Team

Executive Comittee

Elnaz Enayatpour

Vacant

President

she/her

president@seuo-uosu.com

Hey! My name is Elnaz and I am President of the UOSU.  As a previous Operations Commissioner, I’m committed to an equitable, transparent and efficient UOSU that works for all students. Originally from Calgary, AB, I study International Development and Globalization and I speak English, French and Farsi!

I come from the research and activism world,, organizing campaigns for transit and housing and working on UOSU's Student Housing Exploratory Caucus (SHEC) to stand up for student tenants to the University and the City of Ottawa. I also used to work for the uOttawa Free Store, which I never stop talking about, and am known to be a Model UN enthusiast.  

I’m always happy to chat with students about ideas, concerns, collaborations or more! Whether it’s something you need support with, an idea you want to see implemented or a concern you need help navigating, I’m only an email away.

The President is the chief spokesperson for uOttawa undergrads and the overall leader of the UOSU. They ensure student voices are heard loud and clear by the University administration. Responsible for the management and supervision of the Union’s affairs and operations, they are also expected to lead collaboratively and provide support to the other members of the Executive.

Management and Human Resources

  • Chief Executive Officer of the UOSU
  • Strategic direction of the organization
  • Fulfillment of UOSU’s mandate
  • Project and crisis management
  • Institutional knowledge and transition

With the Operations Commissioner

  • Supervising the Executive Director
  • Managing the Union’s human resources
  • Signing officer (contracts and payments) and oversight of financial administration

Relevant Staff

  • Executive Director
  • Director of Labour Relations and Human Resources
  • Deputy to the President & Chief of Staff

Relevant Committees

  • Finance Committee
  • Governance Committee (Chair)
  • President’s Round Table (Co-Chair)
  • Ombudsperson’s Advisory Committee
  • Library Advisory Committee

Governance

  • Chair of the Executive Committee
  • De facto Chair of the Board of Directors
  • Ensure compliance with the Constitution and policies
  • Coordinate General Assemblies
  • Support and accountability to the Board of Directors
  • Liaison with legal counsel

Spokesperson and Communications

  • Official representative and media liaison
  • Overseeing all communications to the student body
  • Relations with external organizations funded by the UOSU

Representation and Leadership

  • Maintain relations between the UOSU and Recognized Student Governments (RSGs)
  • Supporting Commissioners

With the Advocacy Commissioner

  • Lobbying and campaigning government
  • Maintain relations between the UOSU and the uOttawa administration
  • Campaigns and advocacy to the uOttawa administration

Dan Ngenzi Ya Ruty

Vacant

Francophone Affairs Commissioner

he/him

francophone@seuo-uosu.com

The Francophone Affairs Commissioner defends the interests of Francophone students at the world’s largest bilingual (English-French) university. They oversee programming for Francophone students, ensures that the services and programs of the Union are bilingual, and protects Francophone rights.

Programming

  • Events and activities for Francophone students
  • Community-building for Francophones and Francophiles
  • Administer the Francophone Affairs Fund

Relevant Staff

  • Translators

Relevant Committees

  • Francophone Affairs Committee (Chair)
  • Francophone Affairs Round Table (Chair)

Internal

  • Active offer and bilingual access of services, activities, and documents
  • Compliance with bilingualism mandate and relevant policies
  • Bilingualism-related student complaints

Advocacy

  • Relations with the Office of the Vice-President, International and Francophonie
  • Spokesperson for Francophone students and media liaison
  • Relations with Francophone student groups and organizations
  • Student representation on University Committees
  • University-level policy review, lobbying, campaigns for Francophone students
  • Bilingualism-related student complaints

Zach Lebel

Vacant

Operations Commissioner

he/him

operations@seuo-uosu.com

My Name is Zach and I am the Operations Commissioner. I am a fourth year student studying Mathematics and Economics. I am from a small town in North Western Ontario called Manitouwadge, and French is my first language! I am also a HUGE Montreal Canadiens fan!

I have been involved in Student Life since my very first few months at uOttawa, and I love seeing the student community grow and prosper. I was an RSG president last year, and I have ran and organized several philanthropic events here on campus.

I am excited to bring a fresh perspective into the fold at UOSU, with new ideas and a motivation that will lead our union into the future! Please never hesitate to reach out to me, my door is always open :)

The Operations Commissioner keeps the UOSU running smoothly and transparently. They work with the President, Executive Director, and senior management to direct and oversee the internal operations of the Union, including finances and human resources.

Management and Human Resources

  • Supervising the Executive Director  
  • Hiring, firing and discipline of staff
  • Labour relations
  • Periodical salary review
  • Internal management committees

Finance

  • Chief Financial Officer of the UOSU
  • Budget management & revision
  • Audit management & revision
  • Compliance with financial policies
  • Transfer of levies to Recognized Student Governments and external organizations
  • Financial accessibility and literacy
  • Regular financial oversight & risk management, including for UOSU businesses
  • Health and dental insurance administration
  • Signing officer (payments)

Relevant Staff

  • Executive Director  
  • HR Manager
  • Deputy Commissioner (Governance, Data Management, and Administration)  
  • Director of Finances  
  • Director of Business Development

Relevant Committees

  • Finance Committee (Chair)
  • Services Committee
  • Money Round Table (Chair)

Internal Affairs

  • Administrative tasks
  • Systems management
  • Signing officer (contracts)

Hamza El Mendri

Vacant

Student Life Commissioner

he/him

studentlife@seuo-uosu.com

Hey! I'm Hamza, your Student Life Commissioner for 2026-2027. I'm an Electrical and Computer Engineering student at uOttawa, and I believe campus life should be just as meaningful as the degree you're working toward.

Before joining the Executive, I got involved in student life through clubs and campus events, which showed me that the best ideas always come from students themselves. I want to build systems that give clubs the tools they need to thrive, and make sure every student has access to resources that make their university experience truly memorable.

This year, my priorities are clear: modernize club management, boost their visibility, and create real opportunities for you to grow beyond the classroom. Come visit me during office hours or shoot me an email. I'd love to hear what's on your mind!

The Student Life Commissioner works to make your experience at uOttawa a memorable one. They organize social and philanthropic events on campus, such as 101 Week and Relay for Life. They also manage relations with Recognized Student Governments and oversee the administration of funds and scholarships.

Social Events

  • 101 Week oversight, planning, and execution
  • Inclusive event planning
  • Support for student group and UOSU service-led events (i.e. Black History Month)

Relevant Staff

  • 101 Week Crew
  • Deputy Student Life Commissioner
  • Director of Communications & Administration

Relevant Committees

  • Student Life Committee (Chair)
  • Clubs Committee
  • Funds and Scholarships Committee (Chair)
  • Communications and Engagement Committee
  • Social Round Table (Chair)
  • School Spirit Council
  • Philanthropy Round Table (Chair)
  • President’s Round Table (Co-Chair)

Philanthropy, Funds and Scholarships

  • Shine Day planning and execution
  • Relay for Life planning and execution
  • Funds and scholarships design, promotion, and administration

Campus Life

  • Relations with Recognized Student Governments
  • Wellness and mental health initiatives

Norah Bello

Vacant

Advocacy Commissioner

she/her

advocacy@seuo-uosu.com

Hi all, I'm Norah! I am the Advocacy Commissioner for the UOSU. I am currently in my 4th year of Environmental Science (in French Immersion); I love learning about Earth systems and the natural world. My passion for the natural world led me to becoming an engaged climate activist. 

Before joining the Executive Committee, I used to be the Coordinator of the UOSU Sustainability Center and had the pleasure of advocating for a better environment and working on climate action. Through this role, I have delved deeper into student rights issues that we are facing. From housing, to transit, food insecurity & more. I am here to fight for our struggles so that we can build a healthier community. If any of these issues resonate with you, I am open to chatting and learning how I can be a better advocate for you. 

Let's build a better future, together! 

The Advocacy Commissioner is your advocate to people in power. They raise issues faced by students to municipal, provincial, and federal levels of government, through campaigns, lobbying, and more. They also assist the President in engaging directly with the uOttawa administration.

External & Government Affairs

  • Federal government relations
  • Relations with the Undergraduates of Canadian Research
  • Intensive Universities (UCRU)
  • Provincial government relations
  • Relations with the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA)
  • Relations with City Council and Sandy Hill community
  • Policy-writing, lobbying & campaign organization

Relevant Staff

  • Deputy Commissioner (External Affairs)
  • Campaigns Coordinator

Relevant Committees

  • Advocacy Committee (Chair)
  • Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA)
  • Undergraduates of Canadian Research-Intensive Universities (UCRU)
  • Sandy Hill Town & Gown
  • Equity Committee
  • University Affairs Round Table (Chair)
  • Interunion Coalition of the University of Ottawa (ICUO)
  • Council on Undergraduate Studies
  • Nominating Committee for the Council of Undergraduate Studies
  • Nominating Committee for the Senate Appeals Committee

University Affairs

  • Relations with student representatives on the Board of Governors & Student Senate Caucus
  • Student representation on University Committees
  • Relations with professors’ and uOttawa employee unions
  • Campaigns and coalition-building with advocacy-centric student clubs
  • Administer the Campaigns Fund
  • Defend academic and student rights

With the President

  • Relations with the University of Ottawa
  • University-level research, advocacy projects, and campaigns

Ombudsperson

Vacant

Ombudsperson

ombudsperson@seuo-uosu.com

The Ombudsperson serves as a vital link between the UOSU members and the broader governance structures. This role is designed to uphold the principles of fairness, equity, and justice within the UOSU. Operating independently and impartially, the Ombudsperson addresses systemic issues and provides confidential support and resolution for conflicts and concerns brought forward by students, staff, and other stakeholders.

  • Investigating and proposing solutions to systemic problems within the UOSU.
  • Chairing the Appeals Committee to ensure fairness in the appeals process.
  • Maintaining confidentiality of all parties involved unless express consent is given.
  • Providing regular reports to the Board of Directors on activities, trends, systemic issues, and recommendations.

Executive Office Team

Olivier Baril

Vacant

Deputy to the President

he/him

deputy-pres@seuo-uosu.com

Vacant

Vacant

Deputy Student Life Commissioner

deputy-sl@seuo-uosu.com

Vacant

Deputy Advocacy Commissioner

deputy-advocacy@seuo-uosu.com

Jasmine Gagnon

Vacant

Student Support Coordinator

she/her

student-support@seuo-uosu.com

Carly Huber

Vacant

Food Security Programs Coordinator

she/her

campaigns-coord@seuo-uosu.com

Vanshika Vanshika

Vacant

Communications Coordinator

she/her

comms-coord@seuo-uosu.com

Management Team

Meredith Kerr

Vacant

Executive Director

she/her

executive-director@seuo-uosu.com

Hamza El Hariri

Vacant

Director of Business Development

he/him

dir-business@seuo-uosu.com

Merissa Cowell

Vacant

Director of Labour Relations and Human Resources

she/her

hr@seuo-uosu.com

Andy-Loan Richmond

Vacant

Director of Programs

he/him

dir-programs@seuo-uosu.com

Niba Suh

Vacant

Director of Finance

he/him

dir-finance@seuo-uosu.com