Nelson Chukwuma
Chair
Conestoga Students Incorporated
[email protected]
Maleeka Thomas
Secretary
University of Lethbridge Student's Union
[email protected]
Maleeka Thomas (she/her) is the newly elected Secretary of CASA. She is also the President of the University of Lethbridge Students’ Union, currently in her 5th year, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a minor in Anthropology. Maleeka is an engaged and dedicated student, passionate about advocacy, equity, and social justice. During her tenure at The University of Lethbridge, Maleeka served as the International Student Representative in the Students' Union before being elected President in 2023. She takes pride in being the first female-identifying President to secure two consecutive terms, a notable milestone in her university's history. With three years of experience in student advocacy, Maleeka is committed to fostering empowering environments for students and amplifying the voices of those facing significant barriers to accessing post-secondary education.
Previously, Maleeka had the privilege of serving as the Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion on CASA's Board of Directors. In this role, she contributed significantly to CASA’s strategic direction, working to amplify and empower student voices. Her experiences as an international student with multifaceted lived experiences fueled her passion for advocacy and equal opportunities from a young age. These experiences provided her with valuable insights into the challenges and barriers faced by marginalized communities on campus.
Undertaking this new position, Maleeka’s top priority is implementing CASA's 2024-2027 Strategic Plan to ensure the organization remains focused on advocating for affordable and accessible education. Additionally, She aims to review and update CASA's operating procedures, policies, and internal governance to better reflect the diverse voices and experiences of all students.
Outside of her academic pursuits and advocacy work, Maleeka enjoys volunteering and giving back to her community, playing netball, as well as spending time with her friends and family.
Francisco Chang
Treasurer
St Francis Xavier Students Union
[email protected]
Francisco Chang Ubillús (he/him/il) serves as the President of the StFX Students' Union (STFXSU). He is in his final year of an Honours in Economics degree with a concentration in Math and Public Governance at St. Francis Xavier University. Aspiring to pursue graduate studies after completing his undergraduate degree, Francisco combines academic excellence with a deep commitment to student advocacy.
Even though this is Francisco’s first year in an executive position at his home SU (and first year at CASA), he brings three years of experience in student government. His roles on the Budget & Finance Committees at both the university and student union levels have equipped him with a solid understanding of the financial challenges organizations face and the accessibility problem that comes with making a budget. He acknowledges that one of the biggest challenges for organizations is making a budget accessible enough so that the membership can understand it without having a background in Accounting or related fields.
Altogether, Francisco has five years of experience working with budgets. His goal this year is to engage more with the membership to build a budget that is more accessible and easy to read. Additionally, he aims to ensure transparency, financial integrity, and fiscal responsibility across the organization.
Outside the student union world, Francisco loves playing football (the real one), working on his thesis, and cooking!
Ahmad Baker
Director-at-Large, Advocacy
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology Students Association
[email protected]
Ahmad Baker is the President of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology Students’ Association (SAITSA) and pursuing his second year in Software Development. As an international student, Ahmad's advocacy journey began on the student council of an accredited school part of "British Schools in the Middle East" in Qatar, where he focused on mental well-being and lifestyle improvements. He then assumed the role of SAIT's inaugural Global Student Ambassador, enhancing the international student experience.
Ahmad believes in the power of student advocacy to shape a brighter future. By amplifying voices, he aims to address current issues and pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive society where every student can thrive. Drawing from his firsthand experience as an international student, Ahmad is dedicated to shedding light on vulnerable student concerns and enhancing their journey. Committed to thorough advocacy, he collaborates closely with CASA’s membership to ensure all concerns are well-studied and ready for presentation to the federal government.
In his leisure time, Ahmad enjoys playing football, singing, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Nihma Hussain
Director-at-Large, Membership
University of New Brunswick Students Representative Council
[email protected]
Nihma Hussain is a dedicated Bangladeshi-Canadian (She/Her) in her 3rd year of studies at the University of New Brunswick Saint John, pursuing a bachelor's degree in Psychology. She currently serves as the Vice President External on the Student Representative Council, where she is passionate about advocating for student needs and fostering a sense of community on campus.
Having lived in both the Middle East and Canada throughout her childhood, Nihma has developed a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives and experiences. This multicultural background fuels her commitment to creating inclusive environments where all voices can be heard and valued.
Nihma is dedicated to ensuring that member universities thrive within the organization. She hopes to actively work to maintain existing members and attract new institutions to join the collective effort of enhancing the student experience across Canada. Nihma believes that by uniting diverse student voices, CASA can drive meaningful change and advance the student movement on a national scale.
Aside from her advocacy efforts, Nihma loves to spend time with her loved ones, travel, and fitness.
Ajané Adams
Centennial College Students Association Incorporated
[email protected]
Ajané Adams serves as the current President of the Centennial College Student Association in Toronto. He is a passionate community leader who centers his advocacy around equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDI).
As a licensed Paralegal in Ontario, Ajané brings a wealth of legal knowledge and a strong commitment to justice and fairness in all his endeavors. His academic achievements include a
Specialized Certification in Leadership and Management from Harvard Business School, as well as a specialized certification in Indigenous Studies. These qualifications underscore his
dedication to understanding and addressing the complexities of leadership and the unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities.
In his role as President, Ajané is dedicated to fostering a college environment that prioritizes EDI. He believes that equitable access to education is a fundamental right and works tirelessly to create policies and initiatives that support this vision. His leadership is characterized by a collaborative approach, engaging with students, faculty, and the broader community to ensure that diverse voices are heard and respected.
Through his advocacy, Ajané aims to build college communities that are inclusive and accessible to all. His efforts are driven by a profound belief in the transformative power of education and the importance of creating spaces where every individual has the opportunity to succeed. Under his leadership, the Centennial College Student Association has made significant strides in promoting equity and inclusion, setting a standard for other institutions to follow. Ajané's commitment to EDI is not just a professional mandate but a personal mission, reflecting his deep-seated values and vision for a more just and equitable society.
Jayden Hovey
Director-at-Large, Policy
University of the Fraser Valley Student Union Society
[email protected]
Jayden Hovey is the President of the University of the Fraser Valley Student Union Society (UFV SUS) in Abbotsford, British Columbia. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a focus on Canadian Policy. He is in his second year of student government, having moved from the position of Vice President External to President. Jayden is excited for the opportunity to work as the Director of Policy for the Canadian Alliance of Students Association and is looking forward to a successful year.
Jayden entered student government as the Vice President External because of his passion for student issues and the desire to make positive change towards affordability and accessibility for students in BC and in Canada. As President, he hopes to continue the mission of uplifting the voices of students and making a difference.
In his free time, Jayden enjoys music, hiking all the mountains in BC, and spending time with his friends and family.