Step Up Anti-Racist Association
Step Up
Anti-Racist Association
Is a youth-led organization aimed to take action against racial injustices within our community and around the world.
Educate.
We educate others to spread awareness on racial justice issues concerning our society.
Engage.
We want to be an inclusive space for learning, growing and working with diverse members of our community.
Empower.
We help our community to take action on racial justice issues.
At Step Up, our mission is to take action against racial injustices within our community and around the world with the power of education.
Our Team
Meet our team of amazing people!
Rovena Caster
Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director
Hi everyone! I’m Rovena, a M.A. Interdisciplinary Studies student. I serve as Awareness & Advocacy Lead at Council of India Societies of Edmonton, and Youth Leader at South Asians United for Mental Health and Vice President of Fundraising for Edmonton Tamil Cultural Association Youth Council. Experiencing racism at a young age inspired me to co-found Step Up Anti-racist Association, empowering youth to take action on equity issues. I also love graphic design and spending time with my bunnies, dog, and parrot!
My Passions: Anti-Racism, Mental Health & Tamil Culture
Abigail Gallimore
Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director
Hello everyone! My name is Abi, and I’m a first-year MEd SJI student. I work as a Research Assistant at the University of Alberta and an Anti-Racism Facilitator for Action for Healthy Communities. As a first-generation immigrant, I faced many challenges moving to Canada. The 2020 BLM movement is what empowered me to finally use my voice, and stand up against discrimination. I’m also passionate about music. My top three genres are 1) Reggae, 2) 90’s Rap, and 3) Dancehall.
My Passions: Anti-Racism, Inclusive Sport, Jamaican Culture
Kavya Kariamal
fundraising Director
Hi! I’m Kavya, a first-year Nursing student at the University of Alberta! I love being part of StepUp because of its powerful anti-racism initiatives. I’m passionate about creating inclusive spaces and raising awareness about social justice issues. I’m so excited to continue working with everyone to create positive change in our community. Beyond that, I enjoy baking and spending quality time with my friends and family.
My Passions: Women’s rights, gender equity, climate change, anti-racism, youth empowerment
Mariam Moustafa
Volunteering director
Hi! I’m Mariam and I am currently in my third year BSc in Psychology at UAlberta. I am excited to be part of an association that is addressing the injustices in our community, and uplifting the voices of POC. I hope to be of value to the community and to Step up AA through this position, and connect volunteers who are passionate for change. I also really enjoy reading and binge watching tv shows!
My Passions: Youth Advocacy, Activism Against Islamophobia
Nour Marawad
Secretary
My name is Nour, and I am currently a fourth-year student majoring in Secondary Education with a minor in Business. I have been a part of Step Up for two years now, serving as Secretary, and I truly love the work we do. I have seen the impact of our efforts firsthand, and I am so proud of our growth. Our mission is incredibly important to our community, and I feel grateful to collaborate with such passionate and like-minded individuals. I’m excited to see all that we will accomplish in the upcoming year!
My Passions: Anti-Racism, Women’s rights, Social justice
Manny Ojo
IT Director
Hi! I’m Manny, I have a Bsc in Computer Science from the University of Alberta. I am excited to be apart of StepUp because of its strong commitment to anti-racism and social justice. I’m passionate about using technology and creativity to solve real-world problems. I’m so excited to collaborate with everyone to create positive change. Outside of that, I love developing innovative projects and tools that make a real difference in people’s lives.
My Passions: Tech for good, helping small businesses and music
Suzanna Javaherdost
Treasurer
Hello! My name is Suzanna, and I’m a second-year Psychology major at the University of Alberta. I’m deeply passionate about creating equitable workplaces for minorities, advocating for their rights, while ensuring their stories are heard. My goal at Step Up is to uplift and support individuals who have been impacted by discrimination in any form. This isn’t just an academic pursuit for me—it’s a personal passion.
My Passions: Art, Philosophy and Humanitarianism
Zalika Scott-Ugwuegbula
Community outreach coordinator
Zalika Scott-Ugwuegbula, BSc (Hons), M.Ed. (she/her), is an autistic second-year doctoral student in Psychological Studies of Education – Research at the University of Alberta. Her research examines how the interlocking forces of race, racism, and ableism shape the educational experiences of Black autistic students. Grounded in intersectionality, her work not only interrogates the systems of power that subjugate and marginalize Black disabled learners, but also aims to inform inclusive and culturally responsive educational practices and policy reforms.