Despite long list of accomplishments, this Sask. wheelchair user is just getting started

CBC is celebrating the province's new generation of leaders, success stories and change-makers under the age of 40. The 2024 Future 40 winners come from all walks of life, backgrounds and industries. 

A 25-year-old Saskatoon woman just graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with double honours in political studies and women's and gender studies. That alone is an impressive achievement for anyone. 

But for wheelchair user Tasnim Jaisee, a Bangladeshi immigrant woman with disabilities, it's particularly special. Jaisee was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease, which she calls "a very difficult condition."

"Because of the effects of the condition, I have had more than 100 fractures in my life," said Jaisee, who deals with chronic pain and has had to have many medical procedures.

"When I was born, my family was given a prediction of me surviving up to only six months in my life," she said.

"And I'm grateful to have lived 25 years — 25 years full of love from my family and the community [and] friends and colleagues around me. Even to this day I don't take each day for granted."

Jaisee said she is also grateful to have had access to education, which she says has been very important for her. In fact, it was in school that her passion for advocacy took root. 

Prior to her recent graduation, Jaisee served as the University of Saskatchewan Students' Union (USSU) women's centre co-ordinator, leading campaigns on women in leadership and sexual violence awareness. She mentored more than 80 volunteers to provide support for sexual violence survivors, mental health and anti-racism.

Jaisee was the first woman of colour in U of S history elected as students' union president. During her time in that role, Jaisee prioritized advocacy on accessible education, gender equity and services for disabled students.

Also included in her long list of achievements is her TEDx talk, "Overcoming Adversities of an Incurable Disorder," which gained more than 2,000 views on YouTube, showcasing her research and experiences.

Much of Jaisee's advocacy is rooted in her own lived experience as a disabled woman of colour both in high school and at the U of S. She said she is on an ongoing journey of educating herself on the needs of marginalized communities. 

"Moving into university experiences, education and specifically access to education is oftentimes very limited when it comes to properly having accommodations for people with disabilities," Jaisee said. 

"As a wheelchair user, I did experience sometimes a lack of access to building spaces and, overall, not having the same equitable full opportunities."

Jaisee said there is sexism, racism and ableism in society, and it's been difficult for her to navigate that. But navigate it she has.