2025-2026 EXECUTIVE TEAM
Sophia Zhao
President
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Year and stream: 3rd year uOttawa French stream
Pronouns: She/Her E-mail: [email protected] What I do for UNSA: As President of UNSA, I play a key leadership role by serving as the main representative of the executive team and students (Bachelor in nursing) to the University of Ottawa at all levels of government. I represent the association at roundtable discussions, council meetings, and other decision-making forums. I also oversee the overall activities of UNSA, support the vice presidents in their respective mandates, and contribute actively to the planning and execution of our events. About me:I’m an animal lover at heart, especially when it comes to dogs. I enjoy taking part in humanitarian projects whenever possible, particularly those that allow me to travel with a purpose. I also love building LEGO sets — especially the floral ones — as a creative and relaxing hobby. After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan to pursue a career in healthcare, whether as a scrub nurse, nurse practitioner, or nurse anesthetist. |
Maggie Zhao
Vice President, Finance
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Year & Stream: 4th year uOttawa English stream
Pronouns: She/Her Email: [email protected] What I do for UNSA: As VP Finance for the UNSA, I am responsible for ensuring the responsible and transparent management of student funds to support the best possible outcomes for nursing students. I develop and share the annual budget with the executive team and present any budget and expense updates at executive meetings,if any. My responsibilities include maintaining the associations financial records in accordance with auditing guidelines, preparing and submitting annual audits to UOSU. In addition to being a full voting member of the Executive Council, I am a signing officer for UNSA accounts and manage disbursements based on budgetary guidelines. Lastly, I also represent UNSA at the UOSU Finance Affairs Round Table and ensure that any sponsorship contract requirements are met to maintain ongoing funding. About me: I survived three years of nursing school. One more to go. After graduation, I am interested in a career in perioperative nursing or an area related to maternal and newborn care. Once I gain more experience, I hope to explore travel nursing as a way to broaden my professional skills while getting to explore new places. Outside of my academic and leadership responsibilities, I enjoy watching Korean dramas. I also love listening to K-pop! My favourite band are Enhypen and Stray Kids, especially after watching Enhypen's survival show I-LAND. |
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Yasmine Bouhari
Vice President, Communications
Year and stream: 2nd year uOttawa French stream
Pronouns: She/Her
E-mail: [email protected]
What I do for UNSA: As VP Communications, I manage UNSA’s social media and website to keep our community connected and informed. I design promotional posters and create email campaigns to highlight what’s happening within UNSA —without forgetting our monthly newsletters, which makes sure nursing students stay up to date on events, opportunities, and important news.I also serve as a point of contact for students with questions about nursing school.
About me: Wherever there’s excitement you’ll probably find me—whether it’s camping, ziplining, skiing, or even skydiving. I practice taekwondo and kickboxing, and I’ve been working with kids in daycare for almost two years now, which has inspired me into becoming a pediatric surgical nurse.Beyond sports, I’m passionate about all forms of art—I love cooking, traveling, and discovering new places. I speak English, French, Arabic, and Kabyle, and I’m halfway through learning Turkish.
Itoro Udoh
Vice President, uOttawa Affairs
Year and stream: 3rd year uOttawa French Immersion
Pronouns: She/Her
E-mail: [email protected]
What I do for UNSA: I act as a liaison for all academic pursuits of UNSA regarding the uOttawa campus and the student body. My duties include organizing the UNSA nursing mentorship program, arranging the nursing handbook publication, and various events. Most importantly, I assist students in the uOttawa stream in the resolution of academic issues.
About me: I love life and I’m always finding a way to live it to the fullest. If I’m not doing school work or VP uOttawa duties, I’m listening to music, baking, or spending time with my loved ones.
Serena Stover
Vice President, Internal
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Year and stream: 2nd year Uottawa Algonquin Stream
Pronouns: She/her E-mail: [email protected] What I do for UNSA: As the Vp Internal, I am responsible for ensuring all the standing activities within the School of Nursing are coordinated. I support the planning of major events, like 101 week, manage the UNSA online store, and act as a liaison to graduate committees across all program streams. I also oversee the nomination and selection processes for both Communalis Award and class Valedictorians, guaranteeing fairness, transparency, and meaningful student recognition. I work closely with the execute team to help with activists that support the nursing student community! About me: I am super active and I love doing anything that keeps me healthy and in shape! I play soccer, both court and beach volleyball, ultimate frisbee, and I run marathons. I love to travel and try new food wherever I go. I speak Italian, English, and French, and I hope to learn a new language when I can. Outside of school and sports, I love to cook and bake, and I play 5 instruments. I am from Ottawa and I work with kids with special needs, which is a big reason why I am so excited to become a nurse! |
Artemisia Frolic-Smart
Vice President, Philanthropy
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Year and stream:
2nd year uOttawa French Immersion Stream Pronouns: She/Her/Elle E-mail: [email protected] What I do for UNSA: I coordinate opportunities for nursing students to give back to the greater Ottawa community. I coordinate charity fundraising initiatives and volunteer opportunities to foster community engagement. If there is a charitable cause you would like to see UNSA involved with, please email me. I would love to hear from you! About me:I like to stay active by going hiking, swimming and taking dance classes. I exercise my mind by cooking, crocheting and reading. I grow my heart by engaging with the arts. In Ottawa I love going to performances at the National Arts Centre. As a singer and dancer myself, I love going to shows and supporting other artists. I work as a lifeguard and swimming instructor, a job that I deeply enjoy because I love teaching and working with kids. |
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Ian Bygrane
Vice President, External
Year and stream: 3rd year uOttawa English Stream
Pronouns: He/Him
E-mail: [email protected]
What I do for UNSA:As the UNSA’s VP external I work collaboratively with organizations outside the University of Ottawa community to help facilitate various events and form relationships and provide extra opportunities, connections and interests for Nursing students. I work to facilitate the annual Nursing Games and liaison between the UNSA and IPHA (Interprofessional Health Association)
About me:I love working out, trying new things and learning the theory behind the Nursing practice. I have a poodle, a tabby cat and 5 hermit crabs. In my spare time you’ll find me working on my car, gardening, baking, watching classic movies or playing the guitar! I will work hard to pursue leadership in the field of nursing and leave a lasting positive impact to the lives of many.
Danika Ghautier
VP Francophone affairs
Year and stream: 4th year, UOttawa French stream
Pronouns: She/Her
E-mail: [email protected]
What I do for UNSA:
About me: I’m from Northern Ontario and that is where I found my love of the outdoors. Hiking, camping, fishing, you name it! When I’m not in school or going on adventures with my family and friends, I’m working as a PSW in my hometown hospital. I found my passion for healthcare during the pandemic when I worked in a COVID-19 testing clinic! After this year, my dream would either be to work in mental health nursing, or as a paediatric surgical unit nurse.
Sacha Vasiliev
Vice President, Social
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Year and Stream: 4th year uOttawa English stream
Pronouns: He/Him Email: [email protected] What I Do for UNSA: I am responsible for organizing social events for our student body throughout the school year, and for planning 101 Week for our incoming 1st years. My goal is to connect students and give them the opportunity to get to know each other throughout their nursing degree. In a busy program like nursing, it’s important to take a break from studying every once in a while. UNSA social events give students the chance to have some fun and make connections with friends that can last a lifetime. About Me: I was head guide for Frosh week 2022. When I'm not on campus cramming exams, I like spending time with my friends and family. I am also on the University's fencing team, which takes up most of my time outside of UNSA and the 3rd year curriculum. I would like to become a critical care nurse in places such as the emergency department. |
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Jessica Justus
Vice President, Equity
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Year and stream: 3rd year Algonquin stream
Pronouns: She/Her E-mail: [email protected] What I do for UNSA: As VP Equity, I work to promote equity, inclusion, and diversity within UNSA and the nursing student body. My role involves advocating for underrepresented groups, supporting students facing equity-related concerns, and helping ensure that all UNSA events and communications reflect our commitment to inclusivity.I also collaborate with other executive members to create a more supportive and representative environment for all students About me: Hi! I’m Jessica, and I’m so excited to be part of the Undergraduate Nursing Student Association this year. When I’m not studying, I love spending time with friends and family, working on embroidery or cross-stitching projects, and playing video games. I’m passionate about supporting patients and families, and I hope to become a labour and delivery or pediatric nurse after graduation. |
Scarlett Montserrat Sanabria-Ramos
Vice President, Woodroffe Affairs
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Year and stream: 4th year Woodroffe campus
Pronouns: She/Her Email: [email protected] What I do for UNSA: As Vice President for the Algonquin Woodroffe stream, I serve as the main point of contact for BScN students studying at Algonquin College. I advocate for student concerns, promote collaboration between campuses, and ensure our unique experiences are represented within UNSA. I also support the executive team in organizing events, wellness initiatives, and communication efforts that strengthen our sense of community, both locally and within the wider University of Ottawa network About me: I have a background in Health Sciences and a deep commitment to advocacy, representation, and equity. Raised in Mexico, born in the U.S., and now studying in Canada, I bring a multicultural lens to everything I do. Outside of school, I work at CHEO’s Mental Health Department and serve as Director of Communications for the Canadian Nursing Students’ Association, as well as a Board Representative for the Canadian Nurses Association. I have a special passion for pediatric nursing and mental health, and I’m driven to create safe, inclusive spaces where all nursing students feel heard and supported. My long-term goal is to pursue a career in pediatrics and eventually become a Nurse Practitioner. I’m also a competitive esports player and multilingual in English, French, and Spanish. When I’m not studying, you can find me gaming, reading on a rainy day, or searching for the best food spots—especially anything spicy or cheese-filled! |
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Edna Audu
Vice President, Pembroke Affairs
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Year and stream: 4th year Algonquin College Pembroke Pronouns: She/Her Email: [email protected] What I do for UNSA: As VP Pembroke, I serve as the primary liaison for all academic matters concerning the UNSA and the Pembroke campus. I advocate for students by communicating their academic concerns to UNSA and help bridge the gap between students and faculty. I also work alongside the VP UOttawa and Woodroffe executives to support student initiatives and coordinate events. About me: I love adventure, discovering hobbies, learning, and being positive. My dream nursing specialty is in critical care, specifically the ICU, and I also aspire to pursue a career in academia and research. . |
Julie Pilon
Vice President, CNSA Official Delegate
Year and stream:
Pronouns: She/Her/Elle
E-mail: [email protected]
What I do for UNSA: I maintain a good rapport with the Director of Nursing and other senior faculty members as well as keeping UNSA executive council informed of any relevant activities of the CNSA and vice-versa. I act as the voice of uOttawa at CNSA conferences and meetings, and make sure that the objectives of the CNSA are met and distribute relevant CNSA material to the UNSA student body.
About me: I come from a small town named Tiny around 6 hours away from Ottawa. In my spare time I enjoy spending it outside hiking and reading novels! In the future I aspire to work as a ER nurse or paediatric ICU nurse. Then I hope to obtain my masters and become a nurse practitioner or attend med school.
Pronouns: She/Her/Elle
E-mail: [email protected]
What I do for UNSA: I maintain a good rapport with the Director of Nursing and other senior faculty members as well as keeping UNSA executive council informed of any relevant activities of the CNSA and vice-versa. I act as the voice of uOttawa at CNSA conferences and meetings, and make sure that the objectives of the CNSA are met and distribute relevant CNSA material to the UNSA student body.
About me: I come from a small town named Tiny around 6 hours away from Ottawa. In my spare time I enjoy spending it outside hiking and reading novels! In the future I aspire to work as a ER nurse or paediatric ICU nurse. Then I hope to obtain my masters and become a nurse practitioner or attend med school.
Brielle Leclerc
Vice President, Student Wellness
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Year and stream: 3rd year uOttawa French Pronouns: She/Her/Elle E-mail: [email protected] What I do for UNSA: As the VP of Wellness, I’m helping shape this new role to better support the well-being of our student community. I’m working to develop wellness-focused events and initiatives that promote mental, physical, and emotional health. I collaborate with campus services, fellow execs, and external partners to connect students with helpful resources. Since this is a new position, I’m actively gathering feedback and exploring ways to build a more supportive, inclusive, and connected student environment. About me: I’m from a small town in Northern Ontario which has taught me to love the outdoors .I love camping, kayaking, golfing, or just hanging out with friends around a fire. I’m always up for an adventure or a good laugh with friends. When I’m not busy with nursing school, I work as a PSW, a job I genuinely love because I get to help people every day. |
Ishanna Popatia
Director of Promotions
Year and stream: 3rd year uOttawa French Immersion
Pronouns: She/Her
E-mail: [email protected]
What I do for UNSA: Create promotional material such as Instagram and Facebook posts that are easily accessible so that everyone is well-informed about upcoming events and initiatives organized by UNSA.
About me: During my free time, I enjoy playing sports such as volleyball and basketball and I also love painting and drawing. After completing my RN, my goal is to become a neonatal or pediatric nurse practitioner because I have always loved working with kids.
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Director of Social
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Year and stream:
Pronouns: E-mail: What I do for UNSA: I help our VP social plan fun events for nursing students this year! About me: |
Rhianna Popatia
Director of Bilingualism
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Year and stream: 3rd year uOttawa French Immersion Pronouns: She/Her E-mail: [email protected] What I do for UNSA: Translate documents and posts into French. I work with all team members and ensure that both English and French languages are equally represented. About me: During my free time, I enjoy playing basketball, volleyball and listening to music. After nursing school, I would love to become a paediatric nurse practitioner as I am interested in working with kids. |
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Director of Commerce
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Year and stream:
Pronouns: E-mail: What I do for UNSA: I shadow the vice president of finance to gain insight and experiences on managing student funds for UNSA next year and help out when needed! Some tasks involved in my role include helping to organize invoices/receipts into the document for the audit and helping to keep track of budgets and updating the logbook for UNSA. About me: |