OUSA is deeply saddened about the passing of our former board member and VP Finance, Stephanie Ye-Mowe.
Steph was a fierce champion of student-led advocacy, and stood up for students with conviction, passion, and an intersectional view of how robust policy could best address the diverse needs of students. She made immense contributions to OUSA, always thinking about and acting on ways to improve our work and organization as a whole. They encouraged their peers to think critically about the decisions guiding OUSA’s work and kept students’ best interests at the forefront of everything they did.
Beyond their advocacy work, Steph was also a wonderful colleague and friend, with a quirky sense of humour and a strong commitment to camaraderie. They were eager to spend time with their fellow student leaders and encouraged opportunities to work collaboratively and build stronger bonds. Through all the highs and lows of OUSA’s policymaking process, Steph was steadfast in ensuring that her peers in student advocacy were well-equipped and knowledgeable about the issues being discussed while making sure to have fun along the way.
This is a difficult time for so many who interacted with Steph. We are sending all of our support to Steph’s loved ones, as well as those whose lives she impacted through her tireless advocacy work.
Resources:
- Good2Talk: call 1-866-925-5454 or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868
- Wellness Together Canada: call 1-866-585-0445 or text WELLNESS to 741741
- Distress and Crisis Ontario: text SUPPORT to 258258 (2PM - 2AM EST)
- Surviving Together X Healing Together: Free counselling for Indigenous, Black, and racialized women and gender diverse people https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdt_h4cOXc2BrIQ6toi9rZEGuX0hIQjgbL2f99hSNZJRyB56A/viewform
- LGBT Youthline: text 647-694-4275 or chat online at https://www.youthline.ca/ from 4 PM – 9:30 PM
- Trans Lifeline for peer support: call 877-330-6366 (5PM – 1AM EST)
- Asian Mental Health Collective: https://www.asianmhc.org/ (IG handle: asianmentalhealthcollective)