Meet the 2025 Director & President Candidates

Current position: Manager, Academic Success and Retention - Student Success Office
Pronouns: she/her

Visit Angela's LinkedIn profile

The next few years will be challenging for staff. Contract and permanent staff have already been negatively affected by budget cuts. More cuts will come. Many are already voicing their concerns about workload and burnout, and negative changes to staff working conditions, including changes to flexible and remote work.

I believe it is especially crucial during these uncertain times to have an effective UWSA Board focused on good governance, advancing strategic priorities, and advocating for equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism in all spaces where the UWSA has a voice. If elected, I will also advocate for:

• Transparency (sharing with members what the Board knows and can share)
• Frequent communication with members on the activities and workings of the Board
• Staff representation/consultation in decision-making processes pertaining to budget cuts and flexible work

I have been involved in the UWSA for five years, as an Area Rep for GSPA and then SSO, then as a director since winter 2025. I am seeking re-election to ensure I can continue to advocate for the above priorities. I bring to the role a range of experience on university-wide committees and working groups, as well as three years of non-profit experience. 

From 2021 to 2023, I was a director of a higher education non-profit professional association. I served as vice president, president and past-president, led the association through the final stages of incorporation with Corporations Canada, and worked with the Board to secure the incorporation’s insurance coverage, accountant, and bank account. I am committed to good governance and have taken advantage of opportunities to further expand my knowledge in this area, by completing workshops on Board Foundations and University of Waterloo Governance. 

I would be honoured to continue working as a director on your UWSA Board.

Current position: Business Process Analyst, Office of the VP Research and International
Pronouns: he/him

Visit Azim's LinkedIn profile

As a proud University of Waterloo alumnus, having completed my Master’s degree in 2014, I was excited to return to UW in October 2024 as a contract staff member. I bring with me a diverse professional background in business analysis, education, and community service. Currently, I serve as a Business Analyst in the Office of the Vice-President, Research & International (OVPRI), where I support strategic initiatives through technology and project services.

Before rejoining UW, I led IT teams in the insurance sector in Guelph and taught Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the graduate level at Conestoga College. My career spans both corporate and academic settings, giving me a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing staff across different environments.

Beyond my professional roles, I have been deeply engaged in community service. I served as a Board Member with Block Parents, Canada’s largest volunteer-run child safety organization, where I contributed to governance and community engagement efforts. This experience strengthened my commitment to transparency, inclusion, and open communication—values I hope to champion as a UWSA Board Director.

I am running for the UWSA Board because I want to give back to the community that has enriched me, particularly as we navigate turbulent times marked by budget constraints, evolving work conditions, and increasing demands on staff. I believe that the voices of staff need to be represented clearly and consistently, and I am committed to advocating for:

Strategic prioritization of staff needs and interests
Inclusive representation that reflects our diverse community

I am passionate about building a progressive, supportive work environment where staff feel heard, valued, and empowered to thrive. It would be an honor to serve as a UWSA Board Director and to help shape a better future for all UW staff.

Current position: Graduate Studies Marketing and Recruitment Specialist, Engineering
Pronouns: she/her

I’m excited to express my interest in joining the Board of Directors for the Staff Association. With a strong background in campus-wide collaboration and formal education in conflict resolution, I believe I can bring a balanced, empathetic, and solutions-oriented perspective to the board.

While I have only worked in the faculty of Engineering, through volunteering for convocation and staff conference I have had the chance to work with many people from across campus. I have always enjoyed getting to know my colleagues across campus and would love the chance to get to know you all better as a director. 

I believe that I would be a good fit for this role not just because of my work experience here at UW, but also because of my background education. I have a master’s degree in conflict resolution which has equipped me with tools to navigate complex conversations, mediate differing viewpoints, and promote constructive outcomes. I’m passionate about creating spaces where people feel heard, respected, and empowered to contribute meaningfully to our shared workplace culture.

If elected, I will advocate for transparent communication, equitable policies, and initiatives that support staff well-being and professional growth. I’m particularly interested in enhancing cross-campus engagement and ensuring that the Staff Association remains a responsive and representative voice for all.

I’m committed to collaboration, integrity, and continuous learning. I would be honoured to serve on the board and work alongside others who care deeply about making our university a better place to work.

Thank you for considering my candidacy.

Current position: Strategic Initatives Manager - Stratford School
Pronouns: he/him

Visit Greg's LinkedIn profile

Growing up in Waterloo Region, I would hear inspiring stories about innovation at the University of Waterloo, and I knew I wanted to be part of it. From my undergraduate degree in Psychology through Arts and Business to my Master’s in Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology, I’ve remained a proud member of the UWaterloo community.

Joining the staff team nearly ten years ago and growing within the University has given me a deep understanding of the unique needs of staff, and the specific ways that staff contribute to Waterloo's excellence. As someone working at a satellite campus, I bring a valuable perspective to the Staff Association—one that reflects the realities and opportunities of our extended community.

At the Stratford School, I’ve built strong relationships across departments and faculties, led strategic communications initiatives, and co-hosted the BLEND: Business and Design Conference. I enjoy working collaboratively to solve problems and thrive on asking “why” to better understand challenges and build inclusive, long-term solutions.

I believe the Staff Association plays a vital role in shaping our workplace where all voices are heard and valued.

Current position: Student Transition and Engagement Officer, Faculty of Health
Pronouns: she/her

I have 18 years experience working at the University of Waterloo. In that time, I have worked in the Faculties of Arts and Health. I am passionate about community. My experience as Executive Director and Head Teacher at Hepcat Swing Dance Studio, a not-for-profit community organization, as well as my years of working at the university, building relationships and supporting students and staff, will help me serve on this board. In my current role, I collaborate with staff, Faculty and students, on short and long-term projects, always with the goal of improving the student experience on campus. I approach my work with curiosity, engagement, respect, confidentiality and enthusiasm. I am grateful to the Staff Association for all the advocacy, services and work done for and on behalf of staff and hope to contribute to this wonderful community.

Current position: Student Leadership Development Specialist, SSO
Pronouns: she/her

Visit Khyati's LinkedIn profile

I am applying for the role of a UWSA director to intentionally and collaboratively support long-term policy development for all UWSA staff, such that we retain autonomy and dignity in our jobs and roles across the university. After my full-time permanent position was terminated in April 2025, UWSA supported me in navigating this sudden decision, and yet, I was left questioning the ways in which policy loopholes protect the institution without protecting staff interests. I was directly impacted by the loopholes in Policy 18. While it is important to align ourselves as UWSA members to university governance and HR policies, it is equally important to imagine just outcomes for all staff, and push for more transparency and accountability in how decisions are made around budget cuts, job losses, disability, salary disparities and wellbeing. 

My goal is to strategically and collectively mobilize ideas that empower us to independently shape our policies, so that they protect staff and actively counter oppressive systemic challenges many of us face. My lived experience across intersecting identities and extensive experience in Higher Education institutions across Canada, allows me to also assess the devastating effects of systemic barriers and institutional processes for equity-denied staff members. My critical training in the Humanities, and mixed teaching and work experience helps me in separating performative policies from policies informed by a long history of global collectives and labour movements, for workers, by workers. 

As a Student Leadership Development specialist in the Student Equity and Community Leadership team, I work closely with brilliant colleagues and student staff. This work is through the lens of building community leadership and integrating methods that allow for human connection and flourishing. Thank you for considering my statement. I look forward to serving everyone in the UWSA.

Current position: Special Projects, Communications and Community Engagement Specialist
Pronouns: she/her

Visit Sarah's LinkedIn profile

I am excited to put my name forward for the Waterloo Staff Association Board of Directors because I believe in the power of collaboration, advocacy, and diversity in leadership to strengthen our campus community. As a proud University of Waterloo alumna—having completed both my undergraduate and graduate studies here, including an MA in Political Science specializing in Canadian Politics and Public Policy—I am deeply connected to this institution and committed to its continued growth.

As a young woman and current contract employee, I bring a fresh and distinct perspective to the Board. I am particularly committed to ensuring that the voices and concerns of contract staff are represented. My professional and volunteer experiences reflect this focus. In my role as Strategic Projects, Communications & Community Engagement Specialist in the Office of the Associate Vice-President, Academic, I have advanced institutional policy initiatives, facilitated stakeholder focus groups, and supported efforts to improve accessibility and inclusion. Beyond the university, I volunteer with the Waterloo Region Coalition for the Protection of Public Healthcare, and I have worked in the not-for-profit sector as a policy consultant, bridging conversations between Waterloo’s technology sector and government leaders.

I am equally committed to collaboration. From co-leading the University of Waterloo’s Accessible Education Days, to collaborating with researchers on one of the largest studies of egg donation in Canada, to coordinating faculty recognition programs, my work has consistently involved bringing people together to address complex challenges while ensuring diverse voices are heard.

If elected, I will contribute to UWSA’s strategic direction with a focus on contract staff advocacy, accessibility and inclusion, and policy development in these domains. My skills and experiences from my not-for-profit work and UW governance work, collectively, make me confident in my ability to serve effectively on the UWSA Board.

Current position: Graduate Program Administrator and Scholarship Coordinator
Pronouns: she/her

I am thrilled about the opportunity to run for a position on the UWSA Board of Directors. 

Before arriving at UW in 2017, I worked for almost 16 years in the mutual fund industry in various roles requiring knowledge of the ever-changing policies and regulations surrounding securities and governance. In addition to my regular employment, I spent almost 12 years as a Board Member of a local sports organization where I held the position of Marketing Director and am immensely proud of the initiative that doubled enrollment within two years. I also Chaired various committees including Mediation and Dispute Resolution and a Risk Management and was a member of the Governance Policy Committee where collaboration with other committee members was paramount to it's success. My experience at UW has allowed opportunities including administrative support for the Dean of Engineering Faculty Office. My focus as Faculty Secretary was supporting administrative committees including Engineering Faculty Council (EFC), Engineering Faculty Assembly (EFA), Chairs, Directors, and Associate Deans (CAD), Academic Policy Committee (APC), Engineering Planning Committee (EPC). This experience allowed me to see the inner workings of one of the largest Faculties on campus. It also required extreme confidentiality and an understanding of the governance requirements of each committee. In this position I also functioned as the Secretary for the Engineering Faculty Committee for Student Appeals.

I became an advocate for Graduate Students while working at the Grad Student Association and then in 2019 moved into a role as a Graduate Program Administrator and Scholarship Coordinator in the Faculty of Environment (SEED and School of Planning). I have been an Area Rep for UWSA for the last year and would like the opportunity move to the next level. Fun fact about me: I was a co-host of a local radio show from 2013 to 2018.
 

Current position: Information Technology Support Specialist

Becoming a director is an opportunity to serve in the University of Waterloo Community. Serving is the highest form of how we help one another to advance towards a desired goal.

Being part of a Strategic core planning committee in other places where I volunteer has helped me gain more insight and understanding towards governance with long-term goals. I currently volunteer in the role of Development Committee Chair for a non-profit organization. The experience from this role enhanced my skills and understanding of how to support an organization’s growth.

Participating in the Mortgage Committee for a non-profit organization while sharing and listening to others’ points of view provides more understanding of how to manage finances and how to reach out to donors for contributions.

I can quickly identify gaps in most environments and seek solutions that will address them. Working with others and including their ideas in the solution is the best way to achieve a successful outcome.

In all the work I do, I look at how current established processes and procedures can be improved or work with other teams/team members to create them if they do not exist.

Philosophy:
There are two constants in life we can never control or stop: TIME and CHANGE. They are the two most difficult components to manage. 
My life consists of the way I manage Time and Change. 

We become who we are as a result of how we use time and how we manage change in our lives. 
The key to productive long-term planning rests on the successful management of Time and Change.

It is therefore imperative to know how to plan, strategize, organize, prioritize and act towards the established end goal.