GAPSS 2026-2027 Executive Elections

The results are in!

We would like to apologize for the delay in announcing the election results. We had unforeseen technical difficulties with the voting system on Rubric. This resulted in the role for VP Internal being tied. As such, we are pleased to share that GAPSS will have 2 sitting VP Internals for the 2026/27 executive year!

Congratulations to our winners, and thank you to everyone for participating! This was our biggest election to date. It was great seeing so many passionate and involved community members. We’re looking forward to what’s in store for GAPSS next year!

Meet our 2026/27 Executive Committee!

  • Maja Wilson

    PRESIDENT

  • Grace Servatius

    VP FINANCE

  • Luka Zvonkovic

    VP MARKETING

  • Logan Windebank

    VP INTERNAL

  • David Ivanchikov

    VP INTERNAL

  • Natalie Secret

    VP EXTERNAL

  • Seamus Muldrew

    VP EVENTS

  • Eden Weaver

    VP EVENTS

  • JJ Mrazek

    VP Planning

  • Ashley Idahosa

    VP HGeo

Get to Know the Team & Their Platforms!

President

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President ★

Maja Wilson

  • My name is Maja, and I am a 3rd-year Planning Student! I am currently VP External for GAPSS, and I have learned so much! From connecting with our new Junior Committee to participating in events and weekly tasks, I have found it to be such a fulfilling role! I am ready to challenge myself further by running for President! More about me personally, I love being social and meeting new people. GAPSS has introduced me to a whole realm of people I may have never met, and for that, I am so grateful. I love the outdoors, hiking, camping,  and biking. I like bartending, drinking coffee, and eating good food. I am excited to further support my classmates and friends as they have supported me!

  • As President, I will support GAPSS by being a strong representation for Planners and Human Geographers through fostering connections internally and externally. I am currently VP External for GAPSS, and I have enjoyed every minute of it! During my term, I learned about everyone's roles and responsibilities in the club, and how every position played such an important role. Being a GAPSS Exec is not a small task; fostering community and connection takes time, effort and creativity that I am excited to translate into the President position. As President, I will approach this experience with kindness and understanding, as we are all learning to do something new and challenge ourselves in the world! Maja 4 Prez

VP Finance

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VP Finance ★

Grace Servatius

  • I am in my third year of the planning program and am passionate about planning because of the environmental impacts that planning policies can have. I love the outdoors and I dream of one day working as a parks planner. Some of my hobbies include: fencing, hiking, and playing the banjo.

  • As VP Finance I hope to support GAPSS by ensuring that there are enough funds to do all the things that the club wants to do! I will accomplish this by applying for sponsorship opportunities and finding new ways to raise money. My work as an executive for the Outdoors Club has given me plenty of experience setting budgets and allocating funds in order to stay within them.

VP Internal

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VP Internal ★

Logan Windebank

  • My name is Logan Windebank, and I’m a third-year Human Geography and Sociology double-major student. I have always been drawn to anything related to maps, geography, cities, and the way space shapes social life. Geography gives me the spatial lens, while sociology helps me understand the social systems behind it.

    Outside of school, I volunteer with the Strathearn Community League keeping their website updated, and helping at events when I can. I also work as a freelance digital marketing strategist in the housing and mortgage sector. I recently completed a Digital Marketing Certificate and am pursuing an Integrated Political Science Certificate alongside my degree.

    I love exploring the city, trying new cafes, and discovering local food spots. Being out in different neighbourhoods and community spaces is something I value, both personally and academically!

    I did not get involved with GAPSS until this year. Joining the Media Committee and contributing to the blogs as well as meeting everyone through events has been one of the most rewarding parts of my university experience. I was welcomed openly when I joined, and that experience motivates me to help create that same sense of belonging for others.

  • My platform centres on continuity, organization, and stronger representation for Human Geography students.

    Vanessa has kept a strong internal foundation through consistent communication and reminders that kept us Media Committee members on track. If elected, I would prioritize a seamless transition by communicating with her ahead of time and maintaining that structure. I would ensure meeting notes, records, and shared documents remain clear and organized so future executive teams can build on that foundation.

    As chair of the Media Committee, I would continue setting clear expectations and timelines while supporting members so they feel confident contributing. Recruitment and onboarding are also important to me, and I want committee members to understand their roles early and feel supported from the start.

    I also want to advocate for HGEO students, who are currently underrepresented on the executive team. Stronger representation can help signal that GAPSS reflects all Geography students.

    Finally, I want to encourage earlier involvement. I joined GAPSS in my third year and wish I had gotten involved sooner. I take pride in being organized and approachable, and I hope to be someone students feel comfortable reaching out to if they are unsure about getting involved or navigating their degree.

David Ivanchikov

  • Hi! I'm David (aka Hot David). I was born and raised in central Edmonton and have spent the last four years trying to leave. Some highlights include seasonal jobs across British Columbia and a year studying Studio Arts at Concordia University in Montreal. Recent achievements I'm proud of include getting into planning, writing and directing a musical about a pineapple, pulling a boulder onto myself and breaking my arm in the backcountry, making some really good chicken broth, and walking the entire length of the Edmonton River Valley (42km, Anthony Henday to Anthony Henday). With a passion for the outdoors and summertime, I enjoy participating in various extreme sports, including kayaking, biking, hiking, and soaking up the sun like a lizard. I would love to play Dutch Blitz or Bananagrams with you, but only if you’re comfortable losing.

  • I would love to give back to this community that I’ve gotten so much out of! Serving as President Internal of the UAlberta Improv Group has given me the experience necessary to be a successful VP Internal for GAPSS. As President Internal for the UAlberta Improv Group, I managed an executive committee, helped organize events, chaired meetings and kept minutes, communicated with UASU, booked rooms, submitted events through Rubric for approval from Student Affairs, kept track of the club’s finances, covered our legal bases, communicated with club members, and developed a strong love for Google Drive. I hope to use these skills to help continue the great work that GAPSS does. 

    As VP Internal of GAPSS, I’d love to activate the GAPSS room and develop a strong culture of sharing and trust. Examples could include, but are not limited to, a clothing and book swap, stitch n’ bitch (fiber arts and convo time), collage party, a shared PLAN 211 supplies drawer, getting a REAL recycling bin, expanding the meme wall, and exam reviews. I’d also like to set up a suggestions form for members to help shape GAPPS. 

    I believe in a hotter GAPSS for all. Vote Hot David!

VP External

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VP External ★

Natalie Secret

  • I originally started my degree in chemistry and hated it so much that I was contemplating dropping out. I started researching new degrees, found planning and fell in love. I still wanted to do some science so I'm in the BSc in planning. 

    Outside of school I've been really passionate about music my whole life. I'm in choir, and play both piano and guitar. I also love any fiber art, including crochet, knitting, needle point, embroidery. I love any sort of new craft I can learn and love to keep busy with new hobbies.

  • I would really love to become more involved in GAPSS. I love reading the weekly newsletter and keeping up with what's in the program and would enjoy writing it. I'm an outgoing social person and very interested in making sure that GAPSS maintains its connections to professionals, and to other clubs at the UofA. Being a chair on the junior committee is important to me to make sure that there are relationships built between all years in the planning program.

VP Marketing

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VP Marketing ★

Luka Zvonkovic

  • Hello! My name is Luka, and I have been involved with GAPSS for the past 3 years. I am a huge nerd for urban planning ideas and concepts, specifically involving public transit and new developments and projects. I literally make fictional LRT maps for fun. My interest in planning began when my childhood love for trains collided with my interest in city life and cool looking buildings. Planning’s focus on the human element of a city’s built form and the ways people move around really spoke to me, and it's been my path since I was 13 :) . I consider myself a social person, and I love to have conversations with people and make new connections. Beyond school, I enjoy music production, playing instruments and singing, personal fitness, and a lil bit of partying :p

  • As VP Marketing, I hope to invigorate and grow GAPSS’s social media presence across the board. Our club has an awesome Instagram account with a broad reach, and I believe we can bolster both the informational and entertaining posts it offers. Firstly, I would like to establish a semi-consistent posting schedule for comedic and educational short-form content, where media committee members can contribute their own ideas and skills to work together and create content. Secondly, I would like to explore the possibility of expanding GAPSS social media presence to other platforms, such as TikTok, in order to expand outreach opportunities and interest in the urban planning and human geography programs at the U of A. Planning and geography are fields that have been growing in popularity for many people, and I believe that GAPSS can be both a resource for further understanding and a connection between potential future students and the field at large.

VP Events

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VP Events ★

GAPSS has 2 VP Events!

Seamus Muldrew

  • Hello everyone! I’m Seamus, and I’m running to be one of your VP Events for 2026-27! I’m in my fourth (of five) year of a BA in Planning with a minor in Political Science, and have been honoured to be an active member in GAPSS throughout these years. I’d like to say that I have always loved planning-related topics… and I will, because I have. My childhood passion for trains, planes, and automobiles developed over the years into a well-rounded love for all things urban planning, especially land use; this means you would find me playing Train Simulator Classic as a 12-year-old, and you can find me playing Train Simulator Classic and Cities: Skylines as a 21-year-old. Nothing will ever eclipse my obsession with Planning and Geography, but I also love skiing, biking, gardening (trees!!), and my YouTube recommended page. 

  • I firmly believe that at the heart of any successful club is a diverse, inclusive, and fun array of events throughout the year. As geography and planning students, we understand how crucial gathering and socialization is to the health of a community, and as a member of the events committee for three years, I have watched our agenda of events create a community for Geography and Planning students in which they can develop friendships, professional relationships, and themselves. 

    Some excellent progress has been made on events catered to HGEO students and first/second year students, all of whom have typically been underrepresented, and I would make it a priority to continue this progress with even more outreach. I would propose a working group that includes the VP HGEO, VPs Events, and Co-chairs of the Media Committee that will provide an outreach framework that focuses on how our events can be more inclusive of the entire community we serve. 

    We’re lucky to have such a creative group of GAPSS members, and I would leverage this creativity by providing more opportunities for all Human Geography and Planning students to suggest events they’d like to see, and to provide feedback after each event.

Eden Weaver

  • Hi everyone! My name is Eden Weaver (she/her) and I am in the fourth year (approximately) of an undergraduate degree in planning. My first foray into the world of geography and planning was HGEO 100. That first-year course helped me discover a career path that fulfills my passion for all things interdisciplinary, but it is the wonderful people who study and work in this field that have truly made me fall in love with it.

    I have participated in two internships during my time as a university student; I am three months into the second one right now. I’ve also been working at a tailor shop for almost four years, and always am really excited when I get to share my craft with a friend by teaching them how to mend a garment or sew a button. I enjoy mountain biking, gymnastics, olympic weightlifting, playing guitar and piano, and stopping to pick up cool rocks to the annoyance of anyone in my accompaniment. And finally: due to its sheer enormity and significance to who I am, I would be remiss not to mention in a self-description my gigantic sweet tooth!

  • Having been on the events committee for a few years now, it has always been such an honour to help create spaces for our community to grow and thrive. Over these past several months in my role as Co-VP Events, I have really enjoyed training first-time events committee members, supporting new initiatives, and seeing the next generation of GAPSS getting involved. Next year, among my priorities would be to continue supporting other members in bringing their own creative ideas to fruition. Especially from leading the planning of inaugural events like Where to Go From HGEO and the Year-End Student Showcase, I have gained a ton of experiential knowledge that I can offer to help support new events in addition to our annual favourites.

    Ultimately, every single initiative we undertake as a club is a collaborative effort. Although I think I have the practical foundation that makes me a good candidate for re-election, I look forward to contributing my skills and knowledge to GAPSS’ collective work regardless, and will continue to do my best in helping others find a sense of belonging in our little community of future geographers and planners.

    Thank you for considering me as your next VP Events.

VP Planning

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VP Planning ★

JJ Mrazek

  • Hi! I'm JJ, and I'm running to be your next VP Planning. Guess what program I'm in!

    What is there to say about me – I have two brothers. I was born in Saskatchewan and I will never let anyone forget it; I will die there. Sometimes I read bad YA books all the way to the end out of spite and masochism; I'm just the kind of guy who gets things done like that. 

    I feel called to planning because cities are large enough to influence major issues while being small enough to be manageable. I care about the environment and democracy, and living in Alberta has only sharpened my resolve. 

    In my spare time, I like to play the piano, apply for jobs (ha ha 😭), apply for jobs, and paint.  I've also really enjoyed exploring Edmonton over the past few years – seeing all the cute main streets and imaginative intersections and everything in between. I am highly motivated by food and am always happy to trade sushi recommendations. If you vote for me, I will advocate for GAPSS to continue providing food at events. 

    I'm always happy to try something new – thank you for your time!

  • As VP Planning, I will focus on the student-instructor relationship. This program is a lot of fun, but over four years of classes I've seen some rough spots that we can improve. Individual students aren't generally well positioned to meaningfully sort these issues out, which is why this is my priority. I believe everyone benefits from open communication, clear expectations, and reasonable timelines.

    My actions: 

    •        create opportunities for profs and students to meet and build familiarity before the semester heats up

    •        provide students a place to be heard and be an advocate in your corner

    •        have regular check-ins with instructors and TAs to resolve issues early

    Of course, there is more to the role. Through GAPSS I will:

    •        raise the profile of Topophilia and incentivize more students to publish

    •        support my fellow executives in bringing forth creative ways to help GAPSS broaden its reach and expand its members' horizons

    •        when organizing the planning competition, I will engage with you to determine what scenarios you want to focus on next.

    No planner works alone - with your knowledge and support, we can improve the planning student experience for everyone so that you can enjoy your time in school to the fullest.

VP HGeo

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VP HGeo ★

Ashley Idahosa

  • I began my studies in Psychology and Philosophy before briefly transitioning into Sociology, but it wasn’t until I took a Human Geography course in Spring 2025 that everything clicked. For the first time, I felt genuinely connected to my studies and confident in my academic direction.

    My interest in Human Geography is rooted in a desire to improve people’s everyday lives. Growing up, I saw how basic activities like getting to school or work could become time-consuming and exhausting due to poor infrastructure. More recently, I’ve observed similar challenges here, particularly for disabled individuals, elderly people, and families navigating spaces that are not designed with them in mind. These experiences have shaped my focus on accessibility, urban design, and sustainability.

    I am particularly interested in how thoughtful planning can reduce everyday barriers and create more inclusive environments. Long-term, I hope to contribute to improving how cities function, both locally and in the communities I come from.

    Outside of academics, I enjoy crocheting, playing chess, solving puzzles such as sudoku, playing guitar, and caring for my plants.

  • As VP HGEO, my goal is to expand and diversify opportunities for Human Geography students. HGEO is a powerful and interdisciplinary field, yet many students are unsure how to translate their skills into real-world opportunities or feel hesitant to make connections.

    My platform will on making these pathways more accessible and inclusive. I aim to increase engagement by creating opportunities for students to connect with faculty, peers, and external organizations in ways that are both approachable and practical. This includes strengthening outreach, improving communication, and ensuring students are consistently aware of available opportunities.

    I also want to support students in becoming more well-rounded by encouraging skill development beyond the classroom and building confidence in professional and academic spaces. Maintaining strong community and faculty relationships will be central to this, as these connections are key to opening doors.

    Ultimately, my goal is to ensure HGEO students feel prepared, connected, and empowered to pursue opportunities they may not have otherwise considered.

Learn More About Each Role

  • Do you enjoy leading, organizing, and representing a team? As President, you’ll be the primary spokesperson for GAPSS and oversee the Society’s day-to-day affairs. You’ll stay informed on important issues affecting members, develop work plans with each VP to set goals and objectives for the term, and maintain the GAPSS constitution. This role is ideal for someone who loves leadership, collaboration, and guiding a team toward a successful year!

  • Do you enjoy working with numbers and keeping things balanced? As VP Finance, you’ll oversee GAPSS’s operational budget and all financial transactions, apply for funding, and explore sponsorship opportunities. You’ll also plan and coordinate fundraising efforts and provide financial guidance to the Executive Committee. It’s a perfect role for someone who likes organization, strategy, and making sure the Society’s resources are used effectively!

  • Do you love keeping things organized and helping a team run smoothly? As VP Internal, you’ll be the go-to person for everything behind the scenes — from taking meeting notes and keeping records to making sure the GAPSS office and digital spaces are in great shape. You’ll also lead recruitment for committee members, help plan fun internal events, and make sure communication between the exec team and members stays strong. As 1 of 3 Media Committee co-chairs, you support content creation and keeping GAPSS visible online. It’s a great role if you like teamwork, structure, and keeping things running efficiently.

  • Do you love bringing people together and creating memorable experiences? As one of the two VPs Events, you’ll develop an events plan for the academic year and oversee both academic and non-academic events while also co-chairing the Events Committee. You’ll organize and promote events using a management and ticketing system, and handle approvals with the University of Alberta and other organizations as needed. It’s a great role for someone who enjoys planning, coordinating, and seeing events come to life!

  • Do you enjoy staying connected and advocating for your peers? As VP Human Geography, you’ll maintain regular communication with department representatives and stay informed on academic issues that affect GAPSS members. As an Academic Committee co-chair, you’ll lead GAPSS’s efforts on academic advocacy related to Human Geography and act as co-editor-in-chief of the Society’s annual student journal alongside the VP Planning. This role is ideal for someone who loves academic engagement, communication, and supporting their fellow students!

  • Do you enjoy staying informed and advocating for your peers? As VP Planning, you’ll maintain regular communication with department representatives and stay up to date on academic issues that affect GAPSS members. As an Academic Committee co-chair, you’ll lead GAPSS’s efforts on academic advocacy related to Planning and act as co-editor-in-chief of the Society’s annual student journal alongside the VP Human Geography. This role is ideal for someone who loves academic engagement, collaboration, and supporting their fellow students!

  • Do you enjoy networking, connecting with people, and sharing what your team is up to? As VP External, you’ll be the main point of contact between GAPSS and outside groups, helping build relationships with other student organizations, industry partners, and professionals in Human Geography and Planning. As 1 of 3 Media Committee co-chairs, you’ll also work with your fellow chairs to promote GAPSS, with your role taking the lead as editor-in-chief for the Society’s newsletters. It’s perfect for someone who loves communication, collaboration, and keeping everyone in the loop!

  • Do you love spreading the word and getting creative with promotions? As VP Marketing, you’ll develop and maintain GAPSS’s marketing strategy, lead the Society’s marketing efforts, and make sure GAPSS stays visible on social media. You’ll be 1 of 3 Media Committee co-chairs, and get to support content creation with your committee. It’s a great role for someone who enjoys creativity, communication, and showcasing everything GAPSS has to offer!

What are Standing Committees?

Standing Committees are ongoing groups within GAPSS that focus on specific topic areas and help guide the work of the society. They provide recommendations, ideas, and feedback on both internal and external GAPSS policies, and offer advice or information to support decision-making. Each committee is overseen by a Vice President, who chairs meetings, guides activities, and shares updates with the rest of the Executive Committee.

Who Chairs What & What do They Do?

  • The Academic Committee focuses on academic issues affecting GAPSS members and supports student advocacy within the Planning and Human Geography programs. Co-chaired by the Vice Presidents (Planning) and (Human Geography), the committee works to identify and address academic concerns, coordinate advocacy efforts, and edit and publish GAPSS’ annual student journal.

  • The Events Committee plans and delivers GAPSS’ academic and social programming throughout the year. Chaired by the Vice Presidents (Events), the committee organizes a range of events, collaborates with other student groups and external organizations, and ensures all events meet University of Alberta and Students’ Union requirements. This committee helps create engaging opportunities for members to connect, learn, and build community.

  • The Media Committee supports GAPSS’ communications, outreach, and visibility. Co-chaired by the Vice Presidents (External), (Internal), and (Marketing), the committee works to build awareness of GAPSS, maintain relationships with external groups, and coordinate communications with outside partners. It also helps manage internal media-related tasks, ensuring information is shared clearly and consistently across the organization.