Candidates

Hi everyone! My name is Abigail Chan, and I'm excited to be running for CUS First Year Rep this year. I chose to study at Sauder because I'm passionate about business, leadership, and the opportunity to make an impact in the student community. Growing up in Vancouver, I've always loved going to the beach with friends and shopping downtown :).

Throughout high school, I was involved in many extracurricular activities, including competitive dance, the UNICEF Club, student council, and volunteering experiences, which all taught me the importance of connecting with others and building a meaningful community. In grade 12, I was elected as Vice President Senator, where I was responsible for advocating for student concerns through weekly board meetings. As FYR, I hope to apply the qualities I've learned to my role at the CUS with the intention of providing a better first-year experience.

My priority will be to ensure that first-year students feel supported, connected and engaged at Sauder. I will advocate for your ideas, help create opportunities for involvement, and make sure our transition into UBC is welcoming and exciting. I would be honoured to represent you, and I humbly ask for your support in this election!

Sincerely,

Abigail Chan

Hey Sauder! My name is Ben and I'm super excited to be running to be your 2025-2026 First-Year Rep! In my first few weeks here at Sauder, I've met so many amazing people and seen what an incredible community we have here. After talking with so many of you, I've come to know what all of you as first-year students are worried about, and I share many of those concerns. Falling behind in courses, not knowing where to take your degree, being lonely on campus; trust me, I feel them too. That's why I want to be your First-Year Rep, so I can bring these concerns straight to the CUS and address them to make you feel more confident, assured, and included here at Sauder.

As many of you are, I'm not quite sure what I want to do with my degree. That's why I want to create more opportunities for Sauder students to connect directly with leaders from the variety of industries a BCom degree can lead to, allowing us to carve a far clearer path of our lives after Sauder. I will work with these leaders to put on workshops, allowing us to get a sense of what it's really like to work in the sectors we dream of.

If you want an incredible first year filled with fun, connection, and growth, then join me, and remember:

Vote BEN to BUILD a BETTER Sauder!

Heyy Sauder!!!!

I am Cellina Gräfin von und zu Hoensbroech aka the girl with the long last name. I am here to be your first year rep, getting you those linkedin connections and throwing the best events (with free food…).

As an international student, coming from Switzerland, I understand the struggles of missing home and feeling overwhelmed with being in a new environment. BUT university should be the best years of our lives and I am here to make that happen. With events like an on campus manhunt, minute to win it games, water balloon fights, movie night/pizza party, sauder sport olympics with prizes and free food, plus any other ideas you have! I am here to listen and adhere to your wishes. I want to give you all the best first year ever!

A little about me- I am very passionate about sports; I ski race, play soccer and softball, and surf in the summer. Although I have won awards for being captain, most valuable player, most improved player and, sportsmanship, but what really mattered to me was the friendships I made. I really cherish my family, coming from a big family with a lot of pets, that is why creating a community at sauder is very important to me.

I am excited to learn more about CUS, Sauder (especially finance!), and to hopefully continue this journey with you as your first year rep.

Vote for me, Cellina Gräfin von und zu Hoensbroech, to represent you!

HEY SAUDER!

Do you want to be Seen? So do I. Starting fresh at Sauder can feel overwhelming — I totally get that. That's why I'm running to be your CUS First Year Representative: to help every student feel heard, supported, and involved.

I'm Cherine and my campaign is built on the idea of "Cherine on the Scene" because I believe in showing up, taking action, and making real connections. From mentor coffee matchups and business-themed escape rooms to freshman carnivals and stress-free networking nights, I'm committed to making your first year unforgettable with events designed just for YOU.

I value connection, from volunteering as a sound tech at church, to joining clubs, I love bringing people together. And when it comes to growth— it's why we're all here! As an aspiring actress, I understand how hard it can be to find the right support, and I want to help every student grow personally, socially, and professionally.

A little about me: With 5+ years in performing arts, I've built confidence in public speaking and leadership. As Vice President of the TAEA, I organized national competitions and represented students across Canada. I've earned over 50 first-place awards and $120k in scholarships, but what I value most is making others feel seen!

Let's make Sauder a place where everyone feels valued, connected, and inspired 🫶🏻

You wanna be seen? Vote #CherineOnTheScene

Instagram: CherineOnTheScene Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherinejohnston

Hello! I'm Henrik Wei, and I'm running to be YOUR first-year rep. Transitioning into this new life may feel overwhelming, but I want to say you are not alone. My first few weeks here at Sauder were confusing times. From my COMM 105 professor making me stretch and grunt in the class. To Tim, teaching math through Lego and ramen. But the thing that is getting me through it all is the community. Every single person here at Sauder is full of spirit and passion.

I've been here for less than a month, but everybody I've met have been extraordinary. I love the community, and I want to hear from every single one of you. Advocating for the needs and wants of the community is my passion. My experiences in being a grade representative for student council has shown me what it truly means to represent my community. Voting for me means voting for real change, and someone who genuinely cares about his community.

A little about me: I am a true and pure Vancouverite, and part of the #CommuterLife. I've lived here all my life, so if you're looking for fun things to do in Vancouver or amazing eating spots, feel free to ask! Also, I love watching all types of shows (currently binging The Rookie). So just like Nolan running for Union Rep, I am running to be YOUR first-year rep.

Remember! If you are ever feeling lost, follow the Wei.

Hey SAUDER! We only get one first year so let's make it unforgettable!!

I'm Mannatbir Chahal, and I'm so excited to be running for your CUS first year rep! Starting at Sauder is a huge step, new classes, new faces, new opportunities, and it can feel really overwhelming at times. I know that feeling because I'm figuring it out too. But that's exactly why I want to represent you: to make sure our voices are heard, our ideas are valued, and our first year is filled with unforgettable and nostalgic memories!

In high school, I organized a science fair and founded and coached a debate program, both of which gave students a platform to grow and share their ideas. I also started a Gidha team with my friends, which taught me how much teamwork and dedication matter when you're building something together. What I've really learned and value is that leadership isn't about the title, but about the people around me, the connections I form, the energy I bring, and the impact I leave behind!

I love basketball, skating, and spending time with my family and friends. Music is a huge part of who I am, and whether I'm singing or playing guitar, it's my favourite thing to do!

As your first year rep, I want to bring all that energy here to Sauder: planning events, creating opportunities to connect, and making sure every first-year feels included and supported.

Vote Mannatbir Chahal for First-Year Rep, let's make this year unforgettable!

Hey Sauder, I got your back!

I'm Prableen - your voice, your support, and your CUS First Year Representative!

As a daughter of immigrant parents, both of whom did not attend post-secondary, I know how it feels to sometimes not understand, not feel like you belong, and not know who to reach out to. I'm here to change that.

As your CUS representative, my focus will be on fostering CONNECTION and OPPORTUNITY. I aim to facilitate meaningful relationships between peers and mentors to support your academic and personal journey at Sauder. Through workshops/events tailored for first-year students, you will have opportunities to engage with others and cultivate a sense of belonging. Additionally, I will work to increase awareness of Sauder's resources and opportunities, ensuring that support systems are available and responsive to your needs.

But why me?

For over 6 years, I helped manage annual events for my dance academy consisting of 1500+ students and guests. I coordinated volunteer teams, delegated responsibilities, and ensured both shows for the day ran seamlessly. I also co-organized the Grad Dinner and Dance, with it being the biggest event of the year. From venue, photo booths, décor and food, it was all a success.

A bit about me is I LOVE to dance, play badminton, and to be disconnected from our busy world every once in a while. I find purpose in helping and being there for others, so let me be there for you.

Vote Prableen Mal for CUS First Year Representative 2025!

I'm running for CUS First Year Representative because I want every first-year to feel supported, connected, and heard as we begin our journey at Sauder.

I've always been drawn to leadership and representation. Whether it was creating engaging content that reached thousands or helping organize initiatives that brought people together, I've learned the importance of listening closely, acting thoughtfully, and communicating clearly. My passion for business and law drives me to think big, while my self-discipline ensures I follow through. Above all, I value loyalty and selflessness, and I want to represent not just myself, but all of us.

My platform is built on three main commitments. I will bring first-year perspectives directly into CUS discussions and decisions, making sure all of us are heard. To build community, I will help organize events for first-year students, such as socials and study groups. I will also keep myself accessible, approachable, and open minded, so that every first-year feels comfortable talking to me, whether it's for questions, feedback, ideas, or just to have someone to talk to.

This is just the beginning for us. With the support of my fellow first-years, I'll make sure that our voices shape Sauder's future together.

Hi everyone, my name's Ryan and I'm running to be your First Year Representative for the CUS.

Coming into UBC, I know how exciting and overwhelming this transition can feel. That's why I want to help make our first year not only smoother, but also more memorable. I'm somebody who loves bringing people together and if elected I'll make sure everybody's voice is heard and nobody is left out.

As your first-year rep, I'll focus on C.U.S.: Connection, Understanding, and Socials. I plan to organize First-Year Fridays once a month where first-years can share experiences, ask questions, and make friends outside of class. To provide ongoing support, I'll set up a monthly online check-in form where you can submit questions, feedback, or requests, so I can bring your ideas directly to CUS. I also want to host a Sauder First-Year Semi-Formal in the Pit, giving us a memorable way to connect with our cohort! On top of that, I'll organize networking sessions with upper-year students and alumni, giving us a chance to learn from their experiences and explore different paths in business.

I've led teams in different settings, from teaching kids martial arts to running business projects, and I believe those experiences have prepared me to represent our cohort and make sure every first-year feels included and empowered. I'll work hard to make sure we're not just trying to get through midterms, but building meaningful connections and lasting memories.

Vote Ryan, together we'll make our first year count!