Inclusion Award
Vote before: Friday, April 2, 2021 at 11:59 PM
The Inclusion Award will go to one UNB organization, committee, or club, and one student who:
Has helped make UNB a school where everyone belongs.
Demonstrated the concept and practice of diversity into action by creating an environment of involvement, respect, connection, and support.
Nominees
Aritra De
"I am Aritra De, first year Software Engineering student in UNB, Fredericton. As a student I started my education in Boston and then continued my studies in Dubai, UAE, and Bangalore, India. I enjoy sports, games, and playing piano. This year was a very memorable experience for me as it gave me an opportunity to make new friends virtually. It expanded my awareness, gave me an opportunity to welcome multiple perspectives, and helped me to build social skills.”
Bhavya Pratap Malhotra
"Bhavya Pratap Malhotra is a third-year International student from India pursuing a dual major in Economics and English and a minor in Theatre and Drama. Currently presiding over the roles as the President of the International Students Society and the TownHouse Coordinator, Bhavya has been a proud and active member of the UNB student community. He aspires to uphold the virtues of culture, diversity, and inclusion at UNB.”
Breana Andrews
"In Breana's four years at UNB she has had it set out to ensure that everyone feels included and enjoys their time at UNB. In her time in residence for three years on various committees, founding the UNB chapter of motionball for Special Olympics, being the Indigenous Student Representative with the SU and other functions all she wanted was everyone to feel like they had something to enjoy. Graduating in May, she feels that she has succeeded in that mission"
Cassandra Pitchford
“Cassie is a mechanical engineering student and is active in the engineering student community. She loves to make people laugh and is passionate about advocacy. She has advocated for her peers with disabilities and works with engineering societies to make their social media content and events more accessible. On a regional and national level, Cassie has set the standard for accessibility and inclusion in conference planning during her time as VP Services for the Atlantic Council of Engineering Students and Inclusivity Director for the Canadian Engineering Competition.”
Jharana Luitel
“Jharana Luitel is fourth year computer science student doing major in computer science and minor in Business Administration. She is the co-founder and President of UNB Naach ( Indian &Nepali dance club) and currently the Computer Science Representative on UNBSU. Jharana has always been an avid advocate of better inclusion and representation at UNB.”
Khaleem Shaik
“My name is Khaleem Shaik, 3rd year international student, majoring in Marketing and minor in Leadership Studies. I have been involved with student body for over three years focused my advocacy on food security, mental health awareness and concerns related to international students. I have worked and initiated various projects over the years like Hamper Food Box Program, LEAP Conference, International Week, Multicultural Fest and also, worked on forming the bus pass for international students. All of my work is to bring the inclusion and diversity for better student experience on-campus. Thank you taking your time to read my bio and nominating me as your choice.”
Nihla Hussain
“Nihla is in her 3rd year of a BSc in Biology-Chemistry. She believes that our strength as a community lies in our ability to celebrate our differences and diversity. As the UNBSU International Students Councillor this year, she has been passionate about recognizing the accomplishments of our International Students and increasing awareness of our cultural diversity through International Week and the Global Gala. She also promotes an inclusive environment through roles in many student groups such as, the Bangladesh Student Society executive team, the Connect the Thoughts executive team, and Let's Talk Science. She has also taken part in the Shades of Change initiative, which aims to raise awareness towards racism and discrimination faced by POC.”
Olivia Wells
“I’m a third-year student working towards my Bachelor of Computer Science degree. I am the president of the UNB eSports Society and have gone above and beyond to ensure that all students have a safe and inviting community to connect and play games with their peers. Every event we hosted was entirely virtual and open to everyone in the community. To promote inclusion, I had community input on what events students were interested in as well as sent out messages encouraging everyone to attend!”
Patrick Mollins
“I am in my 4th year of Computer Science here at UNB. For the past three years, I have served on the executive for the UNB eSports Society. This year I took the role of event coordinator, knowing that the COVID-19 pandemic provided an excellent opportunity for the eSports Society to ensure people felt like part of the UNB community, wherever they were in the world. So far this school year, I have organized several successful game nights and started an intramural league for League of Legends -- with seven teams spread across the country. In organizing these events, I worked hard to ensure that anyone who was interested could join, regardless of their personal situations. As of now, plans are already in place to expand the League of Legends league through the summer to make sure our members stay connected and entertained for as long as possible.”
Shravani Konda
Sofia Mehlitz
“Sofia Mehlitz (pronounced MAIL-ITS) is a queer and non-binary student at UNB in their third year of a BSc in Psychology. Sofia is the current external coordinator for The 203 Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity: a student lead organization that provides resources, education and promotes community for LGBTQIA2S+ students in the tri-campus community. Despite the temporary closure of the physical center due to COVID-19, Sofia has continued the goal of the 203 by creating events, helping run programs and maintaining community for queer and trans students virtually.”
The Engineering undergraduate society
Trang Vu
"Trang Vu is finishing her Bachelor of Computer Science, she is also a student investor in SIF, a peer mentor in the Faculty of Computer Science, and the President of the Vietnamese Student Association in Fredericton. She demonstrates her commitment to serving others and social inclusion through avid volunteerism and selfless mentoring. Trang is a leader who inspires others with her commitment to working for disadvantaged citizens and connecting people in need with resources and beyond.”
UNB eSports Society
“The UNB eSports Society has strived to create a community of students around their mutual interest in eSports and other forms of gaming. This year, they have hosted a total of 10 virtual events, had 4 competitive teams, and an intramurals league! One of these events was partnered with Student Services to help students (especially first years) meet new people while enjoying some of their favorite games despite the social challenges that COVID-19 had sprung upon us.”
UNB Indian Student Association
“The UNB Indian Students Association (ISA) is the community and social group of all the students who are from the resourceful country of India and of Indian origin. ISA at UNB has a long and interesting history. It was the first international student association in the University of New Brunswick. Born amidst controversies in 1962, ISA had to explain to the local community that the formation of the association was not for ethnic isolation but an expression of rich culture and heritage of India. The reason was later well accepted and supported by all. ISA was also the mother of another organization known as the South Asian Society which was formed in 1997. We welcome people from any background who wishes to join the ISA to know and enjoy the richness of India and vice-versa as a means of cultural exchange. Virtual or in-person, we strive hard and will be up for any service to the community and the wellbeing of students.”
UNB Naach
“UNB Naach/Dance Club is an exceptional club at UNB that has showcased cultural diversity and representation through the medium of its dance choreographies, innovative dance challenges, and vibrant performances. The club features dance movements and performances from India and Nepal. The club embodies and celebrates culture as one of its pillars that helps facilitate more inclusion within the UNB community.”