Who Are We?
The Professional Writing Students’ Association plans and executes events where York University students can network with peers, alums, and faculty through writing-focused activities. We encourage creative expression on several interactive platforms. You will find opportunities to be involved in the Association as an executive council member, a general member, or even a volunteer.
The PWSA is open to all students, faculty members, staff, and alums of York University, regardless of program major or writing experience.
Our History
Jacqueline Swan and James Zhan initiated the Professional Writing Students’ Association in 2017 with the help of UPD Kerry Doyle, faculty advisors Dunja Baus and Marlene Bernholtz, and fellow students.
Our Values
Inclusivity
Professionalism
We encourage all members to be mindful of their words and interactions with each other, faculty, and alums to exhibit a professional demeanour both within and outside the PWSA and York University.
Community
Meet Our 2026-2027 Executive Council
As your council, we aim to create and connect you with opportunities and resources to help you excel and make the most out of your university experience.
Meet our council below to get to know us a little better!
President
Nicole Calburean
Nicole Calburean is a 4th year English & Professional Writing student at York University, who passionately seeks to uncover hidden truths and explore complex ideas through the elusive process of writing.
She is a passionate writer and student who seeks to connect with other students and faculty through her endeavors with the PWSA. Her goal is to create a positive academic and social environment for student writers and peers. In addition to her enthusiasm for writing, she enjoys reading, baking, and playing story-based video games.
Vice President
Alyssa-ling Battilana
Alyssa-ling Battilana is a 4th year Professional Writing Student at York University, and an actively member of the professional writing community.
Inventio Editor-in-Chief
Chanelle Abi Najem
Chanelle Abi Najem is a 4th-year Professional Writing student who aspires to create and inspire positive change through her writing.
Inventio Assistant Editor-in-Chief
Alyssa Tai
Alyssa Tai (she/they) is currently pursuing her B.A. in Professional Writing with a minor in English and B.Ed teaching certification in the Concurrent Education program.
She is a social media work/study student for the Writing Centre and Department, as well as the previous Managing Editor of Existere. Her goal is to help build a community of writers at York University and to finish writing one of her many works in progress some day.
Symposium Director & Administrative Assistant
Taylor Erb
Taylor Erb is a 4th year student majoring in English and Professional Writing. She is passionate about supporting spaces where writers can share their voices. She is also excited to support and encourage students throughout their creative processes during the Symposium.
Symposium Director Assistant
Madison Christopher
Coming soon!
Web Director
Jules Sherwood
Jules (they/them) is a 3rd year Creative Writing and Professional Writing double major. They spend their free time attending local open mics, holding their friends hostage in conversation, or curled up somewhere cozy researching subjects that result in a truly concerning search history. For writing purposes, of course.
Events Director
Anthony Mittica
Coming soon!
First-Year Assistant
Élise Rhody
Coming soon!
PR Director
Aanya Joshi
Coming soon!
Our Past Executive Teams
Nicole Calburean, President
Madeline Sanguedolce, Editor-in-Chief, Inventio
Ayyub Hussain, Assistant Editor-in-Chief, Inventio
Chanelle Abi Najem, Assistant Editor-in-Chief, Inventio
Catalina Vo, Events Director
David Ha, Events Director Assistant
Taylor Erb, Symposium Director Assistant
Monica Xiao, President
Dunja Dudarin, Editor-in-Chief, Inventio
Shahmir Khan, Public Relations Director
Anam Kadri, Webmaster
Malak Elghobashy, Podcast Director
Madeline Sanguedolce, Second-Year Representative
Sashoy Wilson, President
Deea Deb, Vice President
Amanda Monasar, Administrative Assistant
Lisa Grieve, Editor-in-Chief, Inventio
Monica Xiao, Public Relations Director
Carmen Cordingley, Webmaster
Silja Mitange, President
Deea Deb, Outreach Director and Second-year Representative
Sashoy Wilson, Symposium Director and Inventio Editor-in-Chief