Mohawk Students' Association

Who we Are

The Mohawk Students’ Association (MSA) is a Non-Profit Organization built for and led by Mohawk College students through an elected Student Board of Directors (BOD). Though we are a separate entity of the college, we work collaboratively to support Mohawk Students.

We empower Mohawk Students to create a community they can lean on for positive experiences, relevant supports, a listening ear, and a strong voice so they can achieve personal success in their college experience and beyond.

Person in strong confident pose.

Meet the 2023/2024 MSA Board of Directors

The Mohawk Students' Association Board of Directors

Photo of Elizabeth-Joy. Her hair is in long dark braids with purple accents and is wearing a white shirt with a pink flower necklace.

Elizabeth-Joy Phillips

President

Elizabeth-Joy Phillips graduated from the Social Service Work program in 2023 from Mohawk’s Six Nations Polytechnic College. And she came into her role as President of the MSA Board of Directors on November 29., 2022.

Using her passion for helping others, she started creating content on Instagram under the username the Queen_of_Resources, providing information to students to help them navigate college life. She brings a keen sense of fashion to her presidency, so you will see her in the halls, where she’s likely to greet you with a smile and helpful advice.

Photo of Michael. They have short dark hair and is wearing a white collared shirt.

Michael Falletta

Treasurer

Michael Falletta (he/him), who was in the workforce for ten years decided to return to Mohawk College to study Business with a focus on marketing to support a career change.  An avid cyclist and hiker, he can be seen walking home after winter classes at the Fennell campus on the icy escarpment 

Photo of Kisha. They have long braided hair with purple highlights and are wearing a floral jacket over a black shirt, with a soft yellow scarf on top.

Kisha Amoah

Corporate Secretary

Kisha Amoah (she/her) is ambitious in her goals, having run for Director at Large during her first year taking the fast-track program for Social Work at the Fennell Campus. Kisha wants to help students get more involved in life at Mohawk by accessing available resources, joining clubs of like-minded students, or taking the initiative at the college.   

Picture of Harnoor. They are wearing a black turban and a bright green hoodie sweatshirt.

Harnoor Singh

Director at Large

Harnoor Singh (he/him) is taking Computer Systems Technology full-time at Mohawk’s Fennel Campus, focusing on Network Systems. During his spare time, Harnoor creates Instagram Reels and YouTube videos showing clips of popular video games, like Genshim Impact, an action role-playing game released worldwide by Hoyoverse in 2020.  

Photo of Jassica. They have long dark hair and are wearing a powder blue blazer over a white collared shirt.

Jassica Jassica

Director at Large

Jassica Jassica (she/her) is attending Mohawks triOS College in Mississauga and studying Business. Since an early age, Jassica has been interested in politics within her country, and her city, which led her to her current position as Director at Large with the MSAAs part of her platform, she hopes to improve the Mohawk College experience for international students and change its Health and Services sector. 

Photo of Parvathy. They have medium length dark hair and are wearing a pink shirt that reads 'Equality', glasses and a black headband.

Parvathy Rajan Palaparambil

Director at Large

Parvathy Rajan Palaparabil (she/they), a natural people person, ran for Director at Large while in her first year of Canadian Health Care for Foreign Trained Professionals at the IAHS campus. Parvathy wants to advocate for students from different communities, such as students with disabilities, international students, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ students, to enhance diversity and inclusion at Mohawk College. 

Photo of Pedro. They have short dark hair, some facial hair and glasses. They are wearing a grey plaid shirt over a green graphic t-shirt with a gold necklace.

Pedro Nemezio de Campos Silva

Director at Large

Pedro Nemezio de Campos Silva (he/him) comes into his role as Director at Large with several years of experience as a teacher from Brazil. He continues to pursue his passion for learning by taking the Educational Support program at the Fennel CampusPedro wants to address and re-evaluate post-pandemic learning at Mohawk College and hopes to create a space where bilingual students can share their languages with other students in a collaborative, fun, engaging way

Photo of Reet. They have long brown hair and are wearing a black dress with a yellow plaid pattern.

Rajneesh Saini

Director at Large

Rajneesh (Reet) Saini (she/her) is a first-year Early Childhood Education student studying at Mohawk College’s Fennell Campus. Reet wants to ensure every student gets an opportunity for personal and professional growth throughout their journey at Mohawk College. Reet also wants to ensure students can access the help and resources they need to be successful whenever they need it

Photo of Shabadjot. They have dark hair that is in a ponytail and is wearing glasses and a grey turtleneck shirt.

Shabadjot Kaur

Director at Large

Shabadjot Kaur (she/her) came to Canada in September fresh out of high school and excited to start her college experience. Shabad is a second-year biotechnology student who loves spending her free time in nature.

Photo of Alister. He is wearing a blue plaid collared shirt and has dark short hair.

Alister Sadaghyani

Speaker

Meet the MSA Staff

The Mohawk Students' Association Staff

Administration 👋

Photo of Marc. He is wearing a grey knit cardigan over a grey msa-branded t-shirt. He is wearing glasses and has dark short hair.

Marc Iturriaga

Executive Director

During his 1.5-year tenure so far (as of May 2022) as Executive Director, Marc has found that the students are his favourite part of working at the MSA – it’s why we exist! He’s also a Lego enthusiast, and loves reading the Harry Potter book series to his kids before bed – he even has voices for every character! 

Photo of Wendy. She is wearing a grey cardigan over a black shirt and has glasses on. She has short, blonde, curly hair.

Wendy Rolfe

Director, Student Experience

Wendy’s worked with the MSA for 35+ years, and her favourite thing about working here is the opportunity to work both for and with the students! If she could be best friends with anyone, it’d be Lorelai from Gilmore Girls! Wendy loves her family more than anything, and is happiest spending time with her many nieces, nephews and siblings. She also enjoys mornings (before everyone has woken) with a good coffee and a better book. 

Photo of Jackie. She is wearing a blue and white top and has long red hair.

Jackie McCollom

Senior Manager, People & Culture

As of February 2022, Jackie has been working with the MSA for a full year! Jackie is a collector of experiences, and loves taking advantage of everything life has to offer, be it a story, a trip or a good laugh with great people. If she could have any superpower, it would be to talk to animals so we can learn how to better meet their needs. 

Photo of Emalie. She is wearing a black and white top and has short, curly, dark hair.

Emalie Gunness-Maraj

People & Culture Specialist

Emalie has been working with the MSA for 10+ years! She loves being part of an organization so committed to empowering and inspiring its students. Emalie is happiest at home with her kids. If she could have any superpower, it’d be to see the future

Photo of Alister. He is wearing a blue plaid collared shirt and has dark short hair.

Alister Sadaghyani

People & Culture Administrator

Photo of Sandy. She is wearing a black sweater and has long, straight, blonde hair.

Sandy Tepsic

Senior Manager, Finance

Sandy’s favourite thing about working with the MSA is knowing she can help students achieve their goals and aspirations at Mohawk! If Sandy could have ANY superpower, it would be to create a safe, welcoming and wholesome environment for everyone to live in and enjoy. 

Photo of Rosa. She is wearing a grey cardigan over a black shirt and has long, curly, brown hair.

Rosa Maria Manjarrez

Finance Specialist

If Rosa could be friends with any fictional character, it’d be Wonder Woman! That’s definitely on brand for Rosa, whose favourite part of working with the MSA is the supportive, friendly environment. If she could have any superpower, it’d be telekinesis. 

Governance & Advocacy 📢

Photo of Melanie. They are wearing a burgundy cardigan over a black shirt and is wearing glasses and round gold earrings. They have long, straight, brown hair.

Melanie Extance

Governance & Advocacy Specialist

Melanie’s favourite part of working at the MSA is being able to assist students with their journey at the college – forming relationships and living through it all alongside them! One of her favourite initiatives has been the Menstrual Product Program, which places free sanitary products in MSA washrooms! Melanie is happiest when spending time with the people she loves. And if that time includes a fat plate of salmon sashimi, well… 

Events & Communities 🎉

Photo of Tyler. He is wearing a burgundy knit sweater and glasses. He has a short, dark brown mohawk and dark glasses.

Ty Howie

Events & Communities Manager

Ty is happiest with a coffee in his hand, and if he could spend an endless amount of time on any hobby it’d be music. If Ty could become friends with anyone, real or fake, he’d love to swap stories with standup comedian Mike Birbiglia. According to Tyler, the coolest superpower is definitely time travel.    

Photo of Montana. She is wearing a white collared shirt over a white t-shirt and has long, curled, strawberry blonde hair.

Montana Hunter

Events Coordinator

Photo of Hibo. She is wearing a grey patterned button-up shirt and a lavender hijab.

Hibo Ahmed

Clubs and Communities Specialist

Hibo says her favourite part of the MSA is the dynamic, resourceful and empathetic team! If she could have any special ability, it’d be super healing! If there were more hours in the day, you’d definitely find Hibo learning as many new languages as possible! 

Communications & Engagement 💬

Photo of Tinu. She is wearing a beige blazer over a pink shirt and has long, brown, curled hair.

Tinu Don

Communications & Engagement Manager

Photo of Emily. She is wearing a red msa-branded sweater and has long, wavy, blonde hair.

Emily McGregor

UX Graphic Design Specialist

Emily works hard to make a difference in the lives of Mohawk students. Every year she works with the Graphic Design program to give students an opportunity to create a mural for the school. Outside of work, if there’s one thing you need to know about Em it’s that she’ll never turn down a good adventure. You can find her most often with a cat in her lap and music in her ears.   

Photo of Guadalupe. She is wearing a blue collared shirt with a red MSA sweater on top. She has short black hair and is wearing a headband.

Guadalupe Saito

Communication & Engagement Specialist

Student Services 💁‍♂️

Photo of Natalie. She is wearing a beige blazer over a black and white striped shirt. She has long, straight, red hair.

Natalie Fisher

Manager, Student Services

Photo of Emma. She is wearing a brown sweatshirt, glasses and has short black hair.

Emma He

Student Services Coordinator, IAHS

Emma’s favourite thing about working with the MSA is the team! Emma is an artist, and loves drawing with any material she can get her hands on. She’s also the MSA’s resident coconut opener!  

Photo of Dorthan. He is wearing a grey sweatshirt and glasses.

Dorthan Bruce

Student Services Coordinator, Stoney Creek

Food Services 🍳

Photo of April. She is wearing a black MSA zip-up jacket, has long black hair and is wearing black framed glasses.

April Chiro

Hospitality & Food Services Manager

Photo of Mike. He is wearing a black chef jacket and has short brown hair.

Michael Williams

Food Services Specialist

Originally from Tennessee, Mike has been working with the MSA for four years (as of May 2022)! In 2016, Mike won Apex Chef of the Year in Nova Scotia. The talent doesn’t stop there though; Mike can whip up a mean serving of 12-minute rice in 8 minutes flat! He is happiest in the kitchen, cooking something good for his wonderful friends and family. 

Photo of Jerrid. He is wearing a red msa-branded zip-up sweater with a grey shirt underneath. He is wearing glasses and has short brown hair.

Jerrid Gibson

Operations Specialist

Jerrid’s favourite part of working with the MSA is the culture! He’s worked with us for a year now (as of May 2022), though having such amazing coworkers means it never feels like working at all! Jerrid is also a bowling enthusiast, having been in a bowling league for 20 years prior to his start at the MSA. If he could be friends with anyone, living or dead it’d have to be the late Canadian comedian, Norm MacDonald. 

Valerie Vandervelde, Team Lead - Brewed Awakenings

Val Vandervelde

Team Lead, Brewed Awakenings

Valerie has been working with the MSA since 2014! She is genuine and kind, and loves enjoying the daily interactions with Mohawk students. The world is such a big, beautiful place. That’s why if Valerie could spend unlimited time/money on any hobby, it’d be travel! 

Photo of Karan. He is wearing a grey MSA t-shirt overtop of a collared shirt. He has short dark hair and a full beard.

Karan Singh

Team Lead, Pizza Pizza

Placeholder photo of a silhouette of a person.

Ray Hayhurst

Team Lead, Booster Juice

Photo of Alyssa. She is wearing a dark blue sweater and has long, wavy, brown hair.

Alyssa Outerson

Team Lead, Urban Fork

Photo of John. He is wearing a black chef jacket.

John Mulwa

Team Lead, Urban Fork

Photo of Harsh. He is wearing a black chef's jacket and a black 'LA' baseball hat. He has short dark hair and a full beard.

Harsh Patel

Team Lead, Urban Fork

A Historical Timeline

The Mohawk Students' Association
has a rich history

Our history started in 1964 (back when Mohawk College was still known as the Hamilton Institute of Technology) when conversations about non-academic student activities first began. Here are a few changes that have occurred throughout the years (although, this list only just scratches the surface).

1965

Our first annual meeting

The first annual meeting of the Association (which was called the Students’ Union Corporation) was held on March 17, 1965.

1965

1975

Student Centre Built

In 1975, the Students’ Union Corporation (SUC) development fund grew enough to enable the Corporation to build a Student Centre – what is now known as The Cellar.

1975

1985

New Student Centre building

In 1985, due to the College’s increasing numbers, a new Student Centre building opened.

1985

1994

Board of Directors (restructuring)

The College was heavily involved with management of the SUC; but, in 1990, students took more control. In 1994, a restructuring of the Board of Directors took place.

1994

1996

S.U.C. name change

During 1996, the SUC discussed changing its name, and on Sept. 1, 1996, the SUC became the Mohawk Students’ Association (MSA).

1996

2009

Control of food operations

The Association made the decision, in 2009, to end its former food and services contract and take control of food operation in the Student Centre.

2009

2010

Insurance plan & Bus Pass program

The Health and Dental Insurance plan and Bus Pass program both came into effect in September of 2010.

2010

2018

MSA re-branding

In 2018, the MSA underwent a total re-brand. The Lean On We slogan was introduced – this slogan was created in efforts to demonstrate that we are an Association students can count on, both in their student and professional lives.

2018

2021

Revamped vision, mission & values

In 2021, we revamped our Vision, Mission, and Values to be more student-focused, and so they better resonate with students and staff members.

2021

Who We Are🖐🏿

The Mohawk Students’ Association (MSA) is a Non-Profit Organization built for and led by Mohawk College students through an elected Student Board of Directors (BOD). Though we are a separate entity of the college, we work collaboratively to support Mohawk Students.

We empower Mohawk Students to create a community they can lean on for positive experiences, relevant supports, a listening ear, and a strong voice so they can achieve personal success in their college experience and beyond.

Person in strong confident pose.

Meet the 2022/2023 MSA Board of Directors

The Mohawk Students' Association Board Of Directors

The Board is made up of the MSA President, and several Directors at Large.

Want to put some faces to these swanky titles? Just toggle below!

Meet The MSA Staff

The Mohawk Students’ Association staff

The Mohawk Students'
Association Staff

Our staff at the MSA staff are committed to providing every student with the best possible experience at Mohawk College.

Say ‘hi’ to our team by toggling below ✋

A Historical Timeline

The Mohawk Students' Association has a rich history

Our history started in 1964 (back when Mohawk College was still known as the Hamilton Institute of Technology) when conversations about non-academic student activities first began.

Check out a few changes that have occurred throughout the years (although, this list only just scratches the surface).

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View Timeline