I am thrilled to be in the NUGGS President position, a role that requires a steadfast commitment to enhancing our campus experience and fostering a vibrant academic community. My name is Syeda Emaan Iftikhar, and I am excited about the opportunity to serve as your advocate and leader.

About Me:

I am currently a 1st year majoring in Political Science. I am from Pakistan and have recently moved from The United Arab Emirates after living there for 21 years. Throughout my academic journey, I have consistently demonstrated a passion for excellence, both in and out of the classroom. My experiences have equipped me with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that schools and universities face.

Leadership Experience:

I have a proven track record of leadership within various student organizations, including being a deputy head girl at my previous school, Leading the Debate club and participating in the SLO during all my school years. In these roles, I successfully enhanced student and community engagements and organized events such as international days, sports days, and other educational seminars and events. I collaborated with diverse groups to achieve common goals.

I have also organized and been involved in international events and conferences from a young age, such as the International Round Table Conference for Climate Change (2016) and the Roundtable Conference for Type 1 Diabetes (2019).

nugss-president@unbc.ca

Hi - My name is Armaan Jamwal. I am a second-year student pursuing a Bachelor of commerce with a major in Management information systems.

I am always consistent with my studies, but I also like to enjoy life. I like to spend time with my friends and make meaningful memories. I am a practical person, and I like to focus on the prominent parts of life. I am enthusiastic about my physical fitness as well as my mental fitness. I am very keen on playing basketball. I like keeping my priorities straight and not compromising them over medial tasks. I like to look at the bigger picture but also enjoy the trivial moments of life.

I am from a very beautiful part of India known as Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India. I am fluent in three languages: Hindi, Punjabi, and English. I respect all cultures and have had the opportunity to learn about many different cultures and religions throughout my school life. I am easily approachable and eager to learn about things that require attention and educate me. I am socially aware and have been taught by my culture to respect everyone.

My vision is to succeed in this position as Vice president and learn many things from this experience. While writing this biography, I recalled a very heartfelt quote by Anatole France: “Nine-tenths of education is encouragement.”

Thank you for all your support.

nugss-vicepresident@unbc.ca

Hi there, I am Ayaan Punjani, a 19-year-old International Business major at UNBC. My passion for life is fueled by a love for sports, particularly F1, football, and cricket. These sports ignite my competitive spirit and keep me active and engaged.

Family and friends hold a special place in my heart, and they are the cornerstone of my life. I take pride in being a fun and caring individual, always eager to spend quality time with my loved ones. Being spontaneous is my nature, and I relish every moment spent hanging out with people, creating memories that last a lifetime.

I've often found myself in the role of a confidant, the person people turn to when they need to vent their thoughts and feelings. I am an amazing listener, always ready with a smile on my face and a light-hearted giggle, which I believe can brighten anyone's day.

Life, for me, is an ever-changing journey, and I embrace it with open arms. While balance is essential, finding happiness in both the ups and downs is equally important. Life's challenges are opportunities to learn and grow, and I approach them with a positive outlook.

My name is Adrien, and I am a passionate advocate for inclusive communities and positive change. I grew up in Williams Lake, a small town surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of nature. Currently, I am going into my fourth year studying Integrated Science here at UNBC, and I absolutely love our little university. My drive to foster inclusive communities comes from a deep-rooted belief in the power of diversity. I strongly believe that everyone, regardless of their background or identity, deserves equal opportunities and a voice in shaping their university experience.

When I'm not busy with my studies or community work, you can often find me at Degrees, savoring a delicious London Fog while hanging out with friends. I also love Forests for the World. Taking a leisurely walk through its serene trails reconnects me with the beauty that surrounds our campus and reminds me of the importance of environmental stewardship.

I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of our university. As I continue my journey here, I am excited to collaborate with others to serve the needs of undergraduate students at UNBC. Together, we can build a stronger, united UNBC community that embraces diversity, cherishes sustainability, and thrives on inclusivity.

“Namaste (नमस्ते)”

I am a 2nd-year undergraduate majoring in Physics at UNBC, an aspiring Physics-Tech Aficionado.

Originally from India, a land rich in culture and its own unique identity. I migrated to Canada to embark on my new journey and further my studies starting in January 2023.

Transitioning from the lively streets of India to the dynamic halls of UNBC, providing me with an unyielding pursuit of knowledge and exploration. The opportunities presented by both the university and the city of Prince George have been phenomenal in shaping my growth, equipping me with invaluable experiences and skills for the future.

From conducting scientific experiments in school labs to crafting recyclable rockets for projects, my academic journey has been defined by a thirst for understanding and a commitment to excellence. Beyond academics, I am committed to student life at UNBC. I have volunteered for various organizations at UNBC, including NUGSS, which has provided me the opportunity to advocate for and represent my peers. I held an executive position in the MAC committee where I actively reviewed and recommended financial decisions, administered grants, and assessed funding requests for Student-Led Organizations.

As an international student, I intimately understand the challenges and triumphs that come with navigating new horizons. I want to advocate for student empowerment and invite you to join me on a voyage of discovery and transformation. I believe in the power of events to bring joy and connection, and I am dedicated to strengthening the community of students at UNBC.

Doug joined us in July 2019 with over 15 years of supervisory and management experience, along with many courses and certifications to compliment his work experience at that time.

Doug has spent the past dozen years in the hospitality industry working in hotels, restaurants, and conference centers; he brings an extensive background in guest services along with food and beverage management.

As a part-time mature student he brings a different perspective to NUGSS and hopes that he can continue to create opportunities for students and improve their experience at UNBC.

nugss-gm@unbc.ca

Hi Everyone,

I'm an undergraduate student currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resources Management at UNBC. I’ve been with NUGSS since March 2021, wearing different hats like WUSC Coordinator and Pub Supervisor. These experiences have not only honed my leadership skills but also deepened my understanding of the dynamic needs of our student community.

My time at NUGSS and UNBC has allowed me to cultivate a strong foundation in leadership, emphasizing teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. I'm eager to leverage my passion for student engagement and my academic background in HR to enhance office operations, streamline communication, and create an efficient and welcoming environment for our student body.

I look forward to actively engaging with you, working to understand your needs and aspirations better, and providing you with the support and resources you need to thrive.

nugss-officemanager@unbc.ca

I'm Jayesh Wadhwani, a proud product of India's rich culture and Uganda's vibrant landscape in East Africa. Growing up in such diverse settings has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the beauty found in our differences.

My journey as an advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) began with the realization that every voice deserves to be heard and valued. That's why I am keen on the role of an EDI Councillor within our undergraduate student society—it's my way of ensuring that every student feels seen and included.

I believe in the power of empathy and understanding. By actively engaging with our community, I aim to dismantle systemic barriers and create a more inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

My approach to leadership is rooted in authenticity and integrity. I strive to lead by example, fostering an atmosphere of openness and respect where dialogue flourishes, and ideas are welcomed from all corners.

Together, let's weave a tapestry of acceptance and belonging, celebrating the unique backgrounds and experiences that make each of us who we are. With dedication and compassion, I’m committed to building a brighter, more equitable future for us all.

My name is Saiesh Raviraj Shetty and I’m studying bachelor’s in commerce with a major in Finance. I am an ambitious business student with a keen interest in Finance and Mathematics. I am driven by a competitive nature, constantly striving to improve my skills in academics and sports alike. I possess an inquisitive nature, always eager to learn a new skill, formula, or technique.

As a leader, I thrive, showcasing excellent communication skills and an unwaveringly enthusiastic approach. I have a solid grasp of knowledge and am adept at motivating team members, reflecting my sporty nature. I have taken a couple of student volunteer roles and have been a part of the student council previously in school back in my home country. With a commitment to academic excellence and a passion for continuous learning, I am poised to make a positive impact at the University of Northern British Columbia.

Aahana Devani is a second-year student from India, pursuing a BSc in Psychology at UNBC, with a minor in Business. She has been actively involved in various leadership and advocacy roles, including serving as the Social Media Head for student organizations and leading community outreach initiatives.

Aahana’s background in psychology allows her to understand diverse perspectives and promote inclusivity. Her experience in organizing events and campaigns, along with her commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, makes her passionate about advocating for marginalized groups.

As a member of the EDI Councillor, Aahana aims to amplify underrepresented voices and foster a supportive environment for all students.

My name is Frank Samnani, and I was born in Hyderabad, India. I grew up in a loving household with my mom, dad, and younger brother. Our family life was filled with warmth and support, and I cherish the memories we created together.

I spent almost ten years at the Aga Khan Academy in Hyderabad. My time there was transformative, as I had the opportunity to grow in a nurturing environment. I graduated in 2022, paving the way for my journey to Canada.

Now, I’m majoring in biology at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). The transition to university life has been both exciting and challenging, and I’m eager to dive deeper into the sciences and get into research as a career path.

In addition to my studies, I have a passion for sports. I love playing football and basketball, but I enjoy engaging in a variety of other sports as well. Being active not only keeps me fit but also allows me to connect with others and build lasting friendships through teamwork.

As I look to the future, I am filled with excitement as to what awaits me in both my personal and professional lives.

Sayyab Ali Chaudhary is a second-year accounting student at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). Coming from Lahore, Pakistan, a city known for its vibrant culture and welcoming people, Sayyab carries the warmth and friendliness of "hearty Lahoris."

As a skilled chess player, Sayyab earned the title of runner-up in the Lahore Chess Championship, reflecting a passion for strategy and competition.

Balancing academic responsibilities with personal interests, Sayyab is committed to continuous growth in studies and life.