Here are the statements for the candidates in our Fall 2026 ASSU Executive by-election. Candidates will be elected at our first regular ASSU Council meeting on October 2nd. There are two (2) positions that will be elected.
Huda Al-Hussaini
Hi. My name is Huda Al-Hussaini, I am a fourth year student studying Neuroscience & Bioethics. I am very passionate about student politics and advocating for student rights, needs, and wants. I’d like to tell you a little bit about my experience and how that makes me a worthy candidate for this role, then you can maybe deem me suitable for this role.
My double major allows me to gauge a representation of both humanities and sciences, reflecting most of the broad nature characteristic to the Arts Science student body. Being in my fourth year, I have also had the opportunities to talk to many students, allowing me to believe that many crave a social life alongside their academic journey here at UofT. This leads me to wanting to create third spaces that are fun, open, and most importantly, welcoming areas which foster community.
Further, my experiences in leadership, including my current role as the Co-President at UNICEF UofT, have cultivated my skills in advocating in pressing issues and urging collaboration to remedy them. I possess a diverse skill set, from creating a short film about stress-induced addiction, to researching glioblastomas, to archiving Canadian Muslim records.
However, it isn’t fair to claim accreditation for these experiences as they only speak of the success of true collaboration. This is ultimately my goal here, to unify the capabilities of the team and students around me, to cultivate community and continuously present solutions to you.
Thank you,
Huda
Alexander Austen
Too often the administration fails to respect your rights and your voice.
I’m Alexander Austen, and I’m running for executive because I care that you are heard.
My first year of high school, I was misplaced into a beginner-level English class despite being a native speaker. My teacher failed to do anything despite persistent complaints. Once the issue was fixed, he faced zero consequences for his inaction.
When problems occur and those in charge take no initiative to fix them, this is when the system fails. Student representatives are there to solve this, advocating so your voice is heard.
I point-blank REFUSE to let any person be failed by the system like I was, which is why I got involved in administration in the first place.
I’ve been an executive for my school’s student council, and I’ve served treasury and vice president for student-led chapters. I’ve been advocating within bureaucratic frameworks for years, and I’m efficient at it. I’m fiercely dedicated to advocating for your rights and making sure your demands are heard and respected by the administration.
It’s important to me that you have a candidate who knows how to advocate for you and cares about your needs. I want to be able to help you whenever you need it, however you need it, advocating fiercely and effectively for your voice and rights.
VOTE ALEXANDER; VOTE STUDENT RIGHTS!
Alexander Del Vecchio
No statement submitted.
Candy Gong
Hi everyone!! I’m Candy, a first year Mathematical and Physical Sciences student at U of T, and I’m running for ASSU Executive!
University is exciting, overwhelming, and occasionally makes you question why you willingly signed up for an 8 hour study session at Robarts. But somewhere between lectures, deadlines, and figuring out where on earth your next class is, I believe university should also be a place where we feel connected, supported, and genuinely excited to be here.
Having served as president of multiple student organizations, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about planning events or having a fancy title. It’s about listening, showing up, and actually doing something with the ideas people bring to you.
If elected, I want to help make Arts & Science a community where students feel comfortable speaking up, opportunities are easier to discover, and student concerns lead to actual conversations and action. Whether it’s academic support, student initiatives, or simply making campus life a little less intimidating, I want to be someone you can approach with an idea, a concern, or even a slightly chaotic suggestion.
I’m bringing my creativity, enthusiasm, and probably way too many ideas for making campus life better to the table! Let’s make Arts & Science a little more connected, a lot more welcoming, and somewhere we can all feel we belong!
Thank you!
Candy Gong
Bri Kerrigan
Heyo, I am Bri, and I am a Socio-cultural anthropology and psychology double major! I already love attending ASSU events, helping where I can as a volunteer, and sitting on your couches doing nothing but chatting. I want to make that relationship more concrete. ASSU, what are we? I want to join your fight for student interests. I want to connect new students to all the resources and programs they can access. I didn’t know about sexual diversity studies, and in my fourth year I still regret not incorporating it into my degree. Like many others, I have found the UofT experience miserable in many ways, and frankly lonely. I am eternally grateful to the communities and people I have met through union events such as APSS, and I want to support them. I want to support unions in creating their own Quercus homepage where they can centralize all their resources and events. I also want to open a free little library outside of Sid Smith where students can exchange books for free. I will admit I have been involved in other organizations, PCU and AES Club. But that’s in the past, and I’m fully committed to improving the UofT student experience. I want to make what we have committed and serious. ASSU, will you have me?
Muhammad Areeb Naeem
No statement submitted.
Akankshya Panda
Hi Arts & Science students!
I’m Akankshya Panda, and I’m a Social Sciences student at Trinity College! I’ve only been at UofT for three weeks, but I’ve already learned: there is ALWAYS somewhere new to explore, and somehow, there is ALWAYS another reading due.
I’ve been loving my experience at UofT so far, and the Arts & Science Student Union has already been an important part of my connection to the ArtSci community. Now, I’d love the opportunity to give back and help make the ArtSci experience even better for all of us!
As a commuter student, I know how challenging it can be to balance everything and actually get to enjoy campus life. If elected to ASSU, I’ll bring that perspective to the table and advocate for practical changes that make YOUR university experience safer, more affordable, and more accessible.
Hotel Discounts for ArtSci Commuters: because sometimes getting home late just isn’t realistic.
Affordable Textbooks Agenda: because tuition is expensive enough without a $200 textbook.
Biweekly Restocked Period Care: because essential products should actually be available everywhere when students need them.
Before UofT, I served as Prime Minister of my Student Council, representing 1,500 students while working with a limited budget to create fun, memorable events for our school community.
As a first-year, I’ll bring a fresh perspective and a willingness to listen. I’m excited to learn from returning executives, but more importantly, I’m excited to learn from YOU.
Let’s make ArtSci a little more affordable, accessible, and fun!
Shanae Raymond
I, Shanae Raymond, would like to introduce myself as a candidate for the 2026-27 ASSU executive position. I am in my first year of social sciences as a philosophy major, and while I’m new to University of Toronto life, I’m honored to speak on behalf of my peers.
I plan to use my past volunteer experience in education and hospitality to support my work in arts and science through transferable skills I’ve built, such as problem-solving and critical thinking. My vision is to help students be their best by supporting them not just through advocacy, but through action. Students should know they have a community behind them, willing to listen, represent them, and turn their ideas into innovation.
To ensure academic success, I believe that keeping students engaged and aware of available support is important. As an arts and science student who has done research on resources for academic benefit, I realized how easy it is to feel overwhelmed and even threatened by the amount of information available. To combat that uneasiness, offering more social events would increase a sense of community, bring different arts and science communities together, and create opportunities to network and expand knowledge of research and financial support.
I, Shanae Raymond, am no better than anyone else; everyone has something to offer, so my strength comes from those who want change. With integrity and communication, we can improve students’ lives together, one project at a time.
Sincerely,
Shanae Raymond
Mishri Shah
Dear Arts & Science Students,
My name is Mishri Shah, and I am a first-year Life Sciences student running for ASSU Executive! When I came to U of T, one of the first things I noticed was how much is happening on campus. There are so many resources, opportunities, clubs, events, and people to meet, but with such a large student body, it can also be easy to feel lost in all of it.
I have always loved being involved in my school community. Throughout high school, I was involved in student government, student wellness, music, and volunteering. Since coming to U of T, I have continued looking for ways to get involved and meet people outside of the classroom. These experiences have taught me that representing students is not about assuming you know what everyone wants. It is about listening to people and actually doing something with what they tell you.
If elected, I want to help make ASSU something students genuinely feel connected to. I want to make it easier for students to share their ideas and concerns, learn about the opportunities and resources available to them, and feel like they have someone they can actually approach and talk to. I am still new to U of T, but I am figuring things out alongside so many other students, and I would love the opportunity to listen, learn, and represent you throughout the year.
Mishri Shah
Harshmann Singh
Hello everyone! My name is Harshmann Singh, and I am a first-year Rotman Commerce student running for ASSU Executive.
Before coming to UofT, I served as a Student Trustee and Student Senate President in the Durham District School Board, representing approximately 80,000 students. That experience helped me learn more about student advocacy. The importance of listening intently, bringing people together, and following discussions with action items.
As an ASSU Executive, I would bring that same energy to Arts & Science. I want students to know more about academic resources and supports exist for them, and to feel like they can raise concerns to those who represent them. A big part of that is building better communication between students, course unions, and the Faculty, so ASSU feels approachable even to students who have no idea what it is or where to start.
Being a first-year commuter student myself, I know firsthand how overwhelming UofT can feel. I see ASSU as an institution which can be a daily and positive part of university life for thousands of students.
I would be grateful for the chance to bring my experience, dedication, and willingness to listen to the ASSU team and the students we serve.
Carlene Trong
To the council members of ASSU, hello! My name is Carlene!
I’m in my first year of Life Science here at UofT! One thing about me is that I love getting involved in my community, whether by participating in events around campus or by working behind the scenes to make them happen. Building a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming environment is very important to me.
I believe I am a strong candidate for this position because of my extensive leadership experience and my genuinely care for the community. In the past, I have been elected by the student body to be an executive member of the Students’ Council and elected by educational staff to become a Student Peer Mentor. Through these opportunities, I advocated for students’ interests, reflected their values within event planning, and volunteered over 150 hours in student support initiatives. At the same time, I was able to develop my own leadership skills, make great connections with my fellow peers, and contribute to a welcoming community
Furthermore, I had the opportunity to represent and to learn from student voices at a regional level, with my involvement in the 2025-2026 York Region Presidents Council. At these monthly meetings, I met with students from across 9 municipalities to share thoughts, concerns, and improvements on mental health, wellbeing, and academics.
I am very dedicated to supporting students in all aspects and it would be an honor to be a part of the Arts and Science Students’ Union. Thank you!
Kayra Naz Ustabasi
No statement submitted.
Sindhuja Vellanki
Hello and Bonjour to my fellow UofT-goers! I’m Sindhuja Vellanki, a third-year student majoring in Pharmacology and Cell Biology. Growing up in Toronto, I’ve sought out opportunities to give back to my community, whether through fundraising, volunteering, or student leadership.
Throughout my time at UofT, I’ve had the opportunity to get involved both within the university and in the broader community. From being an executive for fundraising organizations such as Relay for Life, the William Osler Health Foundation, and the Terry Fox Foundation, to serving as an executive member of Science Rendezvous and doing a volunteer co-op with the Humber River Hospital, I’ve developed a strong appreciation for the importance of building networks where members feel motivated and connected to one another.
If elected to ASSU, I hope to bring this same commitment to the student community. As a frequent attendee of Exam Jam, I’ve experienced firsthand how valuable accessible academic support, and hope to similarly build on these initiatves in addition to improving the resources available to students navigating the Post-Secondary Application Process (PoST), an experience that I personally found overwhelming. I would like to strengthen partnerships between ASSU and other Arts and Science union programs so that students can more easily discover and access the academic, social, and professional opportunities available to them.
With your support, I hope to contribute to the wonderful UofT community as an ASSU executive.
Sabina Yeasmin
I am one of you, a student in the Faculty of Arts & Science. I believe being a student is more than studying. It is also about growing responsibly as a community, helping each other and helping ourselves. We all know that university life can be exciting, but it can also be hard. Students may face challenges with school, money, family, and time. I want every student to feel heard, supported, and included. My name is Mst Sabina Yeasmin, and I am excited to run for an Executive position with the Arts & Science Students’ Union (ASSU). I have experience supporting my fellow students as a student leader, and I love doing it. I have learned how to listen, work with others, and take responsibility. I understand that every student has different needs and challenges. If elected, I will listen to your concerns and bring your voices forward. I will help students learn about available support and opportunities. I will work to make our student community more welcoming and connected. Once again, I am Mst Sabina Yeasmin, and I am one of you. I am ready to listen, support, and work for you. I respectfully ask for your support, and I am counting on your vote. Thank you.
Xiru Zhao
Hello everyone, I am Xiru Zhao. Running for an ASSU executive, I am able to generate innovative ideas, create a friendly environment, and perform positive communications. Firstly, I am creative and thoughtful, having many ideas to improve student life. For example, I can notice and find possible enhancement from my daily school life. Then, I will come up with specific plans to increase our students’ degree of satisfaction. Secondly, I am always willing to build a welcoming atmosphere in the community. During the weekly working hours, I will always make sure that students feel welcomed and comfortable when solving their problems. Finally, I am quite talkative and outgoing. I would like to talk with others with high efficiency for discussions and problem-solving. Overall, if I can be an ASSU executive, I will think of creative plans for our community, make our community welcoming, and communicate with our community effectively. Thank you!
