Meet the SGS Team - Winter 2026

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Published February x 2026

Student Group Services supports student life at the University of Alberta by providing programming and administrative assistance to student-run clubs and organizations on campus. While the team is led by a permanent staff member, we have multiple student staff who collaborate to support student groups on campus. Curious about who is behind the scenes? Read on to learn about our team!

Sania

Hi! I’m Sania Grewal, and I recently graduated from the University of Alberta in 2025! I’ve been involved with several student groups, giving me the chance to learn how to navigate leadership and and problem-solving in real time. The best thing about being in a student group was seeing how passionate students can turn ideas into meaningful events and communities on campus! What I love about working at SGS and the UASU is being able to support student leaders directly and help groups overcome challenges so they can focus on making an impact. One thing I want students to know about our service is that we are here for THEM! Whether it’s figuring out elections, navigating Rubric, or just connecting them with the right resources, we’re a team they can rely on.

Athena

My name is Athena, I am in my final year of my double major in Biological Sciences and Psychology - set to convocate this June; better spring than winter weather-wise!

I've been involved with multiple groups on campus, like the Stollery Youth Children's Committee or the Italian Club, but my main contributions were always given to the Delta Gamma Women's Fraternity and Panhellenic Council. I was able to help with member education, recruitment, our mentor-mentee program, and eventually became President of Panhellenic during the 2024 year.

Being in a Student Group gave me life to campus that was missing, and the camaraderie that is often lacking in science-based programs. Fresh into a hybrid school system after COVID, I needed a way of making connections, and the classmates sitting next to me in CHEM 101 weren't exactly forthcoming in terms of friendship. Joining clubs on campus allowed me to apply my niche interests and skillsets to a community of like-minded women that truly changed my life for the better. If it weren't for clubs, I don't think I would know as much as I do about our lovely campus, or feel as strongly connected to the UofA as I am now.

I held many jobs before my time at Student Group Services: clinical workspaces, administrative office work, and more. Stepping into this space, the environment was completely different in all the right ways. Everyone here is truly dedicated to upholding the fairest, highest efforts towards supporting students on campus who simply want to see their dreams become a reality. Nothing is more self-fulfilling than seeing a student overcome their adversities and grow into a successful leader, which I get to see on the daily, through the efforts of my hardworking co-workers.

If I had to say one thing to summarize Student Group Services - its knowledge. We have over 500+ groups on campus, and know the ins-and-outs of what works, what doesn't, what's trending, what's repetitive, and so on. The resources we develop, the news we share, the programs we update and the policies in place are to create the most self-sustaining environment for these independent organizations to exist and thrive. But that doesn't mean that you're alone in your endeavours, if you visit us with earnest want to learn to be a leader, we'll help you get to where you need to be.

Yanela

Hello my name is Yanela! I’m currently in my fourth year of Hons. Pharmacology and will be graduating in Spring 2026. Most of my days are spent learning about receptors and drug mechanisms, but clearly I also enjoy being involved outside of the lab:)

I’ve been involved in the Pharmacology Students’ Association (PSA) since my second year, when I started as a 2nd Year Representative. For the past two years, I’ve served as the VP Social, handling all the social media and marketing aspects while trying to build community within our program. Outside of the PSA, I’m the President of the Happy Faces Foundation, a charity club that raises money for children and young adults born with cleft palate or cleft lip. A cause that is very close to my heart. I also previously served as Director of Handbooks for the Interdepartmental Science Students’ Society (ISSS), where I helped design the Science Student Handbooks that communicate academic resources and opportunities to undergraduate students across the Faculty of Science.

The best thing that being in a student group has given me is the people, 100%. Student groups provide the opportunity to make friends from different backgrounds and areas of study, but with a similar mindset or goal. I’ve made so many meaningful friendships and connections through simply getting involved in student groups, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to work alongside such passionate and driven individuals. It makes campus feel a lot smaller (in the best way).

What I enjoy most about working for SGS and the UASU is the environment. Everyone is genuinely kind and supportive, and I love that my role allows me to connect with so many different student groups. It’s kind of like getting a behind-the-scenes look at all the amazing ideas happening on campus. At the same time, I’ve gained valuable administrative experience that I wouldn’t typically obtain through my pharmacology degree, which is a huge bonus.

One thing I really want students to know is just how many resources are available to support them. Through SGS and the UASU as a whole, there are so many guidebooks, outlines, templates, tools and services to help guide you at any stage of your student group journey. Sometimes it’s just about asking a question or reaching out when you’re unsure. A quick conversation can save you a lot of stress and help you feel more confident moving forward. You don’t have to figure it all out alone!