Platforms

Hey HealthSci! Below you will find all candidates running for executive positions in our winter 2026 bi-elections, along with their respective platforms. The voting period runs from Tuesday, March 24th to Friday, March 27th.

Presidents

Issachar Wureta & Andre Vezarov

Hey HSSA!

We are André and Issachar, and we are running for Co-Presidents of the HSSA. As current Vice-Presidents of Communications and University Affairs, respectively, we understand the importance of feeling informed, supported, and connected within our faculty. Through our experiences as a lead mentor in FHS (Issachar) and mentoring a robotics team (André), we have developed the leadership and teamwork skills needed to guide HSSA through a successful and impactful year.

Our goal is to build a more organized, transparent, and unified HSSA. We will run efficient meetings, support our executive team, and ensure events and initiatives are well-coordinated and successful.

We are committed to actively representing your voice in faculty and university spaces, making sure your concerns are heard.

Most importantly, we want to foster a strong sense of community within our faculty. By supporting collaboration and inclusivity, we aim to create an environment where every student feels welcome.

Together, we bring leadership, teamwork, and dedication to this role, and we are ready to serve both the executive team and all students in the Faculty of Health Sciences.

VP Internal

Aimen Khan

Hi everyone! My name is Aimen Khan, and I’m excited to be running for Vice President of Internal Affairs. As a Health Sciences student actively involved in our community, I’m passionate about creating a more organized, supportive, and efficient environment within HSSA. The VP Internal role is essential in ensuring everything behind the scenes runs smoothly, and I believe my experience has prepared me well for this responsibility.

Over the past year, I’ve gained valuable experience through both academic and extracurricular involvement. I have worked in marketing roles with Move for Life and UNICEF uOttawa, where I developed strong communication and organizational skills while coordinating initiatives and outreach. Additionally, as HOSA President, I led a team, managed responsibilities, and ensured events and operations ran effectively. Running for VP Philanthropy last year also gave me insight into how HSSA functions and the importance of strong internal coordination.

If elected, I aim to strengthen HSSA by improving internal communication, developing a more efficient system for managing and sharing volunteer opportunities, and ensuring members feel informed and supported. I also hope to foster a more connected and engaged student community. I am committed to being organized, reliable, and proactive in this role

Hannah Aïdid

Hi! I’m Hannah Aïdid, a 3rd year health science student running to be your next VP of Internal

Affairs. My goal is to make the inner functions of the HSSA run so smoothly that the other

members can count on me completely, and I can help you fully enjoy your student experience.

I’m confident I’m the right choice for this role because I have lots of relevant experience. I’ve

held multiple positions that required tracking meeting minutes, managing records, and staying on

top of dense workloads. Whether I'm organizing class timetables or managing 101 Week

logistics, I promise to bring the same reliability and "can-do" attitude to this position year-round.

I am committed to being a proactive voice at all meetings, managing our HSSA clothing orders,

and helping you find valuable volunteer and job opportunities in our field. I want to be a resource

you can truly depend on. I’m organized, dedicated, and approachable, and I’m excited to help the

HSSA reach its full potential.

I’d love to receive your vote! For more information or questions about my campaign, feel free to

visit me on Instagram @cafesweet.hannah. Thank you for your support!

Mufaro Majoni

Hi! I’m Mufaro Majoni, a third-year Health Sciences student running for VP of Internal Affairs for 2026–2027.

After serving as VP Equity last year, I want to continue supporting HSSA by strengthening communication, organization, and teamwork within our executive team.

My priorities:

• Clear and consistent communication across the team

• Strong organization and accountability

• A supportive, collaborative exec environment

I want to help ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes so we can deliver great events and better serve Health Sciences students.

My experience as VP Equity has taught me the importance of leadership, commitment, and teamwork; and I’m ready to bring that into this role.

With your support, I hope to earn your REVOTE for VP Internal!

Reach out: @mufaro4vpinternal | @mufaro.majoni | mmajo073@uottawa.ca

Al-Hussein Hassan

Hello HealthSci! My name is Al-Hussein Hassan, a first-year Bachelor of Health Sciences student, and I am excited to be running for VP of Internal Affairs for the 2026 to 2027 academic year.

Through my experience in executive leadership roles across several high school organizations, including Student Council, an Environmental Action Committee, and as co-president of my own club, I have developed the skills and dedication needed to support our student body and strengthen our community. By leading initiatives, coordinating events, and working closely with diverse teams, I gained valuable experience in organization, communication, and representing student voices in ways that create meaningful impact.

If elected, I will:

Actively seek out and share volunteer and job opportunities, ensuring students have access to valuable experiences beyond the classroom.

Foster a strong culture of volunteerism by creating more accessible and engaging ways for students to get involved.

Promote transparency and organization within the executive team by consistently recording and sharing meeting minutes in a clear and timely manner.

I am committed to creating a memorable and fulfilling student experience where everyone feels supported and has access to diverse opportunities.

With your vote, I will work to make that vision a reality.

VP Equity and Activism

Aashna Janjani

Hello! I am Aashna, a first year Bachelor of Health Sciences student running for VP of Equity

and Activism for the upcoming academic year.

I have spent the past several months as the JVP of Equity and Activism and am inclined to use

my experience to better represent the student body. I believe that my experience alongside my

dedication towards creating and maintaining a safe space make me the perfect candidate for this

position.

I plan to:

1) Consistently work alongside the rest of the association to ensure our events and activities

are representative of the diverse group here at uOttawa

2) Host events where students can get educated and have the opportunity to meet people

similar to them, mainly through guest panels or networking events

3) Create a space where students can relax after a stressful semester and engage with peers

through fun, lighthearted events/activities

I am dedicated to making the Health Sciences community at uOttawa a safe and inclusive space

for all and if elected, I will work to do just that.

Connor O'Brien

Hey HSSA!

My name is Connor O’Brien, I am in my 3rd year of health sciences, and I am so excited to be running for VP Equity & Activism! The second time’s the charm! My platform focuses on:

Promoting awareness and accessibility to sexual and reproductive healthcare through working with the Women’s resource center and Pride center at uOttawa.
Dedicated to uplifting voices of BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+ and students with disabilities through events, activities and academia in the faculty.
Provide speaking panels/media demonstrating diverse health professionals to show representation, experiences and insight to pathways to future.

Through advocacy as a queer individual, I'd hope to ensure students know they are heard and supported by ensuring safe space for feedback and engagement! You can find me with Gee-Gees Track team, working with uOPride, Student Partners & Health and Mental Health Advocacy. I hope to bring a positive, equitable, and inclusive attitude to HSSA!

Feel free if you have any questions or concerns to reach out at @ connor4vpequity on Instagram! All with love!

Connor O’Brien

Nile Desai

Hello! My name is Nile Desai, and I am a second year Health Sciences student here at the University of Ottawa. I'm running for VP of Equity and Activism because I am passionate about creating a more inclusive, representative and supportive community within the HSSA!

Throughout my time here at uOttawa I have seen how significant it is for students to feel seen, valued and empowered. I want to help ensure that the HSSA is a space where everyone feels welcomed and can participate in forming our community.

If I am elected, I promise to organize meaningful events that raise awareness and create opportunities for change. I also hope to grow connections with campus resources to help support students. More importantly, I want to be someone students can approach, someone who listens, represents and takes action. Together we can build a more inclusive HSSA!

Thank you for your time and consideration!

Brandon Nguyen

Hi Health Science students! My name is Brandon Nguyen, and I am a second-year student running to be YOUR Vice President of Equity and Activism. In recent years, I've worked with and supported minority groups by advocating for and educating underserved communities.

As a fellow undergrad, I understand that getting opportunities feels like a connection game; that's why I'm hoping to provide opportunities for everyone, with events likevolunteer opportunities fairs serving unrepresented communities and laboratory skills workshops, ensuring that no Health Science student falls behind. If you have a concern that is not being addressed, I will be your voice to bring it to light.

To learn more about my plans and how I can help you and our community, visit my Instagram@brandon4vpequity and feel free to DM me with any questions!

Eden Aw

Hi everyone! My name is Eden, and I’m a third-year Health Sciences student in the French

program, running to be your VP Equity.

As a fully bilingual and Wasian student, I understand how important it is to feel

represented, included, and supported within our community. My goal is to create a Health

Sci environment where every student, regardless of language, background, or identity,

feels like they belong.

If elected, I will work to strengthen equity initiatives by promoting more inclusive and

diverse events, ensuring accessibility in both French and English, and creating safe,

welcoming spaces for open dialogue. I want to amplify student voices, especially those

from underrepresented groups, and make sure their perspectives are reflected in our

decisions and programming.

Through my experience as a Team Lead at the Student Health and Wellness Centre and as

a volunteer with the Feminist Resource Centre, I have developed the skills to lead with

empathy, inclusivity, and collaboration. I am passionate about building positive

environments, making new connections, and fostering a strong sense of community.

As VP Equity, I am committed to making Health Sci a space where everyone feels valued,

supported, and empowered. Please vote Eden to be your VP Equity!

Nadia Sani

Hi Gee-Gees!

My name is Nadia, and I am a 4th year Health Sciences student campaigning for the role of VP of Equity and Activity

in the upcoming Spring 2025-26 bi-elections.

My platform focuses on making equity actionable, accessible, and accountable:

1. Equity-Focused Events: I will collaborate with other executives to deliver consistent, accessible programming

and events that center student voices and provide tangible resources - not just raise awareness

2. Stronger Representation & Resource Accessibility: Create structured feedback systems (e.g., anonymous

forms), and meet regularly with equity-focused resource groups on campus, while working towards improving

access to bursaries, mentorship, and campus support services

3. Accountable Advocacy: As liaison to the HSSA, student union, and uOttawa administration, I will push for

transparency and follow-through, with regular updates so that students can track progress on equity concerns.

Through my experience as Co-President of the uOttawa Association of Black Aspiring Physicians, as well as my

involvement as a Black Youth in STEM volunteer and other campus organizations, I have developed a strong

commitment to advocacy, mentorship, and resource accessibility.

Feel free to DM me @nadia4equity with any questions. Looking forward to the opportunity to create a more equitable

HSS community!

VP Finance

Luke Lamanna

Hey everyone! My name is Luke and I am running to be your next VP Finance. As the founding VP

Finance for uOttawa’s new Move For Life health promotion club, I know what strong club finances look like because I have built them from the ground up. From funding applications, to starting a club bank account, to dividing the budget fairly and responsibly, I understand all the inner workings of club finances.

Additionally, I have consistently delivered events that are completely free for students. We’ve all missed out on an event to save a few bucks. But while many candidates talk about cheaper events, I have already accomplished this through Move For Life. Now I’m ready to bring this same idea to the HSSA by working to deliver more affordable student events. Outside of this role, I am also a volunteer with UNICEF uOttawa, where I have headed the finance committee for two years.

Anyone can fill a position, but very few have the energy and expertise to build a strong financial

foundation from scratch. Now I’m ready to bring this same energy and expertise to the HSSA. Vote for the candidate that builds. Vote Luke Lamanna for VP Finance.

Owen Chrysler

Hi everyone, my name is Owen Chrysler, and I am running for re-election as your Vice-President of Finance for the Health Science Student Association.

As the current VP Finance, and someone who has been part of the executive team for the past two years, I have developed valuable experience in supporting our association and managing its finances effectively. Throughout this time, I have worked on audits, refined our budget, and helped ensure our finances remain organized, transparent, and sustainable.

I believe the role of VP Finance is one of the foundational pillars of our team. Our finances is what allows our events, initiatives, and ideas to flourish, and strong financial planning is essential to maintaining the opportunities HSSA provides. I have also worked closely with our executive team and built strong relationships with executives from other RSGs to support collaboration on larger initiatives and events.

If re-elected, I pledge to continue improving and fine-tuning our budget so we can maintain the amazing events students already enjoy while also creating even better ones. I will continue strengthening our financial processes, supporting new ideas, and ensuring every dollar is used responsibly to benefit the Health Sciences community.

Please follow my campaign: @owen4vpfinance

VP University Affairs

Patricia Defo

As the current Junior Vice President of University Affairs, I am committed to building on the work I have already begun and strengthening the foundations made by my former Vice President. Improving

communication between students, faculty, and academic decision makers is my main priority. I want

every Health Sciences student to feel heard, be informed, and receive support throughout their academic journey.

Through my role as the clerk for the Faculty of Medicine’s Graduate and Postdoctoral office, I have

gained invaluable insight into university processes, academic communication, and student support

systems. My recent election to the UOSU Board of Directors has further strengthened my understanding of advocacy, government procedures, and institutional decision making.

If elected, I will focus on increasing accessibility and transparency by creating structured opportunities for students to share feedback on academic concerns and ensuring these perspectives are clearly communicated to faculty and relevant services.

My goal is to be an accessible, reliable, and proactive representative dedicated to strengthening both

student voices and the overall academic experience within the Health Sciences program.

Alisha Ahmed

Hello! I am Alisha, a student entering third year running for Vice president of University

Affairs for the 2026-2027 school year. I enjoy participating in on-campus activities and I am

committed to improving student experience at the school. With your support, I aspire to be

involved in the HSSA and bring a fresh perspective and new ideas that I would like to put into

action right from the start. My goals for the school year are to improve social connections and

engagement between professors and students by hosting productive networking and social

events. I promise to increase awareness and accessibility to campus resources which many

students may not be aware of, as it is a fundamental right of every student to have awareness

and access to these resources. I strive to be a connection between students and academic

advisors and other relevant parties to ensure that students’ needs and concerns are conveyed

effectively for resolution. I know that diverse student voices are important and understand, as

someone who represents a unique perspective on issues given my background, that every

student deserves to be heard and their feedback is deemed crucial for the betterment of

campus life and overall university experience.

VP Communications

Mohammed Al Musawi

Hello everyone!

My name’s Mohammed, but some of you may know me as Mo, and I'm a second-year health sciences student running for VP Communications for HSSA. I'm committed to helping students stay informed and kept up-to-date about our program because I enjoy helping others. I learned the importance of organized communication and the positive impact it has through my experiences as a hockey goalie, in labs, and volunteering for the HSSA. With my skills in communication, teamwork, and leadership, I want to make that difference for you.

My desire is to make communication approachable for everyone and to serve as a voice for you. I want to ensure that you are kept up-to-date regarding planned events, updates about the program, and many great opportunities. Additionally, I want to strengthen our connection as a community by taking your feedback to not only improve how you receive information but also ensure your needs are met.

I would be honored to represent you and serve as your VP of Communications, and I'm ready to take on this responsibility to make a positive difference next year for all of us.

Emilia Molawka

Hi, my name is Emilia Molawka, and I’m running to be your next Vice-President of Communications for the Health Science Student Association.

As the current Junior Vice-President of Finance, I’ve had the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the executive team, with learning how events are planned and coordinating budgets behind the scenes. Through this experience, I’ve learned how important clear communication is, not only within the executive team, but also in keeping the entire student body informed and engaged.

If elected, I will work to ensure that all HSSA communications are timely, accessible, and transparent. I will actively promote events and initiatives, maintain organized and up-to-date communication channels, and collaborate closely with the executive team to effectively share information with students.

I am committed to making sure every student feels informed and included in what HSSA has to offer. With my experience, dedication, and understanding of the team, I am confident in my ability to take on this role and strengthen communication across our community.

I’m excited to continue supporting our student body and would appreciate your support! Follow me on Instagram @emilia4vpcomms or @emiliamolawka for more updates on my campaign. Thank you for your consideration.

VP Media

Sunny Wang

Hello everyone! My name is Sunny, I'm a 3rd-year Health Science student and I’m thrilled to be re-running for HSSA’s VP Media!

Over my past year with the team, I’ve worked to strengthen how we connect, engage and celebrate our community. Media isn’t just about pictures, it’s about storytelling and creating a space where everyone feels included, informed and represented. With a strong passion for content creation, I want to continue building an online presence that reflects the energy, diversity and spirit of Health Science, just as much as we do in person.

If re-elected, I will make our platforms even more interactive, consistent, and reflective of YOU! My goal is to ensure no one misses out and that every event, opportunity and voice is showcased. My priorities include:

Utilizing media channels to publicize HSSA events and activities to keep students up-to-date
Elevating our social media with more engaging, student-centered content
Improving communication so that information is clear, accessible and timely

With my experience, creativity and dedication, I’m confident I can continue to grow HSSA’s media presence and strengthen our community. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out on Instagram @sunny4vpmedia. Thank you for all your support!

Thank you!

VP Social

Tamara Watkins

Hi everyone! My name is Tamara Watkins and this year I am excited to be re-elected for VP

Social!

As the current VP Social, I’ve had the privilege of gaining firsthand experience in planning

and executing events. I have organized big events including 101 week (freshman

orientation) and the HSS Formal. I am confident that this has given me the necessary

qualifications to achieve the best results as VP Social for a second time. If elected, I plan to

bring fresh, new ideas, while keeping the students’ interest in mind. I aim to continue having

an amazing 101 week for new/returning guides and incoming students, and to continue the

tradition of a successful formal! My goal is to enhance the student experiences while

maintaining a welcoming environment for English and French students alike.

For more information, or to ask me any questions about my campaign, feel free to visit me

on instagram @tamar.bear or @tamara4vpsocial! Thank you for your support, and best of

luck to all candidates :D

VP Philanthropy

Isabella Elinesky

My name is Isabella, and I am running for VP Philanthropy to make giving back more accessible, inclusive, and engaging for all Health Science students!

My main goal is to make participation in philanthropic initiatives as accessible as possible. I want to prioritize inclusive events so that all students feel welcome and able to get involved. I also hope to empower students to engage with the broader Ottawa community by researching and promoting local volunteer and fundraising opportunities.

Over the past two years on the HSSA, first as JVP of University Affairs and now as JVP of Philanthropy, I have developed a strong understanding of how the organization operates and how to successfully plan and execute events. These experiences have strengthened my ability to collaborate, stay organized, and create initiatives that students genuinely want to be part of.

I look forward to continuing impactful philanthropy traditions while also introducing new and exciting initiatives. I will work hard to ensure that student voices and interests are heard and reflected in next year’s philanthropic events. Above all, I want to foster a culture where every Health Sciences student feels inspired and able to give back!

Thank you

Bella