UTSC International Development Studies Students' Association

Building Community, Empowering Students, and Shaping Global Perspectives

IDSSA actively promote work, internship, and volunteer opportunities, while facilitating meaningful interactions between students, faculty, and university administration. Through events, opportunities and programming, we aim to create a collaborative and engaging environment that encourages dialogue on global development issues.IDSSA work closely with other student associations to promote multidisciplinary learning and build bridges across academic disciplines. As an independent student body, we uphold the values of the university while advocating for the needs and interests of our peers.

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Learning, Growing, and Building Bridges Across Disciplines for a Global Perspective

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UTSC International Development Studies Students' Association

Our Mission

The International Development Studies Students’ Association at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) represents and supports students within the Department of Global Development Studies. Our mission is to foster a strong community, provide academic resources and guidance, promote work and volunteer opportunities, and facilitate student interaction with the department and university administration. We strive to create a safe, collaborative environment through events and programming while connecting with other student associations to enhance multidisciplinary learning, all while operating independently within the values of the university.

Meet Our Executive Team

President

Third year, Specialist co-op degree in IDS with dual minors in Sociocultural Anthropology and Human Geography.In my second year the IDSSA provided me with lots of new friends, exciting opportunities to get involved, and an endless stream of support as I struggled to balance my personal and school life. This year, I want to continue to provide those same supports to incoming students while growing our reach and influence so we may better serve and support our community! I intend to travel around the world working in various development programs to explore as many diverse perspectives as I can.When I'm not chatting with fellow students or studying, I can always be found hiking, camping, or otherwise enjoying nature!

Fabian van der Merwe

Vice-Presidents

Hi everyone! My name is Bianca Camacho, and I am currently in my third-year pursuing a Specialist (Co-op) degree in International Development Studies.The IDSSA has been an integral part of my undergraduate journey as the association has provided me with great opportunities to hone my leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Through my current positions as the Vice President for Internal Affairs and BOD for the Centre for Critical Development Studies, I hope to be able to extend this support to all IDS students through our projects. After graduation, I hope to be able to pursue further studies, as well as work in academia and international organizations.

Bianca Camacho

Afomia Selemon

Vice-Presidents

Hello! I am Afomia, currently in my final year majoring in International Development Studies, with double minors in Political Science and African Studies. My academic journey has enriched my understanding of global issues and the intricate relationships between political, economic, and social factors in development.I chose to get involved with the International Development Studies Student Association (IDSSA), where I have the opportunity to shape and implement student-led initiatives that address critical challenges in international development. This role has enabled me to collaborate with peers, engage with community stakeholders, and contribute to impactful projects.Fun fact: I love exploring different cultures through their cuisines

Director of Administrative Affairs

Second year, Double major in International Development Studies and Women’s & Gender Studies.
Being part of IDSSA has allowed me to meet students from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique perspectives and ideas on how development can shape societies. It's inspiring to be surrounded by people who are so passionate. As Director of Administrative Affairs, I support the association’s operations and help ensure our initiatives run smoothly.In my free time, I love drawing, going on walks, and baking. But my absolute favorite pastime is coffee shop hopping—I love matching different pastries and drinks at cafes. I'm also a film buff, always on the hunt for a new movie to watch.

Maya Asfour

Director of Academics and Peer Support

My name is Ore Akomolafe, and I’m going into my 3rd year, studying a double major in International Development Studies and Political Science.I chose to get involved with the International Development Studies Students' Association (IDSSA) because I’ve always admired the amazing events they put on. Specifically, as the Academics and Peer Support Director, I’m passionate about bridging the gap between students and professors. My goal is to position my peers to support one another, help them achieve academic success, and equip them to pursue the impactful careers I know they are capable of.
I aspire to attend law school and become a lawyer. Although I haven’t decided on a specific field yet, it’s the vast possibilities within law that excite me!I absolutely love baking and have been perfecting my Japanese milk bread recipe recently—I think I’ve finally nailed it! I’m also an avid reader; a recent favorite is Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi. I highly recommend it, though be prepared for an emotional journey!

Ore Akomolafe

Director of Academics and Peer Support

My name is Ilyana, I am a second year currently enrolled in the Specialist IDS program, and I am the Director of Academics and Peer Support alongside Ore.I got involved with the IDSSA in my first year because I thought it was a great opportunity to get involved with people who have similar passions to my own. I continued on in my second year because I want to connect with other student associations to explore the interdisciplinary nature of IDS.
As of right now, I'm not sure what I plan to do after graduation. But, I would love to continue studying and maybe pursue law.Fun fact about: Share one or two hobbies or interests outside of your studies.
I have recently getting into painting and cooking (I'm very mediocre at both), but besides that I love to read and be outside!

Ilyana Jiwa

Director of Marketing

Kapalaula Mwenya

Hello!! My name is Kapalaula Mwenya. I’m currently heading into my third year with a Specialist in International Development Studies, Major in Environmental Studies, and Minor in Political Science.My role on the IDSSA team reads as, one of the Directors of Marketing, more specifically the Content Creator. I decided to join IDSSA because I hoped to be a part of a team that helps make a difference. Through this, I have enjoyed making connections with various people who have impacted me in various ways. After graduation, I intend on getting a master's degree in a sustainability-related field and eventually, I’m hoping to join an NGO or UN workforce.A fun fact about me is that I love traveling and have lived in 5 different countries.

Director of Marketing

Seungyoon Han

Hello! My name is Seungyoon Han (Victoria), and I’m in my final year, specializing in International Development Studies.I chose to get involved with the International Development Studies Students' Association (IDSSA) because I’m passionate about fostering a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment for all students. With experience in social media marketing and certifications in the field, I’m confident that my skills will contribute to the association's goals while allowing me to grow with the student body. I aspire to pursue graduate studies, with a particular interest in critical theory, which excites me as an aspiring researcher.In my free time, I enjoy reading, weightlifting, and playing video games.

Maya Spinoti

Director of Finance

Hello! I am Maya Spinoti, a 3rd year student specializing in IDS and Minoring in Economics.I am honoured to be serving as the Director of Finance for the IDSSA. In previous years, the IDSSA has helped me to gain important connections to my peers & network with my professors, which is why I wanted to give back to the association. After graduation, I hope to dedicate myself towards economic development projects, primarily within Eastern Europe.Outside of my studies however, some of my hobbies include videogame developing & knitting. I look forward to working with the IDSSA team this school year!

Director of Outreach

Bethany Tong

My name is Bethany Tong, and I am thrilled to be your Director of Outreach for the 2024-2025 academic year. I am currently in my fourth year, pursuing a double major in Political Science and International Development Studies, along with a minor in Music and Culture.I joined IDSSA because I am passionate about creating opportunities that uplift students, helping them connect with professors and professionals in the field, and fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. I believe outreach is key to bridging gaps and enhancing the overall student experience. After graduation, I hope to continue my studies in law school to further develop the skills needed to effectively advocate for others and navigate complex legal systems to address real-world issues.Fun fact: I am originally from Calgary, Alberta, and I have been classically trained in the cello for over 14 years and the oboe for 8 years.

Director of Outreach

Farrah Munawar

Hi everyone, my name is Farrah Munawar and I am a second-year student and the Director of Outreach for the IDSSA this year.I’m super happy to be part of the IDSSA to be able to create a community for our students and opportunities to connect and engage beyond lectures and tutorials. I'm hoping to pursue a master's degree with a focus on gender and education.Fun Fact: I love cats and had 27 of my own.