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Co-Presidents
Julie Vuong
Julie Vuong
(SHE/HER)
Julie is an undergraduate student at York in the Specialized Honours BSc Psychology program. With her passion for clinical-developmental as well as social and personality psychology from her involvement in various psychology research labs at York, along with her passion for mental health, she aims to continue and explore different pathways in the psychology field. She has been actively involved within Calumet and Stong Colleges through her previous roles such as Course Representative, Peer Coach and Professional Development Coordinator with the Discover You Program, and General Peer Ambassador and CoRe Coordinator with UPSA.
UPSA has played such an important part in her undergraduate journey as it helped to foster a safe and welcoming environment that allowed her to grow and develop various skills such as communication and leadership. She has built so many meaningful connections with faculty and students through UPSA, and is extremely grateful for all the enriching opportunities UPSA has provided to support her academically and socially. She really looks forward to the year ahead as she steps into this new position and aims to continue on positively contributing to the York Psychology community.
"Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable" - Mary Oliver
Nafisa Quamrun Malisa
Nafisa Quamrun Malisa
(SHE/HER)
Malisa is a Psychology student, passionate about pursuing a career where she is able to give back to her community by supporting people in reaching their fullest potential and overcoming challenges. UPSA has been a big part of her undergraduate journey, offering her a space to make memories and build professional skills. Shes been a part of UPSA since 2023, starting as a General Ambassador and then moving on to executive role as Ambassador Lead. This year, she is honoured to serve as UPSA’s Co-President and wants to make the most of this role by implementing new ideas, supporting team members and building more connections. She highly encourages people to join this community, as a volunteer or attendee at events, so they can find help navigating their undergraduate degree and have a fun experience like hers!
Malisa joined UPSA for its amazing community and to find help navigating her Psychology Degree.
“Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy. Both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me.” - Michael Scott (The Office)
Vice Presidents and Finance Officer
Laila CAPISTA
Laila CAPISTA
(SHE/HER)
Executive Vice President
Executive Vice President
Laila is a fourth year undergraduate psychology student. Her career goals are to achieve her MA in counselling, and work up to become a Psychotherapist. One day, she would also want to earn her PhD. Laila's hobbies include going to the gym, reading, and journaling.
UPSA means a lot to Laila because she has met many amazing people, gained marketing experience, and grew as a person. Working alongside so many amazing people has only made her experience more memorable. She is very grateful and honoured to be a part of this team. Being the executive vice president was a major milestone for me. I love mentoring young students and creating a space for them to feel welcomed.
“The only way from here is up”
Nikou Karimi
Nikou Karimi
(SHE/HER)
Finance Officer
Finance Officer
Nikou is in her final year of Honours Psychology. She is excited to provide students with the same community she was so excited to be apart of in her first year. Nikou started out in UPSA as a Peer Ambassador and hopes to make the best of her time in UPSA. Aside from UPSA, Nikou enjoys reading, movies/tv, theatre and hanging out with friends :)
To Nikou, UPSA means community.
"That it will never come again is what makes life so sweet"
Liliane Zhen
Liliane Zhen
(SHE/HER)
Vice President of Student Success Department
Vice President of Student Success Department
Liliane (or Lily) is completing her fourth year in the Specialized Honours B.Sc in Psychology program. She is currently involved in neuronal electrophysiology research and strives to pursue a career in neuropsychology and cognition. She enjoys exploring cities around the world, trying new cuisines, and logging Asian-inspired films on letterboxd.
She has been involved with UPSA through a variety of roles, from volunteer to executive positions. She aims to contribute to student success initiatives with a particular focus on ensuring a smooth academic journey for peers in her community.
UPSA is an incredible organization to find like-minded and inspirational people. I was able to find a community which created space for professional, social, and academic improvements in my experience as a university student. Actively contributing to the growth of this organization has been an extremely fulfilling journey for me.
She enjoys watching The Matrix franchise every Summer; and has won a gold medal at a national competition in geography in her home country!
aarin dsouza
aarin dsouza
(SHE/HER)
Vice President of Community Relations
Vice President of Community Relations
Aarin is entering her third year of a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She is passionate about working with youth and supporting others through mental health challenges. Last year, she served as a General Ambassador with UPSA and now returns for her second year as Vice-President of Community Relations. After completing her undergraduate degree, Aarin plans to pursue a Master’s and PhD to become a clinical psychologist. Outside of UPSA, she is a Research Assistant for both the OUCH Lab and Divert Mental Health, and serves as the Social Impact and Community Engagement Lead at The Thought Centre.
Being a communter at university has come with its' own challenges with making friends, and meaningful connections. When Aarin joined UPSA, she went in with the intention of further developing skills while working within a team, and her own interpersonal skills. However, Aarin did not realize in the moment, how many amazing people she would come across in the organization, and how many meaningful friendships and connections she would make. UPSA has grown to be a huge part of Aarin's university experience, and has allowed her to branch out and feel more involved in her community. It has given her a safe place at York, and people she can always look out for her classes. UPSA has allowed Aarin to feel connected, and comforted in knowing that she will almost always come across a familiar face whenever she is on campus.
“"Everything happens for a reason"
BUSHRA MAKSUD
BUSHRA MAKSUD
(SHE/HER)
Vice President of Marketing Department
Vice President of Marketing Department
Bushra is a third year psychology honours student who has future plans of going to grad school while also trying to pursue a career in fashion marketing. In a competitive world, after grad school she looks forward to working as a neuropsychologist. Bushra's current hobbies include reading crime and thriller novels and playing video games. She has gained experience by volunteering in the past, also have been part of MRI research done by PhD students at York.
Joining UPSA was the best decision she made in her freshmen year, got to meet and work with people of her own major, gained important marketing skills. She is part of such an amazing team that helped her through everything together. Home to psyc majors, she is forever grateful to be part of this.
“I like the night. Without the dark, we'd never see the stars.”
― Stephenie Meyer, Twilight
Coordinators
Deanna Buljan
Deanna Buljan
(SHE/HER)
Peer Mentor Coordinator
Peer Mentor Coordinator
Deanna is a third year Psychology student. As a former Peer Mentor with UPSA, she is excited to take on this new leadership role as the Peer Mentor Coordinator! She aims to bring her background in psychology into her leadership role to foster a supportive and empowering environment. In the future, Deanna aspires to become a Clinical Psychologist with a focus on working with children and adolescents. Outside of academics, she enjoys both playing and coaching soccer!
To Deanna, UPSA represents an uplifting community where individuals can share their love for psychology and collaborate with each other to make a meaningful difference in others’ lives. Deanna’s favourite part about UPSA is the friendships and long lasting connections she has made. Deanna is grateful to have the opportunity to contribute to UPSA where she is able to grow personally and professionally.
"Enjoy the small things in life!"
Baldev Sidhu
Baldev Sidhu
(He/him)
(He/him)
Peer Mentor Coordinator
Peer Mentor Coordinator
Baldev is a 3rd-year (HBA) psychology student with a focus on social and critical psychology. He also has a strong interest in exploring the intersection of psychology and sociology. Previously, he has advocated for educational equity with the Malala Fund, and was even selected as one of nine youth advocates to interview Malala Yousafzai. As a peer mentor (PM) with UPSA, he supported over 60 students in their transition to university. This experience not only fostered his personal growth but also deepened his passion for peer-led student support, motivating him to become a Peer Mentor Coordinator. He looks forward to collaborating with other UPSA departments and supporting PMs in enhancing their mentorship skills.
U.P.S.A provides a dynamic space for psychology students. The club not only focuses on academic growth but also provides opportunities for social and emotional growth.
Baldev can speak three languages
SOPhie wagner
SOPhie wagner
(SHE/HER)
Peer Tutor Coordinator
Peer Tutor Coordinator
Sophie Wagner is a third year B.A honours psychology student who loves to volunteer her time with Calumet College, watch horror movies, read and crochet! She hopes to become a clinical psychologist and pave a pathway to affordable mental health care.
Student success is incredibly meaningful to me and being able to contribute to it through UPSA is such a privilege. Not only is it a place where I can grow and help others reach their full potential, but UPSA has become a family to me!
"I've flown an airplane!"
ALina Khan
ALina Khan
(SHE/HER)
Peer Tutor Coordinator
Peer Tutor Coordinator
Alina is a fourth-year Neuroscience student in the Specialized Honours BSc program, specializing in Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience. Over the past few years, she’s worn many hats at York through her roles with Calumet and Stong Colleges, including being an UPSA Peer Mentor since 2023. Alina is passionate about creating spaces where people feel supported, seen, and capable of growth. Being part of UPSA has been one of the most meaningful parts of her university experience. From her first year navigating uncertainty to now mentoring hundreds of students, UPSA has been a space where she’s grown academically and personally. The club gave her confidence, community, and purpose, and now, as Peer Tutor Coordinator, she’s excited to pay that forward.
She joined UPSA not just to get involved, but to be part of something that makes university feel less overwhelming, more human, and be a home away from home. UPSA has shaped not only her academic path, but also her confidence as a leader and mentor. It’s given her the space to grow alongside peers who care deeply about supporting others, and now, she’s proud to be contributing to that same supportive community that once helped her find her footing.
To me, UPSA has always been more than just a student organization. It is a community where students genuinely look out for each other. It is where I first found upper-year mentors who helped me feel less alone in navigating university, and it is also where I had the opportunity to become that mentor for someone else. UPSA represents growth, support, and shared purpose. It is a space that encourages vulnerability, celebrates progress, and reminds me that leadership can be rooted in empathy.
I chose to be a part of UPSA because I wanted to give back to the same supportive environment that helped me through some of my most challenging academic moments. I was drawn to how intentional the team was about creating meaningful experiences for students, whether through mentorship, workshops, or academic support. I wanted to be part of a community where I could grow, uplift others, and make the university experience feel a little less overwhelming and a lot more human.
"The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all." — The Emperor, Mulan
Pahirna Pathmatoopan
Pahirna Pathmatoopan
(she/her)
(she/her)
Community Relations Coordinator
Community Relations Coordinator
Pahirna is a third-year Honours Psychology student. She is a very passionate individual who aims to take on roles that involve making a difference in people's lives and fostering community growth and wellness. She is known as a great and friendly advisor, which inspires her to help on a larger scale. Currently, she is working towards concentrations in Counselling and Mental Health, and Applied Methods and Analysis.
Because of her passion for improving health and wellness, she joined UPSA in 2024 as a dedicated peer mentor, and is now a Community Relations Coordinator! She has truly been inspired by UPSA and its mission and looks forward to contributing her best while working with the amazing club members. She has been pleased to be a part of the UPSA community, where she has met very supportive, inclusive and like-minded individuals. Considering that UPSA has fostered her personal and professional development, she believes joining the club was one of her best decisions! This year, she will be committed to organizing the best events, launching supportive initiatives, and fostering inclusive spaces to address students' needs. She looks forward to continue being a part of UPSA, building strong relationships and contributing to the community! Outside of academics, she enjoys spending time outdoors, watching favourite TV shows/movies and gaming. She has been working at the York University Student Centre, where she enjoys helping all students/visitors with their inquiries and making them feel welcome. Also, she will be volunteering in the Psychosocial Oncology Lab.
"You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think" - A.A Milne
jun davidson-lau
jun davidson-lau
(they/she)
(they/she)
Community Relations Coordinator
Community Relations Coordinator
Jun is a fourth year student in Honours Psychology, also working towards a concentration in Child and Youth Development. She aspires to pursue clinical-developmental psychology or counselling in the future, and is particularly interested in working with neurodiverse and queer populations. Jun loves working with children and has worked as a one-to-one inclusion counsellor for children with disabilities at CMHA for three summers, and has also spent time volunteering at the Lee Wiggins Childcare Centre on York’s campus. In their spare time, Jun enjoys reading, being outside, thrifting, crafting and listening to music.
To Jun, UPSA is an amazing community and a place to build connections. They first joined UPSA as a marketing ambassador and this role led them to feel more connected to the psychology community at York than ever before. Jun is so excited to be taking on the role of CoRe coordinator in order to provide other psychology students with spaces and events where they build meaningful connections!
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” —Mary Oliver
simran pama
simran pama
(she/her)
(she/her)
Community Relations Coordinator
Community Relations Coordinator
Simran is entering her fourth year at York University, pursuing an Honours Double Major in Biology and Psychology. She aspires to attend medical school, in hopes of becoming a neurologist. She is deeply passionate about understanding the human brain and making a meaningful impact in others lives. In her free time, she can be found jamming out to music, watching her comfort shows, and exploring new spots around the city with friends.
I choose to be a part of UPSA to meet like minded individuals, make valuable connections, and fun memories!
" No such thing as a life that's better than yours" - J.Cole
Ava Graci
Ava Graci
(SHE/hER)
(SHE/hER)
Ambassador Lead
Ambassador Lead
Ava is entering her third year in an Honours Bachelor of Science of Psychology, with the goal of becoming a licensed clinical psychologist with a focus on children and adolescents. Her lifelong passion for advocating for mental health fuels her commitment to helping individuals through mental crisis and provides her with a deep sense of fulfillment. She volunteers with Kids Help Phone as a crisis responder, providing support and guidance for those navigating difficult times. Additionally, she works at Kumon, where she assists young children in advancing foundational skills and encourages them through the process.
This past year as an UPSA peer ambassador was such a rewarding experience and gave me the space to meet many of my close friends here at York. I chose to get involved to grow my involvement in the psychology community and to support students seeking guidance and support. Throughout this time, I have seen huge improvements in my leadership and communication skills, which wouldn’t have been possible without the encouragement and efforts from the rest of our incredible team. Now, to be able to join the executive team as Ambassador Lead means even more, as it allows me to give back to the community that welcomed me in and continue providing ambassadors with the memorable times I was so fortunate to have.
A fun fact about me is that I’m obsessed with going to concerts! Just this past year I was lucky enough to see many of my favourite artists, like Billie Eilish, Clairo, and Lucy Dacus!
Aivien Shudimai Mangahas
Aivien Shudimai Mangahas
(she/her)
(she/her)
Marketing Coordinator
Marketing Coordinator
Community Relations Department
Aivien is a fourth year specialized honors psychology student. She aspires to pursue her MA in counselling with hopes of becoming a licensed psychotherapist. She enjoys going to concerts, taking photographs, and going out for walks.
I chose to be a part of UPSA to develop my leadership skills and to connect with like minded peers! UPSA has allowed me to learn important life skills and make new friends.
"Comparison is the thief of joy"
Simran Virdee
Simran Virdee
(SHE/HER)
Marketing Coordinator
Marketing Coordinator
Peer Tutoring Department
Simran is a fourth year honours psychology student. She aspires to study music psychotherapy in graduate school to become a music therapist. Simran is a former Marketing Ambassador, and she’s excited to take on a new role as a Marketing Coordinator this year. She enjoys playing piano, going to concerts, drawing, and going out with her friends.
For Simran, UPSA has been an amazing opportunity to give back to and support the York community by doing what she loves (graphic design), while also making new connections with people in her major. UPSA has helped strengthen her communication skills, organization, and work ethic, all by working side-by-side an amazing team of great like-minded individuals.
Katherine Mordi
Katherine Mordi
(SHE/HER)
Marketing Coordinator
Marketing Coordinator
Peer Mentoring Department
Katherine is a fourth-year Psychology student with plans to pursue graduate school. She’s passionate about working in the field and hopes to bridge research gaps in new and undiscovered areas within neuropsychology. Alongside her drive for research, Katherine has a background in creative design and spent the past year as a Marketing Ambassador for UPSA. Now serving as a Marketing Coordinator, she enjoys using digital media to bring ideas to life and help psychology students succeed. Outside of academics, she loves trying out new food/restaurants and watching movies in her free time. I chose to be a part of UPSA because of its welcoming community where students can find support and opportunities to grow both personally and academically. Being involved with UPSA has allowed me to help students feel more connected on campus by using my creative skills to link them with resources that make their university experience smoother and more enjoyable.
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