The UMGPS office staff members are here to assist you with any and all needs you may have as a graduate student. Please feel free to ask any questions you might have about the UMGPS, our resources, or anything about graduate student life. If you have a question we can’t answer, we will do our best to point you in the right direction.
Note: To enhance work-life balance and productivity, our office will be trialing a flexible work-from-home model every Friday. Rest assured, our commitment to excellent service remains unchanged, and we will continue to be fully reachable during business hours to support your needs.
Office Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (In Office)
- Friday: Remote (Available via Email)
Willow Josephson, Executive Director (She/Her)
execdirector@umgps.org | 204-474-9181
Welcome Graduate Students & Postdoctoral Fellows!
I am the Executive Director of the University of Manitoba Graduate & Postdoctoral Society. I have been fortunate to work with the association for 3.5+ years now. In my role as Executive Director, I provide management and financial oversight of the organization to ensure that operations run smoothly, and work with the Executive to build and maintain key relationships with various partners, both on and off-campus.
I graduated from the Business Administration Diploma Program at Red River College with a major in Marketing. During my time there I gained experience in many different business sectors. I am also a Willis College (previously Prairie View School of Photography) graduate. I enjoy incorporating this skill in my role when I can.
I look forward to connecting with you!
Ngoc Thao Vu, Marketing, Communications & Events Coordinator (She/Her)
marketing@umgps.org
Hello Graduate Students,
Welcome to the UMGPS! I am the Marketing, Communications, and Event Coordinator here at the UMGPS. My role involves managing our media platforms, crafting the posts and updates you may have seen, and ensuring clear and engaging communication between the UMGPS and graduate students. I am also responsible for coordinating events designed to enhance your graduate student experience, whether they involve academic opportunities, social gatherings, or professional development.
I graduated in Gender and Development and later received a DAAD scholarship from the German government to pursue my master’s degree in the same field. Before serving you at UMGPS, I gained years of experience leading student clubs, managing national projects, and working with the United Nations.
At the UMGPS, we aim to create an inclusive, vibrant, and supportive community for all graduate students. Your ideas and feedback are invaluable to us, and I encourage you to share your thoughts. Whether it’s an idea for a workshop, a social event, or something entirely new, we’re here to listen and collaborate with you.
Please contact me if:
- You have any questions about our publications or would like to place an ad with us
- You have suggestions for new activities or events
- You would like to collaborate with us on an event.
- You would like to share promotions or events that may benefit graduate students.
I’m excited to work with you and help make your graduate journey both memorable and enriching.
Looking forward to connecting with you!
Alora J. Hayward, Governance & Office Operations Coordinator (She/her)
Hello, I’m Alora, the Governance and Office Operations Coordinator for the University of Manitoba Graduate & Postdoctoral Society (UMGPS). I bring experience in administration, communications, and student support, and I’m dedicated to strengthening transparent governance, efficient operations, and meaningful connections with the graduate student community. As a primary point of contact, I help connect students with UMGPS services, resources, and opportunities.
In my role, I:
1. Support the Executive Director and UMGPS leadership in day-to-day operations and initiatives
2. Coordinate and prepare logistics, agendas, and records for Council and committee meetings
3. Maintain organized and accurate governance documentation to ensure transparency and accountability
4. Manage office communications, reception, scheduling, and shared spaces
5. Assist with events and programming that support graduate student engagement
6. Oversee administrative processes such as conference grant coordination and student support
I’m passionate about creating inclusive, accessible spaces where students feel supported and empowered throughout their academic journeys.
I completed my Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in English Literature at the University of Winnipeg (2021) and hold a Master’s degree in English Literature from Queen’s University (2022). I’ve also worked as a Teaching Assistant in the English department at UWinnipeg, giving me firsthand insight into graduate student life and the inner workings of academia.
I look forward to connecting with you!