Western University Canada Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Western University Canada has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and student engagement.

Driven by a commitment to academic excellence, Western University Canada fosters a dynamic learning environment, offering comprehensive programs across diverse disciplines and impacting global research landscapes.

Leadership Roles at Western University Canada

  • President - Cassie Harkness
  • President - Ella Maeve Wilkinson
  • President - Mahek Dhaliwal
  • President of The Squash Club - Benjamin Heike
  • President of Balkan Club - Mia Sakota
  • OTech Co-President - Annie Bird
  • President - Emily Kay
  • Co President - Tahir Nasir
  • Engagement Coordinator & President, Office of - Kimberly Catalano
  • Section President - Gabriel Piccininni
  • Cassie Harkness - President

    Cassie Harkness, the President at Western University Canada, directs the overarching strategic vision and institutional development. Overseeing academic planning and resource allocation, Harkness ensures alignment with the university's mission of research and education. This leadership role involves fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and advancing the university's standing in the global academic community. By championing innovation in teaching methodologies and research initiatives, Cassie Harkness drives the institution's progress. The President's responsibilities extend to external relations, engaging with government bodies, industry partners, and alumni to secure support and enhance the university's impact. This executive ensures the effective operation of all academic and administrative departments, maintaining high standards of quality and integrity across the institution.

    Ella Maeve Wilkinson - President

    Ella Maeve Wilkinson, the President at Western University Canada, spearheads initiatives focused on student success and campus development. Managing student affairs and support services, Wilkinson ensures a vibrant and inclusive campus environment. This leadership position involves enhancing student life programs and advocating for student needs within the university structure. By promoting extracurricular activities and well-being resources, Ella Maeve Wilkinson contributes to a holistic educational experience. The President's purview includes overseeing the implementation of policies that support student retention and academic achievement. This executive collaborates with faculty and staff to create a supportive ecosystem for all students, fostering their personal and professional growth throughout their academic journey.

    Mahek Dhaliwal - President

    Mahek Dhaliwal, the President at Western University Canada, drives operational efficiency and administrative excellence across the institution. Overseeing key administrative functions, Dhaliwal ensures seamless day-to-day operations and effective resource management. This critical role involves optimizing departmental workflows and implementing best practices in administrative services. By streamlining processes and enhancing service delivery, Mahek Dhaliwal supports the university's academic and research endeavors. The President's focus includes managing budgets, facilities, and support staff to maintain a high-performing operational framework. This executive works closely with other leadership to ensure that administrative functions directly contribute to the university's strategic objectives and overall institutional effectiveness.

    Benjamin Heike - President of The Squash Club

    Benjamin Heike, the President of The Squash Club at Western University Canada, leads the strategic direction and operational management of the university's squash program. Overseeing team activities, athlete development, and club finances, Heike ensures the program's growth and success. This leadership position involves organizing competitions, recruiting talent, and fostering a strong sense of community among club members. By promoting sportsmanship and athletic excellence, Benjamin Heike enhances the student experience through dedicated club leadership. The President of The Squash Club's responsibilities include liaising with university athletic departments and external squash organizations to expand opportunities and resources for participants. This executive cultivates a positive environment for all members, driving engagement and participation in club events and activities.

    Mia Sakota - President of Balkan Club

    Mia Sakota, the President of Balkan Club at Western University Canada, directs the club's cultural programming and community outreach initiatives. Managing event planning and member engagement, Sakota ensures the vibrant celebration of Balkan heritage on campus. This role involves organizing cultural festivals, educational workshops, and social gatherings to connect students with shared interests. By promoting cultural understanding and diversity, Mia Sakota enriches the university's multicultural landscape. The President of Balkan Club's responsibilities include fostering collaboration with other student organizations and university departments to broaden the club's reach and impact. This executive cultivates an inclusive atmosphere, encouraging active participation and preserving cultural traditions within the university community.

    Annie Bird - OTech Co-President

    Annie Bird, the OTech Co-President at Western University Canada, shares leadership responsibilities for the technology-focused student organization. Collaborating on strategic planning and operational execution, Bird contributes to the club's mission of promoting technological innovation and skill development among students. This role involves overseeing project management for tech initiatives and coordinating workshops or events designed to enhance members' technical expertise. By driving collaborative efforts, Annie Bird ensures the effective delivery of OTech's programs and services. The OTech Co-President's duties include fostering partnerships with industry professionals and academic departments to create valuable learning opportunities. This executive works to build a strong community for students interested in technology, facilitating knowledge sharing and practical application of technical skills.

    Emily Kay - President

    Emily Kay, the President at Western University Canada, leads strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the university's research infrastructure and academic programs. Overseeing the development and implementation of new educational models, Kay ensures the institution remains at the forefront of academic innovation. This leadership position involves fostering collaborations between departments and external research bodies to drive impactful discoveries. By championing cutting-edge research and pedagogical advancements, Emily Kay strengthens the university's academic reputation. The President's responsibilities include guiding faculty development and supporting scholarly activities that contribute to the university's knowledge creation mandate. This executive ensures that resources are effectively allocated to support high-impact research and teaching excellence across all disciplines.

    Tahir Nasir - Co President

    Tahir Nasir, the Co President at Western University Canada, collaborates with fellow leadership to guide the organization's strategic objectives and operational activities. Sharing responsibility for program development and member engagement, Nasir ensures the effective execution of the club's mission. This role involves contributing to the planning of events, workshops, and initiatives that benefit the student body. By fostering teamwork and shared vision, Tahir Nasir supports the overall success of the organization. The Co President's duties include working with stakeholders to secure resources and promote the club's offerings. This executive plays a key part in maintaining a dynamic and responsive organizational structure, adapting to the evolving needs of its members and the university community.

    Kimberly Catalano - Engagement Coordinator & President, Office of

    Kimberly Catalano, the Engagement Coordinator & President, Office of at Western University Canada, directs initiatives focused on enhancing student involvement and university outreach. Overseeing programs that connect students with campus resources and opportunities, Catalano ensures robust participation in university life. This leadership role involves developing strategies to foster a strong sense of community and belonging among the student population. By coordinating engagement activities and communication efforts, Kimberly Catalano strengthens the university's connection with its students. The Engagement Coordinator & President, Office of's responsibilities include managing outreach campaigns and supporting student-led initiatives that promote campus spirit and involvement. This executive works to create meaningful experiences that enrich the student journey and contribute to their overall success.

    Gabriel Piccininni - Section President

    Gabriel Piccininni, the Section President at Western University Canada, leads a specific academic or organizational section, focusing on its specialized objectives and operational needs. Overseeing the activities and development within this designated section, Piccininni ensures alignment with broader university goals. This leadership position involves managing section-specific projects, resources, and member coordination to achieve targeted outcomes. By driving focused efforts within the section, Gabriel Piccininni contributes to the university's diverse academic and operational landscape. The Section President's responsibilities include representing the section's interests and facilitating communication between section members and central university administration. This executive cultivates an environment conducive to specialized learning and achievement within their area of focus.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Western University Canada Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Western University Canada?
    Western University Canada is led by Cassie Harkness (President), along with executives such as Ella Maeve Wilkinson (President) and Mahek Dhaliwal (President).
    Who is part of Western University Canada’s executive team?
    The executive team of Western University Canada includes leaders such as Cassie Harkness (President), Ella Maeve Wilkinson (President), Mahek Dhaliwal (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Western University Canada have?
    Western University Canada has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Western University Canada’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Western University Canada includes roles such as President, President, President, President of The Squash Club, President of Balkan Club.