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Get to Know Your FESA Executives

The Faculty of Education Student Association (FESA) is a student council made up of undergraduate education students. In addition to representing education students, the members of FESA also plan a variety of events and services throughout the academic year including conferences, workshops, selling merchandise and producing their own student newsletter. 

Meet this year’s 2022/2023 FESA executives: 

External Vice President Tharmithaa Tharumaraaj
FESA President Emily Mackinnon

Emily Mackinnon: FESA President  

"Hello! My name is Emily MacKinnon, the President of the Faculty of Education Student Association. I am in the Concurrent program and have completed my BA in Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, with a specialized honours in English. I have been on the council since my first year and have served in various roles.  As FESA President, I appreciate the opportunity and the responsibility I have to enhance the student experience here in our Faculty and am very excited for what is to come this year." 

Tharmithaa Tharumaraaj: Internal Vice President  

“Hey! My name is Tharmithaa Tharumaraaj or Thar for short! This is my 5th year on FESA and my 6th year at York! I’m so excited to be this year’s VP Internal and work with our amazing council to bring the best year yet for my fellow education students!” 

Joan Lee: External Vice President  

VP Administration Kiara Bissoon-Kennedy
External Vice President Joan Lee

"Hi! My name is Joan Lee, the VP External of FESA. I am in my 2nd year of the BEd program, having completed my BA in Mathematics and Music last year. I have been on council since I've been at York. As VP External, I work more with our cohort representatives to bring forth or answer concerns/inquiries that students may have. I'm super excited to be back and can't wait to see what is to come during the school year." 

Kiara Bissoon-Kennedy: VP Administration 

“Hi! My name is Kiara (Key-are-a), and I am a 2nd Year BEd student. I have been at York University for 6 years as I also did my undergrad in Educational Studies. I am currently working on getting my Intermediate/ Senior qualifications, with teachables in Social Science and Biology. Outside of school, I spend a lot of time with my 2 pups or going on hikes! For those that are new to the Faculty, if I had to give one piece of advice it would be to not be afraid to ask questions and talk to your profs! Whenever I've needed support or mentoring, they were some of the best people to go to!” 

VP of Finance Jacky Zhou

Jacky Zhou: VP of Finance 

Hello! My name is Jacky Zhou, my pronouns are he/him. I am currently in my 6th year of completing my Bachelor of Educational Studies and the Concurrent Bachelor of Education degree program. I serve on the FESA executive as the VP of Finance, but I was previously the Professional Development co-director for the past 2 years. FESA provides the student body opportunities to enhance their journey towards becoming an educator through workshops, networking events, and a voice for the teacher candidates.”

"We're extremely excited about what FESA has to offer this year, especially since students are back on campus," said FESA President Emily Mackinnon. "Our Mentorship Program is in full swing, which allows students to rely on a mentor to seek guidance and information throughout the year. The Professional Development conference will take place in November, where students will have the opportunity to sit in on seminars about important topics that pertain to their professions. We will also host an Employment Fair in January where school boards from across the country and some international organizations will provide information about teaching abroad. Lastly, we will host a year-end formal before the March break to celebrate accomplishments throughout the year."

Find out more about what FESA is doing this year at: https://fesayork.weebly.com/