SHIRA GELLMAN

My name is Shira Gellman and I am running for Outreach Coordinator at OPSEU. The work we do is so important because education is the key to improving lives and making the world a better place.

I work in the University Advancement Office where my job is about creating greater access to education for students who may not otherwise have the chance to pursue a degree. I also volunteer on the Learning and Development Advisory Committee for employee education and the annual OPSEU Learning Conference. I also launched the Wellness and Resiliency Training Series for OPSEU staff that focuses on finding fulfillment in our daily lives. I graduated from the Ryerson MBA program in 2014 and did my major research on organizational culture and diversity.

I recently completed a two year term as the staff-elected member of the Board of Governors. In my first year I was on the Employee Relations and Pension Committee, voting on important decisions about new policies and legislation affecting pensions in Ontario. These kinds of decisions are what have lead the Ryerson Pension to be one of the strongest among other universities. In my second year I sat on the Finance Committee and Executive Committee where I defended staff position during budget cuts.

Because of the changing political landscape in Ontario, it is paramount that our community remains engaged in protecting the excellence of our institution and moving the dial forward to make Ryerson a world-class university. Ryerson is one of the best places to study and work because we bring our full selves to the work we do. With your vote, I will continue to advocate for organizational excellence and to make our time on campus meaningful. Thank you.