Top three platform points

My Top Three Priorities

Accountability & Transparency
Are you aware of the decisions WUSA’s Board makes on your behalf? Most students I’ve spoken with aren’t. I’ll fix that by sharing monthly newsletters and using social media to keep you informed and gather your feedback before important votes so you can ensure that what I have been running on I am actually doing.

Real Advocacy
WUSA hasn’t effectively lobbied for students in the past. Drawing on my experience working alongside government leaders—from the Prime Minister’s office to local mayors—I’ll ensure that WUSA engages in effective student advocacy issues like housing, transit, co-op/WaterlooWorks, and debt relief.

Inclusive Campus
Everyone should feel safe and supported on campus. I’ll make sure spaces like the multi-faith room meet all student needs, and I’ll champion policies and events that welcome everyone—without unintentionally excluding any group in our community.

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

I’m an experienced community leader who can deliver on the issues that matter most: transparent decision-making, real advocacy for housing and transit, and genuine campus inclusivity. My track record working with government leaders—from local mayors to federal and provincial leadersI know how to get results. If elected, I’ll champion monthly updates, stronger lobbying efforts, and opportunities for direct student input. WUSA should work for you—and with your support, I’ll make sure it does.

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

Campaign account: https://www.instagram.com/nick4wusa/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-aboagye-787aa4249/
Email: naboagye@uwaterloo.ca

Experience:
Office of the Prime Minister - Intern
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development - Intern
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance (Ministers Regional Office, Kitchener)
UWaterloo Office of Research Government Relations and Communications Assistant
Volunteer for various regional councillors
President of the UW French Society
President of the UW Young Liberals
General Member UW BASE
General Member UWASA
General Member UW Debate
Worked with student activist to connect them with key allies on regional council to advance more transit for students like advancements in night transit.
Succesfully delegated at Waterloo Council to have them cut red tape on new housing supply

Top three platform points

- Strengthening the Connection but WUSA and Students
- Working with wusa for the past 1.5 years has allowed me to work closely with students and solutions to meet their needs. I plan
to improve and stabilize this connection but also allow students to be more involved in the process. Processes such as Co-op
fees, Housing Crisis, Academic Affairs, Future plans for SLC and many more...
- Create more student opportunities within the UWaterloo community
- Students are in search for more opportunities to be involved, whether it be part-time jobs or volunteer. I plan to create more
opportunities for students to be more involved in their community and be an active member within wusa.
- Prioritize Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Mental Health and wellbeing should be a #1 priority for students, especially during stuff times. Creating more events and providing resources to prioritize mental health and create a save safe for students to go and talk to others.

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

Working with WUSA for over 1.5 years, has made become more involved with the student community and connect with others and understand their needs. I want to spend my last year at UWaterloo continuing to prioritize students and their needs and hopefully make sure their student experience is worth it. By further strengthening the connection made with wusa and the students, gives avenues of opportunities for students to speak out about the changes and opportunities they want to see in their community, creating transparency to students. Also, by creating more opportunities for students to be more involved, allows students to be hands-on within their student community and make the changes they want to see and more their fellow students. Being a student in the Faculty of Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing should be prioritized for students and more resources should be there first-hand to students, expanding this will allow students to thrive in a safe environment where they feel supported.

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

Experience:
WUSA Promo team
WUSA Board of Directors

- m7manoha@uwaterloo.ca or m7manoha@wusa.ca
- Instagram: @merochinimanohar
- Reddit: @MerochiniM
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/merochini-m-2a6987250

Top three platform points

Making WUSA a True Platform for Advocacy & Action – WUSA should be more than just a student government; it should be a force for real change. I want to ensure it actively supports interdisciplinary advocacy & action, fosters collaboration, and sincerely represents student voices in decision-making.

Empowering International Students & Strengthening Campus Connections – International students deserve a stronger platform to voice their concerns. Beyond that, I will work to break silos between faculties and student groups, creating networking events, mentorship programs, and cross-year collaboration initiatives to ensure every student feels a sense of belonging.

Fighting for Student Well-Being & Opportunities – Student life shouldn’t be defined by housing insecurity, financial stress, or inaccessible co-op opportunities. I will push for stronger rent advocacy, expanded financial aid, and improved mental health services. Additionally, I will advocate for fairer co-op placements, more transparency in hiring processes, and stronger safeguards against exploitative work terms. Students deserve a system that works for them, not against them.

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

With a track record of turning ideas into action, I bring leadership, advocacy, and innovation to the table. As the Founder of multiple startups, I’ve built a platform dedicated to equity and impact. My work as a TEDx speaker, Student Equity Advisor for CEE, and mentor has allowed me to challenge barriers in education, healthcare, and social justice. By combining experience in policy, entrepreneurship, and community-driven initiatives, I am committed to building inclusive, forward-thinking solutions that empower and uplift those who need it most.

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

a35ali@uwaterloo.ca

Top three platform points

More Career Opportunities – Expand internship, co-op, and job resources to connect students with real-world experience.

Stronger Networking & Mentorship – Create more events and programs to connect students with industry professionals and alumni.

Career & Mental Wellness Balance – Advocate for better academic and career support that prioritizes student well-being, including stress management and work-life balance resources.

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

I’m running to ensure every student has the career support, opportunities, and balance they need to succeed. I will expand internship and job resources, create stronger networking and mentorship programs, and advocate for career-focused mental wellness initiatives. Your future shouldn’t be a guessing game, I want to make career guidance more accessible, more personalized, and more impactful. Vote for me to build a campus where students feel confident, connected, and supported in their academic and professional journeys!

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

i8khan@uwaterloo.ca

Top three platform points

Advocate for better transit in Waterloo
Push the university to adhere to the students' wishes regarding the Palestine Referendum
Improve club funding

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

Hello! I’ve been the Co-President of the NDP Club since May 2024, and taken part in our club’s many transit activism campaigns. From our hugely successful Night Bus campaign, to our win in preventing GRT cuts last December, I’ve been actively involved in making transit better for UW students, and I’ll push WUSA to do the same.

I believe that it is time that WUSA pushes the university to adhere to the results of the Referendum on Palestine.

Club funding is insufficient to properly run a club, and I’ll make sure we revamp the funding model.

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

https://horizonwaterloo.ca/
https://instagram.com/vote4horizon

Top three platform points

1. Campus Safety
Bringing back the Walk Safe program and proposing Campus Safety Improvements

2. Reducing WUSA Board of Directors Compensation & Improving Board Communications
Turning Board of Director compensation into hourly wages to ensure accountability to the student body & mandating Board Meeting Updates on all WUSA platforms.

3. Food Security
Investigating opportunities to create services or spaces for easy access to affordable and accessible food options.
ie. Grocery Shuttles, Local Food Deals, Mini Grocery Market On-campus

4. Supporting Student Societies & Program Associations
Solving student and program association issues of paying heavy out-of-pocket fees for events, or other related expenses.

5. Finding opportunities for more student services and events on campus.

6. Advocating to UW on turning unused office spaces into student flex or wellness spaces (for studying, interviews, or other possible revenue-generating spaces)

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

Why Vote for me?

1. Proven leadership and advocacy experience from being WUSA VP (Advocated for student interest in housing, mental health, food security, international student support, and Transit)

2. Active participant and advocate in the University Senate as the Environment Senator &
Multiple active roles on university committees (Longe Range Planning, PACES, Policy 42), and city committees like Town & Gown (did work on student accommodations, international student support, and food security)

4. Active Community Member Roles (IPC, Velocity, ESS, Campus Housing, Faculty of Environment)

5. Passionate about community building and improving student experiences at UW

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-georgia-traynor/

Instagram: Kate.Traynor06

Top three platform points

Advocate for motions & action demanding that the university divests from Israel and work on reallocating the money directly towards student needs.

Push for collaboration between WUSA, ACORN and student rental services to ensure that students are aware of their housing rights.

Ensure that the WUSA Board and Council operate separately and that WUSA is run as a real student UNION, with relation to both the community AND the university.

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

I believe in the power of the students. In high school, I helped organize pro Palestine rallies which drew around 400 students and community members, and circled around news outlets. The opinions of the undergrad should not just be listened to, but acted upon.

With 84% of students voting in favour of divestment, and 63% of students finding it difficult to secure housing, it is essential that WUSA takes a more proactive approach in fighting for the students, as a genuine student union would.

I am committed to turning YOUR concerns into action.

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

More information on my Instagram: @aytekinontheboard
Email: aytekinontheboard@gmail.com

Top three platform points

1) Regional Transit Health Check - Improved transit can allow you to stay further from campus and avoid high rent. The Waterloo GRT UPass costs 124.92 CAD per term and was rated a B-minus. Ridership has been increasing, and buses are getting full.

2) Revamp WUSAs Governance - Right now 13 elected officials represent 36,000 undergraduate students. Involvement in governance is low and apart from last year election turnout has been abysmal. (2024 - 25.1%, 2023 - 3.28%, 2022 - 4.63%, 2021 - 5.09%)

3) Improving Job Application Efficiency - Stopping employers from forcing you to apply both on WaterlooWorks and wasting 5 minutes to apply again to their external website working with CEE and major employers.  

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

Greetings! I am a passionate and proficient person ready to help you.

I was the youngest CRO in EngSoc history and quadrupled our voter turnout in my first year. I am using that experience to push for electoral reforms. I sit on two WUSA committees advocating for immediate and long-range changes.

There are many issues students face. We need to keep trying, keep listening, and keep changing. I am always open to hearing ideas, successes, and failures. That is how we move towards a brighter tomorrow.

Vote Muhammad.

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

Email - makanji@uwaterloo.ca
Discord - @mak03420
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/muhammad-kanji/
Website - https://mkanji128.wixsite.com/muhammad-kanji-portf

Experience:
EngSoc Chief Returning Officer (CRO)
EngSoc Governing Documents Review Committee
EngSoc Class Rep
SRC Chief Constitutional Officer
WUSA Governance Committee
WUSA Long Range & Planning Committee

Top three platform points

Reforming the Campus Clubs financing and administrative process
Reforming WUSA's Governance to better represent students
Increasing WUSA's advocacy against budget cuts that affects students

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

Andrew has a long track-record for being involved, creating change, and advocating for students. For the past 9 months, he has served as your Arts Senator and has fought against the proposed co-op fee increases and for many departmental issues within the School of Accounting and Finance. He has also been fighting against corruption and working to restore democracy and accountability to the Accounting and Finance Student Association (AFSA).Team Horizon has a plan to reform campus clubs, WUSA governance and increase local and university advocacy.

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

Personal profile: https://horizonwaterloo.ca/andrew/
Team Horizon Website: https://horizonwaterloo.ca/
Email Address: abchang@uwaterloo.ca

Top three platform points

Accountability and Attendance – Directors must fulfill their responsibilities by attending meetings and engaging in their roles. Student representatives failing to show up weakens WUSA’s ability to advocate effectively.

Fair and Transparent Compensation – Board compensation has exceeded $300,000 annually. Director pay must be aligned with actual work performed, ensuring financial responsibility and fairness to students.

Fiduciary Responsibility and Governance – Directors have a legal duty to act in the best interests of WUSA and its members. Strengthening oversight and governance practices is essential to prevent mismanagement and ensure long-term stability.

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

As a former WUSA President, I have the experience, dedication, and willingness to hold WUSA accountable. I’ve seen firsthand the issues with board engagement, excessive compensation, and poor governance. Directors are failing to show up, yet continue to receive unjustified pay, all while ignoring their fiduciary duties. WUSA needs strong leadership that prioritizes responsibility, transparency, and real student advocacy. I will fight for stricter accountability measures, fair compensation tied to actual work, and proper governance to protect WUSA’s future. Win or lose, I will be at the AGM pushing for these changes—because students deserve a WUSA that works.

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

Email:
School: ramnorri@uwaterloo.ca
Personal: RoryNorris@outlook.com

Social Media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rory-norris/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rorynorris36/

Top three platform points

Things I started but want to complete this year

- Renovation of the Bombshelter Pub (yes WUSA used to have a Pub: has Smashbites in it now)
- Expanding WUSA Events (More free Food, more trips, etc...)
- More WUSA transparency (Director work hours available to the public, accessible WUSA Board meeting minutes, etc...)

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

I have had the privilege to serve as the VP of WUSA this year, and even though there is a lot left to do, I believe we improved many things compared to last 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 this year:
- Tuition Freeze for Ontario students until 2028
- New WUSA Business: Chaska
- Stopped GRT Cuts (GRT was going to decrease the frequency of Route 30 (Ring Road) and many more buses)
- Started doing Municipal Advocacy in Kitchener and Satellite Campuses
- Started doing Federal Advocacy (Through CASA)
- Gave thousands of dollars to students and promoted grassroots advocacy through "The Change Engine"

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

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/arya-r-0b57481b0
You can check out WUSA Instagram to see what I have been up to for the last 9 Months

Top three platform points

1) Changing to be able to make Change:
-WUSA is too detached from students to be an effective advocate for them. We need to revolutionize the system WUSA operates in to make sure that student voices are not just being heard, but acted upon. This means doubling down on the Academic Affairs Advisory Committee, communicating with student groups and societies, and reducing the bureaucratic bloat around club events and funding.

2) Holding the University accountable:
-Students made their opinions clear in last term’s referendum— the University must cut ties with Technion and review their investments and partnerships. If WUSA can’t effectively represent the interests of its students, then it has failed in its mission.

3) Defending your rights as a Coop student:
-Students have their rights as employees compromised regularly, and the Co-op Office (CEE) looks the other way. It’s time for WUSA to stand up for your rights, and if CEE won’t listen, then we must take tougher action and advocate to the government instead.

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

I have experience fighting for change outside of WUSA—I think it’s time to use that experience to bring change to WUSA.

I’ve dedicated countless hours of my time at UW to improving your experience, from engaging with leadership at Counselling Services and Campus Wellness, to defending your basic rights as Co-op students when they were threatened.

As UW Senator, I wrote and passed three motions, calling for disclosure of the University’s investments, divestment from unethical companies like the arms companies complicit in genocide in Gaza, and implementation of principles that guide the University’s partnerships. In fact, the President of Technion wrote a concerned letter denouncing my advocacy to Vivek Goel, something I’m quite proud of.

I’ve experienced many setbacks as a student advocate, but I still kept going, showing up to meetings and using every trick in the book to make sure you were heard. I’ve achieved success without WUSA, and now I want to see what I can achieve with it.

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

Vote Team Horizon!
Website: https://horizonwaterloo.ca
Instagram: @vote4horizon

Email: r3sayed@uwaterloo.ca
Discord: skybird380
Reddit: u/RidaSayed

Top three platform points

- Invest in the creation of new third spaces

UWaterloo has gained a reputation for being all work, no fun. The number and quality of third-spaces on campus has steadily dwindled in recent years, especially after COVID, and the campus community has suffered as a result.

This problem is not new, but its extent is. I will expand on recent existing work to develop and improve third spaces. By collaborating with clubs and societies, we can effectively use leftover space, with the new Lounge on 3 being a great example of this.

- Strengthen and support student clubs and societies

Individual Faculty and University College societies can foster closer-knit communities and offer more individualized support than WUSA. However, societies have felt an acute impact of the pandemic in the loss of student engagement and institutional knowledge. As the parent organization with long-term planning capabilities, WUSA must step up to provide logistical and policy support that societies need to thrive.

The WUSA club financing system can be opaque, overly complex, and inaccessible. The termly budget of $75 limits the growth and success of clubs trying to engage a wider audience, with no clear way to apply for additional operational funding from WUSA. The inefficiencies in the cheque request process discourages participation in club leadership, especially for low-income students struggling to pay out-of-pocket while awaiting reimbursement. An increase in the operational capacity of club support will ensure financial requests are handled promptly with regular communication, and students can find logistical support from WUSA in booking spaces.

- Reinvigorate the SLC Bomber Lounge

The SLC Bomber Lounge has gone through a lot of changes over the last few years. From being the BombShelter pub for decades and then shutting down due to financial issues, to now hosting SmashBites and being a bookable club space in the evening. This space was once a central community space for Waterloo students, and its loss has been frustrating for all of us.

I will continue the work to restore the cultural and community aspects of the lounge. We will work with community partners within the University to revitalize it as a space for clubs, societies, and others to host events—and make it a more welcoming space for students to hang out in and relax.

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

Samir is running for Director after being inspired by fellow student leaders. He is focused on fostering University culture campus-wide while strengthening the Faculty cultures that make Waterloo unique. He will prioritize increasing “third places” on campus where students can thrive. He has strong experiences across campus and its student organizations, from F24 MathSoc Speaker and current Computer Science Club Treasurer, to running Residence Life Council South where he helped establish the Undergraduate Residence Advisory Panel. With Team Horizon he is excited to make WUSA an organization that students can rely on and take pride in.

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

https://horizonwaterloo.ca/samir
@Vote4Horizon on Instagram
team@waterloohorizon.ca

Top three platform points

1 ) Ensuring all students feel supported and valued.

2) Bringing a strategic, finance-focused approach to student governance.

3)Building an engaging and empowering student community for everyone.

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

You should vote for me because I bring a unique combination of personal experience, professional expertise, and a passion for student advocacy. As an international student, I understand the challenges of adjusting to a new environment and will work to ensure every student feels supported and heard. My experience as a business analyst and my background in economics allow me to make informed, strategic decisions with financial transparency and sustainability in mind. I am committed to fostering an inclusive, engaging campus community while addressing key issues like mental health, equity, and access to resources. Together, we can create positive change!

I want to make sure that your concerns are heard. That is why I also have a subreddit where I will read your concerns and give you guys updates on what we are trying to do to resolve that issue. This way you can always hold me accountable.

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

a5dayal@uwaterloo.ca
r/arin4concerns

Top three platform points

Improving Mental Health and Wellness Support – Expanding ADHD and mental health assessments, reducing wait times, and increasing access to counselling.

Enhancing Campus Culture – Strengthening support for both active and inactive clubs, increasing funding for student-led initiatives on campus, and bringing bigger, more inclusive events to campus.

Advocating for International Students – Pushing for better financial aid, work opportunities, and resources to create a stronger sense of belonging.

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

As someone deeply involved in student advocacy, I have worked with the Office of Indigenous Relations, Women in Computer Science, and Math, as well as served as a Don and an active member of many student clubs. Through these roles, I have directly engaged with students from diverse backgrounds and have seen first-hand the challenges we face—whether it’s long wait times for mental health support, lack of funding for clubs, or the struggles in finding resources and opportunities. I’m not just here to listen—I’m here to take real action. WUSA needs to be more accountable, transparent, and effective in delivering change, and I’m committed to making that happen for us.

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

Email: k37arora@uwaterloo.ca
Instagram: @Kashish.arora_
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kashish-arora-898410226/

Top three platform points

Building the Student-Student Society-WUSA Relationship

Voicing Student Concerns, On and Off Campus

Backing the Referendum Results with Concrete Action

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

What started as high school volunteer hours quickly became a true passion for serving the KW community—fixing bikes, attending rallies, volunteering, and working with the underprivileged. Now, I’m ready to serve you!

I’ve always strived to make a meaningful impact, and UW is no exception. Students face a number of issues, both on and off campus, and WUSA needs enthusiastic, dedicated leadership to address these issues. I’m committed to advocating for student needs and ensuring our voices are not only heard but listened to.

Community doesn’t appear out of nowhere, only together can we create the change we want to see.

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

Personal profile https://horizonwaterloo.ca/omar/

Email me @ ogaballa@uwaterloo.ca

Message me @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/o-gaballa/

Team Horizon https://horizonwaterloo.ca/

Top three platform points

Cut Red Tape: Simplify club processes like room booking, funding, and reimbursements.

Bigger and Better Events: Advocate for real concerts, festivals, and student-led initiatives.

Improved SLC Spaces: Push for better restaurants, upgraded multi-faith rooms, and accessible study spaces.

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

As a 4th-year Political Science and Economics student, I’ve spent the past four years leading clubs and advocating for students. I founded and grew UW Moot Court and Rozana Waterloo, gaining firsthand experience navigating WUSA systems and understanding the challenges students face. I’m running to streamline club processes, bring exciting events like concerts and festivals to campus, and ensure spaces like the SLC reflect what students truly need. My leadership experience, combined with my dedication to making WUSA work for students, makes me the right candidate to represent your voice. Let’s build a better student experience together!

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

Email: szrdugga@uwaterloo.ca
Instagram: @skyleroncampus
Linktree: linktr.ee/voteskyler

Top three platform points

1. Reform WUSA clubs
- Change the funding process by restructuring the termly budget process and helping clubs find external funding.
- Improve inefficiencies in the cheque request process, booking spaces, and facilitate Clubs-WUSA communication.

2. Strengthen and support student societies
- Student societies were hit hard by COVID, and some of them need support to complete their recovery. SciSoc’s CnD has struggled, and the ASU
has had a bumpy road. WUSA is well placed to support societies like these in their operations.

3. Improving Academic Supports and AccessAbility
- Students enrolled with AccessAbility are supposed to have support but often struggle to access them.
- Students not enrolled with AccessAbility still run into difficulty but often get left behind, unless they have particularly understanding
professors.
- Facilitating communication between faculty, students, staff, and other parties involved can help improve understanding and the
implementation of solutions to some of these issues faced by students.

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

I’m not a student politician—this is my first time running for a position like this and I’m tired of seeing people who don’t really care get elected to board.
I’m passionate and dedicated to building and maintaining positive communities around campus. My involvement in FemPhys and helping rebuild Chem Club during my time as an executive in F24 allowed me to connect and listen to the issues students around me face. I want to bring this value to WUSA to help all undergrads, especially those who fall through the cracks in the system.

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

Personal email: mmbouzan@uwaterloo.ca
Team email: team@waterloohorizon.ca
Profile on Team Horizon’s website:https://horizonwaterloo.ca/melanie/
Team website:https://horizonwaterloo.ca/
Instagram: @Vote4Horizon

Top three platform points

1. Student Advocacy: Your voice as a student at the University of Waterloo will be the priority, ensuring all concerns & needs are heard and addressed.
2. Transparency & Accountability: Making sure WUSA's decisions and processes are as open as possible, for example, how student fees are being used throughout the year.
3. Actionable Change: Working as hard as possible to improve campus services in order to foster a comfortable, inclusive community with tangible results.

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

I will bring passion and a clear vision to the role of a WUSA director. I will be a dedicated student leader with much experience in amplifying student voices, bringing a meaningful drive to WUSA that students will feel. With this platform, I will focus on advocacy, transparency, and actionable results so that all students' voices are heard, ensuring that your campus experience improves by many folds. I plan on fostering inclusivity and creating a stronger sense of community for all students without exceptions. Your voice matters - I'm here to make it count.

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

speyawar@uwaterloo.ca