Student Elections

Adam Matthews-Kott

President – Candidate

Hello! My name is Adam. I’m an accounting student and current SA executive running for the position of President. I’ve been on the executive board for two years and have learned a lot in that time.

This term I am predominantly involved with internal aspects of the SA such as chairing the Bylaw and Finance Committees. In addition, I am currently working with the Wellness Department to offer a mental health first aid course to students (which at the time of writing has two spots remaining).

In my previous position as chair, I ran the Student Spaces Development Committee. My proudest achievement while running the committee was upgrading the electric keyboard in SE2 by replacing it with a beautiful (in my opinion) hybrid acoustic/electric piano.

If elected, I plan to continue my campaign of improving support for mental health on campus. I will also focus my efforts on helping other executives with their initiatives. Thank you for taking the time to read my bio.

Dmytro Sergushkin

VP Finance & Administration Candidate

Hello! My name is Dmytro, I’m second year accounting student running for the position of VP Finance. I was always interested in being more involved in student life, and this time I decided to try myself in helping students through becoming a member of SA executive board.

If elected, I plan to run SA comities efficiently, and ensure the proper oversight of SA finances, to ensure the students’ money are being used in the most efficient manner. Thank your consideration!

Mischa Potter

VP Student Experience Candidate

Hi! My name is Mischa Potter, and I’m running to be your next Vice President of Student Experience. At BCIT, I’m a Term 2 Co-op student in the Computer Systems Technology (CST) diploma.

I’ve been involved with the SA as soon as I came to BCIT. I’m currently a Set Rep and a Women in Computing and Computing Club executive. Since day 1, I’ve routinely informed others about SA events/offerings such as Advocacy, Health and Dental, Peak Leadership, Create Breaks, and more. I’ve also routinely participated in SA events and used SA offerings to support the SA.
If elected, I will continue to work hard to ensure students get the most out of the SA. I will uphold and routinely brush up on the bylaws, ensure clubs get the attention they need, and happily and conscientiously perform the duties of the position.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at mischapotter00@gmail.com, mischap on Discord, or text me on Whatsapp at 604-240-9171.

Thank you for your time and have a great rest of your day!

Eminence Selikem

VP Student Experience Candidate

Eminence Selikem is a second-year Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology student in the Automation and Instrumentation program at BCIT. He founded Lumóra and through partnership with Enactus BCIT has been recognized as a Top 10 Impact Venture by Enactus Canada and awarded funding through mentorship by the League of Innovators, built alongside a full course load.

He is running for VP Student Experience because he spent the last year within BCIT aiming to build a venture with real purpose behind it, and he understands what it costs students who are doing the same. The concerns that affect student life at BCIT, academic, institutional, and everything in between, deserve someone in the room who has personally navigated them.
Clubs at BCIT are full of students doing work that very few outside their immediate circle ever see. That work deserves support and an audience, and the role of VP Student Experience exists to make sure it gets one.

Joining a club or building something at BCIT should mean being seen for the work before graduation, and that is the culture Eminence is running to help build.

Faraz Shah

VP External Candidate

Hi everyone,

My name Faraz Shah, and I am excited to run for Vice President External. As a student at BCIT, I understand how important it is for our voices to be heard not just on campus, but also within the surrounding communities and on the government level. I am running for this role because I want to advocate for students and ensure that our concerns are represented where decisions are being made. BCIT students including myself come from diverse backgrounds with unique challenges, and I believe strong external representation can create meaningful change in areas such as student support, affordability, and opportunities. I also will advocate for any other challenges faced by students internally to the best of my abilities.

If elected, I will focus on strengthening relationships between BCIT students and external organizations, including government bodies and communities. I aim to effectively chair the Advocacy and Policy Committee by encouraging student input and turning that into actionable initiatives. I also plan to represent BCITSA with professionalism and transparency on the Alumni Board and during lobbying efforts.

My goal is simple: to make sure every student feels heard, represented, and supported beyond campus boundaries. I WILL WORK 4 U TRUST!!

You can reach me at:
Student Email: fshah14@my.bcit.ca
Personal email (preferred): farazafzalshah@gmail.com
Phone/Text/Whatsapp: 672.833.1899

Thank you for your support.

Nina Lu

VP Equity & Sustainability Candidate

I am a technician by trade and a results-oriented engineering student. During my year as Chair Energy, I focused on routing student concerns to the right people and built industry networks designed to last. Now I am ready to bring that same dedication to the role of VP Equity and Sustainability.

My approach to equity is rooted in my experience in the live events industry and my advocacy for Gender Diversity in STEM. In those worlds, if a system is not inclusive, it fails. I have learned that when you treat equity as a mission rather than a checkbox, real change happens. My goal is to platform underrepresented voices and ensure our campus systems actually work for the students who need them most.

Sustainability is about more than environmental policy. It is about building institutional memory through documentation that endures. As Chair, I created the blueprints and frameworks for our initiatives so that progress is not lost when leadership terms end. I want to leave behind a foundation that supports future student leaders long after I graduate.

I believe advocacy should be accessible and community focused. This starts with simple, approachable ideas like a Cultural Snack Exchange to celebrate our diverse backgrounds in the most delicious way possible.

The SA often talks about “Enhancing Student Life.” I want to spend another term making sure those improvements land where they are needed most. I have the experience to navigate the system and the drive to get it done.

Let’s Connect: www.linkedin.com/in/ninaplaystime/

Adam Fortin

Chair, School of Computing and Academic Studies Candidate

Adam Fortin, is a first year student running for Chair of the School of Business and Media. His path here is non-traditional: after six years in trades, he transitioned into business, managed complex B2B sales, and founded an AI Receptionist startup before coming to BCIT.

Currently, he serves on the BCITSA as a council member and also the SA Finance Committee, actively advising on our student portfolio to ensure your fees are invested responsibly.

He also competed on the JDC West Entrepreneurship Case team as well as presenting at Enactus Regionals.

As your Chair, he will bring his relentless work ethic to advocate for our diverse student body, improve networking opportunities, and ensure your voice shapes the future of our school.

Hayley Jang

Chair, School of Business + Media Candidate

Hello! I am Hayley Jang, and I am honoured to run for Chair of the school of Business + Media at the BCIT Student Association.

There are three things I do best: Listen. Care. Act.

I’m confident in making things better and helping people feel supported.
Whenever you need help, I will always be there, paying attention, listening closely, and doing my best to carry your voice forward. If you ever need support in school, I will put in my utmost effort to make things easier for you.

I promise to always keep a space open for everyone to be heard.

Let me help make your time at BCIT meaningful and worthwhile.

Thank you and have a great day!

Ramanpreet Singh

Chair, School of Business + Media Candidate

My name is Ramanpreet Singh, and I’m running for Chair of the School of Business + Media.
I believe good leadership starts with listening. I want to understand your concerns, support you when you need it, and take action to improve your experience at BCIT.

I’m committed to making sure every student feels heard and supported. If there’s a problem, I’ll work hard to find real solutions.

I’m here to represent you.

Botao Chen

Chair, School of Energy Candidate

During my time before and at BCIT, I have consistently taken on leadership roles and driven meaningful change within my community. I served on the Richmond Council of Arts, where I helped secure thousands of dollars in grants to support local initiatives. At BCIT, I invested heavily in developing my skills and leadership by joining BCIT Racing, where I gained firsthand experience working within Student Association processes.

Through these experiences, along with my background as an engineering student, welder, and machinist, I have developed into a results oriented advocate who understands both technical and organizational challenges. I have also actively engaged with various engineering and School of Energy clubs, taking the time to understand not only what they do, but why they do it and what they need to grow.

Being part of the School of Energy has shown me the immense interdisciplinary potential across our programs, as well as the gaps that currently exist. One clear example is the limited collaboration between Mechanical and Electrical Engineering students. I am committed to strengthening these connections so that the School of Energy feels like a unified, collaborative community.

I will also prioritize ensuring that student concerns, especially regarding facilities, are clearly communicated to leadership, with transparency even when immediate solutions are not possible. In my work with the City of Richmond, I have built a reputation for cutting through red tape. As Chair, I will bring that same approach to ensure students are heard and represented effectively at every level consistently.

Dean David Menkis

Chair, School of Energy Candidate

Hey!

My name is Dean David Menkis and I am running to be your next Chair of Energy. I am the President of the BCIT Robotics Club, heading into the B.Eng Electrical program this fall.

As President, I have spent the past year behind the scenes working with the IEEE club to organize the RC Classic 2026, alongside our campus Halloween and Christmas parties. By focusing on events that reflect our shared interests, I have learned how to bring our community together effectively. I also know the importance of listening and real follow-through from my time as a Set Rep for ECET 1C and 2C.

If elected, I want to deliver concrete results for SoE students. I will expand club funding for competitions and treat our clubs as strategic partners. By streamlining support and collaborating closely, we will organize industry nights and company tours to help you guys network and land jobs easier. We’ll also make sure to host events that give us a much needed break from the heavy workload. Finally, I want to focus on the quality of follow-through from our Set Rep meetings, ensuring your feedback actually turns into tangible solutions.

I have the leadership experience and dedication to make sure our school gets the representation it deserves. Let’s make the next year a great one :^)! I’d love to chat about your ideas. Email me at dmenkis@my.bcit.ca or connect at linkedin.com/in/deanmenkis/!

Maximilian Alexander Matyga

Chair, Schools of Transportation, Construction, and the Environment Candidate

Hey, you! My name is Max Matyga, a first‑year civil student running to be your next Chair of the School of Transportation, Construction and the Environment. I have experience in student council, leadership, and making things happen.

My goal is to advocate for stronger communication between students and programs, and a learning environment with no one overlooked.

I know how important communication is, learning from each other is the key to growth. I will work towards learning about all of the programs here at BCIT and using what works. I will coordinate with program heads and set reps to implement changes that matter to you.

To me, a learning environment where no one is overlooked means picking each other up and making sure the support needed is accessible. I will work closely with the BCITSA to ensure that students across both the School of T.C.E. and BCIT feel supported, informed, and confident in their ability to do their best.

I want to be there for you, so if you have any questions, please email me at mmatyga1@my.bcit.ca

Vote Max Matyga.

Mathieu Richmond

Chair, Schools of Transportation, Construction, and the Environment Candidate

Mathieu Richmond is a Journeyman Architectural Sheet Metal Worker, Volunteer Firefighter, and current student in the Architectural and Building Technology program at BCIT. With a strong foundation in the skilled trades and hands-on construction experience, he brings a practical, solutions-focused perspective to his academic work and leadership.

Mathieu is committed to strengthening the connection between education and the construction industry. Through his involvement in school initiatives, industry events, and professional networking, he actively works to bridge the gap between students and industry leaders. He has taken part in site tours and industry engagements that expose students to real-world construction challenges, including mass timber and complex building envelope systems. He believes that increased exposure to real projects, mentorship opportunities, and evolving construction technologies is essential for preparing students to succeed.

In addition to his academic and professional pursuits, Mathieu serves as a volunteer firefighter, where he has developed strong teamwork, leadership, and decision-making skills in high-pressure environments. These experiences have shaped his ability to lead with accountability and contribute meaningfully to his community.

As a candidate, Mathieu aims to expand industry engagement, improve access to career-building opportunities, and strengthen communication between students and faculty. He is focused on building a more connected, informed, and opportunity-driven student experience.

Arman Chinai

Chair, School of Computing & Academic Studies Candidate

Hi there!

I’m Arman Chinai, a third-year BScACS student and set rep, as well as Vice President of the BCIT Computing Club. You may know me from events like LeetCode Night, the Buddy Program, or HackTheBreak 2026.

I’ve experienced BCIT in nearly every way: full-time and part-time studies, diploma and bachelor’s programs, Burnaby and Downtown campuses, and even co-op. Through these experiences, I’ve seen how challenging it can be to feel connected, especially in computing, where people often work in isolation. That’s why my campaign is about making BCIT a place where computing students can get involved and thrive, no matter their background or program.
One key goal is to make hackathons an annual Student Association event. Right now, all BCIT hackathons are run by clubs with a strict $1,000 limit per event, while events can cost up to ten times that amount. Sponsorships from the BCIT School of Computing and Alumni Association have filled the gap, but that funding is running out, putting these opportunities at risk. Hackathons are vital for students to build skills, network, and strengthen their resumes. Every major institution has one, and BCIT should too!

Beyond hackathons, I want to bring more resources, events, and ways for first-year, part-time, and minority students to feel part of the community. If elected, I’ll work to make BCIT not just a place to learn, but a place where every student can succeed and feel included.

Want to discuss? Add me on Discord (@armanchinai) or LinkedIn!

Marisa Price

Chair, Specialized Transport Campuses Candidate

Hello, my name is Marisa Price and I am excited to once again be running for Chair of Specialty Transportation Campuses! I decided to re-run for this position as I am extremely passionate about ensuring representation of all campuses and implementing real solutions for student concerns. With my previous experience in management within the marine industry, student council at my secondary school, and now a term of being on the board under my belt, I am confident that I can continue to effect change for all students at the executive level.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me via whatsapp: 7786773099 or Discord: marisaprice_93077

Julio Cesar Arantes Filho

Chair, Downtown Campus Candidate

Hi,

I’m Julio Arantes, a Computer Systems Technology (CST) student at BCIT’s Downtown Campus, running for Chair of Downtown. I care about building a campus where students feel heard, supported, and connected. Through my time here, I’ve gotten to know my peers and understand the challenges students face, from heavy workloads to finding the right support. I believe strong representation starts with listening, and I’m committed to making sure student voices are reflected in decisions that affect us. I value strong relationships and I want to work with students, faculty, and leadership to improve campus life through more events, better resources, and a stronger sense of community. If elected, I will focus on creating a Downtown Campus experience where every student feels included and supported.

Jia Yin Yan

Chair, Downtown Campus Candidate

Hello! My name is Jossie, or Jia Yin Yan, and I’m running to be your Downtown Campus Chair.
I’m a Computer Systems Technology student here at BCIT’s Downtown Campus and have been a set rep for the past three terms. Through that experience, I’ve had the opportunity to voice my peers’ concerns, observe how chairs run meetings, and support students firsthand. Now, I’m ready to take that experience further.

Inclusion and support for every student matter deeply to me. Whether you’re a mature student doing their first course, hold a previous degree, came straight from high school, live with a disability, or are part of the LGBTQ+ community, you deserve to feel safe, included, and aware of the resources available to you.

As a commuter student, I understand how difficult it can be to stay connected when we’re all coming from different places without that built-in campus life. That’s why I want to focus on creating accessible, meaningful events and making better use of the resources we already have. Initiatives like Recharge Days and events like bunny petting have shown me how much small moments can genuinely improve student wellbeing, and I want to keep building on those experiences for both current and future students.

I’m committed to being a chair who listens, advocates, and shows up for you. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

Discord: leriz._. Email: jyan72@my.bcit.ca