UMGPS 2026-2027 Vice-President External & Senator Candidates Nominations
See below for a list of Vice-President External & Senator Candidates’ profiles. The candidates names are listed below in alphabetical order by first name and are sorted by the position they have applied for. The election takes place solely online and you will receive a link in your University of Manitoba email account that will connect you to your ballot.
Mira Safa (College of Pharmacy, Ph.D)
Pacific Rusati (Biosystems Engineering, Ph.D)
Sakshi Verma (Human Anatomy and Cell Science, M.A)
Mira Safa (College of Pharmacy, Ph.D)
I am a PhD candidate in the College of Pharmacy at the University of Manitoba with a strong commitment to student leadership, advocacy, and community engagement. Throughout my graduate studies, I have had the privilege of serving as both Vice-President and President of the College of Pharmacy Graduate Student Council, where I worked alongside students, faculty, and administrators to advocate for graduate student needs, strengthen communication, and organize initiatives that promoted student well-being, fostered professional development, and strengthened our graduate community through networking events, mental health initiatives, and career panels.
Beyond campus, I have collaborated with Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM) through the President’s Student Leadership Program (PSLP), to develop a workshop for high school students navigating post-secondary journey. This experience gave me the opportunity to collaborate with non-profit organizations and develop the skills to build relationships with external stakeholders. To further my commitment to serving diverse communities, I have also completed leadership courses through the University of Toronto and the San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training. As an international student conducting research in Canada, I believe it is important to understand the history and to approach leadership, research, and advocacy with cultural humility, respect, and a commitment to reconciliation.
One of the most important lessons I have learned through my leadership experiences is that effective leadership begins with listening. Every role comes with its own priorities, challenges, and opportunities. Rather than assuming I know what needs to be done based on previous positions, I believe in first understanding what is already in place, identifying what is working well, and learning where support is most needed. I value listening to both students and fellow council members, and working collaboratively to develop practical, student-centered solutions.
As this is a bi-election for a position that has already been filled for part of the year, my priority will be ensuring continuity by supporting the work already in progress while addressing the most urgent issues. I want to hear directly from students about the challenges they are experiencing, the issues that require stronger advocacy, and the opportunities where the UMGPS can make the greatest impact. I also believe that meaningful progress comes through collaboration, and I look forward to working closely with the Executive Committee to build on existing efforts and move important initiatives forward.
If elected as Vice-President External Affairs and Senate, I will work to ensure graduate students are represented with a strong, informed, and approachable voice. I am committed to listening first, advocating effectively, and building partnerships that create meaningful opportunities for graduate students across the University of Manitoba. My goal is for every graduate student to feel heard, represented, and confident that their concerns are being brought forward. It would be an honour to earn your trust and the opportunity to serve our graduate student community.
Pacific Rusati (Biosystems Engineering, Ph.D)
I am a PhD Candidate in Biosystems Engineering specializing in Engineering Education, bringing over four years of experience working on international projects and team leadership. My current research focuses on developing student leadership and professional competencies to prepare them for successful careers. Through this role, I want to channel this passion into active advocacy for our graduate student community.
As Vice-President External Affairs & Senator, my focus will be on two key areas:
First, I will provide strong external advocacy. I will ensure our voices are heard by government bodies, professional organizations, and external stakeholders, actively representing graduate perspectives in Senate and policy discussions.
Second, I will work to expand career and professional development opportunities. While the university offers robust co-op and internship programs for undergraduate students, graduate options remain limited. I will build strategic partnerships with industry and government to create dedicated internships, helping graduate students successfully transition into their careers.
My ultimate goal is to ensure graduate students are well-prepared for success both during their program and long after graduation. I look forward to the opportunity to serve our graduate student community.
Sakshi Verma (Human Anatomy and Cell Science, M.A)
Hello UMGPS members,
I hope you are all having wonderful summer! My name is Sakshi Verma, and I am a Master’s student in the Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. I am excited to run for the position of Vice President, External Affairs & Senator because I want to be a strong advocate for graduate students and represent your interests at the university, government, and external organizations.
If elected, I will work to expand funding opportunities for graduate students, strengthen partnerships with government and external organizations to create new academic and professional opportunities, and advocate for affordable housing and increased student discounts to help make graduate life more accessible and financially manageable. Beyond advocacy, I also hope to introduce initiatives that support students’ personal and professional growth. Working alongside the President, fellow vice presidents, Council members, and graduate student associations, I would like to establish a Financial Literacy Series to help students better understand scholarships, taxes, budgeting, investments, and financial planning.
I also hope to launch Speak Up Sessions – small supportive discussion forums where students can confidently share ideas, discuss research, strengthen their communication skills. Over time, these sessions could grow into larger university-wide events that encourage leadership, collaboration, and meaningful student engagement.
I would be honored to represent your voice, listen to your concerns, and work with you to build a stronger, more connected, and supportive graduate student community. Thank you for your trust and consideration.