Fall 2026 By-Elections Candidates
Vice President Health & Wellness
Frank Boham (he/him)
My name is Frank Boham, and I am a third-year Black student here at Trent University majoring in Business Administration with a specialization in Information Systems. To me, health and wellness means maintaining balance through regular exercise, athletic activity, meal preparation, and taking care of my physical and mental well-being. Outside of academics, I enjoy music, barbering through my side hustle, and connecting with fellow students. These interests have helped me build discipline, creativity, communication skills, and strong relationships within the Trent community. As someone who values both personal wellness and social connection, I want to help make health and wellness more accessible, practical, inclusive, and visible for all Trent students.
What makes you the best candidate?
What makes me the best candidate is my combination of initiative, collaboration, and thoughtful decision-making. I am proactive in identifying needs, taking responsibility, and turning ideas into practical action. I am also a strong team player who values listening to different perspectives and working respectfully withstudents, staff, and faculty.
When faced with a challenge, I consider the needs of those affected, evaluate realistic options, and make informed decisions. I am widely viewed as a person who is organized, diligent, thoughtful, and respected by my peers.
As the TCSA Vice President of Health & Wellness, I would bring these qualities to Trent's table, advocating for students and creating accessible, practical, and inclusive wellness initiatives.
What would you do if elected?
As Vice President of Health and Wellness, I will make support more accessible, practical, and visible for everyone at Trent. I would maintain and strengthen initiatives such as the One-Stop Chop Food Pantry, Wrapped N’ Ready sexual health program, student benefits funding, and Exam Care Week, while working with campus and community partners to improve their reach. I would advocate for nutritious and culturally diverse food in dining halls and promote affordable and free produce options on campus.
To support food security, I would organize practical meal-preparation workshops twice per semester, teaching students how to prepare healthy meals with affordable groceries. I would improve awareness of existing sports and explore beginner-friendly activities based on student interest, including football, track and field, and a competitive basketball team, helping Trent offer recreation opportunities comparable to other Ontario universities. I would also coordinate events on mental, physical, and sexual health, consent, and campus safety, while advocating for clearer safety protocols and accessible support for students who experience harm.
Finally, I would hold student consultation sessions and distribute surveys through email and student communication channels each semester, ensuring that marginalized and underrepresented students help shape wellness priorities and evaluate existing programs.
Vice President Health & Wellness
Glight Ofunne (she/her)
My name is Glight (Oyinyechukwu) Ofunne, and I am a passionate about student advocacy, community, and wellness. Through my involvement with student organizations and clubs, I have developed an appreciation for collaboration, leadership, and creating opportunities for students to feel connected and supported.
As an international student, I understand that navigating university can come with unique challenges, including healthcare access, mental wellbeing, and finding a sense of belonging. These experiences have strengthened my desire to advocate for a student community where everyone’s needs are taken seriously.
I am passionate about listening to students, identifying overlooked concerns, and working toward meaningful change. I believe that student wellness is essential to student success, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to a healthier, more inclusive, and supportive Trent community.
What makes you the best candidate?
Student wellness deserves more than good intentions. It requires someone who listens, speaks up, and follows through. During my first two years at Trent, I struggled with my own health, giving me personal insight into the challenges of accessing care and support. As an international student, I also understand the importance of accessible healthcare, inclusion, and reliable resources.
Through my involvement with student clubs and organizations, I have strengthened my communication, teamwork, and leadership skills while connecting with students from diverse backgrounds.
If elected, I will advocate for clearer information about wellness services, create regular student wellness forums, and strengthen collaboration between student leaders, campus services, and student organizations. My goal is to reduce barriers to care and ensure students receive support before reaching a crisis point.
I am running to be approachable, accountable, and committed to turning student concerns into meaningful action. I will work with students, not just speak for them, to build a more supportive and inclusive Trent.
What would you do if elected?
If elected Vice President Student Health & Wellness, I will lead with action, accountability, and a commitment to making healthcare and wellness accessible, inclusive, and responsive.
Wellness is not one size fits all. Students deserve clear information, respectful care, and leadership that listens and follows through. I will turn student concerns into concrete advocacy, stronger partnerships, and measurable improvements.
I will focus on expanding healthcare access by advocating for clearer information about insurance, eligibility, and available services, especially for international students. I will advance inclusive healthcare by supporting gender affirming care, inclusive facilities, culturally responsive services, and respectful healthcare experiences for trans, international, and underserved students. I will strengthen mental wellness by promoting workshops and initiatives addressing stress, burnout, mental health, and academic pressure before students reach a crisis point.
I will also promote inclusive recreation through accessible registration, equitable opportunities, welcoming environments, inclusive facilities, and clear policies so students of all identities and abilities can participate safely. Through surveys, listening sessions, and open conversations, I will ensure wellness initiatives reflect student needs.
Together, we can build a campus where every student feels informed, respected, supported, and empowered to prioritize their well being.
Vice President Health & Wellness
Khareena Sankarsingh (she/her)
My name is Khareena Sankarsingh, and I am a third-year BBA student specializing in Accounting at Trent University. I am running for TCSA Health & Wellness because I believe that student well-being is an essential part of a successful university experience. As students, we all face different pressures, and I want to help create a campus environment where everyone feels heard, supported, and comfortable seeking help when they need it. I hope to advocate for greater awareness of available wellness resources, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, and encourage initiatives that support students’ physical, emotional, and overall well-being. My goal is to be an approachable and reliable voice for students and to listen to their concerns, perspectives, and experiences. I would be honoured to represent the Trent community and work toward making wellness a priority for every student.
What makes you the best candidate?
What makes me a strong candidate for TCSA Health & Wellness is my genuine commitment to listening to students and turning their concerns into meaningful action. Before running, I reached out to fellow students to understand what matters most to them, and their feedback showed me how diverse wellness needs can be from physical accessibility and affordable food to mental health, period products, student benefits, and greater awareness of available resources.
As a third-year BBA Accounting student, I have developed strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills that I can bring to this role. More importantly, I want to be an approachable representative who makes students feel heard and supported. I understand that wellness looks different for everyone, and I want to advocate for the needs of the entire Trent community. If elected, I will listen, communicate, and work consistently to turn student concerns into practical initiatives and positive change.
What would you do if elected?
If elected, I would focus on making health and wellness more accessible, visible, and relevant to students’ everyday lives. Based on feedback from students, I would advocate for improved physical accessibility across campus, including fixing non-functioning automatic doors and accessibility buttons and ensuring dining spaces accommodate students with disabilities.
I would also work to increase awareness of the health benefits, insurance coverage, and wellness services already available to Trent students, while advocating for more accessible resources. This includes consistently stocked and varied period products, healthier and more affordable food options, and greater support for students experiencing financial or personal difficulties.
During stressful periods such as exams, I would advocate for more wellness events and initiatives, such as massage therapy, puppy yoga, meditation, and creative activities like Sip (non-alcoholic) & Paint. I would also prioritize better communication so students know where to find support and how to access it.
Most importantly, I want to regularly hear directly from students and use their feedback to advocate for practical changes that make Trent a healthier, more inclusive, and supportive campus for everyone.
Vice President Health & Wellness
Ushmee Bhattacharjee (she/her)
Hi! I’m Ushmee, a fourth-year Environmental Resource Science (Honours) student at Trent University. I am currently completing my Honours thesis under Professor Shaun Watmough and also work as a Residence Assistant, where I support students, build community, connect residents with resources, and help navigate concerns that affect their well-being and university experience.My experiences in residence life, environmental research, student leadership, customer service, and community involvement have strengthened my communication, advocacy, organization, and problem-solving skills. As an environmental science student, I am particularly interested in the connection between human health, community well-being, and the environments we live in. I care deeply about making resources easier to understand and access, listening to different student experiences, and helping create a campus where students feel supported, included, and empowered to take care of their health and well-being.
What makes you the best candidate?
What I bring to this role is a combination of student-facing experience, research skills, and a genuine commitment to accessible wellness. As a Residence Assistant, I regularly support students, listen to concerns, connect residents with resources, and see firsthand where navigating health and support systems can become confusing or difficult.
My Environmental Resource Science background and Honours thesis have strengthened my research, problem-solving, and evidence-based decision-making skills. I also bring experience in student leadership, community engagement, and communicating with people from diverse backgrounds.I would approach the VPHW role by listening first, identifying real barriers, and working collaboratively toward practical solutions. I am especially interested in improving health-resource navigation, reproductive and hormonal health awareness, accessible transportation to care, inclusive food access, and connecting environmental well- being with student wellness.
What would you do if elected?
If elected, I would focus on making student health and wellness support easier to understand, access, and navigate. I want to listen to students, identify barriers, and work with the appropriate campus and community partners to develop realistic solutions.
One area I would investigate is reproductive and hormonal health support, including PCOS, endometriosis, and related concerns, with particular attention to racialized and international students.
I would also explore transportation barriers for students in residence who need off-campus medical care but cannot safely or comfortably use regular public transit because of an injury, disability, or temporary mobility limitation. I want to better understand what options currently exist and advocate for clearer, more accessible pathways to care.I would also work on improving awareness of prescription delivery, health benefits, mental health resources, culturally inclusive food options, and other existing supports.As an Environmental & Resource Science student, I would bring an Eco-Wellness perspective by connecting student well-being with sustainability, food systems, nature, and a healthier campus environment.
Vice President Health & Wellness
Usman Ahmadu (he/him)
My name is Usman Ahmadu, and I am a Trent University student running for Vice President of Health and Wellness. I am passionate about improving the way students access and understand the health and wellness support available to them. I believe students deserve a representative who is approachable, willing to listen, and prepared to turn their concerns into realistic action. My goal is to help create a healthier, more supportive campus where students feel heard, informed, and connected to the resources available to them.
What makes you the best candidate?
What makes me a strong candidate is my willingness to listen, communicate, and turn student concerns into realistic action. I understand that meaningful change requires collaboration, consistency, and accountability, not unrealistic promises. I am prepared to work with students from different backgrounds, TCSA, university services, and community partners to identify problems and pursue practical solutions. I also want to be a visible and approachable VP who students feel comfortable speaking to. My goal is not simply to hold the position, but to make sure students can see that their concerns are being heard and actively represented.
What would you do if elected?
If elected, I will focus on making health and wellness resources easier for students to access and understand. I will advocate for improvements to mental-health support, food security, physical and sexual wellness, accessibility, and awareness of the student health and dental plan. I also want to create clearer ways for students to understand the benefits and services they already pay for. I will regularly gather student feedback through conversations, surveys, and office hours and bring recurring concerns directly to TCSA, Trent Student Wellness, and university administration. I will work with existing student groups and campus services rather than duplicate programs that already exist. Most importantly, I will remain transparent by keeping students informed about what I am working on, the progress being made, and the challenges that still need to be addressed.
GENDER ISSUES COMMISSIONER
Keniyah Hinds (she/her)
Hi, my name is Keniyah, and I am a second-year Sociology major. I have always been passionate about advocating for human rights, equality, and social justice. As someone with a proud Jamaican heritage, I have learned the value of cultural identity, self-expression, and understanding diverse perspectives. My background has shaped the way I view society and inspired my interest in examining social issues and inequalities. Through my studies, I hope to deepen my understanding of human experiences and contribute to creating more inclusive and equitable communities.
What makes you the best candidate?
What makes me the best candidate is my passion for advocacy and my commitment to creating positive change. I am driven to ensure that every student feels heard, valued, and supported. I believe that meaningful change begins with listening, which is why I will make it a priority to engage with the student body and understand their concerns, experiences, and needs. As Gender Issues Commissioner, I will work to amplify student voices, promote inclusivity, and advocate for a campus environment where everyone feels safe and respected. I am dedicated, approachable, and committed to representing all students fairly. My goal is to ensure that every individual feels seen, cared for, and empowered to be their authentic self within the Trent community.
What would you do if elected?
If elected, I will work to ensure that every individual feels safe, respected, and comfortable being their authentic self. My goal is to create an inclusive environment where people of all genders can interact openly and confidently without fear, judgment, or discrimination. I am committed to raising awareness about gender-related issues and encouraging meaningful conversations that promote understanding, empathy, and respect. Through educational initiatives, advocacy efforts, and collaboration with student groups, I hope to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals of diverse gender identities and expressions. I believe that everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported within the Trent community. By listening to student concerns and advocating for resources and policies that promote inclusivity, I will work to make Trent a safer and more welcoming environment where all students can thrive.
GENDER ISSUES COMMISSIONER
Gladys ola-David (she/her)
My name is Gladys Ola-David and I’m a Business Administration-Accounting student, I’m someone who really values inclusivity, open communication, and making sure people feel heard and respected.
I’m running for Gender Issues Commissioner because I want to help create a campus environment where students feel comfortable speaking up, expressing themselves, and knowing that their concerns matter. I want to listen to different experiences, bring awareness to gender-related issues, and work with students to create meaningful initiatives and conversations on campus.
I’m excited for the opportunity to represent, advocate, and help make our campus a more inclusive and supportive community for everyone.
What makes you the best candidate?
I believe I’m a strong candidate for Gender Issues Commissioner because I’m approachable, organized, and willing to listen to students. I don’t want to speak on behalf of students without first understanding their experiences and what they actually want to see change. I also bring strong communication and leadership skills, and I’m someone who enjoys organizing initiatives and bringing people together. If elected, I’ll be committed to turning students’ ideas and concerns into meaningful conversations, events, and action. Most importantly, I want this position to be about the students. I want people to feel comfortable coming to me, knowing that their voices will be heard, respected, and taken seriously.
What would you do if elected?
If elected as Gender Issues Commissioner, I want to make the position more than just a title. I want to be someone students can actually come to, someone who listens and takes their concerns seriously. I plan to create more opportunities for open conversations about gender and inclusion, organize engaging educational and awareness events, collaborate with different student groups, and make sure students know about the resources available to them. Most importantly, I want to hear directly from students about what they need and use that feedback to advocate for meaningful changes on campus.
My goal is to help build a campus where everyone feels respected, represented, and comfortable beingthemselves.
Off-Campus Commissioner
Abigail Mensah (she/her)
Hello! My name is Abigail Mensah and I am running for the Off-Campus Commissioner position. I am a fourth year Business Administration student with a passion for helping others and supporting my fellow students. When I first arrived on Trent's campus, navigating the off campus housing journey was difficult. I constantly wished I could have had someone willing to help make the transition not only easier but smoother as well. That experience is the main reason why I want to step up to the plate and do my best to help other student's have a safe, community based and reliable support system while living off campus.
What makes you the best candidate?
What makes me a strong candidate for Off Campus Commissioner is I understand, from first-hand experience the challenges that arise from living off campus. It is because my experience has motivated me to make sure other students do not feel like they have to figure everything out on their own. I am passionate about helping others, listening to their concerns, and making sure students know where they can find support. I am also someone who is willing to take initiative, communicate purposely, and follow through on my commitments. I would bring my personal experience, dedication, and willingness to listen to this role, while working to ensure off-campus students feel represented and most importantly seen.
What would you do if elected?
If I am elected as Off-Campus Commissioner, I would prioritize informing the student population of the support and resources they can receive through TCSA services. No off-campus student should have to struggle and go through the transition of finding and living in off campus housing alone with little to no support like I have experienced. I would plan out initiatives, awareness campaigns, social media posts and brochures to make sure students know exactly where to go for all their needs. For example, where to go to for housing assistance, support against bad landlords, tenants rights, search for affordable and safe places to stay along with all the many challenges that with living off campus. My mission is to make students feel like they matter, are supported, informed and connected to the Trent community, regardless of where they live.
Racialized Students Commissioner
Tomi Oyediran (he/him)
My name is Tomi Oyediran. I am a 3rd-year student at Trent University, studying criminology.
What makes you the best candidate?
What makes me the best candidate is both my experiences and my strengths. During my studies at Trent University, I have been involved in the community both as a club member and as the front desk of Trent International. With my experiences talking to various students and aiding in the questions these students have about the services on and off campus, I have made it my very mission to do what I can to ensure racialized students know they belong here. Promoting an inclusive and welcoming community at Trent.
What would you do if elected?
If elected, I would push for more advertising of the racialized services and student-led events such as the First Peoples House of Learning, BIPOC, offered at Trent University, and combat any and all racism students have experienced going to Trent University. I would advocate for accessible resources on campus to ensure students who are experiencing discrimination, exclusion, or difficulty in navigating school resources get the relevant help they need, increasing awareness. I would create more volunteer opportunities for students who seek to promote change and inclusivity and to combat racism. making steps forward to creating a racist-free and anti-oppression educational environment for students to learn, build careers, and grow personally. Ensuring that students have access to the resources, opportunities, community engagement, and representation necessary at an educational institution.
If elected, I would host cultural/community events that allow racialized students to connect with one another. Creating interconnectedness and community, this allows students to learn about their cultures and different cultures and experiences. I also want to listen to student feedback through surveys, listening sessions, or any drop-ins so I can better understand students' situations and continue my work is based on what students want to see.
Students with Disabilities Commissioner
Zara Onyegbule (she/her)
My name is Chizara Onyegbule, and I am a third-year student at Trent University. I transferred from Centennial College after getting a Marketing diploma, which improved my leadership, communication skills, and capacity to interact with individuals from all backgrounds.
I think that the finest leaders are those that listen first, act purposefully, and ensure that no one is left behind. I'm running for Commissioner for Students with Disabilities because I want to be an outspoken advocate for accessibility, inclusivity, and significant change. Every student needs equitable chances, the necessary assistance, and a campus environment that makes them feel appreciated and encouraged to achieve.
I am approachable, dependable, and motivated to putting students' concerns into action. If elected, I would fight to raise awareness, increase accessibility, and ensure that all students have the opportunity to actively engage in campus life. Together, we can create a more inclusive Trent in which every voice counts.
What makes you the best candidate?
Because I genuinely care about improving the lives of students, I think I am the ideal choice. My experience as a transfer student has shown me how crucial it is to feel encouraged and included in a new setting, and my background in marketing has given me great communication, problem-solving, and leadership abilities.
I am friendly, attentive, and dedicated to serving children with integrity and decency. I will concentrate on listening to students, comprehending their needs, and collaborating with the TCSA and the institution to advocate for significant reforms rather than making unfulfilled promises.
I want every student with a disability to know they have someone who will listen to their concerns, amplify their voice, and work consistently to make Trent a more accessible and inclusive place. I will bring dedication, empathy, and a strong work ethic to this role every day.
What would you do if elected?
I would endeavour to guarantee that students with disabilities are heard, supported, and represented if elected as Commissioner for Students with Disabilities. By providing additional chances for input and pushing for solutions to accessibility issues, I hope to improve communication between students and the TCSA.
I will work with student organisations and university departments to foster a more inclusive atmosphere, raise awareness of the services and accommodations available on campus, and support programs that lower obstacles to academic and campus life. Additionally, I want to assist in planning campaigns and activities that promote accessibility, educate the campus community, and strengthen a feeling of community.
Above all, I will be a personable and trustworthy representative that listens to students, addresses their issues, and strives to bring about long-lasting, beneficial change for the Trent community.