I am Linda Irabagiza, my pronouns are she/her. I am in my first year at Trent taking the Criminology and Law Swansea program. I took this program because I love fairness, justice, and creating positive changes in society. In my free time, I enjoy playing badminton, volleyball, and basketball, as well as reading, cooking, and listening to music. One thing that’s important to me is maintaining and developing community relations, which is what is motivating me to pursue all the opportunities at Trent. I believe everybody should be there to support one another, hear each other out, and make collaborative efforts so that the campus can feel like home to everybody.

What would you do if elected?

If elected Gender Issues Commissioner, my priority would be to listen, learn, and represent the voices of students on issues that impact gender equity at Trent. As a first-year student, I recognize that I am new to campus and do not yet know every resource or challenge, so I will not make empty promises. Instead, I will focus on being a strong advocate, working with students to identify gaps, and collaborating with the TCSA to push for meaningful change. My past experiences have prepared me for this role. Through BICOP, I helped run cultural events that raised money for a women’s shelter, showing me how student-led efforts can make a real difference. Through the Justice Club, I fought for free menstrual products in school washrooms, an initiative that directly addressed gender inequality. I also represented students at the London District Catholic School Board on wellness and policing issues, amplifying student voices in important decisions. I believe that equity starts with listening and taking action based on students’ needs. As Gender Issues Commissioner, I will bring empathy, determination, and a commitment to ensuring that all students feel safe, respected, and supported.

What makes you the best candidate?

I am the best candidate for Gender Issues Commissioner because I bring both lived experience and a proven record of advocacy. Growing up as a girl child in Africa, I faced gender inequality firsthand, which motivates me to fight for fairness and representation. At St. Andre Bessette, I held leadership roles across many student groups, including BICOP, Black Student Alliance, Justice Club, Best Buddies, Chaplaincy, and the Wellness Club. I led initiatives like fundraising for women’s shelters and securing free menstrual products in school washrooms, turning advocacy into action. I was also chosen to represent students at the LDCSB, where I voiced concerns on wellness and policing in schools. At Trent, I’ve started getting involved through Club Day and Vendor’s Day, and I want to expand that work through this position. I am approachable, passionate, and determined to ensure gender equity at Trent.

My name is Tioluwalase Arowolo, and I’m a third year Computer Science and Economics student . I currently serve as the Senior Minister of Finance at Lady Eaton College and I’m the President and Founder of the Trent Economics Student Association. I have also volunteered as an International Orientation Leader, supporting new students as they begin their journey at Trent. These roles have strengthened my leadership, organizational, and communication skills, while giving me the chance to engage with diverse communities. I am passionate about learning, collaboration, and creating opportunities that enrich both academic and student life.

What would you do if elected?

If elected, my priority would be to create spaces where students feel heard and supported. I would begin by engaging directly with students through open discussions to better understand the challenges faced by women, Trans, and gender-nonconforming communities at Trent. This feedback would guide the events and initiatives I organize, ensuring they meet real needs. With my background in student leadership and event planning, I would focus on events that are both engaging and accessible ranging from awareness campaigns to collaborative workshops with other student groups. I want these efforts to extend beyond single events and contribute to an ongoing culture of equity and inclusion on campus. I also believe partnerships are key. By strengthening connections with campus services and community organizations, I would help provide resources that support students in meaningful, lasting ways. My goal is to foster visibility, empowerment, and belonging for all students.

What makes you the best candidate?

I am the best candidate because I bring leadership, collaboration, and advocacy experience. As President and Founder of the Trent Economics Student Association and Senior Minister of Finance at Lady Eaton College, I have gained skills in organization, teamwork, and event planning. What makes me stand out is how I connect this experience to a genuine passion for equity and inclusion. I want to use this role not just to host events, but to create spaces where students feel safe, supported, and represented. I am committed to listening to student voices, building partnerships with campus and community groups, and turning ideas into meaningful action. My dedication to fostering belonging and visibility makes me well-prepared to serve as Gender Issues Commissioner.

Hi! My name is Colin and I am a first year student in Otonabee, studying Environmental Science and I am in the Teacher Education Stream. My ideal career is teaching in high school as I would love to make English class (or as a backup: French #bilungual) fun. I grew up in rural Ontario, south of the Georgian Bay and love everything nature/outdoors and on the water. My favourite sports are skiing and mountain biking and my main hobby (which you may recognize me from) is photography! I feel that I am an easy going, kind & compassionate individual, and I love nothing more than forming new connections with people and helping/supporting others which is the main motivation for why I am running as On Campus Commissioner. Thank you for your support, I hope to meet you soon!

What would you do if elected?

If elected, my primary objectives would be speaking from the heart of the student body here on campus so that we all feel our sentiments, needs and values are always represented, heard and taken into action if required. I want to maintain Trent's fun and social atmosphere by leading group activities in which people have opportunities to have their voice heard, meet new people and above else have fun, for both introverts and extraverts! I will always use all capacities and means at my disposal to ensure our culture remains equitable, safe, fun and represented in a manner conscious of the overall best interest of everyone on campus. I will gratefully work alongside and act as liaison to whomever I may (i.e. Board of Directors / TCSA admin) to ensure that our needs are met, voices are heard, and challenges faced by on campus students such as housing, food, parking or transit etc. are resolved in pursuit of continued barrier free education per the TCSA. Your vote perpetuates your values and your voice, and I am truly grateful for this opportunity to make positive differences.

What makes you the best candidate?

I believe that my value lies in my personal and universally oriented goals for our community, my beliefs & extensive experiences working within communities in order to achieve change. My past experiences include directing summer camps for children with disabilities & without in STEM, artistic and physical activities/games. I've led large group activities in chaotic environments: coaching my local swim team, instructing lifeguarding& first aid, leading a Relay For Life committee which raised over $170k with 1000+ participating in 2025, involvement as a member of the Ontario Camps Association, Canadian Coaching Association as well as the Life Saving Society. I also have hundreds of hours volunteering in and around my local communities. Beyond this and more importantly, I try to always be well spoken, transparent at all times, and above all else, approachable for no matter what concerns you may have. I believe your voice as an individual can change the hearts of hundreds, and I am here to support you to the fullest, by all means necessary.

My name is Ceeah Timothy, and I’m a second-year Psychology and Legal Studies student at Trent. As a student living off campus, I especially understand the challenges that come with finding secure and equitable housing. Growing up in a tight knit community in Scarborough I've always had a passion for representing those that need a voice. I’ve devoted an extensive amount of time to community service and outreach as a coordinator for two of West Hills food banks and as a facilitator for the Coach John foundation that gives underserved youth an opportunity to excel through the gift of sports. I have a big heart for fairness and equity, and strongly believe that every individual, regardless of race, religion, or identity, deserves to feel at peace and appreciated in their day-to-day lives, and my goal is to make a measurable difference in the Trent community.

What would you do if elected?

If elected, I would push for more housing and nutrition opportunities for students living off campus. My campaign would draw a huge focal point on ensuring that students are aware of their rights as renters so that they may not be taken advantage of by landlords, as I and my roomates experienced near homelessness this past year because of off campus housing issues and abuse by our landlord. I will also push for more subsidy for offsetting the cost of food for students living off campus. My goal is to partner with grocers such as local Walmart and Metro to create more discount opportunities, as food security is becoming an epidemic, especially given that many students do not have a stable source of income.

What makes you the best candidate?

I believe that I am the best fit for this role because of my personal experience with off campus housing and food security. My background as a pre law student also equips me with the confidence to be an advocate and voice for those that don't have one. My connections to foodbanks and services like "FeedOntario" mean that I already have a foot in the door making it more likely for compamies to listen to my proposal to offset food cost for students .

My name is Samara Thompson, I am an 18 year old international student coming from the twin islands of Trinidad & Tobago. I am pursuing a joint-major honours program in Forensic Science & Psychology. While this is my first year at Trent, it is my second year in university, and I bring both academic dedication and lived experience to the student body. One of my main motivations for pursuing psychology is my yearn to understand diverse types of learning patterns and disabilities. Having being diagnosed with ADHD and high anxiety, I recognize the firsthand importance of empathy, being seen, being heard, and advocacy. I am passionate about using both my personal insight and academic background to ensure that all students under my eye, regardless of ability, feel supported, represented and empowered to succeed at Trent.

What would you do if elected?

If I were given the honour of being elected as students with disabilities commissioner, my goal would be to strengthen accessibility, awareness, and advocacy on campus. My first priority would be to listen to the voices of students at Trent and understand their experiences. By hearing directly from those I represent, I can better identify gaps and ensure that my work is meaningful and impactful. I would then focus on practical steps to adhere to these needs. This includes working with accessibility services to improve accommodations, advocating for much needed mental health resources, and ensuring that students with both visible and invisible disabilities feel represented in campus life. Finally, I would seek to build a stronger culture of awareness and empathy through educational initiatives that reduce prevalent stigmas and promote understanding. My goal is to ensure that every student feels supported to thrive at Trent.

What makes you the best candidate?

Being someone who has personally struggled with mental health challenges, I understand the importance of advocacy and representation. About two years ago, before my official diagnosis, I went through a very difficult period in my life where I began experiencing tics and severe anxiety attacks. These experiences shaped my perspective and made me realize how critical it is for students with disabilities especially 'unseen' ones to feel seen and supported. Since then, I have grown stronger, learned to manage these challenges, and developed a passion for supporting others. My background in psychology provides me with the knowledge to understand diverse needs, while my lived experience gives me the ability to connect authentically with students. I am committed to ensuring that no student feels alone on their journey at Trent, and I believe this makes me the best candidate for students with disabilities commissioner.