Keynote Speaker

Joseph Smith is a Senior PhD student at York University majoring in the Humanities. His doctorate is interdisciplinary and encompasses philosophy, psychology, religious studies and literature with a focus on the philosophies of self-consciousness within the west and the intellectual background of black consciousness. He is a T.A. at York University within the Humanities department; a professor at Tyndale university within the English department; a TDSB high school teacher; co-founder of the non-profit organization Generation Chosen which focuses on Mental health and Emotional intelligence within inner-city communities; a narrative ambassador with the Black Experience Project housed/funded by Environics Research Institute; and sits on the board of Operation Black Vote Canada as the Director of Youth Outreach.

Panel on Inclusive Leadership 

David Ip Yam is a higher education professional and leadership educator committed to assisting proactive student leaders like YOU to level-up. When he’s not working with couples to maximize their relationships through relationshipzen.ca and with families to learn martial arts at mindovermatterkarate.com, he is creating spaces with student leaders and professionals to elevate their impact through intention, connection, and change. This reflects his core values: add-value, lead consciously, and learn continuously. Browse davidipyam.com to learn about an e-course he is building for students who want to create their personal vision for success and happiness, check out The Student Success Exchange podcast while you’re at it, and connect with him on Instagram and Twitter @davidipyam.

Jathusha Mahenthirarajan is a multi-award winning activist, public speaker, and visionary, currently studying Human Rights & Equity Studies at York University.  Jathusha has led many initiatives from over a dozen conferences to online campaigns to fundraisers and social justice events, including a peer-to-peer mentoring program she founded, designed to build confidence and civic leadership in middle school girls. She has has been recognized as a 2018 Global Teen Leader by the “We Are Family Foundation” for her work as the founder and Executive Director of L.I.G.H.T. (Lead Inspire Grow Hope Transform). L.I.G.H.T. is a youth-led grassroots organization that equips young people with 21st century employable knowledge and skills, through facilitated trainings, workshops and mentorship, to design and deliver social change community projects in York Region. Jathusha is excited to be sharing her experiences as a young leader, the ups and downs, and everything in between!

Session Presenters

Well-being: Fundamental Principle of Success

Helen Lee is a Registered Nurse of 21 years and has been a member of the York University community for just under 4 years. She spent 3 years in the Office of the University Registrar providing support on advancing strategic priorities and projects across the unit. She recently joined the Student Success Centre as Manager of Well-being and Health Promotion. Prior to this role, Helen spent 12 years at the Hospital for Sick Children as a Registered Nurse which included strategic program development. She has also held a variety of administrative positions within the private sector that combined planning, organizational development and resource management.

Jennifer Myers has served as the Executive Director of Sport & Recreation at York University since August 2008. During her tenure, the Lions have won two CIS men’s soccer championships, three OUA titles in women’s soccer, men’s tennis and women’s volleyball, and numerous medals at the OUA and CIS track and field championships.

As York’s Executive Director of Sport & Recreation, Myers oversees the operation of 19 Lions interuniversity sport teams, one of the largest intramural programs in Ontario, more than 30 sport clubs, campus recreation, the Tait McKenzie Centre and the Gorman/Shore Sport Injury Clinic. In all her years at the helm, she has led the department through significant change in management and structure, experience which speaks directly to campus well-being.

Collaborative Leadership towards a Global Community

Christine Omuodo is the International Student Program Facilitator at York International. She develops and delivers key programs and services primarily for international students that enhance their experiences and support their transition and success during their time at York. She also works closely with on and off campus partners to provide various international student support services.

Vishwaveda is a 4th year Anthropology and Political Science student. She works at York
International as an International Students Assistant and is a Senior Residence Life Don.
Through her role as a peer leader she works towards creating progressive spaces for student
development through planning events, facilitating programming and by creating opportunities for
students to engage in experiential learning. She is currently involved with the #YIFEEL: Mental
Health Awareness Campaign for International Students at York International and aims to make
Mental Health Services at York more accessible for everyone.

Time Management for Peer Leaders

Alessia will be going into her sixth (and final!) year at York University studying English and French in the Concurrent Education program. She has been the Senior Learning Skills Peer at Learning Skills Services for the past three years, where she leads workshops like this one to students and Peers. She is honoured to be at this year’s PLC to share with all of you the researched-based skills she not only teaches but also uses to balance her own busy schedule.

Appreciative Mentoring and Student Success

Jill is an Academic Advisor in the Department of Economics at York University. She holds a Master’s and Undergraduate degree in Anthropology as well as a certificate in Academic Advising and is in the process of becoming a Certified Appreciative Advisor. She has a passion for holistic, appreciative student academic advising, that is collaborative and focuses on positive self-directed student success.

Re-imagining Professionalism with Vulnerability

Javeria Mirza is a third-year student in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, pursuing a Specialized Honours B.A. in Global Political Studies. She is currently involved in the York community as a President’s Ambassador and a Residence Life Don. She is passionate about inclusive leadership that encourages a culture of interdependence and collaboration.

Productivity Hacks for Student Leaders

Seven Important Facts about Greg Langstaff: Greg is the YU START Coordinator.
Greg runs his own business. Greg has a Master’s degree in Student Affairs. Greg was president of Stong College. Greg was intramural athlete of the year. Greg loves the Toronto Raptors.

Also, word to the wise, Charmaine holds the money bag, so pay her all the compliments and visit her not only when you need money.

Urshian Khalid is the Student Leadership & Development Coordinator under the Division of Students at York University. She completed her Specialized Honours in Kinesiology & Health Sciences from York University in 2015. After becoming certified with the Ontario College of Teachers, Urshian went on to complete her Masters in Education, with an additional graduate diploma in Urban Environments. During her time as a student leader, she served as Team Captain of the Varsity Wrestling program at York, Residence Life Senior Don, and president of multiple student clubs. At the core of Urshian’s professional portfolio is a deep commitment to student success. Urshian is a strong advocate for mental health, healthy, acting living, and practicing meditation for overall mind, body & spirit wellness. In her free time, Urshian loves traveling, practicing yoga & dabbles in various martial arts.

Cultural Intelligence: Fostering Leadership in a Culturally Diverse Environment.

Alissia is currently in her 2nd year, studying Psychology. She works with The Learning Skills Services as one of their Workshop Peers. She is passionate about exploring human relationship, as well as how to foster collaborative and inspiring professional interactions. As an international student who came to Canada two years ago, she is fascinated by diversity in terms of religions, ethnicity and beliefs. Currently, Alissia is exploring how equity intersects with leadership. 

Salma is a fourth-year psychology student, and thoroughly enjoys experiencing different cultures and learning new languages. She hopes to use that knowledge to improve communication and mutual understanding between her communities. As a peer tutor and peer mentoring coordinator with the Undergraduate Psychology Students’ Association (UPSA), she has witnessed others growing personally and academically, and believes that fostering a safe, positive, inclusive culture where everyone feels comfortable enough to challenge their limits, is intrinsic to student success.

Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

As Education and Communication Advisors at REI, we provide professional development services, and consultative supports to the York community, specifically related to human rights topics. We strive to uphold the rights of every York community member to live, work and play free from the experiences of discrimination, marginalization, and harassment, based on the Ontario Human Rights Code Grounds of Protection. Our training workshops are designed to explore human rights paradigms and principles, while giving participants an opportunity to examine and apply practical approaches to address arising concerns.

As Education and Communication Advisors at REI, we provide professional development services, and consultative supports to the York community, specifically related to human rights topics. We strive to uphold the rights of every York community member to live, work and play free from the experiences of discrimination, marginalization, and harassment, based on the Ontario Human Rights Code Grounds of Protection. Our training workshops are designed to explore human rights paradigms and principles, while giving participants an opportunity to examine and apply practical approaches to address arising concerns.