Members
All graduate students registered at UNBC, including Master’s and PhD graduate students, are members of the Northern BC Graduate Students’ Society (NBCGSS). The NBCGSS is run by a board of directors that is elected by members each year. Members of the NBCGSS are also members of the BC Federation of Students (BCFS).
Board of Directors 2025 – 2026
Director of Events and Communication (2025 – 2026)
Every successful event begins with a vision and a commitment to bringing people together—principles that Omar Akbar Sraban has consistently upheld through his experience in event planning, financial management, and student engagement. As the Director of Finance for the Bangladesh Student Association at UNBC, he managed budgets and supported student-led initiatives that strengthened the campus community. Previously, he served as the Finance Director for Budget Olympiad 2019, where he played a key role in organizing a large-scale event with 700 participants, raising funds, and ensuring seamless execution. His leadership as Secretary of Administrative Operations at the Royal Economics Club, NSTU, further honed his ability to coordinate events and foster collaboration.
In his role as Director of Events and Communications, Omar plans to bring fresh ideas and a structured approach to student engagement. His focus will be on organizing dynamic and inclusive events, improving communication between students and leadership, and creating opportunities for all students to connect, grow, and thrive. From professional networking events to cultural celebrations and student-led discussions, he is committed to making campus life more vibrant and meaningful.
Omar Akbar Sraban is a dedicated and results-driven leader with a strong understanding of event execution, financial planning, and student engagement—an ideal candidate for Director of Events and Communications. When people come together, he believes, they create something greater than themselves.
Email address: gssevents@unbc.ca
Director of External Relations and Partnerships (2025 – 2026)
Vishnukumar Sharma currently serves as the Director of External and Partnership for NBCGSS. He is pursuing his MBA at UNBC and brings a background in mechanical engineering, complemented by valuable experience in project and processing engineering roles.
Vishnukumar is passionate about connecting with people and organizations to create meaningful opportunities for the graduate student community. He is committed to building strong partnerships, opening new doors for NBCGSS members, and contributing to a stronger, more connected graduate society. With enthusiasm and dedication, he looks forward to an exciting journey ahead.
Email address: gssexternal@unbc.ca
Chairperson (2025 – 2026)
Sriparna Dey is currently pursuing her Master’s in Development Economics at UNBC. She holds an undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Calcutta in India. In addition to her academic pursuits, she serves as the Director of the UNBC Investment Club, works as a Student Assistant, and contributes to campus academic life as a Teaching Assistant Co-Facilitator.
As Chairperson of the Northern British Columbia Graduate Student Society (NBCGSS), Sriparna is dedicated to ensuring that every student’s voice is heard, valued, and represented. She is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all graduate students at UNBC.
Email address: gsspres@unbc.ca
Director of Internal Relations and Strategic Management (2025 – 2026)
Alireza Noory is a graduate student in Natural Resources and Environmental Engineering at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). With a solid foundation in civil engineering, he earned his degree in Road and Transportation from Amirkabir University of Technology in Iran, where he was recognized as the second outstanding student.
Currently, Alireza serves as the Director of Internal Relations and Strategic Management for the Northern British Columbia Graduate Students Society. He has coordinated various initiatives, including workshops on intellectual property protection. His professional experience encompasses leadership roles in municipal research and planning, with a focus on urban innovation and environmental management.
Alireza’s research contributions have been acknowledged through several awards, including the Graduate Entrance Research Scholarship from UNBC and accolades for outstanding papers at international conferences. He is proficient in a range of software applications related to civil engineering and transportation. Fluent in Farsi and English, Alireza also possesses skills in Arabic, French, and German.
His goal is to enhance student life by providing more engaging and enjoyable experiences for all.
Email address: gssdal@unbc.ca
Director of Internal Relations and Strategic Management (2025 – 2026)
Alana LaMalice is of Dene, Gwich’in, Nēhiyawēwin, and Denesuliné descent and is a proud member of the K’atl’odeeche First Nation in Treaty 8 Territory. A mother to one daughter and one ceremonial daughter, she is a Registered Social Worker with a Bachelor of Social Work and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), completing her thesis in Calgary, Alberta.
Alana lives and works on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi, including the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani Nations, as well as the Tsuut’ina, Îyâxe Nakoda, Cree, Sioux, and Saulteaux bands, in the homelands of the Métis Nation within Region III, Treaty 7 Territory (Calgary, AB).
Her work and volunteer experiences reflect a deep commitment to Indigenous advocacy, community-based research, and cultural preservation. She currently serves as the Community-based Research Lead for the Dehcho Protected Areas Communities (DPAC) project with Wilfrid Laurier University and Dehcho First Nations, focusing on documenting and supporting Indigenous-led conservation through the Edéhzhíe Learnings Project.
Alana is the Director of Indigenous Students’ Affairs for NBCGSS at UNBC, and has served in leadership roles with CAAN Communities, Alliances & Networks, the Indigenous Peyote Conservation Initiative (IPCI), and the Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association (FRAFCA). She has co-chaired major community gatherings such as the Dehcho 30th Annual Assembly and has held multiple governance and advocacy positions, including with UNBC’s Accessibility Committee and as an Indigenous Research Ambassador.
With a strong foundation in social work, research ethics, and Indigenous-led initiatives, Alana LaMalice brings a wealth of experience, cultural knowledge, and dedication to every role she takes on.
Email address: gssindigenous@unbc.ca
Staff
Executive Director
Rozanna, the Executive Director of NBCGSS, is a dedicated social worker with a diverse background in account management, client services, IT, and communications. With six years in the corporate sector and six years with the Government of Canada in Sri Lanka, she excels in change management and developmental issues. Rozanna’s commitment to humanity and sustainability shapes her professional journey.
As Executive Director, she is responsible for strategic planning, working with the board of directors (B of D), and operating within a budget to ensure the office runs smoothly. She holds a BSc. in Business Information Technology from the University of Greenwich, a postgraduate diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership from Pearson, a Master of Social Work from the National Institute of Social Development in Sri Lanka, and an MA in International Studies from UNBC.
Rozanna also founded “Hope for Humanity,” supporting children and women’s empowerment in Sri Lanka. Passionate about balancing human and environmental needs, she believes in linking resources effectively.
Email address: gssoffice@unbc.ca
Administrative Assistant (2024 – 2025)
Dumebi is a graduate student at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), currently pursuing a degree in International Studies. With over five years of professional experience across management consulting and the tech industry, she brings expertise in project management, strategic problem-solving, and using technology to drive efficiency. Dumebi is also a licensed lawyer in her home country, where she gained valuable legal experience before transitioning into the tech sector.
Dumebi’s dedication to community service extends beyond her academic and professional life. In her hometown, she has engaged in philanthropic initiatives, such as feeding children and providing essential food and sanitation supplies during the Christmas season. These efforts reflect her strong commitment to supporting those in need and fostering well-being in her community.
Her passion for student service and community engagement has been evident throughout her academic journey. As an undergraduate, Dumebi led several initiatives to promote student involvement and foster a sense of belonging.
In her role as Administrative Assistant for the Northern British Columbia Graduate Students’ Society (NBCGSS), Dumebi is committed to streamlining administrative processes, enhancing communication, and supporting the student body. She aims to contribute to a more connected and empowered graduate community at UNBC while continuing her advocacy for student success and well-being.
Email address: gssadmin@unbc.ca