Meet Our 2024-25 Team
Our multi-disciplinary team combines experience with passion, creativity, and dedication in order to take action on mental health at the University of Toronto.
Daisy
Chair
Hi everyone! I'm Daisy, a 3rd year PhD student in psychology. I conduct brain imagining studies investigating the biodevelopmental bases of sexual and gender diversity cross-culturally. As the current Chair of Grad Minds, my goal is to increase mental health awareness and create new opportunities to build community among graduate students. In my free time, I love practicing gymnastics, playing the piano, and eating a lot of snacks. Hope to see you at our upcoming events!
Rachel
Vice Chair
Hi everyone! My name is Rachel (she/her) and I am a second year Masters student in the Biomedical Engineering program. Promoting and advocating for mental health have been a longstanding passion of mine, so I am super excited to be part of the Grad Minds team this year and share some fun initiatives with everyone! Outside of academia, you can catch me crocheting, reading and trying to cook (keyword: trying)!
Yuliya
Wellness Engagement Coordinator
Hi everyone! :) I’m Yuliya, and I'm a first-year MSc student in Physiology. I'm looking forward to my role as the Wellness Engagement Coordinator, where I hope to promote a supportive and inclusive environment for all students! I think it’s important for us to focus on both mental and physical well-being, especially in a challenging academic setting. Outside of my studies, I love reading, hiking, board games and exploring new interests. I can’t wait to connect with everyone!
Lorance
Events & Programming Officer
Hi everyone! I'm Lorance A. (she/her), a first-year MBA student, internal consultant in health media, and a yoga and meditation instructor. When it comes to mental health, I’m all about creating a space where everyone feels seen and supported! My goal is to offer a variety of fun activities that help you connect with yourself and others—whether it's yoga, mindfulness, or something totally different. I want to make sure there’s something for everyone because, at the end of the day, wellness looks different for each of us. Let’s find what works for you together!
Hani
Events & Programming Officer
Flora
Communications & Marketing Officer
Hi, this is Flora. I am a current second-year master student in OISE, studying developmental psychology and education. I am interested in mental health not only because many times I do suffer from anxiety and stress but also curious about how people can deal with negative feelings and gain more power for emotional control. I have broad interests, and do volunteer work in my spare time. Can't wait to embark on the journey of mental health with all of you!
Karen
Communications & Marketing Officer
My name is Karen. I am a PhD student in the Institute of Medical Science. As part of Grad Minds, I hope to support graduate students in building connections and finding mental health support and resources. In my free time, I like reading, drawing, and discovering new interesting places in Toronto.
Shiyani
Communications & Marketing Officer
Hey everyone! I’m Shiyani Balakumar (she/her), a first-year Master of Public Health student specializing in Epidemiology. I’m super excited to join Grad Minds this year! I’m passionate about advocating for mental health in South Asian communities and tackling the stigma that often surrounds it. When I’m not buried in books, you can find me hopping between cafes—I'm totally obsessed! If you’re looking for recommendations or just want to chat, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Farhana
Policy & Advocacy Advisor
Abisha
Policy & Advocacy Advisor
Hi everyone! My name is Abisha (she/her). I am in my second year of the Master of Public Health (Health Promotion). I am a big fan of Nicholas Sparks movies, young adult novels, bubble tea, and sushi! I am also super passionate about spreading mental wellness to those around me.
Kealyn
Elemental Magazine Editor-in-Chief
Hi everyone, my name is Kealyn (she/her)! I am a first-year Master of Information student in Library & Information Sciences. I completed my undergraduate degree at Western University in psychology where I developed a passion for the promotion of mental health awareness and advocacy efforts. In my free time, I love to journal, read, bake, and try new food around Toronto! I am so excited to join the GradMinds team and contribute to supporting the mental health and wellness of students across campus!
Andaleeb
Policy & Advocacy Advisor + Elemental Magazine
Hello everyone! My name is Andaleeb, and I am a first year Master of Science student in the Department of Physiology. It is an absolute pleasure to join the Grad Minds team as a Policy & Advocacy Advisor this year. I believe in the power of coming together to support one another. By empathizing with and validating others' experiences and struggles, we can foster a safe, welcoming atmosphere for students. I wanted to join Grad Minds because I was passionate about becoming part of a team that is dedicated to this vision. It brings me great joy to work on student wellness initiatives and advocate for student needs this year! Outside of my studies, I enjoy reading, sketching, and keeping up with the latest spooky movies. I am excited to connect with you all through the many events and initiatives we have in store!
Milad
Policy & Advocacy Advisor + Elemental Magazine
Hi everyone! My name is Milad Moghaddas, and I am a second-year Ph.D. student in Industrial Relations and Human Resources at the Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources. Broadly stated, my research interests include understanding how organizations and leaders can design psychologically safe workplaces that empower employees, particularly employees from marginalized backgrounds, to speak up to share their ideas and concerns. I look forward to serving as a Policy & Advocacy Advisor to understand and bring to the forefront graduate students' mental health needs and challenges to hopefully inform institutional policy.
