Meet Our Exec!

Joelle Li: Co-President
Hello! My name is Joelle Li, and I am a fourth-year student in the Bachelor of Health Sciences program. I am beyond excited to be serving as Co-President this year alongside Heba. Having been a part of SOS since my first year, I can confidently say that my involvement with SOS has been one of my most rewarding and memorable experiences here at McMaster. I first became involved in SOS as a Hospital Arts and Crafts volunteer, and later as program coordinator, and last year I was fortunate enough to be one of the Fundraising Coordinators. I’m looking forward to seeing all of the amazing events and volunteering initiatives that SOS will be involved in this year, and am honoured to be able to assist SOS in continuing to make a positive impact in the community.
Heba Shahaed: Co-President
Hi! My name is Heba and I will be going into my fourth year of the Bachelor of Health Sciences program. I am thrilled to be serving as Co-President for Smiling Over Sickness this year alongside Joelle! I first got involved with SOS as part of the Hospital Arts and Crafts team during my first year and ever since this club has been such an important part of my McMaster experience. Last year I was able to learn so much as one of the Fundraising Coordinators and can’t wait to see what this year has in store. I am proud to be a part of this community of individuals who dedicate their time to raise awareness and support pediatric patients and their families. I am excited to see the events, fundraisers, and volunteering initiatives that our team will be hosting and hope to help SOS succeed in the upcoming year.
Anjali Sachdeva: Vice President
Hi! My name is Anjali and I am a third-year student in the Bachelor of Health Sciences Program. I am a food fanatic and an avid dancer. I am so thrilled to be the SOS Vice-President for the 2020-2021 school year. I first became involved with the Ronald McDonald Subcommittee of SOS in the summer after my first year. I enjoyed the experience so much that I volunteered again the following school year. It has been such a rewarding experience serving the families of sick children and meeting so many amazing people along the way. I am looking forward to seeing what amazing initiatives all our SOS volunteers will be up to this year!

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Sara Corvinelli: Ronald McDonald House Coordinator
Hey there! My name is Sara and I am a fourth year Chemical Biology student. I am delighted to be the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) Volunteer Coordinator for this upcoming year! I joined SOS as an RMH volunteer in my second year and continued volunteering with RMH in my third year, so I am very excited to lead this subcommittee in my final year at McMaster. My university experience would not be the same without SOS, I am forever grateful for the club members, collaborators, and the families I have met along the way <3. We may not be able to be physically present in the house in the near future, but I know that we will continue to make a difference and radiate a smile throughout the community!
Saad Ahmed: Smiles Squad Coordinator
Hi! My name is Saad and I’m in my fourth year of Honours Life Sciences. Ever since I came to McMaster, I have been a part of SOS as a member of the Smiles Squad. This year, I have the privilege of being one of the Smiles Squad coordinators! Spending my free-time contributing directly to the local community through impactful initiatives has been very fulfilling. I’m looking forward to working with Julia and the Smiles Squad team to spread smiles to children and youth across Hamilton!
Julia Labricciosa: Smiles Squad Coordinator
Hello there! My name is Julia and I am a third year Health Sciences student. I joined SOS in my first year as a member of the Smiles Squad and last year I had the wonderful opportunity of being one of the subcommittee coordinators! Over the past two years as a “Smiley” I have worked alongside students who are so genuinely kind and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of sick children — this is what keeps drawing me back to SOS year after year :) I’m excited to return as Smiles Squad coordinator with Saad this year and although things may look a little different, I’m grateful to be part of such a lovely community! ​
Abarnaa Illango: Hospital Arts and Crafts Coordinator
Hi! My name is Abarnaa, and I’m currently in my second year of Health Sciences in the Child Health Specialization. Last year, I loved being a part of the Hospital Arts and Crafts Committee, so I am incredibly excited to be serving as the Hospital Arts and Crafts Coordinator this year. I cannot wait to collaborate with my amazing committee to foster creativity and joy through fun activities with the children and families at McMaster Children’s Hospital. As a member of SOS, I am so fortunate and proud to be a part of a community dedicated to making a positive impact on the children in the Hamilton community. Looking forward to the great year ahead of us!
Liza Roik: Y Fit 4 U Coordinator
Hello! My name is Liza and I am so excited to be this year’s Y Fit 4 U volunteer coordinator! As a fourth year Health Sciences student, I have been involved with SOS for the past three years. In my first year, I was a Smiles Squad member until my love of sports and exercise and passion for health and fitness encouraged me to become a Y Fit 4 U volunteer in my second year. Since then, I have cherished every second that I have spent with the Y Fit 4 U clients. They continue to amaze and inspire me on a daily basis with their strength, determination and growth and this program has come to hold a very special place in my heart. That being said, I am so honoured to be the new Y Fit 4 U coordinator and I am looking forward to working towards the continued success of this wonderful program.
Wanning Wang: Ron Joyce Coordinator
Hey y’all! I’m Wanning and I’m a fourth year Health Sciences student. Last year, I was fortunate enough to be a member of the Ron Joyce Subcommittee in its inaugural year and had tons of fun volunteering with children with developmental disabilities at their weekly Cheer program. These experiences have definitely been some of the most memorable and fulfilling during my time at McMaster, some highlights of which include performing our cheer routine at a Hamilton Tiger Cats game and at the Hamilton Santa Claus Parade. Moving forward, I am beyond excited to be the SOS Ron Joyce Coordinator for this year as I continue to work with Ron Joyce Children’s Health Center to provide our volunteers some even more exciting opportunities!
Jordan Chin: Communications and Promotions Coordinator
Hi there! My name's Jordan and I'm in my fourth year of the Health Sciences program. In my spare time you can find me drawing, watching Netflix or drinking London Fogs (seriously - I'm obsessed!) SOS has been a huge part of my undergrad. I started as a Hospital Arts and Crafts committee member in my first year, then became one of the Promotions Coordinators two years ago. Ever since my first year, I've loved that this club creates a community for its members while offering financial and volunteer support to the Hamilton community.
​I can't wait to work with my lovely co, Josephine, to keep you all updated on SOS' plans for this year! Stay tuned for many Facebook and Instagram posts to come!
Josephine Ding: Communications and Promotions Coordinator
Hey everyone! My name is Josephine (or Jo!) and I'm going into my second year of Health Sciences. I'm incredibly excited to be apart of the SOS team again this year, having initially started on the Smiles Squad team last year as a "Smiley", and now serving as one half of the SOS promotions coordinators alongside my amazing co Jordan! It's a genuine privilege to help bring smiles to children’s faces and brighten their days- as I've come to realize the small, but impactful difference I can make in their lives. Needless to say, I can't wait to see what our team will achieve together over the next year!
Elaine Jin: Fundraising Coordinator
Hi there! My name is Elaine and I’m one of the fundraising coordinators for this year. I’m a fourth year Biomedical Discovery and Commercialization student and I’m so excited to be working alongside my fellow fundraising coordinator, Samira, this year. I’ve been volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House with SOS since my second year and it’s truly been one of my most rewarding experiences here at Mac. I absolutely loved getting involved with all the events at RMH and participating in all the fundraising efforts with SOS. Although our fundraising events will look a little different this year, I can’t wait to see what this next year will bring!

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Samira Sunderji: Fundraising Coordinator
Hayley Patrick: Dance Marathon Coordinator
Hi hi friends! My name is Samira and I am a third-year Honours Kinesiology student. I am so excited to be one of the Fundraising Coordinators this year! SOS was the first club I joined at McMaster as a Smile Squad Junior Executive and later as the Dance Marathon Coordinator, and I’ve had countless opportunities to foster new friendships, create amazing memories, and make a difference in the Hamilton community! A few quick facts about me are: I love dancing, I’m a HUGE foodie (reference pic), and I love travelling! While things haven’t gone as we all expected and hoped for, I’m excited and so grateful to be back on the executive team this year and virtually organize events for SOS with a unique and fun twist!
Hi friends! I’m Hayley and I’m a third year student in the Bachelor of Health Sciences program. I love drinking tea, petting dogs, and going on hikes. I’m beyond excited to be working alongside Sanya as one of the Dance Marathon Coordinators this year! I joined SOS in my second year as a member of the Dance Marathon subcommittee where I got to meet an incredible group of driven and devoted individuals. SOS has been one of my favourite university experiences and Dance Marathon was definitely a highlight. Having the opportunity to see how our efforts go towards helping children and putting smiles on their faces made me passionate about SOS and the goals the club has. I’m definitely excited to be a part of this incredible community and can’t wait to see what we are able to accomplish this year!
Sanya Vij: Dance Marathon Coordinator
​Hello everyone! My name is Sanya and I’m a third year student in the Honours Life Sciences program. I am so excited to be one of the Dance Marathon Coordinators for this year, along with Hayley. I started volunteering with SOS in my second year as a member of Smiles Squad, where I got to meet amazing, like-minded people and help bring some normalcy and joy to children in the Hamilton community. I’m definitely looking forward to all the events and activities that SOS will bring to the table and I’m so grateful that I’ll be able to play a part in the planning process as well. SOS has such a special place in my heart and I’m so excited for this upcoming year!!​
Arushi Wadhwa: Treasurer
Hey everyone! My name is Arushi and I am in second year Honours Life Science. Last year I had the incredible opportunity to join SOS as a part of smile squad, and this year I am so excited to be serving as Treasurer! From planning events like the Winter Carnival for patients at McMaster Children's Hospital to helping run fundraisers for Camp Trillium, joining SOS was a highlight of my first year. Everyone in the SOS family has such a passion for giving back to the community, and that's what makes this club so special. Seeing the positive impact we have had on children is incredible, and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish this year!