Who We Are
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
Community
Meet Our 2023-2024 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.
President
Monica Xiao
Monica is a third-year English and Professional Writing student at York University. She loves classical music, mystery novels, and just relaxing. As the President, Monica hopes to build a welcoming community for everyone interested in reading, writing, editing, and more.
Inventio, Editor-in-Chief
Dunja Dudarin
Dunja is a fourth-year Professional Writing student who aspires to become a better reader, writer, and editor through her time at Inventio and at York University. She enjoys being part of the PWSA community at York, and hopes to see this community continue to grow.
Public Relations Director
Shahmir Khan
Shahmir is a fourth-year Psychology student. As the PR Director, his goals are to expand PWSA’s reach and to keep people in the loop through social media. When he’s not reading books (his favourite authors are Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams), he’s either in the gym or in the kitchen!
Webmaster
Anam Kadri
Anam is in her fourth year of the English and Professional Writing program. She has a knack for design, enjoys writing creative non-fiction, and likes analyzing media. You will find her engaged in making digital art in her spare time or reading children’s story books to her little brother.
Podcast Director
Malak Elghobashy
Malak is a first-year English and Professional Writing and Concurrent Education student currently serving as the Podcast Lead. She enjoys playing basketball, writing and being outdoors. She also enjoys deep discussions about poetry and writing. Malak is also a part of the Varsity Women’s basketball team at York.
Second-Year Representative
Madeline Sanguedolce
Madeline is the second-year representative on the PWSA and is a second-year English and Professional Writing student. She hopes to work in the publishing industry and one day publish her own book.
Our Past Executive Teams
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