Meet the Team

Manar is in the Concurrent Education program and completed her co-degree in Natural Science, with concentrations in Biology and Chemistry, last year. As President of the Education Students’ Association (ESA), a PURE and Honours Research student, and lead of the Kokum Calls You initiative, Manar works closely with the executive team, Werklund School of Education, and the broader student body to advocate for students and strengthen the ESA. She has helped the ESA secure over $115,000 in Students’ Union Quality Money funding, including $75,600 for the Education Classroom Block third-floor renovation and $39,700 for Kokum Calls You. She provides leadership and guidance to the ESA executive, facilitates collaboration with faculty and university partners, and helps oversee the ESA’s initiatives, events, and priorities. You can contact Manar at esapresident@ucalgary.ca with any questions, concerns, or ideas for the ESA.

Beatrice is in her 5th year of the Concurrent BSc Natural Science and BEd Honours program with a specialization in Secondary Science. As the Vice President, Beatrice is focused on ensuring everyone on the ESA team is supported in reaching their goals, creating initiatives, and collaborating with faculty and community. She plans for future team sustainability and success through overseeing the Junior Executive mentorship program to enable the continuation of quality pre-service teacher events, services, and supports it currently offers. As VP, she collaborates and advocates to faculty to bring forward the student voice and create initiatives that serve the needs of students and enhance their experience within Werklund. As well, she also focuses on connecting students to the ATA and employers through organizing school board hiring sessions and collaborating with VP CE on their passion project, the Pre-Service Teachers’ Convention. Beatrice is passionate about helping everyone find their people and place in Werklund to feel connected and supported throughout their education journey. She is excited to start her final year this Fall and enjoys sailing, coaching, reading/writing, and being active in her spare time. Please feel free to reach out to Beatrice at esavp@ucalgary.ca anytime - she would love to connect with you and chat about your ideas, feedback, or life in general!

Makenna is completing her final year of the 5-Year Concurrent Education program, specializing in Elementary Social Studies. Her first degree is a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with an Embedded Certificate of Leadership Studies. 

This is Makenna’s 4th year as an ESA executive, and her second year as VP Administration. She loves supporting the Werklund community and students as they progress from pre-service to in-service teachers. Please reach out to Makenna if you have any questions regarding ESA or ATA membership, and she will be happy to assist you! 

Outside of the University, Makenna teaches at marching band programs throughout the city, as well as after school drawing classes. She is also a research assistant under Dr. Tonya Callaghan, advocating for sexual and gender diverse students and teachers. 

In her spare time, Makenna loves listening to kpop music, cuddling her cat Maisie, and spending time with her loved ones.

Olivia is a 5th year student completing her Concurrent degree in 2027 with a B.A. in Political Science and a B.Ed. (Hons) in Secondary Social Studies. She has been on the ESA team since 2023 and has been in the VP PD position for 3 years. She is passionate about the professional development of Werklund students and strives to make quality PD workshops accessible to on-campus and community-based students in any year of their degree(s). In her academic life, she is passionate about supporting EAL students and has worked with the Transliteracies Lab as a student researcher towards this end as she completes her Honours and Werklund Undergraduate Research Award research experiences. During her free time, Olivia enjoys spending time with her pets, going to the gym, and crafting. She looks forward to seeing students at PDs and around campus!

Cristina Autida is in her 3rd year of the 4-year Bachelor of Education program, specializing in Secondary Social Studies. She began on the ESA in 2024 as a Junior Executive and is now stepping into her new role as Vice President of Community Engagement. Cristina is excited to create opportunities for students to connect with one another, faculty, and beyond through community building and professional development events. 

Beyond the ESA, Cristina explores her passions for Early Childhood Education as the president of the Early Childhood Education Council (ECEC), leisure reading as the Vice President of Public Relations of the Booked & Busy book club, and recreation and fitness through her time in recreational programming, gym management, and now as a Fitness Attendant at the University of Calgary’s Active Living Fitness Centres. 

In her free time, you’ll find her lifting weights at the gym, taking day trips back to High River to spend time with her family, and going on side quests!  Cristina is excited to meet her peers through ESA events and around campus; if you see her in the halls, in class, in the office, or at events, she encourages everyone to stop and chat!

Sara is in her final year of the 4-year Bachelor of Education program specializing in K-12 English Language Learners. It is her second year as Vice President of Finance and she is looking forward to another term in this role where she monitors the annual budgets, financial reports, and manages the ESA bank account. 

Outside of her commitments to the ESA, Sara continues to pursue her passion in working with youth and literacy, engaged in roles such as a camp counselor, tutor, and volunteer for the Little Red Reading House and Kids Cancer Care. 

In her free time, you can find Sara burning energy at the gym or exploring outside with her dog. The colder months will have her curled up with a good book and a hot cup of tea! Sara is always looking for good book and music recommendations - stop by the office or an event for a chat!

Aliyah is in her fourth year of the Concurrent Education program, finishing up her English degree with a minor in gender studies. This is her second year with the ESA after starting as a Junior Executive in 2025, and she is excited to promote all the amazing events the ESA offers!

Outside of the ESA, Aliyah supports K-12 students with math, literacy, and public speaking through individual and group tutoring. Her favourite subject to teach is high school English, especially reading comprehension. 

In her free time, you'll find her lifting weights in the gym, travelling, or buried in a good book. She's always looking for her next read, so feel free to stop and chat with her!