SOCA Spring ELECTIONS 2023/24
The Executive Team is bound by the Constitution of the SFU Students of Caribbean and African Ancestry. The Executive is held accountable for the actions and activities of SOCA by the SOCA membership at regular membership meetings, while the volunteers help keep us running effectively!
Constitution: PDF
Manual: PDF
Elections Policies: link
Past Election Results: link
Nominating Committee 2023/2024 Report: link
Nominating Link (Closed):
https://bit.ly/SOCANominations2023
Online Voting: (Closed)
http://bit.ly/SOCAELECTIONS2023
Nominating Committee: (Approved members will be listed here)
Contact us at nominatingcommittee-sfusoca@googlegroups.com if you have any questions or suggestions!
Constitution: PDF
Manual: PDF
Elections Policies: link
Past Election Results: link
Nominating Committee 2023/2024 Report: link
Nominating Link (Closed):
https://bit.ly/SOCANominations2023
Online Voting: (Closed)
http://bit.ly/SOCAELECTIONS2023
Nominating Committee: (Approved members will be listed here)
Contact us at nominatingcommittee-sfusoca@googlegroups.com if you have any questions or suggestions!
results
SOCA SPRING 2023 ELECTIONS
*There were 27 eligible votes for executive positions in the Spring 2023 election results (16 ineligible out of 43 respondents on the Voting Google Form as they did not sign up by the snapshot date of March 13 by 6:00 pm as per the Election Policies 2023/24)
PRESIDENT
Oghenekaro Lauretta Umukoro with 100% votes cast - ELECTED
VICE PRESIDENT (VP)
Emmanuel Adegboyega won with 96% of votes cast - ELECTED
Yes: 12, No: 1, Abstain: 0
SECRETARY
Oserukeme "Ruki" Ukwade won with 51.85% of votes cast - ELECTED
Yes: 14, No: N/A, Abstain: 4
Amina Hassan
Yes: 13, No: N/A, Abstain: 4
TREASURER
Akuol Awoul Chan
Yes: 12, No: N/A, Abstain: 0
Alson Amin Lema won with 55.55% of votes cast - ELECTED
Yes: 15, No: N/A, Abstain: 0
INTERNAL RELATIONS OFFICER (IRO)
Yaye Seydi Balde won with 100% of votes cast - ELECTED
Yes: 23, No: 0, Abstain: 4
EXTERNAL RELATIONS OFFICER (ERO)
Oromiya Ali won with 100% of votes cast - ELECTED
Yes: 23, No: 1; Abstain: 4
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OFFICER (ITO)
Laila Saleman
Yes: 8, No: N/A, Abstain: 4
Daisy Bigirwa won with 65% of votes cast - ELECTED
Yes: 15, No: N/A, Abstain: 4
EVENTS COORDINATOR
Gloria Bigirwa with 100% votes cast - ELECTED
Yes: 24, No: 0, Abstain: 3
EXEC AT-LARGE
Claire Umutesi with 100% votes cast - ELECTED
Yes: 15, No: N/A, Abstain: 4
FIRST YEAR REP
Vacant*
GRAD REP
Vacant*
FIC REP
Vacant*
*Positions will be appointed by an Acting Position until next By-Elections in accordance with the SOCA Constitution
*Votes cast = Yes votes and No votes, does not include abstention
PRESIDENT
Oghenekaro Lauretta Umukoro with 100% votes cast - ELECTED
VICE PRESIDENT (VP)
Emmanuel Adegboyega won with 96% of votes cast - ELECTED
Yes: 12, No: 1, Abstain: 0
SECRETARY
Oserukeme "Ruki" Ukwade won with 51.85% of votes cast - ELECTED
Yes: 14, No: N/A, Abstain: 4
Amina Hassan
Yes: 13, No: N/A, Abstain: 4
TREASURER
Akuol Awoul Chan
Yes: 12, No: N/A, Abstain: 0
Alson Amin Lema won with 55.55% of votes cast - ELECTED
Yes: 15, No: N/A, Abstain: 0
INTERNAL RELATIONS OFFICER (IRO)
Yaye Seydi Balde won with 100% of votes cast - ELECTED
Yes: 23, No: 0, Abstain: 4
EXTERNAL RELATIONS OFFICER (ERO)
Oromiya Ali won with 100% of votes cast - ELECTED
Yes: 23, No: 1; Abstain: 4
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OFFICER (ITO)
Laila Saleman
Yes: 8, No: N/A, Abstain: 4
Daisy Bigirwa won with 65% of votes cast - ELECTED
Yes: 15, No: N/A, Abstain: 4
EVENTS COORDINATOR
Gloria Bigirwa with 100% votes cast - ELECTED
Yes: 24, No: 0, Abstain: 3
EXEC AT-LARGE
Claire Umutesi with 100% votes cast - ELECTED
Yes: 15, No: N/A, Abstain: 4
FIRST YEAR REP
Vacant*
GRAD REP
Vacant*
FIC REP
Vacant*
*Positions will be appointed by an Acting Position until next By-Elections in accordance with the SOCA Constitution
*Votes cast = Yes votes and No votes, does not include abstention
OPEN SURVEY RESULTS SPRING 2023
*All voters (43 respondents) are added for the survey who would've been ineligible to vote for the Executive Positions (did not sign up to be members by the snapshot date or is an alumni member) but who are still SOCA members
Click here to see full report results: link
Voting Period (mARCH 14th-16th)
The Voting Period is now open to members! Within the voting ballot is an optional survey to share your thoughts on what to see from SFU SOCA this upcoming year and how we can improve our services, events and advocacy.
If you have any questions about elections or are interested in the representative positions, please reach out via email to nominatingcommittee-sfusoca@googlegroups.com
Voting period will be open until March 16th 2023, 11:59 PM. Link Below.
Note: You must be an SFU or FIC Student and a SFU SOCA Member to vote.
If you have any questions about elections or are interested in the representative positions, please reach out via email to nominatingcommittee-sfusoca@googlegroups.com
Voting period will be open until March 16th 2023, 11:59 PM. Link Below.
Note: You must be an SFU or FIC Student and a SFU SOCA Member to vote.
CANDIDATES
The following are the candidates running for SOCA Spring Elections 2023/24!
All candidates may get reimbursed up to $5 worth of campaign expenses (with receipts).
All candidates may get reimbursed up to $5 worth of campaign expenses (with receipts).
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
Lauretta Umukoro (She/Her)
How has your experiences helped you prepare for this position and how will the SOCA community benefit from you serving in this capacity?
Being the current president of SOCA has been a very tasking but eye-opening experience for me, which has tested my leadership skills, patience and ability to work under pressure. As exhausting as this role was for me, it makes you build character and resilience over time, which has shown me that I have more to give back to my community, just within the short frame of time I have occupied this position.
If you get elected, what are your plans for each semester and how are you committed to executing those plans in the position you are most interested in? What is your level of commitment to execute on those plans and do you have the time required?
My level of commitment is 5 hours / wk. If I get elected, I would do these for the following semesters:
For the Summer semester: I would like to create more community with students through lots of outdoors events and peer mentorship initiatives within students from the same major.
Fall Semester: This semester is one of the busiest and most vibrant semester on campus, I would like to focus on creating spaces for incoming students to know that there's a community and also bridge the gap between faculty and students, where there's a sense of mentorship from faculty members to provide support with students. Host sessions on important issues such as finance, navigating the housing crisis in BC etc
Spring Semester: Creating a newer initiatives and events to highlight and appreciate black students during black history month, while amplifying the voices of black students at SFU as well as Vancouver.
Contact: IG and Tiktok: @_ladyelle
Being the current president of SOCA has been a very tasking but eye-opening experience for me, which has tested my leadership skills, patience and ability to work under pressure. As exhausting as this role was for me, it makes you build character and resilience over time, which has shown me that I have more to give back to my community, just within the short frame of time I have occupied this position.
If you get elected, what are your plans for each semester and how are you committed to executing those plans in the position you are most interested in? What is your level of commitment to execute on those plans and do you have the time required?
My level of commitment is 5 hours / wk. If I get elected, I would do these for the following semesters:
For the Summer semester: I would like to create more community with students through lots of outdoors events and peer mentorship initiatives within students from the same major.
Fall Semester: This semester is one of the busiest and most vibrant semester on campus, I would like to focus on creating spaces for incoming students to know that there's a community and also bridge the gap between faculty and students, where there's a sense of mentorship from faculty members to provide support with students. Host sessions on important issues such as finance, navigating the housing crisis in BC etc
Spring Semester: Creating a newer initiatives and events to highlight and appreciate black students during black history month, while amplifying the voices of black students at SFU as well as Vancouver.
Contact: IG and Tiktok: @_ladyelle
vice presidential candidate
Emmanuel Adegboyega (He/Him)
How has your experiences helped you prepare for this position and how will the SOCA community benefit from you serving in this capacity?
My experiences with SOCA and with initiatives oriented towards serving the Black community has helped prepared me for this position because they have thought me the importance of service, advocacy, and community. Furthermore, I have also learnt leadership, communication, administrative, conflict-resolution, and interpersonal skills that effectively makes capable of serving as VP. The SOCA Community will benefit from my service because I will take on my role with diligence, humility, and love with a commitment to advance the purposes of the members of SOCA.
If you get elected, what are your plans for each semester and how are you committed to executing those plans in the position you are most interested in? What is your level of commitment to execute on those plans and do you have the time required?
My plans if elected each semester is to ensure the well-being of the team, assist the president, take on my initiatives, advocate for SOCA members, build professional & friendly relations, work closely with staff, and take on all my role responsibilities. I am fully committed to these plans and will ensure to spend between 3 hours minimum a week in taking on my plans.
Contact: IG @adegb13
My experiences with SOCA and with initiatives oriented towards serving the Black community has helped prepared me for this position because they have thought me the importance of service, advocacy, and community. Furthermore, I have also learnt leadership, communication, administrative, conflict-resolution, and interpersonal skills that effectively makes capable of serving as VP. The SOCA Community will benefit from my service because I will take on my role with diligence, humility, and love with a commitment to advance the purposes of the members of SOCA.
If you get elected, what are your plans for each semester and how are you committed to executing those plans in the position you are most interested in? What is your level of commitment to execute on those plans and do you have the time required?
My plans if elected each semester is to ensure the well-being of the team, assist the president, take on my initiatives, advocate for SOCA members, build professional & friendly relations, work closely with staff, and take on all my role responsibilities. I am fully committed to these plans and will ensure to spend between 3 hours minimum a week in taking on my plans.
Contact: IG @adegb13
SECRETARY CANDIDATES
Amina Hassan (She/Her)
How has your experiences helped you prepare for this position and how will the SOCA community benefit from you serving in this capacity?
As past IRO, I believe that my experience will be able to help me during my time as the future secretary for SOCA! I have experience doing minutes for SOCA, as well as outside experience with website handling and newsletter creations. I believe that this experience will make me compatible for the secretary position!
If you get elected, what are your plans for each semester and how are you committed to executing those plans in the position you are most interested in? What is your level of commitment to execute on those plans and do you have the time required?
I plan on getting to know more Black students at SFU, and getting them involved in SOCA events and volunteering opportunities. I plan on committing 5+ hours weekly to SOCA!
Contact: IG @amlna.hassan
As past IRO, I believe that my experience will be able to help me during my time as the future secretary for SOCA! I have experience doing minutes for SOCA, as well as outside experience with website handling and newsletter creations. I believe that this experience will make me compatible for the secretary position!
If you get elected, what are your plans for each semester and how are you committed to executing those plans in the position you are most interested in? What is your level of commitment to execute on those plans and do you have the time required?
I plan on getting to know more Black students at SFU, and getting them involved in SOCA events and volunteering opportunities. I plan on committing 5+ hours weekly to SOCA!
Contact: IG @amlna.hassan
Oserukeme "Ruki" Ukwade (He/Him)
How has your experiences helped you prepare for this position and how will the SOCA community benefit from you serving in this capacity?
Over the years, I've devoted myself to the study and understanding of a myriad of issues relevant to the black community at large and have developed an appreciation for the struggles and beauty faced by the members of our community. It's my belief that in this position I would be better able to share my enthusiasm and appreciation with other members of SOCA while also being a helpful and supporting figure. Furthermore, I've held secretary positions numerous times in the past and have worked related jobs since I arrived in Canada so Im of the opinion I would be a perfect fit for the position
If you get elected, what are your plans for each semester and how are you committed to executing those plans in the position you are most interested in? What is your level of commitment to execute on those plans and do you have the time required?
If elected, I'd like to increase community interest and engagement through activities like movie nights and book readings. I'd be able to commit at least 5-7 hours per week on average
Over the years, I've devoted myself to the study and understanding of a myriad of issues relevant to the black community at large and have developed an appreciation for the struggles and beauty faced by the members of our community. It's my belief that in this position I would be better able to share my enthusiasm and appreciation with other members of SOCA while also being a helpful and supporting figure. Furthermore, I've held secretary positions numerous times in the past and have worked related jobs since I arrived in Canada so Im of the opinion I would be a perfect fit for the position
If you get elected, what are your plans for each semester and how are you committed to executing those plans in the position you are most interested in? What is your level of commitment to execute on those plans and do you have the time required?
If elected, I'd like to increase community interest and engagement through activities like movie nights and book readings. I'd be able to commit at least 5-7 hours per week on average
treasurer candidates
Akuol Awoul Chan (She/Her)
How has your experiences helped you prepare for this position and how will the SOCA community benefit from you serving in this capacity?
Having taken a liking for accounts and finance in general, I took several classes that have added to my knowledge of business and accounting from high school and I believe I can be a greater asset with due training.
If you get elected, what are your plans for each semester and how are you committed to executing those plans in the position you are most interested in? What is your level of commitment to execute on those plans and do you have the time required?
I am confident that I can devote the necessary time to SOCA. I have the capacity to plan budgets and keep record and track of the accounts books. With regard to upcoming major events, I intend to lend a hand and offer thoughts and recommendations.
Having taken a liking for accounts and finance in general, I took several classes that have added to my knowledge of business and accounting from high school and I believe I can be a greater asset with due training.
If you get elected, what are your plans for each semester and how are you committed to executing those plans in the position you are most interested in? What is your level of commitment to execute on those plans and do you have the time required?
I am confident that I can devote the necessary time to SOCA. I have the capacity to plan budgets and keep record and track of the accounts books. With regard to upcoming major events, I intend to lend a hand and offer thoughts and recommendations.
Alson Amin Lema (He/Him)
How has your experiences helped you prepare for this position and how will the SOCA community benefit from you serving in this capacity?
I have been in SFU for 2 semesters now and throughout I have managed to build a good relationship with the SOCA community and members through volunteering and so, I managed to get a small of an insight of how SOCA functions to help achieve its purposes and aim.
If you get elected, what are your plans for each semester and how are you committed to executing those plans in the position you are most interested in? What is your level of commitment to execute on those plans and do you have the time required?
I plan to help promote SOCA and provide my support and commitment of around 3-5 hours per week to aid SOCA in promoting Afrocentric intellect and different cultural experience as well as maintain fellowship among students of Black, African and Caribbean descent.
Contact: IG @alson_145
I have been in SFU for 2 semesters now and throughout I have managed to build a good relationship with the SOCA community and members through volunteering and so, I managed to get a small of an insight of how SOCA functions to help achieve its purposes and aim.
If you get elected, what are your plans for each semester and how are you committed to executing those plans in the position you are most interested in? What is your level of commitment to execute on those plans and do you have the time required?
I plan to help promote SOCA and provide my support and commitment of around 3-5 hours per week to aid SOCA in promoting Afrocentric intellect and different cultural experience as well as maintain fellowship among students of Black, African and Caribbean descent.
Contact: IG @alson_145
INTERNAL RELATIONS CANDIDATE
Yaye Seydi Balde (She/Her)
How has your experiences helped you prepare for this position and how will the SOCA community benefit from you serving in this capacity?
Previously being in the role of the Information Technology Officer has prepared me for the IRO position because I already have experience of being a SOCA executive.
If you get elected, what are your plans for each semester and how are you committed to executing those plans in the position you are most interested in? What is your level of commitment to execute on those plans and do you have the time required?
Represent SOCA to the best of my ability, attend all council meetings and commit to all required responsibilities
Contact: IG @yaye.seydi
Previously being in the role of the Information Technology Officer has prepared me for the IRO position because I already have experience of being a SOCA executive.
If you get elected, what are your plans for each semester and how are you committed to executing those plans in the position you are most interested in? What is your level of commitment to execute on those plans and do you have the time required?
Represent SOCA to the best of my ability, attend all council meetings and commit to all required responsibilities
Contact: IG @yaye.seydi
External relations candidate
Oromiya Ali (She/Her)
How has your experiences helped you prepare for this position and how will the SOCA community benefit from you serving in this capacity?
I was a former External Relations Officers so I am well experienced in this positions. I also have projects that I have started and would like to continue them in the new term.
If you get elected, what are your plans for each semester and how are you committed to executing those plans in the position you are most interested in? What is your level of commitment to execute on those plans and do you have the time required?
My plans are to create events with external groups outside SFU as well as host speakers to help the SOCA members with their future careers. I plan on putting in quality hours to help SOCA succeed.
Contact: IG @oromiyaali
I was a former External Relations Officers so I am well experienced in this positions. I also have projects that I have started and would like to continue them in the new term.
If you get elected, what are your plans for each semester and how are you committed to executing those plans in the position you are most interested in? What is your level of commitment to execute on those plans and do you have the time required?
My plans are to create events with external groups outside SFU as well as host speakers to help the SOCA members with their future careers. I plan on putting in quality hours to help SOCA succeed.
Contact: IG @oromiyaali
Information technology candidates
Daisy Bigirwa (She/Her)
How has your experiences helped you prepare for this position and how will the SOCA community benefit from you serving in this capacity?
I work with Embark Sustainability Society, and through this, I was able to handle the Instagram page. Through my experience with Embark, I have some working knowledge on the social media side, and I believe I would be a good fit.
If you get elected, what are your plans for each semester and how are you committed to executing those plans in the position you are most interested in? What is your level of commitment to execute on those plans and do you have the time required?
My plans are to engage people and make it interesting for the viewer. By providing and educating people on various information that may be relevant for them to know. I would be available and committed to executing the plans needed.
Contact: IG @daisy_bigirwa
I work with Embark Sustainability Society, and through this, I was able to handle the Instagram page. Through my experience with Embark, I have some working knowledge on the social media side, and I believe I would be a good fit.
If you get elected, what are your plans for each semester and how are you committed to executing those plans in the position you are most interested in? What is your level of commitment to execute on those plans and do you have the time required?
My plans are to engage people and make it interesting for the viewer. By providing and educating people on various information that may be relevant for them to know. I would be available and committed to executing the plans needed.
Contact: IG @daisy_bigirwa
Laila (She/Her)
How has your experiences helped you prepare for this position and how will the SOCA community benefit from you serving in this capacity?
During my time in high school, I had numerous leadership positions and collaborative experiences. I actively participated in various clubs and assisted in organizing multiple successful events. Through my involvement, I was able to contribute valuable knowledge and innovative ideas. My strong sense of responsibility and dedication to creativity will serve as great assets to this club. I chose to apply for the ITO position because I understand how important of a role technology plays in our lives. Having someone who can manage and maintain the technology used in the club is important for things to be organised and run smoothly.
If you get elected, what are your plans for each semester and how are you committed to executing those plans in the position you are most interested in? What is your level of commitment to execute on those plans and do you have the time required?
On the days I am on campus, I tend to clear my schedule to make room for school related activities/commitments. If I am elected I can put in 5 hours per week or more if needed
Contact: IG @Laila_saleman
During my time in high school, I had numerous leadership positions and collaborative experiences. I actively participated in various clubs and assisted in organizing multiple successful events. Through my involvement, I was able to contribute valuable knowledge and innovative ideas. My strong sense of responsibility and dedication to creativity will serve as great assets to this club. I chose to apply for the ITO position because I understand how important of a role technology plays in our lives. Having someone who can manage and maintain the technology used in the club is important for things to be organised and run smoothly.
If you get elected, what are your plans for each semester and how are you committed to executing those plans in the position you are most interested in? What is your level of commitment to execute on those plans and do you have the time required?
On the days I am on campus, I tend to clear my schedule to make room for school related activities/commitments. If I am elected I can put in 5 hours per week or more if needed
Contact: IG @Laila_saleman
events coordinator candidate
Gloria Bigirwa (She/Her)
How has your experiences helped you prepare for this position and how will the SOCA community benefit from you serving in this capacity?
Working in a catering service, I have been trained in planning what customers want for their food at their events which prepared me to run for the events coordinator position. Regarding the SOCA community, I can assist with organizing fun and new activities the community wants to participate in.
If you get elected, what are your plans for each semester and how are you committed to executing those plans in the position you are most interested in? What is your level of commitment to execute on those plans and do you have the time required?
Each semester I'll set up an outdoor activity such as sports day or ice skating. I will try to commit to 3 hours per week.
Contact: IG @gloria.bigirwa
Working in a catering service, I have been trained in planning what customers want for their food at their events which prepared me to run for the events coordinator position. Regarding the SOCA community, I can assist with organizing fun and new activities the community wants to participate in.
If you get elected, what are your plans for each semester and how are you committed to executing those plans in the position you are most interested in? What is your level of commitment to execute on those plans and do you have the time required?
Each semester I'll set up an outdoor activity such as sports day or ice skating. I will try to commit to 3 hours per week.
Contact: IG @gloria.bigirwa
EXEC AT-LARGE CANDIDATE
Umutesi Claire (She/Her)
How has your experiences helped you prepare for this position and how will the SOCA community benefit from you serving in this capacity?
I am an active volunteer in both SOCA and SFU World University Services of Canada (WUSC), a program aiding refugee students from across the globe to access education in Canada. I'm easy going and adaptable, and have experience in event planning, administrative tasks, and creating welcoming environment. SOCA and WUSC provided me with a lot of support in my first year by allowing me to connect with people of various cultural backgrounds, including my own. I want to give back to the community the same support I have benefited from.
If you get elected, what are your plans for each semester and how are you committed to executing those plans in the position you are most interested in? What is your level of commitment to execute on those plans and do you have the time required?
I believe in advocating for Black students to have access to resources and safe spaces needed to thrive, especially Black refugee students who have unique experiences. I will recruit Black first-year students and build community by hosting fun and educational events. I want to host collaborations with community partners such as WUSC and Residence Hall Association. I am committed and excited to continue building community with SOCA!
Contact: IG @umu.claij
I am an active volunteer in both SOCA and SFU World University Services of Canada (WUSC), a program aiding refugee students from across the globe to access education in Canada. I'm easy going and adaptable, and have experience in event planning, administrative tasks, and creating welcoming environment. SOCA and WUSC provided me with a lot of support in my first year by allowing me to connect with people of various cultural backgrounds, including my own. I want to give back to the community the same support I have benefited from.
If you get elected, what are your plans for each semester and how are you committed to executing those plans in the position you are most interested in? What is your level of commitment to execute on those plans and do you have the time required?
I believe in advocating for Black students to have access to resources and safe spaces needed to thrive, especially Black refugee students who have unique experiences. I will recruit Black first-year students and build community by hosting fun and educational events. I want to host collaborations with community partners such as WUSC and Residence Hall Association. I am committed and excited to continue building community with SOCA!
Contact: IG @umu.claij
GRADUATE REPRESENTATIVE
no candidates submitted nominations for this position. As a result, this position will be spread amaongst the Executive until an Acting Grad Rep is appointed. A By-Election will then be run in the Fall.
FIC Representative
no candidates submitted nominations for this position. As a result, this position will be spread amaongst the Executive until an Acting FIC Rep is appointed. A By-Election will then be run in the Fall.
first year representative
no candidates submitted nominations for this position. As a result, this position will be spread amaongst the Executive until an Acting First Year Rep is appointed. A By-Election will then be run in the Fall.