Journey of a Graduate Student Representative

Beyond Achievement: Thaisa’s Journey as Graduate Student Representative at FDU Vancouver 

Through resilience and openness to unique opportunities, FDU Vancouver 2026 Graduate Student Representative has developed her leadership journey with authenticity and service to others. Thaisa Archanjo Hiss Ferraz Bertelli graduated with a Master of Administrative Science (currently updated to Master of Administrative Studies, MAS) in Global Leadership and Administration at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Vancouver. She demonstrated academic excellence and resilience in her MAS program, making her journey an inspiration among fellow students and graduates. 

Originally from Brazil, Thaisa’s journey reflects a deep commitment to growth, purpose, and global impact. Before coming to FDU Vancouver, she completed a Bachelor of Laws from PUC SP and a Master of Business Administration from the University of São Paulo.  Over the years, she built a career in international legislation, tax advisory, and global corporate strategy, contributing to complex cross-border projects at organizations such as KPMG, Ferrero Rocher Group, and Rödl & Partners. Her work has spanned throughout Latin America and international markets, shaping Taisa’s leadership perspective grounded in responsibility and long-term vision. 

Thaisa believes that leadership is not defined by position, but by responsibility— to serve, create, and open paths for others. This belief guided her beyond the workplace. As a selected mentee of the Leaders of Tomorrow program by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, she contributed to initiatives that bring people together with intention, including co-leading a high-impact event that connected emerging leaders with established voices in the community. 

“A defining chapter of my career journey was when I decided to take my sabbatical and dedicate some time to study inclusive design,” said Taisa.  “This experience strengthened my conviction and realized that true leadership is expressed through empathy, creativity, and the courage to build environments where everyone can thrive.” 

Within the FDU community, Thaisa is known not only for her academic engagement, but for the way she shows up for others — offering support, encouragement, and perspective. She holds deep appreciation for her professors, whose guidance and example she respects as true expressions of leadership. 

“As the Graduate Student Representative, I am honoured to stand before a class marked by resilience and diversity. I carry forward the belief that leadership is a calling to serve, and that the greatest impact we leave is in the lives we uplift along the way,” Thaisa shares.