VP Philanthropy

Hollie Davies

I’ve enjoyed the privilege of a unique trajectory into medicine - one that has allowed me to explore Ottawa far beyond its surface reputation as a government town. From adventurous pursuits like ice climbing with the Alpine Club of Canada to quirky workshops such as taxidermy at Square Lemon Artistic Association, I’ve come to appreciate Ottawa as a city full of hidden gems, community-driven spaces, and unexpected opportunities for connection. A transformative moment for me was participating in Synapcity’s Civics Bootcamp, where I gained insight into municipal issues and learned concrete avenues for civic engagement. That experience deepened my understanding of the systemic challenges facing our city and inspired me to explore how healthcare professionals - and those in the making - can contribute meaningfully to tackling complex social issues.

Through ongoing frontline volunteerism and advocacy, I’ve remained actively engaged with various communities and neighbourhoods across Ottawa. Whether caring for individuals at end-of-life in the residence at Hospice Care Ottawa or sleeping outside during the dead of winter to raise funds and awareness for unhoused youth (though I couldn’t have done it without my girl Cathy!), I’ve experienced both the gravity and the beauty of serving others. These roles have exposed me to death, grief, resilience, and systemic injustice - all of which I carry with me as a first-year medical student learning the intricacies of anatomy, physiology, and the social determinants of health. What I’ve gained from the classroom is a strong scientific foundation, but it is through roles like these - at the intersection of care, advocacy, and community - that I hope to contextualize and apply our learning together.

My intention is to drive involvement in philanthropy by sparking excitement through fun, team-based initiatives that raise funds and awareness for charitable causes - challenges like the Sleep-Out with Operation Come Home, Food Sorting Competition at the Ottawa Food Bank, and maybe even forming a Dragon Boat team - because what’s better than teamwork and adrenaline for a good cause?

I have some nifty ideas in store and would be thrilled to bring people together around shared values, collective impact, and maybe even a little friendly competition.

Hollie Davies

Falia Pantieras

Hey uOttawa Med!

My name is Falia Pantieras and I’m running to be your next VP Philanthropy! For those who don’t yet know me, I’m a proud local from Ottawa. I grew up in Orleans and chose to stay close to home, having completed my undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science at uOttawa (forever a GG!).

First I’d like to tell you a bit about the journey that brought me to run for this position. Over the past two years, I’ve served on the national executive for the Maids of Athena (MOA), a Greek nonprofit under the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association. Last year, I led an international fundraising campaign for the Boys and Girls Club and helped support various local chapters with their philanthropic initiatives. In the past, I’ve helped organize everything from bake sales and coffeehouses to formal fundraising events in support of local organizations like Ronald McDonald House and The Royal Ottawa Foundation. During the pandemic, I helped coordinate a fundraiser that raised $25,000 to purchase a ventilator for The Ottawa Hospital, an experience that showed me the real world impact of community-driven initiatives. I would be honoured to bring this experience into this role and help lead meaningful philanthropic efforts on behalf of our class.

This year’s VP Philanthropy has done an incredible job establishing opportunities for student involvement through initiatives like the Movember and candy gram fundraisers for our class charities. I want to continue supporting these important events while building on them with new initiatives that bring creativity, spirit, and energy to our philanthropic calendar. One of my main goals is to organize seasonal and awareness themed events that are fun, approachable, and tied to important causes. Some ideas I would love to implement include a Halloween themed blood drive and a women’s product and clothing drive in March for International Women’s Day. I also want to collaborate more with interest groups and student leaders to co-host purposeful events with a social element. For example, collaborating with VP Athletics or Community Health to run a month long Heart Month BINGO challenge in February, where students complete wellness activities while raising funds for the Heart Institute Foundation. This event will promote wellness while offering accessible and meaningful ways for students to give back, even during the busiest times in our program. Just as importantly, I also want to provide support for students who want to run their own fundraisers or spotlight causes that are personally meaningful to them.

Alongside this, I am especially looking forward to supporting the incoming first-year class as they select and champion their chosen charity. My experience with MOA has prepared me to guide and support next year’s students as they take the lead on their own fundraising initiatives.

It would be a privilege to be your VP Philanthropy, and I hope to earn your vote as we work to create a greater impact together!

Mihir Kamra

Hey UOttawa Med!

My name is Mihir Kamra and I am running for VP Philanthropy for the 2025-2026 academic year.

From a young age, I have been guided by the value of Seva—a core principle in my Hindu culture that embodies selfless service to the community. Giving back has always been a passion of mine, whether through clothing donations, mental health crisis support, or, most importantly, fundraising!

I’ve spearheaded teams that have raised over $5,000 for Alzheimer’s research, $1,000+ for cancer initiatives, and $1,000+ for accessible education, driving meaningful impact for causes close to our hearts. Beyond fundraising, I serve on various Ontario Medical Students Association and Canadian Federation of Medical Students committees, where I advocate for healthcare equity and organize workshops on effective advocacy. Here at UOttawa, I’m also a Medical Student Accessibility Committee (MSAC) committee member, where I work with my team to promote disability awareness and support to medical professionals identifying with a disability. 

Philanthropy is a deeply ingrained part of my identity, and I would be honored to serve as VP Philanthropy to help UOttawa Med maximize its fundraising impact. Check out my platform goals below to learn more about my vision, and feel free to reach out with any questions. Happy voting!

Cheers,

Mihir Kamra (mkamr059@uottawa.ca)

Platform goals:

  • Goal #1: “Put the FUN in fundraising”

    • Our cohorts have chosen many noble charities to support – now let's make the most of it!

    • My role: I aim to support more engaging and inclusive fundraising initiatives that actively involve students, staff, and the broader uOttawa Faculty of Medicine community. Potential new ideas could include a cultural bake sale that celebrates our rich diversity through the unique foods that represent our backgrounds, or challenge-based fundraisers, where students and faculty take on fun, “wacky” tasks as donation milestones are reached—imagine our new Dean delivering a dramatic reading of internet brainrot like “huzz,” “skibidi,” or “baby gronk”!

  • Goal #2: “Giving back, together: shaping our future class’s charity efforts”

    • With so many meaningful causes and organizations to support, which ones resonate most with our incoming cohort? 

    • My role: I aim to survey and understand MD2029s philanthropic passions, host charity elections, and support fundraising initiatives that unite and inspire the cohort while maximizing impact. Additionally, I’ll provide greater transparency about the process of charity nominations and how the cohort can fulfill fundraising goals. 

  • Goal #3: ‘Honour our traditions’

    • For years, UOttawa Med has traditionally hosted tea parties and walkathons in honour of Amanda Kelsall – all amazing initiatives that must continue!

    • My role: I will maintain strong organizational skills and coordination with VP Athletic Affairs, Community Health, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure seamless planning of these events. Additionally, I will implement anonymous feedback forms to gather insights and drive meaningful improvements for future events.