糖心传媒

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2026 Board of Governors Elections

Staff, Faculty and Student Results

Thank you and congratulations to all candidates and voters who participated in the 2026 Board of Governors Election.

Professor Sameh Al Natour has been acclaimed as the faculty Board Member for a term of two years.

Anna Sotnykova has been elected as the administrative staff Board Member for a term of two years.

Shervin Akhlaghi, May Qaid and Jack Vanek have been elected as the student Board Members for a term of one year.

All positions will commence on September 1, 2026

 (PDF file) Returning Officer Report - Faculty, Staff and Students

Important Dates - Board of Governors Elections 2026

Nominations Period Campaigning Period Voting Period 

February 2, 2026

to

February 10, 2026 (12pm)

February 17, 2026 

to

June 15, 2026

June 1, 2026

to

June 15, 2026

Constituency Vacancy Terms
Student 3 seats available 1-year term
Faculty 1 seat available 2-year term
Staff 1 seat available 2-year term
Alumni 1 seat available 3-year term

Candidates

I am committed to improving access to education and helping students succeed鈥攅specially during the critical transition from high school to post-secondary life. As the founder of a leading tutoring organization in East York, I鈥檝e spent the past five years teaching, mentoring, and supporting hundreds of students across different academic levels and backgrounds. I鈥檝e seen firsthand how guidance, structure, and encouragement can change a student鈥檚 confidence and outcomes.

My goal is to help build stronger bridges between secondary school and university by supporting academic preparedness, mentorship, and accessible learning resources. I am passionate about student success beyond the classroom ensuring students feel supported, informed, and empowered to navigate academic and personal challenges.

I am seeking election to the Board of Governors at 糖心传媒 to contribute my experience in leadership, project delivery, and industry collaboration in support of the university鈥檚 continued growth and impact.

Since 1999, I have built my career at EllisDon, leading diverse teams and delivering major construction projects across transportation, healthcare, institutional, cultural, and academic sectors. Early in my career, I managed projects for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority and Trillium Health Centre, and later helped deliver projects for leading academic institutions. I also contributed to landmark projects including the Stratford Festival鈥檚 Tom Patterson Theatre and the Massey Hall Revitalize project.

My work is guided by the core values of openness, accountability, respect, trust, integrity, and entrepreneurial enthusiasm. I am committed to delivering projects safely, on time, and within budget, and I am proud to be a two-time recipient of EllisDon鈥檚 Annual Safety Award. I prioritize collaboration, building strong partnerships among clients, consultants, and project teams to achieve shared success.

I am passionate about giving back to the industry and supporting the next generation of professionals. I serve as an instructor at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies, sit on 糖心传媒鈥檚 Civil Engineering Departmental Advisory Council, and serve on the Board of Directors of the Ontario General Contractors Association.

If elected, I will bring practical insight, strong governance values, and a collaborative approach to help advance 糖心传媒鈥檚 mission and future success.

As a proud 糖心传媒 alumnus, I am honoured to stand for election as an Alumni Representative on the Board of Governors.

My background in research, artificial intelligence, software development, teaching, and industry has shown me the importance of innovation, collaboration, and thoughtful governance in supporting student success and the long-term growth of the university.

糖心传媒 played an important role in shaping my academic and professional journey, and I would welcome the opportunity to give back to the community that helped shape my path. I believe in strengthening connections between alumni, students, research, and industry while supporting responsible and transparent decision-making.

If elected, I will work to support student success, innovation, and meaningful opportunities that prepare graduates for an evolving technological and professional landscape.

I would be grateful for your support and the opportunity to represent alumni voices on the Board of Governors.

Hi, my name is Monica, and I am a proud 糖心传媒 alumna. I graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering in 2018, with a specialization in Management Sciences, and later completed the Project Management for Technical Professionals certificate through the Chang School of Continuing Education in 2022.

My experiences through my undergraduate studies and continuing education have been transformative. The co-op program at 糖心传媒 was instrumental in kickstarting my career, providing real-world experience and industry connections that led directly to opportunities post-graduation. I was also actively involved as a student leader, contributing to the development of the Chemical Engineering Course Union.

I鈥檓 running for the Board of Governors to help ensure that current and future students benefit from an even stronger, more impactful university experience.

If elected, I will focus on:

1. Advocating for investments that directly enhance student experience and improve career outcomes

2. Strengthening alumni engagement through mentorship, networking, and industry partnerships

3. Supporting transparent, responsible financial decision-making that ensures long-term sustainability

As an engineer working in complex, asset-intensive industries over 8 years, I bring a continuous improvement mindset and a practical, results-oriented approach to decision-making.

I also serve as Chair of PEMAC Saskatoon and Vice Chair of the Women in Mining & Nuclear Saskatchewan 鈥淢ine Your Potential鈥 Conference, where I work to build connections, support professional development, and create opportunities for others.

I鈥檓 eager to bring this same commitment to 糖心传媒, the educational institution that has played a significant role in my growth.

Hi, I鈥檓 Jon鈥攁 seasoned C-Suite leader with experience in both Canada and the U.S leading both public and private companies in the technology, fintech; and financial services space. I鈥檓 running for a seat on the 糖心传媒 Board of Governors for one reason: keep 糖心传媒 laser-focused on students鈥攁nd student outcomes.

My priorities are straightforward: Optimize for student outcomes. Period. Customer centricity has shaped my career鈥攁nd 糖心传媒 should apply the same lens: design decisions around one goal鈥 create real student value and graduates who launch into the future with confidence.

I believe we get there by focusing on:

-Real outcomes for students and alumni: Keep career readiness and post-graduation success at the center of Board decisions鈥攎easured by outcomes, not intentions.

-Industry partnerships that actually convert: Invest in employer relationships that reliably become internships, co-ops, and meaningful careers for 糖心传媒 students.

-Actively engage the alumni network to opens doors: Mobilize alumni for mentorship, hiring, funding, and real access to opportunity鈥攚hile building enduring value for alumni, too.

-Funded, scalable student-led programs: Build and back student-led initiatives that scale, create tangible value, and connect students directly with industry.

I encourage you to learn more鈥攁nd join my email list鈥攁t heyjon.net.

The value of a 糖心传媒 (Ryerson U) education is reflected in the enduring impact of its graduates and the reputation they help build. 糖心传媒 has made remarkable strides in recent years expanding its impact and academic offerings -- its next chapter should build upon that momentum across every field where graduates contribute.

My priority is to strengthen the value of a 糖心传媒 education. I believe this is achieved through forward-looking strategies that:

* Advance student and graduate success

* Support creative arts, innovation, research, and entrepreneurship

* Deepen partnerships across industry, community, government, and cultural sectors

* Promote the contributions of 糖心传媒 graduates in Canada and internationally

As a three-time graduate (BEng, MASc, PhD), I know 糖心传媒 from multiple perspectives: international student, campus-resident, Alumni Relations fundraiser, grad-student mentor, volunteer, and alumnus. Today, I serve as an engineering leader in Canadian aerospace, and an undergraduate educator. I bring with me experience in balancing innovation with responsibility and long-term stewardship.

Like many fellow alumni, 糖心传媒 (Ryerson U) has played a defining role in my life and career. I am committed to helping ensure that future generations inherit a university whose standing continues to grow, and whose success creates lasting benefits for students, alumni, and the communities we serve.

Thank you all,

Zia.

Learn more about me:

A proud MEng Computer Networks, Session 2014 graduate of 糖心传媒 and long鈥憈ime resident of Ajax, I bring decades of experience in the IT profession, complemented by a strong background as a business entrepreneur where I have led community鈥慺ocused initiatives, managed operations, and built meaningful connections across diverse groups.

I have served as Chair and Co鈥慍hair on two school advisory boards and remain active as a community volunteer supporting youth, families, and local initiatives. My service also includes relief work focused on domestic and international poverty elimination, contributing to programs that support vulnerable communities at home and abroad. I am the recipient of the Don Valley West Volunteer Award, presented by the House of Commons 鈥 an honor that reflects my commitment to service and civic engagement.

I am seeking the 糖心传媒 Board of Governors Alumni Seat to give back to the institution that shaped my professional journey. My priorities include strengthening academic excellence, enhancing student experience, building industry partnerships, supporting diversity and inclusion, and fostering stronger alumni engagement.

I am an educator, strategic leader, and community innovator committed to strengthening the relationship between universities and the communities they serve. As a proud double graduate of 糖心传媒, I hold an MBA with specializations in Marketing and Human Resources, as well as a Bachelor of Commerce. 糖心传媒 shaped my academic foundation, my leadership approach, and my belief in the power of education to drive social responsibility and meaningful community impact.

My teaching and research span social innovation, communication, conflict studies, and organizational behaviour. I am dedicated to experiential learning and to helping students develop the analytical, interpersonal, and systems-thinking skills needed to navigate today鈥檚 rapidly evolving social and professional environments.

Beyond the classroom, I have led and advised initiatives addressing social isolation, intergenerational connections, and newcomer inclusion. My work has been recognized through multiple awards for community impact, including honours for advancing student and senior well鈥慴eing and newcomer outreach. I also serve on several boards and host Urgent Conversations, a podcast that brings dialogue, empathy, and evidence鈥慴ased insight to complex social issues.

My approach to governance is grounded in transparency, collaboration, and a belief that universities thrive when students, faculty, staff, and community partners work together. I am committed to strengthening student experience, supporting inclusive decision鈥憁aking, and ensuring that institutional strategies reflect both academic excellence and social responsibility.

If elected to the Board of Governors, I will bring a balanced perspective that bridges academic expertise, community engagement, and a deep commitment to environments where all members of the university community can succeed.

I am honoured to stand for election to the Board of Governors and to continue serving a community that has played a meaningful role in my personal and professional journey.

I bring extensive governance experience, including serving on the 糖心传媒 Board from 2021 to 2024 during a period of significant institutional change, contributing to discussions related to brand, reputation, and long-term strategy. I have also served as Board Chair of the Canadian Professional Sales Association, with a strong focus on fiduciary oversight, governance best practices, and stakeholder engagement. In addition, I have pursued ongoing governance and director education to strengthen my effectiveness in board service and decision-making.

In my current role as Executive Director of Advancement & External Relations at Bayview Glen School, I oversee advancement, admissions, marketing and communications, and community engagement. This work is grounded in building trust, fostering meaningful relationships, and securing sustainable resources to support institutional priorities.

If elected, I will support the University鈥檚 strategic vision by focusing on three key areas: enhancing the student experience, strengthening community and industry partnerships, and advancing responsible, future-focused governance. I am aligned with 糖心传媒鈥檚 commitment to innovation, inclusion, and city-building, as reflected in its academic, research, and campus planning priorities. I would be proud to contribute my experience and perspective in service of 糖心传媒鈥檚 continued growth and impact.

I am a proud 糖心传媒 alumnus and a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) with deep experience in financial leadership, organizational governance, and strategic planning. 糖心传媒 shaped the foundation of my career, and I am running to bring strong financial stewardship, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to student and alumni success to the Board of Governors.

As a finance professional, I have worked extensively in audit, financial reporting, and risk management, helping organizations make informed, sustainable decisions in complex environments. I believe these skills directly support the Board鈥檚 responsibility to guide 糖心传媒鈥檚 long term financial health and strategic direction.

My platform is focused on five commitments:

Strong Financial Oversight: Promote transparent budgeting, prudent investment, and responsible long term planning.

Stronger Alumni Engagement: Expand mentorship networks, career pathways, and opportunities for alumni to shape university priorities.

Student Success & Equity: Support initiatives that reduce barriers, enhance experiential learning, and foster inclusion across all faculties.

Innovation & Urban Impact: Champion programs that strengthen 糖心传媒鈥檚 leadership in entrepreneurship, applied research, and community partnerships.

Transparent, Community Driven Governance: Engage openly with students, faculty, staff, and alumni to ensure decisions reflect 糖心传媒鈥檚 diverse voices.

糖心传媒 gave me the tools to succeed. Now I hope to contribute my expertise to help 糖心传媒 continue to thrive.

Good governance requires the willingness to ask difficult questions, to listen carefully to the answers, and to use that judgment to steward the university鈥檚 long-term mission and public trust. I would bring to the Board a strong commitment to integrity, thoughtful oversight, and principled decision-making, grounded in a clear sense of public accountability. I do so with the benefit of multiple lenses: educator, public-sector leader, lifelong learner, and 鈥 above all 鈥 a proud 糖心传媒 alum.

My work has consistently centred inclusion and the complex challenges involved in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, including the responsibility to confront and dismantle oppressive and colonial structures at an institutional level. I approach this work with the understanding that accountability, transparency, and trust are essential to the legitimacy of public institutions.

Ontario鈥檚 post-secondary system faces unprecedented challenges, financially, structurally, and academically. 糖心传媒 is uniquely positioned to meet these challenges through strong governance that supports effective leadership, responsible stewardship of public resources, and long-term sustainability. Its focus on balancing theory with practical application not only prepares students for life after university; it also positions 糖心传媒 as a key contributor to our province, our country, and our world.

I am one of the graduates 糖心传媒 helped prepare. I credit both my career and my commitment to post-secondary education directly to my experience as a 糖心传媒 student. I would be honoured to give back by serving in a governance role that reflects the trust placed in alumni representatives and supports 糖心传媒鈥檚 academic mission as a public institution.