Candidate Statements - Staff

Anabela Bonada

Director, Climate Adaptation Science, Intact Centre

I am honoured to be nominated as Staff Member on the University of Waterloo's Board of Governors. As an alumnus and staff at one of Waterloo’s leading applied research centers, my unique perspective spans relationships within the university and extends nationwide. Working at the intersection of academia and external interested parties, I am dedicated to contributing insights that bridge the gap between the university and the broader community. I will leverage this experience to enhance the board's decision-making process regarding property, revenues, and overall affairs. Together, let's foster collaboration, innovation, and strengthen the university's ties for a prosperous future.

Nancy Brittenden

Administrative Coordinator,  Math Innovation Office & Math Research Office

As a nominee for the Staff Representative role on the Board of Governors, I bring a steadfast dedication to advocating for our staff. With a history of fostering dialogue and championing collaborative relationships, I aim to serve as a proactive liaison, ensuring the voices of our community are heard. Grounded in integrity and driven by a commitment to inclusivity, I pledge to represent our collective interests with diligence and transparency. With your trust, I will strive to advance our institution's values and sustainability goals and ensure the well-being of our staff remains a top priority.

Andrea Carthew

Senior Associate Director, Advancement, Optometry & Vision Science

In my 20 years at UW I have had the pleasure of working with a variety of people across campus and have built relationships with many types of external partners.  This experience allows me to have a broad perspective on the inner workings of the University, how we are perceived externally - what is working well and what isn’t.  I am excited by the strategic vision laid out by ‘Waterloo at 100’ and believe that staff will have a critical role to play.  My experience, together with my enthusiasm for the future, will make me a strong staff advocate.  

Yessenia Guerrero

President, University of Waterloo Staff Association

In many ways we are living in unprecedented times and UW is not immune to this. The onward march of time demands change from us, the participants of society and of our campus. Though change can cause discomfort, it is unavoidable when we are an innovative and everchanging community; vibrant, complex, diverse, and intellectual. As a staff representative, my charge would be to amplify and represent staff voices in all matters. My priorities would be to act transparently, speak boldly, respect all individuals and to advocate for change.

Frances Hannigan

Assistant Director, Immigration & Visa Services, Legal and Immigration Services

I’m a proud graduate and employee of the University of Waterloo having started my career here in 1997. In my 25 years of outstanding service to UW, I have held diverse positions within many different departments/areas. I have, for better or worse, lived through, heard, and experienced many issues, struggles and achievements that I am sure have also been experienced by my colleagues and peers. I hope to be a guiding voice and representative for staff across our diverse campus to help make a positive impactful difference within the Board of Governors.

Nancy Heide

Director, The Centre

I am pleased to be considered for re-election as a Board of Governors staff representative. I have a strong passion for, and loyalty to, the University of Waterloo. As a staff member for the past 34 years, I’m constantly inspired by our students, staff, and faculty. During my time on campus, I’ve had the opportunity to be part of a supportive community, to see the university evolve and expand, and, personally, to grow my career, and to earn my undergraduate degree as an employee. I would be honoured to continue to represent staff on the Board of Governors.

Agata Jagielska

Graduate Program Coordinator and Advisor, English Language and Literature

As Past President of the University of Waterloo Staff Association (2022-2023), Agata’s experience in serving on UW committees includes Chairing the Staff Relations Committee, Chairing the Provost’s Advisory Committee on Staff Compensation, Chairing the Staff Compensation Committee, member of; Governance and nominating committee, Members’ Advisory Committee, Staff Excellence Fund Committee and more. Through leading the UWSA operations team, governance training, policy development, and the UWSA’s strategic planning, Agata is dedicated to giving staff a voice and promoting growth, development, protection, and justice. Agata is also a UW alumna, has worked as an RA and as a sessional instructor on campus.

Kristen Leal

Manager, Graduate and Student Family Housing, Campus Housing

Since arriving on campus in September 2008 as an undergraduate student, UWaterloo has been a source of inspiration, motivation, and community for me. As a staff member who has worked for two student services, the Waterloo Warriors and now Campus Housing, I’ve come to experience firsthand how influential the university experience can be on both students and staff. Serving on the Board of Governors would not only be a valuable learning opportunity, but also a chance to give back in a new way. I’m excited about the chance to bring my student centric perspective to the Board of Governors.

Alfie Scozzaro

Senior Director, Principal Gifts, Office of the Vice President of Advancement

As a proud University of Waterloo alumnus, member of the Advancement team, and parent of a current student, this great institution has afforded me memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that have shaped who I am. I would be honoured to serve and represent the people who make magic happen every day on this campus. I am deeply invested in the institution's success and growth, have the curiosity and courage to ask questions, and am committed to fostering collaboration to effectively represent the diverse interests of students, alumni, and staff alike.

Jodi Szimanski

Associate Director, Communications, Engagement and Digital Experience, HIRE Waterloo

I’m a lifelong learner passionate about Waterloo. With two degrees and five roles in distinct parts of the University, I’ve seen the different ways our community works for the benefit of our students, and I think we can do more. As a strategic thinker, I want to learn how the University is governed from a broader perspective and understand how to make our community better. My marketing and communications background and past experience as a board member with both Waterloo Region Women in Technology and the United Way Waterloo Region make me a valuable addition to the Board.