ECSS By-Election and Election Fall 2026

Luis Almhanna 

Position: VP External

 
Personal Description:

I am a third-year Biomedical Engineering student at the University of Victoria with a strong passion for leadership, collaboration, and advocacy. As competitions director, I am currently leading the team in the planning and execution of the largest UVEC to date, including not only the competition but dedicated streams specific training workshops to prepare the competitors for the competition. In my role, I have also secured a spot for the hackathon stream winners to participate in one of the Largest Hackathons in Western Canada, the first time the hackathon stream competitors have been secured a spot at any competition by the UVEC team. As the founder of the Youth Hope Haven Foundation, I have built partnerships, organized initiatives, and represented community interests while working with diverse groups. I also serve as Secretary of the Sooke Family Resource Society (SFRS), where I coordinate communications, support organizational planning, and help ensure transparency and accountability. These experiences have strengthened my ability to represent others effectively. As VP External, I hope to build strong connections with other engineering societies while ensuring UVic students are well represented. 

Platform:

As VP External, my goal is to strengthen how UVic engineering students are represented, connected, and supported within the broader engineering community.

First, I will ensure strong and effective representation of UVic engineering students at the Western Engineering Students’ Society Team (WESST) and the Canadian Federation of Engineering Students (CFES). These organizations help shape opportunities, collaboration, and advocacy across engineering schools, and it is important that UVic’s voice is clearly represented.

Second, I want to expand and improve our connections with other engineering schools and student societies. Strong relationships between engineering communities create opportunities for collaboration, shared events, and knowledge exchange that benefit students across Canada.

Third, I will ensure a fair and transparent process for selecting students who represent UVic at engineering conferences. Delegates should feel confident that selections are unbiased and accessible, and that those attending conferences are well prepared with clear communication, proper training, and organized transportation and accommodation.

Finally, I will work to expand the reach of the UVEC competition by increasing student participation, introducing additional competition spots, and building new partnerships and sponsorships to support a larger and more impactful event, as I have already done in my role of competitions director. 

Overall, my goal is to strengthen UVic’s presence within the engineering community while creating more opportunities for students to engage, compete, and represent our school.

Point Form Summary of Platform Description:

• Strong representation: Ensure UVic engineering students are effectively represented within WESST and CFES.

• Advocacy: Actively communicate the interests and priorities of UVic engineering students in external organizations.

• Stronger connections: Build and expand relationships with other engineering schools and their student societies.

• Collaboration opportunities: Encourage partnerships, shared initiatives, and networking between engineering communities.

• Fair conference selection: Ensure a transparent and unbiased process for selecting students to attend and represent UVic at conferences.

• Better delegate support: Ensure delegates receive proper preparation, communication, and organized travel and accommodation.

• Expand UVEC participation: Increase student involvement in the UVEC competition by making it more accessible and engaging.

Gwamile Dhlamini

Position: VP External

 
Personal Description:

My name is Gwamile (She/Her). I am a first-generation immigrant with heritage from South-Africa and Myanmar. I moved to Victoria, BC from Manitoba, and I’m at the beginning of my academic career as an undeclared engineering student at UVic. I have a keen interest in sociology despite studying engineering since the intersection between understanding of how society organizes and scientific thinking creates better problem-solvers. I hold a personal belief in civic duty, which is why I enjoy community service. I have volunteered with hospital auxiliary shops, animal hospitals, and community clean-up initiatives. 

I grew up moving a lot, my whole schtick is telling people that I moved 16 schools across three countries. This experience made me privy to vastly different perspectives of the world, which became the catalyst for my work in leadership and advocacy. There are always things to do better, and people that require their voices to be heard. 

Despite having extremely unorthodox schooling, I won a full-ride scholarship to the University of Winnipeg Collegiate, a well-recognized preparatory school based out of the university campus. I held various positions of leadership ranging from local to provincial in high school. 

My goal as VP External is to serve as a representative of UVECSS to other engineering student associations, and act as a bridge for open dialogue to create better opportunities for UVIC students in engineering and computer science. 

Platform:

My name is Gwamile Dhlamini (She/Her). I am a first-year undeclared engineering student with a strong passion for student advocacy. I served as co-chair for the Manitoba Department of Education’s Student Advisory Council; we work directly for Honorable Minister Tracy Schmit to provide critical consultations on policies that affect every student in Manitoba from Grade K-12. This experience taught me to lead with empathy when I speak on behalf of my community, as well as an appreciation for the invisible framework of governance. I also have relevant experience as a Junior Director of Student Representation for the University of Winnipeg Collegiate Alumni Association. 

I believe collaboration is key, as VP External, I want to prioritize strengthening UVECSS’ relationship with WESST, CFES and other engineering societies to open new lanes of cooperation. I would approach the position with strategic thinking to build the reputation of UVECSS while protecting UVECSS’ interests. 

As a steward of science, I believe that continual diligent learning is imperative. I will keep an open mind as a leader because I want to be someone who reflects the interest of our students. I want to approach leadership with humility because I might not always get the right answer without listening to the concerns of students first. 

As VP External, I will be serving as one of the representatives of the students in engineering and computer science. Therefore, I commit to upholding an ethical standard of professionalism, fairness and insurance in prioritizing the welfare of the student body. 

Point Form Summary of Platform Description:

• Relevant experience as Co-chair of Manitoba DOE’s Student Advisory Council and Junior Director of Student Representation for University of Winnipeg Collegiate Alumni Association

• Build UVECSS’ reputation and create new opportunities that can serve students

• Lead with humility and empathy to reflect the interests of students

• Commitment to my role as VP External; will meet responsibility with diligence and good work ethic

• Uphold ethical standards of professionalism, integrity and prioritizing the welfare of student body 

Shay-Neel Lad 

Position: VP External

 
Personal Description:

I am a second-year Electrical Engineering student with experience in ECSS as Director of Sporting Events and Director of Sponsorship for the 2026 Conference on Diversity in Engineering. I enjoy organizing events, working with different groups, and creating opportunities for engineering students. I want to use this experience to help connect ECSS with the wider engineering community. 

Platform:

As VP External, my goal is to bring ECSS beyond UVic. I want to build stronger relationships with engineering societies at other universities and make it easier for UVic students to get involved in conferences and external opportunities. I will focus on improving awareness and organization of conference delegations, strengthening ECSS's involvement with WESST and CFES, and building connections with other engineering societies. I also want to bring ideas and opportunities from other universities back to ECSS. 

Point Form Summary of Platform Description:

• Build stronger relationships with other engineering societies

• Make conference opportunities easier for students to find and attend

• Improve organization of ECSS conference delegations

• Strengthen ECSS involvement in WESST and CFES

• Bring more external opportunities to UVic

• Bring ideas from other universities back to ECSS

• Better represent UVic engineering students externally 

Carter Anderson

Position: First Year Representative

 
Personal Description: 

I am a first-year Engineering student who is passionate about getting involved, meeting new people, and contributing to the communities I am part of. Throughout my life, I have actively looked for opportunities to take initiative and make a positive impact on others.  

As a marathon runner, I organized a fundraiser for the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation, using my running to raise awareness and support for a cause that was meaningful to me. The experience taught me how to bring people together around a shared goal, communicate with supporters, and turn a personal challenge into an opportunity to give back to the community. 

  I have also worked as a youth soccer coach, where I developed my leadership and communication skills while learning the importance of encouraging others, listening to different perspectives, and creating an environment where everyone feels included. 

  Since joining UVic Engineering, I have continued looking for ways to contribute. I am currently involved with External Relations in the ECSS, which has given me the opportunity to become more involved in the engineering community, competitions, and contribute to the society. 

  As First-Year Representative, I would bring enthusiasm, approachability, and a genuine willingness to get involved. I want to represent the ideas and concerns of first-year students while helping create a welcoming, connected, and memorable first-year experience.

  
Platform:

My platform is built around one goal: making first year something students actively feel part of, not something they simply get through. 

Engineering and Computer Science can be demanding, especially in first year. It is easy to fall into a routine of lectures, labs, assignments, and exams without realizing how many opportunities and people exist outside the classroom. I want to change that by making involvement more visible, accessible, and exciting for first-year students.  

I want to create stronger connections between students and the opportunities available through the ECSS, design teams, clubs, competitions, conferences, charity initiatives, and social events. More importantly, I want to actively seek out what first-year students want from their ECSS and turn that feedback into action.  

I believe strongly in getting involved rather than standing on the sidelines. Whether through organizing a fundraiser for the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation as a marathon runner, coaching youth soccer, or currently contributing to External Relations within the ECSS, I have seen what happens when people take initiative and bring others together.  

As First-Year Representative, I will be visible, approachable, and willing to put in the work. I want every first-year student to know that their voice matters, that opportunities are there for them, and that they belong in this community. 

I don’t just want to represent first year. I want to help define what an incredible first year at UVic can look like. 

Point Form Summary of Platform Description:

• Make first year more than just classes - build a community students genuinely feel part of. 

• Be a strong voice for first-years - actively gather student ideas, concerns, and feedback and bring them directly to the ECSS. 

• Turn feedback into action - go beyond listening by pushing for initiatives and improvements students actually want. 

• Get more first-years involved early - connect students with ECSS events, design teams, clubs, competitions, conferences, and leadership opportunities. 

• Make opportunities easier to discover - students shouldn’t miss out simply because they didn’t know something existed. 

• Strengthen connections between students - help create an environment where meeting people and becoming involved feels natural and accessible. 

• Be visible and approachable - I want students to know who their representative is and feel comfortable coming to me with anything. 

• Lead through action - I’ve organized a marathon fundraiser for the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation, coached youth soccer, and currently contribute to External Relations within the ECSS. 

• Bring energy and initiative to the role - I’m not applying just to hold a position; I want to contribute and make things happen. 

• Raise the standard for the first-year experience - my goal isn’t simply to represent first year; it’s to help make it an experience students are proud to be part of. 

Deniz Ikili

Position: First Year Representative

 
Personal Description: 

My name is Deniz Ikili, and I'm a  first-year student in the BSc Computer Science program with an aspiration for a Data Science Minor. I moved to Victoria from Tirana, Albania, so I know firsthand what it feels like to start university far from home, in a new system, and I want to make that transition easier for the first-years coming in alongside me.

Before UVic, I led SecuLinux, a cybersecurity education platform with an Android app and a companion web app, coordinating a small team through design, development, and a full diploma presentation, and taking it as far as a submission to Red Bull Basement Albania. That project taught me how to run a team, keep people accountable, and turn ideas into something people actually use, skills I want to bring to the First Year Council.

I'm fluent in Albanian and English, working in French and German, and I'm used to switching between languages and contexts quickly, which has made me comfortable reaching out to people from different backgrounds. Outside of tech, I follow football closely (tactics, history, the endless GOAT debates), and I've competed in several hackathons, so I know the value of a tight-knit, reliable team. I'm running for First Year Representative because I want ECSS to feel like a community from day one, not just a faculty, and I'd love to help build that for this year's cohort.

  
Platform:

As First Year Representative, my priority is making sure every first-year student feels connected to ECSS from week one, especially those who, like me, are adjusting to a new city, system, or language. I want to run the First Year Council as a genuine bridge between first-years and the wider ECSS Council, not just a title.

Drawing on my experience leading SecuLinux, I'd like to organize hands-on events that actually help first-years with coursework and careers: beginner-friendly coding nights, study groups before major exams, and a session on getting involved with clubs, hackathons, and competitions early, since I know how much those opportunities can shape a degree. I also want a simple, low-pressure way for first-years to raise questions and concerns, a First Year Council channel that's actually checked and actually answered, rather than a suggestion box that goes nowhere.

Community matters just as much as academics, so I'll also push for regular, low-cost social events (game nights, football watch parties, casual meetups) so people build friendships outside the classroom, which is often what gets students through a hard semester. I want to make sure international and out-of-province students specifically have a point of contact who understands what that adjustment feels like, because I'm living it myself this year. If elected, I'll treat this role the way I treated my own project: show up consistently, listen to what people actually need, and follow through.

Point Form Summary of Platform Description:

• Chair the First Year Council as a real link between first-years and ECSS Council, not just a title

• Organize beginner-friendly coding nights and pre-exam study groups, drawing on my experience leading SecuLinux

• Run a session on getting involved early with clubs, hackathons, and competitions

• Set up a simple, responsive channel for first-year questions and concerns

• Host regular low-cost social events (game nights, football watch parties, casual meetups) to build community

• Serve as a dedicated point of contact for international and out-of-province students navigating the transition

• Show up consistently and follow through on every First Year Council commitment

Nèves Kim

Position: First Year Representative

 
Personal Description: 

I am a First-Year engineering student originally from Edmonton. Coming to a new city and starting university is a big change, so I know how important it is to find a community where you feel welcomed and supported.

I grew up in a French Immersion school and competed in French debate, which helped me become comfortable speaking up, listening to different perspectives and communicating ideas. I am half Vietnamese and half Korean, and I value being part of a diverse community where everyone has a voice. I share an interest in Math and Science which ultimately led me to pursue a career in biomedical engineering.

In high school, I served as Co-President of Peer Support, an experience that taught me the importance of listening, advocating for others and creating spaces where people feel comfortable reaching out. I planned events to help boost student morale including “Spa nights” and “Hot Cider Mornings”.

Further participation in Junior Achievement’s Business program, I have developed leadership skills, learned how to work with different people, and gained experience to bring forward ideas and turn them into action. I want to bring that same energy to the First Year Representative position by listening to first-year students, sharing their ideas and creating opportunities to connect and helping build a welcoming community where everyone feels represented.

  
Platform:

As a First-Year Representative, I want to build a stronger sense of community within the first-year engineering class and make sure every student feels heard, supported and included. 

I plan to encourage events and initiatives that make it easier for first-year students to meet one another, form friendships and find support outside of academics. Whether through social events, wellness or opportunities to connect with students who share similar interests. I want to help create a supportive environment where everyone can find their place within engineering. 

Most importantly, I want to be an approachable representative who cares for students’ ideas, concerns and experiences. I will listen to first-year students and work to bring their perspectives forward, turning their feedback into meaningful initiatives and ensuring that our class has a voice within ECSS. 

I believe that my previous leadership experiences have prepared me to take on this role. As Co-President of my high school’s Peer Support Leadership Group, I learned the importance of listening, advocating for students and creating spaces where people feel comfortable reaching out. I also organized events such as Spa Nights and Hot Cider Mornings to improve student morale and strengthen our school community. Through tutoring at Kumon and participating in Junior Achievement’s Business program, I have further developed my communication, teamwork and leadership skills. 

I want to bring these experiences to ECSS and help make the first year an inclusive, connected and memorable experience for everyone. 

Point Form Summary of Platform Description:

• As a First-Year Representative, I want to build a stronger sense of community within first-year engineering. I want to utilize a lens of empathy, initiative and leadership to fulfill this role. 

• Make sure everyone feels heard, supported, included and connected. 

• What I plan to do: 

  • Encourage more social and wellness events 

  • Create opportunities for first-years to meet, make friends and connect oust academics 

  • Support initiatives that reign together students with different backgrounds and interests 

• My experience 

  • President of Peer Support Leadership Group at my High School 2026 

  • Kumon Tutor - working with people of all ages and backgrounds 

  • Junior Achievement Business Program 

Scarlett Steyn

Position: VP Corporate Relations

 
Personal Description:

Hello! My name is Scarlett and I’m very excited to be running for VP Corporate Relations. I’m a second-year engineering student who’s proudly dedicated to our engineering community. This past year I’ve served as both the First-Year Representative and graphics co-coordinator for the ECSS. Through these roles I have gained a love for our community and would be proud to have the opportunity to improve as your VP Corporate Relations! 

Platform:

As VP Corporate Relations, I will elevate the ECSS’s professional standing by focusing on strengthening our corporate connections. My goal is to secure sponsorships to support our society while also providing value to students through networking events. I will commit myself to ensuring all outreach meets a high standard to uphold the ECSS’s reputation. 

Point Form Summary of Platform Description:

• Grow and maintain local partnerships with community and commercial organizations 

• Host networking events that provide students with the opportunity to connect with industry professionals

• Monitor and manage industry outreach to ensure the process remains professional and respectful