My name is Dhanvi Gahlawat, and I’m excited to run for Vice President Orillia in the LUSU election. As a student in Environmental Sustainability and an active campus leader, I am passionate about making our university more inclusive, sustainable, and student-focused. I am an advocate for sustainable development and believe in the power of collaborate to achieve our shared goal of a more equitable and brighter future for all.
I’m running for this because I believe our voice matters. Orillia’s student body is diverse, talented, and full of potential and My motivation comes from a desire to strengthen student representation, enhance sustainability initiatives, improve campus resources, and create more opportunities for engagement.

I am currently pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science in Environmental Sustainability, which has given me a strong foundation in interdisciplinary problem-solving, leadership, and community engagement. My role as an International Student Assistant at Lakehead University has allowed me to work closely with students, helping them transition to university life and fostering a sense of belonging. This experience has honed my communication, organization, and event-planning skills, making me well-equipped to represent and support the diverse student body at Orillia.

Additionally, my involvement with the Sustainability Stewardship Council and as a youth policymaker for organizations like the Ontario Council of International Cooperation has provided me with valuable experience in advocacy, policy development, and collaboration with various stakeholders. These experiences have taught me how to approach challenges strategically, while always keeping students’ best interests at the forefront.

Together, these roles have prepared me to be a strong advocate for the Orillia campus, ensuring that students’ voices are heard and that our community continues to thrive.

If elected Vice President Orillia, my vision is to transform our campus into a thriving, inclusive, and innovative community where students are at the heart of every decision. My focus will be on creating an environment where collaboration and sustainability are prioritized, and every student feels heard, valued, and supported.

Key Initiatives:
1. Building an Inclusive and Collaborative Campus:
I will work to ensure that every student—regardless of their background or identity—feels like they belong at Lakehead Orillia. This includes expanding support networks for all our students, organizing more collaborative events between clubs, bring more diverse and inclusive events to campus, like cultural celebrations to ensuring there are opportunities for all students to connect, grow, and have fun.
2. Tackling Food Insecurity:
Food insecurity is a real issue for many students. I propose creating our campus to be a living food lab, collaborating with local food programs, and exploring affordable and sustainable food options on campus. My goal is to ensure that no student has to worry about their next meal so they can focus on their studies and personal well-being.We will work together to create sustainable food systems by introducing more plant-based meal options and working with local farmers to source food sustainably.
3. Driving Sustainability and Green Initiatives:
As a passionate advocate for the environment, I will push for greener campus initiatives, such as a zero-waste program, expanding recycling bins, and ensuring that Lakehead Orillia moves toward carbon neutrality.
4. Creating More Career Opportunities and Workshops:
I believe in preparing students for the real world. I will push for more internship programs, career workshops, and networking events to help students gain experience, develop professional skills, and connect with potential employers in the region and globally. I aim to create a global network for all our students that helps them wherever they go.
5. Stronger Student Representation:
I will ensure that every student’s voice is heard, especially when it comes to academic concerns, campus life, and affordability. I plan to launch monthly student forums and feedback surveys to continuously gauge the needs of the student body and act on them in a timely and effective manner.