Alem Tesfay

As Vice President Student Life, I took the initiative to connect with stakeholders to address the financial challenges students face, including housing issues. As Vice President External, I will work closely with the SAMU General Manager and Council to advocate and ensure that the services we provide to students reflect their needs, especially during the ongoing affordability crisis.

Within my role, I have also supported initiatives such as the $5 pop-up lunches, cooking classes, and the development of a permanent, affordable food option that would give students access to healthy food for less than $5. I have also advocated for greater support for services like the Pantry and the Breakfast Club, and for financial supports such as PD Grants and SAMU Cares bursaries, so that SAMU can continue to support students as the student population grows.

As Vice President External, I want to continue the work I started as Vice President Student Life by building strong relationships with external stakeholders and addressing issues such as housing, food insecurity, and education funding.

Within my role as Vice President Student Life, I have supported mental health opportunities and initiatives that improve the student experience. I strongly believe that mental health and physical health go hand in hand.

Throughout my term, I have promoted opportunities like the PASS program (Physical Activity for Student Success) and the many wellness activities hosted by MacEwan Sport and Wellness. I want to extend my advocacy efforts externally to our provincial government to increase funding for mental health services at MacEwan.

As Vice President External, I also want to continue the strong relationship I have formed with Healthy Campus Alberta and work with them to host informative events, such as the regional gathering they hosted at MacEwan this year, which I supported in my role as Vice President Student Life.

I will continue to support SAMU events and services that embrace diversity and foster an inclusive student environment. In the past, I have championed events that ensure students' age, religion, or values are not barriers to participation in campus activities. I will continue working to create spaces where every student feels welcome and represented.

During my time as Vice President Student Life, I had the opportunity to connect with and support a sustainability class student who is conducting research on accessibility within student groups at both SAMU and MacEwan. As Vice President External, I will continue to support student inclusivity and challenge any entity that creates barriers preventing students from feeling included on campus.

I am committed to enhancing student engagement through innovative approaches that encourage participation in SAMU initiatives. This includes celebrating our athletes' and students' achievements and fostering a vibrant campus culture where all students feel connected and involved.

As Vice President Student Life, I launched the Student Athletics Survey, which allowed us to better understand the barriers students face when attending games while also bringing more awareness to our athletics programs. If you want to learn more, feel free to read the recent Griff article covering it: The Griff.

I was honoured to receive the Councillor of the Year Award for my dedication to student advocacy and governance and my contributions to the Strategic and Engagement Committee. Through my work on the Students' Council, I have focused on amplifying student voices, fostering collaboration, and raising awareness about SAMU and the various opportunities available to students.

As a student in the Ujima Fellowship Leadership Development Program, I was part of an initiative created by the African Center aimed at addressing structural inequities and increasing diverse representation in leadership. This experience has helped me grow as a leader and advocate for systemic change while embracing the principle of collective responsibility.

I had the honor of being selected as the winner of the Senior Writing category in the City of Edmonton Youth Council's Edmonton Photo & Writing Contest. As English being a third language for me, I used to struggle with writing, and not in a million years would I have thought I would to not only apply but also win an essay contest. This recognition not only underscored my commitment to creative expression and community engagement but it also gave me the confidence boost to leave my comfort zone.

I graduated from the 504 Air Cadets program as a sergeant, reaching a senior-level position in just two years. I was also recognized for my dedication to discipline, teamwork, and perseverance in my athleticism with an award at graduation. I also concluded this journey with an amazing trip to Europe, where I had the privilege of attending the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in France, Belgium and the United Kingdom.