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Executive Committee Campaigning takes place from March 2-11, 2026.

meet the candidates

We are proud of the many candidates running in this year’s Executive Committee Election! You can read about each of their positions, priorities and goals by viewing their bios at the link below!

UPCOMING GOVERNANCE EVENTS

MEET THE CANDIDATES

SAMU Student Lounge (SA-216), 2nd Floor SAMU Building
March  3 & 4 from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

This is your chance to meet the candidates and learn about each of their campaign platforms.

candidates for PResident

Olad Ayodeji - B.Science Student

Hello there! I am Olad Ayodeji, a final-year Bachelor of Science (Honours) Psychology student and the 2024-2025 SAMU Student of the Year. Currently, I serve as a Students’ Councillor and as President of both the MacEwan Language Club (MLC) and the Human Rights, Diversity, and Equity (HuRDE) student group. I am in my third term on the Council on Student Affairs (CoSA) and my second term on the General Faculties Council (GFC).}

My broad leadership background and numerous volunteer roles at MacEwan have provided me with valuable insights into student well-being and building a vibrant campus community. If elected SAMU President, I will advocate for issues affecting students across all levels, including university and non-university matters. My key priorities include increasing transparency regarding SAMU’s decision-making, fee structures and policies, amplifying student voice and input to enrich the student experience, and tackling affordability issues to support students’ financial and mental well-being.

Nathan Poon - B.Science Student

Hello everyone! My name is Nathan Poon, and I am the current President of SAMU, and I am seeking re-election for the 2026/27 academic year. Over the past year, I am proud to have overseen the Executive Committee and led strong internal and external advocacy efforts at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels. We advanced student priorities on affordability, expanded food security programming, and pushed for greater transparency and accountability within MacEwan.

As a former three-term Students’ Councillor, former two-term President of the MacEwan University United Nations Club, former President of the MacEwan University Law Club, and former Chair of SAMU’s Audit Committee, I bring extensive governance and financial oversight experience. I have worked collaboratively with university and government stakeholders to deliver meaningful results for students. My focus remains on affordability, accountability, fiscal responsibility, and transparency. Real, strong, and principled leadership that delivers. Re-elect Nathan Poon for SAMU President!

Candidate Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/nurlSjv2iQ0?feature=share

Izzy Reyes - B.Arts Student

I’m Izzy, a 3rd year Philosophy student. If you ask students what the biggest issue is at MacEwan, you won’t get three answers. You’ll get one: affordability. Because when money is tight, nothing else matters.

I’m running for president to fight for real, visible cost relief. Less lip service. More pressure. More transparency. More student money staying with students. It’s about time.

THE TIME FOR CHANGE IZ NOW
GET BUSY VOTE IZZY

Gurnoor Singh

No Bio

candidates for Vice president Governance & Finance

Nathan Poon - B.Com student

Hello, my name is Nathan Poon, and I am a third-year Accounting major working towards a business degree. Alongside my studies, I run my own business, where I’ve developed strong leadership, organization, and communication skills. Managing clients and responsibilities has taught me accountability, confidence, and how to support a team effectively. In my free time, I enjoy playing volleyball, which has strengthened my teamwork and collaboration skills.

As VP Finance and Governance, I aim to represent student voices, advocate for more affordable fees and increase studying accessibility, and foster stronger connections within our faculty. I am committed to supporting students’ needs and bringing positive energy to enhance the MacEwan experience.

Andrei Santiago - B.Com student

Hello everyone! My name is Andrei Santiago, and I am a second-year Bachelor of Commerce student. Over the past year, I have had the privilege of serving as your Vice President Governance & Finance at SAMU. Within this role, I’ve worked to secure meaningful advocacy wins, strengthen financial oversight within SAMU, and ensure that student voices are heard by the University. I am proud of the progress we’ve made together, but there is still more work to do!

 

If re-elected, I will continue to ensure that students remain at the forefront of the University’s financial decision making while upholding accountability and transparency within SAMU’s internal operations. As the affordability crisis continues to create barriers to post-secondary education, I am committed to advocating for accessible, student driven initiatives and solutions that will make a real, lasting difference in your academic journey.

To learn more about my platform, please visit https://linktr.ee/andreisantiagovpgf !

Candidate Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/T4vyTn6Clco?feature=share

Prabhsimrat Kaur

No Bio

candidates for Vice president Student Life

Elizabeth Russell - B.Com student

Hi! I’m Elizabeth! I’d describe myself as compassionate, ambitious, and reliable. I take pride in creating a fun and friendly environment for those around me. I place a high value on inclusivity, respect, and integrity, and I aim to surround myself with individuals of similar merit. I believe I thrive in leadership roles; I’m involved in the executive teams of the MacEwan Commerce Club and the MacEwan Economics Club. I also serve as a Student Councillor and as the Chair of the Student Council Audit Committee.

If I am elected as the Vice President of Student Life, my main areas of focus will be on strengthening relationships and closing the gaps between SAMU and the kihêw waciston Indigenous Centre, the Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity, and the Rainbow Clinic. I also want to reinforce food security, as this is one of the top three challenges MacEwan students are facing.

Zoey Shaw - B.Arts Student

Hello, my name is Zoey! I have been a student at MacEwan University since 2018, acquiring three credentials: an Asia Pacific Management Diploma, a Bachelor of Commerce degree, and my Bachelor of Arts this spring. I have been very active on campus throughout these years, volunteering for MacEwan and SAMU events, including SAMU Promo Squad and multiple Student Groups.

I’m running for VP Student Life because I see many students falling through the cracks. We must acknowledge that for the majority of students, life is not only about fun; the cost of living is increasing, the job market is leaving us defeated, and our student voices are being silenced. I’m data-driven and am looking to reassess the SAMU budget to ensure that fees are going where students need it most, specifically further supports for low-income students and increased advocacy for students who use their voices in the face of adversity.

Arshia Shandal

No Bio

candidates for Vice president External

Alem Tesfay - B.Com student

Hello friends, I’m Alem Tesfay, and I look forward to serving you as Vice President External. Throughout my time at MacEwan, I’ve been actively involved as a MacEwan Ambassador, a Student Group Co-founder, a Volunteer, and a Student Councillor, during which my peers voted me Councillor of the Year. You may have seen me tutoring students at the Makerspace, advocating for students on different committees, or supporting campus events. Now I also want to take my advocacy efforts externally and fight for student affordability, mental health, and safety, both on campus and in transit, to our University and Government.

As Vice President External, I am committed to supporting initiatives like FREE pop-up lunches and food classes. To learn more about my platform or me, whether it’s my achievements as a student or as Vice President of Student Life, please visit Alemtesfay.ca. I look forward to earning your support. Thank you!

Wilfrid Youbi Fansi - B.Com student

My name is Wifrid Youbi Fansi, and I am running for re-election to the VP External position.

Over the past year, alongside my Open Studies, I have been working hard to fulfil the promises I made to students. As Vice Chair of the Edmonton Students Alliance, I had the privilege of seeing the fruits of advocacy pay off through the rollout of the $15 million student housing incentive to bring 500 dedicated student housing units downtown.

Affordability concerns are greater now more than ever, and the work undertaken has only just begun. The role of VP External is, at its core, relationship building; to that end, I have cultivated relationships with every level of government, student associations, and potential partners, and will use these connections to bring students to the forefront. Along with experience, I stay true to the values of Affordability, Accountability and Opportunity both to and for students.

Candidate Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/xlZG488rFtM?feature=share

Candidates for Vice President Academic

Jomin Johnson - B.Arts Student

Hello my name is Jomin, I am a fifth year BA Psychology student committed to student success. I am prepared to lead and advocate to meet the needs of students. Many of us share the same academic stress, yet often face it alone. Through my role as a junior Teaching Assistant, I support students and help build accessible learning pathways.

This experience shaped my belief that leadership means listening and taking action. I carry that same mindset into my role as the VP of MacEwan Helping Hands, in which I lead initiatives that raise awareness about the homeless crisis in our city and bring students together to create meaningful change. As your VP of Academics, I look forward to building a more connected and supportive academic community.

Chioma Uzor - B.Arts student

Hello!

My name is Chioma Uzor (she/her), I am a fifth-year psychology student with a minor in Political Science. I am elated to announce that I am seeking re-election as your Vice President Academic!

We have made amazing progress this year. From ensuring that you are saving money on your materials to alleviating unnecessary costs, I worked diligently to ensure you are attending MacEwan comfortably.

But we’re not done yet. With a sudden tuition increase and lack of clarity within student academic rights there is substantial work to be done. I am determined to ensure that students are given full autonomy over the education that they pay for.

Post-secondary is already tough as it is, you deserve a transparent and streamlined experience. Are you ready to put YOU first? Get informed. Be prioritized. Have the academic experience you deserve.
Vote CHICHI4VPA!

Learn more about me!: https://linktr.ee/chiomavictoria

Candidate Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/aO7-l0rlIyM?feature=share

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