MPP Student Ambassadors

Yassmen Araim

Yassmen Araim is a Master of Public Policy Candidate at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. Yassmen’s passionate about using and amending policy to positively impact marginalized communities’ access to essential resources, such as education, healthcare, mental health resources, work…etc. As well as ensuring equity and diversity continue to flourish in the public sector.

Joud Bayeh

Joud is a First Year Master of Public Policy candidate at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy.  He holds a Bachelor in Law from the Presbyterian University Mackenzie and a Bachelor in Public Policy from the Federal University of ABC, both in Sao Paulo, Brazil. As a Lawyer, Joud has a vast experience in tax consulting, with expertise in Tax Planning, research, and consulting. As a volunteer, he has 8 years of experience at Rotaract Club, leading young leaders in their communities in social projects. At UofT, he is a Policy Analyst with the Project Inovation Initiative and an Equity Analyst with the Equity Diversity and Public Policy Initiative. In his spare time, Joud enjoys playing volleyball and acoustic guitar.

Adley Ho

Adley is a second-year Master of Public Policy candidate at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, University of Toronto. Currently purusing an emphasis in Economics for Public Policy, he is passionate about infrastructure, sustainability, economics, and labor policy. Adley completed his MPP summer internship as a Strategy Analyst at the Canada Infrastructure Bank. Prior to his studies in Toronto, Adley resided in Hong Kong, amassing over 4 years of experience in the public sector. He holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) in Government and Public Administration from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. In his leisure time, Adley finds joy in traveling, reading, running, and savoring craft beers. You can reach him at adley.ho@mail.utoronto.ca or connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adley-ho/

Emily Krispis

Emily is a First Year Master of Public Policy candidate at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University, with a double major in political science and history. Over the past two years, Emily held the role of legislative assistant for a federal Member of Parliament, during which she helped business owners and constituents alike face the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. At UofT, she is an Equity Analyst with the Equity Diversity and Public Policy Initiative and a mentor for the Global Ideas Institute. In her spare time, Emily enjoys reading, skating, and exploring her new city.

Keyi Liu

I am Keyi Liu, the first-year MPP student at Munk School. I have completed an undergraduate degree in finance from Nanjing Audit University in China. Previously I have worked as a research assistant in the environmental economics group in NAU. I am interested in urban policies, environmental policies and social policies of disabilities and education. I am a warm-hearted, passionate and responsible person. In my spare time, I enjoy travelling, photography and swimming. I am ready to share my stories and help prospective students to get a better understanding of the class structure, great people and valuable opportunities for networking and future career that Munk School will provide for them.

Gurleen Romana

I'm a first year Master's in Public Policy Candidate here at the Munk School. My interest lies in research and analysis at the intersection of Agriculture and Environmental Policy that can counter the effects of climate change and end food insecurity especially in the Global South. Being an international student from India, I'm learning the fundamentals of public policy with some of the finest resources, professors and a diverse cohort. I have completed my Bachelor's in Science from Punjab Agricultural University and I wish to bridge the gap between scientific research and policy development to expand the initiatives of a net-zero emissions economy.

Gurminder Sandal

I am a first-year student in the Master of Public Policy (MPP) program at the University of Toronto. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto Mississauga where I graduated with High Distinction in Bachelor of Arts. I did a specialization in International Affairs and major in economics. During my studies, I worked as a Case Processing Agent for permanent residency and work permit applications at Immigration Refugees Citizenship Canada (IRCC). I also engaged in an internship with Newcomer Centre of Peel (NCP) where I supported newcomers with employment and settlement opportunities in rural communities of Ontario. Through my work, internship, and educational experience, I have gained an interest in protecting, serving and expanding the rights of immigrants and refugees here in Canada.

Catherine Shi

Catherine is a first-year Master of Public Policy candidate at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. She holds a BA (Hons.) in Law and Society from York University. Catherine is passionate about being the voice for animals in politics and hopes to improve Canada’s animal welfare policies. In addition to her time as a Munk Student Ambassador, Catherine works as a Policy Consultant at the Public Good Initiative — focusing on food strategy, and as a Mentor at the Global Ideas Institute. She also represents the student body as Communication Coordinator at the Master of Public Policy Student Association. 

Shaivalini Shukla

Shaivalini is a first-year student in the Master of Public Policy (MPP) program at the University of Toronto. She graduated from the University of British Columbia with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree in 2021. During her undergraduate, Shaivalini worked in business development at a wealth management firm and in innovation partnerships at the Office of Research and Innovation at UBC. After graduation, Shaivalini spent two years in Japan where she worked with UN Women's Regional Office in the Asia-Pacific as a Women’s Economic Empowerment Intern and as an intern with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan. Shaivalini is interested in innovation policy, entrepreneurial ecosystems, public-private partnerships, and the Canada-Asia relationship. Currently, she is a Young Professional Fellow at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. 

Christina Winger

Christina is a MPP2 student at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy. Prior to her time at the University of Toronto, Christina received a Master of Science degree in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences from Western University, and a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree also from Western University. For the 2023/24 academic year, Christina is a Director of Client Relations for the Public Good Initiative (PGI) alongside being a Director for the Consulting Careers Initiative (CCI). One of Christina’s favourite courses thus far from her second year is PPG2018: The Role of Government!

Manvir Mangat

Manvir is a dedicated first-year candidate for the Master of Public Policy degree at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto. Her policy interests include tech policy, digital governance, AI, and digital accessibility. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from York University. In her spare time, Manvir enjoys watching and playing soccer.

Jinyan Li

Jinyan is doing a Master of Public Policy degree at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto double majoring in Political Science and Economics. Her current academic interests: (1) the respective political economy in central banking, sovereign debts, and trade and monetary policies; (2) energy and technology (ex., AI, digital currency, etc.) regulations; (3) Canadian federalism, Constitution, judicial politics, and (comparative) legal analysis; (4) political representation and identity politics; and (5) the ancient, modern, and contemporary political thought. In her spare time, she’s a varsity curler and classical piano player.

Matthew McLeish

Matthew is a first-year Master of Public Policy candidate at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy. He previously graduated from the University of Ottawa with a Joint Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences in History and Political Science. Since joining the Munk School, Matthew has been elected the Graduate Students' Union Representative for MPP students and worked as a Team Lead with the Public Good Initiative, consulting on the availability of affordable housing and refugee healthcare access and outcomes. With previous experience as an Analyst for the Government of Canada and as a Constituency Assistant to a local Member of Parliament, he has developed a strong interest in building trust and strong communities through collaborative, evidence-based policy. Matthew is an avid reader of history in his spare time and is a die-hard fan of the Montréal Canadiens.

Lynette Furtado

Lynette is a first-year Master of Public Policy candidate at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. Before that, she graduated with a degree in law, sociology, and public administration from York University. Lynette's primary policy interests are immigration, education, law and justice. This year, she is working as a Policy Consultant and Team Lead with the Public Good Initiative, working closely with Cystic Fibrosis Canada on exciting work! She is also acting as an Analyst with the Mental Health Policy Initiative and an Academic Functions Coordinator with the Master of Public Policy Student Association at the Munk School. In her free time, Lynette works as a Talks Speaker with Jack.org, a Canadian Non-Profit organization focusing on youth mental health. Lynette is a classical and jazz-trained singer and pianist. She specializes in teaching students with cognitive disabilities. She loves reading and cooking.

Alexander Lee

Alexander is a first-year Master of Public Policy student at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto. As a co-op student, he worked as a review engineer assistant for an air emissions engineering and policy section at the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. Alexander is passionate about the role that science and engineering play in policy development, and the issues that we currently face. Alexander is conversational in French, enjoys going on walks, and has a disproportionate amount of food allergies.

Tashyana Davidson

Tashy is in her first year of the Master of Public Policy program at the Munk School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Science from McMaster University and has worked in program development in non-profit disability services. She has also worked as a writer and in the learning design industry. Tashy is interested in co-operative housing, care economy issues such as long-term care, and the intersection between political philosophy and public policy. She volunteers with the Public Good Initiative and the Public Policy and Governance Review.

Tasha Romeyn

Tasha is a first year Master of Public Policy candidate at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Social Justice Certificate from Simon Fraser University. Tasha has worked for the federal government as a Program Assistant at Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada and as a Jr. Policy Officer at Women and Gender Equality Canada. In 2022-2023, she co-led an initiative called Year of the Salish Sea, for which she engaged with municipal governments, members of the general public, and attendees at various conferences, speaking about ocean stewardship and governance.  

Cassidy MacNeil

Cassidy is a first-year Master of Public Policy candidate at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. She holds a Bachelor's in Conflict Studies and Human Rights from the University of Ottawa. As a Policy Analyst at the Privy Council Office, Cassidy worked on justice, public safety and equity policy. At the University of Toronto, she is an Associate Editor of the Public Policy and Governance Review and Logistics Coordinator for L'Association de la francophonie de l'école Munk. In her spare time, Cassidy enjoys reading, playing intramural sports and exploring Toronto. 

Alexander Carter

Alexander is a first-year MPP student at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, is developing his skills as a policy consultant with the Public Good Initiative, focusing on newcomer settlement strategies. He's also actively involved in various Student-Led Initiatives (SLIs) and Case Competitions at Munk, applying classroom learning to practical scenarios. Fluent in both Mandarin and English, Alexander brings a diverse, multicultural perspective to his studies and classroom.

Steffi Hebel

Steffi is a Master of Public Policy student at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Guelph. During her undergraduate degree, she was the head of the Student Advocacy Centre at the University of Guelph. Throughout her academic journey, Steffi has been deeply interested in community engagement and student mentoring. She is passionate about research relating to the areas of comparative politics. Steffi has a keen interest in studying languages and learning about other cultures.