, Clayton was proud to receive the Calumet College’s Amethyst Purpose Award for influential leadership.
During his spare time, Clayton enjoys bowling, board games, slo-pitch and inline skating. Clayton lives in Whitby with his wife, his twin boys, and his daughter.
Deanna is currently in her second year of the Psychology program. She is a naturally enthusiastic and outgoing individual. She is constantly immersed in the study of psychology and loves learning about the brain and human behaviour. In the future, she aspires to obtain a PhD in Clinical Psychology. This year she is a Peer Mentor with UPSA. In her free time, she loves to hang out with her dog, go for long walks and play soccer! She is an avid reader and is always looking for a good book suggestion!
Esther is a 2nd Year Nursing student, loves helping out their community!
George Wong is the Team Lead, Human Resources Specialist at The Pod Group, a Consulting and Services firm. He works extensively with social services and community not-for-profit organizations across Ontario, focusing on sectors such as mental health and addictions, homelessness, newcomers, and violence against women. He was instrumental in leading a CEO executive search for a client, working closely with their Chief Operating Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, and board of directors.
George holds an Honours Bachelor of Science and a Post-degree Certificate in Human Resources Management from York University and is a Certified Human Resources Professional. He is also beginning his Master of Business Administration studies at Toronto Metropolitan University. Outside of work, he enjoys exercising and playing video games.
Gurleen is a 4th year Kinesiology & Health Science Student. She started as a Course Representative in her first two years and later transitioned to a Course Representative Coordinator. She enjoys the opportunity to support student engagement, learning and peer mentorship. She is interested in optometry and vision science and hopes to pursue a career in that field. In her free time, she enjoys playing recreational soccer, going to the gym, and spending time in nature.
Hadier is a nursing student in the Direct Entry program, and is the president of the Nursing Students Association of York (NSAY). She is passionate and finds joy in using her skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Hadier is excited to start this year, with a goal to connect with people on a meaningful level, and to help them achieve their goals!
Helen is starting her second year in the B.Sc. Neuroscience program, under the focus of Psychology. She is aiming for a research based field, where she can explore why we act the way we do, due to our cognitive/neural makeup. Additionally, she volunteers with UPSA as a Peer Tutor. Outside of the YorkU Community, Helen enjoys sports, and the arts, specifically music.
James Ehiagwina is a dedicated nursing student at York University, where he actively engages with various student groups to foster a strong sense of community on campus. Currently, he holds the position of president for the Canadian Black Nurses Alliance (CBNA) York University chapter, where he works eagerly to promote diversity and inclusion in the nursing field. In addition to his role with CBNA-YorkU. He is also currently the CNSA representative for the Nursing student association at York University (NSAY). Beyond his academic pursuits and campus involvement, James remains deeply committed to making a positive impact in his community, particularly in the realm of mental health and wellness. As an advocate for mental health awareness, James utilizes this platform to raise awareness and support for youth struggling with mental health issues. He is eager to leverage his skills, knowledge, and compassion to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those he serves.
Jean-Marc Moke is an PhD student in Organizational Sciences at the Schulich School of Business. Prior to his current studies, Jean received a practical diploma in Nursing from Seneca and a specialized honors BA in psychology from York. During his undergraduate tenure at York, he co-founded and presided over the Black Students in Psychology association at York, which housed the Black Student Mentorship Program during its inception. The insights he gained from his experience in nursing, and with BSIP and BSMP, significantly contributed to his current research interests, which blend social psychological and organizational theories to explain barriers to collaboration between workers from diverse backgrounds. He explores these themes in various studies that promise to help us understand how we can maximize the potential of positive and empowering relationships between different people at work.
Jennifer is going into her 4th year of the BA honours Psychology program, and double major with Children, Childhood and YouthStudies. She is also in the concurrent education program. During her first year, Jennifer became a course representative, where she gained valuable skills such as teamwork and public speaking. Not only that, Jennifer also gained a friend group; a community. The sense of community is what inspires her to take on more roles and to keep going in my leadership journey. Through her roles, including a PASS leader, Faculty of Health Student Caucus (FHSC) Director of Marking, and now Orientation Chair for Calumet College, she has supported other students in their transition to university and university experience. The biggest thing she learned is that feeling a part of a community is crucial for enjoying university. University is more than just studying; it’s about your journey.
Jessica Nnanna is a dedicated second-year nursing student at York University, where she is actively pursuing a career in healthcare. Balancing rigorous academic demands with leadership roles, Jessica serves as the Vice-President of the Canadian Black Nurses Association (CBNA)-YorkU and the Outreach Director for the Nursing Students’ Association of York (NSAY). In addition, she is a Co-Ambassador Coordinator for the Nursing Student Tutoring, Ambassadorship and Mentorship Programs (NSTAMP), where she plays a key role in connecting students with valuable mentorship opportunities.
Driven by a commitment to both academic excellence and community service, Jessica is passionate about improving healthcare access and advocating for diversity within the nursing profession. Her leadership roles reflect a deep dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for peers and future healthcare professionals.
Jodie is a fourth year student in the Kinesiology and Health Science program, and the highlight of her undergraduate journey has been contributing to activities that enhance student life on campus. Beyond academics, her extracurricular roles, such as a course representative, peer mentor, and now Co-President of KAHSSO have been fundamental to her personal growth. “My advice to incoming students is to get involved on campus and step out of your comfort zone!” In her free time Jodie enjoys listening to podcasts, engaging in physical activity, and making new connections.
John Li is a 5th year Specialized Honours BSc student in Kinesiology and Health Science at York University. He has held positions as a former Peer Tutor, Peer Tutor Coordinator and is currently a Marketing Coordinator for the Kinesiology and Health Science Student Organization (KAHSSO). Concurrently, he is an undergraduate research assistant at the Sherman Health Science Research Centre as a volunteer for biomechanics. He also absolutely loves anatomy, football and various forms of arts+crafts.
Jordan is a Team Lead for Learning Skills Services. He is also a student at York University, completing his last year of the Bachelor of Education program. Jordan has a passion for teaching and helping students achieve their goals!
Joroni is a Filipino-first generation nursing student going into her third year. I am interested in nursing because it is a rewarding profession. I would like to pursue surgery/OR nursing.
Joseph serves as PANA’s Vice President for this academic year. He is excited to meet everyone and he hope that you’ll take part in all the fun activities PANA has planned this upcoming term!
Julie is a third year Psychology major, pursuing a Specialized Honours BSc in Psychology. She is an executive member of the Undergraduate Psychology Student Association (UPSA), serving as a Community Relations Coordinator, and she is also an executive member of the Discover You Program, serving as a Professional Development Coordinator. She is a passionate and enthusiastic student who aspires to pursue graduate studies after undergrad, with a goal of becoming a registered psychotherapist. She is also interested in research, with her main areas of interest including clinical-developmental psychology and social and personality psychology. In Julie’s free time, she enjoys volunteering, watching her comfort TV shows and movies, reading books, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family.
Laura (she/her) is a 4th year Global Health student and one of the Peer Tutors for the GHSA. As a first-generation student, Laura is passionate about supporting other students with their transition to university and connecting her peers to important resources. Outside of the classroom, she works as a Research Assistant at the Global Strategy Lab and volunteers in different positions at York. This is Laura’s second time supporting Orientation and she is very excited to meet the Class of 2028!
Maurinne is a second year Health Studies student. In her spare time she can be found hanging out with loved ones, baking, or watching documentaries. She is the Vice President of Events for Student Association of Health Management, Policy and Informatics (SAHMPI). “Being a first gen can be extremely hard but from my experience I have learned it is important to get out of your comfort zone and make the most of the resources available to you. I have also come to learn no question is ever too dumb do not be ever scared to ask questions. TAKE UP SPACE you are deserving to be in the spaces you are in so make the most of it.”
Monique Herbert is an Associate Professor, Teaching Stream in the Department of Psychology at York University. Her graduate training is in Measurement and Evaluation and Developmental Psychology and Education (with an emphasis on quantitative design and analysis). She teaches statistical methods and program evaluation to psychology undergraduate students. In addition to her teaching, she focuses on undergraduate student success in and out of the classroom and effective learning strategies to support the teaching of statistics. She is also passionate about helping to create learning experiences for students through experiential education opportunities. She is the faculty liaison and mentor for the Black Students in Psychology (BSIP) and Black Student Mentorship Program (BSMP).
Mysha is currently a second-year psychology major with a passionate interest in pursuing a career as a clinical psychologist. In her role as a peer mentor with the Undergraduate Psychology Student Association (UPSA), she is dedicated to assisting first-year students as they transition from high school to university life, offering guidance and support to help them navigate the change.
Outside of her academic and mentoring responsibilities, Mysha enjoys a variety of hobbies that enrich her life. She loves reading, playing video games, and painting. Additionally, she finds relaxation in listening to music. Through these activities, Mysha balances her professional aspirations with personal fulfillment, continually exploring her interests and passions.
Nana is a 4th-year Collaborative nursing student with a strong foundation in both clinical practice and leadership within the nursing community. Her involvement with the Nursing Student Association of York University (NSAY) and the Canadian Black Nurses Alliance (CBNA) has allowed her to advocate for diversity and inclusion in healthcare. At Brampton Civic Hospital, she works as a clinical extern, where she applies her skills in patient care and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to enhance the quality of care. As the current president of the Nursing Student Tutoring Ambassadorship Mentorship Program (NSTAMP), she leads initiatives to support and mentor fellow nursing students, fostering their academic success and professional growth.
With a background in engineering and over a decade in the social service sector, Natascha has focused her career on community counseling, particularly in trauma and addiction recovery. Motherhood and lived experiences led her back to university in 2020 to explore the intersection of psychology and law. Now in her fourth year of an Honors bachelor’s in psychology and law, Natascha is committed to advancing decolonization, equity, and inclusion in the Canadian justice system. As the Community Development Coordinator for DEDI at Calumet and Stong Colleges, Faculty of Health, she works to amplify marginalized voices. Natascha believes in the power of personal narratives and aims to nurture meaningful dialogue that advocates for policy changes that reflect and honor these stories.
Nicole Dimitrova recently graduated from the Bachelor of Arts Specialized Honours Psychology Program. She is now a proud Alumna and works as the lab coordinator for the REACH lab (Research on Emotion Regulation in Clinical Developmental Psychology and Health), under the supervision of Dr. Rawana. Nicole is passionate about advocating for accessibility and hopes to create a more inclusive environment for those with disabilities. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in psychology or public health policy.
Nurzha is a 4th year Global Health Studies student and has been involved with Calumet and Stong Colleges for two years in various leadership roles such as peer mentor and peer tutor. Currently, she a Co-President of the Global Health Student Association (GHSA) and the returning Executive Vice-President for Calumet College Council. When not on campus, she is at the hospital working as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department. Helping her peers and incoming students to navigate their undergraduate studies is one of Nurzha’s passions. “If you see me, don’t hesitate to say Hi!”
Parmis is going into her last semester in Kinesiology and Health Science. She is currently a research assistant in Dr. Roudiers epigenetics and microvascular health and a volunteer research assistant in Dr. Potvin’s organic chemistry lab. She has experience as Leadership Coach at CCSC, a Student Health Ambassador, and the Director of Service Delivery and Advocacy in the Faculty of Health Student Caucus. She co-founded a club at York University named “Mithra,” which focuses on advancing knowledge in skin health and the field of Dermatology. In 2020 sheo founded “Project Tight Knit”, a non-profit organisation dedicated to bringing positivity to the older adult community in nursing homes through letters, which is now an Agents of Change project.
Becca is a Learning Skills Specialist with Learning Skills Services. She is passionate about supporting students in building the skills necessary to be successful in university!
Dr. Ron Ophir is the current Undergraduate Program Director UPD) for the BHS program at the School of Health Policy and Management (accessible at shpmupd@yorku.ca). Ron is an Associate Professor, Teaching Stream, of Organizational Behaviour, cross-appointed to the School of Administrative Studies and the School of Human Resource Management, Faculty of LA&PS. Ron received his Ph.D. from the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University. Ron’s scholarly interests include diversity & inclusion, stigmatized invisible identities, organizational learning, and knowledge transfer.
Sahil Patel is a second year student in the Kinesiology and Health Science (BSc) program at York University. As an active member of the Kinesiology and Health Science Student Organization (KAHSSO), Sahil serves as an Alumni Ambassador, organizing events such as alumni Q&A sessions to support his peers. Passionate about helping immigrant students like himself, Sahil is committed to helping them explore opportunities and develop a sense of belonging in their communities.
Sahil also serves as Mentorship Coordinator for THRIVE, where he mentors and inspires middle and high school students to pursue their goals. In addition to his community work, Sahil is a student researcher exploring the use of technology to improve outcomes for patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Outside of academics, Sahil is an avid volleyball enthusiast and advocates for youth wellness. He hopes to continue promoting youth well-being and community engagement in his future endeavors.
Shaundaya holds a BSc in Biology from York University and recently completed a Human Rights and Equity Studies degree at York.
She is a Peer Trainer for The Centre for Sexual Violence Response Support & Education. Where she provides training and workshops on issues related to consent and sexual violence for students. Shaundaya believes that education, collective responsibility, and initiative are necessary components of combating sexual violence on university campuses and beyond.
Sophie Wagner is a second-year bachelor of arts psychology student in the honours program who is passionate about using her voice to uplift others and taking on leadership roles. In her university career, she has worked as a course representative for Psych 1010, a peer note-taker for Biology of Sex, and a panellist for emerging leadership training. This year she will be a peer tutor for psych 1010 and an O week captain. She is also a published author!
Tandeep is a 2nd year student in the Kinesiology and Health Science program. She has past experience of being a Course Representative and Wellness Ambassador for Calumet College’s Wellness Lounge. She is currently working as a Course Representative Coordinator, and she enjoys watching and encouraging the growth of students’ confidence and presentation skills as Course Representatives. In her free time, she enjoys doing henna art and going to the gym.
Tatijanna is going into her fourth year in the psychology program here at York. She has worked as a PASS (Peer assisted study session) leader for Calumet and Stong colleges for 2 years. She works in the PASER lab at Toronto Metropolitan University and helps with various research projects at York University. In her free time, Tatijanna likes to read and spend time in nature. Her tip for success in university is to use your resources and have a growth mindset! She is a huge advocate for the growth mindset because we can all grow and change!
Peace recently graduated with her Specialized Honours BSc in Kinesiology and Health Science. She is passionate about student and healthcare advocacy and about health sciences. She is interested in research opportunities in the healthcare field.
Vaidehi is a third year psychology student with an interest in forensics. She enjoys reading, listening to music, and hanging out with friends. Vaidehi has a passion for helping others and is excited to help students navigate their academic journeys.
Vi is in her final year pursuing a BSc Specialized Honours in Psychology at York University, where she has developed a deep passion for the field. She currently serves as a Peer Mentor Coordinator with the Calumet and Stong College Council (CCSC), and as the Co-President of the Undergraduate Psychology Student Association (UPSA). Vi is dedicated to supporting students in their academic success and is committed to fostering an encouraging and inclusive community. She strives to create an environment where every student feels valued and empowered to achieve their goals.
