GISA Autumn Election 2024 Candidate Profiles: Hamna Chohan for Administrative Director

In conversation with Hamna Chohan, first year, MINT (Migration, Mobilities and Borders)

Q. What makes you the ideal candidate for the role of Administrative Director, and how do you believe your background will help you succeed in this position?

I am the ideal candidate for GISA’s Administrative Director role because of my proven ability to manage and improve administrative processes while keeping students at the center of all decision-making. Because of my experience in student body leadership, my priority was to understand the issues students face at the institute. I’ve been actively engaging with many of you to understand these pain points and believe that my hands-on, present leadership style, combined with experience in streamlining operations, will allow me to implement effective, student-centric changes that enhance transparency and efficiency.

Q. How do you plan to approach the role of Administrative Director in a way that ensures the smooth running of GISA’s operations and fosters a collaborative atmosphere?

As GISA’s Administrative Director, I will focus on refining and improving existing systems to ensure even smoother operations. While key administrative tasks are already digitized, I aim to enhance their efficiency by introducing tools that improve user experience, such as intuitive tracking systems for progress on initiatives or accessible dashboards for quicker updates. Additionally, I will focus on creating stronger inter-departmental collaboration by streamlining communication and decision-making processes, ensuring everyone feels involved. My approach will be one that centres on accountability, transparency, and responsiveness to students’ feedback.

Q. What past experiences have prepared you for the challenges of this role, and how will you use these experiences to improve GISA’s administrative efficiency?

My experiences working with various student bodies, along with NGOs and international organisations, have equipped me with strong organisational and people skills essential for the role of Administrative Director. I’ve developed key expertise in data management—tracking student feedback, managing project details, and organising event schedules—all of which are critical for ensuring smooth GISA operations. Engaging with diverse student communities, I’ve learned the importance of effective communication and collaboration, both of which are crucial in fostering a student-first, responsive administrative environment within GISA.

Q. If elected, what would be your primary goal as Administrative Director, and how would you ensure its successful implementation during your tenure?

My primary goal as Administrative Director would be to assist the President in addressing student issues while ensuring our administrative processes run smoothly. I’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming it can be to navigate various tasks, and I want to change that. I plan to introduce a project management tool that tracks ongoing initiatives, clarifying deadlines and responsibilities. I also plan on furthering the groundwork laid by my predecessors, through collaborative efforts with the communications director, I plan to better disseminate the meeting minutes and reports through social media, making it easier for everyone to access important information. By streamlining these processes, I aim to create a more efficient and supportive environment for our student body. 

Q. How do you plan to make GISA more accessible and transparent for students, particularly when it comes to administrative processes and decision-making?

To enhance accessibility and transparency at GISA, my approach will focus on being present and approachable for students, fostering an environment where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. I aim to build trust within the organisation by promoting a culture of honesty, implementing anonymous suggestion boxes for students to voice their concerns and see tangible actions taken in response. I’ll also establish a tracking system for key issues and the agenda, keeping students informed about GISA’s priorities. Additionally, recognising that the weekly board meetings can be intimidating, I will introduce informal “Open Mic” gatherings, providing a relaxed space for students to candidly discuss their challenges. This collaborative approach will foster genuine connections between students and GISA, instilling a strong sense of ownership in our community. As an admin director, I will instil students’ trust in the system by further streamlining processes for students’ convenience, but as a board member, I plan to promote GISA’s goal of facilitating students by being present and accessible. 

Q. What are three core values you bring to the role of Administrative Director?

The three core values I bring to the role of Administrative Director are Commitment, Communication, and Collaboration. Commitment reflects my dedication to prioritising students’ needs, ensuring that our administrative processes are effective and responsive. Communication fosters transparency, allowing me to maintain open channels where students feel empowered to express their concerns and ideas.  Collaboration emphasises my belief in working together with the student body and administrative teams to cultivate a supportive environment that promotes inclusivity and shared ownership in our collective mission.

Editor’s Note: Responses have been edited for clarity.

Voting is open now and will close on October 10 at 10:30 a.m. We encourage all students to participate and cast their votes