If you missed the campaign speeches on March 9, never fear! We have their entire speeches transcribed right here.
Now, our transcription services are not completely perfect, so if something seems a little out of place, that is not reflective of the candidates, but of the strange interpretations of online transcriptions.
Without further ado, here are your 2026 CUESA Candidates.
Baylee Bellefeuille
Running for: President
Hello there. My fellow students and members of Concordia Student Association. First of all, I want to say that I hope you guys are all having a fantastic semester and thank you for coming. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Bailey. and I am running for Concordia Student Association’s Executive Council as president.
If you know me well enough to know what I bring to the table, you can go ahead and tune out for a couple of minutes here. I’ll let you know when to tune back in. I started my first job when I was 14. Not counting babysitting, house sitting, pet sitting, or any other kind of sitting you can imagine.
So, college pro painters and I spent that summer working full time in scorching summer heat. I don’t know if any of you have worked in the scorching summer heat in full painter’s attire, with latex paint covering you — It’s not very fun. Can confirm, but I digress. That job started me on my journey and I stand before you today with 12 years of experience behind me. I have worked across multiple industries and returned to academia, completing a couple of diplomas and certificates to add more tools to my toolbox and more experiences to my evidence.
I have worked everything from basic retail and labor jobs to side hustles and volunteering, but I also have extra useful skills from my time as a Legal Aid administrative assistant at a bank and as an insurance agent. I bring every trick and tip I learned in all of those trades with me to every position and opportunity I come to, and this presidency would be no different.
If I haven’t demonstrated my ability to be a great point of initial contact for an CUESA in this speech alone, then I can assure you that I only get better when I’m talking about things that I’m even more passionate about, and for things that I care about and I care about CUE. Not only would I represent you with expert professionals, experience skills, and know how, I also support my confidence with all of that in my confidence in negotiations and in advocacy for all of you.
Here’s where those of you that tuned out earlier can tune back in. And after taking the chance to sit down with the current GC president, Rachel C, to go over what was a bit more of the day to day stuff that I’d be doing in office. I found out that I’m actually already doing quite a bit of it on a smaller scale. I already meet with the president and Vice Chancellor, Tim, and I already bring issues to his attention. I go and advocate with the managers in the cafeteria about issues that students bring to my attention for food, and advocate for students abilities to do that for themselves as well.
I’m massive on information dissemination and making sure that people know where to go and how to do it. Finally, I’m clearly not afraid to stand up in front of a crowd and take control of a function. Chairing the meetings would be second nature to me. Enough about me. Let’s talk about CUESA a little bit more.
The team in office currently has worked hard to make big changes in CUESA’s outward appearance, but also in how it functions and how well it works for CUE students. They came in as a clean up crew and ended up a demolition crew, tearing down walls and exposing some rotten framework and then trying to rebuild it back up. But they just don’t have the time to complete everything they would like to. And that’s where me and these candidates come in.
Whatever team gets in, whether it’s the candidate sitting before you or anybody else is here to build CUE back up and build CUE into a home for everybody.
They’ve worked tirelessly to fix and strengthen our foundation, but not having the time means that some things are getting left to the wayside, and we’re going to pick up that slack.
Every construction site needs a foreman and that’s me. I’m here to take what is the construction side of CUE and turn it into a home and a community for everyone guiding us towards their goals. Negotiating with contractors and most importantly, building our dream house. Concordia Student Association should be welcoming, easy to navigate, and most importantly, comfortable. And CUESA isn’t just a student association, it’s a community that each of you are a part of.
It’s here for you, and later on for your fellow members to become a network of “I know a guy,” and without knowing where to go to make that community without knowing what’s going on, you’re never going to be able to create that network. And I want that network for each and every one of you. I plan to make being a big part of this community easier, simpler, and honestly finding any information more concise.
I don’t want events to be annoying emails in your inbox that get ignored because you’re getting six of them from various different clubs. I want that all in one. I don’t want you to have to follow 7 or 8 different Instagram accounts and possibly miss an Instagram post because you didn’t go on that day and not know what event is happening.
I want you to be able to see it in one place easily, and not have to spend 20 minutes reading fliers to see which dates things are happening at. I want you to open up one thing and find that, and I have a plan for that. But we’re going to keep that under wraps for now. No one should ever feel lost in their home.
On top of leading my team and fostering a professional, accepting work environment and advocating for you all, I’m going to make awareness and clarity in our CUE-mmunity the most important thing.
CUESA’s Our house. Your house. Having a say in who manages it, tomorrow at 8 a.m. is very important. Watch your CUE email for the voting link.
Use your voice to vote for those of us working on your house. Our house, our CUESA.
Nicole Dike
Running for: VP Finance
Good afternoon everyone. My name is Nicole Dike and I’m a second year management student. I’m running for VP of Finance because I believe strong financial management is essential to building a student association that truly supports its students.
As an accounting student, I’ve developed an understanding of financial responsibility, organization, and accountability.
I believe the role of VP of Finance is not just about managing budgets, but about ensuring that every dollar is used responsibly to create meaningful opportunities and experiences for students.
If elected as VP of Finance, my goal would be to ensure that financial decisions are thoughtful, transparent and aligned with the needs of our student body. I want students to feel confident that their finances are being handled responsibly and with integrity. I also look forward to collaborating with the rest of the executive team to support initiatives and events that strengthen our student community.
Thank you for listening and I hope to have your support as your next VP of finance.
Adoration Etusi Ehimen
Running for: VP Student Life
Good afternoon everyone. My name is Adoration Etusi Ehimen and I am currently serving as the Vice President students CUESA. Being able to serve through this position has been one of my privileges at Concordia, as a university student.
Stepping into this position, I promised myself never to forget that before I am a leader, I’m a student first. Because of that, I understand the reality. Many of us actually face: the rising cost of living, the stress of school, and many responsibilities that we’re expected to carry every other day.
I also understand how important it is to feel that the people who are representing you are truly present, listening and paying attention to what students are actually experiencing.
Over the past year, I have focused on making our student association more visible, more active, and connected on campus. Together, we planned and hosted at least four events every month. These events were not just simply to fill up calendar spaces. They were opportunities to bring students closer, create a community, and make campus feel like a place where you actually belong.
I’ve also advocated externally to partners to explore ways that students could receive discounts both on and off campus. Because I believe that as a student, every dollar does actually matter. At the same time as meeting my priority, the events remain free and accessible so that no one ever has to feel excluded due to financial barriers. I’ve taken initiatives to introduce a personalized item, prizes, at various events like your Sunset Takeover or Valentine’s Day and the like through door.
They might not have been pricey or not serious or expensive gifts. Well, my goal was simple to remind students that they are seen and actually appreciated for the work that they put into their studies.
On getting into office, I had concerns that many events in previous years were not widely promoted. Because of this, I have worked closely with our marketing team to ensure that activities are better advertised, more engaging, and easier for students to discover than helping campus feel more exciting again.
Another priority of mine has been focused on the heartbeat of student life. A book club, a union. I have been fortunate to work both directly and indirectly through collaboration to support them in hosting successful events while strengthening their community. I also didn’t forget wellness. Because I am a strong believer in the matters of mental health, I have actively promoted wellness events through word of mouth and Instagram posts on social media. You know, because that’s where everybody else is on.
I’ve worked in collaboration with them to ensure that students know that their well-being is very important. If you ask me today, the most important aspect of leadership, I will say, as I have shown you all throughout the year, a leader has to be present. Students either saw me at events, in the office, or having conversations in the hallway.
I believe leadership should never be distant or invisible.
I’ve been reminded and guided by living with humility, listening first and always putting students at the centre of every decision we make. Looking ahead to the next time. I want to view further on the foundation that we have started. One of my priorities in the upcoming year is introducing a regular food initiative on campus, helping students access meals without worrying about their budget.
Some of you may remember the literature that we had on Thursday, and I can confidently say that that initiative is here to stay. I’ve already begun some researching and reaching out to partners to secure and continue to expand district support for students. If we must acknowledge one very important thing today, student cost, unfortunately, continues to rise while external support becomes limited. In times like this, I believe students need leaders who will advocate for them to ensure that their voices are heard.
That is why my focus moving forward will remain centred on four key pillars. 1. Affordability. 2. Mental health. 3. Inclusivity and 4. Engagement.
I believe every student deserves to be supported. Students deserve to feel heard. And most importantly, students deserve to feel like they belong here at CUE.
So today, I humbly ask for your support. Kindly, allow me to continue to keep serving you, advocating for you, and working alongside you. In a year, I strongly believe I’ve been able to accomplish so much. To review the foundation that I once made broken. I also promise to continue building an even stronger community, in and out of campus to support you.
Adrianna Smith
Running for: CSU VP Internal Science Representative
Good afternoon everyone. My name is Adriana Smith. I’m a second year Environmental Science major, a proud student ambassador and an international student from Jamaica. I’m standing before you today because I believe the Science Union shouldn’t just be a club that you hear about. It should be a community that every science major feels a part of. That’s why I’m running to be your Vice President of Internal and Marketing in the Science Union. My goal for this position is simple: transparency and connection.
As a student ambassador, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about giving directions. It’s about listening to each other, collaborating and connecting in order to achieve a goal.
Whether it’s the core for an event or coordinating tours, none of it gets done without first connecting with prospective students, realizing what they need, and bridging that gap.
In the internal half of this role, I want to ensure every science student feels informed and included. No more wondering what’s happening. I want to create a culture where your feedback directly shapes our decisions, and you’re fully engaged with our events.
On the marketing side, I want to boost our visibility. We are the Science Faculty. We do incredible things. I plan to revamp how we promote our events using more interactive social media and creating outreach projects so that no student ever misses an opportunity because they didn’t hear about it.
I’ll always believe that we grow the most when we step out of our comfort zones. Joining the CUESA family is that next step for me. I want to step out of my comfort zone to strengthen our faculty’s unity. Use my energy to support you, the student body. And together, we can ensure that the science union is the most fulfilling and vibrant community on campus.
I’m ready to work. I’m ready to lead. Join me and together we will succeed.
Toviel Block
Running for: CAU President Arts Representative
Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Toviel. I’m a second year psychology major, and I’m running for the Arts Union president.
University can feel like a place where decisions are made far away from the students they affect. Policy change. Bylaws exist. Committees meet, but students don’t always feel like their voices are part of those conversations. I believe that needs to change. My first goal is simple. Listen to the student body and advocate for your voices. Whether it’s concerns about policies, academic pressures, opportunities in the arts, faculty, or everyday student life.
Your experiences should matter in the decisions that shape this university.
My second goal is to build a collaborative and effective team. Real progress doesn’t happen because of one person. It happens when people work together. I want to create a team that communicates well, respects different perspectives, and focuses on solutions. I believe every issue should be approached with kindness and respect. Now, finally, I want to work with others to review and improve the current policies in Concordia.
I want to change the bylaws that affect students. If something isn’t working, we shouldn’t ignore it. We should work together to fix it. At the end of the day, leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about responsibility, it’s about showing up. Listening carefully and working with others to create change for the better. Thank you for your time.
Jackson Chambers
Current VP of the Education Student Society and Future Education Student Representative of CUESA
For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Jackson Chambers. I’m the current Vice President of the Education Student Society, or as we call it, the ESS. And I’ll be stepping into the role of the education student representative with CUESA. So I’m not exactly running in the traditional sense. I still feel it was important to stand up here, say hello, share how I plan to serve you in this role.
So I completed my undergraduate degree in science, majoring in biology. I’m now in the education after degree program with the goal of becoming an elementary school teacher.
So basically, I know all about cellular respiration, but more importantly, I can explain it in a way that won’t make you want to stop perspiring. Pause for applause.
Since September, I’ve had the privilege of serving as the vice president of the ESS here at Concordia. Through that experience, I’ve learned that education students are some of the most dedicated, reflective, and passionate people on campus. We also have very strong opinions about Canva, “six, seven,” and coffee quality. In all seriousness. I’m going to take this position very seriously.
And as your education student representative of CUE, My priority will be to advocate clearly and consistently, not only for education students, but for whoever needs it.
Whether that’s finding the answers to difficult questions, strengthening communication between students and faculty, or ensuring our perspectives are heard on a broader university level. I believe leadership is about listening first, speaking thoughtfully, and showing up consistently.
I want to be someone you feel comfortable approaching, whether you have a big concern, a small suggestion, or just want a friendly face to chat with. Thank you for your trust, your support, and for this opportunity. I’m excited for the year ahead and committed to representing you with professionalism, dedication, and just the right amount of well-timed humor.
Ananya Tripathi
Running for: VP Academic
Good afternoon, Concordia. My name is Ananya Tripathy and I am running for the position of VP of academics in this CUESA election.
I am currently in my fourth year pursuing a dual degree in management. During my time at Concordia, I have had the privilege of serving as management representative in my first year, after which I had the unique opportunity, through Concordia, to study abroad in China for two years, where I served as an international affairs coordinator in the Student Union at Beijing Foreign Studies University.
Through these experiences, I’ve developed stronger leadership, communication and organizational skills. More importantly, they’ve strengthened my commitment to representing and advocating for my peers: you.
I’ll be frank with you, the transition between these two institutions has had me jumping through hoops since I have been back, and it has been a struggle I have had. This is the case with any such experience.
I have had to advocate for myself left, right and centre and these challenges have taught me resilience and discipline. As your V.P. of academics, I will do the same for you.
My goal as V.P. of academics would be to help strengthen academic support, improve communication between students and administration, and make sure students have a stronger voice in academic decisions that affect them.
I have been back for a while now, and I deeply cherish my relationship with each student here at Concordia, as they have inspired me to strive to create new opportunities for all of us.
If elected, it will be my endeavor to represent and enrich your student experience during your time here at Concordia.
Austin Hennig
Running for: VP Academic
Hi there everyone. My name is Austin Hennig and I am running for VP academic of CUESA.
Just so you know, the VP academic position has four major umbrella categories. The first being policy work. The second being external relationships, the third being the CEO of the Bolt News and the fourth being Academic Matters.
Part of the reason I’m running for this position is because this category really interests me in all of the various four endeavors that you have to partake in.
I think one of the things that’s really important for any student leader, but particularly student leaders in the VP academic position, is our respect. I think it’s a term we throw around a lot, but sometimes we don’t remember what it actually means.
Respect has two components “ree” and “spect”.
“Ree,” We all know from it without repeat. It’s to do again. Respect comes from the Latin. And I’m going to butcher this “spectare”, which means, to look again or to look. So, respect literally means to look again. I think that’s something that we have to do as student leaders.
We have to look again. Sometimes we’re inclined to only look to students during election time, like “give me the job” and then we’re done. I think something that’s really important is to respect you and truly respect you, which means to look to you again. I think when we’re making decisions about clubs and unions, we need to look to clubs and unions again.
When we’re making decisions about students, we need to keep their interests at heart. We need to respect you. We need to keep you in mind.
I have a vision to serve students better. I think one important thing is that we have to do it together. I think we need to shoot for the stars, be more ambitious in how we dream of our role, not only in our school, but in our province and in our country.
We need to be ambitious in what we can do in only a year. We only have a year, we don’t have time to waste. And so I think it’s really important to shoot high. But the next question then comes to why me? I laid out what I think the role should be, but why should I be the one to fill it?
I think it all comes down to my lived experience. I think it comes down to the opportunity I’ve had. I have been a competitive curler. I represented Alberta at U18 Nationals in Saskatoon last year. I’ve had musical theater experience. I performed for over 8000 people. My total audience over three years. My favourite role was Jack Kelly in Newsies.
I’ve been able to live in a world of academics. My parents are two educators. My mom was one of the second cohort that graduated from the Ed program here at Concordia, and I’ve had the privilege of having a 3.9 GPA throughout my degree, giving me the opportunity to speak with confidence on issues of academic matters.
I also had the privilege of a student leadership trifecta — I’ve called it. It’s the student association. I’m the current management representative, and because of that, I have a unique perspective as well as the VP of External Relations. And in addition to that, I’m the treasurer of the Concordia Christian Community. So I’m able to see things from three different angles: from the student association angle, the union angle, and the club angle.
And unfortunately, that’s let me see the problem is a great degree of detail, but I haven’t been able to do anything about them. It’s not my job. And so what I’m asking you to do is to give me the opportunity to do what I’ve been wanting to do for three months anyways, for four months anyways, for five months anyways.
What I’ve been dreaming about doing for the last year is to change things, to turn things upside down and adjust things. And it all comes down to what you’ll see on my posters around the school. I know where we are today so I can see where we can go tomorrow.
