Hi everyone! My name is Stephen Titizian, and I am excited to introduce myself as Vice-President External Affairs for the University Students’ Council (USC) at Western University and a member of OUSA’s 2026-2027 Steering Committee. I recently graduated from Western with an Honours Specialization in Political Science, and I am grateful to continue serving the student community in a role that allows me to advocate for students at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels.
My path into advocacy has always been rooted in community, whether through student leadership, Armenian advocacy, or grassroots organizing. I have always been drawn to work that brings people together, makes sure voices are heard, and pushes institutions to better reflect the needs of the communities they serve. A major part of my passion for advocacy comes from wanting to amplify the voices of those who are too often overlooked or underrepresented in decision-making spaces. To me, advocacy starts with understanding what students are actually experiencing and making sure those concerns are brought to the right tables, at the right times.
At Western, I have had the opportunity to be involved in student life in many different ways. I founded the Western Armenian Students’ Association to create a space where students could connect, celebrate Armenian culture, and feel represented on campus. I have also worked with the Armenian Legal Defence Front, where I conducted research related to human rights and corporate accountability. These experiences have shaped the way I understand advocacy: as something that must be grounded, community-driven, and connected to real people’s lived experiences.
This year, in my role as Vice-President External Affairs, I will be working on issues that directly affect students, including housing, transit, affordability, student safety, employment, and access to post-secondary education. I am especially excited to continue building strong relationships with community partners, elected officials, and student leaders across Ontario to ensure that Western students are meaningfully represented in the conversations that shape their education and daily lives.
I am also grateful for the opportunity to be involved with OUSA and to work alongside student leaders from across the province. There is so much strength in bringing different campuses, perspectives, and experiences together. I have learned that meaningful progress usually comes from people who care, keep showing up, and work together with purpose.
Outside of advocacy, I recently travelled to Armenia to help renovate a school, which was an incredibly meaningful experience for me. I am always down for a good black coffee and pastry, and I am hoping to finally learn French this year.
I am looking forward to the year ahead and all of the conversations, challenges, and opportunities that will come with it.
Please feel free to reach out anytime. I would love to chat, you can reach me here [email protected]