▼ WHAT RELEVANT EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR THIS POSITION?

I have gotten the chance to participate in a number of different leadership opportunities throughout my time in high school and my first year here at Dal. I spent my final years at my high school in Toronto as the president of my school’s Eco Council, which focuses on advocating for sustainable change within the school. During my time as president, I led a council of executives in planning and executing a number of events and initiatives such as clean-ups and fundraisers. I also got the chance to work hand in hand with my co-president, which taught me about working as a pair and making joint decisions, similarly to how I would be collaborating with the other BoG representative.

I have recently taken on the role as the first-year representative of DAMS, the association of Marine Biology students here at Dal. In this position, I have been able to connect with a number of first year students in my program by doing class presentations about our events. Additionally, I have collaborated with upper year students to plan society events and initiatives. This position has taught me more about how to present confidently when speaking with fellow students and has helped me connect with a variety of students of different identities, programs and year. By being an executive of a society here at Dal, I have gotten the chance to hear from a number of students directly on their opinions and concerns, which is a crucial part of acting as the student voice on the Board of Governors.

I am also currently enrolled in the DAL Leadership Academy, which is a workshop-based program which has equipped me with valuable leadership skills. While participating in this program, I have gotten the chance to learn more about myself as a leader and how to better collaborate with others. Additionally, I have gained insight on public speaking, empowerment, and how to be a better listener in order to be a strong leader. The knowledge I have and will continue to gain from being a participant in this program has well equipped me to take on the BoG rep role.

▼ WHY DO YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR YOUR DESIRED POSITION?

I believe that I am a good candidate for the position as I bring a fresh new perspective to the team. I am a newer student at Dalhousie, which means that I can provide insight from the lower year students on what changes they would like to see within our school climate. I am deeply committed to advocating for student interests and needs, and am committed to ensuring transparency in our decision making. I am passionate about making improvements in affordability, sustainability and accessibility for students on and off campus here at Dal.

▼ LIST THE TOP 3 THINGS YOU WOULD LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH IN OFFICE?

1. Make the board of Governors more accessible to students:

• Bridge the gap between the Board of Governors student caucus and the students. 

• Virtual dropbox & in person/teams call ‘coffee chats’ with both BoG reps to better connect with the student body

• Post a BoG rep update after each meeting to inform the student body on what we accomplished 

2. Work towards a more sustainable campus:

• 1. Further discounts for bringing reusable cups and containers to campus restaurants

  2. Increased funding to the Loaded Ladle (free student meals in the SUB)

  3. More bike parking and incentive to bike to school

3. Continue and enhance the work being done to make Dal a safe and equitable space for individuals of all backgrounds and identities:

• Make sure that all societies are following through with adequate EDI training for all executive members

• Creating more ways for BIPOC and LGBTQIA2S+ individuals to join DSU committees and have their voices heard (continue the work being done on Ad-hoc, and expand to create more committees for other marginalized and underrepresented groups)

• Work to ratify more societies that focus on inclusivity and representation of marginalized and underrepresented groups

▼ DESCRIBE AND DISCUSS ONE STUDENT ISSUE THAT MATTERS TO YOU.

A student issue that matters to me is affordability on campus. Despite having to pay a student service fee and the DSU fee each year, everyday expenses add up and continue to burden students.

While tuition and housing remain the largest fees for students, smaller costs like parking fees, school supplies, club fees and overpriced food on campus make daily life for students more expensive. The cost of textbooks continues to rise with minimal support for students, and prices of food on campus are inaccessible.

▼ WHAT INSPIRES YOU, AND WHY?

I am passionate about connecting with my fellow students. I truly want to meet everyone and hear everyone’s voice. I truly believe that it is better to be loved than feared, and that the best way to represent the student body is to connect with as many members of it as possible. I am passionate about Dal students feeling like they can trust me to make change and be confident that I’ll have their backs.

▼ LIST A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

A fun fact about me is that I love to scuba dive. I am PADI advanced open water certified, meaning that I can dive up to 100 feet below the surface!

▼ WHAT RELEVANT EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR THIS POSITION?

Since moving to Kjipuktuk in 2019, I have gained valuable experience that makes me well-qualified for the Board of Governors Representative role. I have a strong background in communications, which I developed through roles as Events & Communications Coordinator at GreenPAC (now Environmental Leadership Canada), my work with the Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network, and numerous professional and volunteer communications projects. These experiences have honed my skills in transparency and effective communication—key assets for bridging the gap between the Board and the student body.

Additionally, I bring significant organizing and activism experience to the student union. Since first arriving in Kjipuktuk, I have participated in activist struggles, starting with organizing student climate strikes with Climate Strike Halifax and Climate Strike Canada, and now organizing towards various solidarity and mutual aid efforts. This experience has equipped me with skills in policy analysis and advocacy, as well as firsthand experience of challenging systems that limit student participation. This experience would be a powerful asset on the Board, offering critical scrutiny of decisions and fierce advocacy for student issues.

My deep campus involvement is another strength. I serve on the Executive Board of the DalKings Swing Dance Society, am part of the Gear Team for the Dalhousie Outdoors Society, volunteer for the Campus Community Fridge, and engage in a wide range of student events. Additionally, my academic work has strengthened my analytical abilities, particularly in writing policy briefs, delivering reports, and applying a systems-thinking approach to policy assessment.

▼ WHY DO YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR YOUR DESIRED POSITION?

My diverse skill set and experiences make me a strong candidate for Board of Governors Representative. My expertise in communications, coupled with my activism and leadership roles on campus, allow me to advocate effectively for students and enhance transparency within the Board.

My involvement in activism demonstrates my willingness to challenge policies and advocate for marginalized groups, while my leadership roles reflect my dedication to community engagement and representing student interests. My analytical skills, particularly in policy analysis, ensure I will approach Board decisions with a critical and thoughtful perspective.

Ultimately, I am ready to bring transparency, accountability, and strong advocacy to the Board of Governors, consistently prioritizing student needs and exercising the decision-making power of student voices on the Board.

▼ LIST THE TOP 3 THINGS YOU WOULD LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH IN OFFICE?

1. Reject tuition increases 
   In this position, I would advocate for tuition caps and push back against fee hikes. I would prioritize amplifying student voices in budget discussions, challenging administrative decisions that prioritize profits over people, and fight for a university budget and direction that centers accessibility and equity. Every student deserves access to affordable education.

2. Increase the Board of Governors' transparency

   Many students are not aware of who the Board of Governors is or what responsibilities it holds. However, the Board is not an abstract entity—it is Dalhousie University’s primary governing body, wielding the power to create the rules and policies that shape how the university operates, including its long-term vision. It is crucial for students to play an active and influential role in this space, as the Board makes critical decisions on issues such as tuition hikes, academic freedom, long-term political interests, ethical investment and divestment, and policies that impact every student.

   In this position, I would prioritize delivering regular, transparent updates to students about Board decisions and create opportunities for genuine engagement by hosting forums, surveys, and meetings to gather input on key issues. I would also push for Board meetings to be more open to public and student participation. Student voices must be at the center of university decision-making.

3. Advocate for ethical investment practices

   The Board of Governors is the governing body that decides on a high level how university funds are managed. In this position, I will advocate for robust ethical investment practices from the university. No portion of university funds should be invested in fossil fuel and extractive industries, or support human rights violations, apartheid or genocide - from Mi’kma’ki to Palestine to Sudan to the Congo and beyond. Our university’s investments must reflect our values of justice, equity, and sustainability.

▼ DESCRIBE AND DISCUSS ONE STUDENT ISSUE THAT MATTERS TO YOU.

Like many other students facing the financial burden of university education, I care deeply about the issue of tuition costs. In the 2024/25 academic year, Nova Scotia had the highest average tuition fees for full-time Canadian undergraduate students in the entire country. At the same time, according to Food Banks Canada, Nova Scotia also ranks highest in poverty indicators. This stark contrast highlights how excessively high tuition fees in this province are directly impacting students’ quality of life, forcing many to choose between education and basic needs.

Additionally, while domestic students have caps on annual tuition increases, international students do not have the same protections. Instead, they face exorbitantly large tuition fees with very few supports in place. This disparity leaves international students vulnerable to unpredictable and often unaffordable cost hikes, exacerbating financial and social challenges.

Tuition and university fees are arguably the most pressing and widespread student issue. If elected, I would make this a priority on the Board of Governors, advocating for fair tuition policies and stronger financial protections for all students.

▼ WHAT INSPIRES YOU, AND WHY?

I care deeply about making our university a more democratic place with greater student participation in decision-making. I firmly believe that the university should belong to the students and that our voices should be meaningfully centred in decision-making at every level. The fact that most students are unaware of how policies and decisions are made at the university highlights the urgent need for a more transparent and democratic process.

A quick and simple example of this disconnect is the new $10 fee for a Confirmation of Enrollment letter. Not a single student I know supports this fee, and it is clear that meaningful consultation with students did not occur. While it may seem like a small and inconsequential change, it underscores how students have been dispossessed of decision-making power, even on basic issues.

A more democratic and equitable path forward for university governance must ensure that decisions on tuition, fees, the use of university funds, hiring freezes, and the overall direction of our education genuinely reflect the student voice. As students, we have power—and we can exercise it. A student union is more than just event organizing; they are powerful advocates for student voices. It can hold university administrations accountable and champion student-centric, democratic policies that prioritize our needs and perspectives.

▼ LIST A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I once unintentionally slept on a live black bear while camping! Ask me for the full story if you see me around campus!

▼ WHAT RELEVANT EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR THIS POSITION?

I have extensive leadership experience in student advocacy and governance. As a student senator, I work to ensure student voices are represented in key university decisions. My role on the YMCA Youth Advisory Council has strengthened my ability to engage with diverse communities and drive meaningful change.

As Co-President and Founder of the Black Science Society, I have created spaces for underrepresented students in STEM, fostering collaboration and support. Additionally, I served as the inaugural Community Partnership Officer for the Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation developing community relations and distributing bursaries for students.

I have also gained valuable experience as an intern for the EDIA division of the Nova Scotia Department of Public Works, focusing on equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives.

These experiences have equipped me with the skills to advocate, communicate transparently, and represent all students effectively on the Board of Governors.

▼ WHY DO YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR YOUR DESIRED POSITION?

I believe I am a strong candidate for this position because of my ability to listen and communicate effectively. Coming from a diverse background as both a historic African Nova Scotian and a second-generation Eritrean Immigrant, I bring a unique perspective to student representation. Also, having completed all my studies from primary to grade 12 in French, I've engaged with diverse communities, strengthening my ability to understand different perspectives.

I apply my rich background and lived experiences to ensure that decisions are made with all students in mind, considering how policies impact various groups. Additionally, my various leadership roles have equipped me to represent and advocate for the student body at the highest level.

▼ LIST THE TOP 3 THINGS YOU WOULD LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH IN OFFICE?

1. Ensure student voices are heard - Make sure student concerns and ideas are properly represented.

2. Increase transparency and communication - Establish more efficient means of communication between the student body and the Board of Governors.

3. Promote an inclusive environment - Work towards understanding the equitable needs of all students to feel valued and supported.

▼ DESCRIBE AND DISCUSS ONE STUDENT ISSUE THAT MATTERS TO YOU.

One student issue that matters to me is ensuring equal access to resources and support for all students. Having navigated various educational environments, I understand how challenges such as financial stress, limited mentorship, and a lack of resources can impact student success.

I believe that every student, no matter their background, should have access to the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. This includes making academic advising, career counselling, and mental health services more accessible.

By advocating for a more inclusive approach to student support, we can ensure that all students feel empowered to achieve their goals.

▼ WHAT INSPIRES YOU, AND WHY?

I’m passionate about fighting for systemic change and creating spaces where all voices are heard. Growing up in diverse environments, I’ve seen how crucial it is to address the inequities that prevent certain groups from thriving.

I believe we need to challenge the status quo and push for change that ensures equal opportunities for everyone, no matter their background. Whether it’s advocating for better resources, pushing for proper representation, or breaking down the barriers many face, I’m driven by the idea of creating a more just and inclusive future.

▼ LIST A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I play soccer and am completely bilingual in English and French!

▼ WHAT RELEVANT EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR THIS POSITION?

▼ WHAT RELEVANT EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR THIS POSITION?

▼ WHY DO YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR YOUR DESIRED POSITION?

▼ LIST THE TOP 3 THINGS YOU WOULD LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH IN OFFICE?

▼ DESCRIBE AND DISCUSS ONE STUDENT ISSUE THAT MATTERS TO YOU.

▼ LIST A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

▼ WHAT RELEVANT EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR THIS POSITION?

For the past two years I have served as the Board of Governors Representative. During this time I have challenged the administration on cuts to accessibility funding, supported and voted for divestment from weapons manufacturers and companies complicit in the occupation of Palestine, and have not supported tuition increases.

▼ WHY DO YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR YOUR DESIRED POSITION?

In my time in this position, I have built relationships with administration and the other board members. This is critical for success in this role, as consensus-building is how everything gets done on the Board of Governors. As well, I am experienced and familiar with how the Board operates, and ready to keep this momentum going on day one of a renewed mandate.

▼ LIST THE TOP 3 THINGS YOU WOULD LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH IN OFFICE?

1. Join Students Nova Scotia – due to years of lower-than-inflation increases in the University’s operating grant, Dal has had to increase tuition more in order to cover increased costs. In recent years, we’ve seen that lobbying the government has led to success in advancing student priorities, as shown by the domestic tuition increase dropping from 3% to 2%, at the direction of the province. Dal joining Students Nova Scotia would drastically increase the lobbying power of this organization, which has the potential to result in benefits for students both at Dal and across the province.

2. Continue advocating for accessibility funding – Dal has a lot of old and inaccessible buildings and spaces. While improvements are being made, it is happening slowly, especially with cuts to accessibility improvement funding happening in the last few budgets. It is paramount that every space on campus be open to all students, and I will continue to push for commitments to meet the province’s Access by Design 2030 accessibility goals.

3. Divest from weapons manufacturers and companies complicit in the occupation of Palestine – while I voted for divestment at November’s Board meeting, the motion did not pass but the Board continues to consider this issue. Dalhousie has a responsibility to both the Dal community and to broader society to maintain ethical investments that align with the goals a post-secondary education, and as such I will continue to advocate for divestment from these problematic assets.

▼ DESCRIBE AND DISCUSS ONE STUDENT ISSUE THAT MATTERS TO YOU.

A student issue that matters to me is affordability. As groceries, rent, and almost everything else become more expensive, it is important for the university to consider the impact of any action on the finances of students. This is why I have never supported a tuition increase and have worked on the DSU’s Domestic Student Housing Bursary to provide emergency grants to students experiencing housing-related crises.

▼ WHAT INSPIRES YOU, AND WHY?

I am passionate about creating a sustainable and ethical future for society and the planet. I believe in a world where rights and equality reign supreme, and where all are able to live their life in a free and fair manner.

▼ LIST A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I love public transportation!