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Life > Experiences

Chapter Spotlight Series: Ryerson

Talia Santopadre
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Emerson chapter.

Emerson has always been a chapter that likes to take risks, so emailing the chapter network to spotlight different Her Campus Chapters at other schools was no different. One of the schools that we decided to introduce to you is the chapter at Ryerson, located in the heart of downtown Toronto. The CCs mentioned that “[Ryerson is] so incredibly diverse. Being located in the heart of Toronto we meet people every day of different backgrounds, religions, thought process, values and walks of life. It’s eye opening and consistently refreshing.” The chapter was founded in 2015 and they currently have a team of 47 members! HC Ryerson is proud to be diverse, with people from a variety of backgrounds and majors, and they love to create work that will start conversations on a variety of topics. They pride themselves on creating high quality content on all of their social channels and for their website. 

Though the chapter is quite large, they function under a rather small executive board, which works well for their chapteer’s success. 

  • Co-CC and Co-Editor-in-Chief: Sarah Do Couto; fourth-year journalism major 

  • Co-CC and Co-Editor-in-Chief: Julianna Perkins; fourth-year journalism 

  • Senior editor: Zeinab Fakih; third-year English major

  • Junior editor: Raye Mocioiu; fifth-year English major

  • Junior editor: Fatima Khan; second-year English major

  • Junior editor: Subi Anandarajah; fourth-year journalism major

  • Social Media Director: Helen McGrath; first-year creative industries major

The chapter also wanted to highlight a number of features and profiles from their chapter. 

HC Ryerson only recently attained affiliated status with heir university (we at HC Emerson relate, since this is our first year being affiliated as well) which has made it nearly impossible to get space for events, and has provided them with no funding. While the team’s status of being unaffiliated with their school has affected their ability to run large scale events, the team loves to run a variety of team dinners and “Coffee and Conversation” events for the team. They also hold events for specific teams within their club, for instance, they will hold a social team event every so often when they are able to attain space on campus to do so. However, moving forward the chapter is really looking forward to broadening their events with their new recognition, since they have access to the spaces and funding that were not available to them in the past. They are currently looking to onboard an events director. They are really excited to look into creating a speaker series as one of the first major events with female writers in the industry and opening it up to the entire student body to attend. 

When we asked the CCs what their favorite memories were, they stated that they “like to see the way [HC Ryerson’s] writers grow. Over the semester [we’ve] been able to watch so many new writers blossom into very talented creators with unique ideas and voices. The best part about being EIC is getting to work with a writer on their piece and congratulate them on a job well done!”

Moving forward, HC Ryerson is really looking forward to expand the frequency at which they hold events and regain the gold chapter ranking status that they had last year. If you are looking to join the HC Ryerson team, the CCs want to make sure that you know about: “HC Ryerson’s passion. Unlike the many other publications on campus, HC Ryerson is a team first and foremost. We have writers who genuinely care about each other and the work they create. Also, we allow writers to create what they want to create, rather than assigning them scoops and stories—we want to hear everyone’s unique voice and perspective!” 

If you are looking to join this self-described “passionate, spunky, and dedicated” chapter, you can do so by reaching out on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Spotify! They always post when they are accepting new members, so if you give them a follow, you will be sure to know as soon as they are opening their positions. You can also reach the team by sending and email to HC.Ryerson@hercampus.com. They are also going to be tabling starting next semester, so keep an eye out for them! 

Bonus Questions: 

TS: What Hogwarts house does your chapter most identify with? 

CCs: Hufflepuff for sure – we’re bold and great at finding the best stories and posts.

 

TS: If your chapter could be described with one animal, what would that animal be and why? 

CCs: This is a tough one. I feel like we’re a bird of some sort. Maybe a robin or a blue jay.

 

TS: Is your chapter team Edward or Team Jacob?  Or for daring, Team Kristen Stewart as a person?

CCs: Team Edward all the way. (That may be my own personal pre-teen Twilight bias slipping in there though).

 

TS: Is your chapter more cat people or dog people?

CCs: Cat people  (Writer’s note: HELL YEAH! We stan some fellow cat lovers) 

 

TS: Does your chapter identify more with beaches or lakes?

CCs: Lakes! We’re Canadian!

*All photos provided by HC Ryerson*

Talia is the Campus Correspondent for Her Campus at Emerson. Talia is also a Chapter Advisor, Region Leader, and HSA Advisor. She has previously worked as an intern for the national headquarters of Her Campus in the community management department. Talia is a Writing, Literature, and Publishing major at Emerson College in a 4+1 combined bachelor's and master's program in publishing. She is an aspiring writer and publisher. Talia is known for living life with her journal, a pen, and three lovely cats.