Executive Committee
OISE GSA 2024 Executive Team
President
Aytaj Pashayeva (she/her)
Aytaj Pashayeva (she/her), is a first-year PhD student in Higher Education at LHAE. With a background in higher education research and management, Aytaj holds a bachelor’s degree in applied linguistics and has ventured further, earning Master's degrees in Research and Innovation in Higher Education (MARIHE) and International Educational Development from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her academic journey revolves around the intricacies of research security and management within the realm of higher education. Beyond academia, Aytaj serves as the program manager at the Future Skills Centre, weaving together her passions for education and innovation.
Contact Aytaj Pashayeva for: constitution inquiries, general inquiries
Email: president.gsa@utoronto.ca
Vice President Academic
Dareen Fatimah (she/her)
Dareen is currently pursuing her PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy (ELP) at the LHAE department. Her research focuses on governance, policy, and equity issues in Ontario's education system. With a background as a registered social worker and a Master of Education in ELP from the LHAE department at the UofT, Dareen is deeply committed to supporting students' academic success and well-being. For seven years, she supported newcomers as a Program & Outreach Coordinator at a non-profit organization. Dareen led volunteer sessions and organized fundraising events that benefited hundreds of families and students in Toronto. These efforts were part of an initiative to help newcomers access services, find employment, and enrol in post secondary education. She is dedicated to assisting students in achieving their academic and personal goals and fostering a supportive and inclusive academic community.
Contact Dareen for: grants & funding inquiries, Graduate Student Research Conference inquiries
Email: academic.gsa@utoronto.ca
Vice President Finance
Willis Opondo (he/him)
Willis is a PhD student at the Department of Social Justice Education. He is also a Research Associate at the Toronto District School Board. He has taught undergraduate sociology courses at Machakos University, Kenya and worked as a consultant urban sociologist for urban planning firms. He has also been involved in various social development and behavioural research projects in East Africa. His research interests include Indigenous knowledge/governance, Education, Race/Ethnicity, Equity in Education, and civic engagement/public consultations.
Contact Willis for: GSA budget inquiries, Departmental Students' Association (DSA) and Program Students' Association (PSA) funding, other financial inquiries
Email: finance.gsa@utoronto.ca
Vice President Internal
Matthew Plaskett (he/him)
Matthew Plaskett is completing a Master of Education in Adult Education & Community Development (AECD) in the Department of Leadership, Higher & Adult Education (LHAE). Matthew is also a Student Library Assistant at Robart's Library and a Student Engagement Ambassador & Social Media Assistant with the Registrar's Office & Student Experience (ROSE) at OISE. Matthew is interested in the intersecting opportunities that adult education and community development offer in creating positive change at the grassroots level. Matthew has over three years of experience working in student government and is passionate about the power that student government has in building community and fostering connections. Matthew also volunteers with Students on Seven (SOS), the Program Student Association for the AECD program.
Contact Matthew for: Departmental Students' Association (DSA) and Program Students' Association (PSA) inquiries, GSA website/social media inquiries, general inquiries
Email: internal.gsa@utoronto.ca
Anti-Harassment Statement
Discrimination and harassment are illegal practices under the . OISE’s Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) is committed to ensuring that all members are free from harassment and discrimination. Executive members of the GSA have the right to refuse communication of its members if the Executive member feels threatened. Harassment and discrimination denies Executive members their right to fully participate in their role as student leaders. Any GSA member has the right to contact authorities in emergency situations and to report harassment to Human Resources and offices. In order to ensure that all communication remains professional and respectful, please only email Executive members to their GSA email, not personal emails.
