I live my day every day to make a difference, and that means being present when something affects students in real ways. This past year, I helped bring students together through TRUSU events like the Back-To-School BBQ and Winter Fest, and I saw firsthand how POWERFUL it is when a campus feels connected. Through that experience, I realized leadership is not only about celebration. It is also about paying attention when something impacts students. As conversations around the printing policy continue, I have approached it as a question of fairness and access, and I am actively working through it with that lens. I want to be someone students can approach directly, speak to honestly, and trust to follow through. I will keep showing up, keep asking hard questions, and keep working through concerns. All because we deserve more than silence.

Nathan is a Tourism Management student at Thompson Rivers University with a strong interest in events, destination development, and the tourism industry. He is actively involved in campus leadership and enjoys gaining hands-on experience through conferences, volunteering, and industry engagement. Nathan is passionate about building connections, supporting student voices, and developing practical skills that will help him contribute to the future of tourism and hospitality.

My name is Fazil, and this bio is not from ChatGPT. I’m a second-year Computing Science student at TRU, and over the past year I’ve realized that being a TRU student also means being part of the Kamloops community. I want to help open more doors for students to connect with the city and the people around us. The current structure of the Community Affairs Committee works well, but it can benefit from more student ideas, opinions, and feedback. I want to work towards meaningful student discounts with local businesses. Discounts that genuinely help students save money. These priorities will come directly from my conversations with students, where ideas and concerns can be shared openly and without judgment. My friends often tell me I have a big voice. Let me help raise yours. Connecting with community leaders, I will bring forward student perspectives ranging from “AI to Housing” and ensure that student ideas and concerns are heard; because: Your Voice Matters.

Thank you for taking the time to read my bio. I am a BBA student majoring in Marketing at TRU and a current Intercultural Ambassador. I enjoy creating spaces where students feel welcomed, connected, and supported. Through my work on campus, I have helped plan, coordinate, and promote events that bring students together. In 2025, I supported the Intercultural Showcase: Celebrating 20 Years of Intercultural Learning at TRU, helped deliver Intercultural Game Nights, and assisted with other intercultural initiatives. I also supported Fall and Winter Orientation by introducing intercultural learning and helping new students feel more confident in a new environment. Alongside event work, I created promotional content such as IG Reels, videos, and social media posts, and I supported outreach through tabling and student engagement. I also wrote and coordinated professional weekly email communications to share opportunities and events with students. Beyond this role, I supported TRU Vietnamese Club activities, including Lunar New Year, Christmas, iDays, and new student meet and greets, helping with planning, promotion, and on site support. I am running for Community Affairs Committee Representative because I want to help TRUSU build strong community programs and campaigns that reflect student needs and strengthen belonging at TRU.

Entertainment-Entertainment-Entertainment! Mayank Mehan is a dedicated student leader committed to building an inclusive and engaging campus community. He currently serves as the Entertainment-Committee Representative with TRUSU, he was elected last year on a vision of building stronger campus engagement and has worked to deliver on that promise. During his term, Mayank has helped organize impactful campus initiatives including the Back-to-School-BBQ, Welcome-Breakfast, Games-Nights and Common-Voices. Throughout his term, he has supported initiatives that award thousands of dollars in tuition-credits at events, ensuring entertainment also provides financial relief to students. He is also part of introducing the first-ever TRUSU Carnival taking place this April, bringing a new experience to campus. Beyond event planning, Mayank represented TRUSU at BCFS in Vancouver, where he stood alongside student leaders from across the province to advocate against tuition increases and funding cuts. His involvement ensured that student voices are heard both on and off campus. As the Entertainment-Committee Executive, Mayank is committed to make events bigger, better, and more inclusive while ensuring leadership, coordination and effective representation. After a year as a representative, Mayank aims to continue developing the events he has worked on and work closely with other committees to serve students. Vote Mayank-Vote Entertainment!

Myself Harit Trivedi, and I am a BBA student at Thompson Rivers University majoring in International Business with a minor in Supply Chain Management. I am passionate about leadership, community engagement, and creating meaningful opportunities for students on campus. Over the past year, I have been actively involved in student life as the Vice President of the TRUSU India Club, where I helped organize cultural events, student gatherings, and initiatives that brought students together from different backgrounds. I also serve as a Capital Project Planning Advisory Group member with TRUSU, where I contribute to discussions that help shape the future development of our campus. Beyond campus, I volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross and Tourism Kamloops, where I enjoy giving back to the community and supporting meaningful causes. These experiences have helped me understand the importance of teamwork, communication, and representing student voices effectively. “As Robert Frost wrote, ‘when everything seems dead, it later proves to be alive.’ I bring that same spirit of liveliness, energy, and creativity to TRUSU Entertainment‚Äîturning ordinary moments on campus into vibrant experiences that bring students together.” 

Hi everyone, My name is Hoang Do Phan, but you can call me Richard. I’m a third-year International Business student at TRU, and I’m running for Entertainment Committee Representative because I want to help create engaging and memorable events for our student community. I’m energetic, responsible, and always open to listening. I believe great events are not just fun, but also bring people together and make everyone feel included. If elected, I will actively gather student feedback and work to ensure our events truly reflect what students want.

My name is Isaam Basmati and I am a student at Thompson Rivers University who is passionate about bringing energy, fun, and community to campus life. University should be more than just classes and assignments; it should also be a place where students can relax, connect with others, and enjoy memorable experiences. As Entertainment Representative, my goal is to help organize events that students actually want to attend. I want to bring a wide variety of entertainment to campus, including social events, cultural celebrations, music, sports-related activities, and interactive experiences that bring people together. With such a diverse student body at TRU, I believe events should reflect the different cultures, interests, and personalities that make our campus unique. I am someone who enjoys meeting new people, listening to different perspectives, and creating positive environments where everyone feels welcome. If elected, I will work to make campus life more engaging, inclusive, and exciting for all students. I want students to feel proud of the community here at TRU and have events they genuinely look forward to throughout the year.

I am a graduate student in education with a strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and supportive learning communities. My work in education has focused on creating spaces where people feel respected, heard, and able to participate fully. In the past, I have supported inclusion by intentionally creating welcoming learning and discussion environments in my classroom. This has included encouraging diverse perspectives in group work, helping ensure that quieter voices are heard, and being mindful of cultural and language differences. I have also supported my peers by sharing resources, offering academic support, and helping create collaborative spaces where everyone feels comfortable asking questions and contributing their ideas. I hope to continue supporting equity by contributing thoughtfully to conversations that shape inclusive practices at TRU. I am particularly interested in helping strengthen communication between students and the committee, supporting initiatives that amplify underrepresented voices, and encouraging practical actions that make the campus community more welcoming and accessible for everyone. I would approach this role with care, openness, and a strong sense of responsibility to the community.

Yunisha is a third-year Bachelor of Communication, Media, and Journalism student who is very passionate about equity work and advocacy. She believes equity should be practical, meaningful, and rooted in real action that supports students and each individual. As an international student, She understands the importance of belonging, representation, and having safe spaces. These lived experiences have shaped her commitment to supporting students and standing in solidarity with everyone, especially those facing barriers or exclusion, both on campus and around the world. Serving as the Racialized Persons Representative on the TRUSU Board of Directors and as an Intercultural Ambassador, She has consistently shown up for equity initiatives such as ReconciliACTION, Pride event, Amnesty Urgent Actions, the EDI Lecture Series, Equity Showcase and many more. She consistently shows up with intention and believes advocacy requires accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning. She approaches advocacy with empathy, active listening, and a strong sense of responsibility. As your candidate for Equity Executive, She will continue to show up, speak up, and stand firm. She is committed to strengthening collaboration, raising awareness of equity issues, and ensuring that each individual feels respected, represented, and supported.

I am a Bachelor of Communications and Digital Journalism student majoring in public relations. I have a strong passion for accessibility, advocacy and inclusive communities. As a visually impaired student, accessibility is not just an issue I deeply care about but one that shapes my everyday experiences and motivates me to advocate for meaningful change on campus. I currently serve on the Student Success Committee and the Accessibility Committee within the Student Caucus, where I work with others  to identify barriers and push for solutions that make university spaces, services and opportunities more inclusive. I am also a part of Events Subcommittee within Accessibility, where we work to insure that campus events are designed to be inclusive and accessible. I believe that accessibility is creating environments where everybody feels respected, welcomed and fully able to participate in campus life. Personally, I love reading in various genres, swimming, and radio. I consider myself an extravert and love meeting new people and sharing ideas.

Payton is a Métis student in her fourth year of the Natural Resource Science program and after graduation she will advance her education through TRU Law or the Bachelor of Education STEM program. She is an active advocate for Indigenous communities and Truth and Reconciliation, having contributed to the TRUSU’s Equity Committee’s ReconciliACTION event completing the 92nd Call to Action for Kamloops Businesses, co-pioneered the Stolen Sisters support group on campus, and is currently providing support for students as an Indigenous Peer Mentor. Being voted for Indigenous Representative is more than a position on the Board; to her, it is about acknowledgement of the truth, progressing our understanding of reconciliation, and creating impactful change for all Indigenous students and people in our community. It has been a great honour to live, work and study on the lands of the Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc, and she would love to continue being an empowered voice for Indigenous students as the Indigenous Representative for the 2026/2027 term.

My name is Ximena Maldonado, I am a Master of Arts in Human Rights and Social Justice student at Thompson Rivers University. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, my personal identity is the foundation of my professional path and my dedication to advocacy. My background includes serving as a clinical psychologist in Mexico, where I focused on supporting individuals through challenges related to gender-based violence and LGBTQ+ rights. Currently, I am a Member-at-Large on the TRUSU Equity Committee, a role that has deepened my passion for social justice within our campus. I am a kind and empathetic person, truly committed to the well-being of others and to creating spaces where everyone feels safe and seen. My commitment remains with the 2SLGBTQ+ community at TRU, bringing a perspective rooted in both my professional expertise and my lived experience as an immigrant, as a lesbian, as a psychologist and as an activist to ensure our collective voices are heard with dignity, compassion and standing proud.

Hi! My name is Grace Ifekwe, and I am a third-year Business Administration student at Thompson Rivers University with a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and community. As a racialized student, I understand how important it is for every voice‚Äîespecially those from marginalized communities‚Äîto be heard, valued, and represented. During my time at TRU, I have served as a peer mentor, where I’ve been actively involved in supporting inclusive student spaces and initiatives that celebrate diversity. This experience has taught me the importance of listening with intention, collaborating with people from different backgrounds, and leading with empathy. I am running for Racialized Student Representative because I want to ensure that racialized students at TRU feel seen, supported, and empowered. I believe every student deserves equitable opportunities in academics and campus life, and I am passionate about helping build a campus community where everyone can truly belong.

Hi, my name is Sigourne Tran. I am a Business student majoring in Finance at Thompson Rivers University. I am currently serving as a Member-at-Large on the TRUSU Equity Committee, where I work with other students to support initiatives that promote inclusion, student support, and community engagement on campus. Through volunteering and participating in campus activities, I have developed strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills. As an international student, I value diverse perspectives and believe student voices are important in shaping a supportive university environment. I am passionate about contributing to a campus where students feel heard, respected, and connected.

Hello everyone, My name is Cheryl Latimer and I am currently running for this year’s Women’s Representative Position in our TRUSU election. I am in my 2nd year of studies in the Bachelor of Arts Program with a focus in political studies. As a survivor of all forms of abuse and a recovering addict who had to rebuild my life up from living on the streets, my lived experience has taught me the importance of advocacy, inclusion, and Empowerment. With my experience on the student caucus and my role on the Academic Integrity Committee, I have learned how impactful our student voices can be and how needed they are! In this role, coming from an intersectionality perspective,I want to support community building events, including workshops and groups for survivors of abuse as well as, expanding visibility for all available student supports, while making sure that all genders, from all walks of life, feel heard, supported, included, and most importantly safe.

Hi, my name is Jessica Guthier and I would like to be your next Women’s Representative on the TRUSU Board of Directors. I’m currently studying in the Masters of Arts in Human Rights and Social Justice program and am a previous graduate of the TRU nursing program. As a healthcare worker with a passion for the intersections of health equity, wellness, social justice, politics, and social determinants of health, my goal is to integrate advocacy and ethics into everything that I do. Through a myriad of experiences in healthcare, human rights academia, a short stint in Engineering, and previous work on the TRUSU board and in other Director positions, I have an appreciation for the complex and intersectional barriers women face in our society. However, more importantly, I understand that my experience cannot encompass the diversity of challenges and barriers women face. I pledge to work as part of your equity committee to ensure TRUSU advocates meaningfully and fulsomely for the needs of women, both within and outside of the TRU community.

My name is Apoorv Chowdhury and I am running for the position of Services Committee Executive. I am eager to bring my direct experience with student advocacy to this new role. In the previous term, I had the privilege of serving as the LGBTQ+ Representative on the Equity Committee. This experience has given me a strong understanding of the needs of diverse students and the importance of accessible, well-managed services on campus. I am ready to apply that insight to ensure our services are equitable and effective for everyone.

My name is Crystal Yamak, and I had the privilege of serving as the TRUSU Campaigns Committee Executive during the 2025-2026 term. When I first decided to run, it was not because I thought I had everything figured out. In fact, it was the opposite. I wanted to challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone. As someone who used to be quite introverted, I wanted students who feel overlooked, unsure, or hesitant to see that their voice still matters. Running for the first time and being elected showed me how powerful it can be when students support one another. During my time on the committee, I helped promote and support initiatives that connect students to the resources TRUSU provides, such as the Food Bank, the health and dental plan, clubs funding, advocacy services, and events that bring students together and strengthen our campus community. I am running again because I believe every student deserves to feel supported, informed, and included. TRUSU exists to advocate for students and provide services that make student life more accessible. I want to continue helping students understand these resources and feel confident that their voices and experiences truly matter on our campus.

My name is Njepu Johnpaul Chukwunwendu. My friends call me Jp or nwendu and most of my professors call me Chuck-Won-Wen-dudu. They never nail the pronouciation but that’s honeslty the best part. I was born and raised in Mozambique. Until my parents came up with the great idea of sending me to their motherland, Nigeria, where I spent most of my teenage years. I love travelling, and I’ve done quite a lot of it, especially growing up between two countries while visiting family and going on vacations. I also enjoy taking pictures of the places I’ve been. When I’m outside, I like staying active and socializing. When I’m alone, I usually spend my time reading or programming.

I am a finance student at Thompson Rivers University who cares deeply about making campus life more supportive, practical, and accessible for students. Through my involvement in student initiatives and my experience working with people in fast paced environments. I am running for Services Committee Representative because I want to help strengthen the services students rely on every day, whether that means supporting clubs, improving awareness of available resources, or helping students better access programs like grants, wellness initiatives, health and dental, and community support services. I want to be a representative who is approachable, thoughtful, and committed to turning student feedback into real action so that TRUSU services continue to meet the needs of our campus community.

Hello! My name is Kayla Hermiston, and I would be honoured to serve as the University Affairs Committee Executive Member. My time at TRU has been defined by a deep commitment to strengthening our campus community and ensuring students’ voices shape the decisions that affect them. My experience as a University Affairs Committee Representative and Student Caucus Member gave me firsthand insight into university governance, policy development, and the importance of building strong relationships between the union and administration. I’ve consistently worked to bridge those spaces – advocating for transparency, collaboration, and student centred solutions – while contributing to initiatives that enhance equity, wellbeing, and academic success across TRU. Beyond governance, I bring a long track record of impact-focused leadership. My approach is grounded in listening, strategic thinking, and creating environments where students feel informed, empowered, and represented. Serving as the University Affairs Committee Executive Member would allow me to continue this work at a higher level – championing meaningful engagement and ensuring that TRU remains a place where every student can thrive. Thank you sincerely for your consideration; it would be a privilege to continue serving our community in this role.

I’m Levi Escobar, a 4th-year Bachelor of Arts student at TRU and someone who’s always worked to make student life better. Whether through campus clubs, community outreach, or representing student voices in meaningful spaces. I’m running for University Affairs Executive Member because students shouldn’t be left out of conversations that affect everyday life at TRU. This role is about making sure your academic experiences are decided, and how student priorities are heard by university leadership and doesn’t get lost in oligarch talk. If elected, I’ll keep two things front and center: listening to students and pushing for transparency in how decisions are made. I want to bring real student concerns into University Affairs not just the problems you hear about, but the ones you don’t always see. I won’t disappear once the votes are counted. I’ll be reachable, responsive, and ready to get answers you deserve. I’d be honored to earn your support and your vote.

As a graduate student at Thompson Rivers University, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with graduate studies balancing academic research, professional development, and personal responsibilities. I am committed to ensuring that graduate student voices are effectively represented in university decision-making. If elected Graduate Student Representative on the University Affairs Committee, my priority will be to advocate for policies and initiatives that strengthen the graduate student experience. I will work to promote greater access to academic resources, research support, and professional development opportunities that prepare graduate students for careers in academia, industry, and entrepreneurship. I also believe in the importance of transparency and communication. I will ensure that graduate students remain informed about important university discussions and decisions that affect our academic environment, and I will actively seek feedback so that our concerns and ideas are heard at the committee level. Furthermore, I will encourage collaboration between graduate students, faculty, and university leadership to help create a supportive and innovative academic community. My commitment is simple: to represent, and to advocate for graduate students with integrity and dedication. Together, we can help strengthen the graduate student experience and contribute meaningfully to the future of Thompson Rivers University.

Bonjour! My name is Aravna Lucsama and I’m a second-year international student from the Caribbean who cares a lot about making campus feel supportive, fair, and welcoming for everyone. I currently serve as Co-president of the Afro-Caribbean Student Association(ACSA) where I stay connected to what students need and help turn those needs into real outcomes. During my time in this role, our team helped facilitate the biggest Black History Month celebration on campus, bringing students and community together to feel seen and represented. If elected as International Student Representative, I will bring this kind of representation on the issues that most affect international students and the wider student body day to day, including clear communication about fees and policies, stronger support for academic and wellness resources, and making sure international student voices are consistently heard. I’m approachable, I take feedback seriously, and I will be a reliable point of contact for students who need someone to bring their concerns forward.

Hi! My name is Thamalee Dasanayake and I am a 4th year student at TRU. As an international student from Sri Lanka, I understand firsthand the challenges that come with studying in a new country, from navigating unfamiliar systems to finding the right support when you need it most. I am currently a member of the Student Caucus, which has given me a real understanding of how student representation works and how much of a difference it can make. That experience has only strengthened my passion for advocating for our community, which is why I am running for the Board of Directors. If elected, my focus will be on identifying gaps in existing resources and working to address them in practical, meaningful ways. I believe every international student deserves to feel informed, supported, and empowered to succeed academically and personally. I would be honored to represent and advocate for our international student community. Thank you for your support!

My name is Anika Chandran, and I am a Finance student at Thompson Rivers University who believes that students should not just be part of the university, but truly have a voice in shaping it. I currently serve as the Co-President of the TRUSU Accounting and Finance Club and as a Member-at-Large on the TRUSU Services Committee, where I work closely with students, faculty, and university leadership to create opportunities that support student growth, engagement, and success. As an international student, I understand how important it is for every student to feel represented, supported, and heard. My goal as University Affairs Representative is to ensure that student voices are actively included in university decisions, strengthen the bridge between students and administration, and continue building a campus environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive. I care deeply about this community, and I am committed to advocating for students with energy, transparency, and purpose.

I am a business student at Thompson Rivers University who is passionate about representing student voices and improving the overall university experience. As a student balancing academics, work, and life on campus, I understand the everyday challenges students face and the importance of having strong student representation in university decisions. I want to help ensure that student concerns are heard and addressed while supporting initiatives that improve academic experiences, student services, and campus life. If elected, I will focus on listening to students, communicating their concerns clearly, and working collaboratively to help make TRU an even better place for all students.

I have been actively involved in leadership and service roles that allow me to support and represent students. I currently serve as a Member-at-Large on the University Affairs Committee, where I advocate for student interests and collaborate with university staff to address student needs. In addition to my previous experience as a Student Caucus member, I have also taken on roles focused on student engagement and academic support. These experiences have strengthened my communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills while giving me a deeper understanding of the importance of student representation in university decision-making. If elected as a member of the Board of Governors, I will work to represent student perspectives thoughtfully while contributing to discussions that shape academic programs, policies and the overall student experience. I am committed to ensuring that student voices are heard and meaningfully considered in decisions that affect the TRU community.

Four years ago I showed up on campus ready to make things happen, and that’s exactly what I did. From founding a social community club to organising events that actually gave students something to look forward to, I’ve spent my time here making university life more fun, more connected, and more memorable. But now I’m ready for the next chapter. Because behind all the good times, I’ve seen firsthand how much students struggle with wellbeing, how clunky university processes can be, and how rarely student voices make it into the conversations that matter. That’s what’s driving me to run for the University Affairs Committee. I’m not a career politician type who’s been sitting in meetings since freshers week. I’m someone who’s been out there, in the thick of student life, understanding what people actually need. And now I want to take that energy somewhere it can create real, lasting change. Student wellbeing isn’t a side issue, it’s everything. And I’ll make sure it’s treated that way.