Gurman Johal

Candidate for VP Internal Events for 2025 By-Election

A key concern for SAF students is low engagement in events, especially among upper years. From planning events like the Upper-Year Semi-Formal and Co-op Social, I noticed low turnout, often due to students not seeing the value in attending. To fix this, we must clearly communicate event benefits through surveys and past event analysis to understand what drives participation. Marketing should emphasize professional, social, and academic advantages while ensuring optimal event timing—announced early enough to plan but not so early that students forget. Additionally, we can improve engagement by introducing incentives, networking opportunities, and collaborations with other student groups. Using feedback to tailor events to student needs, promoting through multiple platforms, and fostering a sense of community will make AFSA’s efforts more impactful, ensuring students fully benefit from the resources and experiences available to them.

Given my past experiences in events planning, I believe I possess the skills sets to thrive in this position alongside the passion to make a positive impact. I have planned and attended numerous events in my first year of AFSA, allowing me to understand the process and insights of events planning. Understanding the intricacies but also having developed my leadership qualities through other initiatives I have been a part of would help benefit SAF as a whole. My biggest motivation towards event planning comes from the positive experiences it provides to those who attend, and I wish to leverage my experiences to continue this trend. By becoming Vice President of Internal Events, I would be able to provide guidance to the current IE committee and create memorable events for all of SAF to enjoy. Seeing the happiness people walk away with from events provides me an immense amount of motivation, fueling my work ethic to enable my ability to build a welcoming and friendly environment in SAF.

My diverse and immense experiences in event planning show my commitment to providing positive experiences for others. My dedication to creating memorable experiences is what sets me apart from other candidates as I find motivation from other people's happiness. By voting for me, students can trust that their interests and satisfaction will be at my highest priorities as I cater events to meet required needs. I wish to contribute to the SAF community and strive for an environment for all to enjoy and have fun in. I am not running simply for the title of VP, but instead wish to make a lasting impact in SAF. By voting for me, you will be voting for an innovative thinker to help bring continued success to AFSA and SAF as a whole. I will ensure your voices are heard and take actionable steps to make a meaningful difference. Vote for me, and together, we can build a stronger, more connected student community through the power of events!