Northern BC Graduate Students' Society

Director of Community Development (2024 – 2025)

Ariadna, currently completing her first year as a master’s student in NRES, is a passionate event organizer with a track record of coordinating various beneficial events, including reforestation drives, hair donation campaigns, and birthdays within her research group. She also taught a STEM course for young girls as part of a governmental program to increase female participation in STEM fields. Ariadna has developed strong communication skills, organizational abilities, leadership qualities, and a sense of collaboration. As Director of Community Development, she aims to create engaging and creative events that promote cultural understanding, dismantle barriers to inclusion, and ensure every member feels valued, heard, and supported.

Email address: gssevents@unbc.ca

Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (2024 – 2025)

Humaira, an MA English student researching marginalized voices through the framework of post-colonial and black feminist criticism, is dedicated to supporting people of diverse backgrounds. She has been recognized for her poetry and involvement in various socio-cultural and voluntary works, including the “Revolutio-Nari” photography & poetry exhibition, the SAYS Peace Message Contest, and the Asian English Olympics. Humaira believes in creating an inclusive culture where all voices are heard and aims to work towards a sufficiently inclusive environment at UNBC, considering each individual’s unique circumstances.

Email address: gssdiversity@unbc.ca

Director of External Relations (2024 – 2025)

Shahzeb, an M.Sc. student in Structural Engineering with a background in Civil Engineering from NUST Pakistan, has extensive experience in social media management and event organization. As Director of Social Media for NUST Technical Amusement Club and National TechFest 2020, he significantly boosted events’ visibility, engagement, and financial success through innovative strategies. Shahzeb has also served as a Teaching Assistant at UNBC, building a robust academic network. He aims to enhance the visibility, outreach, and impact of the Graduate Student Society by leveraging his experience in managing external communications and building networks.

Email address: gssexternal@unbc.ca

Director of Indigenous Students’ Affairs (2024 – 2025)

Taanishi, Briana Greer dishinihkaashoon. Terrace d’ooshchiin. Prince Rupert ni wiikin. Aen Michif niiya. Hello, my name is Briana Greer. I am from Terrace, BC and live in Prince Rupert, BC when I am not studying here in Prince George!

Briana, a proud Métis person and Métis Nation British Columbia member, is pursuing a Master of Political Science at UNBC. She previously completed her bachelor’s degree at UNBC, double majoring in political science and global & international studies, with a certificate in public administration. Briana has been an active member of her nation, serving as the Métis youth representative for Northwest BC and attending many conferences and gatherings on behalf of her local Métis community, Métis Nation British Columbia, Métis National Council, and Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak. She is also the Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for Carmen Arts and a Director/Métis Women’s Representative for Prince Rupert & District Métis Society. Briana has experience in Indigenous advocacy through her previous work as Jordan’s principal coordinator and grant writer for Métis communities in Northwest BC. As Director of Indigenous Students’ Affairs, she aims to ensure the university is culturally safe for Indigenous students and guide NBCGSS in following reconciliatory practices and protocols.

Email address: gssindigenous@unbc.ca

Director of Communications and Student Engagement (2024 – 2025)

Shahryar, a professional photographer, and MSc graduate has managed social media for photography and language learning, engaging diverse audiences through compelling visual content. He has been involved in academic groups, including a science club during his BSc and a research center in Tehran, organizing events and fostering communication across different fields. Shahryar has also played a key role in facilitating communication between professors and students as the representative of his cohort during his M.Sc. time. As Director of Communications and Student Engagement, he plans to enhance the NBCGSS’s digital presence, organize inclusive events reflecting students’ broad interests, and create an environment where everyone feels encouraged to share ideas and contribute to collective achievements.

Email address: gsscomms@unbc.ca

Director of Student Welfare (2024 – 2025)

Sophia, a passionate graduate student in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biotechnology from Wenzhou University, Zhejiang, China. She has dedicated her time to volunteering with the Inspiring Women Among Us (IWAU), the Central Interior Science Exhibition (CISE) for children in grades 4-12, and the successful Graduate Students’ Week. Sophia also led a humanitarian mission to an internally displaced persons camp in northern Nigeria, providing vital food supplies and clothing materials. As Director of Student Welfare, she aims to address the diverse welfare needs of all graduate students, foster partnerships with external employers, draw opportunities for sponsorships, and expand the scope of the graduate student experience at UNBC.

Email address: gsswelfare@unbc.ca

Regional Students’ Representative (2024 – 2025)

George, a dedicated professional pursuing a master’s degree in development economics, has years of experience in economic and community development. During his Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics with Computing, he held leadership positions in the Economics Students’ Association and won a National Award for his project on setting up an innovative vocational and business center for orphanage homes and the less privileged. George has taught youth financial literacy skills, entrepreneurship, and personal development, helping many start their own businesses. He has also been actively involved in volunteer work for organizations like the Paceworld Foundation, Discipled to Disciple Network, and the United Nations Association of Ghana. George believes his experience, skills, and passion for business and sustainable development will enable him to make meaningful contributions to UNBC and NBCGSS platforms.

Email address: gssregional@unbc.ca

Director at Large (2024 – 2025)

Alireza, a PhD candidate in Natural Resources and Environmental Engineering at UNBC, holds a first Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Amir Kabir University of Technology in Iran, where he was recognized as the second outstanding student. He also has an MSc and BS in Civil Engineering with exceptional academic achievements. Alireza has served as the Supervisor of the Environment Department and Manager of the Civil Engineering and Infrastructure Research Group at the Tehran Research and Planning Center (TURPC), contributing to sustainable and inclusive urban development. With over 40 published papers, 12 technical reports, three registered patents, and experience managing more than 20 research projects, Alireza is committed to promoting a welcoming and inclusive environment for all graduate students, advocating for policies that foster diversity and equal opportunities, and organizing events to raise awareness about equity, diversity, and inclusion in academia.

Email address: gssdal@unbc.ca

Executive Director

Rozanna, the Executive Director of NBCGSS, is a dedicated social worker with a diverse background in account management, client services, IT, and communications. With six years in the corporate sector and six years with the Government of Canada in Sri Lanka, she excels in change management and developmental issues. Rozanna’s commitment to humanity and sustainability shapes her professional journey.

As Executive Director, she is responsible for strategic planning, working with the board of directors (B of D), and operating within a budget to ensure the office runs smoothly. She holds a BSc. in Business Information Technology from the University of Greenwich, a postgraduate diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership from Pearson, a Master of Social Work from the National Institute of Social Development in Sri Lanka, and an MA in International Studies from UNBC.

Rozanna also founded “Hope for Humanity,” supporting children and women’s empowerment in Sri Lanka. Passionate about balancing human and environmental needs, she believes in linking resources effectively.

Email address: gssoffice@unbc.ca