Winter 2022 General Election - Candidate Bios

Candidates are listed per position alphabetically by first name.

Executive Candidates: President

Nicole Walker:
Hello Voter! I’m Nicole Walker and I am seeking re-election to be your 2022-2023 CSA President. My leadership experience as a member of Interhall Council, the Orientation Team, Board of Governors, Senate, and more, have taught me that the collective student voice can bring about positive change.

As the current CSA President, I helped reinstate the Student Bus Pass, reopened the Bike Centre, and supported student-led initiatives, such as the Walkout in Solidarity with Campus Survivors. If re-elected as President, I will continue advocating for an inclusive campus community, while prioritizing the safety of students and transparent communication with the student body. My leadership experience, diverse knowledge of the Guelph community, dedication to the student movement, and passion for advocacy will allow me to continue being a strong voice for our Guelph undergrads. I want to continue to be here for you! I would appreciate your vote of support!

Executive Candidates: VP Academic

Mason Friebe:
Hey everyone! My name is Mason Friebe and my pronouns are he/him, I am going into my fourth year of CJPP and POLS and am seeking election for the CSA executive position of VP Academic. I have been involved with student government and campus activities/groups since the beginning. Becoming first-year representative on the CJPP Society and a community representative in South residence, to now being the VP of Activities and Outreach for CSAHS Student Alliance, learning and helping my peers as much as I could.

I intend to do the same thing as part of the CSA executives, acting as your voice on academic issues. I aim to alleviate the stress of the pandemic to the best of my ability while advocating for hybrid course alternatives and safe procedures, to develop a healthy student experience and campus environment as it once was.

Executive Candidates: VP External

Angel Culmer:
Hello everyone! My name is Angel Culmer. I am pursuing my final year in Bio-medical Sciences at the University of Guelph, and I am applying for the CSA VP External position.

My time at the University of Guelph has illuminated the importance of BIPOC representation, safe spaces, and community. My current position as the Guelph Black Students Association (GBSA) president has provided insight into the deficiency of these necessities on a larger scale and the efforts and directives needed to procure and maintain them at an institutional level. If elected, I plan to address these deficits by working with student groups, current and prospective partners of underrepresented communities and the administration of the University of Guelph. Further, I pride myself on being morally conscious, responsible, and amicable; and promise to always display these qualities in my position. Thank you for your support so far!

Jena-Lee Ashley:
Wâciye/Hello! My name is Jena-Lee Ashley and I am really excited to be running for VP External. My grassroots stem from Kashechewan First Nation on the Western coast of James Bay. During my time at UofG I have been an active student leader. I was the Secretary of the Indigenous Student Society for 2 years before stepping into the role of Co-Chair which I held for 2.5 years. From May 2021-April 2022 I have been holding the position of the National Executive Representative for the Circle of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students – a caucus of the Canadian Federation of

Students. I have truly enjoyed working with student leaders the last 4.5 years and I will always do my best to advocate and be a voice for you. Nanâskomow/Thank you.

→ Watch Forum Video, via YouTube with Captions

Director Candidates: CBS

Sanya Sareen:
As a first-year student studying Biomedical Sciences, UoG has provided an exceptional academic experience, while also giving me perspective on how institutional change can be administered. By navigating through the pandemic, we’ve risen above the challenges it poses to academia, however there is much work needed to restore a rich student experience. As a member of the CSA Board of Directors, representing the CBS, I will strive to advocate for and help bridge the disconnect students are experiencing by implementing opportunities for students to meet like-minded individuals in their major and build a strong network at UoG.

Serving on student and non-academic councils throughout my academic career has prepared me to advocate and work on behalf of my fellow Gryphons. I am asking for your support so I can begin working for a more fulfilling student experience. It would be an honour to be your voice in the CSA.

Director Candidates: LANG

Daniel Neiterman:
To whom it may concern, My name is Daniel Neiterman, and I am a second-year student at the UofG. I am in the Bachelor of Commerce Program, majoring in accounting (co-op), and minoring in marketing. I am running this year for the CSA’s Board of Directors to represent the Lang School of Business and Economics. I have always been very involved in the community through various organizations, including the Canadian Cancer Society, the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Program, and local sports such as competitive hockey. Even today as a university student, I continue my contributions to the community both inside and outside of the classroom.

I feel that by fulfilling the role as the Lang representative on the CSA Board of Directors, I will be able to continue giving back to the community by looking out for the best interests of the business students here at the University of Guelph.

Mauricio Canedo Fernandez:
Hi, my name is Mauricio. I’m a second year Bcomm co-op student that’s proud to call Canada home since 2018. From my lived experiences escaping the Venezuelan totalitarian regime I have learned, among other things, the importance that checks and balances as well as transparency and accountability have on political and broader social institutions. I wish to run and attain the position of Director for the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics in this coming election to make sure that our student union remains accountable, non-partisan, respectful of every individual, and remains committed to properly representing and considering the well-being of every student that attends this great educational institution.

Director Candidates: OAC

Isha Maharaj:
Hi! My name is Ishaka, but feel free to address me as Isha. I’m a third-year undergraduate student in Animal Biology. My desire to represent the OAC for another academic year stems from my belief that students deserve a place that brings a sense of belonging. I strive to create an amicable environment for students who may feel out of place on campus, and I am adamant on building one that challenges stereotypes regarding the Guelph experience and the OAC.

I took on the presidential role of the Indian Students Association over the last 2 years, collaborating with the University and CSA to coordinate highlight events for the ISA experience. Aside from being closely involved with these committees, I was part of the Leadership Intensive program, which developed various leadership skills. These are some traits I possess and always seek to improve, making me an ideal candidate for the position.

→ Watch Forum Video, via YouTube with Captions

Director Candidates: CEPS

Jake Levy:
My name is Jake Levy, and I am in second year. I am majoring in Computer Science and minoring in Sport and Event Management. Outside of school, I love sports, puzzles, and spending time with friends and family.

I am seeking election onto the CSA Board of Directors to do my part in ensuring equality for all students at the University of Guelph. As a member of the Board of Directors, I will be a voice for all CEPS students and make sure everyone is always heard.