SUO Elections

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SUO Elections

Upcoming By-Election & General Election for the academic year 2021-2022

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3272 University Way, UNC133
Kelowna, BC
V1V 1V7

President / Jonathan Itamah

SUO Elections

2020-02-18T13:58:56-08:00

I am Jonathan Itamah. I was born in Warri, Nigeria but spent over 5 years in Canada for high school and university. Before coming here I spent 2 years in Hong Kong and Russia where I spent a lot of time working with children and tutoring. I have always been passionate about helping the next generation in whatever I can and after attending schools and teaching in so many different countries my passion shifted to helping through education and I was able to gain a deeper understanding of school systems. I later developed a dream of creating my own schools in Nigeria Similar to a UWC structure in order to better the country’s current state. Apart from my dedication to education I have love for music and all things that are artistic. I also believe that humans can live comfortably with half of the energy usage that we currently use and would like to create and implement enough systems to make that happen. I have started with a company called freebike Kelowna that provides electric bikes that are made from 90% recyclable material to students and will continue to work on environmentally friendly solutions to everyday problems.

https://ubcsuoelections.ca/testimonials/president-jonathan-itamah/

VP External / Lindsay McGrail

SUO Elections

2021-02-18T16:38:50-08:00

Hey everyone, my name is Lindsay McGrail, and I am running to be your next VP External. Before I get into the politics of it all, let me first begin by telling you a little bit about me. I am a third year Political Science major with a focus in political theory. I LOVE political philosophy and have spent the better half of my education learning about the history of government and the creation of the state. In my spare time you can find me outside in my garden, on a hike, at the gym, napping, or enjoying a peaceful bath. Throughout my education I have become increasingly aware of the barriers that prohibit students from being able to attend and succeed with their post-secondary education. Whether it be uncertainty surrounding international student tuition, inadequate transportation to and from campus, inability to pay tuition, or fear of interest on federal student loans – all these qualify as pressing matters that adversely effect students at UBCO every day. As VP External, I will make it my mission to minimize these barriers with the goal to make post-secondary more accessible to all students. Additionally, I will place sustainability at the forefront of every decision to make certain that we in fact have a future to look forward to - one that is worth living. In effect, I will LISTEN, ADVOCATE, and RECTIFY in order to demand accessibility in our right to education.

https://ubcsuoelections.ca/testimonials/vp-external-lindsay-mcgrail/

VP Internal / Mrinaal Tomar

SUO Elections

2021-02-18T16:38:50-08:00

My name is Mrinaal Tomar, and for this year’s SUO elections, I am contesting for the position of VP Internal. Currently, I hold the position as a Student-At-Large in the Policy Committee. What this means is I work with the VP Internal of the SUO to represent you, the student body, in all matters related to University bylaws and policies. Aside from this, I also work in the developing of new policies which are aimed towards bettering the student experience in the University. After working on several different projects throughout this year, I am driven to further the work that we have already done as well as start working on fresh new ideas that we have brainstormed. As someone who loves the fine print, the role of VP Internal is nothing but the right fit for me since I know exactly how the Constitution, Bylaws and Regulations work. Knowing this puts me in a knowledgeable position to execute the duties of the Vice President Internal which involve ensuring adherence with these documents. Having held an executive position in a student association, I understand well how they function and my position as Student-At-Large has given me the insight into how the relationship between the SUO and Student Associations is. With this knowledge, I intend to maintain this well-oiled system, as well as be in a position to make amends where required to make things more efficient. My experience hence equips me to effectively serve as the VP Internal.

https://ubcsuoelections.ca/testimonials/vp-internal-mrinaal-tomar/

VP Internal / Safiya Al Yazeedi

SUO Elections

2021-02-18T16:38:50-08:00

I am currently a third year Bachelor of Science student majoring in Biochemistry. I am an international student in the UBCO community since 2018. I traveled from Oman to begin my post secondary education here in Canada. I have had the chance to live in several countries in Europe and Asia and immerse myself in many different cultures and perspectives. I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to join different international boarding schools at a young age as I learned the importance of community integration with education. I value the sense of inclusion and a home-like setting merged with educational aspects. A University is merely a bigger place in which the same idea should apply, and I will make it my responsibility to ensure that. Additionally, I am very passionate about politics as I joined the model united nations annual debates and was always intrigued by the Canadian representatives and their approach towards different global crisis, I believe Canada is on the right track towards achieving racial equality and taking more environmental restrictions. However, I believe your Students’ Union is capable of accomplishing more. Lastly, as a growing University, I truly believe we should extend more help and services to victims of sexual harassment. While there are initiatives such as safe walk and posters around campus, often, these crimes go unpunished, and victims go unheard. It is time for a change. If you want representation, equality, your voice heard, vote for me and we can make UBCO a better place. Safiya Al Yazeedi for VP Internal.

https://ubcsuoelections.ca/testimonials/vp-internal-safiya-al-yazeedi/

VP Internal / Yannick Lareine

SUO Elections

2021-02-18T16:38:50-08:00

Born and raised in the small tropical island of Mauritius, I came to Canada in 2018 to obtain an education which was not available where I came from. I am now a third year Management student, specializing in Operations Management, while minoring in Psychology. As Mauritius is a multicultural country, I was lucky to be around people of different ethnicities and backgrounds which enabled me to be more understanding, considerate and approachable. My upbringing has also taught me to work hard and be grateful for what I have, which is why I want to give back to the UBCO community as your next VP Internal. Moreover, I have tried to get involved with campus life, as an Orientation Leader, a Peer Mentor, a JDC West delegate, and the Manager of Financial Logistics for the Management Student Association (MSA). In addition, I acted as a winning campaign manager on last year’s SUO election and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Personally, the VP internal position is a great opportunity for me to grow as a person but more importantly to bring positive changes to our present community, that also impacts UBCO long after I have left.

https://ubcsuoelections.ca/testimonials/vp-internal-yannick-lareine/

VP Internal / Shiven Vinod Khera

SUO Elections

2021-02-18T16:38:50-08:00

Hello UBCO! My name is Shiven and I’m thrilled to be standing for the post of VP internal of YOUR SUO!! I’ll be entering the final year of my management degree this fall! UBCO has given a lot to me by helping me develop into the individual I am today and this is my opportunity to give back and make a significant difference before I finish my degree here at UBCO! I am a passionate environmentalist who is also plant based! My love for the planet doesn’t end there, one of the key things I want to introduce this year along with many others is enacting a policy to put a ban on all single use plastic given out by restaurants on campus in the form of cutlery! I feel it would be a significant step to tackle the plastic waste issue on campus and if implemented well along with the expansion of the composting program currently in place, it can divert significant amount of waste from going into the landfill. I have been an active member on campus from being the director of the entrepreneurship club to being the president of Enactus and I understand the various needs and issues of student clubs and course unions! A fun fact about me is that I started my first company at the age of 15 and I absolutely love problem solving and working on finding innovative solutions. As VP internal, I would do my absolute best to serve EVERYONE’S needs while building a better UBCO community! :)

https://ubcsuoelections.ca/testimonials/vp-internal-shiven-vinod-khera/

VP Internal / Johan Yao

SUO Elections

2021-02-18T16:38:50-08:00

My name is Johan Samuel Yao, and I am a fourth-year Biology student attending UBCO. I was born in Ivory Coast, grew up in Montreal, and now live in Calgary where I graduated from High School. My academic passion lies within the field of health science and I wish to eventually pursue a career in pharmacy or hospital administration. I enjoy playing sports, working out and I recently decided to learn to speak Spanish and play the guitar. I am on my way to graduate this year, but I have decided to put this on standby to run for the position of Vice-President internal. If elected, I will serve my term while preparing myself to take the graduate exam necessary to attend the programs I wish to apply for. I have been a part of this campus for the last four years and know from personal experience what can be done to improve the UBCO student life. UBCO is a place that is dear to me, and before I transition into a new chapter of my life, I wish to help make it the best place it can be for the current and future students of this campus.

https://ubcsuoelections.ca/testimonials/vp-internal-johan-yao/

Director at Large / Cade Desjarlais

SUO Elections

2021-02-18T16:39:21-08:00

Hello UBCO! My name’s Cade Desjarlais and I’m a 1st Year Arts student looking to be one of your Directors-at-Large. Despite being a 1st year student, I feel I am more than well equipped to enter this job on the student body’s behalf. I have extensive experience within community leadership, social justice, and mental-health advocacy. I’ve attended international leadership conferences, been a member of the Advisory Council at the Foundry, a member of Jack.org, and VP of the largest grad class in BC, being recognized for this as a Presidential Scholar here at UBCO. Community participation and improvement has always been my priority and there is no greater opportunity to affect change other than right now during these unprecedented times. Mental-health advocacy is a passion of mine because I understand that our mental wellbeing is the basis of all our successes. I feel there has been a severe lack of outreach from the University and the Student Union. Our mental health is not something to be met with proposed tuition increases with nothing to show for them. We must transparently work together in partnership with all students, to not only move forward, but grow. This period of the pandemic will prove to be a vitally important transition. Allowing a 1st year student to be on the Board of Directors will permit a representative to bring forward a long-term vision and gain the valuable experience early on needed to create a university experience worth the all-nighters, countless zooms, and awkward breakout-rooms.

https://ubcsuoelections.ca/testimonials/director-at-large-cade-desjarlais/

Director at Large / Harsimar Singh

SUO Elections

2021-02-18T16:39:21-08:00

My name is Harsimar Singh and I was born on 7th July 2001 in New Delhi, India. Most of my childhood was spent in a small town in Punjab but for the duration of my teen years, my family moved to Gurgaon, a metropolitan city near New Delhi. This shift was challenging but the competition I discovered here truly got the best out in me. During my early years, I planted seeds into various sports to build a strong root in fitness and a healthy lifestyle which further helped me to develop many life skills. I have completed my high school diploma from K R Mangalam World School. In the school year 2017-18, I got elected as the discipline advisor of the school student council. I was born in a financially middle-class family and studying in an internationally well-reputed institution was a dream for me. I am very thankful for my parents to invest their savings into my education. At the University of British Columbia, I have actively participated in many SUO club-related events and I am the executive team member for Computer Science Course Union (First-year representative), UBCO Cricket Club (Events Manager), and UBCOSPC (Financial Advisor).

https://ubcsuoelections.ca/testimonials/director-at-large-harsimar-singh/

Director at Large / Ayush Pratap

SUO Elections

2021-02-18T16:39:21-08:00

Hey guys! I am Ayush Pratap, an international student from India. I am a 3rd-year psychology major, here at UBC Okanagan. You can often find me studying on campus, in the Well or the Commons. People find me approachable and as your Director at Large, I will be available to you at any time during my candidacy. I decided to run for Director at Large primarily because, in the past 2 years, I noticed that the Students’ Union here wasn’t as interactive with all the students as it could have been. If elected, I would like to bring about change that benefits all students here. I would also advocate for more transparency in the working of the SUO. One thing I haven’t seen a lot of around our campus are substance use programs. I believe these would be instrumental, especially programs based around the stigma of substance abuse. In the past year, the current pandemic has definitely taken its toll on all of our social and personal lives and although the mental health programs at UBC-O are great, I will put more emphasis on online programs for the students who are not here in Kelowna. Lastly, I promise to work diligently towards the betterment of your university experience.

https://ubcsuoelections.ca/testimonials/director-at-large-ayush-pratap/

Director at Large / Kai Rogers

SUO Elections

2021-02-18T16:39:21-08:00

Hello, my name is Kai Rogers, I am running to continue to be one of your Student’s Union Directors at Large. I believe that I am well suited to continue in this position for several reasons. I have already served one year on the SUO board and I have the experience needed to keep advocating for our members. As part of my role within the Oversight Committee I stressed the need for the SUO to have greater accountability. I was able to help implement changes that greatly increased our accountability, something our organization struggled with in the past. During my year with the SUO, I forged relationships with other SUO members, UBC staff, and students. My candid approach, and willingness to listen has helped me to create strong working partnerships. On top of that, I have lived in the Okanagan Valley for 22 years, and understand the culture, strengths, and needs of the community. As well, my experience as a former international student provides me with a great appreciation for our international community. I feel that I have a solid understanding of the unique perspectives of both communities and how to best balance the needs of each group. I hope that you will give me the opportunity to serve on the SUO board for another year. I genuinely believe that while I have created meaningful change, there is more work that needs to be done, and I know that I have the skillset and desire to make it happen. Thank you! Vote for Kai, He’s your guy.

https://ubcsuoelections.ca/testimonials/director-at-large-kai-rogers/

Director at Large / Chanidu Gamage

SUO Elections

2021-02-18T16:39:21-08:00

My name is Chanidu Gamage. I am a first-year economics student, and I am so excited to stand for us on the SUO! I was born in Sri Lanka and immigrated to Canada at 9 months old. For most of my life, I have been living in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I will strive to advocate for issues, such as better internship and career opportunities, sensible drug policy, and sexual assault on campus. With regards to student life, my goal is simple, to make our time at UBC the best four years of our lives. I currently have two leadership roles in my community that make me a strong candidate for this position. I am a Member of the Halifax West Constituency Youth Council and an advisory group for the Halifax Regional Municipality. In these roles, I advocate for youth issues at the Federal and Municipal levels respectively. Outside of these responsibilities, I volunteer with my local Scout group, working with youth aged 5-7, and a not-for-profit that supplies breakfast programs at schools across the province. Before the pandemic, I was fighting at the international level in taekwondo and have won many medals at both the International and National level. If you want to reach out to me, I would love to chat! Feel free to shoot me an email or dm. My email is csg@student.ubc.ca, my Instagram is @votechanidu. I hope I can count on your support in the upcoming election!

https://ubcsuoelections.ca/testimonials/director-at-large-chanidu-gamage/

Director at Large / Priscilla Uribe

SUO Elections

2021-02-18T16:39:21-08:00

I am Priscilla Uribe, and I am running for the position of Director at Large. I am in my third year of undergraduate studies (second year at UBC) and in the process of becoming an Economics major. During my experience as a Student at Large in the UBCSUO campaigns committee, I realized that the UBCSUO has the potential to make a real change for student members (all of you!). As the Public Relations Executive of UNICEF on campus, I am very passionate about social service and encouraging students to get involved. In my experience as a climate ambassador for UBC’s climate emergency research last year, I also strengthened my passion for on-campus environmental campaign lobbying. As your Director at Large, I will continue my work in the campaigns committee with the following: make education more affordable for students through provincial campaigns like the Open Educational Resources and Fairness for International Students and continue to advocate for environmentally sustainable solutions on campus. Finally, in my free time, I enjoy singing, going for nature walks, and doing art to raise awareness of gender inequality.

https://ubcsuoelections.ca/testimonials/director-at-large-priscilla-uribe/

VP External / Kriti Sud

SUO Elections

2021-02-18T16:38:50-08:00

My name is Kriti and I am currently a second-year student at the Faculty of Management. I am standing for the position of VP External in the SUO Elections 2021. I consider myself to be a hard-working, resilient, and friendly person. Along with being open to new learning experiences and opportunities, I also count on my optimism in the face of challenges. I’m a head-strong personality who does not deter in the face of threats. My goal throughout my term would be to serve the student body to the best of my ability by being a medium for lobbying your ideas to external organizations so that your experience as a student is as excellent as possible. I would carry forward the sustainability initiatives proposed till now and overlook newer ones throughout my tenure. I would also continue to work on the rather important issue of the pandemic that we are all facing. Making sure students have support from the university on a need-based criterion is something I tend to propose so that the university can support its students in times of crisis. For this, I look to you as the student body to communicate with me and let me know what support is lacking for you so that I can ensure it isn’t anymore. I am truly passionate about getting the most for our students, and I encourage you to join me in this journey!

https://ubcsuoelections.ca/testimonials/vp-external-kriti-sud/

VP External / Ahmed Ahmed

SUO Elections

2021-02-18T16:38:50-08:00

BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE: That’s why you’re reading my name right now. It’s also why I decided to run for to be your VP External. My name is Ahmed Ahmed. I am a 4th year Electrical Engineering student. I believe that change is possible and I believe that we can make this campus, this city, this country and our world a much better place by our actions. I was elected as the president of my High School and I’ve achieved that change. I also worked in alternative energy companies during my Co-op year to bring that change. Today, I’m running as your VP External for a good cause. To do our part in stopping climate change. To increase mental health awareness in universities and in our beloved UBC Okanagan campus. Students are suffering from mental illnesses and yet we couldn’t see sufficient action. Mental health is as important as physical health. Why can’t we try to create an environment conducive to good mental health. Small changes can make a great difference. Why couldn’t we adjust final time tables? I am running to uphold social justice in our campus. Policies need to be implemented and victims need to be heard. Complaints must be dealt with swiftly and transparently. Justice in society begins at a local level - and it must be championed in UBC. We must eliminate all forms of racism, sexism, and discrimination to strive for a more equal society. Vote for a good cause. Vote for change. Vote for Ahmed Ahmed.

https://ubcsuoelections.ca/testimonials/vp-external-ahmed-ahmed/

Faculty of Management / Khushi Bhandari

SUO Elections

2021-02-18T16:38:49-08:00

Hello Everyone, My name is Khushi, and I’m a second-year management student. I’m running for the representative position for the Faculty of Management. I believe that I would be the right candidate for the position because I am ambitious, adaptable, and definitely not one to shy away from challenges. I have been in many leadership positions for event-based organizations such as MUN, TedX, Relay for Life, and a few others in my last four years of high school. These positions required creativity, coordination, and hard work to make these events successful, all of which I am willing to put towards this SUO position. I have also led some small school-based clubs such as a dance club, a yearbook club, and a photography club, which led me to strengthen my interpersonal skills, pay attention to detail, and organize and plan better. As an ENFP (Campaigner) personality type, I like to think of myself as a friendly, outgoing individual with a passion and drive to achieve my goals. I believe that my skillset and personality type will be useful for this position, as I would work my hardest as a faculty representative to make your university life more engaging, work on events that provide you meaningful and enjoyable experiences, and overall offer a platform for your voices to be heard. I would love your support in this election, and I hope I’ve won over your vote! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

https://ubcsuoelections.ca/testimonials/faculty-of-management-khushi-bhandari/

Faculty of Management / Josie Leung

SUO Elections

2021-02-18T16:38:49-08:00

Hi everyone! I am Josie Leung, a third-year management student, and I am running for the Faculty of Management Representative. I have been actively involved in many events organized by the Management Student Association such as Management Week, club meetings, and charity initiatives. I also represented UBCO in the Jeux du Commerce (JDC) West competition: the largest business competition in Western Canada featuring 600 undergraduate students from 12 universities. I am currently involved with the SUO as a Student-at-Large for the Resource Centre Advisory Committee and I am excited to be running for the Faculty of Management Representative. I have gained many experiences throughout my three years in UBCO and I believe that I truly understand the needs of all management students. I am willing to use the knowledge that I have acquired to voice out my opinions on how the school can improve the quality of education for management students and provide better opportunities for student growth. I am willing to do my best to listen to the different faculty members’ perspectives and accommodate students’ needs by suggesting the best possible solutions that the school should implement. Vote for me and I promise you that I can make a positive contribution to your university life. Thank you for your attention, and for giving me this opportunity to run for the Faculty of Management Representative!

https://ubcsuoelections.ca/testimonials/faculty-of-management-josie-leung/

Faculty of Science / Leoul Woldeman

SUO Elections

2021-02-18T16:38:49-08:00

Hi! I am Leoul Woldemariam, and I am running to be your voice to the UBCSUO. I am currently a 4th-year Biochemistry major and am well informed about the faculty and what it has to offer. Navigating through university life for the past 4 years has shown me the stressful environment university can be and the importance of voicing your opinions. As an individual, I believe in cooperation and inclusivity. I have had the fortune of being an International student all my life, and all my experiences have led to showing me the good in collaboration and what can be achieved when coming as a whole. With the faculty growing in size at an immense speed, I believe it is that much more important that we also grow and develop organically as a family. Organizing online/in-person, promoting available student support, and pushing for networking opportunities are some of the ways I hope to promote a stronger sense of community. Being a student representative to me means enhancing your experience as a student. It means effectively conveying your concerns to instill positive change. I aim to create a unified student body that is well represented, informed of available resources, and instilled with the confidence that they are not alone in their journey.

https://ubcsuoelections.ca/testimonials/faculty-of-science-leoul-woldeman/

Faculty of Applied Science / Sam Diab

SUO Elections

2021-02-18T16:38:49-08:00

Hello, my name is Sam Diab and I am currently a second year in the Electrical Engineering program. I am originally from the Bay Area in California but have plenty of family all across Canada. In terms of my passions, I am definitely someone that is driven when it comes to ensuring the success of the communities I am involved in. Whether that is through working on a personal engineering related project, working for a company as an intern, or pursuing leadership roles within the communities I care about, I always prioritize the prosperity of those I am serving. I am a strong believer in student organizations as a whole due to their potential in not only ensuring that students are advocated for effectively but also due to the potential they have in fostering a more inclusive and healthy environment for all students. I have a wealth of experience in student government including experience serving as both the First Year Representative as well as the Vice President External of the Engineering Society. As well as that, I will be serving as the Vice President Finance Administration for the Western Engineering Societies’ Team in the next operating term. Through the positions I have held, I have had the privilege to advocate for students on both the national and local level. Overall, I enjoy advocating for students because I genuinely care about students and want everyone to succeed immeasurably. If you ever want to talk, you have a friend in me!!

https://ubcsuoelections.ca/testimonials/faculty-of-applied-science-sam-diab/

VP Campus Life / Jakson Pashelka

SUO Elections

2021-02-18T16:38:49-08:00

Hello/Salut everyone! My name is Jakson Pashelka (He/Him), and I am a third-year Psychology major studying on the unceded territory of the Syilx (Okanagan) peoples, which we are privileged to call UBCO. This school has taught me what it means to really value genuine connection with peers and staff at this institution. During UBCO Expo 2018, in my first week of class, I volunteered at the Students’ Union tent handing out t-shirts and tote bags to try and make friends. I had no idea that those few hours would develop into my passion for student advocacy. Fast forward to today, where I have had the pleasure of being voted on the 20/21 board of directors as a Director at Large AND had the opportunity to attend the British Columbia Federation of Students general meeting. Now it is time to take it one step further. Because I: - Champion student advocacy and the voice of the student body. - Desire a robust student network to our campus and its resources. - Yearn to revitalize the hype of UBCO. - Want to strengthen Campus-Life and our community that inhabits it. Your voice matters. My name is Jakson Pashelka and I am here to be your next Vice President Campus Life. Gram: @pashelka, @jpashelka

https://ubcsuoelections.ca/testimonials/vp-campus-life-jakson-pashelka/

VP Campus Life / Taha Ilyas

SUO Elections

2021-02-18T16:38:49-08:00

My name is Taha Ilyas and I intend to run for VP Campus Life in the upcoming SUO general elections. I am currently in my 3 rd of studies, majoring in Computer Sciences. I have previously volunteered in many organizations which included the event management society in my high school. I am currently in the SUO as Director at Large. Being Director for the last 4 months I have observed the inner workings of the SUO, I believe I can do more hence I have decided to run for this position. The position of VP Campus Life comes with a lot of responsibilities which include but are not limited to organizing student events, overseeing the media fund committee, and overseeing the SUO volunteer program. A lot is already expected from the VP Campus Life and if everything goes well even more will be expected when students return back to campus. If elected I would organize a lot of events on campus/online that cater to all kinds of interests of the students. Whether classes are online or in person I would have more mental health awareness events. I would attract more students in the SUO volunteer programs by having incentives and organizing campaigns so that more students are aware of any upcoming volunteer opportunities that they may be interested in. Lastly, I would work closely with all other executives and directors to make sure the students have an even better Campus Life.

https://ubcsuoelections.ca/testimonials/vp-campus-life-taha-ilyas/

VP Campus Life / Moez Khan

SUO Elections

2021-02-18T16:38:49-08:00

My name is Moez Khan. I was born in Peshawar, Pakistan, in the province of Khyber Pukhthun Khua (KPK). I spent the first 10 years of my life in Pakistan, afterwards; my family and I moved to Hamilton, Ontario in Canada where I lived for another 2 years. Eventually, after the start of my high school career, my family and I moved to Salmon Arm BC where I resided to finish high school it is where I began my journey towards becoming a medical professional. While in high school I was keeping up with my studies along with taking part in various competitive sports such as Soccer and Rugby. Currently, I am a 4 th year Biology major and I have kept to my roots in continuing to play sports as I am a part of the UBCO Men’s Rugby team. Presently, I live in Vernon where I am trying to do my best to contribute amidst this pandemic by volunteering at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital. I continue to strive for greater heights as I am a person to never see limits to one’s potential and always try to visualize a positive perspective in any situation. For the UBCO community that taught me valuable lessons and skills, I am willing to give back another 130% effort to diligently make sure all students here are comfortable and have every resource to reach their limitless potentials. Hello everyone, I am Moez Khan and I am running to become your next VP Campus Life.

https://ubcsuoelections.ca/testimonials/vp-campus-life-moez-khan/

VP Campus Life / Partesh Ramana

SUO Elections

2021-02-18T16:38:49-08:00

Hi! My name is Partesh Singh Ramana, and I am a second-year Management student from India. I’m running as a candidate to become your VP Campus Life. I’m an enthusiastic and energetic personality, excited to be able to use my expertise and creativity to express and foster a year of safe, inclusive and fun activities. As a first-year, I developed a quick interest in the SUO. I found the events to be well-organized and detailed, which led me to become an SUO Volunteer to understand their inner-workings better. My time at the SUO helped me understand the various intricacies that go into planning a university-sized event. Currently, I’m working at a daycare where I am tasked to plan multiple activities for the children and overview their successful completion. I was a volunteer for the UBCO United Way Campaign, and I’m also volunteering as an ERT/PDA for Red Cross Canada. I’ve always come forth with my best efforts and a ‘never give in’ attitude to excel at every opportunity. As an elected VP Campus Life, I’ll strive to enrich every student’s experience on the UBCO campus and aim to rebuild the experiences lost due to the pandemic.

https://ubcsuoelections.ca/testimonials/vp-campus-life-partesh-ramana/

President / Tashia Kootenayoo

SUO Elections

2021-02-18T16:38:50-08:00

I am excited to be running to be the President of the SUO. I am an Indigenous, queer identifying woman from the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation. I have been on the SUO for three years and this year I am currently serving as the VP Internal. I am passionate about supporting student survivors of sexualized violence and that our campus becomes a safe and supportive place to learn. The SUO is a vehicle for students to push for the change they want to see at UBCO. I want to address issues students care about such as: a better back to campus plan, supporting a team that is going to have more great events collaborating with our Student Clubs and Course Unions! I’m excited to address food insecurity with initiatives like multiple pay what can you days at the food establishments in the UNC. I believe a strong Executive and Board working together can do amazing things for students at UBCO and I want to be apart of that. I view the President not just a leader but somebody who builds a strong team that is able to advocate effectively for our students. It is my belief that as a leader I can push for the equality and inclusivity we need and have it reflected in all aspects of the SUO. My personal experiences within these systems is what drives my passion for students, and it would be an honor to lead the SUO in change that benefits my fellow students.

https://ubcsuoelections.ca/testimonials/president-tashia-kootenayoo/

President / Pierre Frigon

SUO Elections

2021-02-18T16:38:50-08:00

Hey everyone! My name’s Pierre Frigon, and this year I will be running for President of the SUO. Like many others, my first few years at UBCO were a struggle, I was lost, and I couldn’t find anywhere I felt I belonged. Because of this, I decided to spend my time making sure that no one ever felt the same way I did. As President of the UBCO Esports Association, a Resident Advisor, and co-founder/Vice-President of the UBCO Movie Maniacs, I have helped promote the student experience to the best of my abilities. But, next year, I want to do more. Using the skills I’ve developed, I plan to work alongside clubs and course unions to enhance student life and create a tight-knit community. To broaden our connections, I intend to work with the media division to give everyone new job opportunities and unique content. Likewise, by working with other campus leaders and students, I plan on creating impactful mental health initiatives to provide students with the support they need. My main goal as President will be to engage with all students on campus; I believe that every student’s voice deserves to be heard, and I will strive to achieve this aim. Whether elected or not, my focus for next year will be to ensure that UBCO is a place that students will be glad to call home.

https://ubcsuoelections.ca/testimonials/president-pierre-frigon/

VP Finance / Rohan Dabral Chamoli

SUO Elections

2021-02-18T16:38:50-08:00

Hello UBCO, I am Rohan Dabral, a 3 rd year Management student looking to specialise in Finance, and minor in Economics. I have had the great privilege of growing up in a multicultural environment. Although my parents are from India, I grew up in Mexico City. Being exposed to different cultures has given me the opportunity to explore different perspectives while building values of diversity, empathy, and open mindedness. I am confident that these values will translate well into becoming our university’s VP Finance. With the support of the UBCO students, I was elected in the previous academic year to serve as your Director at Large. This has allowed me to strengthen my current skillset in budgeting, critical thinking, ethics, and financial management. Alongside my time as Director at Large, I held the responsibility of being the Vice President for UBCO’s Latin American Student Organisation (LASO), for which I took numerous initiatives to start the Student Ambassador Program (S.A.P) to help welcome Latin American students to UBCO. Moreover, we created a new department in LASO, the Empowerment and Equity Department, which focusses on providing a safe space for the women of our community. I look forward to being your next VP Finance and to continue improving the life of our student body.

https://ubcsuoelections.ca/testimonials/vp-finance-rohan-dabral-chamoli/

VP Finance / Muhammad Waseem

SUO Elections

2021-02-18T16:38:50-08:00

Hello UBCO! My name is Muhammad Waseem and I’m running to be your next VP Finance & Administration! Since starting my journey at UBC Okanagan as a Mechanical Engineering student, I have been passionate about helping students fulfill their vision and adding value to the community. Since my 1st year, I have committed to improving student life on campus - particularly as an executive for various student associations (Harmony, SASA, PSA) and being a founding member of the All Clubs & Course Unions’ Networking Event (ACC). The VP Finance & Administration plays an important role in the operations of the Students’ Union. I have worked at two accounting firms and understand how to balance a budget. More importantly, I know how to allocate money in a way that allows companies to achieve their goals. Due to COVID, student resources need to be used more effectively than ever before. When elected as your VP Finance & Administration, I commit to continue student emergency funding, increasing club, resource center and graduate student funding, bringing more companies and career fairs to campus, and to bring back RECESS for 2022. I will introduce a Students’ Union business rating system to ensure the Students’ Union is serving the student body to its maximum potential – this means improving food options on campus! Let’s work together to fill this year with club events, community service initiatives and those career development opportunities that we came to university for! Message me and check out my platform at! https://linktr.ee/WaseemforVPFinanceandAdmin

https://ubcsuoelections.ca/testimonials/vp-finance-muhammad-waseem/

Director at Large / Jaanvi Shah

SUO Elections

2021-02-18T16:39:21-08:00

My name is Jaanvi Shah and I am very excited to be running for the position of Director at Large. I am currently a third-year management student minoring in Economics. I was born in India but have lived in Japan my whole life (I like to call myself Japindian). Exposure to an international environment as a third-culture kid has allowed me to see myself through others. Being a student myself, I understand the stress that comes with balancing your personal and professional life, especially with the ongoing pandemic. Truthfully, when I first time came to Kelowna, I had a hard time connecting with others. After making friends, I still find it a challenge to create real connections among the student body, and an even bigger challenge for the UBCO administration to reach this student body. This is the reason why I decided to run for this position. My core objective would be to listen to what we as students are facing and act on that. Apart from my role as a candidate, I enjoy meeting new people, spending time with my friends, listening to music, and trying out new things. Most people would describe me as down to earth and someone who goes with the flow I’m passionate about mental health and would like to incorporate a mixture of my management skills and mental health in the future.

https://ubcsuoelections.ca/testimonials/director-at-large-jaanvi-shah/

SUO Elections

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