MEET THE TEAM
Alex MacDonald
Co-President
EY, Toronto
Vivek Bassi
Co-President
EMCO, London
Hannah Watson
Vice President, Sponsorship & Finance
Edward Ouyang
Vice President, Events
Vivek is currently completing a 13-month work term at EMCO on the Internal Audit Team. Upon graduation, he aspires to obtain his CPA designation. Previously, Vivek held the VP of Sponsorship role within the Western Accounting Association and is serving as a Co-President, where he is responsible for overseeing the club’s operations and maintaining strong professional relationships with sponsors, executives and club members. Vivek has repeatedly shown his dedication to WAA’s goals to bridge the gap between Western’s students and accounting professionals to provide opportunities for the club’s members. He does so in an insightful manner, as he uses his expertise to consistently provide valuable contributions, suggestions and advice. He is ecstatic to work alongside the rest of the team to not only ensure the club’s success this year, but also for the years to come. Overall, Vivek is a committed student that is regularly willing to lead, learn and be an effective brand ambassador for WAA.
Andre is in his third year at Western University and has begun his first year in the Honors Business Administration (HBA) program at the Richard Ivey School of Business. Andre has been a Director of Events in the 2018-2019 year for Western Accounting Association (WAA) before returning as the Vice President of Finance for this year. He will be responsible for overseeing WAA’s budget and collaborating with the executive team in order to ensure that WAA has another successful year. Andre has worked for the past two summers as a Manager at Hidden Lake Golf Club in Burlington. He also an executive for Western Cryptocurrency and can be found keeping up with world events and financial news. Along with ensuring that the future of WAA has a sound financial foundation Andre hopes to ensure the club offers a valuable experience for all of its members.
Edward is in his third year at Western University, studying Management and Organizational Studies with a Specialization in Accounting. He is very interested in the different functions of the accounting industry and plans to pursue the CPA designation in the future. Edward was a general member of WAA in his first year and a Director of Events in his second year. In addition, he is also a Faculty of Social Science Soph and a Director of the Canadian Asian International Students’ Association. This past summer, Edward was as an intern at SGGG Fund Services Inc. as a Financial Reporting Analyst. Edward is a passionate executive who is dedicated to facilitating new and existing events of WAA during the upcoming school year.
Malena is a fourth-year student in the Honors Business Administration (HBA) program at the Richard Ivey School of Business. She has been a dedicated member of the Western Accounting Association (WAA) serving as the Director of Events for two years and will now take on the role of Vice President of Communications. This position will require Malena to actively engage with WAA's members and potential members. All while promoting the club events on various social media platforms. Her experiences coupled with her previous involvement in marketing and public relations will allow her to showcase her creativity and gifted design capabilities. Malena is committed to maintaining the integrity of the organization and excited to contribute to another successful year for WAA.
Malena Thushanthan
Vice President, Communications
WAA Directors 2020-2021
Daivik Shelat
Director of Events
Daivik is a first-year student in the Dan Management and Organizational Studies (BMOS) program. He plans to major in accounting starting his second year. As a Director of Events, Daivik's role involves helping behind the scenes at events to ensure everything flows smoothly.
Noor Hussain
Director of Events
Noor is a first-year student in the Management and Organizational Studies program at Western University. She plans to pursue a specialization in Accounting and her CPA designation upon graduation. Noor is a dedicated member of the Western Accounting Association (WAA) serving as the Director of Events this year. In her spare time, she enjoys reading classical literature, trying new outdoor activities, and practicing photography. Noor is committed to supporting the Events team in the planning and execution process of WAA events and ideating new and innovative ways to engage students in Accounting opportunities.
Kiera Taylor
Director of Events
Kiera is in her second year at Western University, studying Management and Organizational Studies with an Honours Specialization in Accounting. She plans to pursue the CPA designation after graduation. This year she is serving as the Director of Events as her first year in this role. In addition, she is also a Charity Soph and an executive on the University Student Council Peer Support team. This past summer, Kiera was an intern at Crom Financial Services. Kiera is excited to be a part of the WAA team and is committed to representing the organization and contributing to the success of future events!
Ben Stonkus
Director of Events
Ben is in his third year at Western University, studying Management and Organizational Studies with a specialization in Accounting. He is interested in audit and advisory and plans to pursue the CPA designation after graduation. This is Ben’s first year in the club serving as a Director of Events. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball and golf as well as keeping up with the financial markets. This past summer, Ben interned at rSolutions, an IT Security and Data Analytics company. Ben is an active member of the Western Community and holds leadership positions with Students Fight Parkinson’s and the Western Real Estate Club. He loves meeting new people and looks forward to being an excellent brand ambassador for WAA.
Samantha Su
First-Year Representative
Samantha is in her first year in the Management and Organizational Studies program at Western University. She plans to study at the Richard Ivey School of Business in her third and fourth year. She is excited to be taking on the role of First Year Representative for the Western Accounting Association (WAA). This position will require Samantha to advertise and promote WAA’s events to all first-year students at Western and its affiliates. This past year, Samantha worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor, and played competitive sports. Samantha is looking forward to being a part of the WAA team and the unique learning opportunities it provides.
Chantel Ferro
Second-Year Representative
Chantel is in her second year in the Management and Organizational Studies program at Western University. She is excited to take on the role of Second-Year Representative on the Western Accounting Association through which she actively engages with Western community to promote the club. Chantel is currently working as an Accounting Clerk at a private firm and intends on applying her hands-on skills to her role in WAA. She plans to obtain her CPA designation upon graduation, and is looking forward to being a part of WAA and working among the other executives.
Rohen Nayyar
Third-Year Representative
Rohen is a third-year student in the Honors Business Administration (HBA) program at the Richard Ivey School of Business. He plans to pursue his CPA designation upon graduation. After being an active member of the Western Accounting Association (WAA) during his first 2 years, Rohen now serves as the Director of Communications. He is also a Section Representative for the Ivey Accounting Club. This past summer, Rohen worked as an Intern in the Audit and Assurance division at Deloitte Vancouver and looks forward to returning again for the 2021 summer. In his free time, he enjoys playing Basketball and Rugby, playing poker and managing his fantasy teams. Rohen is excited to work with the WAA team this year and help contribute towards enhancing communication between Western students and the Accounting industry.
Hannah Watson
Third-Year Representative
Hannah is in her first year in the Management and Organizational Studies program at Western University with the goal of obtaining a specialization in accounting. She plans to obtain her CPA designation upon graduating in a couple years. She is taking on the role of First Year Representative on the Western Accounting Association (WAA). In this role, Hannah is required to advertise and promote WAA’s events to all first year students at Western and its affiliates. This past year, Hannah worked as a Customer Service Representative for Scotiabank where she gained real world experience in finance. Hannah is looking forward to being a part of the WAA and learning from other executives.
Ania Krekora
Second Year Representative
Aaryan Patel
Third Year Representative
Abby Berkvens
Fourth Year Representative
Ania is in her second year of the Management and Organizational Behaviour program at Western University pursuing a specialization in Accounting. Ania is excited to be joining the Western Accounting Association team as the Second Year Representative. She is looking forward to collaborating amongst many other like-minded students also pursuing a CPA designation upon graduation and working with the talented executive team. Previously holding the position as a CPA Ontario Ambassador, Ania is happy to continue her involvement within the Accounting community. While communicating to the Western University student body about upcoming events, Ania is committed to ensuring that students will proud to be a part of such a prestigious student association.
Abby is in her fourth year in the Management and Organizational Studies program specializing in accounting. Upon graduation she plans to obtain her CPA designation. Abby is the 4th year representative for the Western Accounting Association. In this role, Abby actively engage with WAA members and promote the club. She is very excited to be a part of the team and contribute to the success of the club.
MEET THE TEAM
Alex MacDonald
Co-President
EY, Toronto
Vivek Bassi
Co-President
EMCO, London
Hannah Watson
Vice President, Sponsorship & Finance
Edward Ouyang
Vice President, Events
Vivek is currently completing a 13-month work term at EMCO on the Internal Audit Team. Upon graduation, he aspires to obtain his CPA designation. Previously, Vivek held the VP of Sponsorship role within the Western Accounting Association and is serving as a Co-President, where he is responsible for overseeing the club’s operations and maintaining strong professional relationships with sponsors, executives and club members. Vivek has repeatedly shown his dedication to WAA’s goals to bridge the gap between Western’s students and accounting professionals to provide opportunities for the club’s members. He does so in an insightful manner, as he uses his expertise to consistently provide valuable contributions, suggestions and advice. He is ecstatic to work alongside the rest of the team to not only ensure the club’s success this year, but also for the years to come. Overall, Vivek is a committed student that is regularly willing to lead, learn and be an effective brand ambassador for WAA.
Andre is in his third year at Western University and has begun his first year in the Honors Business Administration (HBA) program at the Richard Ivey School of Business. Andre has been a Director of Events in the 2018-2019 year for Western Accounting Association (WAA) before returning as the Vice President of Finance for this year. He will be responsible for overseeing WAA’s budget and collaborating with the executive team in order to ensure that WAA has another successful year. Andre has worked for the past two summers as a Manager at Hidden Lake Golf Club in Burlington. He also an executive for Western Cryptocurrency and can be found keeping up with world events and financial news. Along with ensuring that the future of WAA has a sound financial foundation Andre hopes to ensure the club offers a valuable experience for all of its members.
Edward is in his third year at Western University, studying Management and Organizational Studies with a Specialization in Accounting. He is very interested in the different functions of the accounting industry and plans to pursue the CPA designation in the future. Edward was a general member of WAA in his first year and a Director of Events in his second year. In addition, he is also a Faculty of Social Science Soph and a Director of the Canadian Asian International Students’ Association. This past summer, Edward was as an intern at SGGG Fund Services Inc. as a Financial Reporting Analyst. Edward is a passionate executive who is dedicated to facilitating new and existing events of WAA during the upcoming school year.
Malena is a fourth-year student in the Honors Business Administration (HBA) program at the Richard Ivey School of Business. She has been a dedicated member of the Western Accounting Association (WAA) serving as the Director of Events for two years and will now take on the role of Vice President of Communications. This position will require Malena to actively engage with WAA's members and potential members. All while promoting the club events on various social media platforms. Her experiences coupled with her previous involvement in marketing and public relations will allow her to showcase her creativity and gifted design capabilities. Malena is committed to maintaining the integrity of the organization and excited to contribute to another successful year for WAA.
Malena Thushanthan
Vice President, Communications
WAA Directors 2020-2021
Daivik Shelat
Director of Events
Daivik is a first-year student in the Dan Management and Organizational Studies (BMOS) program. He plans to major in accounting starting his second year. As a Director of Events, Daivik's role involves helping behind the scenes at events to ensure everything flows smoothly.
Noor Hussain
Director of Events
Kiera Taylor
Director of Events
Kiera is in her second year at Western University, studying Management and Organizational Studies with an Honours Specialization in Accounting. She plans to pursue the CPA designation after graduation. This year she is serving as the Director of Events as her first year in this role. In addition, she is also a Charity Soph and an executive on the University Student Council Peer Support team. This past summer, Kiera was an intern at Crom Financial Services. Kiera is excited to be a part of the WAA team and is committed to representing the organization and contributing to the success of future events!
Ben Stonkus
Director of Events
Ben is in his third year at Western University, studying Management and Organizational Studies with a specialization in Accounting. He is interested in audit and advisory and plans to pursue the CPA designation after graduation. This is Ben’s first year in the club serving as a Director of Events. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball and golf as well as keeping up with the financial markets. This past summer, Ben interned at rSolutions, an IT Security and Data Analytics company. Ben is an active member of the Western Community and holds leadership positions with Students Fight Parkinson’s and the Western Real Estate Club. He loves meeting new people and looks forward to being an excellent brand ambassador for WAA.
Samantha Su
First-Year Representative
Samantha is in her first year in the Management and Organizational Studies program at Western University. She plans to study at the Richard Ivey School of Business in her third and fourth year. She is excited to be taking on the role of First Year Representative for the Western Accounting Association (WAA). This position will require Samantha to advertise and promote WAA’s events to all first-year students at Western and its affiliates. This past year, Samantha worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor, and played competitive sports. Samantha is looking forward to being a part of the WAA team and the unique learning opportunities it provides.
Chantel Ferro
Second-Year Representative
Chantel is in her second year in the Management and Organizational Studies program at Western University. She is excited to take on the role of Second-Year Representative on the Western Accounting Association through which she actively engages with Western community to promote the club. Chantel is currently working as an Accounting Clerk at a private firm and intends on applying her hands-on skills to her role in WAA. She plans to obtain her CPA designation upon graduation, and is looking forward to being a part of WAA and working among the other executives.
Rohen Nayyar
Third-Year Representative
Rohen Nayyar
Third-Year Representative
Rohen is a third-year student in the Honors Business Administration (HBA) program at the Richard Ivey School of Business. He plans to pursue his CPA designation upon graduation. After being an active member of the Western Accounting Association (WAA) during his first 2 years, Rohen now serves as the Director of Communications. He is also a Section Representative for the Ivey Accounting Club. This past summer, Rohen worked as an Intern in the Audit and Assurance division at Deloitte Vancouver and looks forward to returning again for the 2021 summer. In his free time, he enjoys playing Basketball and Rugby, playing poker and managing his fantasy teams. Rohen is excited to work with the WAA team this year and help contribute towards enhancing communication between Western students and the Accounting industry.
Rohen is a third-year student in the Honors Business Administration (HBA) program at the Richard Ivey School of Business. He plans to pursue his CPA designation upon graduation. After being an active member of the Western Accounting Association (WAA) during his first 2 years, Rohen now serves as the Director of Communications. He is also a Section Representative for the Ivey Accounting Club. This past summer, Rohen worked as an Intern in the Audit and Assurance division at Deloitte Vancouver and looks forward to returning again for the 2021 summer. In his free time, he enjoys playing Basketball and Rugby, playing poker and managing his fantasy teams. Rohen is excited to work with the WAA team this year and help contribute towards enhancing communication between Western students and the Accounting industry.
Hannah Watson
Third-Year Representative
Ania Krekora
Second Year Representative
Aaryan Patel
Third Year Representative
Ania is in her second year of the Management and Organizational Behaviour program at Western University pursuing a specialization in Accounting. Ania is excited to be joining the Western Accounting Association team as the Second Year Representative. She is looking forward to collaborating amongst many other like-minded students also pursuing a CPA designation upon graduation and working with the talented executive team. Previously holding the position as a CPA Ontario Ambassador, Ania is happy to continue her involvement within the Accounting community. While communicating to the Western University student body about upcoming events, Ania is committed to ensuring that students will proud to be a part of such a prestigious student association.
Abby is in her fourth year in the Management and Organizational Studies program specializing in accounting. Upon graduation she plans to obtain her CPA designation. Abby is the 4th year representative for the Western Accounting Association. In this role, Abby actively engage with WAA members and promote the club. She is very excited to be a part of the team and contribute to the success of the club.
WAA Executive Team 2024-2025
Hey WAA! My name is Mackenzie Widdup and I am in my fourth year at Western, and my second year in the HBA program at Ivey School of Business. In my first two years, I studied Accounting and Economics. WAA was the first club I ever joined at Western, and I am so happy I did! In my first year I was a general member, after which I was a Second Year Communications Representative, and in my third year I became VP of Communications. I have been able to develop both my personal and professional skills throughout all my roles in WAA. Now serving as Co-President, I am excited for all this year has to offer our members! Joining WAA aligned well with my career path as I plan on pursing my CPA designation. This past summer I interned at EY in the Audit and Assurance practice, and I will be returning there full-time upon graduation. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with WAA, and I encourage anyone else to join if they want to connect with others in the industry and learn about career path options.
Mackenzie Widdup
Co-President
Khalid Al Zadjali
Co-President
Hello, I'm Khalid Al Zadjali. Born in Qatar and from Oman, I've always been driven by a deep fascination for numbers and the stories they tell. Now in my fourth year at Ivey, I've grown from an eager member to the Co-President at the Western Accounting Association (WAA). My dedication to WAA is comes from my eagerness to support and help as many members in their own professional journeys by providing them with guidance, resources, and all the necessary tools to succeed in whatever they pursue.
Hello, My name is Sultan Hafez, I’m currently in my third year of the BMOS program, specializing in Honours Accounting and working towards my CPA designation. I’ve been actively involved with WAA since the start of university, having the privilege to serve as a Director last year. This year, I’m honored to step into the role of VP of Finance and Sponsorships, where I aim to create meaningful opportunities for all our members. Over the past two summers, I worked at BMO as a Private Wealth Intern, gaining valuable skills that I’m excited to bring to this role. My goal for this year is to help our members build strong connections with an extensive network of firms and support them throughout their professional journey. I’m excited to bring my passion and commitment alongside the rest of the executive team, to making this year with WAA an incredible experience for everyone involved!
Sultan Hafez
Vice President, Sponsorship & Finance
Adam Keogh
Vice President, Events
Hey WAA! My name is Adam Keogh and I am a 3rd year BMOS Student specializing in Honours Accounting. This is my second year on the WAA executive team, formerly as director of events, now serving as your Vice President. Accounting has played a big role throughout my undergraduate journey, and I am very thankful for everything WAA has been able to do for my professional development. This past summer, I was able to intern at RSM Toronto as an Audit & Assurance intern with their Financial Services practice. I look forward to contributing to your growth and creating memorable experiences together at WAA. Here's to a successful year!
Hey WAA! My name is Brooke Mirabella, and I’m a second-year BMOS student pursuing an Honours Specialization in Accounting. I’ve been a member of WAA for two years now. Last year, I served as a Director of Finance and Sponsorship, and this year, I’m excited to take on the role of Vice President of Communications. These experiences have given me the opportunity to see different facets of the club and deepen my understanding of how it operates. I’m also passionate about real estate and had the opportunity to intern at Oxford Properties this past summer, working on their North American Office Portfolio with the accounting team. I’m thrilled to work alongside the incredible executive team this year and help make 2024 an amazing experience for all our members!
Brooke Mirabella
Vice President, Communications
Hi WAA! My name is Nicole Mplias, and I am a third-year BMOS student specializing in accounting and working towards my CPA designation. Over the past three years, I’ve been actively involved in WAA, and this year I am honoured to serve as the Vice President of Recruiting. In this role, I aim to simplify the recruiting process while providing our members with valuable tools and resources to help them succeed in their career journeys. This summer, I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to work as a Tax Intern at RSM and continue my journey in accounting. Overall, I am extremely excited to help contribute to WAA’s growth, help students create meaningful connections, and make this an incredible year full of opportunities!
Nicole Mplias
Vice President, Recruiting
WAA Directors 2024-2025
Melodie Goverde
Director of Events
Ivana Ramirez
Director of Events
Shreeya Patel
Director of Events
Neil Smith
Director of Events
Zachary Kates
Director of Events
Will Greenfield
Communications Representative
Emily Rigato
Communications Representative
Abigail Cimpello
Communications Representative
Jory Moscoe
Communications Representative
Nick Gratas
Director of Sponsorship & Finance
Elizabeth McGuinty
Director of Sponsorship & Finance
Josh Lee
Director of Recruiting
Emmett Milstone
Director of Recruiting
Tyler Aguiar
Director of Sponsorship & Finance
Darren Tsui
Director of Sponsorship & Finance
Mimi Ajise
Director of Sponsorship & Finance
Julia Grace Acocella
Director of Recruiting
Mitchell Brown
Director of Recruiting
Academic Advisory
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Stacey Hann, CPA, CA
Academic Advisory
Western University
Stacey is a Lecturer in the DAN Management and Organizational Studies Department at Western University. Her teaching focus is in the areas of intermediate accounting, auditing and advanced accounting. Stacey also teaches in the Graduate Diploma of Accounting for students wishing to pursue a CPA designation. Stacey started her career in public accounting as a Senior Manager in the Assurance and Advisory group at Deloitte, where she obtained her Chartered Public Accountant designation. Prior to joining the DAN faculty, she also worked in industry as the Manager of Treasury, and Controller at Emco Corporation.