2026-2027 NSO executive

Chair
Matthew Mark (he/him)

Hi! My name's Matthew Mark and it is an honour and a privilege to serve as your Chair of the NSO! I am also the Student Representative on the RNAO Board of Directors. I’m currently in my fourth year of nursing in the University of Ottawa's English program. My nursing interests include pediatrics and mental health, areas in which I hope to complete my consolidation placement in. I previously served as a Social Media ENO, using my experience to keep members informed and engaged with the work of our interest group. I also serve as the VP Philanthropy of uOttawa's Undergraduate Nursing Students Association (UNSA) in a role where I ensure that our students have the opportunity to give back to various causes. Now, I have the privilege of leading the NSO and working alongside an incredible team of student leaders from across Ontario. Together, I want to advocate for nursing students, amplify student voices, and connect students from across the province more than ever. I am so excited for the year ahead and I look forward to working and connecting with all of you as we continue to strengthen the nursing student community across the province!

Vice-chair
Esther Momanyi (she/her)

Hi! I'm Esther Momanyi, a 3rd-year nursing student at York University. As Events Director for the Canadian Black Nurses Alliance and Financial Director for the Pan-Asian Nursing Alliance, I love bringing nursing students together and creating welcoming spaces for everyone. I'm really excited to work with RNAO to support nursing students across Ontario.

Indigenous Student ENO
Jennadale Isaacs (she/her)

Jenna Isaacs is a graduating Practical Nursing student at Six Nations Polytechnic, Class of 2026. She chose nursing with a strong commitment to caring for others and giving back to her community, guided by the values of respect, compassion, and holistic, culturally safe care.

Throughout her studies, Jenna has completed extensive training in areas such as Indigenous cultural competency, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and community wellness. She has taken on several leadership roles, serving as a student representative for her cohort, a board member at Six Nations Polytechnic, a Town and Gown student representative, and an Indigenous student advisor with the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario.

Jenna is known for her dedication, leadership, and passion for supporting Indigenous health and well-being. Jenna is starting the RPN to BScN bridging stream this September. As she begins her nursing career, she hopes to continue working within Indigenous communities, providing compassionate care while honouring culture, tradition, and community strength.

Finance ENO
Gabriela Viana (she/her)

Gabriela Viana is a second-year nursing student at McMaster University and is honoured to serve as the NSO’s Finance ENO for the 2026-27 year! Gabriela’s nursing interests include neonatology, pediatrics, and global health. Long term, she hopes to take on a clinical administration or leadership position to continue advocating for safe and inclusive nursing care. She is eager to work alongside the other incredible members of the NSO to provide the best possible opportunities for nursing students across the province.

Policy and Political Action ENO
Inez Verdun (she/her)

Inez Verdun is a second year accelerated BScN student at McMaster University. She is delighted to serve as a Policy and Political Action ENO for 2026-27. With a passion for health equity and social justice, she strives to amplify nursing student voices, build community, and mobilize collective action.

Currently, Inez also functions an Events Lead for the McMaster Community Garden to help promote food security and student wellness. Prior to her nursing studies, Inez completed a Bachelor of Science in biology and a minor in kinesiology at the University of British Columbia. She has been involved in several student organizations, including Friends of Médecins Sans Frontières and Climate Justice clubs. While working for the BC Ambulance Service as an Emergency Medical Responder, she saw firsthand how inequities impact people’s health. She channels these experiences into purposeful community service and a commitment to narrowing health disparities.

Inez is looking forward to collaborating with nursing students, the NSO, and the RNAO at large to advance policy and political action, using an empowering, feasible, and stepwise approach.

Policy and Political Action ENO
Bushra Khan (they/them)

Bushra Khan is a second-year nursing student at Lakehead University with a background as an RPN and Case Manager in both acute and community mental health. Their frontline experience has shown them how deeply social conditions shape health, and sparked a strong commitment to reimagining health education, social justice, and healthcare equity.

Bushra is passionate about building mutual aid networks for uninsured and marginalized communities, and hopes to help shape inclusive healthcare policy as a critical qualitative researcher. Their long term goals hope to abolish carceral care models in acute care psychiatric settings. Outside of nursing, they enjoy writing poetry, baking, and singing with the birds.

Communications ENO
Harini Rajaratnam (she/her)

My name is Harini and I am a 4th year nursing student at Humber Polytechnic. I am thrilled to be joining the NSO as the communications ENO for the 2026/2027 term!

I have experience as an RPN within the community setting and am hoping to one day take on a leadership role to be an advocate for individuals within the community. I am looking forward to connecting nursing students in a safe and welcoming space to stay informed and feel supported within their journey!

My hobbies include reading, going for walks and doing puzzles!

Communications ENO
Ameera Ali Khan (she/her)

Hi everyone! My name is Ameera Ali Khan, and I am excited to serve as the Communications ENO with the Nursing Students of Ontario. I am entering my second year of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program at McMaster University and am passionate about fostering meaningful connections among nursing students while creating inclusive and supportive spaces where students feel informed, represented, and empowered throughout their nursing journey.

Alongside my studies, I have been actively involved in student leadership, advocacy, and community engagement through various initiatives at McMaster, including my involvement with the McMaster Student Union. These experiences have strengthened my skills in communication, outreach, collaboration, and event promotion while reinforcing the importance of building strong and connected student communities.

I am particularly interested in healthcare advocacy, professional development, and supporting initiatives that help nursing students thrive both academically and personally. As a future nurse, I value the role that communication plays in fostering collaboration, promoting opportunities, and ensuring that students have access to the resources and information they need to succeed.

In my role as Communications ENO, I am dedicated to enhancing student engagement through effective communication, increasing awareness of NSO initiatives and opportunities, and helping students stay connected to the broader nursing community across Ontario. I look forward to contributing to a positive and engaging experience for nursing students and working alongside fellow student leaders to support the growth and success of our profession.

Social Media ENO
Sophie Kelly (she/her)

My name is Sophie and I am excited to serve as a Social Media ENO for the 2026/2027 term! Beginning in September 2026, I will be entering my second year of the BScN program at the University of Toronto.

Before applying to nursing, I completed an undergraduate degree in psychology and a master’s degree in neuroscience at Western University. I then worked in clinical trials and became interested in healthcare research. After completing my nursing degree, I’m hoping to return to research and work in bedside mental health nursing.

Volunteering has been an important part of my life and I look forward to maintaining an inclusive and supportive social media presence for the RNAO NSO.

Social Media ENO
Comfort Afriyie (she/her)

Hi, I'm Comfort. I'm the Social Media ENO for NSO this year. I'm in my second year at Loyalist College (BScN) and a Registered Practical Nurse with nine years in long-term care, hospital, and community settings as a personal support worker. I'm excited to connect nursing students across Ontario and make sure your voice is heard. I'm here to support you, celebrate your wins, and help build community. Feel free to reach out anytime.

Membership ENO
Victoria Ogundayo (she/her)

I am thrilled to serve as the Membership ENO on the current NSO executive. I am a second-degree nursing student in the BScN program at Humber College, where I bring both academic dedication and real-world experience to my nursing journey.

With a background in biology and biotechnology, as well as years of hands-on experience as a Patient Care Assistant, I am passionate about patient-centered care and professional development. My area of nursing interests are; NICU and becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner.

In my role as Membership ENO, I look forward to connecting with nursing students across Ontario, promoting engagement, and supporting recruitment initiatives that reflect the diverse and dynamic voices within our profession. I am committed to fostering meaningful connections and helping students feel empowered in their nursing education and beyond.

Together, I believe we can build a stronger, more united nursing student community across the province.

Membership ENO
Candice Madera (she/her)

Hello everyone! My name is Candice Madera, and I am a level II BScN student at McMaster University. I am ecstatic to embark on this journey of serving as one of the Membership ENOs with the NSO group. It is a privilege to be involved in collaborating on such a meaningful experience that aligns with my strong belief in advocacy for action. I believe that student engagement goes beyond quantifiable numbers, it is about creating a sense of belonging and membership. My nursing interests include oncology, pediatrics, and global health. Through this experience, I hope to work along my peers in strengthening the future of nursing student involvement.

Student Coordination ENO
Anna Johnston (she/her)

Hi everyone! I’m Anna Johnston and I am currently completing my fourth year of nursing school through the University of Ottawa/Algonquin College collaborative program. Through both nursing school and my experience in the Canadian Armed Forces, I have developed a strong passion for leadership, advocacy, and supporting others through challenging moments. I am so excited to be serving as Student Coordinator ENO and cannot wait to connect, learn, and grow with all of you this year.

Student Coordination ENO
Julia Laur (she/her)

Julia Laur is a third-year student at Lambton College who is passionate about getting involved in the nursing community and making a difference. She hopes to pursue further education in the future to become a Nurse Practitioner focusing on women’s health. Julia believes that nurses make a significant impact within their communities, which is why she believes in advocating for the nursing profession itself. During her term on the NSO Board, she hopes to work alongside fellow students to facilitate change and help shape the future of nursing.

Student Engagement ENO
Éloïse Vanasse-Reid (she/her)

Hi everyone!

My name is Éloïse and I am very excited to be taking on one of the student engagement ENO roles as part of the NSO for the 2026/2027 term. I am currently in summer school and will then enter my second year in the BScN program at Trent University in the fall. I am very passionate about nursing with special interests in mental health and emergency care.

It will be my first term as a student engagement ENO and I can’t wait to help out. I am dedicated to connecting with nursing students to make a positive open space where everyone can stay connected and have their voices heard. I am very active in my communities whether it comes to clubs or volunteering and can’t wait to grow throughout my journey in the RNAO NSO.

Student Engagement ENO
Resia Mae Solomon she/her

I’m Resia Mae, a third-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing student at Lakehead University. I’m excited to be serving as a Student Engagement ENO for the 2026–2027 term. I enjoy getting involved in student leadership and volunteering, and I’m passionate about creating opportunities for nursing students to connect, collaborate, and support one another.

As a Student Engagement ENO, I hope to help create a welcoming and inclusive environment where every nursing student feels heard, valued, and encouraged to get involved. I’m looking forward to meeting students from across Ontario, learning from each other, and making this a fun and memorable year with the RNAO Nursing Students’ Association!