The 2023-2024 WILA Team
Ashley Patora
Allow us to introduce Ashley Patora, our President! Ashley is a naturally charming and confident leader, admired by the WiLA team for her altruistic qualities. Not only is she a dedicated second-year MBA student with a dynamic professional background, but she also works full-time as an HR Associate at Toronto Pearson Airport. Additionally, she takes on the role of a part-time Teaching Assistant, showcasing her commitment to both academics and professional growth. Ashley's leadership qualities shine as the President of WiLA, and she brings a wealth of marketing experience from her previous role as a Graduate Projects and Event Assistant at TMU, along with positions in the real estate industry. Her active involvement in student advocacy is evident through her roles on the Graduate Faculty Council, Graduate Program Council, TRSM Director on the TMU Graduate Student Union (TMUGSU), and Yeates School of Graduate Studies (YSGS) Student Representative on the TMU Senate. Ashley's dedication to meaningful change is further exemplified by her past position as VP of Events for WiLA and her passion for volunteering. Her values and aspirations align with Lori Greiner, aiming to inspire others and make a lasting impact on the community. In her free time, Ashley loves to snowboard in different Canadian provinces.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleypatora/
Anh Than
Everybody, meet Anh, a vibrant second-year MBA student and student affairs pro at TMU. By day, she orchestrates tours and events at the Student Learning Centre, (SLC). WiLA’s mission greatly resonates with Anh as she continuously aspires to give back to the community to support and empower women. She is driven to help others achieve their goals and make the most out of their student experience.
Before working at the university, Anh has worked at an ed-tech startup and has also spent 2.5 years teaching English in Seoul. Ask her anything about South Korea! If you catch Anh outside of campus, she’s most likely looking up her next travel destination or food adventure in the city!
Anh strongly resonates with the quote: “Success isn’t about how much money you make; it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.” - Michelle Obama (Former First Lady of the United States)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anhthan/
Jean-Luc Johnson
Meet Jean-Luc, the MBA maverick who's not just crunching numbers in the corporate world but juggling TV rights like a pro at Rogers Sports & Media! By day, he's navigating the legal and financial seas of media assets on Canadian TV stations, but when the weekend hits, he's the superhero behind youth sports programs, shaping future MVPs and advocating for equal play. He believes that fostering a positive mindset and teamwork at a young age can help shape well-rounded individuals. Additionally, he is committed to promoting equal opportunities for boys and girls in sports, emphasizing the importance of providing a level playing field for all young athletes to thrive, regardless of their gender. Jean-Luc joined WiLA because he believes in empowering women in the corporate world, which aligns with his commitment to gender equity and inclusivity. A quote that inspires Jean-Luc through all aspects of his life is, “I really think a champion is defined not by their wins but by how they can recover when they fall.” – Serena Williams.
Outside of the MBA program, Jean-Luc is a highly active athlete who enjoys playing hockey, golf, and going to the gym. A fun fact about him is that he studied karate and mixed martial arts for 8 years. Jean-Luc also enjoys trying new restaurants with spicy foods and attending local community events. After finishing his MBA, he plans to do a lot of travelling!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-luc-johnson/
Angelica Martin
Get ready to meet Angelica, the MBA maven with a heart as big as her dreams! By day, she's navigating the corporate world, bringing her A-game as an accommodation consultant for giants like Amazon and the Yukon Government. But Angelica's story goes beyond the boardroom – she's a first-generation Canadian from a vibrant Spanish family, on a mission to uplift immigrant communities and help them thrive in the maze of healthcare, mental health, and employment. She has served as a director and member on several non-profit boards, including Open Arms Patient Advocacy Society and Boys & Girls Club of Yukon. WiLA’s mission, vision, and values resonate deeply with Angelica, and she is committed to encouraging an inclusive environment that welcomes the diverse experiences of women from all cultures and walks of life. One quote that summarizes Angelica’s approach to life, whether academic, professional, or personal: “I refuse to believe that you cannot be both compassionate and strong.” - Jacinda Ardern. Outside of work and the MBA program, Angelica is an avid traveler. She enjoys singing, playing sci-fi/fantasy RPG video games, doing casual variety reviews on YouTube, having meaningful conversations over a good meal, and fibre arts like crochet.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelica-m-martin/
Antara Rastogi
Meet Antara, the MBA trailblazer with a legal mind and a heart for change! Starting her journey as a lawyer in India, she tackled commercial and contractual puzzles with finesse. But Antara's story took an exciting turn when she dove into the startup world as an in-house legal consultant for an insurance-tech venture. Not just a legal whiz, Antara spread her wings into the realm of philanthropy, donning the hat of a Marketing and Communications Manager for a non-profit in Rewari, India. There, she became a fundraising maestro, channeling resources to uplift under-resourced communities. Having been raised by strong female role models like her mother who became an entrepreneur at the age of 40, Antara strongly believes that there is no place where women don’t belong. Antara strongly resonates with Ruth Bader Ginsbergs's quote- “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn’t be that women are the exception.” Antara is a huge art enthusiast and never skips a chance to visit an art gallery! She loves to paint, so hit her up to discuss anything related to Art.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/antara-rastogi-36514391/