Here are the self-submitted profiles of the UMSU General Election executive candidates for Your UMSU.

Name: Jeremiah Kopp
Position: President
Studies: Fifth year, political studies

Why I’m running
We have accomplished a lot over the past two years to change the culture at the University of Manitoba, but there is still much more to do. University of Manitoba students can now proudly compare their campus life to that of other top schools around the country. I am running for UMSU president because I want to keep this momentum going and make sure that every student at the University of Manitoba has the most exciting and memorable experience possible.

Relevant experience
My experience includes work in two Winnipeg deputy mayors’ offices, the Senate of Canada, and the House of Commons. I have served as a board member of my local community club, hockey association, and high school. Last year, I was elected vice-president internal for UMSU. I ran the union’s Health and Dental Plan, and oversaw the budget throughout UMSU and its six businesses. I also oversaw the completion of the new UMSUshi restaurant, worked with my colleagues to run the largest and most profitable Frosh Festival in Canada, introduced the Frost Fest to showcase local talent, and created the UMSU Speakers Series.

Name: Rebecca Kunzman
Position: Vice-president advocacy
Studies: Third year, global political economy

Why I’m running
The moment I decided to run for re-election, I had just come out of a hearing with a student, and realized how impactful it was to be able to represent students in such a direct and significant way. It has been an absolute honour and a privilege to serve as UMSU’s vice-president advocacy for the past year. I have worked to implement the UMSU Volunteer Program and the UMSU Student Access and Initiative Fund. I also worked to revitalize the campaign structure of the union by working with students and student groups to create a true grassroots approach. This year has been a productive one, and I’m excited to (hopefully) get back to work next year!

Relevant experience
The most obvious experience that I have for the role of vice-president advocacy is the past year I have spent serving as UMSU’s vice-president advocacy. However, prior to becoming vice-president advocacy I was heavily involved in the university campus. I was president of the U1 Student Council in my first year as well as social programmer for the Arts Student Body Council. I have also been involved in the World W.I.S.E. Ambassadors Program and was co-chair of the Amnesty International student group on campus. I have also worked as a leadership development officer with the office of Student Life and helped to implement the Student Leadership Development Program and the Emerging Leader Award.

Name: Astitwa Thapa
Position: Vice-president external
Studies: Fourth year, environmental science

Why I’m running
As an international student in Canada, I feel extremely privileged to be at the University of Manitoba. I want to run for the position of vice-president external because I believe that every student’s voice should be heard. Whether it is working with the government, local businesses, or the university administration, I want to ensure that students feel empowered and UMSU moves forward on the best course of action. A lot has been accomplished by UMSU this year, and I want to continue this momentum and make students feel proud of their time at the University of Manitoba.

Relevant experience
My experience working as the international students’ representative at UMSU and the senator for the faculty of environment, earth, and resources has given me an understanding of how the system works and the changes that could be made to enhance student experience. I have gained valuable leadership and intercultural competence skills by completing the Student Leadership Development Program, Intercultural [Development and Leadership] Program, and the World W.I.S.E. Ambassadors Program. Actively volunteering with a diverse range of student groups has given me an opportunity to connect with the grassroots and the wider university community.

Name: Christopher Bélanger
Position: Vice-president internal
Studies: Fourth year, political studies

Why I’m running
The reason I am running for UMSU vice-president internal is because at the end of the day this is the students’ money that we are working with and I want to ensure that it is used in the best interest for the students. The University of Manitoba Students’ Union has a unique ability to drastically change a students’ experience on this campus and this is not a role that I take lightly. We are all students, we all have a common goal, and this position allows me to enact positive change to continue the momentum that we have seen on campus over the past two years.

Relevant experience
The opportunity to run for this position with UMSU is the perfect culmination of my school experience and professional work experience. I have almost completed a degree in political studies and, furthermore, just finished a year-long placement at the City of Winnipeg in which I oversaw and ran the office of the deputy mayor as well as the office of the chair of finance for the City of Winnipeg. Besides numerous volunteer experiences and community work, I have been actively involved in creating a student experience that is inclusive and welcoming to all for the last four years.

Name: Jessica Morrison
Position: Vice-president student services
Studies: Fifth year, political studies

Why I’m running
Student groups help create the foundation of the university experience for many students. They are a great place to build new and lasting relationships, contribute to the social and cultural life on campus, and foster a sense of community. I had the amazing opportunity this past year to be part of a couple of student groups on campus, while connecting with many others, and I hope to take that experience to UMSU. Vice-president student services works hand in hand with student groups and I am passionate in working to ensure that student groups continue to be the backbone of the university experience.

Relevant experience
In addition to my involvement with student groups, I have been heavily involved with the Arts Student Body Council serving as charity and social services representative, director of finance, and two terms as director of social programming. For the past two years I have represented the faculty of arts as a student ambassador at core events such as student orientation, Career Fairs, Info Days, and also played an integral role in organizing last year’s “Women in Public Leadership” speakers’ event. Lastly, I worked as the site manager for the 2013 Frosh Music Festival and as the orientation programs assistant with the Student Life office this past summer.