The Future of Safer STEM: Meet our National Student Advisory Council
We’re thrilled to announce the inaugural members of the Courage to Act Foundation’s National Student Advisory Council (NSAC).
These dedicated student leaders are all pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines. They each bring a diverse range of perspectives, lived experiences, and a shared commitment to equity, safety and inclusion in STEM education and workplaces.
Over the coming months, these student leaders will collaborate closely with our team and one another to amplify student voices, inform national strategies, and advocate for safer experiential learning environments in post-secondary institutions across Canada.
Meet our 2025 NSAC Members!
Layal Zidan
Layal Zidan is a Bachelor of Science student at MacEwan University in Edmonton, majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Math. Layal is also a research assistant on a project studying microplastics in our water systems. She also works as a teaching assistant at MacEwan’s Math and Stats Learning Centre, helping students better understand the course material. Outside the classroom, Layal has been deeply involved in student governance. Serving three terms on the SAMU Student Council and sitting on the General Faculties Council, where she has worked to represent and advocate for students.
Martin Edwini-Bonsu
Martin Edwini-Bonsu is a fifth-year chemical engineering student at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. He is excited to be on the National Student Advisory Council for C2AF to promote safer and more inclusive environments that are free of gender-based violence and harm. In his free time, he enjoys reading about history and economics, cross-country running, working out at the gym, writing (journaling, article writing), cycling, watching documentaries, and listening to R&B and pop music.
Heidi Dewling
Heidi Dewiling was born in St. John's, Newfoundland. She completed her BSc (Hons.) in Chemistry and Biochemistry at Dalhousie in 2022. Heidi is currently in her third year of a PhD in Chemistry at McGill, where she uses microscopy to study viral polymerases. Heidi loves sharing her passion for science and has previously taught STEM subjects as a camp instructor, tutor, and teaching assistant. She usually spends her free time reading fiction, baking, singing in a choir, or hanging out with her cat.
Aarana Thanabalasingam
Aarana Thanabalasingam is a fourth-year student at the University of Toronto specializing in Psychology and Health Sciences. Aarana is especially interested in the intersection of mental health and population health. She’s volunteered in mental health awareness groups and contributed to projects focused on public health and inclusive research. In her free time, Aarana loves reading and cooking. She’s passionate about bridging research with real-world impact and making health education more inclusive and engaging.
Brie Villeneuve
Brie Villeneuve is a 4th-year Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience candidate at The University of Winnipeg. They are a disabled, trans-nonbinary artist and activist, bike enthusiast, and forever nerd. In their university, Brie is recognized for their leadership in queer advocacy and was recently elected as the Director of Accessibility for the University of Winnipeg Student Association. Brie’s interest in neuroscience stems from a curiosity for cognitive development and disorders, gene-environment interactions, drug interactions, and stress responses. Outside of advocacy and school, Brie is often found cuddling with their cat, watching hockey or basketball, or enjoying delicious strawberries from their garden.
Madiha Waqar
Madiha Ahmed is a Computer Science student at Mount Allison University with a strong interest in sustainability, ethical innovation, and community empowerment. As VP Outreach for MtA Hacks and VP of the Muslim Student Association, she actively contributes to inclusive campus initiatives. Through her roles with Enactus Canada and MASU, she has led impactful projects, including the Period Project and the Allisonian yearbook. Her global experiences, including a cross-cultural business seminar in Japan and a FinTech internship in Dubai, reflect her passion for problem-solving and social change. Madiha is currently building Ethica, a search engine to connect consumers with ethical brands, and I co-founded M Jewels, a culturally inspired jewelry brand. I also volunteer with Emirates Red Crescent to support humanitarian relief efforts.
This is just the beginning!
Keep up with our NSAC’s journey by joining our mailing list and following along on Instagram.