Meet the inspiring students who are building communities in Arts, at UBC, and beyond. In 2023, we received close to 120 nominations and celebrate 81 students who have demonstrated the amazing capacity our students have to improve their communities and the world.
Our student leaders represent 26 different majors within the Faculty of Arts, ranging from First Nations and Indigenous Studies to Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies, Political Science and Creative Writing, and many more.
These students held senior positions in student associations like the UBC Alma Mater Society, Arts Undergraduate Society, Arts Co-op Students’ Association, and departmental student associations. They led research projects, assisted program developments, built caucuses, started new initiatives, and have demonstrated service leadership through positions with the AMS Indigenous Committee, Equity and Inclusion, Orientations, Residence Life, Peer Programs, and beyond.
We asked award winners and nominees about the experiences that had the greatest impact on them during their undergrad and how they have grown during their time at UBC Arts.
Award Winners
Learn more about the award winners in these three posts:
Outstanding Student Leaders in the Faculty of Arts
- Atticus Yus, English Language & Literatures and Geographical Sciences
- Ashley Samsone, Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies and Scandinavian Studies
Outstanding Student Leaders in the UBC Community
- Moha Chaturvedi, Psychology
- Nakoda Hunter, First Nations and Indigenous Studies
- Talynn English, Political Science and Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Justice
Outstanding Student Leaders in the UBC Community and Beyond
- Fatima Rua, Political Science
Award Nominees
Rosemary Alberts, Political Science & Law & Society
What student leadership opportunity had the most impact on you during your time at UBC?
The most impactful opportunity for me was being a part of the Residence Hall Association (RHA), which was also my first leadership opportunity at UBC. I didn’t know where I belonged at UBC and decided to join when there was an open position, where I helped create experiences for residents for the next three years. Even though I helped create a fun community through events and leadership for these residents, the other members of RHA were the ones who created a community for me and provided me with close friendships that made my undergraduate experience even better.
What did you learn about yourself at UBC?
I learned that connecting with people and having a community is very important to me. At first, UBC was an unknown place that I had no connection to but over time, I learned so much about the people around me in ways that would have been unfathomable to me on the first day of my first year. If you are willing to listen, there is something special you can take from everyone’s story while sharing some of your own. This is a lesson I will apply in life beyond my time at UBC.
Keina Aoki, Cognitive Systems
What student leadership opportunity had the most impact on you during your time at UBC?
The opportunity to become President of the Exchange Student Club (ESC) has been a highlight of my undergraduate experience. Studying abroad through UBC’s Go Global program also allowed me to learn more about myself by jumping out of my comfort zone and challenging myself. It helped me gain self-confidence and ultimately take initiative to create a community for myself and my peers who want to make friends from different cultures and backgrounds.
What did you learn about yourself at UBC?
Over the years at UBC, I’ve learned to gain a “How will I know if I don’t try it?” mindset. I’m grateful to UBC for the various community opportunities, particularly the Exchange Student Club and research lab that has helped me gain confidence in trying something new, speaking up, and even making mistakes. I’ve learned that I shouldn’t be afraid to get out of my comfort zone and explore my limits.
Sejal Arora, Economics
What student leadership opportunity had the most impact on you during your time at UBC?
The Agora Mentorship Program made me realize that leadership is not just about delegating tasks or making decisions; it’s about empowering others and building relationships. The act of exchanging student experiences and understanding their apprehensions planted in me a desire to provide them with practical solutions to all their academic and career related queries.
What did you learn about yourself at UBC?
UBC has instilled in me valuable personal values such as believing in the importance of hard work, continuously striving to improve oneself, and facing and overcoming personal fears through interactions with a diverse range of individuals and coursework. Don’t hesitate to make new acquaintances and always be willing to inquire. This will increase your drive towards achieving desired outcomes.
Hayley Banks, International Relations
What student leadership opportunity had the most impact on you during your time at UBC?
My role as President of the Arts Co-op Students’ Association definitely had the most impact on me. Getting the chance to see students grow their confidence as they enter into the workforce was really exciting, and the experience introduced me to so many intelligent individuals.
What did you learn about yourself at UBC?
I learned that I can trust myself a lot more than I think I can. University is definitely a time of challenges and difficulties—both academic and beyond—but in experiencing these things, I learned that I can trust my gut to make the best decision for myself and my academic journey.
Francesca Berthiaume, Psychology
What student leadership opportunity had the most impact on you during your time at UBC?
Each leadership opportunity I’ve had during my time at UBC placed me in impactful situations where I could create meaningful connections between students and the University. However, I think one of the most impactful opportunities was my position as a Peer Health Educator, where I spoke directly to students about their wellbeing needs and helped to meet those needs or aid in closing the existing gaps. As a first-generation student, I know getting help can be confusing and it meant everything to me to be able to help others in the same position.
What did you learn about yourself at UBC?
I learned that I am not only one thing and that the potential to change and grow is unlimited. There are so many different facets to being a person and UBC gave me the opportunity to explore all of them.
Amanda Cama, Social Work
What student leadership opportunity had the most impact on you during your time at UBC?
Being the Student Representative to the Board of Directors for the BC Association of Social Workers has impacted me most during my time at UBC because it has taught me that a professional body representing social workers can be incredibly effective in our work as social workers. It is especially effective when a like-minded group comes together to reduce barriers and mitigate oppressive structures affecting the people we serve. This role has provided me with a supplementary learning experience in the effectiveness of ‘power in numbers’ as a way to pursue social justice and ultimately serve humanity, which is why I pursued an education and career in social work in the first place.
What did you learn about yourself at UBC?
I learned that authentic leadership is more about stepping aside than stepping up. By encouraging the voices of others during my leadership experiences, I have discovered that learning never ceases when you give others the opportunity to teach you.
Marie Campione, Psychology
What student leadership opportunity had the most impact on you during your time at UBC?
Being one of the fourth-year leaders of the Honors Psychology program. When I was in the program in my third year, I really looked up to the fourth-year leaders and found their guidance very helpful. I was very grateful to be able to pass on what they taught me.
What did you learn about yourself at UBC?
I learned that maintaining a work-life balance helps me be successful. I do better on exams when I sleep the night before instead of pulling an all nighter to get extra studying in, I feel less stressed when I take the time to go out with my friends rather than spending all my evenings in the library, and I do my best studying in little chunks over long periods rather than in 8-hour long studying sessions the day before an exam. Everyone thrives under different conditions, and I’m happy I’ve spent my time at UBC figuring out the best approaches for me.
Colby Chambers, Honours Economics
What student leadership opportunity had the most impact on you during your time at UBC?
Leading UBC’s undergraduate economics journal as Editor-in-Chief has consistently challenged me to present difficult statistics and econometrics material with clarity, patience, and poise. Doing this while also selecting undergraduate papers for publication alongside excellent junior and senior editors has been rewarding beyond words. Further, it has assured me of my potential to succeed in research centered on causal inference in economics post-graduation.
What did you learn about yourself at UBC?
No matter how difficult the coursework or how numerous the commitments, I was always able to remain positive and achieve my goals. I hope to keep this in mind in the future when I see opportunities that seem too intimidating or consider goals that seem too lofty. I know that an optimistic and resilient attitude can go a long way.
Avani Dhunna, English Language & Literatures
What student leadership opportunity had the most impact on you during your time at UBC?
Obtaining the role of Co-Editor-in-Chief for UBC’s undergraduate literary journal, The Garden Statuary, has undoubtedly been my most impactful leadership opportunity. The soulful literary community allowed me to sustain growth in a managerial position that also provided a great deal of enlightenment and valuable learning experiences.
What did you learn about yourself at UBC?
I have learned to trust my personal resilience and everlasting passion for art. Persevering through severe health challenges during my most pivotal academic moments as an undergraduate student has provided me with a new-found empathy for my peers and cosmic appreciation for the functionality of art throughout the world.
Isabella Falsetti, Geography
What student leadership opportunity had the most impact on you during your time at UBC?
Being the photo editor at The Ubyssey has been the most fulfilling experience of my entire university career and has defined who I am as a person. The sheer variety of people I’ve gotten to meet through my job—from student activists and athletes to the presidents of UBC, has shown me just how vibrant the UBC campus is. It has also been so rewarding to teach others about photojournalism and get them excited about the craft I love most.
What did you learn about yourself at UBC?
I have learned that good things take time. My experience at university has not always been a pleasant one, but finding something you’re passionate about and people who can celebrate that passion with you is one of the most rewarding things in life. UBC is large enough and diverse enough that I hope such a space exists for every student on campus. You may not find it immediately, and you may even have to create that community yourself, but know that there are people out there who can and will encourage you to be the best you can possibly be.
Kaitlyn Hagihara, Psychology & Commerce
What student leadership opportunity had the most impact on you during your time at UBC?
In my role as the Associate Vice President Administration for the Arts Undergraduate Society, I had countless illuminating experiences that taught me about my own resilience in the face of adversity. It was in this position that I became confident in my communication and organizational skills, and my overall ability to handle daunting situations with real-world implications. I have grown so much from these responsibilities and experiences, and I am truly grateful for having the opportunity to serve in such an important role.
What did you learn about yourself at UBC?
I learned that I am caring, considerate, thoughtful, and resilient. I learned that I love sunny days, and hate the rain, but love the quiet that comes with snow. I learned that I am stronger than I thought I was, and more capable than I could have imagined myself to be.
Chelsea Jang, Speech Sciences & Special Education
What student leadership opportunity had the most impact on you during your time at UBC?
As a Research Assistant at the Mortenson Lab, I have gained insight into the experiences of individuals with disabilities and the diverse innovative solutions to alleviate accessibility barriers within communities. By connecting with researchers, municipalities, organizations, and stakeholders across Canada and internationally, I have acquired an abundance of knowledge regarding accessibility research. My involvement in the Mobility, Access and Participation Research Partnership has greatly expanded my perspective and skills in creating a more equitable and inclusive world.
What did you learn about yourself at UBC?
By pushing myself out of my comfort zone to pursue valuable learning opportunities, I discovered specific areas of interest that I am passionate about. Additionally, I learned that I am always in pursuit of knowledge and looking to problem-solve.
Alexandra Lamb, Honours English & Honours Philosophy
What student leadership opportunity had the most impact on you during your time at UBC?
My involvement in hosting social and networking events for the Philosophy Students’ Association, such as The Dialectic, pub nights, and beginning our club’s new winter formal legacy, the Philosopher’s Ball, has been most impactful. These events led to the creation of strong friendships. Many club members have told me that I helped them feel less alone on campus by introducing them to like-minded individuals, and that the relationships they made in our club felt personal, not transactional, and they would last for life. The opportunity to make such an impact on people’s social lives is what means the most to me.
What did you learn about yourself at UBC?
I learned what I cared about and what kind of impact I want to continue having on this world. Bringing people together over the shared love of critical thought and working hard to support my community showed me that this is the sort of work I want to keep doing for the rest of my life, and this experience gave me the confidence to begin taking on other leadership roles outside of UBC.
Josh Lee, Human Geography
What student leadership opportunity had the most impact on you during your time at UBC?
The opportunity to lead an Imagine Day group last September was not only a full circle moment for my academic career but also one that allowed me to do something I typically would feel anxious doing. While initially intimidating to lead a group of 25 exchange students, my co-group leader and I were able to give the students a fun and informative first impression of life at UBC through our own personal anecdotes and experiences.
What did you learn about yourself at UBC?
I have learned that I can take chances and risks both academically and socially despite my own doubts and anxiety. For instance, I used to play it safe and stay in my comfort zone in terms of joining school clubs, meeting people, and participating in classes. Being able to leave my comfort zone has allowed me to branch off and make new friends through club events and develop the confidence to actively participate in class discussions instead of remaining quiet.
Katie Levis, Speech Sciences
What student leadership opportunity had the most impact on you during your time at UBC?
The opportunity that had the biggest impact on me at UBC was my involvement with the Speech and Linguistics Student Association (SALSA). Over the past four years, I have both participated as a club member and as part of the executive team, holding the positions of Project Manager Assistant, Project Manager, and Vice President. In these roles, I’ve helped provide important resources for students, connected with my peers, and helped strengthen the linguistics and speech sciences community. Over time, I have learned how to become a better leader, how to plan and execute events, and the significance of community building and forming connections.
What did you learn about yourself at UBC?
I realized how much I enjoy learning, especially with the opportunity to broaden my horizons and take courses outside my major. I also learned a lot more about who I am, my core values, and how to put myself first.
Colby Payne, Honours English Language & Literatures & Russian
What student leadership opportunity had the most impact on you during your time at UBC?
My involvement with UBC’s undergraduate English journal, The Garden Statuary as an editor, co-editor-in-chief, and as a writer, has been an invaluable part of my time at UBC. The opportunity to meet, work alongside, and provide a platform for so many amazing and talented people has been incredibly rewarding, and I’ve loved reading my peers’ work over the years.
What did you learn about yourself at UBC?
I learned what I am capable of, and that I am capable of much more than I could have imagined. Equally, though, I learned the importance of not pushing myself beyond my limits, of asking for support, and of striving for balance whenever possible.
Nayah Schaufler, Psychology & First Nations and Indigenous Studies
What student leadership opportunity had the most impact on you during your time at UBC?
The first opportunity that comes to mind was the Indigenous Students Leadership (ILC) Collective bake sale, earning funds towards supporting the Unist’ot’en Clan and their legal fees. I, along with other members of the ILC baked and sold baked goods on campus, collecting $1,100 for legal fees as well as raising awareness within the UBC student body on matters of Indigenous self-governance, and the infringement on the rights of the Wet’suwet’en Nation during the creation of the Coastal Gas Link Pipeline. This was impactful, as it gave back to those in need and fostered discussions with our peers who may have otherwise never engaged with such topics.
What did you learn about yourself at UBC?
I learned to trust in my own abilities and not be afraid to make mistakes. When imposter syndrome sets in, it became vital to trust in the ideas I had, to have no fear in asking questions, and to be willing to say the wrong thing at times. The biggest takeaway from this was to not be right all the time, but to make a significant effort to get it right.
Erin Song, International Economics
What student leadership opportunity had the most impact on you during your time at UBC?
I have been the President of the Vancouver School of Economics Undergraduate Society (VSEUS) since May 2021. Prior to this, I served as the Assistant Vice President Academic of VSEUS, before being elected to Vice President Academic. Most of my extracurricular leadership experience and growth is grounded in this organization.
What did you learn about yourself at UBC?
To feel successful, I do not need to compare myself to another person’s yardstick. I find so much more satisfaction and happiness from being a better person than I was yesterday.
Rose Steele, Film Studies
What student leadership opportunity had the most impact on you during your time at UBC?
My second-year as an Indigenous Collegium Advisor had the most impact, as the other advisors and I were given a brand new collegium space to transform into our own “home away from home”. We put a lot of work and personalization into the space for the students.
What did you learn about yourself at UBC?
I don’t think there are enough words to describe what I’ve learned about myself—everything from my academic and emotional learning to my goals. However, there’s still much more to learn! I believe I will gain more knowledge of myself and the world continuously throughout my life.
Quinn Storey, Honours Psychology
What student leadership opportunity had the most impact on you during your time at UBC?
One of the most impactful experiences I had in my time at UBC was working as a leader in the honours psychology cohort. In addition to orienting students to the expectations of the program and supporting them in achieving their academic goals, I organized social events to build a sense of community among incoming students. The goal of these casual gatherings was to foster a sense of belonging within what could have been a competitive and intimidating environment.
What did you learn about yourself at UBC?
In my time at UBC, I developed a newfound appreciation for my personal capacity. Through managing a full course load, extracurricular research, varsity athletics, and leadership roles as a captain and a senior honours student, I discovered that I am capable of more than I thought possible. This four-year period of self-discovery and growth has set the stage for the next phase of my journey and it would not have been possible without the guidance of my mentors. My capacity has been developed by my community, and I hope to return the investment to others.
Ava Tabatabaei, Political Science
What student leadership opportunity had the most impact on you during your time at UBC?
My work in the UBC Persian Club (UBCPC) as Vice President of Student Life and President has deeply impacted me during my time at UBC. It has connected me to my culture and community and given me the opportunity to face leadership crises, such as differing opinions regarding actions for the current Iran protests. I have used my time at UBCPC to develop and teach a Farsi curriculum, collaborate with different universities, work with small Iranian businesses, and fundraise for academic freedom and children in Iran.
What did you learn about yourself at UBC?
At UBC, I learned that I am resilient, hardworking, and passionate about advocacy and understanding myself through theory. Much of my self-discovery can be summarized in my choice to pursue a Middle Eastern Studies thesis, which has required lots of time, energy, reading, and trial and error. My topic, “Iranian-American diasporic identity viewed through the lens of political identity theory” has forced me to face my own identity, to push through readings that highlight traumas I have faced as a diasporic Iranian, and to trust myself enough to critique and rewrite theories as they apply to my case study. Most of all, this thesis has taught me that I have the capability to take responsibility for a deep study of who I am and how my community operates.
Amy Topshee, Political Science & International Relations
What student leadership opportunity had the most impact on you during your time at UBC?
The most impactful leadership opportunity during my time at UBC has been my role as Fundraising Officer on the UBC Triathlon Team because it has enabled personal growth in all aspects of my life. Joining the triathlon team in my first year has helped me stay physically and mentally healthy, make friends, and be involved in my community while giving me the opportunity to represent UBC in national and international competitions. As a team leader, I have enabled others to access this same incredible opportunity as well as make them feel welcome at UBC.
What did you learn about yourself at UBC?
I learned that I should have confidence in myself and my abilities. UBC has taught me that I have a lot to offer my community and that I am capable of making a difference if I am willing to step up and use the tools and techniques that I have learned here.
Rachel Wan, English Languages & Literatures & Creative Writing
What student leadership opportunity had the most impact on you during your time at UBC?
Being part of the UBC Student Alumni Council helped me meet other dedicated and strong student leaders on campus and bridge the connection between current students and UBC alumni.
What did you learn about yourself at UBC?
I learned that growth comes in stages and sometimes we don’t notice the hard work until we reach the end of our goal at the very end of our journey. Be patient with the process and trust in the person I am becoming.
Ivona Zivkovic, Geography & Law and Society
What student leadership opportunity had the most impact on you during your time at UBC?
As a Residence Advisor, I grew and learned so much about myself—I cannot imagine my UBC journey without Residence Life. Whether I was planning fun and engaging programs focused on community building, facilitating meetings, providing peer support, or just running into people in the elevator of our residence building, I have loved every aspect of my past three years in Residence Life! This role has pushed and challenged me to leave my comfort zone, and I will forever be grateful for the residents and teammates I have met along the way, because together, we have created an incredible community.
What did you learn about yourself at UBC?
I can be and do so much more than I ever thought I was capable of. I no longer let my fears and self-doubt hold me back from going after and achieving what I believe in. I have learned that every experience, every lesson, and even every mistake has provided me with an opportunity to learn and grow.
Recognized Leaders within the Arts Community
The following graduating students were also recognized by their peers, advisors, mentors and professors for their extraordinary leadership within the Faculty of Arts.
Joaquin Acuna, International Economics
Sofia Allueva, Social Work
Ignacio Ascenzo Salazar, International Economics
Alina Bhimji, Political Science
Julia Brockley, International Economics
Arya Chokshi, International Economics
Manan Dedhia, International Economics
Alice Deng, Honours English Language and Literatures
Lily Diamond, History & Philosophy
Florent Dusenge, International Economics
Mary Falade, Psychology & English Language and Literatures
Lucy Fan, International Economics
Bhavna Ganapathi, Psychology
Anushka Gupta, International Economics
Nicholas Harterre, International Economics
Tyra Jones, Sociology
Eugene Kwok, International Economics
Hunter Lang, Political Science & Law and Society
James LaRose, Political Science
Hunter Lastiwka, International Economics
Celina Medrano-Miller, Linguistics
Alex Miller, International Relations
Tiffany Ngan, Sociology
Quyen Nguyen, Economics
Isabel Ochoa Prieto, Political Science & Sociology
Sunny Park, Visual Arts
Chuyue Shan, Psychology
Hui Shen, International Economics
Yiyu Song, International Economics
Clara Sui, Music
Hana Takeuchi, Human Geography
Amanjoyt Takhar
Elaine Tao, Psychology
Khushi Thadani, Psychology & Commerce
Frida Törnqvist Schölde, English Language and Literatures
Adam Vilio, International Economics
Boyi Xu, Psychology
Jinmeng Xu,International Economics
Mingyang Xu, International Economics
Junhui Zhao, International Economics
