The Graduate Women’s Council 2025-2026

Our Mission Statement

The Graduate Women’s Council aims to provide a safe space for women and allies to show up authentically, develop personally and professionally, and form meaningful connections in business. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment for all to feel seen, represented, and respected regardless of gender, age, race, and ability.

About GWC

Founded in the fall of 2011, the GWC is an elected Beedie graduate student and alums volunteer-run club committed to greater diversity in leadership in British Columbia.

The GWC exists to enrich the Beedie experience for all students by offering career and personal development opportunities with a focus on gender diversity. We aim to develop and sustain a culture of support and encouragement and pledge to work toward a more inclusive and equal society.

The butterfly at the heart of our logo represents growth and evolution that women leaders experience throughout their career. Through community and connection, women can flourish and reach new heights, similar to a butterfly taking flight.

The GWC organizes the following events to achieve their goals:

1. Networking events to bring Beedie graduate students and alumni together and form meaningful connections
2. Symposiums/speaking events to provide education and experience to the membership
3. Personal development workshops for Beedie students with a focus on diversity and inclusion in the workplace
4. Maintenance of a strong alumni network to support future club members in their career development.

Our Team

President – Grace Chalk

Grace is a community-focused leader with over six years of experience in municipal recreation and program development. A former varsity track and field athlete and team captain at SFU, she developed a deep appreciation for sport as an opportunity for women. She led the creation of the City of Coquitlam’s first all-girls sports programs and built partnerships with schools and nonprofit organizations to expand access. 

As President of the Graduate Women’s Council at SFU Beedie, Grace advances initiatives that support women’s leadership and professional growth. Her work is grounded in leadership that’s focused on social impact. 

VP Finance & Operations – Munirah-Iman Yusuf

Munirah is a project management and operations professional with four years of experience in the African financial services sector. Her work alongside forward-thinking, purpose-driven women shaped her commitment to empowering women’s leadership.  

As Vice President of Finance and Operations for SFU Beedie’s Graduate Women’s Council, Munirah leads financial planning and operational processes that enable sustainable programming and create inclusive spaces where women can learn, connect, and have their voices amplified. She believes that building sustainable structures behind women focused initiatives is essential to their long-term impact. 

VP Events & Marketing – Samantha Vandenbossche

Samantha is a strategic marketer in the professional services sector with experience in large-scale event planning and full-funnel marketing campaigns. During her time as a varsity athlete on SFU’s women’s softball team, Samantha became aware of inequities within sport, which inspired her commitment to being part of the change and advancing equitable representation for women. 

Samantha is the VP of Events and Marketing at SFU Beedie’s Graduate Women’s Council. She is passionate about creating spaces for women to grow and thrive in business and beyond.