As we transition into the new academic year, the Ontario Student Trustees’ Association is proud to announce the 2026-2027 Leadership Team, who will continue to advocate for over two million Ontario students. Led by newly elected president Jay Xu, the Leadership Team’s Operations team will support all operating branches of the organization, while the Advocacy Chairs will work collaboratively with our General Assembly to accomplish new projects and initiatives to better Ontario’s strong education system. 

Today, we are announcing the members of OSTA-AECO’s 2026-2027 Leadership Team, including Senior Advocacy Leaders, Advocacy Interest Group Chairs, and members of the Operations Team. 

The Leadership Team’s primary objective will continue to be to advocate for students and create space for discussion and change by amplifying student voice and leadership across the province.  

Celebrating our 26th anniversary this year, OSTA-AECO remains the largest student stakeholder in Ontario, advocating for all students in Ontario’s publicly funded school system. The Leadership Team’s terms began on August 1st, 2026, and will conclude on July 31st, 2027. The team is guided by OSTA-AECO’s CEO and COO.  

Senior Advocacy Leaders: 

President – Jay Xu, Halton District School Board 
Vice-President, Public Education – Jason Lin, York Region District School Board 
Vice-President, Catholic Education – Pierre Hanna, Halton Catholic District School Board 
Chair, Indigenous Student Trustees’ Council – Tess Shakell, Algonquin & Lakeshore  Catholic District School Board 

Advocacy Interest Group Chairs: 

Advocacy Chair, Curriculum and School Community – Gabriela Toki, Halton Catholic District School Board
Advocacy Chair, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion – Vivica Muinde, Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board 
Advocacy Chair, Student Wellbeing – Artin Shojaei, Durham District School Board  
Advocacy Chair, Truth and Reconciliation – Skyler Yoo, Waterloo Region District School Board 

Operations Team: 

Vice-President, Communications – Natalie Graham, Simcoe County District School Board 
Vice-President, Policy and Research – Mathew Katz, Limestone District School Board 
Vice-President, Operations – Mia Leslie, Durham Catholic District School Board 
Vice-President, Events – Melody Liu, Halton District School Board 
Creative Services Coordinator – Sedney Lee, Durham District School Board

C-Suite:   

Chief Executive Officer – Aanya Singh  
Chief Operating Officer – Carter Peios 

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For additional information, and for media inquiries, please contact:  

OSTA-AECO Communications  
hello@osta-aeco.org   
t: 888.994-9374