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.
Meet the 2022/2023 MSA Board of Directors
The Mohawk Students' Association Board of Directors
Elizabeth-Joy Phillips
President
Alyssa Outerson
Secretary
Michael Falletta
Treasurer
Philip Anekwe
Director at Large
Hugo Rafael Muñoz Better
Director at Large
Ayalew Taye
Director at Large
Aisha Wafa
Director at Large
Annick Karekezi
Director at Large
Meet the MSA Staff
The Mohawk Students' Association Staff
Administration 👋
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 📢
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…
Programming 🎉
Tyler Howie
Programming 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.
Montana Hunter
Events Coordinator
Hibo Ahmed
Clubs 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 💬
Tinu Don
Communications Manager
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.
Paige Petrovsky
Communications Specialist
Paige found her start at the MSA in 2019 as the Student Copywriter. Now she’s the Communications Specialist! When she isn’t writing, Paige can be found with her nose in a great book. She also loves building charcuterie boards!
Student Services 💁♂️
Natalie Fisher
Manager, Student Services
Jessica Ridenour
Student Services Representative, Fennell
Jessica is our Student Services Coordinator over at the Fennell campus and has been working with the MSA since she was a student! She’s also the owner of a local business called Jessica’s Sweets. Being a busy bee makes it hard to find spare time in the day, that’s why if Jessica could have any superpower, it’d be super speed.
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!
Dorthan Bruce
Student Services Coordinator, Stoney Creek
Food Services 🍳
Mike 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.
Matthew Radko
Facilities Supervisor
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!
Jerrid Gibson
Operations Administrator
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.
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).
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.
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!
Not curious
Meet them!
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 ✋
Bye-bye
Well, hello!
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).