2026 DSU Student Elections
Candidate Names, Positions, Platforms, and Videos.
Photos and Videos will be uploaded shortly! Stay tuned!
Accessibility Representative -
Cole Sheehan-Klassen
Hello! My name is Cole and I’m running for the
Accessibility Representative position. When I stepped
into this role last year, I fueled my passion for
advocacy by using empathy as my driving force.
I am ready to continue to do that to build connections, take action, and push for change. Accessibility is not possible without equity, which is why I hope to continue advocating for both to exist together. When advocating for students and addressing accessibility barriers, I’m committed to looking beyond the surface. Having grown up with a progressive disability that impacts many areas of my life, my personal advocacy journey started young. I’m aware that systemic barriers require holistic approaches to ensure that everyone’s needs are met. In the past year, I had the opportunity to work collaboratively with other collectives, working groups, and departments within Douglas College to work towards creating an overall more inclusive and accessible campus for everyone. Accessibility benefits everyone, and requires a joint, community approach that I am hoping to foster. I am committed to another year of advocating that students have an equitable, accessible time on campus.
No video platform was submitted.
Campus Representative -
Coquitlam - Ramilla Shah
My name is Ramilla, and I am currently studying
Intercultural and International Studies. I am running
for the Coquitlam Campus Representative position
because I believe I can bring positive and meaningful
change to our campus and will be committed to take a proactive approach to campaigns, ensuring greater student involvement and creating initiatives that truly make an impact. I will advocate strongly for students by effectively communicating your concerns, ideas, and needs to the DSU. I am passionate about fostering a more diverse, inclusive, and welcoming campus environment for all students. Through my experience working in DSU working groups like Social Justice and Campaigns, I have developed the skills and understanding needed to advocate thoughtfully and responsibly for our student body.
As your representative, I will not only work within the DSU, but I will work for you — the students. I aim to be a voice of reason for Coquitlam students and collaborate closely with you to enhance your campus experience.
Campus Representative -
New West - Caitlin Fong
Hi Everyone,
My name is Caitlin Fong and I am currently running
for the Douglas College New West Campus
Representative position for this year’s Student Election. I am currently in my Second Year of my Bachelor's in Business Accounting and love being involved with events around campus. Some of my hobbies include music, sports, and arts. I believe that each student's voice can create a huge impact, which means each voice needs to be heard and supported. If elected, the first thing I want to focus on is Student Experiences which falls under community. New Student Experiences can mean hosting more events so that students of all different faculties and program years have the opportunity to engage with others. Secondly, I want to work on Active Listening. I want to be able to create ways for students to reach out comfortably about concerns, because transparency can become a fundamental part of Student Advocacy. Finally, I believe that encouraging Student Life Balance is a key component of a post-secondary environment. I hope to implement a program and challenges that span a certain amount of time in order to motivate students to succeed not only in the academic aspect of their lives.
Campus Representative -
New West - Nishtha
My name is Nishtha, and I’m a second-year
Computer Science Diploma student at Douglas
College. I’m passionate about building an inclusive
and welcoming campus environment where every student feels valued, involved, and supported. Having volunteered at events like orientation and graduation, I’ve seen how teamwork and communication can unite students, and I want to continue fostering that sense of connection as your Campus Representative.
As a representative, I will ensure every student’s voice is heard by listening to their ideas and concerns through open conversations and feedback channels, and bringing those forward to the administration. I also plan to organize cultural and religious events that celebrate diversity and help students feel at home, even when they’re far from their families.
In addition, I would like to introduce a “Behind the Scenes Club” for students who prefer contributing without being in the spotlight. The club would focus on event planning, decoration, photography, and social media promotion - allowing creative, introverted students to showcase their talents and gain confidence.
Through these initiatives, I hope to make our campus more inclusive, engaging, and supportive for everyone.
Director of Campus Life -
Hakeem Anibaba
Hi everyone, my name is Hakeem Anibaba, and I’m
running to be your Director of Campus Life at
Douglas College.
I believe campus life should be more than just attending events, it should be about building real community. My main initiative is a student-driven event platform where you can pitch and co-create the events you actually want to see on campus. Whether it’s a debate night, entrepreneurship showcase, cultural collaboration, gaming tournament, or creative arts festival, your ideas deserve the chance to come to life. Selected proposals would receive logistical and promotional support to make them happen.
To ensure continuous improvement, I will implement structured feedback after every event, including other events hosted by the Douglas Students' Union. Quick digital surveys and suggestion boards will make sure your voices directly shape future programming.
I will also integrate advocacy and campaign work into events through awareness booths, open forums, and interactive activities focused on issues like mental health, affordability, and student rights.
My vision is simple: a campus where every student feels seen, heard, and involved. I’d be honoured to serve you.
Director of College Relations -
Mariana Peña
Your voice present in every room where decisions
are made.
Students are affected by institutional decisions
every day, yet the policies that shape our academic experience can sometimes feel distant from our realities. As Director of College Relations, my priority will be to ensure that students are not just informed about decisions but effectively included in shaping them.
Through my involvement with the Student Voices Committee, Douglas College International, Student Life, and the DSU, I have seen the impact that strong communication can have. I will prioritize proactive consultation, structured feedback channels, and transparent dialogue so that student voices carry real weight before decisions are finalized. I am committed to strengthening collaboration between the Students’ Union and the various College departments to ensure that concerns are brought forward early, meaningfully and clearly.
Real change begins with communication, and communication must lead to action.
Director of External Relations -
Narbeen Kaur Pannu
One major challenge facing students across British
Columbia is the rising cost of living. Rent, groceries,
and transportation continue to increase, while part-
time job opportunities remain limited and competitive.
Many students struggle to balance work and academics, which affects academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being. After graduation, students also face difficulty finding stable employment due to lack of experience and limited entry-level opportunities.
To improve the post-secondary experience, I would advocate for stronger partnerships between student unions, government representatives, and employers. I would push for increased financial support, more paid co-op and internship opportunities, and affordable housing initiatives for students. I would ensure that student concerns are represented at municipal and provincial discussions, and work to create networking events that connect students directly with employers.
I would form relationships with organizations such as WorkBC, local municipalities, small businesses, non-profit employment centers, and mental health organizations. Partnering with housing advocacy groups and food security programs would also support students facing financial stress. By building these external relationships, we can create practical solutions that improve affordability, career readiness, and overall student success across BC.
Director of Membership
Development - Vasu Bansal
My name is Vasu, and I am running for Director of
Membership Development.
Membership is more than just a number, it’s about
connection, belonging, and opportunity. As someone
who has worked closely with teams and student groups, I understand that engagement happens when people feel valued and included.
If elected, I will introduce a Member Rewards & Engagement Program to encourage students to participate in events, volunteer opportunities, and campus initiatives through incentives and recognition. I want every student to feel that their involvement truly matters.
I will also strengthen and expand our volunteer program by creating clear leadership pathways, offering skill-building workshops, and implementing meaningful recognition systems.
In addition, I will build partnerships with local non-profit organizations to expand off-campus volunteer opportunities. This will allow students to gain real-world experience, develop professional skills, and make a positive impact in the wider community.
My goal is simple: to build a more connected, engaged, and empowered student community
Let’s grow together.
Women Students’
Representative -
Sarah Nelson
Hi! My name is Sarah and I am running for Women
Students' Representative because I care deeply about
community-based advocacy, meaningful connection,
and making sure students feel genuinely supported and heard.
My experience volunteering in harm reduction, researching with the Social Justice Working Group, and working as an after-school leadership and public speaking teacher has shaped how I approach advocacy - listening carefully, doing the research, and stepping in where I can be most effective and helpful. I believe strong advocacy starts with meeting people where they're at and creating space for open conversation.
In this role I want to support further community-building events, expand visibility for available student supports, and ensure that women - and all students - feel supported, both academically and personally.
I see this role as one with a core of care, communication, and action. By working collaboratively with the student community, I hope to help maintain a campus environment where women feel supported, represented, and empowered to succeed.
Campus Representative -
Coquitlam - Safa Ali
My name is Safa Ali, and I am a nursing student at
the Coquitlam campus running for Coquitlam
Campus Representative Position. As a student in a
demanding program, I understand the challenges
of balancing coursework, clinical placements, commuting, and personal responsibilities. Many students attend class and leave immediately, which can create a sense of disconnection from campus life and decision-making.
If elected, I am committed to being visible, approachable, and responsive to student needs. I will actively listen to concerns, gather feedback across campus, and ensure student voices are clearly represented at the Board level. Representation is not just about holding a title; it is about building trust, communicating openly, and advocating with integrity.
I also aim to strengthen student engagement at the Coquitlam campus. By planning activities during high-traffic days and expanding events across multiple buildings, we can increase participation and foster a stronger sense of community. Engagement should reflect when and where students are present.
My goal is to help create a more connected, inclusive, and student-focused campus experience at Douglas
Campus Representative -
Coquitlam - Sakshi Trikha
As a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council at
Coquitlam campus, serving as Campus
Representative will allow me to spend more time
engaging directly with students.
Coquitlam is home to many health science and various specialized programs , where students manage demanding lab hours, clinical placements, and intense academic schedules. Yet many face inconsistent class scheduling, long gaps between lectures and labs, limited food availability during evening classes and the need for expanding placement and internship opportunities. I look forward to promoting events that reflect students’ interests and expectations.
If elected as your Coquitlam Campus Representative, I will work to bring student concerns directly to decision-makers. I have previously advocated and understood that student challenges are bigger than academic alone. I am here to turn concerns into actions and actions into resolution.
Let’s not survive the semester but enjoy it ! We chose this for a purpose !
No video platform was submitted.
Campus Representative -
New West - Oke Ebiyomare
"Hey y’all! I’m Oke Ebiyomare, and I’m running for
the position of New Westminster Campus
Representative for the Douglas Students’ Union.
Whether I was volunteering with Student Life, Global Engagement, or helping at DSU events, I’ve always been committed to our community.
Representation is about being active, accessible and bringing the needs and concerns of students to the board. To do this I will: resource information from tabling events in the concourse and be present at various events around campus, so I can hear your concerns face-to-face.
A new initiative I would like to launch is the 'DSU Break the bubble Campaign.
I’ve noticed that while there are a lot of event, programs and initiatives by the DSU, we often see the same faces at events and a lot of students don’t know about the programs and initiatives that the DSU provides. This is because the information isn't reaching everyone. My initiative will fix this by:
Using Targeted Outreach: Taking 'mobile info-desks' directly to the different sections of the campus to reach students who don't usually walk through the main concourse or those that might have classes only in the anvil tower.
Campus Representative -
New West - Jagraj Mokha
My name is Jagraj Mokha. I am in my fourth
semester at Douglas College. I am running for the
New West Campus Representative position because I am passionate about student representation and ensuring every student’s voice is heard.
Over the time, I have been actively involved in the Douglas College community. I have volunteered with the Student Life Department, supported the Career Centre and participated in off-campus events representing Douglas College. As a DCI Ambassador and mentor, I guide prospective and new students. These experiences have allowed me to understand the diverse needs, challenges and concerns of students across our campus.
I believe I have the experience, dedication and commitment to effectively serve as your representative. I will ensure transparency, accountability and open communication. My goal is to make sure that students feel supported, empowered and confident that their voices matter.
I hope I can count on your vote to represent you and strengthen our campus community.
Campus Representative -
New West - Roohani Roohani
My name is Roohani, and I am excited to run for
Campus Representative at the New Westminster
campus. As an international student at Douglas
College, I understand both the opportunities and
challenges students experience while navigating academic, social, and personal growth.
Throughout my time at Douglas, I have been actively involved in campus life as a Student Ambassador, DCI Mentor, and volunteer at events such as World Fest, Friday Hangouts, Info Fair and various DSU initiatives. These roles have allowed me to connect with students from diverse backgrounds, listen to their experiences, and support them in meaningful ways. Through these interactions, I have developed strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
If elected, my priority will be to ensure that students feel heard, supported, and represented. I believe effective representation begins with active listening and consistent engagement. I plan to create accessible channels for student feedback and work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to advocate for transparency, inclusion, and student-centred initiatives.
I am passionate about building a stronger sense of community at the New Westminster campus, one where every student feels valued and empowered.
I am committed to representing you with integrity, dedication, and heart.
Director of College Relations -
Chirag Arora
Who speaks for you at the College level? I will.
My name is Chirag Arora, and I'm running for
Director of College Relations because students
deserve more than just a seat at the table—they need a voice that actively shapes the conversation.
I'll be your primary representative on College committees and governance boards, ensuring your concerns about academics, campus life, and student wellness are front and centre with Douglas College administration. Every decision made should reflect the needs of the people it impacts: you.
I'll also bring that same energy internally by participating in the DSU Campaigns Working Group, Organizational Development Committee, and Social Justice Working Group. Together, we can connect student-led advocacy with institutional change.
I'm ready to listen, represent, and fight for what matters to you.
Vote Chirag Arora – your voice at the College level.
Director of External Relations -
Brandon Chou
Post-secondary students in BC are facing serious
funding cuts, and it is impacting Douglas students
directly – reduced services such as gym hours, fewer
events, and staff layoffs that affect our campus
experience.
As Director of External Relations, I will advocate for restoring post-secondary funding at the provincial level. Over the past year at the DSU, I worked closely on advocacy initiatives to build the skills and connections needed to represent the voices of Douglas students effectively. I plan to continue working closely with the BCFS to support funding campaigns such as "Cuts Suck, Fix Education", as well as community coalitions like United Way to advocate for a better quality of life for post-secondary students.
My goal is to make sure that Douglas students are heard and represented where important decisions are being made.
Director of Finance -
Winston Ebiyomare
Hello Douglas College students! I’m Winston, and
I’m running to be your next Director of Finance.
I believe every dollar of your student fees should
work directly for you.
I want to introduce a low-cost Financial Literacy and Transparency Hub, including a digital campaign called “Where Does My $1 Go?” Instead of digging through dense audits, you’ll see simple infographics showing how your money is used, whether it supports the Food Bank, clubs, or other student services.
I’ll also hold monthly Finance Office Hours so students can ask questions, understand the Union’s budget, and learn how to access grants. It’s a low-cost, high-impact way to make finances more transparent. Transparency builds trust, and trust builds a stronger Union.
I also want to improve the Food Bank and Hamper Program by moving toward a Digital Inventory and Choice System. Students would be able to view available items and choose what they need, rather than always receiving a standard pre-packed bag. This supports dignity, respects dietary and cultural needs, and reduces food waste, which can also save the Union money.
Finance should empower you, not confuse you. I’m asking for your vote for Director of Finance. Let’s make every dollar count together.
Indigenous Students’
Representative -
Renee Wesley
My name’s Renee Wesley , and I’m running to be
your Indigenous Students Representative. I am a full
time student and mom who knows how important it is
to have a community that feels welcoming, supportive, and connected.
If elected, I want to help create more Indigenous gatherings and activities on campus, and help host activities like beading and other crafts that give us space to relax, create, and share culture together. I also want to make it easier for Indigenous students to find support with mental health and academic resources, because I know how hard it can be to balance everything while trying to stay grounded.
I believe in lifting each other up and creating events where we can be proud of who we are. Vote for me, and let us keep building a space where Indigenous students can feel at home and supported.
Pride Representative -
Parnian Rahmanfard
No Photo, Video or Platform Submitted.
Women Students’
Representative -
Savannah Orobko
Hi, my name is Savannah Orobko and I am running
for the women's representative with the Douglas
Student Union or DSU. I believe every woman's voice
should be heard and I want to create a stronger connection between the DSU and all female students. I would work with the council and board to improve communication with students and their awareness of the DSU. My platform is simple, be present, be heard, and empower my fellow students. I will attend meetings and work within the board policies and procedures to bring a feminist or women’s perspective to the forefront. By voting for me, women or those identifying as women students, will stay informed and I will be opening up opportunities for student input. I will actively invite engagement on the issues most important to my fellow female students through social media and in person connections. My experience in working with international students and the future student's office is crucial and a huge asset for representing women on the DSU. A vote for Savannah Orobko is a vote for all women students.
Advocacy Alliance - Slate Platform
As a team, we are dedicated to advocating that Douglas College students have a fun, equitable time on campus. We are prepared to work together alongside students to build a thriving campus with more engagement, stronger support services, and broader outreach connections. We come together with varied experiences and perspectives to build a diverse team ready to represent you, the student body, throughout the next year. Each of us brings a background of engagement in different areas at Douglas College, strengthening our connections and understandings of what the student body needs to thrive.
Tell us how we can advocate for you!
Brandon Chou for Director of External Relations, Cole Sheehan-Klassen for Accessibility Representative, Ramilla Shah for Coquitlam Campus Representative, Mariana Peña for Director of College Relations, Renee Wesley for Indigenous Students’ Representative, Sarah Nelson for Women Students’ Representative.
Women Students’
Representative -
Alpisha Sharma
Hello! My name is Alpisha Sharma and I am
contesting to be your women’s representative. I am
a Post Baccalaureate Accounting student and often
volunteer with the DSU, Clubs and student life. I come from a place where women are denied basic rights and education, some even killed at birth just because of their gender. I have had an amazing experience in Canada as a woman, I have never felt neglected or talked down but discrimination is hidden in subtle ways. I am sure many have been told to “dress a certain way” “you are not like other girls” “that is a lot of makeup” and what not? I believe life gets even harder for self-identified women, the constant taunting and bullying by people is just not normal. I believe together we can all push the stigma away. Push ourselves and each other up the ladder. If you do relate to this and have any queries, please reach out to me on Instagram @alpishasharma to know more about my campaign.
Thank you!
