Who We Are
The people behind SFU Public Square are committed to working collaboratively to create space for diverse voices and ideas. Our permanent staff are joined by community volunteers and students through the work-study, co-op and peer education program who infuse our approach with their energy and ideas. Much more than a production team, we confront the complexity of topics in our programming through a spirit of always learning and striving for better. This culture challenges us to think holistically and extend ourselves towards ever more interesting, inclusive, and productive engagements.
Janet Webber (she/her) – Executive Director
Janet effectively designs and facilitates community engagement activities which encourage the respectful exchange of diverse values and ideas. Locally and internationally she has convened innovative, inclusive and impactful events for small intimate groups and for audiences numbered in the thousands. The north star that guides Janet’s work is her belief in the fundamental importance of bringing people into spaces and conversations with each other on the issues that shape our individual and collective lives. Janet is originally from Toronto, lives in Vancouver and holds a BA in Psychology and an Executive MBA.
Seth Erais (he/him) – Program Manager
Seth comes to SFU Public Square with a professional background in student engagement, program development and event planning. He is an educator and advocate for accessibility and meaningful inclusion. Before working with SFU Public Square, he developed and facilitated interreligious and intercultural education and programming for students, staff and faculty at the University of Calgary. Seth completed his BA in Religious Studies with a focus on pedagogy and experiential learning in post-secondary education at the University of Calgary. He believes in the power of storytelling for social change.
Learn more about Seth in this People of SFU story.
Gabrielle Parent (she/they) - Communications Manager
With a BA in Anthropology and Greek and Roman Studies from the University of Victoria, Gabrielle often refers to herself as an accidental communications professional. After a series of internships, Gabrielle’s love for storytelling led to their discovery of the communications field. Following her time at the Office of the Seniors Advocate of BC, Gabrielle decided to shift towards education and community engagement. As a queer person, avid reader, and amateur writer, Gabrielle believes in the power of storytelling in uniting a community, sharing perspectives, and enacting social change.
Learn more about Gabrielle in their Meet the Team interview
Nola Mellon (they/them) – Design Lead
Nola believes in the power of building human connection through design and storytelling. Originally from Dublin, Ireland, they have a BA in Visual Communication Design and a Diploma in Graphic Design. With a passion for continuous learning and unlearning, Nola is drawn towards projects surrounding social justice and community engagement.
Learn more about Nola in their Meet the Team interview
Sofia Sokic (she/her) – Communications Assistant
Sofia is a 4th year Communications student at Simon Fraser University. She believes teamwork is an essential tool to building a productive and positive community. Sofia’s passion for design, media, community building, and teamwork inspired her interest to join SFU Public Square as a Work Study student. She is excited to be apart of making positive change within SFU and the broader Vancouver community. In her spare time, she enjoys being with loved ones, exercising, reading, and enjoying the few moments of peace outside of the busy schedule of a university student.
Learn more about Sofia in her Meet the Team interview
Termeh Moini (she/her) – BCCAI Events and Communications Assistant
Termeh is a fourth-year Beedie student (SFU School of Business) concentrating in Marketing and Management Information Systems. Her passion for project management and creating a positive impact on her community led her to become deeply involved in the Beedie Community, serving as Vice President of Operations for the Business Administration Student Society, where she planned and executed key events for the student body. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, reading, and spending time with loved ones. She is thrilled to join the SFU Public Square and BCCAI teams, eager to contribute to impactful projects and to expand her skills in community engagement and project management. She looks forward to learning from the talented individuals around her and applying these insights to make a lasting positive impact.
Learn more about Termeh in her Meet the Team interview
Evan Chan (he/him) – Program Assistant
Evan is a 4th year Communications and Business student at Simon Fraser University, with a passion for community building and design. Through his working experience at a radio station, Evan noticed that voices of diverse people can foster human rights and community harmony – which motivated him to join SFU Public Square. He is excited to contribute to creating space for diverse perspectives and make social change.
Learn more about Evan in his Meet the Team interview
Ahmed Akl (he/him) – Events and Communications Assistant
Ahmed is a 3rd year communications student at Simon Fraser University. He is passionate about creating spaces for communities to come together and discuss pressing and complex issues. This interest is what drew him to join SFU Public Square as a Co-op student. In his free time, he enjoys exploring different cafes in the city, going to jazz venues, playing video games and watching martial arts events with his friends.