Pamela Bassoi
Director of Finance and Aministration
[email protected]
(613) 236-3457
Pamela is a proud Brazilian from Sao Paulo, who has been living in Ottawa for almost 4 years now. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and is a specialist in Civil, International and Consumer Law in Brazil. Pamela has studied, travelled and lived across the world and she brings to CASA more than 10 years of experience in administrative, legal and bookkeeping roles.
Pamela truly believes we all can contribute to a better world. She says that even small good actions, may have a huge impact in somebody else’s life. She also considers high quality education access as a determinant for a better future.
Pamela stands and fights for equity - which means recognizing and respecting other people’s differences, ensuring that everybody has equal opportunities, Rights and privileges. She highly values attributes such as honesty, integrity, kindness, dedication, positivity, perseverance and bravery.
In her free time, Pamela has a passion for travelling, cooking, dancing, drawing manga (Japanese comic books), reading, studying different languages, watching TV series and movies and, listening to music, especially 80’s songs.
Vacant
Senior Government and Stakeholder Relations Officer
[email protected]
This Position is Vacant, for any Government Relations Questions, please reach out to Adam Asmar, Executive Director at [email protected]
Vacant
Communications & Public Relations Officer
[email protected]
This Position is Vacant, for any Communications and Public Relations Questions, please reach out to Adam Asmar, Executive Director at [email protected]
Ellen Yarr
Ellen Yarr
Policy and Research Analyst
Ellen Yarr (she/her) is the Policy and Research Analyst at the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations. Originally from Prince Edward Island, she graduated from Dalhousie University in 2023 with a degree in Law, Justice, and Society, and earned her Master’s from Carleton University in Law and Legal Studies in 2025. Throughout both of her degrees, Ellen took a particular interest in political policy, analyzing gaps in policy that affected underserved groups in Canada. She has previously worked for Horizon Ottawa in conjunction with the Women’s National Housing and Homelessness Network, and currently sits on the board as an Editor for the Canadian Journal for the Academic Mind. She is passionate about the value of post-secondary education in Canada and the increased accessibility and affordability of a quality post-secondary education for all students in Canada.
In her free time, Ellen enjoys all things crafty, particularly collage, crochet, and cross-stitch, as well as collecting new treasures at the nearest thrift store or spending time at the yoga studio.
Adam Asmar
Adam Asmar
Executive Director
[email protected]
Adam Asmar (he/him) Is the Executive Director of the Canadian Alliance of Students. Adam is a post-secondary education, student affairs, and organizational leader with more than a decade of experience working alongside students, student organizations, universities, and community partners across Ontario.
Adam’s career began in student advocacy and has grown into a broad portfolio spanning governance, organizational management, human resources, administration, accessibility, conflict resolution, and student services. Over the past ten years, he has worked from virtually every side of the post-secondary table: as a student leader, student union employee, elected board member, advocate, graduate student union administrator, and university-facing organizational leader.
His experience includes serving as the General Manager of the Toronto Metropolitan Graduate Student Union and subsequently the Graduate Student Advocate for TMU's graduate student population and most recently, the Manager of HR and Administration at the OCAD Student Union. He has worked extensively with elected student governments, boards of directors, student societies, course unions, university administration, faculty, community organizations, and external stakeholders. Across these roles, he has supported organizations through governance challenges, policy development, financial oversight, audits, organizational change, employee relations, conflict resolution, and strategic decision-making.
A lifelong advocate for accessible and equitable education, Adam is in the final stages completing his Master of Arts in Critical Disability Studies at York University, where his work is grounded in disability justice and the removal of systemic barriers within post-secondary education, while also bringing his lived experience with disability to the table. He is also completing a Certificate in Mediation and Conflict Resolution through Western University, building on years of practical experience navigating complex disputes and supporting people through challenging institutional processes.
Adam understands the relationship between people and institutions. His work as an advocate has required him to listen carefully, investigate complex issues, navigate policy and procedure, and persistently pursue fair outcomes for students.
Adam has developed a simple philosophy: good organizations are built by people who understand both the people they serve and the systems they operate within. He brings that perspective to his work every day,combining student-centred advocacy with practical organizational leadership, governance expertise, and a commitment to building institutions that are more accessible, accountable, and responsive.
When he's not working, Adam remains unapologetically connected to the post-secondary world that shaped him. He believes strongly in the power of student organizations, community, and collective action and, after a decade in the sector, still has plenty of opinions about how universities and governments can do better. He also loves to bake, cook and do stand up comedy.
Prajwal Shetty
Prajwal Shetty (he/him)
Member Relations Officer (MRO)
It was through these experiences that Prajwal developed a greater understanding of and appreciation for the student movement and the impact it has on the lives of students in post-secondary education across Canada.
As MRO, Prajwal’s goal is to foster an environment where every member and delegate of CASA feels represented and has the tools and support they need to be successful student advocates. In his free time, Prajwal enjoys watching movies and following sports, and if you have a hot take, best believe he’s all ears!"