Elections

2024-2025

Say hi to your candidates!

Here are our candidates and their platforms for SAFA's General Elections 2024! Take this opportunity to learn more about your prospective student leadership for the next year.

Timeline:

Join us for the Public Forum on March 26th at 6PM where you’ll have the chance to ask questions to the candidates!

Want to learn more?

Please note that late nominations will be accepted for all positions with no candidates, up until the ordering of ballots on March 22nd at noon.

PRESIDENT: JULIANNE LEBLANC

My name is Julianne LeBlanc, and I am a second-year student majoring in French Literature and Education, with a minor in History. I am excited to run for the position of President of the AÉFA for the 2024-2025 term. My commitment as VP of Francophone Affairs last year allowed me to rediscover my passion for leadership. I had the opportunity to organize various events, coordinate meetings for the Francophone Committee, and collaborate with several student governments, where I gained significant experience in customer service, administration, and management.

As President of the SAFA, one of my goals is to strengthen the bilingual character of the association to foster a sense of belonging for all students. Coming from outside Ontario myself, I understand the challenges of moving away from one's hometown. That's why I am committed to promoting an inclusive culture for all students, whether they are first years, Francophones, or international students, to strengthen the family feeling of the Faculty of Arts. Highly aware of the importance of effective communication, I also pledge to improve exchanges between the various bodies of the Faculty of Arts: the presidency and the executive, the executive, and the MAS, as well as the board of directors and the students. The SAFA represents a diversity of programs and students with varied interests. Therefore, I am committed to carefully listening to the opinions of all students to best meet their needs through tailored events and initiatives. As President, I will prioritize honesty, responsibility, equity, and communication throughout my term. From March 28th at 9 am to March 30th at 11:59 pm, vote for Julianne LeBlanc. Feel free to contact me on Instagram! @Julianne.LeBlanc.SAFA

VP UNIVERSITY AFFAIRS: SHREE MATHUR

Hi everyone, my name is Shree Mathur and I’m going into my third year in Philosophy and Political Science. As the sole VP Communications for the SAFA for the last year, I’ve had the privilege of spearheading all our communications initiatives while supervising two wonderful directors. If you’ve ever seen a SAFA post on your feed, or email in your inbox in the past year, it was likely made by me in the hopes that it attracted you to a worthwhile event or opportunity from us! Through sitting on various committees and working alongside the present executive to organize events, I’ve also developed a deep appreciation for the actual operations within the association which I hope to mobilize into real and effective leadership in this new role! As your VP University Affairs, I hope to contribute to the meaningful effort enveloping student government through a twofold focus on academic advocacy, through effective and student-focused liaisons with the Faculty; and recognizing student excellence, through a robust scholarships program and the reinvigoration of the SAFA Publications Committee. If you'd like to see these changes within your student leadership, vote “YES” from March 28th to 30th!

Questions or concerns? Let’s chat!

Instagram: shree.18_66
Email: smath058@uottawa.ca

VP SOCIAL AFFAIRS: KAITLYN DEL-PIVO

Hello everybody! My name is Kaitlyn Del-Pivo, and I am running for VP Social Affairs. I am a first-year student majoring in French Immersion Theatre Studies. I have held the position of VP Socials this past year, being a part of the team since January. So far, I have produced so many fun and exciting events. Unfortunately, because of my low time on the team, I have not been able to put on the bigger events I have been planning. I am hoping to be able to put my plans into action next year! I am optimistic for making many fun events for SAFA students next year, to de-stress, unwind, hangout, make new friends and have fun memories! My goal is to hold a minimum of 2 events per month, that way you can make time in your schedule to take a study break, move around a bit and have some fun. The worst feeling is being crammed into your room between classes studying, so why not take an hour here or there and go to social events? Why not keep up the excitement of the first year 101 week throughout your university career? My hope as VP Social Affairs is to make a welcoming environment where students can take a breather and just simply have some fun, be a young adult and forget about the stress of your studies. Vote for Kaitlyn as VP Social Affairs to make the most of your campus involvement!

VP ANGLOPHONE COMMUNICATIONS: SULAIMAN AHMED

My name is Sulaiman Ahmed and my pronouns are he/him. I am a 2nd year student in Interdisciplinary Studies and I am running for the position of VP Communications Anglophone on the Students’ Association of the Faculty of Arts (SAFA). During 101 Week, I worked as a guide, an experience that sparked my interest in student government. I felt inspired to make a difference in students’ lives, like 101 Week had impacted mine. Since then, I have been working as the Director of Promotions on SAFA. Through designing merchandise, assisting with various events, and creating engaging social media content alongside our current VP Communications, I have gained the necessary experience and knowledge to excel in this position. As VP Communications Anglophone, I will create monthly newsletters, manage SAFA’s website and social media accounts, and promote events and initiatives to the student body. I also propose making a simple guide to clarify common terminology and procedures used on SAFA for executive members and MAs, to reduce misunderstandings. If needed, I will facilitate communication between the president and the executive members to prevent any miscommunications. If you support my vision, please vote yes between March 28th and 30th!

Still looking to get involved?

SAFA NOMINATION FORM (EXEC)

SAFA NOMINATION FORM (REP)

All of these positions require 20 signatures from any student in the Faculty of Arts, minus Communication programs. All of these positions must pass a bilingualism test, or prove their bilingualism in another way. However, if there is only one candidate for a given position, the bilingualism requirement may be waived.

PRESIDENT: KIERA BEHRISCH

Hello, I am Kiera Behrisch, and I am running to be the next President of ADÉLSA, the student association representing uOttawa’s undergraduate students in linguistics. As President, I would attend Board of Directors meetings, department meetings, and SAFA President Roundtables as the representative for ADÉLSA. I would help plan events, make decisions, and all around support the rest of ADÉLSA’s executive team. I’d like to encourage an environment where students can reach out to the execs and we can work together so everyone can get the best out of ADÉLSA in the coming year.

I can be found on instagram @kiera_behr and on discord @kiera_00, and I’m already on some of uOttawa’s linguistics discord servers.

Fun fact: I was an international student on exchange in Berlin last year! If anyone would like to ask me anything, please reach out!

VP FINANCE: JESSE CHUSING

My name is Jesse Chusing and I am running again to be the Vice President of Finance for ADÉLSA, the student association at uOttawa that represents students in linguistics. I run the Instagram account @jessechusing, and any campaigning I do will be on this account. I believe in the power of student-run events for students, and I want to continue to make them happen for linguistics students. As the VP Finance on ADÉLSA, I do and would continue to do my best to manage the finances and ensure the quality of each event run by the student association.

SECRETARY: OLIVIA KURDELL

Hello! I’m Olivia Kurdell and I am running for ADÉLSA’s secretary position for the fall semester 2024. I am a currently a third-year majoring in linguistics and minoring in creative writing. I think I am the best candidate for the secretary position because I am very organized and punctual so I can be trusted to complete my tasks as well as attend all ADÉLSA meetings. As secretary, I will participate and listen attentively to what my peers and I discuss during the ADÉLSA meetings and take notes. I will then ensure that the notes are revised and properly formatted to be emailed to my peers. I hope to be apart of ADÉLSA’s student body next semester, I look forward to working as a team in a positive, inclusive, and respectful manner.

VP SOCIAL AFFAIRS: ÉMÉLIE-ANDREE RENAUD

Hello, my name is Emelie Renaud and I am running for the position of VP Social for ADELSA! I am currently in my third year of studies as a Linguistics student. In this position, I am hoping to plan some fun and inclusive events so that students can get involved and meet those who are in the same program. Putting yourself out there to meet new people can be extremely intimidating, which is something I would like to change. I believe it is very important to build a good social circle during university to maintain balance and a healthy mindset. Through hosting these kinds of events, I am hoping to make this easier. I will always be open to suggestions, so feel free to reach out to me whether it be in French or English! Also feel free to follow and reach out to me on my instagram: emelie_andree. I will make a few posts on the platform to start my campaigning so I encourage you all to take a peek!

VP ANGLOPHONE COMMUNICATION: ANASTACIA HEALEY

Hello, I am Anastacia Healey and I am running for VP Communications Anglophone for ADÉLSA.. I am finishing up my second year in linguistics. If I am elected I will spread the word on all the events the association is putting on. I will keep ADÉLSA’s social media’s up, running, and active. I will work with the VP Franco Comms so all publicity is coordinated. I will work with the other members and communicate with SAFA to keep everything running. I hope next year we can have more involvement and more events. I would love to help the association be more connected with what the whole student body wants next year. I will be open to suggestions from anyone and hope to be attentive to the needs of the association.

VP FRANCOPHONE COMMUNICATION: ROSALIE PICARD

Hello, my name is Rosalie Picard, and I am a third-year student in biomedical sciences with a minor in linguistics. I am running again for the position of VP Francophone communications at ADÉLSA because, after a year in the position, I really noticed the importance of French in decision-making. Plus, running once more would help the transition for new members. My main interests are language learning, reading, cinema and travel. If you have any questions or comments, you can message me on Instagram (sophie.lucie_), by email (rpica089@uottawa.ca), or on Discord (sophie.lucie_ #8484). Looking forward to representing you!

VP EQUITY: MADELINE KING

Hello! My name is Madeline King and I am a second-year student with a Double Major in Psychology and Linguistics. In the upcoming SAFA election, I am running for the VP Equity Position for ADELSA. As the equity member, I would monitor all of ADELSA’s social media platforms and other groups to assure inclusivity and positivity, as well as to work closely with other members in the discussion and planning of all committee business. I would also complete specialized equity training and attend meetings to guarantee that the ADELSA environment remains one that is safe for all. I will prioritize inclusivity, accessibility, kindness and make sure that ADELSA remains a hate and harassment free student body. I would be very proud to represent linguistics students at the University of Ottawa as VP equity during the 2024-2025 academic year.

Still looking to get involved?

ADÉLSA NOMINATION FORM

All vacant positions require 10 signatures from any student in Linguistics.

PRESIDENT: NATALIE WONG

Natalie is a first year BMus student originally from Edmonton, Alberta, and is currently studying cello at the UOttawa School of Music. Ever since a young age, she has enjoyed music, beginning playing the cello at the age of 3. Last year, she placed 2nd in the Alberta Provincial Music Festival, and performed at the Canada West Music Festival. Most recently, she was named a finalist in the UOttawa Concerto Competition, and placed 2nd in the BIPOC Solo Composers competition. Outside of music, Natalie has an avid passion for leadership. She is the current VP finance and first year representative in ADÉMSA. In addition, she has a passion in environmental advocacy and plays an active role in UOttawa’s Sustainability Council and Green Reps volunteer program. She has initiated 4 various sustainability projects within the music school, including providing free sustainably sourced menstrual products to our washrooms. Aside from music and leadership, she trains competitively as a black belt in karate, and is currently training for a half marathon. She enjoys skiing, climbing, and backpacking in her free time.

VP SOCIAL: CLARA-MARIA THAUT

My name is Clara-Maria Thaut, and I am currently finishing my second year in Voice and Biochemistry. As a music student myself, I understand the hard work and commitment that goes into our degree. As the VP Social of ADEMSA, I would be committed to running events within the music school that not only provide performance opportunities for students, but also help support the health and mental wellbeing of training musicians. Additionally, I would bring in funds to run initiatives within the music school that directly benefited students, such as free breakfast events, upgrading practice spaces, and establishing connections within the community with healthcare professionals specialized in helping performers. Although I have not been a formal member of ADEMSA in the past, I have been a part of a variety of teams and have held many leadership positions that have given me valuable skills for a role such as VP Social. I have been responsible for planning and running events that increased student engagement and have participated both as a performer and behind the scenes for various concerts. I would be very excited to join the ADEMSA team!

VP FINANCE: YANN MCHAFFIE

Hello! My name is Yann McHaffie, and I am finishing my fourth year of the double degree in piano performance and chemistry. I am running for VP Finance because I believe I have all the necessary skills for the job. As a science student, I have taken multiple math classes which will serve me for any financial analysis required. Furthermore, my mental math and estimation skills are unmatched, which will serve us greatly when it is time to do a cost analysis when planning events. I also have experience using Excel to calculate formulas. I hope to serve the student body well and make sure that everything goes smoothly behind the scenes!

VP EQUITY: MORGAN MCCARTHY

Hello all! I am Morgan McCarthy (They/Them) and I am running for VP of Equity on ADEMSA. I'm a 2nd year Bachelor of Music student here at UOttawa and this is my first time running for student government. I decided on VP of Equity because I feel that there is always a need to advocate for accessibility and safe/respectful conduct when it comes to student-led events and spaces. As a person who identifies as Non-Binary, I have faced my fair share of adversity when it comes to advocating for my identity and those alike. My goal is to be a strong voice on inclusivity and awareness for the needs of not just the council members but the student body as well, whether that pertains to race, sexuality, gender, or physical/mental disabilities. With my effort, I aim to continue supporting the ADEMSA student government to be the safe and welcoming space I have come to know it as. I vow to always be empathetic, considerate, and respectful with all of my duties and look forward to being a friendly face that students will come to know and feel comfortable expressing their concerns with. Thank you for your time!

Email: mmcca152@uottawa.ca
Instagram: @morganmccarth.y

Still looking to get involved?

ADEMSA NOMINATION FORM

All vacant positions require 10 signatures from any student in Music.

All of these positions require 5 signatures from any student in Greek and Roman Studies or Religious Studies:

President
VP Academic Classics
- Signatures must be from Greek and Roman Studies students only
VP Academic Religious Studies
- Signatures must be from Religious Studies students only
VP Finance
VP Internal Affairs
VP Social Affairs
VP Communications
VP Equity
VP Francophone Affairs

AECRSA NOMINATION FORM

PRÉSIDENCE: LUCIE LABY

Je m’appelle Lucie et je suis élève en deuxième année en Lettres françaises et en éducation. Je souhaite occuper le poste de Présidente. Je pense être une bonne candidate pour ce poste grâce à mon expérience passée. J’ai été ces deux dernières années scolaires VP aux finances à l’AEDF. Je participe également à deux clubs de lectures organisés par le département de français et fait également parti du comité de la francophonie. Je suis donc très engagée dans les clubs de l’université mais surtout auprès de la communauté francophone.

Un autre avantage que j’ai eu grâce à ces expériences, est que j’ai appris à travailler en groupe. Et ainsi à me réunir chaque semaine avec les membres de mon association pour rester au courant des progressions de celle-ci. À chaque fin de réunion, nous avions des tâches qui nous avaient été assignées et que nous devions exécuter avant la prochaine réunion ou pour une date précise. Cela m’a donc également appris à gérer mon temps. Mon expérience passée à l’AEDF a fait que c’est une association qui me tient à cœur et donc dans laquelle j’ai envie de continuer d’être. C’est donc pour ces raisons que je pense pouvoir être une candidate adéquate pour le poste de présidente.

Vous cherchez encore à vous impliquer ?

FORMULAIRE DE NOMINATION DE L'AEDF

Tous les postes vacants requièrent 5 signatures d'étudiants en littérature française.

VP SOCIAL AFFAIRS: EWAN SOMME WILSON

Hi, my Name is Ewan Wilson, I'm a 3rd year History student, and I came to the University of Ottawa as a transfer student.

I plan to make sure that there are wide varieties of events planned for history students and their friends alike, I believe that student engagement within the faculty is extremely important in not only making sure that their university experiences are amazing, but also in building friendships that last far beyond our time in university. I have participated in various events held both at the university of Ottawa, and the University of Windsor, and feel that I can bring more events to bring students together.

Still looking to get involved?

AÉHSA NOMINATION FORM

All of these positions require 10 signatures from any student in History.

PRESIDENT: ELLA DUNCLIFFE

Hello! My name is Ella Duncliffe, my pronouns are (she/her), I’m in my second year of second language teaching (FLS) and I’m running for President of the ELS/SLT Student association for 2024-2025. I have been involved with the student association since I started the program, serving as first year rep 2022-2023, and secretary this year. I’m very passionate about our program and I’m looking forward to next year! If ever you have any questions, feel free to send me a message! You can find me on Instagram @ella223, or by email at edunc076@uottawa.ca

SECRETARY: IOANNA KARLIS

Hello everyone! My name is Ioanna Karlis and I will be running for Secretary. I am currently in my 3rd year in the Second-Language Teaching program in the French Immersion stream. My goal for the next school year as Secretary is to provide our team with accurate minutes of our weekly meetings. I look forward to working with everyone during the 2024-2025 school year!

Still looking to get involved?

ELS/SLT NOMINATION FORM

All vacant positions require 5 signatures from any student in

Second Language Teaching.

PRESIDENT: RYLEIGH RIOUX

Hello, my name is Ryleigh Rioux, and I am running for the GAIA President’s position. I am a third- year student majoring in Physical Geography and Geomatics with a minor in Environmental Studies. I am currently an active member of the Geography, Geomatics, and Environmental Studies Member Association (GAIA), where I fulfill the role of VP of Finance. As GAIA President, I would seek to create a welcoming environment in the department where all student voices are heard and advocated for at a departmental level. Additionally, to build a sense of departmental community, I will continue to plan fun events such as games nights, rock climbing events, and pool nights, which give students the opportunity to mingle and meet new people in the department. Furthermore, the combination of my major and minor allows me to understand a wide facet of pathways within geography, geomatics, and environmental studies, allowing me to connect with students more easily across all programs of our department. Overall, I am passionate about making the Geography, Geomatics, and Environmental Studies department a fun and safe place for all students where lifelong memories can be made.

VP INTERNAL AFFAIRS: SOPHIA ARELLANO

Hi! My name is Sophia Arellano (she/her). I’m a second year in Environmental Studies and I’m running for VP Internal of GAIA! If I’m elected, this will be my second year on the council. With my position I want to continue uplifting the work of GAIA by supporting my fellow council members.

Starting on March 28th, vote YES for me to be your VP of Internal Affairs!

Still looking to get involved?

GAIA NOMINATION FORM

All vacant positions require 10 signatures from any student in

Geography and Environmental Studies.

PRESIDENT: SAMAIRA AHMED

Hello! My name is Samaira Ahmed and I’m a third-year English major with a Creative Writing Minor. Although I’ve enjoyed being your VP of University Affairs for a year now, I’ll be running for President. You’ve probably seen my name plastered all over your email reminders or seen me in your classes promoting opportunities. I also had the honour of setting up a scholarship to give the writers in our program a chance to use their skills. I’ve spent this year working with our VP Socials to get a chance to develop a presence and relationship with our student body. I aimed to help students create a meaningful study experience here at uOttawa but became just as concerned about the recreational activities you should be offered in your undergrad. Next year, as President, I’ll ensure that students are getting the most out of UESA from our events to our scholarships. I want you to be a part of a thriving student association with reps you feel have your best interest at heart. If you’ve enjoyed what UESA has been able to provide this year, then I don’t doubt that as your President I can help make next year even better.

VP UNIVERSITY AFFAIRS: BIANCA LAVIGNE

Hi, I’m Bianca! I am currently in my first year of an English BA with a Minor in Creative Writing and I’m running for Vice President of University Affairs of the UESA. In this position, I would hold academic-related events, maintain relations between the UESA and the English Department, and hopefully institute new projects in the next academic year. This year, I was a First Year Representative for the UESA, which means I held an event for English first-years. I have attended every UESA event this semester and would be honoured to run more events myself!

Follow my Instagram, @thebiancalavigne, for updates on my campaign and UESA event promotions!

VP FINANCE: GRACE MCALLISTER

My name is Grace McAllister, and I am running to be UESA's VP of finance. This past year, I acted as one of two first-year representatives for UESA, and decided from there the financial element of student government workings is something I am fascinated by. I am excited to bring all I can to this role and hope you will vote for my continuance here at UESA.

VP SOCIAL: FARAH ABDULREZAK

Hello everyone! My name is Farah Abdulrezak. I’m a first-year English major. For the 2024-2025 school year, I’m running to be the Vice President of Social Affairs for the Undergraduate English Students Association (UESA). I look forward to bringing all of my event ideas to life!

Instagram: afrahh_abdu

VP LITERACY: YOUSSEF WASEF

Hi! My name is Youssef Wasef. I’m a second year student of English at uOttawa, minoring in Creative Writing. In my free time I enjoy writing poetry and occasional prose fiction, exploring themes relating to love, sexuality, and mundane life through a gothic realist lens. My main writing influences are. Margaret Atwood, Alice Munro, and Toni Morrison. As a published and award-winning poet, I intend to contribute to building a network of readers and writers who flourish in the power of language and storytelling. While being on UESA, I am also the Senior Editor of Common House, uOttawa’s digital literary magazine. On Common House, I am exposed to a number of submissions varying not only in length, but in writing style, content, and voice. Therefore, I am well-equipped to read and write incoming submissions, and to lead writing contests, which is a responsibility of the VP Literary on UESA. Moreover, I have experience volunteering as a news journalist for CHUO 89.1FM, uOttawa’s campus-based Ottawa-Gatineau radio station. There, I researched, wrote, edited, and recorded news segments to be released on scheduled broadcasting schedules. This allowed me to work alongside other members and strengthen my ability to collaborate with other writers. In this position, I strengthened my own writing and developed an eye for literary and grammatical detail. When I’m not reading or writing, I enjoy going on outdoor runs, and taking in the blend of the city atmosphere and the natural landscape that Ottawa offers.

VP PHILANTHROPY: CIARA ROBISON

Hi! My name is Ciara Robison and I am thrilled to be a candidate for VP of Philanthropic Affairs (VPPA) with the UESA. I am currently in my 2nd year of the English program here at UOttawa hailing from Kimberley British Columbia. As VPPA, I aim to leverage the learned skills we students have gained to enact change in the UESA, our campus, and beyond. I plan to use collaborative partnerships to focus on systemic issues and assist in organizing events that foster meaningful engagement in philanthropic affairs. Events that I intend to advocate for would include storytelling events focusing on social issues on campus, locally, and globally as well as creating discussion between our faculty and the student body to expand the impact of the student voice and empower student voices to create change. I am committed to upholding transparency and accountability in philanthropic efforts with a focus on ethical and responsible use of resources and wish to include student voices in each of my efforts to best reflect the views of the student body and further ensure transparency. I look forward to the prospect of representing the UESA in Philanthropic Affairs, thank you.

VP EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: SOFIA GONZALEZ CAPPUCCINO

Hello everyone! My name is Sofia Gonzalez Cappuccino, I am running for VP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the UESA. I have been VP of social for the UESA for the past year. I'm excited to step into this role of VP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. I have loved my position as VP of Social and cannot wait to bring my passion and ideas to this new position. I believe that I can bring a perspective on the events we hold that allows us to be as inclusive as possible. I aim to be a representative for all English students, and to make everyone feel welcome and heard by our association.

Email: sgonz100@uottawa.ca
Instagram: sof_g_c

DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION: SIERRA BISSELL

Hello everyone, my name is Sierra Bissell, and I'm running for the Director of Administration for UPSA. I'm currently in my second year, studying both Philosophy and Political Science.

This previous year, I worked on UPSA as the director of equity, and I have also worked under the club uOMUNA as VP Engagement. I have also joined many other organizations, such as an activism committee. I hope that, as DA, I can bring all the experiences I have learned from these previous positions to this new one! I love learning and growing, and I want to ensure that other philosophy students are able to have an excellent time here at uottawa doing the same thing. I want to ensure that Philosophy students have a community, a place to go to, and someone who will fight for and consider their best interests. I want to increase your academic opportunities, the events you can attend, and other networking and growth lead experiences. University is a place to explore and understand, and I want to ensure that all Philosophy students alike have an avenue and community to best support them in that initiative.

I hope that you all agree, and decide to support me this upcoming election.

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE: MEGHAN LYNN WALSH

Year/Program of Study: Third Year, Philosophy
Instagram: @_meghanwalsh_
Email: mwals059@uottawa.cA

Hello everyone! I am campaigning for the Director of Finance within the UPSA, as I wish to be more involved in the University of Ottawa’s student administrative practices, and to learn how it is operated. I will be of great positive impact through the scope of what my position will allow and encourage teamwork with my fellow association members (as well as many students who are not yet apart of the student association) to change areas in need of improvement for the undergraduate students. I was very uninvolved during my starting years at uOttawa, so I hope to help encourage participation within the department of Philosophy, and undergraduate studies.

UPSA NOMINATION FORM

All vacant positions require 10 signatures from any student in Philosophy.

All of these positions require 10 signatures from any student in Visual Arts:

President
VP University Affairs
VP Communications
VP Finance
VP Social Affairs
VP Internal Affairs
VP Francophone Affairs
VP Equity
Dir. of Social Affairs
Dir. of Anglophone Communications
Dir. of Francophone Communications
Dir. of Philanthropy
Dir. of Equity
Secretary and Chairperson
Hermes Commissioner

VASA NOMINATION FORM