Newly elected CSU directors and CBPS executives to assume their roles for 2021-2022 school year
Bridget Stringer-Holden // Associate News Editor
Alisha Samnani // Managing Editor, News Editor
The unofficial results of the Capilano Students’ Union (CSU) general election were posted on the CSU’s Simply Voting website on Thursday, Mar. 18. There was a turnout of 467 votes.
This elected CSU directors and Capilano Business & Professional Society (CBPS) executives for the 2021-2022 school year are:
Position: President
Name: Maia Lomelino
Pronouns: she/her, they/them
Statement: I am honoured and excited for the opportunity to keep working with the students as CSU President! I thank everyone who trusted (and voted?) for me, and I can’t wait to start working with the new Board of Directors to improve students’ lives at CapU.
Position: Vice-President Equity & Sustainability
Name: Meshelle Duncan
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Statement: I’m very excited to be elected as Vice President Equity and Sustainability. In my elected position I’m ready to listen to students’ experiences and needs to then utilize the privilege of my new position to have the tough conversations and work to make the necessary changes at our University.
Position: Vice-President External
Name: Aryanna Chartrand
Pronouns: she/her
Statement: I am so thankful and honoured to be elected to serve as your VP External. I look forward to, and am committed to supporting and representing all Capilano University students. Together, we can ensure that the CSU and our stances relating to our external relations are founded on integrity and reflective of our students.
Position: Vice-President Finance & Services
Name: Akira Yamagishi
Pronouns: he/him
Statement: A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to exercise your voice this election! You have placed your confidence in us, and in return we shall hold that responsibility to the highest standard. We will continue to work towards the CSU’s strategic goals and advocate for all members.
Position: Vice-President Student Affairs
Name: Zabir Montazar
Pronouns: he/him/his
Statement: I am grateful for the confidence and trust everyone showed upon me to be their voice. I intend to lead us to greater heights and accomplish all that I have set out to do. With your help, I can ensure we all have a wonderful time at Cap.
Position: International Students Liaison
Name: Nandini Sharda
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Statement: I am ecstatic at the prospect of working with such committed members of Capilano Students Union. During my elected term, I aim to accomplish more engagement opportunities for students, create supportive and secure environment for them and give them a sense of belonging to Capilano where they feel free to express themselves.
Position: Mature & Parents Students Liaison
Name: Mayumi Rosanna Izumi
Pronouns: she/her
Statement: I am excited to be serving my third term as the Mature & Parent Students Liaison. This term I would like to reach more of my Collectives, engage them in fun online events, and ensure their inclusivity in CapU’s campus community.
Position: Queer Students Liaison
Name: Juliette Purkiss
Pronouns: she/her
Statement: I’m so honored to have been chosen for this position, and incredibly excited for the months ahead!! I look forward to bringing a voice to all LGBTQ+ students at CapU and I promise to work tirelessly to leave a positive impact in everything I do.
Position: Arts & Science Representative
Name: Clara Duwel
Pronouns: she/her
Statement: I’m so enthusiastic and grateful to get the opportunity to represent you! My goal is to ensure that every student feels like their concerns are valid and taken seriously. I’m here to bring your voice forward and assist in creating an inclusive and supportive community. Let’s get things going!
Position: Business & Professional Studies Representative
Name: Terrence Alanis
Pronouns: he/him/his
Statement: I’m very grateful to be elected to the CSU Board of Directors as the Business and Professional Studies Representative! To Cap U’s aspiring business professionals, I’m ecstatic to get to work and to unconditionally support the best interests and rights to the best of my ability; my “door” is always open 24/7.
Position: Sunshine Coast Campus Representative
Name: Brigid Mychael
Pronouns: she/they
Statement: What can I say? I’m stoked to be re-elected for Sunshine Coast Campus Representative! This term, I plan on working towards strengthening the kálax-ay campus community and voice. Some possible initiatives on the horizon involve regular office hours and an accessible online presence for Capilano students on the Sunshine Coast.
Position: At-Large Representative
Name: Joel Gilani
Pronouns: he/him/his
Statement: I am looking forward to working alongside the amazing and passionate team that our student body has elected. I hope to leverage my position as a CSU representative and as a member of the university’s Board of Governors to amplify student voices in addressing issues of equity our campus faces.
Position: Capilano Business & Professional Society Vice-President
Name: Ishita Sharda
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Statement: I am extremely thrilled to be elected as the Vice President for Capilano Business and Professional Society in my first year at CapU! It’ll be an incredible opportunity to represent our diverse Business students, discover exciting work-experience opportunities for them and help formulate new policies with the CBPS.
Position: Capilano Accounting Association President
Name: Enis Besirevic
Pronouns: he/him
Statement: I am grateful to be elected as President of the CAA. I look forward to planning a year full of exciting events and working with my team to deliver more opportunities to accounting students.
Position: Capilano Communication Association President
Name: Sophia Kara
Pronouns: she/her
Statement: I’m so excited to have been elected as your Communications Association President! I want students to know that I am intent on giving them a year full of fun events with other students, faculty, and communication professionals. I’m always open to suggestions and feedback at sophiakara@my.capilanou.ca!
Position: Capilano Legal Association President
Name: Alice Price-Stephens
Pronouns: she/her
Statement: I’m very excited and honoured to be elected. Thank you to everyone for the support! I’m looking forward to continuing the CLA’s mission as a valuable resource for students in connecting with the legal community.