As Director of BIC, my role is to be a voice for the student body, ensuring that all students feel they belong and are represented in the program. As such, my primary responsibility is to act as a channel to help organize cultural events. Our class thus far has had a potluck-style culture night, we have celebrated Eid, Passover, May the Fourth, and we have an educational event planned around Pride. The purpose of these events is to allow all to celebrate their customs and their lives in a cheerful, enthusiastic and educational way. To this end, I have also engaged Smith alumni network to build connections with the class. I have always had an interest in government, but it was conversations with fellow classmates during orientation week that made me want to contribute to the overall class experience by joining the SEC. The Director of Belonging, Inclusion and Culture position was in line with my previous experience as an artist, an event coordinator and a board member on non-profit boards of directors. While the SEC is not singularly focused on experience when choosing their team, relevant skills have proven to be an asset. My objective with this position is to benefit the student experience by fostering a positive, engaging, and welcoming class culture. The SEC is a great way to build meaningful connections, and to contribute to creating a memorable year for the entire class.

• SEC position: Director of Belonging, Inclusion and Culture
• Hometown: Laval, Québec
• Country of Origin: Canada
• Prior Industry: Banking and the arts
• Career Focus: Undecided
• Email: p.larouche@queensu.ca