2023-2024 NSO executive

President
Stephanie Pialis

Hello! My name is Stephanie, and I am the Nursing Students of Ontario (NSO) Interest Group’s President for the 2023 - 2024 term. I am currently a third year nursing student at Toronto Metropolitan University (Formerly Ryerson University). As the President of the NSO, I really hope to empower nursing students throughout Ontario to find their full potential as students, and in their future profession. I also really want to highlight the accomplishments of nursing students through their academic, and non-academic achievements! Lastly, I hope to introduce nursing students in Ontario to all the amazing resources and opportunities that the RNAO offers!!

If you have any questions, ideas, or nursing/health/healthcare concerns that you would like to see improvements on, please contact me at nso.rnao@gmail.com, and address your email to me. I will do my absolute best to advocate for your needs, to better support you throughout your journey as a nursing student!

Vice-president
Mark Anthony Urdaneta

Hello! My name is Mark Anthony, and I am the Nursing Students of Ontario (NSO) Interest Group Vice President for the 2023 - 2024 term. I am currently in my final year of the Post Diploma Degree Completion Program in Nursing at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University).

In addition to my academic pursuits, I have been engaged in the field of Internal Medicine, Surgery, Stroke, Oncology and Palliative care since 2017 as a Registered Practical Nurse. I am currently working at Scarborough Health Network, Birchmount - Surgical Program and Lakeridge Health Oshawa Oncology Nephrology Program. 

Beyond my clinical commitments, I was appointed as the Vice President of Finance and Treasury for the Nursing Course Union and committee member of equity, diversity, and inclusivity at Toronto Metropolitan University. I also serve as the Student Executive Network Officer (ENO) for International Nurses Interest Group (INIG).

As your NSO Vice President, I will craft a strategic roadmap that blends ambitious aspirations with attainable milestones to the team and for all the nursing students in our province. I will empower all the nursing students to unleash their potential individual excellence. 

 

Indigenous Student Officer
Alaina McLaughlin

Hello, my name is Alaina and I am the Nursing Students of Ontario’s (NSO) Indigenous Student officer for the 2023/2024 term. I am in my fourth year of the St.Lawrence College(SLC)/ Laurentian University collaborative BScN program at SLC Kingston. In addition to my role on the NSO I have recently joined my schools nursing student society and hope to become actively involved there as well.

 

During my time with the NSO I hope to reinforce the importance of considering an indigenous perspective and how we can actively engage in acts of truth and reconciliation. I intend to hold an event focused on nursing in the north and the importance of culturally competent care. It is my firm belief we must all do our part to honour our indigenous roots, indigenous peoples and the land we reside on.

Policy and Political Action ENO
Magdalene (Mandy) Ogudu

Hi there, My preferred name is Mandy. I am the Nursing Students of Ontario (NSO) Interest Group Policy and Political Action Officer for the 2023 - 2024 year. I am in my third year currently enrolled at McMaster university completing my Post Diploma RPN to BScN bridging program. 

Advocating for healthcare equity and addressing health disparities is at the core of my practice. I am very passionate about dismantling systemic barriers that hinder access to quality care, and I actively engage in initiatives that promote health equity for marginalized communities through volunteering and several community engagements. 

Being a part of NSO, I hope to  advocate for policies that address the unique challenges faced by nursing students across Ontario, such as access to resources, mental health support, and equitable opportunities. By actively engaging with policymakers, educational institutions, and healthcare organizations, I strive to create an environment that empowers nursing students and gives them a voice to thrive academically and personally. With my passion for policy advocacy, I aim to contribute to the evolution of nursing education and ultimately enhance the quality of patient care through well-informed and progressive policies. I look forward to connecting with you all and it is an absolute honor to be an NSO executive.

 

Policy and Political Action ENO
Arpita Roy

Hello, I'm Arpita Roy, and I proudly serve as the Policy and Political Action Officer for Nursing Students of Ontario (NSO). Currently attending Georgian College - Barrie Campus in my Second-Year of the Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing (HBSN) program, I bring a commitment to advocating for the rights and concerns of nursing students. My involvement at Nursing Students’ Association of Georgian College (NSAGC) has equipped me with valuable insights into student issues. This term, as the Policy and Political Action Officer, my focus is on engaging with students provincewide, collecting their input, and collaboratively addressing policy matters affecting our education and profession. I am eager to contribute to the NSO's mission by ensuring that the voices of nursing students are amplified and influential in shaping positive changes in nursing education policies. Together, let's navigate the political landscape and advocate for a better future for all nursing students. Thank you.

Communications ENO
Jordan Boadi

Hello, my name is Jordan Boadi and along with my partner Sahar, I am one of  the Nursing Students of Ontario’s (NSO) Communications and Public Relations Officer for the 2023/2024 term. I’m currently in my second year of the collaborative BScN program at Ontario Tech University.

The opportunity to be part of NSO is a privilege, affording me the chance to connect with like-minded nursing peers and advocate for the collective concerns of Ontario's nursing student body. Moreover, it enables me to leverage my proficiency in social media to promote noteworthy events tailored to provide nursing students with a reprieve from academic rigors while honing their interpersonal skills. Looking ahead, I am eager to help organize an array of enriching networking engagements, facilitating meaningful connections between nursing students and professionals across Ontario. In order to get the best out of what the RNAO has to offer, I look forward to being part of the organization before and after graduation

Communications ENO
Sahar Aramesh

Hello, my name is Sahar and I am the Nursing Students of Ontario’s (NSO) Communications and Public Relations Officer for the 2023/2024 term. I’m currently in my fourth year of the collaborative BScN program at York University. In addition to my role in NSO, I’m the president of Nursing Student Tutoring, Ambassadorship and Mentorship Programs (NSTAMP) at York.

By being a part of NSO, I aim to improve internal communication, keeping members well-informed. Externally, my focus is on highlighting the positive contributions of nursing students and building strong relationships with students and student groups. Ultimately, I'm dedicated to enhancing the organization's relations with different stake holders and creating a positive and tightly-knit student community.

Social Media ENO
Somalpreet Khamb

Hello! My name is Somalpreet and I am the Nursing Students of Ontario’s Social Media Officer for the 2023-2024 term. I am currently in my third year of the collaborative nursing program at York University in Toronto. 

Being a part of NSO is truly a privilege for me as I get to meet fellow nursing students and voice the concerns of all nursing students in Ontario. Additionally, I get to harness my social media skills to promote amazing events for nursing students so that they get a break from their studies to develop soft skills. In the upcoming months, I hope to plan even more enriching networking events, connecting nursing students to experienced nurses across Ontario to build meaningful connections. I look forward to creating a safe and enjoyable nursing journey for all nursing students across Ontario! 

Membership ENO
Steve Xia

Hi everyone, my name is Yu Xin (Steve) Xia, and I am one of the membership officers on NSO. I am a second year student at Western University in London, and passionate for student voice and advocacy. Some of my experiences include being an executive on my school's nursing council and being the prime minister of my high school council. When I'm not in scrubs or pursuing my extracurricular interests, you can catch me watching basketball or golf. Feel free to reach out with any questions!

Committee Co-ordinator
Andrew Marciniak

I’m one of the committee coordinators for the 2023-2024 term of the NSO, and am in my 2nd year of the BScN collaborative program at Toronto Metropolitan/George Brown/Centennial. As a former community organizer my interests in the NSO are focused on supporting others and ensuring everyone’s visions are realized. I’m deeply committed to social justice. I am also the Year 2 representative for the Centennial site on the Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing School Council.

Committee Co-ordinator
Catharine Singh

Hello everyone! My name is Catharine but I generally go by “Cat” and my pronouns are she/her.  I’m one of the Committee Coordinators for the 2023-2024 term of the NSO. I’m in the RPN-BScN bridging program of McMaster University. I’m currently in my 2nd year of their 3 year program. Advocacy is the signature part of my practice, specifically advocating for equity and justice in health care. As a nurse and a nursing student, my commitment to advocacy and equity runs deep, especially in the context of healthcare. I believe in standing up for the rights of marginalized communities, both in the field of nursing and within nursing education. In my role with the NSO, I aim to be a voice for those who are often overlooked or underserved, advocating for equal access to healthcare and educational opportunities. It's not just about providing care; it's about ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has the chance to thrive and receive the support they need in health and in life.

Committee Co-ordinator
Leonard Leguijt

Hi all, my name is Leonard Leguijt and I am a committee coordinator for the NSO. I am currently in my third year of the Honours BScN program at Humber College. Additionally, I hold the role of being a Vice-President on my schools nursing society, and serve as Student ENO (Executive Networking Officer) for RNAO Region 6. 

I enjoy bringing nursing students together for events and networking, and learning more about the profession and our future. This term, I aim to assist the NSO’s leadership by contributing ideas and coordinating events, as well as brainstorming topics of interest. I also hope to help advocate for policy for change for nursing students. I am very grateful for the opportunity I have to serve as a part of the NSO, and I look forward to a fruitful term engaging with many students.