The University of Toronto Graduate Students’ Union (UTGSU) has hired Jady Liang as the interim Vice President (VP) External, following VP External Seema Allahdini’s decision to take an unpaid leave of absence, which began on August 18. 

In an email to The Varsity, UTGSU President Amir Moghadam wrote that Allahdini’s leave is set to end on December 31, “with the potential for her to return earlier or later depending on circumstances.” Moghadam also wrote that the “specifics” of the leave of absence “are personal and private to Seema.”

In the same email, Moghadam explained that Liang was chosen for the interim role following “a very comprehensive and thorough hiring process conducted by a hiring committee appointed by the Board of Directors.” 

The hiring committee unanimously recommended Jady Liang, the 2024–2025 VP External, and finalized her appointment at the August 18 Board of Directors (BOD) meeting. 

In an email to The Varsity, Liang wrote that as interim VP External, she will continue Allahdini’s efforts working to develop a UTGSU Sexual Violence and Harassment Policy, publish the Cost of Living Survey report, update the UTGSU Issues Policy, and launch a campaign against Ontario Bill 33. 

“My goal is to ensure a smooth transition while continuing to advocate strongly for graduate students.”

Liang has been involved in the UTGSU for several years, previously serving on the Board of Directors for the 2023–2024 academic year. In November 2023, Liang was appointed to the role of interim VP External after Neelofar Ahmed resigned following allegations of harassment and violation of union bylaws. 

The following year, Liang was formally elected UTGSU’s VP External, launching the UofT Grad Thrive mental health campaign in October 2024. Under Liang’s leadership, the campaign implemented a peer support initiative, pet and art therapy programming, and a mental health grant.

UTGSU VP External acts as the union’s primary liaison with external groups to advocate for student interests across a wide range of issues and increase accessibility to outside resources. This role also acts as the executive representative to the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS), a role which, as Liang wrote, she will use to “strengthen student advocacy at both the provincial and national levels.”

Before serving as VP External, Allahdini was a research and campaigns assistant with the union, and worked as a project manager and program coordinator with the Women’s Support Network of York Region.

Moghadam wrote that Allahdini “brought a wealth of non-profit management experience and deeply cared about underrepresented student populations.” Allahdini did not respond to The Varsity’s request for comment.