Meet Our Team
Our group is made up of 11 undergraduate students at McGill who come from a variety of backgrounds and majors but are all passionate about improving economics education. We work collaboratively on many projects but specialize in the various teams: Advocacy, Podcast, and Events!
Nazli Memisoglu
Co-President
I’m a third year student in the Honours Economics program doing a double minor in Mathematics and History. I joined Expanding Economics to discover different perspectives of the field and find the relationship between my theoretical knowledge, and the past and currents events in the world. I love working with like-minded students to collaborate in a variety of unique ways that our club offers! One of my favourite things ever is to walk in a foreign city for hours, listen to music and try local food.
Sasha Dodzin
Co-President
I am a third year studying Honours Economics and minoring in Mathematics and Psychology. I was drawn to Expanding Economics for its nature of advocacy, collaboration, and commitment to providing a platform for perspectives which are often lacking in economic pedagogy. I believe it is important to make economics accessible and comprehensible to everyone beyond the confines of academia.
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Fun Fact: I was a competitive synchronized swimmer for 8 years and went to Junior Olympics 3 times.
Janelle Lawes
VP Communications
I am a fifth year Industrial and Labour relations student with a minor in Economics. EE really interested me due to my passion about environmental economics and questioning how the neo-classical structure supports the conservation of non-renewable and renewable resources.
My favourite band is Spacey Jane and I really like fashion especially finding unique thrifted pieces!
Sophie Daney De Marcillac
VP Finance
I am a U3 majoring in Economics and minoring in Hispanic studies, and my interest in economics stems from having lived in four countries in my life so far and consequently taken an interest in how each country is run and how their economies differ as a result. I also am interested in studying shadow markets across the world, which is why I support a pluralism of perspectives in studying economics! A fun fact about me is after I’ve gone on exchange I will have lived in 4 continents in my life so far!
Zoe Romanica
VP Events
I am currently a U2 majoring in Economics as well as completing a double minor in Psychology and Indigenous Studies. I chose to join Expanding Economics to be a part of a team that promotes pluralism and critical thinking in economics. I am very interested in current economic issues and behavioural economics. A fun fact about me is that I love F1 and was able to meet Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc last June.
Linh Trinh
Advocacy
I am eager to learn about the field of economics within the context of contemporary society and potentially advocate for its strengths and weaknesses with well-rounded perspectives. Joining the Expanding Economics team at McGill is a great opportunity for me to actively engage and advocate for viewpoints that we might sometimes hesitate to express, such as questioning the practicality of introductory courses. I also look forward to promoting open, engaging discussion on the subject among students who share the same educational journey at McGill.
Fun fact: I am good at remembering trivia, like the socks you wear yesterday and your dad’s birthday (if you ever told me.)
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Samia Benzakour
Advocacy
I am a dedicated third-year student pursuing a double major in Economics and Political Science. My fascination with economics stems from its pivotal role in shaping societies and its dynamic nature, always open to debate and broad interpretations. Driven by curiosity, I seek to apply economic principles and theories to real-world challenges, aiming to make a significant impact. I also enjoy travelling, reading, and sports.
Zeyna Ilahi
Advocacy
I’m a U1 student pursuing a degree in economics. I’m really excited to be a part of the EE advocacy team this year! I joined EE because of its mission to diversify the lenses through which we teach and apply economics, straying away from the traditional Neo-classical approach. I’m excited to show the McGill student body the many ways we can apply economics to environmental, political, and social contexts. Outside of school I love to read, and am a big foodie (especially for Cafe Aunja)!
Nkwanzi Banage
Podcast Host
I am a third-year student in Honours Political Science with a minor in Economics. I chose to join Expanding Economics because of my interest in political economy and the societal implications of economic policy. Aside from economics, I have also been playing the violin for fourteen years, and my favourite composer is Antonín DvoÅ™ák!
Zoya Qadiri
Podcast Host
I am a freshman at McGill doing a double honours major of economics and political science. Expanding Economics is a great platform for spreading information about the undergraduate economics experience as well as an active way to get involved in making our economics education better at McGill. A fun fact about me is that I lived in Johannesburg, South Africa for 7 years before high school!
Claudia Bruscia
Events Coordinator
​I am a first-year student majoring in Economics and minoring in International Development. My interest in Economics takes on a socio-economic and behavioural lens by looking beyond the theory and into its application in the lives of people. I chose to join Expanding Economics to be in a collaborative environment with like-minded students in the hopes of highlighting the multidimensionality of Economics. Aside from academics, I enjoy reading, practicing yoga and dabbling in wine tasting!
