Our Team
Tina Hu : President
Email
Valarmathi Vishnu : President
Email
Maryam Haroon : Executive Secretary
Email
Montserrat Avendano Castillo : Co-Vice President External
Email
Ana Julia Leon : Co-Vice President External
Email
Rebeca Ponce : Associate VP External
Manavi Nag : Director of PR and Outreach
Email
Maaya Patel : Social Media Coordinator
Sofia Corzo : Social Media Coordinator
Megan Raitt : Director of Sustainability
Email
Shaivi Shroff : Associate Director of Sustainability
Goli Eshtiaghi : Director of External Events
Angeliki Dimou : VP Internal
Email
Freya Podlasly : Co-Associate VP Internal
Email
Dhriya Popat : Co-Associate VP Internal
Email
Ann-Cathrin Muller : Director of Internal Social Events
Email
Domenica Loor : Gala Director
Email
Bridget Chu : VP Academics
Email
Kimmy Calonzo : Director of Professional Development
Email
Sienna Campbell : Director of Professional Development
Email
Harris Tirmizi : Director of Prospective Students
Email
Edmund Jiang : Director of Mentorship
Email
Nuray Omirbek : AUS Rep
Email
Taylor Oglow : CUPC Rep
Ruby Taylor : VP Finance
Email
Deeba Mehr : Associate VP Finance
Niyati Anand : Associate VP Finance
Marielle, Achtem : External Funding Coordinator
International Relations Students' Association
Welcome to IRSA!
The International Relations Student Association (IRSA) at the University of British Columbia is a dynamic student-led organization that serves as a hub for those passionate about global affairs, diplomacy, and international issues. As a community of engaged students, we aim to foster academic and professional growth by providing opportunities for dialogue, learning, and networking in the field of international relations.
Through speaker events, workshops, conferences, and social activities, IRSA creates an inclusive space for UBC students to explore global topics, connect with like-minded peers, and engage with professionals in the field. Whether you're pursuing a degree in international relations or simply interested in world affairs, IRSA is your platform for meaningful engagement and academic enrichment.
Join us in navigating the complexities of the international stage, building leadership skills, and making a global impact!
What We Do
The International Relations Student Association (IRSA) at UBC is dedicated to enriching the academic, social, and professional experiences of students interested in global affairs. Our activities include:
- Academic Enrichment: IRSA hosts various academic events such as panel discussions, guest lectures, and conferences. These events bring diplomats, scholars, and professionals to discuss current international issues, providing students with insights into real-world challenges and solutions.
- Workshops & Skills Development: We offer workshops focused on key skills needed in international relations, such as negotiation, diplomacy, public speaking, and research. These sessions help students prepare for careers in international organizations, government, or non-profits.
- Networking Opportunities: IRSA organizes networking events that connect students with professionals in the field. Whether through formal events like career nights or informal social gatherings, IRSA helps members build relationships with peers, professors, and industry experts.
- Social Events & Community Building: To foster a sense of community, IRSA organizes social events such as mixers, fundraising events, trivia nights, parties, and cultural activities. These events help students connect with others who share an interest in international relations and develop lifelong friendships.
- Publications & Research: IRSA provides platforms for students to engage in research and publish articles on international relations topics like the Journal of International Affairs (JIA). This allows members to contribute to academic discussions share their perspectives on global issues and start being published.
About Us
The International Relations Student Association (IRSA) was established in 1983 at the University of British Columbia. Our mandate is to provide students from various disciplines with a forum for discussing international issues in a casual environment. Discussions reflect upon all areas of international interest. In addition, a host of other activities such as diplomatic simulations, academic publications, and conferences make IRSA the most active academic student group on campus and one of the most recognized throughout Canada.
IRSA exists to help students get to know each other on a social level and to also help tie the theoretical knowledge gained in classes to the realities of living in a fluid international system. Not just for IR students, IRSA acts as a meeting place for students of all faculties who are interested in global events. Our mission has been to provide a forum for international discourse and build a strong community for students and faculty to share their interests in international relations.
Each year we organize, facilitate and host guest speakers, socials and beer gardens, conferences, diplomatic simulations like the annual UBC Model United Nations Conference, and academic publications such as the Journal of International Affairs. We have close partnerships with various groups such as the Model United Nations Students' Association, the Economics and Political Science Students Associations at UBC, and our sister group at SFU, the International Studies Students Association. We also have close relationships with key professional communities including the British Columbia Consular Corps and the Canadian International Council (CIC). IRSA encourages students to broaden their academic horizons by acting as a focal point for connecting and networking with fellow students and professionals working in international affairs.
Mission and Core Values
Community
We pride ourselves in our role as facilitators within the IR community. We connect international relations students and more generally students interested in global affairs by fostering friendships while promoting common interests. Our goal is to cultivate a prosperous environment for students.
Global Citizenship
IRSA is committed to talking about global issues and raising awareness about current affairs, as evidenced by the many events we hold. We aim to educate the wider UBC and local community by promoting discussions and new perspectives.
Professional Development
We are committed to helping connect students with professionals in related fields and other IR-related organizations in Vancouver and Canada, as well as helping students develop skills needed in the job market.
Contact Us
Location
6133 University Boulevard
V6T 1Z1 Vancouver, BC
Contact
Our Team
Tina Hu : President
Email
Valarmathi Vishnu : President
Email
Maryam Haroon : Executive Secretary
Email
Montserrat Avendano Castillo : Co-Vice President External
Email
Ana Julia Leon : Co-Vice President External
Email
Rebeca Ponce : Associate VP External
Manavi Nag : Director of PR and Outreach
Email
Maaya Patel : Social Media Coordinator
Sofia Corzo : Social Media Coordinator
Megan Raitt : Director of Sustainability
Email
Shaivi Shroff : Associate Director of Sustainability
Goli Eshtiaghi : Director of External Events
Angeliki Dimou : VP Internal
Email
Freya Podlasly : Co-Associate VP Internal
Email
Dhriya Popat : Co-Associate VP Internal
Email
Ann-Cathrin Muller : Director of Internal Social Events
Email
Domenica Loor : Gala Director
Email
Bridget Chu : VP Academics
Email
Kimmy Calonzo : Director of Professional Development
Email
Sienna Campbell : Director of Professional Development
Email
Harris Tirmizi : Director of Prospective Students
Email
Edmund Jiang : Director of Mentorship
Email
Nuray Omirbek : AUS Rep
Email
Taylor Oglow : CUPC Rep
Ruby Taylor : VP Finance
Email
Deeba Mehr : Associate VP Finance
Niyati Anand : Associate VP Finance
Marielle, Achtem : External Funding Coordinator
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