Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations to run for the 2020-2021 Sociology Students’ Association Executive Team. Voting commences from March 25th to March 29th. Below are the bios of candidates and the position(s) they are running for.
Only students who are a major or minor in Sociology may vote in the SSA elections. Please submit your vote by filling out the following SSA Election Form!
- Navneet Bhangu (VP Academic and VP External)
Hello, My name is Navneet Bhangu and I am going into my second year and I am planning on majoring in Sociology. I want to join the SSA because I am interested in Sociology and want to get involved at UBC where I will develop experience in my desired major. I want to be considered for the position of VP Academic because I believe that getting involved in UBC as well as the greater community will help one develop valuable competencies they can apply in their future career path. As VP Academic, I want to engage in projects where I will be organizing and supporting student involvement initiatives that will benefit undergraduate students. Being an undergraduate myself I want to not only learn more about these opportunities but also get the chance to collaborate with others in planning and promoting them as well. I had always been making use of the resources I was aware of in my first year such as office hours where I have an academic conversation with TAs and professors as well as attending Sociology Networking events. I give importance to these resources and want to engage in projects like course planning, experiential learning, and scholarships. I will be a strong asset to the team as the responsibilities of this role strongly align with my values and experiences.
I would like to be considered for the position of VP External as building strong relations along with communication are values I inherit. In my first year at UBC I have been attending multiple networking events as a way to gain knowledge about the opportunities that are available as well as build connections with Alumni and Sociology students. I also believe that mentors are a big part of students’ success and through developing relations with them, one can learn and be inspired by their experiences. In my first year at UBC, I was involved in a mentorship program where I was the mentee and my mentor helped me with the transition from high school to UBC. I want to give back to the UBC community by supporting others as a role model and leader. Also, through being a part of UBC Cancer Association’s Relay for Life Outreach Committee, I helped organize the Relay for Life event through connecting with sponsors and promoting fundraising in UBC as well as the greater community. - Monorme Chaudhury (VP Outreach)
Hi, my name is Monorme and I am a third year student pursuing a Sociology major. I intend to pursue an Honors Program as I enter my final year this September. I am running for the Vice-President (Outreach) position. Since my first year, I have been very passionate about the field of sociology and the different opportunities that the department has to offer. Based on my interests in pursuing an Honors research, my focus has been to integrate an interdisciplinary approach to understand how sociology plays a role in every aspect of our lives and emphasize the significance of the discipline as a potential career opportunity. I would like to join the SSA to make my contributions to the team by helping those around me as well as understand and expand on knowledge and opportunities that are always built through forming new connections. I have been a Mentor Recruiter and Organizer of the UBC HOPE committee for three years and I wish to use those experiences I gained from mentoring incoming first year students to also helping potential students interested in pursuing a Sociology major. I have also been a part of the APAC team and maintained communication with my mentees by providing them with guidance in terms of study strategies and navigating different steps of their academic journey. Using these mentorship experiences, I wish to incorporate those skills and experiences in order to help students who also have similar aspirations. Besides this, I also wish to coordinate with the Department of Sociology to host workshops and events that can be targeted to help first and second year students, by assisting them with their queries and concerns. - Annette Cho (Co-President)
Hi there! My name is Annette Cho and I am a fourth year Sociology major. I have been a part of the SSA for my entire undergraduate degree starting off as a mentee and then moving on to become the AUS Representative in my second year before becoming co-president this past year with the amazing Alex Chow. In my final year here at UBC I am hoping to once again serve as your co-president. This past year I implemented a program called the Soci Squad in the hopes of engaging more first and second year students who may be interested in majoring/minoring in sociology to help provide them with opportunities to to meet other students as well as faculty members. Although with how abruptly and quickly this year has had to come to a close, we could not hold as many events as we wanted. However, I hope to continue working on developing this project with the help of our new position-VP Outreach. Additionally, I want to continue building a stronger community within the sociology department and help executives foster and implement initiatives that they are passionate about like the Mental Health Event and the Talk Sociology Networking Night. I also intend to make sure that the SSA continues to voice the needs of students in the department and help create opportunities for them to network, learn about what they can do with their degrees after graduating and how to apply for grad school among many other things. - Angela Dai (VP Outreach and VP Social)
Hi there! My name is Angela Dai, and I’m a third year Sociology student minoring in Health in Society. I would love to join the SSA because sociology has been a passion of mine during my undergrad, and I hope to be more involved in the department by connecting like-minded individuals and fostering a supportive community amongst peers within my faculty. In terms of what I could bring to the SSA, I have been involved with many leadership roles both on and out of campus in relation to networking, event planning, and mentorship/training. I believe that I would be a good candidate for the above positions with my passion for sociology and philanthropy. My current office as Assistant Vice President of Membership Recruitment in my sorority has given me extensive experience to organizing finances as well as collaborating with other officers to ensure the wellbeing of our chapter. Moreover, I have been a pilates instructor for the UBC Pilates Club for two years. I have been very involved with planning creative events, training, and putting new ideas on the table for all areas of the club. In the past, I have also been a mentor/HR coordinator in UBC HOPE, having the opportunity to work closely with high school students for an easier transition into university. By joining the SSA, I hope to expand my leadership skills and facilitate an interconnected and positive environment for students and professors. - June Lam (Co-President and VP Communications)
Hello there! I’m June Lam, a third year Sociology and International Relations major, and I’m running to be your next SSA Co-President or VP Communications. I believe the SSA serves as a bridge between faculty and students, and that we have a crucial role in enhancing the Sociology student experience through various events. As your next Co-President, my main goal is to get more students involved with the SSA and to foster the teamwork and community between all Sociology students, faculty, and staff. I want to ensure that the SSA listens and continues to cater to the needs of students, whether it be through hosting social and academic events, providing resources to build networks, or just offering a safe and welcoming community at UBC. In my capacity as the VP Communications this last year, I supported our executive team by developing promotional content for our events to Sociology students (check out our Talk Sociology event page – I’m quite proud of it!). I was proud to be a part of the efforts in planning events and fostering community as your VP Communications, and in either role, I will continue to do the same. Should I once again be your VP Communications, I will continue working towards building a new website and enhancing communications between the SSA and Sociology students in general. - Cyrille Larosa (VP Administration)
Hi! My name is Cyrille Larosa and I am currently in third year, majoring in sociology. The reason as to why I majored in Sociology is because of how much I relate to the various social matters that are discussed within its coursework. It has changed my perspective on my own life and the world around me. I would like to be involved with the UBC Sociology Student Association in order to work with others who share the same passion as I do, and promote it among others outside the faculty as well. If I were to acquire the VP Admin role, I would bring various skills that I have gained from work experiences. I am currently a volunteer at the YMCA Immigrants Services Department. I collaborate with other volunteers to plan events for immigrants who are looking to network and learn about their community. In addition, I am a coordinator at the AMS Commons and Clubs Resource Centre. I support students in clubs who need to rent equipment or book rooms in the Nest. Lastly, I work in retail where I have gained an understanding of time management, customer service, and administrative skills. I have worked efficiently under pressure during busy times while providing exceptional customer service. In addition, I perform administrative tasks that include sending emails, handling money, filling out excel spreadsheets and organizing documents needed for head-office. Thank you for your consideration! - Stephanie Markovic (VP AUS and VP External)
Hi everyone! I’m Stephanie Markovic – a fourth year Sociology student who is focusing on Tech, Design, and the Environment. I would like to run for the positions of either VP AUS or VP External. I want to become part of the SSA not only because of my passion for Sociology, but because I would love to get to work with other like-minded individuals! I want to help cultivate a strong sense community within the Sociology department, while also aiding its integration with other clubs and organizations. I believe I would be a good candidate for either of these positions given my previous experience working with others, organizing events and honing my communication and collaborative skills. I have previously served on the AUS committee at McGill, where I helped run, as well as recruit sponsors and partners for a variety of Undergraduate events. Here at UBC, I have become heavily involved with sports and environmental clubs, one of those being the Sustaingineering Design Team. I’m hoping that my broad range of involvements can help bring new ideas, partnerships, or collaborations to the SSA! - Morgan McCulloch (VP External)
My name is Morgan McCulloch and I am Sociology Major and Law and Society Minor entering my 5th this upcoming fall at UBC. This part year I served on the SSA as the VP Social. I learned a lot from this position including the needs of the SSA and Sociology undergrads. Through the position of VP External I would like to bring together all the resources possible for the SSA and for Sociology undergrads. From continuing connecting with alumni for Talking Sociology, to building new connections with organizations to support Sociology students such as sponsorship for events where students can have access to things like prizes, food, and help. While supporting our students I would also like to showcase what UBC’s Sociology students can do for others. I’d like to support organizations throughout Vancouver that our Sociology undergraduates want to give back to by fundraising and raise awareness of what we all care about. I hope you consider me as VP external to help connect our undergraduate class to more. - Mandeep Rajput (VP Academic and VP External)
Hello my name is Mandeep Rajput I am currently finishing my second year and am planning to declare as a Sociology Major. As I have navigated through my Undergraduate degree for the past two years I have become very passionate about Sociology which has led me to want to join the SSA. For the role of VP Academic I believe that my experience, prior knowledge and genuine passion for knowledge and research within sociology will allow me to help connect and reach other undergraduate students so I can provide them with adequate resources such as; workshops, research opportunities, providing academic support and to understand and find solutions to other academic concerns students may have. For the role of VP External, I would like to promote relationships within the sociology department but also allow for students to get interdisciplinary experiences as well. I would focus on events and workshops that promote networking and connection building within our faculty, the university, and outside organizations. I would do my best to create new and beneficial experiences for students and to listen to what students want. I believe that I would bring a new perspective to the team and would work hard to make make sure I am genuinely offering students the best that I can! - Vivian Shum (VP External and VP Social)
My name is Vivian Shum and I would like to join the Sociology Students’ Association as your next VP External or VP Social. I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude for the opportunity to apply for these positions. I am in my 3rd year, majoring in Sociology with a minor in Economics.I believe I will be an asset to the team due to my extensive experience in promoting, coordinating, and managing a large team under high stress situations and my involvement in UBC campus life. I previously held a leading role in the one of biggest UBC based clubs, AMS Events, and currently holding another as an Events Coordinator in a fast immerging Vancouver based organization, The Plug, as well as recently being voted in as the incoming President for the Pre-Education Club. Sociology has always been a passion of mine and I am excited to merge it with my enthusiasm for team coordination and community building. I want to use my previous experience and help better the Sociology Student’s Association through the development and expansion of public relations as well as harbor a greater sense of belonging within the Sociology community. - Caroline Tang (VP Academic and VP Outreach)
Hi there, my name is Caroline Tang, and currently, I’m a third-year Sociology major. I have always had an enormous passion for sociology. I have been keen on exploring how society works and social problems like poverty since high school. After I entered UBC, I tried other social sciences courses such as political science and linguistics. I realized that sociology is my favourite, and I would love to spend a vast amount of time on it.
I want to join SSA because I want to help other students to get to know more about Sociology and how fantastic this subject is. In my opinion, Sociology is a great subject that helps people know more about the world around us and build foundations. Students learning this subject will make the most of it. Also, as an undergrad, I understand that students sometimes really need help in terms of resources like what they can do with a sociology degree, etc. Thus, I would also love to tackle this problem and help students who are struggling.
I think I’m qualified for these positions. I enjoy talking, interacting with people and making new friends. I’m also a responsible and earnest person. I always try my best to get the work done perfectly. I had the experience of organizing a rock music festival with my friends in Beijing a few years ago. Therefore, I would apply the leadership skills gained from past experience in SSA positions. I participated in a research project about AIDS/HIV youth activists in South Africa, which is a unique and valuable experience to me. - Cherie Tay (VP Academic)
Hi everyone! I am Cherie Tay, a fourth year Sociology major. I am running for the position of VP Academic and would love this opportunity to join the SSA to aid fellow Sociology students in either improving in their studies or incorporating their sociological background in the real world. My experiences as a member of the Project and Events Team at SASC, an editor for the UBC sociological journal Sojourners over the last two years and a student on a year-long exchange at the University of Amsterdam has reinforced my passion for uncovering Sociology in previously unexplored places. I would love to share the myriad of perspectives I have gained by interacting with people from diverse backgrounds. Concrete plans I have in mind include: Revitalizing the Peer Mentorship Program and working with the VP Communications to reach more students on campus, as well as holding more essay-writing workshops or events to publicize opportunities for Sociology students to take Sociological courses abroad. I would love for the opportunity to listen to Sociology students’ needs and take them genuinely into account! - Jennifer Vincent (VP Academic)
As an upper year sociology student hoping to pursue academia, I’ve been fortunate to make connections throughout my time at UBC that have helped me achieve my goals and pursue advanced academic opportunities. In my final year at UBC, I would like to pay the favour forward and help other students discover and engage with additional opportunities within the department. Given my experience with the SSA this past year, I believe I have the tools necessary to perform well in this position. - Shirin Zohrabi (VP Finance)
Hi there! My name is Shirin Zohrabi and I am a third – year student, majoring in sociology with a minor in law and society. Having served as the VP Finance on the Sociology Student’s Association for the 2019/2020 school year, I believe I developed many technical skills, like managing the club’s revenue and expenses for merchandise, events, etc., as well as coordinating with the AMS for reimbursements for fellow executives, club deposits and checking in with the AMS to see how the SSA was doing financially. Additionally, the SSA provided me with the opportunity to interact with other sociology students in an environment where we could plan events to grow, connect, and strengthen the sociology department. In the 2020/2021 school year, I hope to continue this by resuming my position as the VP Finance and helping plan events that will have a positive impact on everyone in the department. I believe my prior experience and knowledge as the VP Finance and diligent work ethic makes me suitable for this position!
