67th Garnet Key

Emanuel Meduri – President

Hello, my name is Emanuel Meduri, and I would like to take you on a journey through my life, beginning with my childhood. My mother named me Emanuel, which comes from the Greek meaning "God is With Us." From a young age, she nurtured my unwavering faith in a higher power and instilled in me the belief that God has a written and destined plan for all who believe and place their trust in Him. She taught me the importance of having peace in your heart and spreading it to those around you.

This foundation of faith became the driving force behind my ambition to compete and succeed. I believed that, with God’s guidance, I could pursue my passions with determination and accomplish anything I set my mind to. Recognizing these qualities, my father introduced me to hockey, where I played competitively from the age of 5 to 21. The sport taught me valuable lessons in commitment, leadership, and discipline—the importance of waking up each morning and doing what may not be easy or enjoyable in the moment, but what you’ll be grateful for doing later. 

My father was my biggest supporter. I remember the countless hours he spent driving me to games and practices, always there to cheer me on. On days when we didn’t have hockey, you could find him in our backyard building me an incredible outdoor rink. My father showed me the world from a young age, turning every day we spent together into an adventure. I am forever grateful for his unconditional love and support.

My commitment to community service began at Loyola Catholic High School, where the Jesuit values of "Men for Others" shaped my understanding of education as not only an intellectual pursuit but also a moral and spiritual one. Between the ages of 12 and 17, I had the privilege of volunteering with a variety of organizations, dedicating my time to helping those in need. These experiences allowed me to embrace the values of empathy, justice, integrity, and compassion, all of which were central to my education and continue to guide me today. 

Turning now to my academic journey, my curiosity to better understand and help those around me led me to pursue a degree in Psychology. The knowledge I’ve gained at Concordia University has deepened my understanding of how the human mind works, which will undoubtedly help me in my future career as a medical doctor. My life mission is to help and serve others—it's what brings joy to my heart. I strive to put smiles on my patients’ faces and be someone they can trust in times of hardship.

I’m honored to have been elected President of the Garnet Key Society. Along with my team, I look forward to serving both our campus and the broader community. I’m grateful to be part of such a dedicated group, and I’m confident we’ll make a meaningful and lasting difference in our community. 

Nazir Sinan –
Vice President

Hello everyone! My name is Nazir, I am the vice president of the Garnet Key Society. I am also a second year in political science, and I am doing a co-op program. As of writing this, I am currently in an internship with the Privy Council Office of Canada in Ottawa. 

Politics has been a large part of my life ever since I was young. I left my home country Syria at the age of 8 in 2012 as it was torn by a violent civil war. I always considered myself lucky, yet I constantly felt a burden that others did not have the same chances as I did. For twelve years, I have been committed to those who continue to live at war. I dove into many books to understand the history of the Middle East and the causes that led to the labyrinth of conflicts. I noticed that for the past 100 years, history has not changed.  My grandmother similarly fled her home in Palestine at the age of 8 years old. As I continue my studies and work in this realm, I have always devoted my focus to helping those in need. I have tried to convey their stories in diverse ways. In my theatre background, I wrote plays that illustrated my story and my grandmother’s. I recently helped translate my father’s book From Istanbul to Haifa which depicts the time of my great-grandfather and how he fought for his loved ones when the balance of power was shaken in the first half of the 20th century. I am grateful that I can share the stories of the past and continue to fight for refugees in the Garnet Key Society. I am glad that we get to help the organization Brique par Brique who shares similar feelings.

What gives me courage and strength every morning are people who live under war and oppression. Their ceaseless voices drive me to be resilient.

Tarek Allaw – Secretary

Hey everyone! My name is Tarek. I’m a fourth-year undergraduate student at Concordia pursuing a degree in Biology with a minor in Multidisciplinary Studies in Science. I am thrilled and honored to be part of the 67th cohort of the Garnet Key Society!

My journey has been defined by resilience and a passion for learning and growing. Born and raised in Damascus, Syria, a war-torn country, I faced many challenges early on. I didn’t have access to many resources, and my childhood was not the same as any other child’s. The war brought constant uncertainty, with days filled with the sound of distant bombings, power outages, and moments of fear for the safety of my family and community. Basic routines like going to school or playing outside were shadowed by the risk of violence. Yet, amidst these hardships, my family strived day and night to provide me with the best education possible and to give me the opportunity to learn and develop my skills. Determined to build a better future, I made my way to Canada, becoming the first in my family to travel and study abroad.

Moving to Canada in 2020 was both exciting and daunting. I arrived alone, with no friends or community, and had to navigate a new language and an unfamiliar education system while supporting myself—all while the world was in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdowns and curfews made the transition even more difficult. The pandemic disrupted any chances of me making friends and meeting people during my first year and a half of school, which made building a support system incredibly challenging. Despite this, I pushed myself to adapt and find ways to connect with others virtually as much as possible, determined not to let the circumstances hold me back.

Joining the Science College at Concordia was a turning point in my journey. It provided me with an environment where I could thrive academically and grow alongside driven, like-minded individuals. I also got the chance to give back by being elected as co-president and councilor of the Science College Student Association, where I worked hard alongside an amazing team to give back to our students and community by organizing numerous social events like trivia nights and Science College dinners, and academic events like Research Day and BOLD Science Conference, which are great opportunities for our students to showcase their research work, and this year, deciding to join the Garnet Key Society has been a pivotal step for me. This involvement is helping me pave the path toward becoming a well-rounded individual who can inspire and contribute to the community where I was given a chance at building a life again.

My story is one of courage, adaptability, and a deep dedication to learning and community. Through every challenge and victory, I aim to inspire those around me with resilience and determination—values that align closely with the Garnet Key Society's mission of excellence, service, and leadership. I am honored and thrilled to have been selected to be part of this cohort, and I look forward to seeing what our cohort will accomplish!

Deep Patel – Treasurer

Meet the unstoppable force of nature that is me! Born in Ahmedabad City, India, I consumed books about faraway places from a young age, dreaming of a life of adventure and wonder. That dream led me to leap across the ocean to the land of the maple leaf, where I've been living happily in Montreal for five years, immersing myself in Canada's rich, blended heritage.

Studying at Concordia University for four years has been an incredible journey that helped me build my confidence and public speaking skills. I've been fortunate to put these talents to good use ever since. Serving as a Senator at Concordia University, Director of Corporate Relations at JMCC, Vice President of Concordia Yoga Club, and Treasurer at the 67th Garnet Key Society has been a rewarding experience. I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to my community and support my fellow students.

What truly drives me is my passion for improving the learning experience and environment for my fellow students. I'm always eager to lend a helping hand and work tirelessly to ensure that every student at the university finds happiness and freedom in their academic pursuits. Whether through active engagement in student organizations or simply offering a sympathetic ear, I strive to be a supportive and dedicated member of the student community.

So, if you're looking for someone who is energetic, passionate, and dedicated to making a difference, I'd be thrilled to help! With my boundless energy and unstoppable drive, I'm excited to see what we can achieve together.

Chloe Akiki – Recruitment Chairperson

Hi! I’m Chloe, a fourth and final-year psychology student from Beirut, Lebanon. Being a member of the Garnet Key Society is an incredible honour—one that allows me to represent not only my university but also the spirit and resilience of my home. Concordia has become my home away from home, and I am grateful to be part of a community that upholds academic excellence, fosters leadership, and values giving back in meaningful ways.

My passion for mental health advocacy has been the guiding force in my journey, inspired by the resilience and strength of my community. Growing up in Beirut, I witnessed how transformative accessible mental health support can be and the profound difference it makes in people’s lives. These experiences have driven me to dedicate myself to destigmatizing mental illness and creating communities where open dialogue and support flourish. Each step in my studies reaffirms my belief in the importance of building support systems that empower people to thrive. I feel a profound responsibility to give back to the communities that have shown me so much love and strength—my hometown and this university, which has offered me countless opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with individuals who have inspired and uplifted me. 

This year, as one of two Recruitment Chairpersons, I have the privilege of helping shape the next Garnet Key cohort. My mission is to welcome a group of diverse, driven leaders who bring their unique perspectives, value inclusion, and are actively engaged in their communities. Joining the Garnet Key Society is more than a title; it’s a chance to honour my commitment to positive impact and to stand alongside peers who are just as passionate about creating meaningful change. I am thrilled to contribute to the legacy of our community, to help foster spaces where mental health resources are accessible, and to make a meaningful impact wherever I can.  

Michael Lecchino – Recruitment Chairperson

Hello! Bonjour! Hallo! Ciao! I’m Michael Lecchino, a quadrilingual marketing student at Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business and one of the Recruitment Chairpersons for the 67th Garnet Key cohort. Being part of this prestigious society is an incredible opportunity, one I approach with deep gratitude and a strong sense of responsibility. To me, the Garnet Key is more than a society; it’s a legacy of service, leadership, and commitment to making a positive impact at Concordia and beyond. I am inspired by the Garnet Key’s long history of nurturing student leaders and by the vision of aligning our diverse talents to represent Concordia with integrity and pride.

My journey to the Garnet Key has been shaped by community advocacy, academic dedication, and a drive to uplift those around me. Growing up in a family with Italian roots, I learned early on the value of resilience and hard work. Witnessing my grandparents’ sacrifices instilled in me a commitment to serve others—a principle that guides my community work. As President of the Conseil jeunesse de LaSalle, we develop initiatives that make a difference: community clean-ups, holiday donations for families, exhibitions showcasing student art, and community-driven reports addressing local needs. At Concordia, my roles as an elected councillor, senator, and student club executive have reinforced my belief in the importance of bringing people together. By creating experiential learning opportunities and facilitating scholarships, I have aimed to create pathways for students to thrive. These experiences have shown me the power of collaboration, a value that I am excited to carry forward in my role as a Recruitment Chairperson for the 67th Garnet Key cohort. 

This year, I am thrilled to work alongside talented Garnet Key members to uphold the society’s traditions while creating new experiences that will leave a lasting impact. From coordinating recruitment events to connecting with students across all faculties, my goal as Recruitment Chairperson is to bring together an inspiring group of students that we’ll be proud to welcome as the 68th Garnet Key cohort—a cohort whom embodies the Garnet Key’s spirit of service and leadership. Being part of the Garnet Key is a profound honour and I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community that has shaped my journey. Together with my fellow Keys, I look forward to making this year one of unity, service, and growth.

Mia Pereira – Community Chairperson

Hi! My name is Mia Pereira, I am currently in my third year pursuing a Fine Arts Degree with a focus on Contemporary Dance. As a choreographer and dancer I use my artistry to explore and communicate shared human experiences, aiming to forge meaningful connections between artists and audiences. My work emphasizes sensitivity to the perspectives and emotions of others, striving to nurture deeper understanding, harmony, and emotional resonance.

I am passionate about bringing artists together through collaborative projects that prioritize learning, mentorship, and support, and I take pride in creating safe spaces for expression and camaraderie. I believe deeply in the power of dance and art to cultivate connection, promote well-being, and foster a culture of care and support among artists. I see mentorship as integral to my practice, as it allows me to guide and inspire emerging artists while learning from their unique perspectives. Dance, to me, is a transformative medium for personal growth and healing. Through volunteer work, I aim to promote compassion and uplift individuals and communities. In alignment with my community service, my artistic journey reflects the potential of dance as a powerful tool for unity and empowerment.

I am eager to serve as the Community Project Co-Chair for the Garnet Key because the role will support my vision of community activism and service to others. Throughout my development as an artist, I have been fortunate to have had amazing mentors who support my well-being and mental health.

My journey as an artist has been profoundly shaped by a supportive community of fellow creatives, whose encouragement and diverse perspectives have influenced me into the person I am today. Along the way it has been an honour for me to mentor younger artists and through a network of community involvement I have had many diverse volunteer opportunities that have supported my development. I have enjoyed leading a youth group, tutoring, mentoring, producing fundraising shows, canvassing for municipal elections, and helping my peers fulfill their own community projects. For me, volunteering is deeply fulfilling because it buoys me and connects me with a supportive community of culture and care. Continuing to pursue my art is an incredible privilege, and I am deeply grateful for the learning opportunities and personal growth my role in The Garnet Key Society will afford me.

Maia Fukuyama – Community Chairperson

Hello fellow Concordians and Community Members! 

My name is Maia Fukuyama, and I am a fourth-year Honours student completing my BSc. In Behavioural Neuroscience with a Minor in Multidisciplinary studies in science.

My experience at Concordia has been a fruitful one, both within an interpersonal and academic context. The opportunities I have been granted have allowed for my exploration of the wide variety of paths that lie ahead. I have participated in several research projects, held the position of Chair for the Concordia Student Union’s Judicial Board, and now have graciously accepted the role of Community Project Co-Chairperson for the 67th Cohort of Concordia’s Garnet Key Society.

I am passionate about advancing equity-based initiatives and have worked in humanitarian policy, health policy, and as psychosocial educator for youth. My research has primarily focused on the impacts of adverse childhood experiences on health, the intersecting role of social beliefs of criminality in the context of policy reform, and the neurobiological mechanisms of learning and fear acquisition. 

Although my academic journey has come with its own set of challenges, I have faced them with the monumental support of my dearest friends and fellow peers. In observing the kindness of others, a greater understanding of ourselves surely follows.

For these reasons, I firmly believe that community empowerment and discourse can nurture and heal as we venture forward in life. This foundational element of collective support and understanding may hold a light against the dark contours that innervate our vision in challenging times. By fostering connections and empathetic discussion, I hope to provide others with a sense of belonging, trust, and respect.

If one is lucky, they are born into a family of care, and if one is even more fortunate, they may be nurtured by finding their family in others.

Kelly Day – Banquet Chairperson

Hello! My name is Kelly Day, and I’m one of the Banquet Chairpersons for the 67th cohort of the Garnet Key Society. Originally from California, I am a mature international student from the United States, deeply grateful for the opportunity to complete my bachelor’s degree in Montreal after a 20+ year hiatus. Two careers and three children later, I’m now on track to graduate in June with a specialization in Art Education, becoming the first in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree. Having completed my program requirements last year, I am currently focused on advancing my interdisciplinary art practice and finishing my elective credits as I apply to graduate programs for next fall, with hopes to continue my studies at Concordia.

My art practice delves into complex themes, often explored through a nostalgic lens shaped by my lived experiences. I create interactive, sculptural environments that integrate fibers, found objects, digital design, sound, video, and performance. Through humor, sensory engagement, and play, I invite audiences to engage in meaningful dialogues, offering them a regenerative experience and an opportunity to create new memories. I have exhibited in the United States, and Montreal and had a unique opportunity to exhibit Internationally this past summer, in Bogotá, Colombia. 

My research-creation work has helped me find closure and healing around childhood trauma, which I had not fully addressed until recently. This creative process has allowed me to release emotions I hadn’t previously accessed, teaching me to trust my instincts and embrace new creative directions, knowing that answers to complex questions will emerge in time. 

As an art educator, my conceptual practice strongly informs my teaching. I emphasize the importance of ideation, research, and planning, encouraging students to consider not only the hows and whys of their work, but also how their narratives can shape their creations. Helping students integrate their lived experiences into their artistic processes is the aspect I find most captivating; it is raw, honest, and profoundly human. 

In my free time, I enjoy thrifting for vintage, sewing, traveling, dancing, pinball, DJing, visiting museums, and spending time with my family.

Diarra Diop – Banquet Chairperson

Hello! My name is Diarra, a second-year international business student at Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business and I occupy the position of Banquet Chairperson. My journey began in Senegal, with the dream of pursuing education in a space where I could fully express the values and perspectives that have shaped me and wanting to be an inspiration to everyone back home, that one’s identity should never be a barrier to belonging or achieving one’s aspirations.

Moving to Canada, I promised myself to seize every moment and embrace every struggle along with relentless pursuit of academic excellence. I was attracted to joining Concordia due to its reputation as a welcoming and inclusive university. That resonated deeply with me, as I looked forward to creating meaningful connections and friendships with people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and cultures, recognizing that our differences serve as catalysts for unity rather than division. Outside the parameters of the classroom, I made it a mission to use Concordia’s various resources for holistic development by actively participating and giving back to the community. I have joined student organizations, taken on leadership roles, and initiated projects aimed at both personal and community growth. These experiences have been a vital part of my journey, helping me become more adaptable, empathetic, and more focused on finding ways to make a positive impact. 

I am especially drawn to the Garnet Key because I believe it represents Concordia’s ideals of leadership and academic excellence. With gratitude, I look forward to being part of an inspiring group dedicated to making a difference, and I am excited to share this journey with others who share the same commitment to building an impactful community.

Alyssa Durdey  – Marketing Coordinator

Hello! My name is Alyssa, I am a second year Computation Arts Specialization student, where I am learning to combine my computer programming skills and artistic direction to pursue a career in 3D modeling. Guided by my artistic vision, I am more than happy to take on the Marketing Officer position!

Regarding my involvement within Concordia, I have been the External Executive of the Kpop Club for two years, where I managed their social platforms and helped to plan events. Since the club had just been founded at the time, it is such a pleasure to see the friendly community we started to build. 

Beyond my academic life, I have been and still am involved with the Montreal A.G.B.U. Scouting organization with the goal to reconnect back to my Armenian roots and to give back to this welcoming community. I got the honour to go on a humanitarian trip to Armenia with my scouting unit in the summer of 2023, where we renovated a classroom at the Armavir College of Arts. This non-profit institution lacked the resources to upgrade its facilities, and our mission was to create a better learning environment for its students. Working alongside 13 other dedicated scouts, we accomplished the renovation within two weeks. The physical transformation of the classroom was significant, but the emotional impact was even greater. Interacting with the students, teachers, and directors enriched my understanding of the importance of our work and the lasting impact it would have on future generations. Upon returning to Canada, I assumed (and still continue) to take on the role of an official scout leader. This position involves planning fundraisers, organizing weekly programs for our youngest scouts, and leading activities that are both entertaining and educational. Teaching about teamwork, respect, and their Armenian heritage has been incredibly rewarding and underscores the importance of preserving our culture for future generations.

Moving forward, I strive to maintain a high academic standing while continuing to give back to my communities within and outside my academic life. 

Camille Sebatigita – Outreach and Alumni Officer

Hi everyone! My name is Camille Sebatigita, and I am in my second year of studies at Concordia University pursuing an honours degree in economics. I am thrilled to be this year’s Garnet Key Society outreach and alumni officer. 

Over the last few years of my life, I have always aspired to be an active citizen of this world. Having had the chance to live in several countries, I have been able to firsthand understand the value of active engagement and the richness that diversity brings to our world. My passion for development and my experiences abroad have ignited a desire to make a tangible impact. 

Prior to attending Concordia, being driven by the curiosity to learn and further explore my understanding of our world’s interconnectedness, I joined an international school branch called United World College in Costa Rica that represents over 60 cultures on its campus. The school aims to make education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future during one’s two last years of high school. This immersive and dynamic yet challenging experience transformed me into someone who is passionate, who truly aspires to make a difference which is what pushes me to want to succeed and make a significant impact. 

The multicultural environment at United World College ignited a passion within me to further explore diversity and its profound impact on society. Concordia University, with its vibrant and diverse student body, presented itself as the ideal environment to continue this journey. Pursuing an economics degree at Concordia with its diverse academic community equips me with the tools to analyze complex global issues to develop more sustainable development initiatives. Concordia's vibrant community has made it easy for me to implement myself in the student community in numerous ways. Last year, I had the opportunity to be selected as an Ambassador for the African Student Association of Concordia (ASAC). An ASAC ambassador’s core mission is to engage the Concordia community by fostering traditions of African culture. As an ambassador, I aspire to strive to promote academically driven and socially focused events to maintain a vibrant campus culture. 

Lastly, I am honored to collaborate with such a diverse group of individuals. Their unique perspectives will undoubtedly enrich our collective journey. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to learn from these experiences and grow as an individual.