MBA Student Association
Making the most
of MBA networking.
The Laurier MBA Student Association (MBASA) facilitates networking opportunities among all students in the Toronto and Waterloo programs.
The MBASA enhances the education experience of its members by increasing interaction among classmates, campuses and the business community. The primary goal of the MBASA is to present a unified voice to the MBA administration by providing a forum for students to express their opinions, build consensus, and take action to improve the MBA experience at Laurier.
Meet the 2011 MBASA Executive Council.
Ethan MillerWhile chipping away at degrees in Business (University of Western Sydney) and Honours Psychology (University of Waterloo), Ethan worked as a server in fine dining, a social educator designing social development programs for adults with disabilities, and a lab researcher at the University of Waterloo. Ethan’s thesis “The von Restorff Effect, Cognitive Load and Expertise: A Practical Application”, was selected by professors for further study, and is now pending publication. On early weekend mornings, Ethan can be found sifting through relics at antique markets. He is an avid cyclist, hot yoga practitioner, and Barbershop Singer with the Twin City Harmonizers.
Paul Griffin
Executive Vice President
Paul is in the MBA Co-op Program. He did his undergrad in Business at the University of Western Ontario. In the past, Paul has been on many different committees and in many clubs. Paul is interested in strategy consulting and hopes one day to own his own business. When he is not studying, he is winning on the dodgeball court. As the EVP, Paul is the right hand person to the president and all VPs on the MBASA. He helps out where he is needed, and he is also the liaison between students and the MBASA.
Gayle Ryan
Gayle graduated from Queen’s University in 2010 with a degree in English. She soon decided to pursue her love for business and therefore applied to Wilfrid Laurier’s MBA co-op program. Gayle hopes to pursue a career in marketing. Gayle enjoys writing, reading, long distance running, and spending time with family and friends.
Lauren Wong
VP of External Affairs
Lauren studied Finance at the University of Western Ontario and graduated in 2010; shortly before entering Laurier’s MBA Co-op program. She has worked in oil and gas accounting at Enerplus Resources Fund in Calgary. She hopes to pursue her passion for marketing and specialize in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Kim Popkey
VP of External Social Affairs
Kim Popkey is the VP of Social Activities for the MBA Program. Kim has worked in event coordination roles since her graduation from Wilfrid Laurier in 2007. After graduation Kim worked as a Community Event Planner for The Record Newspaper in Kitchener Waterloo. Following this position Kim worked in Toronto as a Corporate Event Planner. With a strong background in community involvement, Kim is the go-to person if you have any questions about local events or activities. Feel free to make suggestions or plan events with support of the MBASA. All new ideas and suggestions are welcome!
Aalia Ladha
VP of Community Service
Aalia has an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto, with specializations in Psychology and Industrial Relations. Her experience is diverse and spans a number of different roles. She has worked in customer relations at the Victorian Order of Nurses, a healthcare organization in the Greater Toronto Area. She has also managed a small business, and further developed her managerial skills at a medium-sized private school in Toronto. Aalia is currently a full time MBA student and is looking to focus on Strategic Business Management and Human Resources. As part of the MBA she has secured the position of VP Community Services, and spends a lot of her time giving back to the community. Aalia is planning a Habitat for Humanity Build in Waterloo for MBA students, as well as other events in the community.
Stephanie Jackson
VP of Athletics
Stephanie is a graduate of the University of Guelph. Stephanie’s role involves providing opportunities for all MBAs to let loose and have fun in an athletic setting. So far this year she has been involved with organizing intramural teams, including co rec volleyball, soccer and dodgeball. She hopes that you will join the fun as she plans more intramurals, trips to see professional games, and a charity walk/run in the upcoming semesters. If there is anything else that you would like to do, please let her know.