By Reese Rankmore
You’ve probably seen the posters all over campus and had your BU email flooded with messages about the upcoming Brandon University Student Union election, but you may be wondering who to vote for. To help you cast your vote, I have received a statement from a few of the candidates about why they are running and the experience they bring to the table. Remember to cast your vote online March 5th-6th!
President:
Oluwaseun Ajayi - No statement available
Zach Roozendaal - No statement available
Oluwatosin Salau - No statement available
Vice President Operations
Samuel Kayode (he/him)
“I am a third-year Biomedical Science student with a passion for teamwork, transparency, and operational effectiveness within Brandon University Students' Union. My objective as VP Operations is to ensure that internal systems are enhanced in order to provide more efficient and effective services to students.
My election campaign is built upon three major areas of focus. First, I aim to improve communication between student representatives and the student body. Second, I will ensure that financial transparency is enhanced in BUSU's operations. Finally, I will ensure that student initiatives are supported in an organized and structured manner. I strongly believe that effective operation will provide a stable environment in which student initiatives, programs, and activities will flourish just so everyone has the best student experience.
I have acquired excellent organizational and analysis skills and leadership experience. Therefore, I am committed to making informed decisions and ensuring this decisions are sustainable in the long run.
I am committed to operating efficiently behind the scenes and clearly in front of the scenes. I am eager and ready to provide focus, structure, and reliability in this position.”
Michelle Williams-Joel (she/her)
“My name is Michelle Williams-Joel (She/Her), and I am a third-year Political Science (Honours) student currently serving as your Vice President Operations. I am re-running because this role has never been about the title for me, it has always been about service. I have been involved with BUSU since 2024, first as Arts Representative and now as Vice President Operations. In every role, my focus has remained the same: to show up, listen, and advocate. But advocacy is not just about speaking , it is also about action. I work hard to ensure students are aware of and actually benefit from the services BUSU provides. I believe services only matter if students know about them and can access them.
As a woman, I also made it a priority to ensure sanitary pads are available in washrooms because dignity and accessibility matter. Supporting students is not abstract to me, it is practical, visible, and intentional. To continue strengthening my leadership, I completed a leadership program at the Asper School of Business, University of Manitoba, learning alongside other leaders so I can better serve and advocate effectively.
One year is not enough. I am willing and ready to continue serving, building, and ensuring that every student feels heard, supported, and valued. I do this work with joy, and there is nothing I would rather do than stand up for you.”
Vice President Engagement
Michael Uwa-Omoregha (he/him)
“As a candidate for Vice President Engagement, my goal is to strengthen the connection between students and their Students’ Union. I believe engagement goes beyond hosting events; it means creating meaningful opportunities for students to feel heard, included, and empowered on campus.
My platform focuses on increasing student participation, improving communication transparency, and supporting clubs and student-led initiatives. I want to ensure that engagement opportunities reflect the diversity of our student body and create spaces where all students feel welcome. This includes culturally inclusive programming, stronger promotion of events and resources, and open channels for student feedback.
I am committed to making engagement accessible and impactful by prioritizing collaboration, visibility, and student voice. Together, we can build a campus community where every student feels connected and represented.”
Arts Representative
Miracle Okonkwo (he/him)
“Key elements: Empowered Engagement.
I’m running for Arts Representative because I believe Arts students deserve structure, visibility, and a little more life outside the syllabus. We are thinkers, creators, critics, and culture shapers, but sometimes it feels like we are just professional deadline managers. I want to help change that, respectfully and just slightly dramatically.
First, I want to strengthen structures that make students feel heard. That includes regular student feedback forums, anonymous suggestion forms that are actually reviewed, open office hours, class representative check ins, and transparent updates so you know what is happening behind the scenes. If you have concerns, ideas, or even a small complaint about something, there should be a clear system that carries your voice forward.
Second, I want more consistent and well organized club activities, with clear funding processes, collaboration between clubs, early event calendars, creative showcases, and panel discussions that bring different disciplines together.
I am also passionate about building a more active Sociology club with structured debates, guest speakers, and meaningful conversations about the society we keep writing essays about.
I’m running to make Arts organized, engaging, and just chaotic enough to be memorable, in a well planned way.”
Peter Odeyemi (he/him)
“If elected as the arts representative, my mission is to amplify student voices, strengthen academic support, and build a more connected Arts community. As a dedicated and engaged student, I understand the diverse needs of Arts students, from access to academic resources and networking opportunities to greater visibility for student initiatives. I am committed to advocating for student concerns at faculty and student union meetings, ensuring Arts students have a consistent voice in decision-making spaces.
I also aim to improve access to information about scholarships, research opportunities, and academic advising. Beyond academics, I want to foster a more vibrant Arts community by supporting student-led events, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, and creating spaces where students feel heard and valued. Also, up until today, economics major students have been excluded from the co-op program, and I aim to advocate for this because I believe every student should have access to co-op jobs and internship placements. I believe every Arts student deserves representation that is proactive, approachable, and results-driven, and I am ready to serve with dedication and integrity.”
Science Representative
Iteoluwa Angel Ogunkamisi (she/her)
“Hi everyone! My name is Iteoluwa Angel Ogunkamisi, and I am running to be your next Science Representative. As a third-year student, I understand the academic pressures, lab demands, and career questions that science students face daily. I am passionate about creating a supportive, informed, and opportunity-filled environment for all science students.
My platform focuses on three key areas: academic support, career development, and student voice. I plan to advocate for more accessible study resources, clearer communication between faculty and students, and increased networking opportunities such as research panels, mentorship connections, and internship awareness. I also want to ensure that your concerns are heard and addressed effectively.
I believe science students deserve strong representation, practical opportunities, and a community that helps them thrive. I am ready to listen, lead, and serve. Vote for leadership that is proactive, approachable, and committed to your success.”
Siya Patel - No statement available
International Students Representative
Chima Favour Muoghalu (he/him)
“My name is Chima Favour Muoghalu, I am running for the position of international students' representative. My pronouns are He/Him. I’m running for International Students Representative because I want to be a strong, reliable voice for students navigating life far from home. I understand the challenges international students face such as immigration concerns, financial pressure, cultural adjustment, and access to support services. I want to work closely with the university to ensure these issues are heard, understood, and addressed. My goal is to help create an inclusive, welcoming campus where international students feel heard, supported, informed, and empowered to succeed academically, socially, and career wise. By advocating for clearer communication, better resources, and meaningful representation, I hope to make the international student experience more positive and equitable for everyone.”
Nataly Palacios Montenegro - No statement available
Black Students Representative
Emanuella Emecheta - No statement available
Gbenga Olorunfemi - No statement available
Accessibilities Representative
Tiarra-Lynn Cole (she/her)
“As the current Accessibilities Representative, I work to ensure equity for all students at BU, especially those who face barriers related to accessibility needs. As a student with Dyslexia, I understand firsthand how disabilities can impact learning, and this experience drives my commitment to meaningful, student‑centred advocacy.
In my current term, I have collaborated with multiple campus agencies to review accommodation policies and am working to propose changes that better support student needs. I have prioritized student voices by gathering direct feedback from the student body, ensuring that every recommendation is grounded in real experiences. If re‑elected, I will continue championing accessible, student‑focused improvements across campus.
As a military paramedic, I bring strong teamwork skills developed in high‑stress environments, a keen eye for detail, and an unwavering dedication to service. I am excited for the opportunity to continue supporting and advocating for the student community at Brandon University”
Part Time/Mature Representative
Ryan Osudar (he/him)
“I am running for the same position as I am this year with BUSU. I think being a representative and a voice for students is a great honor and something I take a lot of pride in. I think it's important to be involved and work to create meaningful change and represent to the best of my abilities and in good faith. I want to help make positive and impactful changes while leaving the BUSU and the university as a whole in better hands when I graduate than it is now. I genuinely am proud of BU and am inspired each day by the charisma of the campus, the people and everything that make it what it is. I plan to bring fresh ideas forward, communicate, be approachable, and work hard during this tenure if I am once again given the opportunity in this position.”
Queer Representative
Taliah Modderman (she/her)
“Hi, my name is Taliah Modderman, I use she/her pronouns and am a proud ace lesbian! I am running in this election to be the Queer Representative for students. There have been a lot of anti-trans (and gender-diverse) laws and policies that are being implemented in the States and right here in Canada- which is terrifying. People should be concerned about rights being stripped away. My goals first and foremost, as the representative, is to ensure that everyone feels safe and listened to. I want to create a community where queer people and allies can get together and talk about things, the good and the bad. I hope to have events and spaces that celebrate queer joy, that showcase our amazing achievements and to have fun; as well as maintain a safe space to discuss current events and promote activism. Engaging with the community should be fun and rewarding! I understand that people get busy with classes and work, especially as the term comes to an end, but I hope you all can find time to enjoy yourselves!”
Education Representative
Maelin Jordan - No statement available
Music Representative
Ayomikun Olasunkami - No statement available
Health Studies Representative
Rebecca Jimoh - No statement available
Grad Students Representative
Phoebe Yaboah - No statement available
Racialized Students Representative
Esperanza Anyachukwu - No statement available
Gender Empowerment Representative
Maryam Adeyemi - No statement available
Indigenous Collective Chair
Cory Dysart-Moody - No statement available