Hello everyone! My name is Aliss Chavarri, and I am a third-year Biology student with aspirations to attend law school after graduation. I’m deeply passionate about volunteering, and in general, I love interacting with people.

Beyond academics, I enjoy singing, dancing, and acting. Ever since I moved to Canada from Peru, I have found joy in helping international students feel welcome when they first arrive in Thunder Bay. Because of this, being an orientation leader and mentor has been one of my most rewarding and meaningful experiences.

However, when I first ran for the Board of Directors of LUSU, I discovered that advocacy is where I truly belong, a space where I can immerse myself in creating real, meaningful change for students. This experience has strengthened my commitment to ensuring that every student has access to the resources, support, and opportunities needed to thrive.

As the LUSU President, I will always be eager to help, and I’m not afraid to stand up for what is right. I believe there is power in diversity, and with my background, I am confident that I can bring innovative ideas to the table to ensure every student thrives.

I am ready to lead with passion, dedication, and a clear vision for a better student experience at Lakehead.

My diverse experiences in student governance, legal work, advocacy, and entrepreneurship have provided me with the leadership, negotiation, problem-solving, and organizational skills necessary to drive real, positive change as LUSU President.

As a Board Member of LUSU, I have been actively involved in student advocacy, governance, and policy-making, ensuring that students’ voices are heard and represented. A key focus of my work has been securing partnerships to bring career development opportunities to Lakehead students, a commitment I intend to expand further if elected.

My role as a Student Assistant at the Lakehead International Office has allowed me to support students from diverse backgrounds, helping them navigate challenges, connect with campus resources, and feel welcomed at Lakehead. This experience has strengthened my problem-solving abilities and student service skills, equipping me with the tools needed to advocate for a more inclusive and supportive student experience.

Working as a Corporate Law Clerk has given me critical thinking, negotiation, and organizational expertise, all of which are essential for managing student union affairs, budgets, and policy decisions. My legal background has also provided me with a strong understanding of governance, contracts, and institutional policies, ensuring that LUSU operates with transparency and efficiency.

Beyond advocacy and governance, my entrepreneurial and fundraising experience has strengthened my ability to secure funding and build partnerships. As the 2024 Ascend Winner and Founder of “Nestar”, I successfully secured funding for my startup, which focuses on innovative housing solutions. Winning pitch competitions and securing investment for my projects have reinforced my ability to lead initiatives, manage finances, and negotiate with stakeholders—all critical skills for expanding student funding opportunities, scholarships, and grants.

Additionally, my work with Habitat for Humanity as a student leader and fundraiser has reinforced my belief in collaborative leadership and community-driven solutions. Organizing teams and raising funds for housing initiatives has given me hands-on experience in building support networks, mobilizing resources, and making a tangible impact, qualities I will bring to my role as LUSU President.

These experiences have shaped me into a strong, solution-oriented leader who is prepared to advocate for students, enhance student services, and ensure that every student at Lakehead has access to the resources they need to succeed. With my commitment, experience, and drive, I am ready to lead LUSU toward a more inclusive, supportive, and opportunity-filled future.

As LUSU President, my vision is to create a campus where every student feels supported, secure, and empowered to succeed. My priorities focus on affordability, accessibility, and student well-being, ensuring that no one is left behind due to financial or personal hardships. Additionally, I am committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all students, regardless of background, identity, or circumstances, feel valued and represented on campus.

1. Emergency Housing Support: Housing insecurity is a growing concern for students who face unexpected displacement due to scams, evictions, or financial struggles. I will work to secure emergency housing accommodations by partnering with local hostels and housing providers to offer discounted rates. In extreme situations, I will advocate for LUSU to subsidize temporary housing costs, ensuring that every student in crisis has access to safe shelter.

2. Fighting Food Insecurity: No student should have to choose between their education and a proper meal. I will introduce a Fresh Produce Market program to provide affordable, fresh food options on campus. Additionally, I will advocate for lower meal plan costs and expanded food bank service hours, making sure students can access nutritious meals when they need them most. A balanced diet not only improves physical health but also enhances mental well-being and academic performance.

3. Expanding Legal Services: Many students struggle with tenant-landlord disputes, notarizations, and other legal challenges without knowing where to turn. I will work with local law firms to subsidize legal services and secure student discounts, ensuring that affordable legal support is accessible when needed.

4. Fostering Diversity and Inclusion: A truly strong student community is one where every voice is heard and respected. I will work to enhance support for marginalized groups, advocate for inclusive policies, and ensure that LUSU events, services, and resources reflect the diverse needs of our student body. By creating more opportunities for cultural engagement, equity-driven initiatives, and representation, we can make Lakehead a more welcoming and inclusive space for all.

Through these initiatives, I am committed to building a stronger, more supportive, and opportunity-filled environment where every student at Lakehead can thrive.

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!