The Fourteenth Board of Directors

What is a director?

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Pavinaja Thayananthakumar
Chair of the Board of Directors​

Hey! I’m Pavi, a Business & Psychology student specializing in HR. I'm excited to join the team as Chair of the Board of Directors! As Chair of the Board, I help keep meetings organized, support the Board, and make sure we follow policy. I’m passionate about creating space for student voices and meaningful conversations. Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors or chilling with friends planning our next adventure. Feel free to reach out any time!

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Mohammed Nomaan Dhankwala
​​Director 

I joined the Board of Directors because I care about how things work behind the scenes - how decisions are made, how change starts, and how student voices can actually shape the experience here. I like taking initiative, connecting ideas, and bringing people together - whether it's through leadership, creativity, or just honest conversations. For me, being part of the board isn't about the title - it's about the impact.

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Divjot Singh Baweja​Director ​

Hey! I’m Divjot Singh Baweja, a Finance major with a minor in Data Science, heading into my third year at Trent. This is my first time on the Board of Directors, and I’m genuinely excited to be part of something that can make a real difference for students. I’m passionate about helping shape a better experience on campus—whether it’s through small changes or big ideas. When I’m not buried in numbers or projects, you’ll probably find me playing a round of billiards or zoning out to some good music. Always down for a conversation—feel free to reach out!​

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Afra Sheik
Director

​Hi! I’m Afra, and I’m happy to be a member of the Board of Directors at Trent. I’m excited about supporting helping students and building a strong, inclusive university community. Being part of the board gives me a chance to help for the future of our institution while staying connected to the values and people that make this place special for me. Outside of meetings, you’ll probably find me in the pool room mostly!

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Aisha Patel
​Director

Aisha Patel is a third-year Honours student pursuing a double major in Biology and Neuroscience, and she also holds an advanced degree in Islamic studies. In addition to her academic achievements, Aisha is an author and experienced educator, as well as the founder of Al-Mukhlis Institute, where she designs and leads programs focused on personal development, leadership, and youth empowerment. With extensive experience in writing, editing, and graphic design, she has contributed to a range of educational publications. Aisha is multilingual, fluent in English, Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, and Gujarati, with strong proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking across these languages. Throughout her career, Aisha has worked with many institutions and organizations to learn about the needs of different communities and help improve their well-being. She uses this experience in her role as a Board Director of TDSA, where she builds strong and lasting connections between students, campus groups, and the wider community. Aisha is dedicated to make the campus a place where students feel involved, understood, and encouraged to succeed both personally and in their studies.

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Lina Panagopoulou ​
​Director

​Hello my name is Lina and I’m a fourth-year Psychology/Teaching student, currently serving my second year on the Board of Directors. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends, going to concerts, and lately, going to the gym and car shows. My hobbies include reading, watching shows, and following motorsports.

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Emerald Akinronbi
​​Director

​Heyyy! My name is Emerald Akinronbi and I’m really excited to be serving on the TDSA Board of Directors this year. Trent Durham has become a second home to me, and I’m so happy to have the chance to give back to the community that’s given me so much. Over the past year, I’ve been lucky to be involved in different parts of student life from volunteering at TDSA and Trent International events, to helping with Open House. I’ve also been involved with the Student Engagement Committee, where we’ve worked on organizing events that spark conversations around social issues. I’m here to listen and to make sure you feel supported and included. I love meeting new people, sleeping, eating, reading, and listening to music. I’m really looking forward to this year and can’t wait to work together to make our campus even more welcoming and fun!

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Jade Gauthier
​​​Director

Hello! My name is Jade Gauthier, I am an upper-year Communications student, and this is my second term as a TDSA Board Director. Throughout my time as a board member, I've sat on TDSA committees, supported policy restructuring, and participated in campus-wide events. I look forward to learning from and engaging with students through TDSA’s various committees, events, and initiatives!

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Pratyush Chandak
​​​​Director

Hi, I’m Pratyush Chandak, a Board of Director with the Trent Durham Student Association (TDSA). I’m currently pursuing Applied Artificial Intelligence and Financial Analytics, combining my interests in finance and technology. Through my role at TDSA, I aim to represent student voices, promote inclusivity, and help create a vibrant campus environment. Beyond academics, I enjoy public speaking, debating, geopolitics, and content creation, which allow me to connect with diverse perspectives and ideas. I’m passionate about making a meaningful impact within the student community and contributing to an engaging experience for all at Trent Durham. Feel free to reach out if you have any concerns or Query !

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Kamshayaa Thayananthakumar
​​​Director

​Hi! I’m Kamshayaa (but feel free to call me Shayaa!) and I’m a first-year Business Administration – Accounting student. I joined the Board of Directors because I genuinely care about the experiences we have on campus (the fun, the stress, and everything in between). I’m here to listen. I’m here to advocate. And I’m here to help make our campus feel like a place where everyone belongs, no matter who they are or what their story is.

When I’m not in class, you’ll probably catch me wandering around the hallways, hanging out in the student lounge, or trying to study in the library. If you ever have an idea, a concern, or even just want to chat, please reach out. You deserve a campus where your voice matters, and I’m committed to making sure it’s heard and acted on.

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It isn't too late to get involved!

TDSA’s Board of Directors are elected to represent the student body in all matters pertaining to Trent Durham Student Association. 
Directors are expected to dedicate a maximum of 10 volunteer hours each month to TDSA.  During this time, Directors are responsible for attending monthly meetings, aiding in TDSA events, and must chair or co-chair one Standing Committee.

General Duties of Directors include, but are not limited to:

1. Manage the affairs of TDSA, ensuring that missions & values are being advanced.
2. Oversee services & advocacy of TDSA activities.
3. Oversee & approve an annual operating budget for TDSA.
4. Oversee all assets & liabilities of TDSA.
5. Review & vote on policies, by-laws, & other such regulations for the conduct of TDSA’s affairs.
6. Appoint &/or approve members of any/all committees of TDSA.
7. Abide by the rules & regulations as established in the by-laws & policies of TDSA.

Expectations of Directors include:

• Act with diligence, honesty, good faith and in the best interests of the membership and the Corporation
• Regularly attend meetings of the Board of Directors and the meetings of committees to which they have been appointed
• Review all materials forwarded by the Executive committee to be informed on all decisions prior to meetings of the Board