President
Kierra MacAlpine (she/her)
president@unbsu.ca
SUB 119 | (506) 452-6091

Kierra MacAlpine is the President of the UNB Student Union and a Science student majoring in Biology with a minor in Psychology. Originally from Moncton, NB, Kierra leads the Union’s efforts to improve the student experience through advocacy, events, and campus-wide initiatives.

As President, she oversees the daily operations of the Union, supports the Vice Presidents in their portfolios, and serves as the primary representative of the UNBSU to the university, the Fredericton community, and beyond. Her work centers on building stronger connections between students and the Union while ensuring that student voices are heard at every level.

This year, Kierra is focused on increasing engagement, expanding student opportunities, and advocating for more services and funding to support student success and well-being. She’s particularly passionate about improving access to jobs, housing resources, and student support systems.

Driven by a love for helping others and a creative mindset, Kierra was inspired to join the SU to make a real impact on campus. Her long-term goal is to continue doing meaningful work that creates positive change in people’s lives, wherever her path may lead.

Vice President Services & Support
Emmanuel Essien(he/him)
services@unbsu.ca
SUB 123 | (506) 452-6096

Emmanuel Essien is the UNBSU’s Vice President of Student Services and Supports. A Political Science student in the Faculty of Arts, Emmanuel was born and raised in Abuja, Nigeria, with roots in Cross River State. His role focuses on strengthening non-academic services and improving student well-being on campus.

Emmanuel oversees essential programs like SafeRide, the Food Bank, Community Garden, Fresh Food Bags, the Bike Co-op, and student health and dental plans. He also organizes recognition-based events such as Pride, Black History Month, and Breaking Stereotypes, and chairs the Wellness Committee. Through collaboration with campus departments, he works to ensure all services are accessible, responsive, and impactful.

This year, Emmanuel is focused on building stronger support systems, fostering student connections, and improving affordability. He brings a fresh perspective, a solutions-driven mindset, and a deep commitment to listening to students and acting on their needs.

Inspired by a desire to lead with purpose, Emmanuel sees this role as a way to advocate for real change. His long-term goals include a career in politics, publishing books, and creating businesses that make a difference.

Vice President of Student Engagement
Monica Boutout (she/her/hers)
engagement@unbsu.ca
SUB 121 | (506) 451-6878

Monica Boutot is the Vice President of Student Engagement and a student in the Faculty of Management, completing an Honours in Accounting with a concentration in Marketing. Hailing from Edmundston, NB, Monica is passionate about making student life more exciting, inclusive, and accessible.

Her role involves planning major campus events like Kick-Off, Red n’ Black Revue, Winter Carnival, and themed weeks such as Sustainability Week and Wellness Week. She also manages logistics, bookings, and works with campus partners to bring these ideas to life.

This year, Monica’s focus is on delivering fun, affordable events that help students take a break from academics and feel connected to campus. She’s committed to offering more low-cost or free opportunities so students can participate without financial worry.

Monica first got involved with the SU after COVID, looking to connect and contribute. Since then, she’s held roles with Orientation, the Welcome Centre, and as Off-Campus Rep. Now, as VP, she’s excited to keep building memorable experiences. After graduation, she hopes to apply her leadership skills to future careers and to everyday life.

Vice President Policy & Relations
Carla Carvajal
policy@unbsu.ca
SUB 123 | (506) 452-6379

Carla Carvajal is the Vice President of Policy and Relations at the UNB Student Union. She’s a Biology-Chemistry student in the Faculty of Science, originally from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Carla brings a strong background in student advocacy and a passion for meaningful change to her role.

She is responsible for monitoring academic regulations, improving educational quality, and representing student interests in academic and external policy discussions. Carla also leads campaigns, policy initiatives, and government relations to ensure students have a voice at every level of decision-making.

Her priorities for the year include expanding experiential learning opportunities, reducing food insecurity on campus, and helping students better understand the policies that affect them. Carla also hopes to build partnerships between the SU and local businesses to give students more access to hands-on experience and job opportunities.

Carla’s journey in advocacy began in the Dominican Republic, where she participated in youth councils through Juventud Activa, collaborating with national leaders on student-focused policies. Now at UNB, she continues to push for equity, access, and opportunity. Long-term, Carla hopes to apply her passion for healthcare and technology to improve access to medical resources in her home country.

Vice-President Finance & Operations
Francisco Bonilla (he/him)
finance@unbsu.ca
SUB 120 | (506) 452-6233

Francisco Bonilla is the Vice President of Finance and Operations at the UNB Student Union. Originally from San Pedro Sula, Honduras, Francisco is studying Finance and Economics in the Faculty of Management. His role focuses on managing the Union’s finances, services, and sponsorships to ensure a student-focused, transparent, and efficient organization.

Francisco oversees club funding, financial policy, hiring within the SU, and services like The Paper Trail. He also leads sponsorship efforts and works closely with Orientation Vice-Chairs on budget approval and operations.

His goal for the year is to improve the Union’s internal processes while increasing engagement with clubs and societies. Francisco brings a results-driven approach aimed at affordability and accountability, ensuring students benefit from well-run services without increased fees.

He joined the SU to make a tangible difference in students’ lives and to advocate for their interests. Long-term, Francisco aims to work in finance and policy, ideally at the intersection of economic development and public impact, while continuing to grow as a leader and changemaker.