My name is Idongesit Usua. I recently completed my Bachelor of Arts at Lakehead University, and I am now pursuing the Honours Bachelor of Social Work (HBSW).

I am running for VP Advocacy because advocacy is not just a value I hold—it is a practice I am professionally trained in and deeply committed to. My academic background in social work, combined with hands-on leadership experience, has shown me how powerful intentional listening and strategic action can be in creating meaningful change for students.
As a current member of the LUSU Board of Directors, I have seen how student voices translate into policies and decisions. I am motivated by a strong desire to ensure no student feels unheard, overlooked, or unsupported when it comes to issues that shape their academic journey and overall well-being.

My academic training and leadership roles have uniquely prepared me for the VP Advocacy position.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts from Lakehead University and I am currently enrolled in the Honours Bachelor of Social Work program. This training emphasizes:

Ethical and effective advocacy
Policy analysis and systemic reform
Equity, inclusion, and anti-oppressive practice
Systems-level thinking
Supporting marginalized and vulnerable populations

As a member of the LUSU Board of Directors, I review and vote on policies and initiatives, contribute to budget decisions affecting student welfare, and act as a bridge between students and university administration. I consistently champion inclusion, fairness, and mental wellness in these discussions.

My experience as a Global Ambassador has involved direct support for international students navigating cultural, financial, academic, and social barriers during their transition to Canadian university life. This role has given me a clear understanding of the unique challenges many students face.

Additionally, my volunteer work as a Patient and Family Advisor at Thunder Bay Regional Health Centre has honed my ability to provide informed policy feedback grounded in real lived experiences, ensuring that systems are responsive to the people they serve.
These combined experiences have equipped me to advocate confidently, strategically, and compassionately on behalf of the entire student body.

My vision is a student body that feels truly empowered, well-informed, and genuinely represented—where advocacy is proactive, transparent, and delivers tangible results.
If elected as VP Advocacy, my key priorities include:

1. Increased Transparency and Communication
Implement clear feedback channels for students to share concerns easily. Easy, structured feedback systems. Live engagement on student life topics
Host Instagram Live sessions focused on everyday student experiences and well-being.

2. Advance Equity and Inclusive Representation
Ensure marginalized, underrepresented, and international students have consistent seats at decision-making tables. Push for more transparent and accessible academic accommodation processes. Foster safer, more respectful, and inclusive campus environments for all.

3. Improve Student Experience and Institutional Accountability
Clarify academic policies and student rights. Demand greater transparency in university decisions that affect students. Strengthen partnerships between LUSU and key administrative offices to resolve systemic issues more effectively.

4. Support International and Transitioning Students
Enhance academic and cultural transition supports. Advocate for clearer policies around work-study balance, employment opportunities, and financial pressures. Help ensure international and first-year students feel welcomed, integrated, and fully supported.

My approach will be rooted in core social work principles—dignity, justice, accountability, and collaboration—turning advocacy into concrete action that improves student life.

You can learn more about my campaign and stay updated by: Following my campaign social media channels for regular updates, priorities, and advocacy highlights Reviewing my full campaign platform and specific commitments Engaging with campaign materials and events happening across campus Reaching out to me directly with your ideas, concerns, or questions I am committed to remaining accessible, transparent, and responsive—not just during the campaign, but throughout my term if elected.