Candidate Profiles

Omar Gaballa

Candidate Profile picture for Omar Gaballa

Program & Year of Study

2nd, Honours Physics

Top three platform points

Pressuring admin and WUSA to see through divestment and ESG policy in alignment with BDS and eco-justice

Students have made their voices heard, in 2021 on fossil fuels, and again voting overwhelmingly in favour of divesting from Israel. The university has dragged its feet for way too long. Horizon has fought alongside students and succeeded in ending the partnership with Technion – Israel University of Technology, it’s time the university follows through on student demands.

Continuing to fight back against police surveillance of students on and off campus

The WRPS has labelled students “high risk”, and are planning to place surveillance cameras by student housing and near campus. These cameras will use public resources to create an environment of fear and use AI to scrape footage. As students we need to stand up for our interests and fight against wasteful funding designed to intimidate and unnecessarily collect our personal data.

Bring in Rent-Tracking to keep predatory landlords accountable

Students are constantly being taken advantage of by landlords, who as soon as their student tenants move out, hike the rents way up. By implementing rent tracking software, students will be able keep an eye on these predatory landlords, and better negotiate using previous rental costs. Students need to work together to keep our rents down.

Reason why someone should vote for you in 100 words or less

During my time at UW I’ve had the opportunity to meet/work with many passionate student and community advocates, people who deeply care and strive for change. Long paragraph short, they inspire me to put my best foot forward and do the same. Something I feel confident I can do on board. Those hard working advocates include people I met from participating in last term’s OUSA General Assembly, WUSA APC, Red Raccoon Bike Rescue, VFP, and the City of Kitchener. From these experiences I have grown and built up my ability to tackle student issues from diverse perspectives.

Links to any website, social media accounts and/or email address

Personal profile https://horizonwaterloo.ca/omar/
Email me @ ogaballa@uwaterloo.ca
Team Horizon https://www.instagram.com/vote4horizon/

Arya Razmjoo

Candidate Profile picture for Arya Razmjoo

Program & Year of Study

4A, Legal studies & communication

Top three platform points

Things I want to complete this year

- Expansion of The Bomber (Functional charging ports, more space, opening the pub, etc.)
- Expanding WUSA Events (More free food, more exciting trips, etc...)
- Push for more affordable food on campus (Keep cheap food with the “pay what you can program”)

Reason why someone should vote for you in 100 words or less

I have had the privilege of serving as the VP of WUSA 2024-2025 and a Director of the Board 2025-2026, and even though there is a lot left to do, I believe we have improved many things compared to my first year. I am running to pass on my knowledge to the next board and be someone with experience who can help guide the next WUSA Board in the right direction.

What I helped WUSA achieve throughout the years:
- Created the Ombuds Office
- Launching Change Engine, gave thousands of dollars to students, and promoted grassroots advocacy
- Hosting the first large-scale concert at Waterloo since 2006
- New WUSA Business: Chaska and Smarty Pants
- Finalizing WUSA’s 2025–2030 Long-Range Plan
- Started doing Federal Advocacy (Through CASA)

Links to any website, social media accounts and/or email address

Team Horizon: https://waterloohorizon.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vote4horizon/
More about Me: https://waterloohorizon.ca/arya/

To see all my work, look here: https://wusa.ca/document/impact-report-2025/

Mujtaba Haider

Candidate Profile picture for Mujtaba Haider

Program & Year of Study

4th year, Health Sciences

Top three platform points

1. Campus food is not it right now. It’s overpriced, inconsistent, and too often not worth what you pay. I’m pushing for food that actually tastes good and fits a student budget, with real everyday meal options and pricing that makes sense.

2. Campus life shouldn’t feel like “go to class and go home.” WUSA services need to feel alive and student-first. I want the SLC to be a place you actually choose to stay, and the Bomber to be a real lounge with a steady flow of chill, low-cost programming and a vibe that works for everyone.

3. Fees keep creeping up and students keep getting vague explanations. That’s not okay. I’ll push for clear, public accountability on decisions and budgets, and I’ll fight fee hikes like co-op fees and other increases that hit students without real justification.

Reason why someone should vote for you in 100 words or less

Vote for me if you want direct, practical change on the stuff that affects your day to day. I’m focused on three things: making campus food taste better and cost less, building a better campus vibe by making WUSA services and SLC spaces like the Bomber actually feel student-first, and pushing back on fee hikes by demanding real transparency from the university. No fluff, no vague promises, just clear priorities and follow-through.

Links to any website, social media accounts and/or email address

Read more about me on the horizon webpage: https://waterloohorizon.ca/muj/
Check out my LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mujtaba-haider-4b4304216/
Follow the Horizon Instagram: @vote4horizon

Want to have a chat?
Email me at: m24haide@uwaterloo.ca
Or send me a message on Instagram @heyitsmuj_

Arin Dayal

Candidate Profile picture for Arin Dayal

Program & Year of Study

4th, ARBUS Major Economics, Minor Computing

Top three platform points

1. Predictable International Tuition: Lock in your Year 1 tuition rate until graduation. I will advocate for a "Cohort-Based Model" to end unpredictable fee hikes and ensure one price for your entire degree.

2. Fiscal Resilience (Bill 33) Preparation, not panic. I will "run the numbers" on budget reduction scenarios to identify and safeguard essential services -like the Food Bank and legal aid- before provincial cuts hit.

3. Housing Transparency & Safety: Stop renting blind. I will advocate for proactive resources and a "Landlord History Registry" using WUSA legal data to help students avoid shady landlords with a history of exploitation.

Reason why someone should vote for you in 100 words or less

WUSA needs more than just a political passion -it needs technical problem solvers. As an international student with a background in data analysis from my co-ops, I look past the slogans to find structural solutions. I’m running to “ run the numbers” on our budget resilience, lobby for a “Cohort-Based” tuition guarantee, and build data-driven tools to expose shady landlords. I don’t claim to know everything, but I know how to make systems work efficiently. If you want a Director who focuses on facts, math, and specific results, then vote for me.

Links to any website, social media accounts and/or email address

Instagram: @arindayall and @arin4director. Email: a5dayal@uwaterloo.ca

Remington Aginskaya-Zhi

Candidate Profile picture for Remington Aginskaya-Zhi

Program & Year of Study

4th, Pure Math & Mathematical Physics

Top three platform points

**Rent tracker to name and shame unreasonable spikes**
Develop rent tracking for student housing, helping students make informed housing decisions and build evidence-based advocacy for housing affordability. We will hold predatory landlords to account for their exploitation of students.

**Tenants insurance to protect student property and wallets**
Provide low-cost and student-governed tenants insurance to prioritize affordability, transparency, and Waterloo students’ specific needs.

**Renegotiate UPass and expand transit coverage**
Ensure the transit pass continues to be affordable for students, and make sure the Region of Waterloo fulfills its promise of expanding frequency and coverage, including overnight bus service.

Reason why someone should vote for you in 100 words or less

From clubs and MathSoc Council and Board to WUSA Vice-President, I know the university’s bureaucracy inside and out, and how to navigate it on behalf of students.

As WUSA VP, I travelled to Ottawa to advocate for funding for student housing as part of Build Canada Homes, and I serve as a Board Director of the biggest student housing co-operative in North America. While students are excluded from rent freezes due to frequent moving, I will push WUSA to track rent increases in student housing, and provide low-cost tenants insurance to protect students’ homes and belongings.

Links to any website, social media accounts and/or email address

Check out the full Team Horizon platform at waterloohorizon.ca, including my bio at https://waterloohorizon.ca/remington/.

Reach out to me by email at y2zhi@uwaterloo.ca

Becky Chen (She/Her)

Candidate Profile picture for Becky Chen (She/Her)

Program & Year of Study

1B, ARBUS

Top three platform points

- 24H study spaces = have the SLC study lounges open 24 hours + open more lecture halls to be places of studying.

- CLEAR snow pathways = Work with the Kitchener/Waterloo region to clear the snow pathways and salt/sand them ASAP.

- 24H study spaces = have the SLC study lounges open 24 hours + open more lecture halls to be places of studying

Reason why someone should vote for you in 100 words or less

I find that I have a lot of free time on my hands, and rather than use that to goof around and bedrot, I wanna use it to do some good and try to make student life easier!

I am someone who can bring energy to WUSA!

Links to any website, social media accounts and/or email address

Instagram: @Becky4WUSA
Email: B363Chen@uwaterloo.ca

Jacob Lewis

Candidate Profile picture for Jacob Lewis

Program & Year of Study

3B, Mechatronics Engineering

Top three platform points

Fight for funding:

Everything from unaffordable food to high tuition to poor snow trail maintenance stems from a lack in provincial funding for universities. I will be a strong advocate against funding cuts.

Advocate for co-op students:

Co-op is such a big part of Waterloo's identity, yet the school continuously fails its co-op students. Whether it is the glitchy WaterlooWorks platform or stringent rules that restrict student's ability to renege, I will be sure to fight for a better and fairer co-op experience.

Transparency and accountability:

WUSA is one of the most well funded student unions in Ontario, yet many Waterloo students can't say where that money is going. Furthermore, WUSA directors receive $1,400 monthly for 10 hours of work per week, however, it is unclear if all directors are putting in their required hours. I will fight for greater transparency, for WUSA to do a better job at helping students understand how their money is being spent, and for greater accountability of the WUSA Board of directors.

Reason why someone should vote for you in 100 words or less

When I was class rep of my engineering cohort, I successfully lobbied for the removal of Work Term Report from the Mechatronics Engineering curriculum which was a three-time, twenty page report all students were expected to submit. I also serve as Board President of the largest student co-operative residence in North America.

I am not just campaigning on the "right ideas", I am campaigning on a strong record of success and experience advocating for the needs of students in large, complex organizations, as I hope to do with WUSA.

Links to any website, social media accounts and/or email address

instagram.com/jacob4wusa/
linkedin.com/in/jacob-lewis-563791284/

Iman Khan

Candidate Profile picture for Iman Khan

Program & Year of Study

4A, Political Science

Top three platform points

Fighting to end punitive renege policies, students shouldn’t be punished when life gets in the way

The job market is horrible, and students should not be punished when life gets in the way. If you’re forced off a co-op term because you had to renege on a job offer, you should be allowed to return to a study term, instead of being forced to delay your graduation.

University divestment from Israel

Horizon fought hard, succeeding in getting the university to cut its ties with Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. It’s time to finish the job, and get the university to echo the support students have shown for Palestine and human rights, divesting its investments from sources who are complicit in human rights abuses.

Better degree-planning support

Students shouldn’t have to depend on a UW Flow that is falling apart. I will bring my deep experience in advocacy to fighting to get the university to commit to delivering real degree-planning software to students. Students shouldn’t be stuck using scrappy spreadsheets and notepads to try and survive course planning.

Reason why someone should vote for you in 100 words or less

As a current Director, I bring a strong record of student advocacy. This year, I fought for fairer outcomes for students navigating appeals and co-op related concerns through the Policy 70 Committee. As Vice-Chair of the Ownership Consultation Committee, I made sure student feedback about clubs, student services, and food on campus are heard. I have consistently advocated for justice, transparency, and ethical accountability, including supporting divestment efforts. I am committed to making co-op policies fairer, strengthening academic support systems, and all students on campus are heard and represented in every decision.

Links to any website, social media accounts and/or email address

https://waterloohorizon.ca/

Mark Jejeran (He/Him)

Candidate Profile picture for Mark Jejeran (He/Him)

Program & Year of Study

2B, Geography & Aviation

Top three platform points

1. Enhancing campus events like Homecoming and Orientation Week, while fixing on campus venues like Fed Hall and The Bomber.
2. Improving WUSA communication through student content creators and a student built AI assistant.
3. Creating an airport shuttle for aviation students while working with municipal partners to improve public transit access.

Reason why someone should vote for you in 100 words or less

Voting for me means delivering real change through action, not just ideas. I have developed clear plans and begun working with the right people to make them happen. My platform is built on student input and survey research to understand what affects students most. Where I can act, I will focus on results. Where change is beyond my control, I will advocate for issues, like healthier food options and lowering cost of living. If you are in aviation, I am the only candidate determined to provide real transportation options for you. I care about making university both memorable and enjoyable.

Links to any website, social media accounts and/or email address

Email: mjejeran@uwaterloo.ca
Instagram: mark071806@icloud.com

Mathi Parthasarathy (He/Him)

Candidate Profile picture for Mathi Parthasarathy (He/Him)

Program & Year of Study

1B, Honours Biology

Top three platform points

Transparency and clear communication: Ensuring students have accessible, timely information about decisions, priorities, and outcomes.
Collaborative leadership that centres students: Working with students and stakeholders to represent student interests thoughtfully and responsibly.
Turning student feedback into action: Actively using student input to inform decisions and drive meaningful improvements.

Reason why someone should vote for you in 100 words or less

I’m running because student leadership should reflect the everyday student experience. I’m an average student navigating classes, deadlines, work, and campus life, which gives me a grounded perspective on what actually matters. I care about building a WUSA culture that feels accessible, warned, and connected to the students it represents. I bring a collaborative approach, a willingness to listen, and a focus on clear communication so students understand how decisions are made and how their voices are reflected. My goal is practical representation that strengthens student culture and trust.

Links to any website, social media accounts and/or email address

www.linkedin.com/in/mathisoody-parthasarathy
IG: mathip_21

Veertej Sehdave

Candidate Profile picture for Veertej Sehdave

Program & Year of Study

3A, Statistics

Top three platform points

1) Fee transparency and accountability that actually makes sense to students. Recent concerns about Bill 33 reveal a broader issue: students are not provided clear, accessible justification for the hefty fees we pay every term. I will push for stronger accountability around fee increases, clear breakdowns of where tuition and ancillary fees go, and communication that is targeted and genuinely useful.

2) Democratizing fees and protecting students from unjustified increases. Students should have real input into the fees they are required to pay. I will also work to keep WUSA and Co-op fees stable and oppose sudden hikes that hit students, especially international and out-of-province students, without meaningful justification.

3) Clear, student-facing communication instead of performative messaging. WUSA communication often prioritizes broadcasting messages over ensuring students actually understand decisions being made on their behalf. I will push for simpler, student-facing explanations of policies, fees, and governance decisions that focus on what impacts students directly.

Reason why someone should vote for you in 100 words or less

As the current MathSoc President and ex-ICSN Coordinator, I have been actively involved in student life since first year and understand how WUSA decisions directly affect students. While I am not driven by politics, I am driven by results. I believe student governance should be transparent, fair, and accountable, especially when it comes to fees and policies that impact our finances and academic paths. I am running to push for clear fee justification, real student input in decision-making, and fairer policies that do not punish students when life gets in the way. Students deserve clarity, accountability, and representation that works for them.

Links to any website, social media accounts and/or email address

You can reach out to me on my email vssehdav@uwaterloo.ca
Or send me a message on Instagram at @_notveer

And, check out my LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veertej-sehdave-073309278/

Katherine Wang

Candidate Profile picture for Katherine Wang

Program & Year of Study

2B, Environment and Business

Top three platform points

1. Advocating for more quiet study and social spaces on campus for students.

Looking to expand the bomber space for students. Students need to have a third space away from classes to enjoy University. I will push for a two-story expansion, for clubs, societies, and students alike to enjoy. As well as pushing for study rooms to be open to use by students for longer hours, especially during midterms and exams.

2. Building a degree tracking tool to help students with course selection.

The guarantee of more efficient and straightforward tracking of prerequisites and courses required for on-time graduation for students. Helping to build an accessible and easy to use platform for students to plan their degree.

3. Revitalization of spaces around campus.

Complete revamp of SLC Great Hall, incorporate new furniture as well as adding more engaging activities around the area (Arcade, Ping Pong Tables). Ensure that there are more spaces for clubs for their events, operations, and storage.

Reason why someone should vote for you in 100 words or less

I have experience working on the Environment Students Society and am currently serving as Co-President, through my work within my Faculty and the University as a whole, I have heard your growing concerns about a multitude of issues. Outside of my advocacy and environmental affairs, I work as a skating coach and I love to help children and adults of all ages with their skating journeys. I'm an active volunteer around the region, particularly taking time to volunteer at rinks and early education centres.

One thing about me is that I have always been big at taking risks and I am passionate about being able to advocate for the well being and best interest of students. If you're looking for someone with experience who isn’t just making empty promises, I guarantee that I can bring the change that you want to see.

Links to any website, social media accounts and/or email address

More about me: https://waterloohorizon.ca/katherine/
My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-wang-319215256/
Follow the Horizon Instagram: @vote4horizon

I want to hear all about your questions and concerns
Email: katherine.wang@uwaterloo.ca

Muhammad Kanji

Candidate Profile picture for Muhammad  Kanji

Program & Year of Study

3A, Engineering

Top three platform points

1) Cheaper Food: Campus food is a monopoly that’s draining your wallet. I’m backing WUSA-run spots like Flock Stop and The Bomber to force prices down and to expand the ‘Pay What You Can’ program.

2) Transparency & Accountability: You pay for WUSA, so you deserve results. I will fight to hold Directors accountable, with them working 20–40 hours a month to earn their $1,400 honorarium. No more getting paid for just showing up.

3) Student Services: Building on my review of the Health Plan, I will review all WUSA services from food to transit to ensure they deliver maximum value. My goal is to improve your coverage while blocking every unnecessary fee increase.

Reason why someone should vote for you in 100 words or less

You pay hundreds in fees to a WUSA that often feels invisible. As an Independent Director who has logged 400+ hours this term, I’m running for re-election to ensure your fees are used for you.

I chaired the restructuring that created the Vice-President of Student Experiences. I fought to keep the co-op fee hike at 2.4% (Proposed 10% 2024) and to optimise our Health Plan to block unnecessary fee increases. I’m your watchdog: I’ll fight for a 20–40 hour work requirement so Directors actually earn their $1,400 monthly pay. Vote for Muhammad Kanji.

Links to any website, social media accounts and/or email address

Reddit: u/Muhammad_Kanji
Discord: mak03420
Email: makanji@uwaterloo.ca
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muhammad-kanji/

Experience:
WUSA Board of Directors
WUSA Governance Committee Chair
EngSoc Board of Directors
EngSoc Chief Returning Officer
EngSoc Governing Documents Review Committee

Patrik Buhring

Candidate Profile picture for Patrik Buhring

Program & Year of Study

4A, Pure Mathematics and Computer Science

Top three platform points

As part of Team Horizon, I will:

- Fight against program cuts and reductions for long-term security

The university is facing a financial crisis thanks to the province cutting 10% of its grant funding. We need to make sure that while we seek savings with the university, that does not come at the expense of students. Students deserve the education they signed up for.

- Build an expanded, lively bomber with regular events

Campus culture is critical, University is not just about academics. We need active third spaces for students, not more study spaces. I am pushing for regular events at the bomber, such as trivia nights, clubs, and anything but school.

- Implement clear, useful, and up-to-date degree planning tools

We go to a school which prides itself on its innovation and technological capabilities, yet somehow we’re behind Laurier, Guelph, and almost every other university in Ontario has degree tracking. It’s time UWaterloo looked out for its students and support their students in providing degree tracking.

To see more about our platform, visit waterloohorizon.ca!

Reason why someone should vote for you in 100 words or less

Patrik is running with the aim of representing the students who don’t want to think about politics. He aims to work with the rest of the Horizon team to plan for an improved Bomber lounge, implement an accessible replacement to UW Flow for students to plan their degrees, and protect student interests amidst ongoing sweeping program changes. Patrik has experience advocating for students from being VP Academic for MathSoc, and enjoys problem solving through bureaucratic molasses.

Links to any website, social media accounts and/or email address

You can contact me at pbuhring@uwaterloo.ca

https://waterloohorizon.ca/patrik/
https://www.instagram.com/vote4horizon/

Noor Blaggan

Candidate Profile picture for Noor Blaggan

Program & Year of Study

4A, Nanotechnology Engineering

Top three platform points

1. Expanding the Bomber to make it a lively social hub (Events, Pub, etc.)

Campus social life is a mess. The Bomber is one of the few places left on campus for students to get away from the stresses of our largely academic lives. But that space is often full, there is still a lot of work to be done. It’s time

2. Tenant’s insurance being added to WUSA’s insurance

Too often are students screwed over by greedy, uncaring landlords who take advantage of student turnover to hike up our rents; a WUSA rent tracker will make sure that corrupt landlords are named and shamed.

3. Making course ratings and perceptions public for future students

At the end of every term we are told to write course perceptions for all our courses. But why aren’t these public? Students are forced to rely on students volunteering to support UW Flow. The university needs to release the course rating data it’s been collecting from students so students can reliably make informed decisions about their academics.

Reason why someone should vote for you in 100 words or less

I have previously been a part of various initiatives across campus to make the university more accountable from forcing the disclosing of our investment to pressuring the university to cut ties with Technion. I want to continue this fight in WUSA to make our campus not only answerable to the students but also affordable and social.

Links to any website, social media accounts and/or email address

https://waterloohorizon.ca/noor/
https://www.instagram.com/vote4horizon/