Meet the SFU Public Square Team: Ahmed Akl

Meet Ahmed Akl – SFU Public Square’s Communications and Events 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.

Gabrielle: What interested you about working with SFU Public Square?

Ahmed: SFU Public Square aligns with much of what I have been doing and have been passionate about in my personal, academic, and extracurricular ventures. Being able to contribute to an organization that has community engagement as its core value while also developing my event organization skills made Public Square feel like the perfect fit for me.

Can you tell me a bit more about your studies at SFU? What has been an impactful moment in your academic journey so far?

In my first semester at SFU, I took an Interntional Studies course that explored global socio-economic issues through film. A significant portion of that course focused on something called surveillance capitalism and the role it is playing in oppressing Uyghurs in China. Looking at a systemic issue and how it intertwines with technology was fascinating to me, and when I found out that many communications classes were structured that way, it cemented my decision of picking Communications as my major.

What is something you are passionate about?

I’m passionate about creating spaces where diverse communities can come together and connect. I believe that providing a platform for exchanging knowledge strengthens our own communities while fostering understanding for others. These spaces have the potential to build relationships, promote empathy, and inspire positive change across diverse groups.

We're excited to have you on the team and bring your skills to the office! What are you looking forward to working on during your co-op with us?

I'm excited to be part of the team! I’m looking forward to working in collaboration with so many amazing people – from the Public Square staff to the various teams that we collaborate with as an organization for events!

As we approach fall, I’m curious–what is your ideal Saturday in Vancouver during this season?

My ideal Saturday in the fall would be going to the Farmers Market, getting an almond croissant, heading to a jazz venue after with friends, and finishing the day off watching a movie with some hot chocolate.

Please join us in welcoming Ahmed to the SFU Public Square team!