Candidates
For this election, we asked the candidates to send us some information about them so that you can make an informed decision when voting in the upcoming election! Here are the candidates that got back to us:
Executive Positions
President
Lavigne, Carter
Hey! I’m Carter, a 4th year BBA student who cares deeply about making the Student Union work better for students. When I came to UNB, I wanted more than just a degree, I wanted to be part of a community. Through my time in classes, as a peer mentor, and in the student union as VPFO, I’ve seen what makes our community strong and where we can improve. I’m running for President because I want students to genuinely feel the difference their Union makes. I believe in practical leadership, transparency, and putting students first in every decision.
Campaign Goals:
Shift Student Union spending toward direct financial relief and opportunity for students
Rebuild UNB pride by strengthening traditions, celebrating excellence, and fostering an inclusive campus culture
Make UNB work better for students academically by ensuring student voices are heard and acted on
Social Media:
Instagram
VP Finance and operations
Hashmi, Arafat
Hey there, I’m Arafat. I’m a third-year Bachelor of Business Administration student at the University of New Brunswick, pursuing an Honours in Accounting with a concentration in Finance and a minor in Economics. I currently serve as the Director of Communications at the University of New Brunswick Student Union, where I lead the communications team and work closely with executive teams, clubs, and campus partners to support student engagement and union initiatives.
Through my involvement with clubs and societies at UNB and across Canada, I’ve gained hands-on experience in student leadership, communications, and organizational operations. I plan to pursue the CPA designation following graduation and have a strong interest in finance, governance, and effective organizational management.
Outside of academics and student leadership, I’m a graphic designer and an avid fan of Formula 1, football, music, and film.
Campaign Goals:
As Vice President Finance & Operations, My goal is to ensure that the student union operates transparently, efficiently, and in a way that delivers clear value to students.
My priorities include strengthening student-first partnerships that enhance everyday student life, improving transparency around student union finances and funding opportunities, and providing stronger support for clubs and societies through clearer resources and smoother operational processes. I aim to make the work of the union more accessible, understandable, and impactful for all students.
VP Policy and Relations
Executive Positions
Ismail, Sirine
Hi UNB! I’m Sirine, a third-year BBA student who enjoys being involved in campus life and supporting the people around me. Through my work with student societies, I’ve connected with students from many backgrounds and seen how important communication and representation really are. I’m especially interested in policy and how student voices can lead to meaningful change. I’m running for VP Policy & Relations to listen, advocate, and help create a more inclusive and connected campus for everyone.
Councillors
Accessibility Representative
Chen, Vera
Vera is a third-year science student passionate about community service, health, and the environment. She is involved in many leadership activities and previously served as accessibility councillor for the UNBSU in the 2025-26 academic school year.
As accessibility councillor, she hopes to continue advocating for accessibility and spreading awareness and education about accessibility services and resources for university students.
Social Media:
Arts Councillor
Leger-Collette, Maya
My name is Maya Leger-Collette, an enthusiastic Arts student majoring in English and Psychology. My primary commitment is to empower and amplify the voices of my peers in the Faculty of Arts.
My experience as the current Student Union Council Secretary has equipped me with a strong understanding of council and campus dynamics, having worked closely with student leaders to enhance communication, engagement, and transparency of the union.
I positively believe that the Faculty of Arts is a vibrant and diverse community deserving of dedicated and powerful representation. If elected, I will ensure that every Arts student feels heard and valued. My advocacy will focus on strengthening academic support, promoting inclusive events, and celebrating the creativity and diversity that defines the Arts Faculty.
Campaign Goals:
As a candidate for Arts Councilor in this General Election, my ultimate goal is to empower every Faculty of Arts student by ensuring their voices are accurately heard and represented. If elected, I will strive to uphold transparency and accountability by ensuring students receive clear communication from the UNBSU and that their questions are answered. Beyond council operations, I will prioritize connection and support, working through the UNBSU to foster a sense of community among Faculty of Arts students and ensuring they know exactly where to find support. I believe that students should be empowered to voice their opinions and advocate for their needs, which I will ensure if elected as Arts Councilor in this upcoming election.
Social Media:
Instagram: maya.leger
Email: maya.leger@unb.ca
Engineering Councillor
Akhtar, Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali Akhtar is a second-year software engineering student at the University of New Brunswick who is actively involved in campus leadership and community engagement. He has served as Junior Events Director with the Engineering Undergraduate Society (EUS) and as a First-Year Representative with Diversity within Engineering (DWE). He has also contributed to TEDx initiatives and volunteers with Let’s Talk Science.
Through these roles, he has developed strong communication, organization, and advocacy skills. Ali is running for Engineering Councilor with a clear focus on putting engineering students first and representing their concerns effectively.
Campaign Goals:
Put engineering students first by advocating for academic fairness and workload awareness
Strengthen communication between engineering students and UNBSU
Ensure student concerns are clearly represented at Council Meetings
Promote student well-being and support academic involvement.
Social Media:
Gender & Sexual Diversity Representative
Harrell, Lana
My name is Lana Harrell, and I am honoured to be nominated as a candidate for Gender and Sexuality Diversity Representative. As a non-faculty councillor, my goal is to represent students with fairness, equity, and integrity, ensuring that individuals of all gender identities and sexual orientations feel safe, heard, and welcomed on campus.
Inclusion Represntative
Ebokosia, Miracle
My name is Miracle, and I am a second-year nursing student from Nigeria. I am passionate about advocacy and creating welcoming spaces for everyone. Outside of my studies, I enjoy reading books and learning about different perspectives and experiences. As a nursing student, I value compassion, and empathy, and I hope to carry these values into my role as an Inclusion Representative.
Campaign Goals:
Promote an inclusive and welcoming campus for students of all backgrounds.
Advocate for equity and accessibility.
Support and promote initiatives that foster understanding and belonging.
International Student Representative
Aguiar, Joanne Denize
Hi, I am Joanne Aguiar, and I am from India. I am currently a second-year psychology student from the faculty of arts. I am running for the position of ‘International Student Representative’ with the Student Union. I am part of the Mental Health Association (MHA) here at UNB, and I strongly believe in advocating mental health and overall wellbeing. I love connecting with new people and learning about their distinct cultures as well as how they embrace it to reflect who they are. Fun fact, a lot of people have a hard time believing that I am Indian.
Campaign Goals:
To voice the opinions of international students and possibly find solutions to their concerns
To foster a safe space for all students
Law Councillor
Freeman, Natalie Rebecca
Hello Faculty of Law!
My name is Natalie, I’m a 2L, and I’m ready to bring my LSS experience to the UNBSU as your Law Councillor. I’m originally from Sackville, Nova Scotia. Before coming to UNB, I studied at Mount Saint Vincent University, where I completed my BA in English and French and wrote an honours thesis about teenagers, film, and Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. This summer, I’ll be returning to Patterson Law’s Truro office as a summer student. When I’m not in class or tucked away in one of the libraries, you can often find me running or biking the amazing trail system around Freddy!
Campaign Goals:
Voice ongoing law student interests to the UNBSU, including concerns about the Faculty of Law’s upcoming relocation.
Educate the UNBSU executive and councillors about the unique needs and perspectives of law students.
Advocate for easier access to UNBSU resources.
Organize communication and collaboration between the UNBSU, LSS, and the broader law student community.
Social Media:
Email: natalie.freeman@unb.ca
Instagram: @_natalie_freeman_
Facebook: Natalie Freeman
Management Councillor
Broad, Gracie
My name is Gracie Broad, and I’m a nineteen-year-old BBA student. I am currently in the second year of my degree and hope to attend law school and if not major in human resources. I am an involved student in the faculty, as I currently am the ambassador of the BAUS, peer mentor, and sponsorship coordinator for motionballU. On the less serious side of my life, I love being active. I am currently on an intramural co-ed volleyball team, and in my free time I love going for walks, hanging out with my friends and playing sudoku.
Campaign Goals:
If chosen for the role of management councillor, I aim to represent students by ensuring their needs and concerns are clearly communicated and thoughtfully addressed within the student union. Through my involvement in the Business Administration Undergraduate Society and my role as a peer mentor, I regularly engage with students across all years and have developed a solid understanding of student needs. I am committed to utilizing these experiences to work collaboratively with the student union and advocate for student representation.
Management Councillor
Hashmi, Mohammed Multazim
I am Mohammed Multazim Hashmi, and I am currently a first-year Bachelor of Business Administration student at the University of New Brunswick, planning to major in Accounting. I am passionate about personal growth, leadership, and building strong communities on campus. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing soccer and participating in track and field, which have taught me discipline, teamwork, and resilience. I am eager to get more involved in student leadership and contribute positively to the UNB community.
Campaign Goals:
To ensure student concerns are heard and communicated clearly within council
To improve transparency around decisions that affect students
To support initiatives that enhance campus involvement and student life
To work collaboratively with council members to strengthen accountability and efficiency
Nursing Councillor
Adebayo, Feyisola
Hi, my name is Feyi, and I am a nursing student passionate about advocacy, leadership, and student support. I am running for Nursing Councillor to ensure that nursing students feel heard, supported, and represented. I believe in open communication, teamwork, and creating a positive learning environment where every student can thrive. My goal is to strengthen student engagement, improve access to resources, and advocate for our academic and personal well-being. I am committed to serving with integrity, empathy, and dedication.
Campaign Goals:
Advocate for nursing student voices through strong communication with faculty.
Improve access to academic and mental health resources.
Build a supportive and connected nursing community.
Promote academic success through mentorship, study support, and exam preparation.
Ensure transparency, inclusivity, and fair student representation.
Social Media:
Off Campus Representative
Alam, Mohammed Awesh
Off Campus Representative
Shah, Aditya Prashant
Hi, I’m Aditya, a fourth-year Finance and Accounting student at UNB. Last year, I served as the BAUS Ambassador and Sponsorship Director for Enactus UNB, and I am part of the Student Investment Fund (SIF). I have worked closely with students, faculty, and campus leaders to turn ideas into action.
As an off-campus student, I understand firsthand the reality of commuting in the winter, fighting for parking, and balancing rent while trying to stay involved. Off-campus students make up a major part of this university. I’m running to make sure we are heard, prioritized, and never overlooked.
Campaign Goals:
Make off campus feedback a regular part of council discussions
Focus on practical, realistic improvements for commuting students
Improve clarity and transparency in Student Union communication
Build a stronger sense of belonging for students living off campus
Social Media:
School of Leadership Studies Councillor
Vallins, Joely
Hello! My name is Joely Vallins and I’m originally from Barrie, ON. I’m a first-year student in the School of Leadership Studies (formerly Renaissance College) pursuing a B.Phil. with a minor in Psychology.
My goal as SLS representative faculty councillor is to bridge the gap between 811 Charlotte Street and the UNB Fredericton main campus. While my faculty may be small, the educational and leadership power it holds is far from such. As faculty councillor I take great pride in representing SLS’s multi-faceted educational values and being an open voice for my fellow leadership studies students within the SU.
Social Media:
Email: joely.vallins@unb.ca
Instagram: @joelyv_
Womens Representative
Barnett, Tasha
Hi! I’m a second-year business student who enjoys staying involved, meeting new people, and being part of the UNB community. I love spending time with friends and reading whenever I get the chance. I’m running again for Women’s Representative because I want to help make campus a place where women feel comfortable, supported, and confident in using the resources available to them.
Campaign Goals
As a returning Women’s Representative, my goal is to ensure women on campus feel heard, supported, and informed about the resources available to them. I aim to strengthen communication between students and the UNBSU, increase awareness of campus supports, and advocate for initiatives that promote safety, inclusion, and empowerment for women at UNB.
BoG Seats
Board of Governors
Beres, Sydney
Sydney Beres is a Juris Doctor candidate at the University of New Brunswick Faculty of Law and a dedicated student leader with extensive experience in advocacy, governance, and community engagement. She has worked full-time in student advocacy for over a year, gaining hands-on experience with issues such as affordability, student wellbeing, and institutional accountability, and bringing a strong understanding of how university decisions affect students.
At UNB, Sydney has served as an elected student representative at the Faculty of Law for the past 1.5 years and is currently serving a two-year term on UNB Senate. Through these roles, she has contributed to discussions on academic policy, governance, and institutional priorities, giving her meaningful insight into the inner workings of the university.
Sydney is actively involved in campus life at UNB Law and has held leadership roles across several student organizations. She is the founder and president of UNB Law Volunteers, a student-led initiative she created to provide law students with opportunities to give back to the broader community. Through initiatives such as trail clean-ups, partnerships with local organizations, and service-focused events, the group fosters community connection and student engagement.
In addition to her work at UNB, Sydney serves as Vice President and Youth Director of the Sierra Club Canada Foundation, where she participates in board-level governance, strategic planning, and financial oversight.
Sydney is running for the Board of Governors to bring an informed, student-centred perspective to financial transparency, academic excellence, and accessible learning, and to ensure students have a meaningful voice in the university’s highest decision-making body.
Campaign Goals
Academic Excellence
UNB’s strength lies in the quality of its academic programs, faculty, and learning environment. As a member of the Board of Governors, I will support decisions that protect academic integrity, ensure adequate resources for teaching and research, and prioritize student success across all faculties. Academic excellence means maintaining high standards while recognizing that students succeed in different ways and require meaningful institutional support.
Goals:
Maintaining high academic standards and program quality
Ensuring academic decisions reflect both institutional excellence and student needs
Advocating for student-centred policies that support academic success by meeting students where they are
Transparency and Accountability
Students deserve to understand how their tuition and fees are being used. I will advocate for clear, accessible communication around university finances, budgeting priorities, and major spending decisions. Transparency builds trust, and informed students are better positioned to engage with and support the university’s long-term goals.
Goals:
Responsible financial oversight that reflects student priorities
Clear communication about budgeting and major financial decisions
Open and ongoing dialogue between governance bodies and the student community
Accessibility and Inclusive Learning
Accessibility and accommodation must be central to learning and academic support so that every student can participate fully and equitably. I will work to ensure that faculty and administrative policies, such as grading timelines, accommodation processes, and communication about credited learning opportunities, are reliable, clear, and inclusive.
Goals:
Clear, consistent, and accessible accommodation processes
Inclusive academic policies that support diverse learning needs
Proactive approaches to accessibility that promote equitable student success
If you have any questions, please reach out to us - cro@unbsu.ca