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SSA Board of Directors

The SSA Board of Directors is the governing authority of SSA, with legally binding responsibilities under our Constitution. The Board governs the association with a strategic focus, overseeing all matters related to SSA’s operations to ensure we fulfil our core purpose — supporting and advocating for Swinburne students.

 

Who’s on the board?

  • President

  • Vice President

  • Four elected Student Directors

  • Three University appointed Directors

What do they do?

  • Set SSA’s goals and direction

  • Create a vibrant, inclusive student community

  • Represent and advocate for students in university matters

  • Manage student funding responsibly and fairly

  • Makes sure student voices shape SSA’s decisions and activities

 

Term lengths:

  • President & Vice President: 1 year

  • Student Directors: staggered 1–2 year terms to keep continuity and fresh ideas flowing.

Board of Directors

Student Directors

Tess Robb

SSA President

Tess Robb is studying a double degree in Law and Criminology and is passionate about standing up for students and making campus life the best it can be! She’s held a variety of student representative roles over the years, always pushing for better services, fairer support, and bigger, better events that bring everyone together on campus! After serving as the Vice-President of the Swinburne Student Association in 2025, Tess now proudly steps into the role of President, continuing to fight for students and create spaces where everyone feels welcome, supported, and part of something bigger. Tess believes uni should be about more than just classes, it should be full of connection, fun, and good vibes.

Baraneetharan Ganesan (Barry)

SSA Vice President

Baraneetharan (Barry) Ganesan is a Master’s student in Business Information Systems at Swinburne University of Technology, passionate about using technology and data-driven insights to strengthen decision-making and enhance student engagement. As an international student, Baraneetharan understands the importance of inclusion, representation, and transparent communication in building a truly connected university community. With a strong background in data analysis, business process improvement, and systems management, he brings both analytical and leadership skills to the role of Vice President. His goal is to make the Swinburne Student Association (SSA) more accessible and transparent, ensuring that student voices aren’t just heard but actively shape meaningful change. Baraneetharan believes in listening first, collaborating always, and leading with purpose. Guided by the principle “your voice is my mission,” he is dedicated to empowering students, fostering unity, and helping every member of the Swinburne community thrive.

Marina Fernando

Student Director

Marina Fernando is a Civil Engineering student with a passion for leadership, collaboration, and hands-on problem-solving. Over the past few years, she has served as an inaugural Student Director for SSA, the International Director for the university and as Treasurer of Women in STEM (WISTEM), where she has worked to strengthen student connections and champion diversity within the STEM community. Beyond her academic achievements, Marina has gained valuable professional experience as an undergraduate engineer with a major firm, contributing to projects such as the Altona Beach development. These experiences have allowed her to apply classroom learning to real-world challenges and develop a practical, solution-oriented mindset. Originally from Sri Lanka and raised in Qatar, Marina brings a global perspective and an inclusive approach to leadership. Her multicultural background has shaped her ability to understand and unite diverse viewpoints, qualities she aims to carry into her role as Student Director to help create a more connected, supportive, and forward-thinking student community.

Saad Masood

Student Director

Saad Masood is a Ph.D. candidate at Swinburne University of Technology, specialising in data privacy for Electric Vehicles (EVs) through the application of Differential Privacy techniques. With a strong technical background and a passion for student advocacy, Saad combines academic excellence with a deep commitment to leadership and community engagement. Holding a Master of Science in Network and System Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Saad brings a comprehensive understanding of complex engineering and IT systems. His professional experience spans academia and industry, including roles as a Sessional Tutor at Swinburne, Teaching Assistant at Deakin University, and IT Support Technician at Layers Logic IT Limited. As an Academic Senator and inaugural Student Director with the Swinburne Student Association, Saad has actively worked to amplify student voices, strengthen postgraduate representation, and promote transparency in governance. His leadership is guided by a commitment to building stronger student support systems and fostering collaboration between students and staff. Dedicated to both education and innovation, Saad continues to contribute to teaching in programming, cybersecurity, and data science, empowering students with the skills and confidence to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Danielle Goh

Student Director

Danielle Goh is a Bachelor of Arts student majoring in Perspectives on Globalisation, driven by a passion for people, community, and social change. With extensive experience in student leadership and advocacy, Danielle has played an active role in strengthening the connection between students and the university administration, ensuring that student voices are not only heard but acted upon. As Secretary of the Malaysians at Swinburne Association (MSA) and a former International Student Representative at the Swinburne Student Union, Danielle has worked across multiple student committees to create inclusive spaces that encourage engagement, growth, and collaboration. Her leadership in student-led campaigns has focused on enhancing student life through initiatives promoting flexible study options, accessible 24/7 spaces, sustainability, and innovation. Beyond her academic and leadership pursuits, Danielle enjoys long walks in the park with a matcha in hand, a quiet balance to her dynamic role on campus. As an inaugural Student Director, she is committed to building a strong foundation of inclusivity, transparency, and support, ensuring that every student feels represented and empowered within the Swinburne community.

Manak Singh

Student Director

Manak Singh is a passionate student leader with a track record in teamwork, communication, and goal-driven leadership. Currently studying at Swinburne University of Technology, Manak brings extensive experience from his earlier leadership roles, including serving as Head Boy and captaining his swim team, where he not only led by example but also set national records. These experiences have shaped his ability to motivate others, foster collaboration, and deliver meaningful outcomes. As Student Director, Manak is dedicated to representing the student voice with integrity and ensuring it contributes positively to Swinburne’s growth and vision. His key priorities include making student life more engaging and inclusive, strengthening communication between students and the university, and driving real, student-focused improvements across campus. Guided by commitment and inclusivity, Manak aims to ensure that every Swinburne student feels heard, valued, and empowered to shape their university experience.

Board of Directors

University Directors

Carla Ferarro

University Director, Professor of Marketing Academic
Director, Student Experience

Stacey Di Cocco

University Director, Commercial and Financial Planning & Analysis

Ewan Evans

University Director, Student Administration

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