Hello everyone,

My name is Aliss Chavarri, and I am a fourth year Biology student pursuing a minor in Political Science with aspirations to attend law school after graduation. Beyond academics, I am passionate about the arts and enjoy singing, dancing, and creative expression in all its forms.

I moved to Canada from Peru with big dreams and a deep appreciation for community. Since then, I have found purpose in helping others feel seen and supported. Whether as an orientation leader, and mentor at Lakehead International, or student advocate as a LUSU board member, connecting with people and building inclusive spaces has always been at the heart of what I do.

Last year, you entrusted me with the responsibility of serving as your LUSU President. This experience has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my university journey. Over the past year, I have immersed myself in advocating for student wellbeing, standing up for what is right even when it required difficult conversations, and working tirelessly to ensure students have access to the resources and support they deserve.
Through this role, I have seen firsthand the impact that strong student representation can have, and it has only strengthened my commitment to this work.

I am running again because I believe our work is not finished. I want to continue building on the progress we have made and dedicate my final year as a student to serving you with even greater experience, clarity, and determination. I am ready to give my full energy, passion, and dedication to advancing a clear vision for an even stronger student experience at Lakehead. Thank you for your trust and for allowing me the opportunity to serve.

I first became involved with LUSU in 2024 as a Board Member, where I worked directly in student advocacy, governance, and policy development. A central focus of my work was affordability. I advocated for increased access to grants and financial aid, pushed for lower tuition pressures, and secured partnerships with local businesses to expand student discounts and reduce everyday costs. Making student life more affordable was not a talking point for me, it was a priority that guided my work, and it remains a commitment I intend to expand if re-elected.

Outside of Lakehead, my two years as a Corporate Law Clerk strengthened my ability to think critically, negotiate effectively, and manage complex documentation and governance structures. That experience gave me a strong understanding of contracts, and institutional policy. These skills have been directly transferable to leading LUSU, strengthening operational transparency, and ensuring the union functions efficiently and in full alignment with its governing framework.

Beyond campus, my work with Habitat for Humanity as a student leader and fundraiser reinforced my belief in collaborative, community driven solutions. Organizing teams and raising funds for housing initiatives gave me hands-on experience in mobilizing people, building partnerships, and turning ideas into measurable impact.
Last year, you trusted me with your vote and elected me as your President. During my term, I have focused on the following:

• Created the Lily Pad Project, installing free menstrual product dispensers on campus locations.
• Launched the LUSU Wolfpack Volunteer Program, expanding leadership opportunities and structured student involvement
• Secured free SPC cards for all Lakehead students to increase everyday savings
• Expanded the Fresh Food Market by increasing student staffing, creating more campus employment opportunities while improving food access
• Partnered with local businesses to broaden student discount programs
• Advocated for higher quality and more accessible food options on campus
• Advocated for the inclusion of a Youth Climate Corps in the 2025 federal budget (And won!)

These experiences have shaped me into a leader who prioritizes solutions and I am prepared to continue strengthening student services, and protecting student interests for every Lakehead student.

My vision is a campus where every student feels supported, where affordability does not limit opportunity, and where well-being is treated as a priority, not an afterthought.
Last year, you trusted me with your vote. Together, we made meaningful progress. This year, I am asking for your trust again to continue advancing the work that I believe is not yet finished:

1. Food Security and Better Food Services: No student should have to choose between paying tuition and eating a proper meal. I will continue advocating to expand the capacity of the Food Resource Centre, strengthen food security initiatives, and increase access to affordable and nutritious options on campus. This includes pushing for lower meal plan costs options and extended operational hours in the main cafeteria, ensuring students have consistent access to high quality food.

2. A Long Term Investment in Student Space: It is time to think beyond short term solutions. I would begin the groundwork toward a future LUSU student hub, our own building. A dedicated space that could serve as a multipurpose venue for clubs and events, integrate affordable housing opportunities, and potentially host local vendors. This is about building infrastructure that supports generations of future Lakehead students.

3. Expanding the Lily Pad Project: Access to menstrual products is a basic necessity. I will continue securing funding and partnerships until every bathroom on both campuses are equipped with a free menstrual product dispenser.

4. Renovating the SideBar at the Law School: Law students deserve a space that reflects their community. I am committed to revitalizing the SideBar into a welcoming and cozy environment that offers high quality specialty drinks and serves as a true gathering space for Bora Laskin students.

5. FarmLabs and Sustainable Food Growth: I will advocate for expanding FarmLabs at the Orillia campus to support sustainable food production, experiential learning, and Indigenous food sovereignty. Strengthening local food systems is a powerful way to advance long term food security on our campuses.

6. Strengthening Diversity and Inclusion: A strong student union reflects the diversity of its membership. I will continue enhancing support for marginalized groups, advocating for inclusive institutional policies, and ensuring LUSU services and events represent the full breadth of our student body. This includes expanding cultural engagement initiatives and equity driven programming that creates meaningful representation.

Students can stay informed about my campaign by following my Instagram page: @alisschavarri, where I will be sharing my campaign goals, proposals, and updates. I will also be posting valuable resources and information that students may find helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me via email at achavarr@lakeheadu.ca. I would love to hear from you and ensure that your voice is part of this campaign!