Guelph
Engineering
Society
EngSoc 2023/24 Elections
Here are the candidates for the 2023-24 EngSoc elections! Stay tuned for Officer position applications
Please take a look at all of our extraordinary candidates, voting will take place later this week!
VP Internal
Dominique Lafond
VP External
Vanessa Dinh
My name is Vanessa Dinh and I’m running for the VP External position on the Guelph Engineering Society. Currently, I serve as EngSoc’s VP of Social Affairs where I’ve hosted and planned numerous events for the engineering student body – such as the engineering O-Week, Corn Roast, the Inter-School Engineering Hockey Tournament, coffee house, paint nights, and the end of year banquet. I have additional experience serving as the Third-Year Mechanical Representative, where I provided my input and voiced the student body’s concerns at curriculum meetings and organized the third-year party. Along with this, I served as the VP of Sponsorship for the Conference on Advocacy and Leadership in Engineering, where I was able to witness plenary and constitution changes between the other Ontario VP Externals and the Engineering Student Societies’ Council of Ontario (ESSCO). Additionally, I served as the head delegate for the Conference on Diversity in Engineering, a nation-wide CFES (Canadian Federation of Engineering Students) conference which took place in Winnipeg, where I assisted our current VP External with delegate selection and attended sessions regarding understanding different perspectives and the importance of diversity in engineering, and how to bring what I learned to our Guelph community. I have additional leadership experience as one of the founding members of the revived Guelph Engiqueers chapter (where I serve as the VP Internal), as an EngSoc big buddy, and as a facility tour guide. I am heavily involved within the engineering community, and care deeply about best representing and improving Guelph Engineering.Aside from my prior experience in leadership, I believe I am an excellent contender for this role. I am well versed in the workings of ESSCO and CFES and have a thorough understanding of its policies and its constitution. My experience, involvement, and time in the Guelph Engineering community make me well equipped to represent and voice our concerns and opinions on the provincial and national level.
VP Finance
Melissa Cheng
Hey Guelph Engineering! I am excited to run for the position of Vice President of Finance for EngSoc! As the VP Finance, I look forward to putting my efforts into further connecting the engineering community by enriching student-led initiatives for the 2023-2024 school year. Previously the merch coordinator and special events coordinator, I have seen the extensive process that goes on behind the scenes to put together events and initiatives for the engineering community, and I have learned how I can best support the team. I will ensure budgets are well allocated for student wellness, wants, and needs, including merchandise and lab fund. I would also like to improve budget transparency for the student body and will be open to suggestions to ensure the money is used well. If you have any questions about me, my platform, or the position please reach out to me: mcheng04@uoguelph.ca!
VP EDI
Mya Simpson
Aaniin, Hello! My name is Mya Simpson, and I am excited to be running for the Vice President of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion on your 2023-24 Guelph EngSoc!
A little bit about me: I use She/Her/Elle pronouns, I am a proud Anishinaabekwe from Alderville First Nation, I will be beginning my second year of Biomedical Engineering this fall, and I have been an active part of EngSoc since the fall! I have had the privilege of serving on EngSoc as the EDI and Sustainability coordinator this past year and have been able to help the role develop into what it is today.
I want to run for your VP EDI because I believe in the crucial importance of ensuring that engineering here at Guelph includes and uplifts the voices of every student we represent. I am eager to continue establishing a greater presence of EDI through advocating for students, running events that promote EDI, and encouraging the active participation of students in this journey.
Engineering has no weight without the input and perspectives of all people within it. Chi-miigwech for your consideration!
VP Student Affairs
Florence Ian Tohoy
Hi! I am the current third-year mechanical engineering representative for Eng Soc. As part of the engineering society, I hosted and volunteered in different events which allowed me to gain knowledge and experience that I can use if I become the VP Student Affairs.
VP Academic
Sharujan Shan Sivakumar
Hello Everyone! I'm Shan Sivakumar, a 4th-year Mechanical Engineering student with a minor in Computer Science. I've taken various courses and participated in Engineering clubs and events, including being the W22 VP of Communications for EngSoc and the VP of Marketing for CALE 2023. I hope to utilize my experience and knowledge in my candidacy for VP of Student Affairs to build a strong bridge between students and academics.
Zohrah Bee Varsally
Hi! My name is Zohrah and I am going into my 4th year of biomedical engineering this fall. I have been part of ENGSOC for 2 years and I will try my best to advocate for any academic changes needed to increase the well-being of students.
VP Social (x2)
Philip McMorran & Sasha Paquette
Our names are Sasha and Phil, we are both going into our second year of Biological Engineering. We have spent this past year as first year representatives. Phil as the first-year rep for ENGSOC, and Sasha as the first-year rep for Scientista. Having enjoyed our time in these positions, we wish to continue serving the Guelph’s engineering community as co VPs of Social Affairs.
Having attended several engineering conferences, we have fallen in love with engineering culture. As VP Socials, we hope to put an emphasis on promoting this culture to incoming first year students and to those already here.
If elected, we will use our experience as well as our connections related to event planning, promotion, and inclusivity to run innovative and exciting events. Thank you for your support.
Sashwat Sridhar
My name is Sashwat, I am a second year Computer Engineering student looking to get involved in the engineering community. I am interested in this position because it is a great way to meet new engineers. This position bests fits me because I love planning fun social events for engineers as we have such a stressful study term. I also want to be in coordination with Engineering Wellness, engineering can be overwhelming and difficult, and I want to ensure the wellbeing of all engineers.
VP Communications
Gaurav Bhatia
Hi guys, my name is Gaurav Bhatia, I have been on Engsoc as an international student representative this past year, and I’m running for VP of communications. My goal is to use the skills I’ve learned from past conferences and Engsoc to improve and create effective communication between fellow engineers and society.