Kelowna
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Alexis Mackenzie - Board Member
she/her
Hello friends! I’m Alexis, enrolled in the Associate of Arts program in hopes to be an elementary school teacher. I’m so excited and honoured to be representing our school this year. I’m eager to bring to campus uplifting, inspiring and encouraging spirits to make a difference for all students. I am so grateful to be apart of the team as we continue to make this a welcoming space for anyone who steps foot on campus.
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Alfiya Khanum - Campus Chair
she/her
Hey everyone, I’m a fourth-year BCIS student, and I’m running to be your student council member. I’m all about bringing more energy, positivity, and fun to our campus while making sure YOUR voice is always heard. From pushing for better student resources to planning events that bring us together, I’m ready to work hard for you. Let’s build a campus that feels supportive, inclusive, and exciting. Vote for Alfiya- let’s make it happen together!
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Ava Roy - Executive Chair
she/her
As an Environmental Studies student, I care about making a positive difference in our campus and its community. I’m running because I want students to feel heard, valued, and appreciated throughout their academic experience. Every student deserves to feel comfortable speaking up and knowing their voice matters. Let’s make OC a place where students feel listened to, supported, and where they feel comfortable to grow into who they are meant to be!
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Gian Rosas - Board Member
he/him
Hey, I’m Gian, a Peruvian BCIS student running to be your OCSU representative in Kelowna! College feels better when you have people to connect with and someone who listens. Finding my place here took time; now I want to help you find yours. I speak English and Spanish, and I’m always ready to listen, bring people together, and work on what matters to you. Have an idea or just want to chat? Come say hi!
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Jonathan Chiweda - Federation Representative
he/him
I am Jonathan, a creative, artist, and storyteller across music, and visual culture. I bring a versatile creative perspective to every project. Originally from Zimbabwe and now based in Canada, every project is shaped by culture, originality, and passion for change. When I’m behind the camera, in front of the lens, or creating through music, I’m driven by the idea of turning creative concepts into experiences that connect with people at OC.
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Malik Maila - Board Member
he/him
Hi my name is Malik; I’m a 2nd year in the Associate of Science Program. I’m outgoing and love meeting new people and hearing their stories. I’ve always enjoyed collecting rocks, and I’m very interested in Geology. I want to advocate to improve student experience at OC by holding the college decision-makers accountable for their actions. Additionally, I’d love to create some fun online events to connect students from different campuses
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Rohan Dhillon - Board Member
he/him
My name is Rohan Singh, and I’m an Environmental Arts student at Okanagan College. I’m running to represent students and ensure their voices are heard. I believe in open communication, fairness, and creating a welcoming and supportive campus community. I’m ready to listen to students, understand their concerns, and work together to create positive changes that make student life better for everyone.
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Natalia Lopez - Board Member
she/her
Natalia Lopez originally from Leon Guanajuato, Mexico currently enrolled in her second year of business administration diploma with plans to pursue a career in finance, passionate for business with entrepreneurial spirit, maintaining an active social life - Natalia is motivated by music, sports, art, developing new skills and experiences. Currently holding an Canadian Armed Forces application for the position of Navy Seal program, Natalia is honour and looking forward to serve Canada.
Penticton
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Angel Valenzuela - Board Member
she/her
My name is Angel Valenzuela. I’m from the Philippines and I’m a practical nursing student at the Penticton Campus. As a student worker in Student Life and Recreation, I’ve enjoyed working with students and being part of the college community. That’s why I joined OCSU because I want to represent students and help create a more supportive and welcoming environment where all students feel supported, connected, and involved in campus life.
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Aurora Ibuki - Board Member
she/her
Having grown up in the Okanagan, I have always held a deep appreciation for the outdoors. As I pursue my Associate of Arts degree at OC, running for the OCSU student council gives me the opportunity to hold myself accountable and give back to the community. My goals center on prioritizing environmental initiatives alongside advocating for campus resources. I look forward to the upcoming election.
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Christine Crowley - Campus Chair
she/her
My name is Christine, and I’m running for Student Union because I believe students deserve to have a voice and be heard. One of my biggest goals is to work toward lowering student tuition and reducing the cost of books and course materials. I want to help make education more affordable and accessible for everyone. I’m approachable, dependable, and ready to listen to students’ concerns and I will work hard to make a difference.
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Emma Castillo - Board Member
she/her
My name is Emma Castillo, I’m from Mexico and I am a kinesiology student at the Okanagan College in the Penticton campus. I enjoy being with my friends and family, I consider myself an easy going person and someone people can rely on. I would love to be part of the Student Union to help create a safe environment for students to learn and create long lasting memories.
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Lucas Garro - Board Member
he/him
My name is Lucas Garro, I’m in my third year of kinesiology at Okanagan College at the Penticton campus. I have been working at the college in the gym/recreation department since my first year. Talking to students and creating excitement around events is not only something I’ve had practice with but it’s something that I enjoy doing. I look forward to being able to advocate for student's needs, it's important we have a voice.
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Sajina Paudyal - Board Member
she/her
My name is Sajina Paudyal. I am a kinesiology student. Passionate about movement of the body and its functions. I am an active listener, good communicator, friendly, and creat welcome environment for everyone. I enjoy working with people with different interests, culture backgrounds, and different ideas and prospects so we can share ideas and helping each other. My hobbies are dancing, listening to music, painting, going out on nature.
Salmon Arm
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David Simmons - Campus Chair
he/him
Hello my name is David, I am a 3rd year Associate of Science student. Outside of college some of my hobbies are fishing, camping, hiking, as well as gardening and doing agility courses with my dog. Through the Student union I want to bring light to students' concerns and questions and advocating for lower tuition costs and textbooks fees. I’m very dedicated to working alongside the students, because together, positive change can really happen.
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Luka Filipchuk - Board Member
he/him
Hello! My name is Luka, I'm a longtime resident of Salmon Arm and am very passionate about education and activism. I'm also a student member of the Board of Governors at OC and am trying to get connected with our student union to better serve our community and students.
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Rose Froese - Board Member
she/her
My name is Rose, I am an Associate of Arts student here at Okanagan College. I live in Gardom Lake with my sister and our adorable cats, Milo and Ahsoka. I enjoy going to music shows, partaking in outdoor activities, taking road trips, and attempting to grow radishes. I’m always picking up new hobbies, and strive to live a fulfilling life. I am passionate about human rights, animals, the planet and gardening.
Staff
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Brianne Berchowitz
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Brianne (she/her) is the Executive Director of the OCSU. While her office is located in Kelowna, she travels to all campuses to help support the OCSU team. She is committed to ensuring students have the best possible experience while attending post-secondary and is always happy to connect with students, staff and faculty to make positive changes. Outside of the office you can find her enjoying the beautiful Okanagan with family and friends.
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Alana Fraser
ORGANIZER - PENTICTON
Alana (she/her) is the Organizer in Penticton, where she spends her days representing students, building campus community and planning events. She’s passionate about making sure people feel heard and supported. Whether she’s tackling an advocacy issue, talking about post-secondary issues with government, or handing out frosh at an event, she believes good advocacy starts with listening. When she’s not at OCSU, she can usually be found drinking something unnecessarily expensive yet delicious from Starbucks, attempting another home project, or explaining to her pets why they can’t be involved in everything she does.
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Gabby Urban
COMMUNICATIONS & STRATEGIC PROJECT COORDINATOR
Gabby (she/her) has been with OCSU since 2018. Serving many roles within the OCSU on the Kelowna and Salmon Arm campuses, she is now on year 5 as the Communications & Strategic Project Coordinator. She has a passion for building on-campus community engagement and running all things social media so our members can always stay informed. When not at work you will find Gabby spending time with her kids and friends in the outdoors .
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Jennifer Gullins
FOOD SECURITY COORDINATOR
Jennifer (she/her) has been with OCSU since 2019 where she initially served as a rep. She is passionate about sexual violence prevention, food security and accessibility at the post secondary level. In her free time she enjoys her numerous tropical plants and her tuxedo cat named Jacob.
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Kristen Lang
HEALTH & DENTAL COORDINATOR | BOOKKEEPER
Kristen (she/her) manages the health and dental plan. She works with Green Shield to process the health and dental opt-outs and other plan inquiries. The deadline to opt out is 30 days after your program’s start date.
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Kristina (Krissy) Laitinen
ORGANIZER-CAMPUS LIFE
Kristina (she/her) has been with OCSU since 2018, starting at the Kelowna office front desk before moving into her current role in summer 2025. Although known for being easygoing and down-to-earth, she takes her work seriously and is tirelessly committed to supporting OCSU members. As a queer and disabled woman, she centers her work on amplifying marginalized voices. She has approximately one million hobbies, but her current obsessions are paddleboarding and going to concerts.
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Lindsey Loftus
ORGANIZER - SALMON ARM
Lindsey (she/her) has been a part of the OCSU team since 2015, serving as the organizer for the Salmon Arm campus. Salmon Arm is her favorite place and she is passionate about helping grow the community and helping the people who call it home, reach their full potential. When not at work you will find Lindsey spending time with her husband and two sons.
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Tia Der
OFFICE COORDINATOR - KELOWNA
Tia (she/her) is the office coordinator for the OCSU, acting as the first point of contact for students. Her duties include helping students access the many benefits that come with being a member of the OCSU, and supporting students throughout their educational journey. Tia is passionate about the local Okanagan community, and stands strongly in solidarity with BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Tia loves knitting and crocheting on her days off, especially in cafes or the downtown library where she can chow down on some good food!