I am a PhD Candidate (Sociocultural & Political Contexts of Education) with master’s degrees in Educational Studies, Clinical Psychology, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management, along with bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science Engineering and Social Work. My diverse academic background uniquely positions me to understand students across Sciences, Arts, and Business disciplines, offering a well-rounded perspective on their academic and personal needs.

I have been actively involved in student leadership, advocacy, and community-building in Thunder Bay for over two years. During this time, I led initiatives to support student well-being, academic success, and equity-driven policies on campus. My work with various campus organizations, EDID (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization) committees, and community advocacy roles has deepened my understanding of student needs and the systemic challenges we face.

I am running for LUSU President because I believe in the power of student-led advocacy to create a more inclusive, supportive, and thriving campus environment. Strong student representation, transparent governance, and accessible resources are vital to student success at the University and beyond. I want to bring my advocacy and leadership experience to LUSU to ensure that every student feels heard, supported, and empowered.

I am committed to building a student union that is accountable, proactive, and truly representative of our diverse student body.

I have led initiatives to support students in Thunder Bay through advocacy, academic support, and community-building efforts. My previous experience within the Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) includes serving as the Coordinator of the Multicultural Centre and the Assistant Coordinator of Pride Central. In these positions, I organized campus-wide events celebrating diversity, created safe and inclusive spaces for students, and advocated for equity-focused policies. These roles have deepened my understanding of the unique challenges faced by diverse student communities, particularly international, BIPOC, and queer students. Beyond LUSU, my commitment to student representation is evident in my roles as a Graduate Student Representative for the Canadian Society for the Study of Education (QSEC), a Global Ambassador for Lakehead University, and a committee member of the EDID Committee in the Faculty of Education. These experiences have strengthened my ability to advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion at both institutional and national levels.
In addition to my work in student governance, I have served on multiple boards of directors, including Thunder Bay Counselling and Family Service Ontario, where I have contributed to high-level decision-making, financial oversight, and organizational strategy. My experience as a Steward for the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) has also prepared me to advocate for student workers’ rights and fair employment practices. Furthermore, my background as the Founder & President of the Mendlife Foundation, a non-profit focused on social justice and community development, has provided me with a strong foundation in organizational leadership, project management, and advocacy. Through these experiences, I have developed a deep understanding of student concerns, institutional governance, financial management, and community engagement. If elected, I will leverage this expertise to ensure that LUSU is an effective, transparent, and student-centered organization that truly represents and supports the needs of all students at Lakehead University.

As LUSU President, my vision is to build a stronger, more inclusive, and student-centered union—one that actively listens to and advocates for the diverse needs of our student body. I want to create a campus environment where every student, regardless of background or program, feels supported, empowered, and connected. My leadership will prioritize transparency, accessibility, and meaningful engagement, ensuring that LUSU is an active force for positive change.

Affordability and Financial Support:
I will continue to advocate for lower tuition fees and reduced ancillary costs by lobbying the university and government. I aim to develop projects for fundraising to expand student bursaries, emergency funds, and financial literacy workshops to help students navigate financial challenges. I will push for more affordable and inclusive meal plans and grocery subsidies to address food insecurity. Additionally, I will fight for fairer student fees and loan relief to alleviate financial burdens.

Equity, Inclusion, and Decolonization:
I plan to create safer spaces for marginalized communities (BIPOC, queer, Indigenous, international students) through programming, resource expansion, and advocacy. Collaborating with Indigenous communities, I will promote decolonization efforts and increase Indigenous representation in decision-making spaces.

Employment and Career Development:
My focus will be on expanding on-campus job opportunities for students, especially those who face employment barriers. I will advocate for fair wages, better working conditions, and stronger protections for student workers. Strengthening career development services, including internship programs, mentorship networks, and skill-building workshops, will be a priority. I will also work to create more on-campus employment opportunities and transform mental health support for working students.

Transparency, Engagement, and Accountability:
I will implement regular town halls and open forums where students can directly voice their concerns and hold LUSU accountable. Financial transparency will be a cornerstone of my leadership, with clear reporting on how student fees are being used. I will increase student engagement by making LUSU more approachable, ensuring events, initiatives, and decision-making processes are widely communicated.

Well-being, Housing, and Accessibility:
I am committed to improving the student health plan and advocating for tailored mental health services on campus. I will champion housing and transportation solutions to ease the stress of living and commuting in Thunder Bay. Practical on-campus parking solutions will also be part of my agenda to support students’ daily needs.

My leadership will be rooted in collaboration, action, and advocacy. I am committed to working with and for students, ensuring that LUSU is a proactive and student-driven organization. By addressing affordability, well-being, inclusion, and engagement, I will make LUSU a more effective, responsive, and inclusive student union that truly represents your needs.

instagram.com/mohit4peers