Hey everyone!
My name is Omar Sayyed, and I’m excited to be stepping into the role of Vice President of Finance at the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA).
I just graduated from Western University, where I studied Integrated Engineering. Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of student life activities, including student government and advocacy, residence leadership, and national conferences. Through it all, one thing has stayed constant: my passion for supporting and speaking up for students. That’s why I chose to become the VP External Affairs for the Western University Students’ Council this year.
As a part of that role, I have the pleasure of being a part of OUSA. I’ve always believed that students deserve to be part of the conversations that affect their lives, whether it’s about tuition, mental health, housing, or just being able to feel safe and supported on campus. This role gives me the chance to help make sure that our financial decisions reflect the needs and priorities of students across the province.
While finance might sound like it’s all about spreadsheets, to me, it’s about how we support the amazing student-led work that OUSA champions. I want to make sure the way we manage our resources actually makes advocacy stronger, by funding important initiatives, building community, and making space for students who haven’t always had a seat at the table.
My background in student advocacy comes from a lot of different places, including as the president of Western Undergraduate Engineering Society, Chair of the Canadian Federation of Engineering Students’ Conference on Diversity in Engineering, supporting first-years in residence as a Residence Don, and working with groups focused on equity, inclusion, and mental health. I’m also currently serving as the President of the Engineering Students Societies Council of Ontario, representing engineering students across the Province. Throughout it all, I’ve seen how powerful student voices can be when we’re organized, supported, and working together.
I’m really looking forward to this year with OUSA. It’s a chance to connect with amazing student leaders from across Ontario and push for the kind of changes we know are needed, including more affordability, better supports, and stronger student communities.
Thanks for welcoming me into this role. If you ever want to connect, talk about student issues, or share ideas, I’m always happy to chat.
Sincerely,
Omar Sayyed
Vice President of Finance
Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance