Hello everyone!
Just over three years ago, I was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, introducing myself to OUSA as a Research and Policy Analyst. Today, I am extremely excited to return to the blog as OUSA's Executive Director!
My journey in the post-secondary education sector indirectly began when I was a student myself. With aspirations of becoming a teacher, I pursued many extracurricular activities geared towards youth mentorship. It was during this time that I also discovered my love for research, participating in research programs and fellowships at the tail end of my degree and post-graduation. The blending of these passions led me to work in the post-secondary policy sphere, beginning as a research intern with the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario before I joined the OUSA team. OUSA’s commitment to championing the student voice in PSE, ensuring marginalized students are centred in policy conversations, and evidence-based equity-focused outputs are some of the qualities that keep me excited about this work.
Over my time at OUSA as a Research and Policy Analyst, and then as a Manager of Research and Policy, I have had the privilege of working with incredibly brilliant students, steadfast external collaborators, and remarkable colleagues at Home Office (shout-out to SHERPA one-time for the one-time). Having served as a policy lead for over a dozen OUSA papers ranging from identity-focused papers like Student Accessibility and Disability Inclusion to extremely technical papers like the Response to the Blue Ribbon Panel report, I have seen the strength and reach of policy in the post-secondary space firsthand.
Despite finding ourselves in the midst of a time of upheaval and change in the post-secondary sector, I am excited to see what the future holds. The power of the student voice is integral to change now more than ever. Sometimes advocacy can feel like an intense sprint to the finish line, and other times it’s a marathon. I hope that as ED, I can aid student leaders in keeping pace in this never-ending advocacy race. Thank you to the current SC and HO for the great work during my time at OUSA, and I am excited to continue this journey together!
OKAY! Now for the fun parts:
GET TO KNOW Octave
Favourite way to relax?
Watching YouTube videos– vlogs, fashion commentary, music videos, video essays, you name it, I’m sat.
What are your favourite hobbies?
Going to concerts, dancing, cycling, reading and attending talks and screenings about issues I care about (many of which have to do with the QTBIPOC community)
What’s the best concert you've been to?
I’ll give you the top three. #1 Beyonce! As a lifelong fan (from the time I was in diapers), attending her Renaissance and Cowboy Carter tours was lowkey a dream come true. They are still the highest production value shows I’ve been to. After that, Rosalia during Coachella 2023, and for a local favourite River Tiber at the Modclub (formerly Axis club) in 2024!
Best part about working in #ONpse?
Contributing to meaningful work created by super thoughtful students! Seeing them grow in their policy writing skills is always such a joy for me. Working with incredible stakeholders on projects like Educated Solutions is always a yearly highlight, and I’ll miss curating that publication this year!
Favourite bike trail?
East Don Parkland Trail: Leslie Section! As a North York resident from 0-23 this was one of my favourite trails, especially in the summer.