On 4th November, the UniSey Alumni Association officially launched a call for volunteers to join its newly proposed Alumni Sub-Committees. This call was shared across our social media platforms and through our email newsletter, inviting alumni to take a more active role in shaping the future of our community.
We were encouraged by the strong interest received from alumni across different sectors and backgrounds. Members who expressed their interest were thoughtfully placed into sub-committees aligned with their passions and areas of interest. In addition, Sub-Committee Chairs were appointed based on members’ willingness and commitment to take on leadership roles within these groups.
Our Sub-Committees and Their Leadership
We are pleased to introduce the Sub-Committee Chairs and their respective teams:
🌱 Sustainability Initiatives (Culture & Environmental Conservation)
Chairperson: Nassirah Dorby
Nassirah Dorby is a graduate of the University of Seychelles in Environmental Sciences and a former Project Officer at the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority, bringing valuable experience in conservation and environmental management. Passionate about marine conservation, environmental education, and sustainable development, she focuses on shark ecology, biodiversity preservation, and youth engagement. As Chairperson for the Sustainability Initiatives sub-committee, she is committed to promoting sustainability awareness, fostering collaboration across sectors, and encouraging positive environmental action at both institutional and community levels.
This sub-committee brings together alumni passionate about environmental sustainability and cultural preservation. Supporting members include Vruti Kamani, Madiha Philo, Marinette Joseph, Dainise Quatre, Maryssa Samedi, and Saratha Naiken.
🗣️ Student Voices and Advocacy
Chairperson: Karyn Pouponneau
Karyn Pouponneau is a Regulatory Affairs Manager and a graduate of UniSey (BSc in Business Administration, 2016). Inspired by her participation in global platforms such as One Young World 2024, she is committed to youth empowerment and inclusive engagement. She aims to create a safe and structured platform where students can share their perspectives, contribute ideas, and actively shape their university experience, while strengthening dialogue between students, alumni, and university leadership.
Focused on strengthening the student-alumni connection, this group includes Samia Brioche, Kiera Hoareau, Kelly Simeon, and Lana Japhet.
💙 Wellness and Well-Being
Chairperson: Ramgie Pillay
Ramgie Pillay is the Executive Director at the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment, and a graduate of UniSey (BSc in Business Administration, 2020). With a strong appreciation for balance and personal well-being, he is passionate about promoting holistic health within the alumni and student community. Through his role, he focuses on initiatives that support mental well-being, physical health, and overall lifestyle balance, fostering a resilient and supportive network.
Dedicated to promoting holistic well-being, including mental health and fitness, this sub-committee includes Steve Monnaie, Vruti Kamani, Hendricko Vidot, and Afzal Dias.
🎓 Mentorship and Careers
Chairperson: Belmira Elizabeth
Belmira Elizabeth is a Lecturer and former soldier, holding a BSc in Social Science from UniSey. She is passionate about empowering learners and creating supportive networks that guide students in their career journeys. Through her role, she focuses on coordinating career-focused events, facilitating networking opportunities, and showcasing professional pathways to support student and graduate development.
Focused on career development and mentorship opportunities, this group includes Karyn Pouponneau, Madiha Philo, Nassirah Dorby, and Kelly Samynadin.
📣 Events and Communication (Interim Approach)
At this stage, the Executive Committee will continue to assume responsibility for Events and Communication, in collaboration with relevant Sub-Committees, as has been the case to date.
This approach is necessary due to time-sensitive priorities, including key upcoming events such as the UniSey Fundraising Gala. Additionally, the Association has already begun building and nurturing important stakeholder relationships. Re-establishing these connections or revisiting prior discussions at this stage would not be the most efficient approach.
However, this is an interim arrangement. In the long term, the Association intends to formally establish and delegate these responsibilities to a dedicated Events and Communication Sub-Committee, in line with our broader structure and growth plans.
Participation and Opportunities
Each Sub-Committee is designed to operate with a minimum of five members to ensure effectiveness and collaboration. However, the Alumni Association remains open and inclusive. Registered members who are interested in contributing are always encouraged to express their interest.
Where vacancies arise, interested members will be considered. Additionally, while a minimum number has been established, there is currently no fixed ceiling on membership. This allows flexibility to expand sub-committees where there is strong interest and capacity to accommodate more contributors.
Why Sub-Committees Matter
The introduction of Sub-Committees marks an important step in strengthening alumni engagement and participation. By creating smaller, focused working groups, the Association enables alumni to contribute meaningfully in areas they are passionate about.
Sub-Committees:
- Provide structured opportunities for alumni involvement
- Encourage leadership, collaboration, and innovation
- Enable more targeted and impactful initiatives
- Strengthen connections within the alumni network
- Support the broader mission of fostering a vibrant and engaged alumni community
Through this structure, the Association empowers alumni to take ownership of initiatives and drive positive impact within both the university and the wider society.
Looking Ahead
The establishment of these Sub-Committees represents a significant milestone in the growth of the UniSey Alumni Association. With dedicated leaders and enthusiastic members, we look forward to seeing impactful initiatives emerge from each group.
We encourage all alumni to stay engaged, get involved, and be part of this exciting journey as we continue building a strong, connected, and dynamic alumni community.