2026 DSU Student Elections
Candidate Names, Positions, Platforms, and Videos.
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.
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 Sofia Pena Lopez
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.
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
No platform 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