Student Leadership and Governance

The IFT Student Association (IFTSA) is led by students, for students. Every program, initiative, and experience is shaped by student leaders, like you, who drive the direction and impact of our community.

Vision

A global community of inspired and informed students who are prepared for the future of their choosing

Mission

To enrich the academic experience and empower students to thrive individually and together

Governance Documents

These documents outline the standards and processes that guide leadership, support accountability, and our maintain organizational stability.

The IFTSA Bylaws outline the official structure, membership requirements, officer roles, and governance rules of the IFT Student Association.

View Bylaws
The Operations Manual provides detailed role descriptions, responsibilities, procedures, organizational charts, and protocols for all IFTSA leaders.

View IFTSA Operations Manual
The organizational chart provides a visual snapshot of key leadership roles, how teams and committees are connected, and the flow of accountability across the organization.

View Organizational Chart

Board of Directors

The IFTSA Board of Directors is a team of undergraduate and graduate student leaders who guide the strategic direction, programming, and overall member experience of IFTSA.

Chamali Kodikara

President

University of Manitoba
Jana Schreuder

Immediate Past President

Stellenbosch University, South Africa
Janine Ganshorn

President-Elect

The Pennsylvania State University
Rania Marie Buenavista

VP of Chapter Engagement

Kansas State University
Felicitas Tuku Ewunsoh

VP of Competitions

Purdue University
Erica Tobing

VP of Digital & Social Media

Purdue University
Stefhanie Loaiza Sanchez

VP of Events and Experiences

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Nirmal Thirunavookarasu Sankaranarayanan

VP of Membership Engagement

Tennessee State University
Sophia Sapp

Member-at-Large

University of Missouri
Niel van Heerden

Member-at-Large

Stellenbosch University
Kaira Sidhwa

Member-at-Large

North Carolina State University
Parker Parker

Member-at-Large

Merrimack College
Kelsey Ryan

Advisor (3-Year Term)

Nestlé Purina North America

Competition Chairs

IFTSA Competition Chairs oversee the execution and logistics of their assigned competition and support competitors throughout the process.

Participate in a Competition

Jonathan Chen

College Bowl

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Vidheesha Abeysinghe

Developing Solutions for Developing Countries

University of Manitoba
Jocelyn Blachar

IFTSA & Mars Product Development Competition

Cornell University
Akshara Nair

Smart Snacks for Kids Product Development Competition

University of Massachusetts Amherst
Gopinath Mummaletti

Research Competitions

University of Georgia

Pathways to Leadership Roles

Apply for a Leadership Position

Leadership Roles

Student Chapter Leaders are elected or appointed at the university level. They serve as the primary liaison between their student chapter and IFTSA’s VP of Chapter Engagement.

Chapter leaders receive training and engagement through IFTSA.
Competition Chairs are part of the IFTSA volunteer structure that reports up through the VP of Competitions. These roles focus on planning, coordinating, and executing student competitions (e.g., product development, college bowl, research competitions).

These positions are appointed through the IFTSA Office of the President before the new term begins on September 1.
The Board oversees all student programming, competitions, chapter engagement, membership experience, and events for IFTSA.

Roles include:

President-Elect → President → Past President (3‑year commitment)

Vice Presidents (Competitions, Membership Engagement, Digital & Social Media, Chapter Engagement, Events & Experiences)

Members‑at‑Large

How to pursue:

Submit an application. Applications open in November and close mid‑January.

Review the Leadership Guide for expectations, commitments, and eligibility.

Board members serve September 1–August 31 and must commit to meetings, IFT FIRST attendance, and regular engagement.