Gavin is Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Wilfrid Laurier University and teaches in the Departments of History, Global Studies, and Religion & Culture. In his role with ISOW, he supports student leadership through experiential learning opportunities, mentors Program Assistants, and contributes to the educational aspect of the initiative by teaching ISOW courses. He also serves as a liaison between the student team and university administration, fostering strong communication and institutional support, while helping guide ISOW’s future direction and global partnerships. His research interests include the history of modern Turkey, international Islam in the 20th century, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and active learning in the arts. He earned his Ph.D. in History from the University of Chicago.

KZP was the President of ISOW for the 2024-2025 academic year, and graduating from Political Science at Laurier. A scholar himself, KZP’s journey with ISOW began nearly four years ago when he arrived in Canada. Since then, he has been actively involved in the community, starting as a team member and contributing to various projects. What KZP values most about ISOW is its ability to provide learning opportunities that go far beyond the classroom. Through his involvement, he has gained hands-on, experiential learning alongside a team of passionate and professional peers.

Jaron recently completed a Bachelor of Arts in International Education Studies. For the past two years, he has served as the Director of Scholar Support for ISOW, working closely with the Scholars that ISOW supports to help ensure their success in university. Jaron values his time with ISOW not only for the meaningful impact it has but also for the opportunity to connect with incredible individuals from diverse backgrounds. He believes that helping others is a fundamental part of what it means to be truly human, and ISOW has given him a powerful space to live out that belief.

Jill recently graduated from International Education studies program and is set to begin in the BEd program at Laurier in September. ISOW's initiative is what peaked her interest in getting involved. She is looking forward to working with passionate and hard working individuals while creating positive change through her position. She enjoyed her time as a student volunteer and is looking forward to step into the role of Program Assistant!

Sharmaine is a fourth-year student studying History and English. This academic year, she is ISOW’s President and is looking forward to contributing to the Laurier and ISOW communities through leading and encouraging student responses to global humanitarian crises. Universities are uniquely positioned in the current geopolitical landscape to respond to conflict, and students have a powerful voice within their institutions to demand practical solutions to modern problems. She is excited to continue her research and work with our scholarship programs, connect with the ever-growing ISOW community, and strengthen her critical thinking through leading and learning with the team. Her inspiration to join ISOW stemmed from her studies in history, where she examined the tragedies of the past and reflected on how she might have acted if she had lived during those events. ISOW offered her a tangible way to use her talents and experience to create the change she wanted to see in the world.

Erica is the Vice-President and Director of Finance.  She joined the organization to help drive life-changing impact and break down barriers for students from conflict-affected regions. With an international background herself, Erica deeply values ISOW’s mission of fostering mentorship, opportunity, and global connections. Throughout her time with ISOW as the Director of Finance in 2024-2025, she has been part of a close-knit, collaborative team. While her role is rooted in finance, her involvement has extended far beyond numbers, allowing her to gain insight into complex global issues.

Farhiyo Hussein Ali is a third-year Political Science student at Wilfrid Laurier University, an ISOW scholar, and the Assistant Director of Scholar Support. In this role, she supports fellow scholars in their academic and personal growth. Farhiyo was inspired to join ISOW because she has personally experienced the life-changing impact the program has on students like herself, coming from conflict-affected regions. Grateful for the opportunities ISOW has provided, she is committed to giving back by helping others who face similar challenges, fostering a community of mutual support and empowerment.