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

I am qualified for this role because of my experience starting and leading BCI Dalhousie and my collaborative job experience. Every position I have been a part of has been focused on small teams that are working to achieve big problems. The DSU is no different. You need someone who works well in a team and is motivated to make a difference.

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

I am a good candidate for this position because of my community-driven nature. I care about issues within the Dal community and have been working with societies both as members and the president of BCI Dalhousie to support/overcome these barriers.

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

• Accessible - I plan to rehaul the current credit/no credit policy at Dalhousie so that it encompasses 2 electives per semester. This would allow students to take the courses they want without stressing about their GPA.

• Affordable - Working with local organizations to provide healthy food options for the Dalhousie community by bringing a more affordable mini-grocery store to the SUB. I will also be advocating on behalf of students in municipal and Provincial government for lower student housing costs.

• Enjoyable - I will organize fun community events starting with a folk festival with a great band in the quad next fall.

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

I am very passionate about students being able to access the necessities like healthy food and affordable education options therefore if elected I plan to make that a priority.

▼ WHAT INSPIRES YOU, AND WHY?

I am extremely passionate about mental health for students. As someone who struggled in the system due to multiple concussions I found that support in these areas aren't strong enough and I plan to be the change Dalhousie needs.

▼ LIST A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I played the grinch for an entire summer at my sleepaway camp (ask for photos)

▼ 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?

In high school, I was on my school's student senate for three years, the latter of the two being the Lead Senator.

Currently, I work in the DSU as a Sex Education Resource Assistant, so I know how the union works and would love to be more involved in it!

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

I'm a good candidate as I get what it's like being a student trying to balance a social life, academics, and everything in between. I've spent years in student leadership, listening to feedback and pushing for real change.

I believe in advocating for student rights, making academics more accessible, and building stronger connections between Dal and the community. My leadership style is all about collaboration and action - I don't just talk about change, I work to make it happen. I want to be a voice for Dal students that gets the job done.

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

1. I would like to connect our campus more with local businesses, whether it be partnerships for events or new co-ops.

2. Another plan I have is to implement longer library hours along with longer hours in the general study spaces.

3. Finally, I believe students should be more involved with course design, so I'd be sure to bring about more student input in that aspect.

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

One student issue I feel strongly about is opening the library for longer, even just for an extra hour. I've been "in the zone" studying and end up having to stop my schoolwork before it's fully finished because of this - the main library closes at 11 PM!

▼ WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?

I'm passionate about building stronger connections between students and the Halifax community. I want to bridge the gap between Dalhousie and the city, creating more opportunities for students to get involved, find work, and feel like they truly belong here. For me it's all about making student life better for everyone.

▼ LIST A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

Can cook instant 2 min noodles in a min and a half.

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

As the current Vice-President Academic and External of the Dalhousie Student Union, I have first-hand experience navigating the complexities of this role. The past year has equipped me with a deep understanding of effective advocacy strategies, stakeholder engagement, and how to amplify student voices at all levels of decision-making. I've successfully represented student interests in numerous meetings with university administration, government officials, and community partners, resulting in improvements to student resources and support services.

Before becoming Vice-President Academic and External, I served as the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Representative on the DSU Council. My two years of experience within the DSU governance structure have provided me with comprehensive knowledge of our bylaws, policies, and operational procedures. This expertise and experience allows me to work efficiently, and ready to get to work if elected.

My leadership experience extends beyond campus. In 2021, I was the Liberal candidate in the provincial election for my home riding of Argyle. This experience significantly developed my political network, public speaking abilities, and media relations skills. Through door-knocking and community engagement, I gained invaluable experience listening to and representing diverse constituent concerns, skills directly transferable to representing our diverse student body.

For the past two years, I've also served as Chair of the Dalhousie Arts and Social Sciences Society (DASSS), where we have led initiatives to enhance the academic and social experience of arts students. This has strengthened my ability to balance multiple leadership roles while staying connected to the day-to-day concerns of students in my faculty.

Through these varied experiences, I've developed strong working relationships with university administrators, faculty members, government representatives, and student leaders across campus. I've demonstrated my commitment to transparent, accessible leadership and would bring these qualities, along with my institutional knowledge and advocacy skills, to continue serving students effectively.

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

I believe I'm the ideal candidate for Vice-President Academic and External because I combine experience with a vision for continued progress. Having served in this role already. My established relationships with university administration, government officials, and external stakeholders mean I can continue to advocate effectively from day one.

My leadership approach centers on accessibility and direct student engagement. I've consistently demonstrated my commitment to representing diverse student perspectives by maintaining regular communication channels and creating opportunities for feedback. I've shown that I not only listen to student concerns but translate them into concrete action.

My previous experience as both a provincial political candidate and faculty society chair has equipped me with versatile leadership skills. I understand how to navigate complex governance structures while staying grounded in the everyday experiences of students. This balance of high-level advocacy and grassroots connection is essential for this role.

Most importantly, I believe in the power of continuity combined with fresh ideas. While I've accomplished much during my term, there are several initiatives I've started that I'm passionate about seeing through to completion. I have both the institutional knowledge to understand what works and the critical perspective to recognize where we need new approaches.

I'm running because I genuinely believe in the DSU's potential to improve student lives, and I have the proven track record, relationships, and vision to continue this important work effectively.

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

1. I will push for a more inclusive and student-centered approach to education at Dalhousie by advocating for flexible academic policies that recognize diverse learning needs. This includes expanding the use of Open Educational Resources to reduce financial barriers, rethinking traditional assessment methods to better support different learning styles, and ensuring academic policies are designed with accessibility in mind for students with disabilities. I will facilitate direct conversations between students, faculty, and administration to embed student perspectives into curriculum development and policy decisions. By championing a more accessible, innovative, and responsive academic framework, we can create an educational experience that truly reflects the needs of all students while laying the groundwork for lasting change at Dalhousie.

2. Another key priority is strengthening our independent government relations framework to ensure Dalhousie students have a direct voice in government advocacy. With the DSU is no longer an observer in Students Nova Scotia or the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations, we now have the opportunity to focus entirely on advocating for Dal students. I will work to enhance the existing DSU External Committee by equipping student advocates with specialized training in policy development and lobbying while establishing a structured engagement plan with MLAs and ministers responsible for post-secondary education, housing, and healthcare. I will also expand our capacity to draft evidence-based policy proposals that clearly communicate student needs on tuition, housing, and mental health. This independent advocacy structure will ensure Dalhousie students’ concerns reach decision-makers directly, strengthening our influence on policies that shape our education and future. Having already built relationships with policymakers in my government relations roles, I have the experience to implement this system effectively within my first semester in office.

3. Building Community and Enhancing Student Engagement I'll implement new strategies to strengthen the connection between students and their union, focusing particularly on underrepresented groups. This includes revitalizing our communication channels, creating more accessible feedback mechanisms, and developing programming that brings together diverse student communities. By fostering a stronger sense of campus community, we can increase student engagement with the DSU and ensure we're truly representing all student voices in our advocacy work.

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

The rising cost of education and its impact on accessibility is a student issue that deeply concerns me. When educational materials like textbooks can cost hundreds of dollars per semester, we create unnecessary barriers to student success that disproportionately affect those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

This issue matters to me because I've seen firsthand how financial pressures force students to make impossible choices between purchasing required course materials and meeting basic needs. Some students attempt to share resources, use outdated editions, or simply go without materials entirely, putting them at a significant academic disadvantage.

What's particularly frustrating is that alternatives exist. Open Educational Resources (OER) provide high-quality, customizable learning materials at no cost to students. Yet institutional inertia and lack of awareness among faculty limit their widespread adoption.

As Vice-President Academic and External, I've begun advocating for expanded OER use across faculties, but much more needs to be done. We need to create institutional frameworks that incentivize faculty to adopt and develop OER, establish support systems for those who wish to transition away from commercial textbooks, and ensure student voices are central in these conversations.

Educational affordability isn't just a financial issue—it's fundamentally about equity and our values as an institution. When we remove financial barriers to learning materials, we create a more level playing field where success depends on effort and ability rather than financial privilege. This is the kind of academic environment I believe we should be fostering at Dalhousie.

▼ WHAT INSPIRES YOU, AND WHY?

Growing up in a small, close-knit town in rural Nova Scotia, I saw firsthand how communities come together in times of need. Whether it was organizing fundraisers for families facing medical emergencies, rebuilding after a storm, or simply showing up for one another during tough times. This deep sense of collective care shaped not only my values but also my approach to student advocacy.

I believe that the strength of any community lies in its willingness to support its most vulnerable members and ensure everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive. At Dalhousie, I see our campus as an extension of that same philosophy. When students face financial struggles, academic barriers, or personal hardships, I feel a deep responsibility to help build the systems of support that make a real difference. Just as my hometown would never let a neighbor go without, I believe our university should ensure no student is left behind.

My passion for advocacy comes from knowing that strong communities don’t just happen, they’re built through care, action, and a commitment to uplifting one another. This perspective has driven my work in student government, and it’s what motivates me to keep fighting for the support networks students need to succeed.

▼ LIST A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I am a Swiftie #13

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

I’ve spent my time at Dalhousie embracing every leadership opportunity that let me connect with and support my fellow students. As a Resident Assistant (Team Lead), I supervised and guided peers in residence learning to handle mental health emergencies, mediate conflicts, and keep community morale high. Through that experience, I gained practical crisis management skills and the compassion to see every student as an individual with a unique story.

My role as an Accessibility and Space Planning Assistant exposed me to the barriers students with disabilities face every day. I audited buildings, collaborated with Facilities Management, and saw how even small adjustments like better signage or a ramp can literally change someone’s world. Those projects taught me how to work within institutional frameworks to bring about tangible changes in infrastructure and policy.

And when campus emergencies strike, I don’t just watch from the sidelines. As a Voluntary Medical Responder with the DMCRT, I’ve provided on‐the‐spot support—offering both physical first aid and mental health first aid when students were in crisis. Whether that meant stabilizing an injury, de‐escalating panic, or simply listening with empathy, I learned the power of prompt, compassionate response. Every moment spent caring for someone’s well‐being has reinforced how vital it is to recognize and address the diverse needs of our student body, from physical safety to emotional support. Through this work, I’ve gained a deep respect for the health of our campus community and it’s a respect I’ll carry with me into the VPAE role.

Each of these roles strengthened my understanding of Dalhousie’s policies, systems, and most importantly, its students. Whether it’s budgeting for event programming, collaborating with campus security, or advocating for mental health resources, I’ve already been doing this work in some capacity. I’m ready to channel every skill I’ve gained into representing you making real, sustainable progress as Vice‐President Academic and External.

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

I didn’t come to Dalhousie with everything figured out, in fact I arrived as an international student still learning how to keep my head above water in a new country. My parents may be doctors back home, but even they couldn’t shield me from the harsh realities of skyrocketing rent and the choice between groceries or textbooks. There were countless nights where I wrestled with paying the bills on top of my coursework, feeling utterly alone yet determined to stand on my own two feet.

That determination guided me toward student leadership roles where I could turn my personal struggles into community action. As a Resident Assistant (Team Lead), I was the first point of contact for students living in residence organizing activities, offering support during late-night mental health calls, and addressing crises before they escalated. This front‐line experience showed me just how easily marginalized voices get overlooked behind closed doors and ignited my drive to amplify them. In my role as an Accessibility and Space Planning Assistant, I channeled that same passion by fighting for better wheelchair ramps, more accessible classrooms, and universal design that isn’t just an afterthought. And as a Voluntary Medical Responder with the DMCRT, I’ve rushed to help peers in crisis applying first aid, providing a compassionate presence, and reassuring them they’re not alone. By working so closely with students in their homes, their classrooms, and in moments of urgent need I’ve gained a deep understanding of what our community truly requires.

Every one of these experiences has taught me to fight for the underdog: for the student who can’t afford next month’s rent, for the individual who feels unheard in a crowded lecture hall, for the international newcomer navigating a maze of cultural barriers. Because I’ve been there—I know the sting of feeling like you don’t quite belong and the relief when someone finally understands.

Serving as your Vice‐President Academic and External means weaving this real‐life empathy into bold action. I want to break down barriers, push the university to prioritize mental health and affordability, and hold external stakeholders accountable so our voices aren’t drowned out. This campaign isn’t about me; it’s about every student who’s felt unseen, unheard, or overwhelmed. I’m ready to channel both my scars and my successes into real change that puts our community first.

In short, my greatest qualification is that I know what it’s like to struggle, to persevere, and to transform that adversity into action. And that’s exactly the energy I’ll bring to the VPAE position- unapologetically passionate, relentlessly determined, and always ready to stand up for those who need it most.

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

1. Revamp the Accessibility Experience

I know firsthand how frustrating it can be to navigate confusing systems, I cannot imagine what it's like when you’re already juggling a disability or special learning requirement. That’s why I want to streamline how students register and receive accommodation through the Accessibility Centre. I’ll start by collecting real stories from students, hearing what works (and what doesn’t), and collaborating with administrators to simplify paperwork and improve exam‐writing conditions. My goal is to ensure that every student who needs accommodations can actually focus on learning, rather than on bureaucratic hurdles.

2. Peer‐Driven Mental Health Initiatives

We all know mental health services are overloaded and waitlists keep growing. While we can’t magically expand budgets, we can use our strongest resource—our own student community. I want to draw on the success of groups like the Dalhousie Medical Campus Response Team, who’ve shown how peers supporting peers can make a huge difference. Let’s create student‐led mental health ambassador programs that receive professional training to offer a listening ear, simple coping strategies, and quick referrals when needed. My hope is to bridge the gap until someone can see a professional counselor, ensuring nobody slips through the cracks while they wait.

3. Faculty‐Specific Student Surveys

One‐size‐fits‐all solutions often miss the mark because each faculty has its own unique challenges and stress points. I’d like to gather faculty‐by‐faculty data on what students need most from lab equipment to mental health support so we can take targeted action instead of rolling out generic programs. This data‐driven approach will help us prioritize funding where it really counts and give students a direct say in shaping campus improvements.

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

Equity in Accessibility is an issue I’m deeply passionate about. Too often, students without access to personal laptops or other technology find themselves at a disadvantage, our campus does try and ameliorate this issue, but having restricted times of access also hinders their accessibility. I believe we can make tangible strides toward equity on campus by placing computers in DSU study spaces, creating flexible work environments where everyone, regardless of financial standing, can thrive.

Of course, the question of funding is significant. While we may not have the power to overhaul budgets overnight, student‐led initiatives can help bridge resource gaps. Imagine a campus‐wide fundraising run, charity walk, or even a community raffle led by and for students to generate bursary funds that directly support student needs and other basic necessities. By harnessing our collective energy and creativity, we can address inequities head‐on.

At the heart of my vision is the belief that no one should miss out on academic success because of cost barriers or logistical hurdles. Investing in shared tech resources and providing targeted financial support are concrete, achievable steps that reflect our community’s best values: inclusion, compassion, and the determination to uplift one another.

I’m passionate about meeting students where they’re at—emotionally, financially, and physically and working toward a campus culture that embraces them rather than leaves them behind. As someone who arrived here as an international student, I’ve personally faced the financial and cultural hurdles that many of us navigate daily. That experience opened my eyes to deeper systemic barriers like lengthy waitlists for mental health support or the bureaucratic maze students with disabilities have to endure for academic accommodations.

▼ WHAT INSPIRES YOU, AND WHY?

Whether it’s through my volunteer work with the Dalhousie Medical Campus Response Team, where I’ve learned the power of peer‐to‐peer mental health support, or my time with Facilities Management, identifying and reducing accessibility barriers, I keep coming back to one central idea: no one should feel like they’re on their own. It’s that core belief rooted in my own struggles that fuels my passion for equity. I want to make it easier for students to thrive, because when each of us has the resources to succeed, our entire community becom

▼ LIST A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I love F1

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

I am currently the Students in Residence Representative on the DSU Council - I was appointed at the beginning of this month, and I will be working on advocating for and addressing the needs of students currently in residence. This role will prepare me for the role of VPAE as I get to know the inner workings of the DSU as well as the students and their needs.

In my last year of high school, I served as the Sustainability and Regeneration Prefect, where I oversaw initiatives and events within the school. My role included identifying and evaluating needs, creating awareness about these issues within the student population and the school administration, and leading and promoting projects that address them. As part of the role, I chaired the Sustainability Council, where I focused on supporting projects that the students in the council were passionate about, which ranged from shoe recycling to financing students getting public transport memberships. This position helped me to realize my passion for advocacy and student leadership.

Lastly, as part of my AP Capstone Diploma, I did a research project where I investigated housing in Ontario. While this does differ slightly from student housing, which I would be focusing on next year as VPAE, I am passionate about affordable housing, and have become invested in learning about policies and programs regarding increasing affordable housing in Canada.

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

I am passionate about advocating for student needs, and working with administration to accomplish projects that benefits students. Throughout my years involved in student leadership, I have developed my organizational skills, balancing numerous roles and responsibilities, as well as critical thinking and interpersonal skills that are necessary to get projects done when working with many stakeholders. I understand the difficulty of getting change to happen within longstanding institutions, where many factors are at play, and learning to collaborate with all involved parties, changing goals as needed without compromising on the core values of a project, in order to see meaningful change.

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

1. Increasing financial literacy in students, in order to help with the affordability of university. This involves increasing resources to help students find, understand, and secure loans and scholarships more readily, easing the burden of university expenses.

2. Increase support for students to find accessible housing. I would like to assess the possibility of Dal students joining the DASH Fund, a program by Student Housing Nova Scotia, which is a program that is working to create and help students in Nova Scotia find affordable housing, and provides access to bursaries. Furthermore, I would like to improve on our current available resources for students to find housing - increasing the knowledge of what we have available, having somewhere for students to easily be able to contact for help when finding housing, and having support for students securing and reviewing leases to get a reasonable price (according to Student Housing Nova Scotia, students pay 25% more than the average renter in Canada!).

3. Giving students resources to learn about technology (more specifically, AI resources), and how they can be used in a way that does not violate academic integrity. I think that AI can be a very useful tool in academics, but it is a subject that is heavily intertwined with academic integrity, often making it difficult for students to navigate its appropriate usage.

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

University affordability

Students should be able to focus on their studies and not have to worry about being able to afford it. While it may not be possible to entirely get rid of this problem, there is a lot that we can do to help students. It should be much easier to find all the financial resources available to help pay for all university expenses, including tuition, housing, food, and other needs for school, including textbooks and technology.

▼ WHAT INSPIRES YOU, AND WHY?

I am passionate about helping make the university experience easier and more accessible for students, because I think that university should be enjoyable, and should be a time when students are focusing on learning and exploring, not stressing about their basic livelihoods.

▼ LIST A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I am on the Dal waterpolo team! (I just started this September :) )