To be a successful UWSA President, I believe one must be intrinsically motivated to go the extra mile for the student body by advocating on their behalf and establishing a sustainable and scalable foundation for support that is based in mutual trust and care. My University career has allowed me to nurture my leadership and communication skills through various clubs, initiatives, and the Education Student Society. As the President of the Education Students’ Society, I successfully implemented intentional strategies to tackle change on an institutional and societal level, transforming the Society’s platform from rudimentary advocacy to actionable advocacy.. I believe that seeking justice is a collaborative effort, and my leadership style is founded on individualized care and unconditional support. UWSA would allow me to continue to create space for others to find their voice and provide support in whatever capacity needed.
As UWSA President, I would prioritize amplifying the voices of marginalized students on campus. This would involve initiating projects and programs that provide opportunities for underrepresented students to share their experiences and perspectives. One such initiative could be creating a diversity and inclusion task force that includes students from different backgrounds to advise on issues related to diversity and inclusion on campus. I would also create mentorship and leadership programs specifically for minority students to support their academic and professional development. Through these initiatives, I anticipate furthering my skills in leadership, team management, and communication, while strengthening my interpersonal relationships. I recognize that these skills will be essential in navigating the complex and high-pressure environment of a university presidency.
I plan on utilizing my previous leadership experiences on campus to facilitate growth for those around me, both within and outside of the board. For members within the UWSA, I believe in order to increase our team cohesion, we need to establish an informal relationship outside of our roles through team building events. As well, as a result of my growth-oriented mindset, I will provide opportunities in which other board members can gain valuable experience in a leadership role and support them to achieve their goals within UWSA, in addition to their future aspirations. For members at large, I want to break down the formality that is often associated with the position of UWSA President. The UWSA President is the voice of our student body. My goal is to present myself as approachable for everyone at the University of Windsor. I would do this by setting aside one hour a week to sit in the CAW to speak to students on a drop-in basis. Acting as President, I plan to be readily accessible to listen to the needs and concerns of all students, not only those on the UWSA board.
The University of Windsor has been my sanctuary since 2016. If walls could speak, my truest friendships and obstacles that served as catalysts to exponential growth would ring clear from Leddy, the CAW Student Centre, and the Education Building, alike. For the next part of my story to be safe-kept within the walls of University of Windsor—the University’s commitment to social justice and inclusivity aligns with my values, and I am eager to continue contributing to this community. Serving as the President of the University of Windsor would be a tremendous honour, and I am excited at the prospect of leading an organization that plays such an important role in the lives of students and the broader community.
