How will you use your educational background in IT and Political Science to help URSU?
I’m very fortunate to have both a background in Information Technology and Political Science. My experience with the student movement has enabled me to understand the political functionality of how Students’ Unions work. This will prove useful during times when the union must make decisions on how to best serve its members.
It is with my IT background that I will be able to enable our staff to generate output in an efficient manner. This also means that I will be able to determine what office technologies are best suited for each and every staff member.
What parts of your occupational history are of particular use in your position?
Definitely my time with the University of Toronto Mississauga Students’ Union, the Association of Erindale Part-Time Undergraduate Students’ Union, the Association of Part-Time Undergraduate Students at the University of Toronto, and the Iranian-Canadian Congress.
These are all not-for-profit organizations that I’ve helped secure a bright future with.
What attracted you to this type of work?
I was first brought into the student movement by a mentor named Walied Khogali. I grew a passion for the student movement during my time as a board member for UTMSU many years ago. I bring that same passion to URSU today.
What made you want to work at URSU?
I actually moved from Toronto to Regina for the opportunity to work at URSU. I wanted to bring my skills and knowledge of not-for-profits and the student movement to Saskatchewan.
How much have you been involved in activism and advocacy? What issues matter to you the most?
I’ve been involved with advocacy since 2008. I have been involved with the Student Movement since 2009. I have participated in Drop Fees campaigns, campaigns in regards to deregulated fees, and Anti-Racism campaigns on different campuses.
As an Iranian, issues of xenophobia and racism matter a lot to me. As a board member on the Iranian Canadian Campus, I advocated for the reopening of the Iranian embassy as well as promoted equity programs for new Iranians in Canada.
What do you like the most about your new job?
The opportunity to bring progressive inclusion and functionality to the student movement in Regina. Having the skill set to enable staff to do good work is not only refreshing but vital to a successful union.
What do you like most about working at URSU?
URSU is an organization that has always been great with providing services to its membership. URSU is now looking to do more work in advocacy and representation. I’m very excited to be a part of that!
What do you see as the biggest challenges or obstacles?
Working on decentralization of staff dynamics
How will your work benefit the students of the University of Regina and its Federated Colleges? How will it benefit the community?
Each Federated College has its own spirit and culture. It’s important that URSU caters its advocacy and services to each federated college in an equitable and functional manner
What have you learned during your short time working at URSU?
Every staff and exec has their own ideas and wants to be included in every discussion. It’s important that the organization fosters a space for innovative ideas, especially ones that come from our membership.
