Meet the Team

Visha Thamboo (she/her)

Director, Student Engagement & Development

About Visha: My role as Director, Student Engagement and Development is to focus on orientation planning and transitioning BCom students to UBC Sauder. I also strive to build programming that fosters student leadership and involvement, both in and outside of the classroom. I graduated from UBC with a BA in International Relations in 2016, where I loved creating meaningful experiences and interactions for my peers through Orientations, Residence Life, the Student Leadership Conference and student clubs. I loved it so much that I decided to make a career out of it! With my experience of hosting small intimate events, to large-scale Orientations, I hope to help you re-imagine your degree and push you to make the most of your time here at UBC Sauder. 

Fun Fact: Giraffes are my favourite animal!

Lana To (she/her)

Manager, Student Engagement and Onboarding

About Lana: My role is to support BCom, DAP, and RHL graduate students to ensure a seamless transition to UBC Sauder, helping them kickstart and flourish within their own academic journey! Before taking on this role, I was an Academic Advisor at OSAS and worked as Student Information Support and Academic Advisor at the UBC School of Kinesiology. I hold a BKIN and MEd in Higher Education from UBC. 

Fun Fact: I pick dessert over any other food any day. I am a huge dessert lover. 

Hammond Yau (they/them)

Student Engagement and Development Advisor

About Hammond: I’m one of the Student Engagement & Development Advisors on the team. I look after the Spark and community building events in Sauder! I graduated from UBC with a BA in Psychology and also completed my Diploma in Adult Learning and Higher Education. 
Fun Fact: Average daily screen time is 8.5 hours.

Elsa Doxtdator-Jansson (she/her)

Indigenous Student Engagement Advisor

About Elsa: My role as Indigenous Student Engagement Advisor is to support Indigenous Sauder students through creating programming that builds community and uplifts Indigenous students' personal and professional development. Before joining OSAS team, I was the Program Manager for the Indigenous Business Leadership Executive MBA at Simon Fraser University. I graduated from UBC Sauder with a BCom Specializing in Marketing and a Concentration in Sustainability and Social Impact. 

Fun Fact: I volunteer as a ski instructor with Indigenous youth in Whistler!

Madeleine Kennedy (she/her)

Student Engagement and Development Advisor

About Madeleine: My role as a Student Engagement and Development Advisor is to support BCom students in building meaningful connections at Sauder. I lead Imagine Day programming to welcome new students and support their transition, and I oversee case competitions, helping students develop their skills through experiential learning. As a UBC Sauder alumna, I’m passionate about helping students make the most of their time here.

Fun Fact: I don’t know how to whistle.

Stanley Turner Fowler (they/them)

Student Engagement and Development Advisor

About Stanley: I focus on awards, Student Experience Grants, and supporting students in our Bachelor + Master of Management and Diploma in Accounting programs. I am passionate about building a sense of community while improving accessibility and inclusion. I hold a BA in International Relations from King's College London and a Master of Management from UBC Sauder. After working in management consulting, I returned to UBC Sauder, where in my previous role I helped to coordinate events and courses for graduate students. I love being a part of such a kind, curious, and ambitious community!

Fun Fact: I once helped to open Tower Bridge in London, UK (where I grew up)! 

Mason Margotta (he/him)

Student Engagement & Development Advisor

About Mason: My role as a Student Engagement & Development Advisor is to create an exciting and informative Opening Week for our graduate students in the Robert H. Lee Graduate School, and to advise the Graduate Student Societies. I was involved all over campus here at UBC when I was a student, working in the AMS, the Residence Hall Association, and Residence Life. Since graduating UBC in 2017 with a BA in Asian Studies, I have worked in Residence Life, the Faculty of Arts, and Sauder, as well as brief journey to the island to work at UVic.

Fun Fact: I own nearly 200 board games! 

Nafiza Ali (she/her)

Embedded Counsellor

About Nafiza: My role as the Embedded Counsellor is to support Sauder students in navigating the challenges of university while fostering resilience, wellbeing, and academic success through individual counselling, workshops and outreaches. Before this role, I was a Wellness Advisor with Counselling Services and helped students with short term counselling and getting connected to resources both on and off campus. I hold a BSc in Psychology and a MA in Counselling Psychology. 

Fun Fact: I once competed in a beauty pageant. 


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