Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations to run for the 2018-19 Sociology Students’ Association Executive Team. Voting commences from March 17th to March 21st. 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 Elections Form.
Kacey Ng – Co-President
Kacey Ng is a fourth year undergraduate student working to complete her Honours in Sociology while simultaneously double minoring in Urban Studies and Asian-Canadian Asian Migration Studies. This will be her third year engaging with the SSA; but it will be the first year she will be running as co-president. While she previously held the role of Secretary, she will be using her aggregated experience and knowledge to support students and execs alike for the upcoming year. This past year, the SSA has seen a great amount of success in the creation of events that promote student growth and we are excited to use that same framework to empower our students and execs to continue to foster initiative and insight. Kacey is running alongside Alex (Wei Jie) Chow, whom she fully endorses for the role of co-presidency.
Alex Chow – Co-President or VP Academic
Hi there! I’m Alex Chow, a second-year Sociology major and your current VP Academic. My love for Sociology began before university and continued to grow as I met passionate and like-minded sociologists in the SSA and the Sociology department. My passion for the discipline and the department led me to joining the team this past year, where I have been fortunate to work with a wonderful team to bring you events such as the Faculty and Alumni panel and the recent Social Activism panel. I was also responsible for bringing student feedback to the department through initiatives such as the Course Registration Experience Survey, as well as connecting students with opportunities in the department. The latter goal led us to creating the Sociology Undergraduate Research Application Process to connect students interested in academia with research job opportunities in the department. This year, I am running to be your co-president of the SSA. I aim to foster a stronger community within the department through social and academic events, as well as increased opportunities for faculty-student interactions. I also intend to ensure that the SSA continues to cater to the diverse group of students in the department by offering a wide range of events for students, whether they are looking for a career outside of university, striving for graduate school, or simply seeking a community to call home in UBC.
Anna Tørnros – VP Social or VP Academic
Hi! My name is Anna Tørnros and I’m a 2nd year sociology major, also thinking of minoring in urban studies. I want to join the SSA because I want to become a part of and foster a good community within the sociology department. I want to give back to a field which has given so much to me, and inspire interest for sociology in others! I will bring an undying love for sociology, dedication, and a sociable personality! This past year I have been the VP Logistics for the UBC Business Communications club and the Marketing Coordinator for the UBC Fashion Club, which means I will be able to draw on my past experience with social events, planning, and practiced resourcefulness to ensure that I can make a positive contribution to the SSA!
Emily Lam – VP Social or Media Specialist: Communications
My name is Emily Lam and I am currently in my third year and have Sociology and Linguistics listed as my majors. I want to join the SSA as the VP: Social and the Media Specialist: Communications to continue the cultivation efforts of all sociology students in bringing to UBC. I believe that Sociology has an immense role in bringing change to our campus and to our world. I believe that even as undergraduates, experience with ‘reality’ may be limited, undergraduates bring a new, fresh vision and joining SSA will allow me to help promote this vision. By joining SSA, I hope that I can bring my expertise in event planning and blogging to support the other talents of the team. Power is support is in numbers and my personal principle of keeping an open communication with everyone is essential to uniting all Sociology students on campus together. I believe that Sociology has an immense role in bringing change to our campus and to our world. I believe that even as undergraduates, experience with ‘reality’ may be limited, undergraduates bring a new, fresh vision and joining SSA will allow me to help promote this vision.
Benedetta Franzini – VP Social
My name is Benedetta Franzini and I am a third-year student majoring in Sociology and minoring in International Relations. I would be thrilled to work with the SSA team as a VP Social. I have been an exec for other two clubs here at UBC, so I know how to work in a team and with the AMS, in term of events planning and organizing and all related activities. Currently I am part of the Sociology Peer Advising team and I am looking forward to becoming more involved in the Sociology department. I am charismatic, organized, pragmatic and creative and always eager to learn. For all these reasons, I strongly believe that my peculiarities together with my experiences would be of great benefit to your team.
Jasmeen Khaira – Media Specialist: Communications
I am writing to you to express my joy in applying to become a part of your team. I am aware of the countless applicants that apply for this position, yet I can assure you I am diversely qualified and more distinctive than most. My name is Jasmeen Khaira and I am currently in my 3rd year of my dual degree program (BA+MM). I am currently completing a Masters in Management and Bachelors in sociology with a minor in Asian studies. Alongside, my education I also have three years of customer service experience with heritage services and 4 years of experience working in child minding programs and program planning. I am a proven leader with strong ability to adapt to circumstances and communication skills developed through executive positions held in student organizations and past job placements. Over the course of my degree, I have not had to opportunity to engage with the sociology aspect of degree, and I hope this experience will aid me into understanding and becoming part of UBC sociology community. I believe the SSA can benefit from some outreach programs, in which volunteers go to certain nonprofits and have a collaboration of efforts and knowledge to help out a certain aspect of society. As the Media Specialist (Communications) I would love to develop an interactive and engaging platform for the SSA to develop their image.
Kate Collins – Media Specialist: Communications
As someone who is passionate about sociology and leadership, I would love to be in a position that brings me closer to people that share similar interests. I’d love to be surrounded by those who are also motivated to bring people in our major together to interact and cultivate meaningful connections. Working for multiple companies including app start ups and retail stores, as Lead Photographer, Social Media Team Lead, or Product Educator I have developed a deep understanding of social media, audience/follower interaction, and releasing and promoting original content. I believe that my outgoing and sociable personality partnered with my desire to be more involved in my major will make me a great asset to the SSA Executive Team.
Priscilla Wong – Treasurer
Hi, my name is Priscilla and I am a third year Sociology major minoring in Health and Society. As the treasurer for the SSA in the 2017/18 school year, I have gained a lot of professional skills dealing with all the finances while being involved in the Sociology community at UBC. The SSA has also provided me with the opportunity to develop personally through all the social interactions that took place when we were planning for events to build, connect, and empower the sociology department. I would like to run for the treasurer position for the 2018/19 school year to create a positive impact on the Sociology community while fostering stronger communication skills. As a Sociology student at UBC, I would like to stay involved and contribute to the department with the knowledge and skills I have aquired. I believe that my experience as treasure and diligent work ethic makes me a a suitable candidate for this position. 🙂
Daniella Pettenon – Secretary or Treasurer
Over the past year, I have been fortunate to have been able to TA within the sociology department at UBC. Through this experience I have gained many connections with faculty and staff as well as deepen my understanding of the discipline. In addition, being a TA for direct-entry and Vantage students has allowed me to practice and further develop skills in time management, communication, organization, public speaking, and interpersonal skills. Another noteworthy experience has been my role as the Human Resources Manager for Enactus UBC, a non-profit organization of social entrepreneurs who use business and leadership to address the 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. This position consisted of many responsibilities such as hiring, dealing with club obstacles and conflict, developing and designing contracts and legal documents, budgeting, applying for grants, planning and facilitating social events, workshops, and meetings, as well as empowering individuals of all faculties. I believe these HR duties are very transferable to the roles of Secretary and Treasurer. With the combination of these two experiences, I am confident that I can go beyond the expectations of the positions I have applied for and that I will make a positive impact in the sociology community.
Michelle Liao – Secretary
My name is Michelle Liao and I am running for the position of Secretary for UBC’s Sociology Students’ Association. I am in second year and will be declaring Sociology as my major in September 2018. By becoming an executive member of the UBC Sociology Students’ Association, I wish to expand my sociological imagination, connect with others who are equally as passionate about sociology, and build a community that encourages one another to reach new goals. I am the ideal candidate for this position because I am a reliable team player who holds excellent listening and organizational skills. I excel in these areas through my work as a food and beverage server for over six years, and my volunteer role at a long-term care facility. As an AUS Wellness Coordinator in 2015, I hosted an event for students to destress by playing with puppies! I am confident that my outgoing, easygoing and go-getting personality will be an asset for SSA. Thank you for your consideration in my application.