BOARD MEMBERS
Emily Visser
Chair/ Communications/ Sponsorship / Awards
Emily Visser has been a union staff member for more than 15 years, including work as a labour educator, communicator and graphic artist. She is a graduate of the University of Toronto and The Ontario College of Art and Design, and has designed museum exhibits and visitor centres and taught at George Brown College’s School of Design. It was while walking a picket line during the college faculty strike of 2006 that she was first hired to work for a union. As an activist, Emily believes the arts can be a catalyst for political and social change, and are an essential part of the struggle for workers rights and social justice.
Ikenna Agu
Secretary / Communications Chair
Ikenna Agu is a thought leader in digital inclusion, media and communications currently focused on providing workers from marginalized communities with opportunities to share their stories and experiences. He is currently implementing programs that communicate the equity-based initiatives of large organizations centring digital storytelling, media, and design as institutional and learning pathways.
Prior to his current work, Ikenna was Creative Director and Senior Producer at two of Canada’s largest media companies, leading talented teams tasked with developing content for television and digital platforms.
Andrew Dick
Member at large
Andrew Dick is a creator/producer/entrepreneur who has worked in TV, Radio, Film, and Technology for over 23 years. A published writer and award-winning web and film producer/developer, Andrew’s creative and technical endeavors have been recognized for their vision and inventiveness.
Alex Sawatzky
Treasurer / Communications / Sponsorship
Alex Sawatzky (she/they) is a graphic designer, artist and photographer with a background in mental health and climate justice. Through ethical storytelling, collaborative communications and slow processes, Alex strives to help grassroots movements, organizations, artists and local businesses achieve their mission. They are the graphic design instructor for the Environmental Visual Communications course (EVC) at Fleming College, in partnership with the ROM. Alex is passionate about using art as a tool for liberation, and is learning methods of poster, zine and print-making — all forms of resistance throughout history.
Pamela Arancibia
Programming
Pamela Arancibia is a staff organiser with an academic-sector local in Toronto. She has a research background in Early Modern Italian art and literature, and an interest in the use of the arts in social movements. She is a committed internationalist and stands in proud solidarity with Palestinian workers and civil society.
Moumita Paul
Co-Chair
Moumita (she/her) is a graduate student at the Schulich School of Business. She is working towards a Sustainability specialization with a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and ethical business practices. She has also worked with student-led organizations that advocate for tenant rights. A classically trained Kathak dancer of twenty years, Moumita is involved with a Bengali socio-cultural organization to showcase and celebrate arts and culture, specifically working with the community’s children and youth. Moumita is grateful to have grown up with South-Asian music and dance and loves learning about the countless other forms of expression from around the world. She believes the arts are a powerful tool for fostering connection among marginalized communities and advocating for social justice. With Mayworks, she hopes to learn more about the intersection of contemporary labour and the arts and make meaningful contributions to the organization’s function and programming.