The UMGSA 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 UMGSA, 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@umgsa.org | 204-474-9181
Welcome Graduate Students & Postdoctoral Fellows!
I am the Executive Director of the University of Manitoba Graduate Students’ Association. 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!
Thalia Vu, Marketing, Communications & Events Coordinator (She/Her)
marketing@umgsa.org
Hello Graduate Students,
Welcome to the UMGSA! I am the Marketing, Communications, and Event Coordinator here at the UMGSA. My role involves managing our media platforms, crafting the posts and updates you may have seen, and ensuring clear and engaging communication between the UMGSA 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.
At the UMGSA, 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. If you have suggestions for new activities or events, or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. Whether it’s an idea for a workshop, a social event, or something entirely new, we’re here to listen and collaborate with you.
Let’s work together to make your graduate journey both memorable and enriching! Looking forward to connecting with you!
Iris Kehler, Governance and Office Operations Coordinator (She/Her)
Hello Graduate Students,
I would like to introduce myself as the Governance and Office Operations Coordinator at the UMGSA. Joining this organization is an exciting step for me, and I am eager to learn more about my role and the graduate student community.
Having grown up in Manitoba, I am delighted to return to my roots after many years away. Having spent the last few years in Yellowknife, NWT, my time in the North has prepared me well for the brisk winters!
My career journey has been rewarding, particularly my time as the Program Administrator for the MSc in eHealth program at McMaster University. It was one of the most fulfilling roles I’ve held, allowing me to engage with and support graduate students in their academic pursuits. I’m excited to bring that experience to the UMGSA and contribute to fostering a supportive environment for our graduate student community.
I deeply respect the dedication and sacrifices graduate students make to achieve their academic goals. My hope is to support and encourage you along the way to help you fulfill your dreams.