2010-2011 CMESA Team

PRESIDENT
Talia Poleski
Program: Real Estate and Housing
Career Goal: Start or work for some type of commercial real estate or urban and regional planning company.
Why You Love Commerce at Guelph: It has to be the people. Everyone in commerce has the same mindset about finding that balance between working hard and making the best out of University Life.
If You Were an Animal, What Would You Be: A big fish in a small pond
VICE PRESIDENT INTERNAL
Cassie O’Brien
Program: Mangmnt. Economics in Industry and Finance
Career Goal: Successful Executive at a Major Corporation
Why You Love Commerce at Guelph: Guelph is a second home to me. The people are great, the town is great and I have learnt so much over the past three years being here. Our Commerce program is unique in the way it it put together and that is one of the many reasons why it is so successful. Most importantly the students here know “Work Hard, Play Harder!”
If You Were an Animal, What Would You Be: If I were an animal I would be a lion so I could be the king of the jungle :)
VICE PRESIDENT EXTERNAL
Justin Sythes
Program: Marketing Management
Career Goal: To bring trust back to the financial services industry
Why You Love Commerce at Guelph: Because our college is so new there is actually potential that they could decide to name it after me one day. Seriously though, Guelph Commerce has given me many opportunities to build the skills that aren’t taught in textbooks.
If You Were an Animal, What Would You Be: A lion works well in a team, pretty courageous, and has some sick hair
Director of Finance
Lee Fridman
Program: Management Economics in Industry and Finance
Career Goal: Grow my current salary at least 10 times by working for an ethical, client-oriented company on Bay Street.
Why You Love Commerce at Guelph: : Aside from amazing professors who teach absolutely interesting courses and all of the incredible knowledge I have gained over these past 3 years, I love commerce at Guelph because it pushed and continues to push me to think in the broad sense. What I mean by that is that commerce, with it’s many arms, extends through all of our daily activities whether you know it or not. The atmosphere at Guelph is one that strives to bring together all pillars of knowledge by engaging students to learn about and take part in each one of them.
If You Were an Animal, What Would You Be: A Tiger. I’ve always had a thing for felines and I think the Tiger is the most beautiful; it is smart, it exudes strength, ferocity and it doesn’t care about what anybody thinks.
Director of Events
Sam Cherry
Program: Marketing Management
Career Goal: I want to be the Director of Marketing and Events for the Philadelphia Flyers. Any large sports organization would be amazing though as long as I am happy and still loving what I do!
Why You Love Commerce at Guelph: I love Guelph Commerce because of the people, the professors and the environment. I have learned so much about life, set so many goals and made memories that I will keep with me forever and take into my future career!
If You Were an Animal, What Would You Be: I would be a White Bengal Tiger because they are an independent, strong, intelligent, proud, beautiful and courageous. They are also endangered which means that I would be unique and rare!
Director of Charitable Events
Kara Cabuyao
Program: Management Economics in Industry and Finance
Career Goal: CEO of a major Financial Institution in North America

Why You Love Commerce at Guelph:

I love commerce at Guelph because these people know how to work hard and play harder. It’s a great network with so much potential and it’s only going to keep growing.
If You Were an Animal, What Would You Be: A panda bear, because more people need to think of the unique bear.
Director of Academics
Courtney Ristow
Program: Management Economics in Industry and Finance
Career Goal: To practice corporate law at a large to medium size firm
Why You Love Commerce at Guelph: Guelph Commerce is great because of the range of specializations and opportunity to take courses in different areas of business. It gives Guelph Commerce students a competitive edge because we can diversify our studies and be more well-rounded business people.
If You Were an Animal, What Would You Be: A bright pink flamingo! The more food a flamingo eats, the brighter their colour is. Plus, who doesn’t wish they could fly?
Director of Marketing
TJ Gill
Program: Marketing Management
Career Goal: Experience is knowledge, so i’d like to gain as much experience as possible in all areas of marketing and business as a whole so that I can start my very own multi million dollar advertising agency specializing in Guerrilla Marketing.
Why You Love Commerce at Guelph: I just adore the environment of Guelph in general – it provides an excellent opportunity for one to apply initiatives, learn from it, and then of course grow as a person. Guelph has the power to provide real world preparation as long as one has the determination to go after it.
If You Were an Animal, What Would You Be: Donkey Kong
Director of Corporate Relations
Ben Naster
Program: Hospitality and Tourism Management
Career Goal: To go to work everyday with a smile on my face. Being able to use my mind and feel challenged and motivated day in and day out is good enough for me; regardless the pay.
Why You Love Commerce at Guelph: I love Guelph commerce because you’re receiving more than just a top notch education, you’re meeting people, gaining life skills, and learning about yourself in ways that will carry you far past the walls of the classroom or the boardroom.
If You Were an Animal, What Would You Be: A dog, so everyone could rub my belly.
Secretary
Stephanie Dimakarakos
Program: Public Management
Career Goal: To be successful while pursuing something that I love doing. However, my destination is unknown!
Why You Love Commerce at Guelph: I love commerce at Guelph because it is a well-rounded program. I earn a valuable degree while being able to have fun at the same time. Commerce at Guelph a faculty that is not over-sized yet it is still recognized. In addition, I am able to be a part of a prestigious group of students at Guelph!
If You Were an Animal, What Would You Be: I would be a dolphin- intelligent, loves being around people, don’t mind being in the spotlight, and love making people happy!
Chairperson
Josh Leyte-Jammu
Program: Management Economics in Industry and Finance
Career Goal: Utilize economic theory and applications to foster movement towards globally sustainable and ethical business practice.
Why You Love Commerce at Guelph: I love the Commerce program at Guelph, because Guelph does Commerce differently. You think of the traditional view of Commerce you may think of it to be cut-throat, competitive, or irresponsible. At Guelph, we’re far from that, as Guelph Commerce students realize collaboration is the best business practice. Guelph Commerce students are always ready to contribute and lend a hand; all you have to do is ask.
If You Were an Animal, What Would You Be: I would be a Gryphon, for several reasons of course. First, it’s the mascot of Guelph, you’ve got to represent! Second its two animals in one: Lion + Eagle = Best of Both Animals! Third, the Gryphon unlike many animals can fly to great heights so it can see the world from a larger perspective.