Get the inside scoop on the Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs program. Our Student Ambassadors share firsthand perspectives on academics, campus life, and career opportunities. Browse their profiles to learn more about their experiences and book a chat for personalized insights as you explore your next step.
Lindsey Eiwanger
Lindsey is a second-year MPPGA student who actively contributes to the SPPGA community through student leadership roles and supporting faculty-led research. Lindsey is committed to fostering meaningful opportunities for connection and engagement that promote a collaborative and people-centred MPPGA experience. Outside the classroom, Lindsey recharges with strong coffee, energizing spin classes, and walks surrounded by Vancouver’s beautiful mountains, forests, and ocean.
Policy Interests: Indigenous women’s rights, justice, and empowerment; the impact of climate change on health; advancing gender and intersectional equity in the workplace
Ask Me About: Research and experiential learning opportunities, core courses, Development and Social Change stream; ways to get involved in the SPPGA community, MPPGA student experience; balancing academic and career growth in a professional graduate program
Xian Kostyrko
Xian is a second-year MPPGA student with a strong interest in governance issues in the Indo-Pacific and the role of Indigenous peoples in Canadian foreign policy. He brings experience from Global Affairs Canada and leadership roles in research and student initiatives. In his free time, Xian enjoys biking, gaming, and cooking new cuisines.
Policy Interests: Indo-Pacific governance; Indigenous peoples in foreign policy; Canada-China relations
Ask Me About: Connecting with policy practitioners; navigating a competitive job market; academic research in a professional program
Steewa Philip
Steewa is a second-year MPPGA student and Co-President of the MPPGA Student Association. A second-generation immigrant, she is passionate about local climate adaptation, rural healthcare, and ethics in AI. Outside her academic and leadership roles, she enjoys exploring new cuisines in Vancouver, finding new trails to wander, and experimenting with new recipes.
Policy Interests: Community-based climate adaptation; rural healthcare for women; platform governance and ethics in AI
Ask Me About: Working in student leadership and research centres; finding community in Vancouver as a newcomer
Joel Sawyer
Joel is a second-year MPPGA student specializing in Global Governance and Security. During his time at SPPGA, he has supported faculty-led research on global order and trade competition, the regulation of online platforms, and the economics of nuclear defence projects in Australia. When not in class, Joel enjoys watching and playing soccer, running, and spending time with friends.
Policy Interests: Geopolitical strategy in a shifting global order; the economics of national investments in defence; understanding asymmetric strategies of warfare in the Indo-Pacific
Ask Me About: Finding research and experiential opportunities, including Work Learn and Research Assistant positions; ways to specialize in the Global Governance and Security stream, core courses, Simons Award in Nuclear Disarmament; MPPGA student life and other social/recreational activities on campus (Intramural sports, gym)
Sheila Erika Suredja
Sheila is an international student from Indonesia in her second year of the MPPGA program. Her academic and professional interests focus on urban policy, sustainability, Indigenous governance, and equitable housing systems. Sheila has worked for the City of New Westminster, nonprofit organizations, as well as research centers at UBC. As someone who has navigated both academic and professional roles in Canada as an international student, Sheila is passionate about helping others find their footing in new environments. Outside the classroom, she enjoys exploring cafés and local shops in Vancouver.
Policy Interests: Urban policy and sustainability; Indigenous governance; inclusive housing systems
Ask Me About: Working and building experience as an international student; Urban, housing, sustainability and indigenous policy pathways