To excel as Vice President of Student Advocacy, a person must embody three qualities: a proven dedication to advocacy, a strong understanding of policy analysis, and exceptional leadership skills. Several experiences have supported my development of these traits, making me confident that I’ll excel in this role. 

1. Dedication to advocacy

I served as the UWSA’s Student Respect and Empowerment Office (SREO) Coordinator for two years, where I gained extensive experience in student advocacy. In this role, I successfully resolved over 70 cases, addressing issues like discrimination, academic misconduct, and complaints against faculty members. Additionally, I hosted several advocacy-based workshops covering several topics like employment rights, tenant rights, and academic misconduct. 

2. Experience in Policy Analysis

As the SREO Coordinator, I developed office policies that ensure students received efficient service from the SREO. I also authored a Student Rights Handbook to help students understand their rights under the university bylaws. Additionally, I worked as a research assistant in the political science department, where I developed policy analysis skills by analyzing how Canadian laws can be improved to better protect minority rights. Finally, as a fourth-year Law and Politics student (and soon-to-be law student!), I’ve taken many classes on policy analysis. 

3. Strong Leadership Skills

I’ve developed strong leadership skills by serving as a mentor in two programs. First, I mentored political science students in the Mentorship and Learning Program, assisting them in understanding course content and supporting their transition to university. Additionally, I served as a mentor in the GirlUp Mentorship Program.

If elected as Vice President of Student Advocacy, I am committed to implementing the following initiatives:

• Implement policy reforms that promote student rights: In my role as the SREO, I identified several issues within the University of Windsor’s bylaws that undermine students' rights. Therefore, as VPSA, I would work collaboratively with the Board of Governors to implement new policies that better protect students' rights. For example, I plan to introduce policies that establish mandatory timeframes for professors to respond to student emails, which will ensure that students’ concerns are addressed promptly. These policy reforms will ensure that the bylaws protect students' rights to the greatest extent possible.

• Increase resources and support for students: The UWSA has formed partnerships with many local organizations to promote the well-being of students. However, like any organization, there is always potential for growth through the introduction of additional resources and partnerships. As VPSA, I will establish new partnerships that will further promote the well-being of students. For example, I hope to introduce additional advocacy-related resources, including counselling services, legal assistance, and food security programs to make these programs more affordable and accessible to students.

• Increase the accessibility of UWSA resources: If elected as VPSA, I will prioritize making UWSA resources as accessible as possible to all students. To achieve this, I will implement mandatory office hours for all service centers and for myself as VPSA, along with an email policy to ensure student concerns are addressed promptly and efficiently.

To facilitate positive relationships within the UWSA, student body, and UWindsor administration, I will focus on fostering communication, collaboration, and mutual respect in my role as VPSA. First, I will prioritize open and transparent communication by giving all UWSA members a platform to voice their concerns and feedback. To achieve this objective, I will hold regular office hours and introduce feedback forms to provide students with ample opportunities to voice their concerns and suggestions. This will create an accessible space for communication, ensuring that all students feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns with me. Additionally, I will promote collaboration by organizing team-based initiatives that allow myself, the executives, and the service center coordinators to work together to develop and implement initiatives that benefit students. This approach will not only ensure a strong team dynamic within the UWSA but also it will ensure that UWSA initiatives reflect diverse perspectives and foster collaborative problem-solving, leading to more effective and inclusive solutions. Lastly, I will foster a cooperative and supportive working relationship with the UWindsor administration to ensure that the UWSA and the University of Windsor collaborate to effectively protect students' rights and promote their well-being. To achieve this objective, I will establish direct lines of communication between myself and each department within the university. Building trust will be at the forefront of my approach. I will lead with integrity, actively listen, and value each individual’s perspective, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected in each decision I make as VPSA.

The UWSA is crucial in shaping student life at the University of Windsor. It builds a strong sense of community by bringing students together through events like Welcome Week, concerts, and cultural celebrations that foster connection, celebrate diversity, and cultivate an inclusive campus atmosphere. However, the UWSA does much more than host events—it is committed to advocating for students’ rights by offering a range of essential, affordable, and accessible services. The UWSA remains dedicated to listening to students' concerns and taking bold, impactful action to address them. As a result, it has introduced numerous initiatives that not only enhance the learning environment on campus but also foster a strong sense of community. The UWSA is much more than an organization—it is a driving force for positive change, creating a campus where every student has the support and opportunities they need to succeed.

A large part of who I am today would not exist without the UWSA. It is through the SREO that I discovered my passion for advocacy and developed a strong commitment to protecting students’ rights. Having successfully resolved over 70 student cases, I am confident that my hands-on experience in advocacy has equipped me to excel as VPSA. If elected, I will bring the same unwavering commitment to ensuring that every student feels heard, valued, and supported, just as I did in my role as the SREO. I am eager to embrace the challenges of this role and look forward to continuing to advocate for your rights.