UMASA Executive and Committee Positions & Departmental Committee Student Positions

There are many ways to get involved in UMASA or in the department as a student representative. Below is a listing of the current executive members and those holding committee positions. Elections for executive positions take place at the end of the academic year, while committee positions are elected in the fall. See Getting Involved, for more details about upcoming opportunities.

2017-2018 UMASA Executive

​PRESIDENT: Lauren Lambert
​umasa@myumanitoba.ca

Lauren began her academic career in 2006 at the University of Manitoba in the Clayton Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth and Resources. During this Bachelor of Sciences she worked for Bison Sports as a Game Day Manager, and various other positions related to promotion and marketing. Upon completion in 2011, Lauren moved out west and began a 5 year career as an International Tour Director. Throughout those 5 years Lauren organized and led tours through the Rockies, the Pacific Northwest, Ireland, Montreal and New York. In the off season, travel was still an important aspect of her life, as it was way to experience new cultures. During a 2 month trip to Nairobi, Kenya, where Lauren was volunteering in a Special Education Program in Kibera, she decided to return to the University of Manitoba to pursue an Bachelor of Arts Honors Anthropology degree. Entering her final year in September 2017, Lauren plans to continue onto a Graduate program in Cultural Studies upon completion. She attributes her academic success to a holistic balance of: social and physical activity, access to information, communication of opportunities, and the support of those who encouraged the road less travelled.  As UMASA President Lauren intends to continue implementing opportunities for Anthropology students including but not limited to: an Intramural Sport Team, the annual academic conference, a peer-reviewed academic journal, monthly social events for anthropology students (back to school social, sky zone night, escape room nights, karaoke night, and study/tutoring parties). Through monthly video updates of UMASA activity, Lauren hopes togrow the anthropology student network. 

VICE PRESIDENT GRADUATE: Ana Vucic

Hey guys, I am a Master’s student in the Anthropology program. During my last two years as an undergrad at Nipissing University (North Bay, ON), I truly enjoyed mentoring other students through assignments and academic administrative procedures which I hope to continue in the formal role of graduate VP. 
My undergrad research focused on the lived experiences of military wives’ employment, since I myself am a military wife. However, I would like to take my grad studies in a different direction and a passion of mine: water security and gendered-relational adaptations of people and their environment. Also, I have been a CASCA member since 2015 where I presented my latest research at the 2017 U of Ottawa conference, so if that interests you as an undergrad or grad student, feel free to talk to me about it anytime. Other than that, I am a MexiCanadian 1 dog/2 cat mom, runner, artist, and cookie monster extraordinaire.
 I am new to U of M, however, trust me that I will do my very best to inform myself with everything there is to know about the department and the opportunities available to students so I can help you to successfully navigate this new anthro-adventure.

VICE PRESIDENT UNDERGRADUATE: Will Harrison


My name is William Harrison, but my friends call me Will. I was born and raised in Winnipeg and graduated with a BA in anthropology from the UofM in spring 2017. I held the position of communications co-chair in last year's executive slate and I hope to continue to serve the anthro student body as VP undergrad. Having completed my undergrad I am well aware of the struggles and issues faced by students in the department and I hope to be able to use this position to address issues of funding and to develop a UMASA that is more connected to the faculty and professional organizations as well. As Undergraduate VP, I hope to be able to get more anthropology undergrads involved in the UMASA and make sure that the department can still hold ground in the face of budget cuts and potential tuition increases.

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TREASURER: Victoria Verhoek

My name is Victoria Verhoek, and I will be entering my third year in the Honours Anthropology program. I am interested in osteology and forensic anthropology. At the start of my second year I joined UMASA. I am interested in an executive position, because I want to be a part of planning and organizing events. This year, I participated in the conference committee and was on the intramurals team. I believe that it is beneficial for students to join groups and meet people with similar interests. This year II will work hard to attract new members, organize fun events and help plan a successful conference. I am excited to be more involved in UMASA and continue to meet new people.

SOCIAL & FUNDRAISING DIRECTOR: Megan Garlie

I am in my third year of studies and have been a part of UMASA since my first year. I was the SAAM Coordinator for the 2015-2016 year. While not much was able to be done because the society has been inactive for a few years, I would like to bring it back!

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Sarah Oresnik

​uofm.anthros@gmail.com and umasa@myumanitoba.ca

My name is Sarah Oresnik and I am about to enter my final year of my undergraduate degree. I am pursuing a double honours degree in Anthropology and English. Over the past year I have played a part in the UMASA journal, conference, and social committee. In the upcoming year I am hoping to take a more prominent role in the UMASA. I believe the Anthropology Students’ Association plays an important role in providing students with a chance to grow academically, and meet other students in the department. I want to ensure that UMASA continues to provide students with these opportunities so they can have the best university experience possible. I have experience volunteering for various campus events such as Orientation, Head Start, and Info Days, and have also played a major role in the English Film and Theatre Students’ Association

Important Info

When contacting the Executives at uofm.anthros@gmail.com or umasa@myumanitoba.ca please indicate which executive member you are trying to contact.This will help ensure that the right person reads your email.