Hugo is a 4th year BScN student at Ontario Tech University (OTU). This is his second year with the NSO, acting as the Policy & Political Action ENO last year and Chair this year. His work this past year with the NSO encompassed research, helping facilitate events for nursing students, and engaged the team on nursing within the current political spectrum. Concurrently, he holds the position of Student Liaison with the Durham Chapter and has engaged local politicians during RNAO's Queens Park on the Road (QPOR) and attended Queen's Park Day (QPD). He is also an RNAO Student Ambassador and an inaugural member of RNAO's Student Leadership Incubator with the EDI working group.
At OTU, he has acted as Co-President of the Nursing Student Community (NSC) the past academic year and currently, is a member of the Program Evaluation Committee (PEC), and the Undergraduate Student-Faculty Council (USFC) to engage the undergraduate nursing student population and improve program outcomes. He is also a contributor for OTU's Peer Wellness program as a researcher and assists in creating new campaigns within the 7 Dimensions of Wellness.
His interests lie with research in multi-tiered health policy, nursing education reform, the empowerment of nursing students' capacity for leadership and advocacy, and students' transition to professional practice (ie. retention, gaps in knowledge, mentorship). He hopes to build on the past successes of the NSO, engage students, and be able to offer opportunities to students eager to lead just as he was given the opportunity to.
Sierra currently serves as the President of the Trent Fleming Nursing Students Association, where she leads initiatives to support and empower nursing students both academically and professionally. She also holds the role of Vice Chair with the Nursing Students of Ontario, where her passion for advocacy and policy is reflected in her commitment to advancing student voices across the province.
With experience as a Policy and Curriculum Development Student Representative, Sierra has played a key role in shaping academic and clinical standards for nursing education. Her contributions as a Pain and Best Practice Guideline (BPG) External Reviewer further demonstrate her dedication to evidence-based practice and improving patient care outcomes.
Sierra brings a strong voice for Indigenous representation and inclusion, having previously served as the Indigenous Student Officer and Student Executive Network Officer for the Indigenous Nurses and Allies Interest Group. Through these roles, she has worked to uplift Indigenous perspectives within the nursing profession and build more equitable healthcare systems.
Known for her collaborative approach, strong leadership, and deep commitment to student engagement, Sierra continues to be a driving force in nursing student governance and advocacy across Ontario.
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.
Andrew Marciniak is a fourth-year nursing student and the Policy and Political Action Network Officer for the NSO. In his former life, he was a community organizer for a non-profit who helped shepherd numerous campaigns to victory through developing community leaders and building power door-to-door in low income communities. He is dedicated to bridging the gap between clinical advocacy and structural change, helping students acquire the practical tools needed to translate their nursing mandate into measurable social impact.
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.
Anthonia Chukwuyem is a 3rd-year nursing student at Ontario Tech University. She is excited to help nursing students stay connected, informed, and supporting them along their journey. Anthonia's interest include crocheting, rollerblading, volunteering, and getting involved on campus as a peer mentor and student ambassador.
Matthew Young is a third-year nursing student at the University of Windsor. This year marks his second term with NSO, serving once again as one of the Membership Officers. He has a passion for learning and actively seeks opportunities to grow through extracurricular activities. From serving as a Student Representative for the Windsor-Essex RNAO Chapter to representing RNAO in his Nursing Society, Matthew is deeply committed to community involvement and is eager to contribute once more to NSO.
Hi, my name is Paige. This is my second term on NSO and I have some big plans for our social media efforts this year so stay tuned! I was previously a committee coordinator but helped out a lot in the social realm so I came back as a Social Media ENO as I really enjoyed working with the Social Media Officers last year. I am starting 3rd year of my BScN at Trent University, I am currently a PSW and I absolutely love it. One day I hope to be an NP (I don't know what kind yet, there's lots of options). I am really passionate about public health, reproductive justice and health equity. I previously studied at Georgian College in Pre-health sciences and it was one of the best years of my life. I want to expand NSO efforts and reach more students, those already in nursing and those who want to start their nursing journey. When I'm not working on NSO work, homework or at my job I am probably hovering over my plants or watching a TV I've already watched 7 times at home with my partner.
Hi! My name's Matthew Mark and I'm in my third year of nursing in the University of Ottawa's English program. My nursing interests include pediatrics and mental health. I have extensive experience managing and creating social media content through both personal and paid projects. As a Social Media ENO, I strive to use my experience to keep all NSO members up-to-date on what the interest group is up to, including special events and opportunities, as well as all things nursing!! I hope to connect with you in the next year!
Victoria is a 3rd year nursing student at Humber college. Victoria's interests include pediatric ICU and NICU, with the goal of becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner. Her hobbies include; cooking, baking, trying new recipes, and hanging out with her friends. Victoria is also very excited to join NSO and learn more about nursing leadership and more about RNAO as an association.
Sarah Rowan is a second-year nursing student at Confederation College with a passion for health equity and culturally safe care. She enjoys hiking Thunder Bay's trails, exploring neuroscience research, and volunteering in her community. Sarah is inspired by RNAO's advocacy for nursing excellence and looks forward to contributing as an NSO Committee Coordinator. She hopes to create impactful student events while supporting peers in achieving their nursing goals.
Hi! My name is Gurkirat Singh, and I'm incredibly excited to serve as the NSO Committee Coordinator for the 2025-2026 academic year. I'm currently in my third year of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Nipissing University, where I've been actively involved in student leadership and community building. Before transferring to Nipissing, I completed a Diploma in Biotechnology at Georgian College, where I developed a strong background in life sciences, research, and analytical thinking. This foundation continues to strengthen my approach to nursing through a lens of evidence-based practice and scientific curiosity. Over the past two years, I've proudly served as a representative on the Nipissing University Nursing Society (NUNS), where I've been dedicated to student advocacy, organizing events, and supporting peer engagement. Since 2024, I've also been involved with the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) as a Student Network Officer, where I work to connect nursing students across Ontario with leadership opportunities and professional resources. As NSO Committee Coordinator, my goal is to help every incoming student feel confident, supported, and excited as they begin their journey in nursing. I'm passionate about creating a welcoming and well-organized orientation experience that sets the tone for an incredible year ahead. Feel free to reach out or connect with me anytime—@singhgurkirat834 on Instagram. Looking forward to working together and making this year unforgettable!
Lee is a second-year nursing student from the University of Ottawa with strong interest in paediatrics and mental health. He enjoys travelling, taking his two furry companions on trails, and being active in the gym. Lee is fascinated by the positive impacts RNAO brings to the nursing community and to the general public. He wishes to participate in creating more meaningful and informative events for nursing students and supporting all Ontario nursing students in realizing their passion and career goals.
Rachel Gonzales is a 4th year nursing student at Ontario Tech University. Rachel's nursing interests include cardiovascular ICU and emergency, with the end goal of becoming a nurse practitioner. Rachel's hobbies include reading, baking, and taking long walks with her pug, Rocky.