2026 Candidate Elects

Rose Finlay

Rose Finlay is a single mother, student, and dedicated disability advocate committed to improving equity and accessibility across the TMU community. Currently completing her transition studies through Spanning the Gaps before beginning the Politics and Governance undergraduate program next fall. Rose brings lived experience, resilience, and a strong commitment to community care, and she aims to use her voice to ensure all students, especially those balancing disability, caregiving, work, and school, feel represented and supported.

Esther Deng is seeking re-election as Vice-President Academic and Governance and Policy for TMAPS. A first-generation student, since 2018, she has been both a student and staff member at TMU, supporting students throughout their academic journeys. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Professional Communication and has completed multiple certificates through the Chang School, while continuing her professional development.

During her term, Esther has advocated for part-time and Chang School students in key decision-making spaces, strengthening governance processes and elevating student concerns. If re-elected, she will focus on accessibility, transparency, and student success by reducing barriers, improving communication, and ensuring part-time students feel supported, represented, and empowered.

Miya brings experience in working hard as the Vice President of Events and Outreach at TMAPS for the past year and in event research and planning, having worked alongside the Marketing Director of Athletics at her alma mater to explore and develop potential events. She also organized and led basketball player development camps across the GTA, gaining hands-on experience in coordination, leadership, and community engagement. Through these experiences, Miya has developed strong organizational and planning skills, as well as a passion for creating engaging opportunities for others. She is committed to designing and coordinating events that foster connection, enjoyment, and memorable experiences for students.

Divya Sharma is a Data Analytics, Big Data, and Predictive Analytics Certificate student currently serving as Vice-President of Services & Finance at TMAPS and running for re-election. Over the past year, Divya has helped launch new services such as the Period Project and the Financial Literacy Workshop Series, while also supporting improvements to bursary and emergency grant processes. She has contributed to the Health & Dental Plan transition, supported sponsorship and funding decisions, and worked to refine internal service workflows to improve clarity and accessibility for students. Looking ahead, she is committed to strengthening and expanding financial supports, mental health and wellness initiatives, and other essential services, while also exploring ways to better support students’ career development through practical learning, skill-building, and access to meaningful work experience opportunities.

Julia contributes her project management and grant application skills to multiple mutual aid and volunteer organizations. Her most recent union work was with OPSEU 596’s social committee to organize the 2023 Winterfest Luncheon. She looks forward to representing the diverse interests and membership of TMAPS as a Director of Certificate Studies.

Amanda Carey is a student in the Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Management Certificate program at the Chang School at Toronto Metropolitan University, currently completing her final course in Financial Management for Nonprofits.

Her academic focus aligns closely with her practical experience in event planning and volunteer coordination, where she has developed strong organizational and community-building skills. Amanda is particularly interested in roles that foster student engagement and connection.

She is motivated to contribute to creating inclusive, engaging opportunities for Chang School students and to support initiatives that strengthen community within the student body.

Anessa Donegan is a graduate student in the Public Administration and Leadership program at the Chang School and a candidate for Member at Large on the Board of Directors. She brings nearly nine years of experience as a social worker, with a strong foundation in advocacy, active listening, and supporting individuals through complex challenges. Her professional background has shaped her into a compassionate and accountable leader, committed to representing others with care and integrity. Anessa is actively engaged in the student community, having participated in the “Hands Off Our OSAP” rally and served as a delegate for the Canadian Federation of Students Black Caucus, where she contributed to discussions on equity and representation.

Denyse Clara is running for Members-at-Large Director and appears in the campaign video. She is a third-year Advanced Social Work student at TMU, currently serving as a Student Senator and Class Representative across multiple TMAPS courses.

Denyse brings lived experience as a queer, Indigenous woman from Chile, a racialized person, caregiver, and disabled, working, part-time student. These experiences shape her understanding of education, advocacy, and the barriers many students face while balancing work, caregiving, financial pressures, and school. She is committed to centering the voices of marginalized, intersectional, part-time, and mature students who are often overlooked. Her goal is to amplify student voices, foster meaningful engagement, and ensure diverse experiences are heard and valued.

With a background in unionized workplaces as a secretary and union steward, Denyse has developed strong skills in advocacy, representation, and accountability. If elected, she will work to ensure students feel seen, supported, and effectively represented. CLICK HERE: Instagram Video