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.

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.

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.

Sania Wadalia

Member at large

Sania Wadalia wears many hats as a labour and community activist. She has the distinction of being the youngest South Asian president of Orangeville & District labour Council. She has a long history in a relatively short career of working in different capacities within OPSEU, Orangeville & Peel Regional Labour Councils. For instance, as part of her research Sania wrote a letter to the Orangeville City Council to denounce 7-Elevens’ application to the AGCO (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario). She was able to get other organizations including UFCW 12R24, MADD and various other smaller community groups within Orangeville to support this campaign. She spoke directly with the City Council and they agreed to unanimously reject the proposal by 7-Eleven to sell alcohol for on-site consumption at its convenience store in the Orangeville Community. Currently, Sania is working with OPSEU/SEFPO as a Health and Safety Officer. She is also a Workers Health and Safety Center and First Aid/CPR instructor. Through her involvement as a youth representative she strives to get more young workers to participate in the labour movement. Her ultimate goal is to help unions progress and stay relevant to the young workers now entering the work force.