Meet the 2026 Director & President Candidates

Thursday, September 24, 2026

Starting October 6, all UWSA members will be invited to vote for new directors to join the UWSA Board of Directors, and for the UWSA's new President. There are six candidates for director, with three open seats on the Board, and one candidate for president, subject to a confirmation vote.

We encourage you to read the president and director role descriptions and our UWSA 101 post on the difference between the board and operations team to inform your decisions.

How to vote

Voting will be open from October 6 until October 20 at 4:30 p.m. You will be able to rank as many director candidates as you like, and vote 'yes' or 'no' in favour of electing Jessica Zimmerman as President. You can also abstain from voting on either ballot.

Voting uses the UWaterloo Simply Voting platform and requires your UW login. All UWSA Members in Good Standing as of October 1 are eligible to vote. If you are a member and cannot access the ballot between October 6 and 20, please contact uwsa@uwaterloo.ca.

How ranked ballot voting works: Voters rank candidates in order of preference. The counting process uses those rankings to fill the available seats, starting with each voter's highest-ranked candidate. If additional preferences are needed as the count progresses, lower-ranked choices may also be used. Candidates you rank may receive your vote as the count progresses, while candidates you do not rank will not.

Candidate for president

About the role: The president heads up the operations team, which handles the day-to-day “operations” work—delivering programming and services to members and advocating to the university on behalf of staff. The president supervises three employees to do this work, and works with the president-elect and past president, along with several committees and UWSA representatives on university committees. Read the complete job description.

The successful candidate will serve as president-elect for one year starting November 1, and move into the full-time president role in November 2027.

Candidate statements: Candidates were asked to provide a statement describing:

  1. why they're running;
  2. the skills or experience they have that would enable them to make valuable contributions as UWSA president-elect and president; and
  3. their approach to leadership and collaboration and how they'll apply it to representing all UWSA members.

Affirmation vote: While there is only one candidate, members will still vote on whether to elect the candidate as UWSA President, and the candidate will need 50% of votes in favour.

Jessica Zimmerman

Current position: Admissions Officer, Registrar's Office

Candidate statement:

I am running for UWSA President-elect because staff deserve a strong, informed, and effective voice in decisions about our working lives.

My connection to Waterloo spans nearly 20 years, beginning in 2007 as a student, becoming a teaching assistant, and now as a full-time staff member. I have served as Chair of the Arts Staff Advisory Council and currently serve as a UWSA Advisory Member and Strategic Planning Committee Member. With a Master of Education and experience in leadership, learning and development, facilitation, communication, and project management, I have a strong record of bringing people together to turn ideas into action.

My leadership approach is collaborative and thoughtful. Effective advocacy also sometimes requires respectfully challenging the status quo. University policies and processes serve staff only when applied fairly, consistently, and in the spirit in which they were created. UWSA has an important role in recognizing systemic concerns and pursuing meaningful change.

If elected, my priorities would be stronger staff advocacy, greater transparency and communication, and equitable, consistent application of University policies. I want members to feel safe raising concerns and know their Association will listen, ask difficult questions, and advocate constructively for meaningful follow-through. Most importantly, I want UWSA members to feel this is their Association. I would listen across roles, departments, and experiences, recognizing that no single perspective represents all staff. I would communicate openly about what UWSA is doing and why, and use members’ experiences to identify broader patterns affecting staff.

I would be honoured to serve as your next UWSA President-elect and work together toward meaningful, positive change for Waterloo staff.

Candidates for director

About the role: While the president manages the day-to-day work, the Board of Directors is focused on governance: long-term planning, overseeing the big picture, and ensuring the sustainability of the association. They’re there to safeguard the association itself as a corporation.

Candidate statements: Candidates were asked to provide a statement describing why they want to join the UWSA Board of Directors and the qualities that would enable them to make valuable contributions as a director, specifically addressing at least two of the following: 

  • An ability to think strategically and focus on long-term goals.
  • An interest in contributing to the UWSA’s strategic direction and policy development.
  • A commitment and capacity to engage in collaborative work.
  • A willingness to share your opinions and lived experiences while holding space for the perspectives and experiences of others.

Additionally, it's important that the board as a whole has members with skills in meeting facilitation, financial acumen, organization, advocacy, project management, relationship development, leadership, and communication, though no individual director needs to have all or even most of these skills. Read more about being a UWSA director.

Candidates are presented in alphabetical order by first name.

Amanda de Oliveira Fogaça

Current position: Writing & Communication Advisor, Writing & Communication Centre (WCC)
Pronouns: She/her/hers

Visit Amanda's LinkedIn profile

Candidate statement:

I have been involved with the UWSA in various roles since joining the University in early 2023, because I believe that we all must take individual and collective action to create a work environment we are proud to be part of. We do our best work when we feel valued and supported.

With a background in law and over 20 years in higher education, plus previous experience on the board of a non-profit, I hope to bring a diplomatic and collaborative lens to my work as director. Additionally, as a racialized newcomer who has had to find my way through an entirely different work culture, I place a high value on bringing diverse voices to our work.

Starting as an Area Rep, I then joined the Area Rep’s Planning Committee as Program Co-ordinator, a position that allowed me to get to know other departments more closely and understand the challenges we face as an organization. After three years, I joined the Strategic Planning Committee with the intention of contributing directly to our long-term goals.

In my time with the organization, I have developed invaluable working relationships and friendships with other members. Having been hired just a year before the hiring freeze, I bore witness to the frustrations we all felt, especially in how decisions were made and communicated to staff. Through my work in the UWSA, I was able to listen to and be a voice for those who felt unsure of how to move forward.

I’m especially interested in finding avenues to strengthen our relationship with all staff members and our position within the University. One of my biggest focuses is to increase our membership numbers and foster a sense of belonging within the association, so that we can effectively support as many staff members as possible.

Antonio Marques

Current position:  Senior Manager, Research Data Analytics
Pronouns: He/him/his 

Visit Antonio's LinkedIn profile

Candidate statement:

As a candidate for UWSA Director, I am committed to ensuring that every staff member feels heard, represented, and empowered.

Throughout my career, I have been a people-driven leader who believes that great outcomes start with meaningful conversations. I enjoy connecting with colleagues, listening to diverse perspectives, and creating environments where people feel comfortable sharing ideas and concerns.

At the same time, I bring a data-informed mindset to decision-making. As someone who works closely with data and analytics, I understand the value of combining staff feedback with facts and evidence. By balancing people-centered leadership with thoughtful analysis, we can make informed decisions that drive positive change and ensure staff interests are represented effectively.

If elected, I want to bring a fresh and innovative approach to staff engagement. I believe representation should extend beyond meetings and surveys. It should involve active conversations across campus, building connections, seeking new ideas, and creating opportunities for staff voices to influence the decisions that affect them.

Audrey Kompter

Current position: ChemStores Laboratory Supply and Solvent Specialist
Pronouns: She/her/hers

Visit Audrey's LinkedIn profile

Candidate statement:

I have been a part of the University of Waterloo community for over a decade, working with many departments and services in numerous campus roles. I completed my BSc here, held multiple coops and parttime jobs working alongside staff, graduated to become a contract then permanent staff member within the department of chemistry and have been a parttime fitness instructor throughout! This combination of roles has given me a unique perspective and deep understanding of different staff across campus, making me a great choice to advocate on your behalf.

I believe every staff member deserves respect, equity, work-life balance, and opportunities within the workplace. UWSA already has some great initiatives and I would love to expand on that given the recent SEF funding increase. Knowing staff input is so valuable to high level decisions I am also committed to open communication and participation wherever possible. Last but not least, implementing strong policy is a very important focus of mine. Our policies are one of our greatest strengths and give staff power in unfair or uncertain situations.

For over 2 years I have served as a UWSA Area Representative. It has allowed me to be involved and learn more from other staff sharing a passion for representation. Additionally, I have director experience being on the board for my condo building the past 3 years. The knowledge and skills I have gained from these volunteer experiences gives me a strong foundation if elected as a UWSA director.

I am someone that takes initiative, seeks out opportunities, and has built strong connections within our campus. Colleagues have described me as proactive, approachable, and a great communicator - all valuable characteristics in a director position where collaboration and long term strategy is key.

Ellen Zhiyu Gong

Current position: Graduate Student Advisor and Research Appointment Coordinator
Pronouns: She/her/hers

Candidate statement:

I am interested in serving on the UWSA Board of Directors because I care deeply about the UWSA community and believe in the important role that staff play in the university's success. During my eight years at the University of Waterloo, I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact that the UWSA has on staff members through its wellness and fitness initiatives and professional development opportunities. These efforts have helped create a stronger and more supportive workplace, and I would welcome the opportunity to give back by serving the staff community.

Service and community involvement have always been important to me. Over the past two years, I have served on the UWSA Appointment Committee. I have also contributed through the Engineering Dean's Appointment Committee and the Chemical Engineering United Way Committee. Outside the university, I have served as Vice President of the Cheers Toastmasters Club. These experiences have strengthened my ability to collaborate with diverse groups, listen to different perspectives, and contribute constructively to decision-making processes.

What motivates me most is the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of others. I believe that effective leadership starts with listening, understanding diverse perspectives, and turning those insights into meaningful action. As a director, I would bring a collaborative mindset, strategic thinking, and a commitment to helping shape initiatives that advance staff well-being, professional development, and engagement. I would be honored to contribute to the UWSA's continued success and to support its mission of building a strong, connected, and thriving staff community.

Mike Dahlquist

Current position: Graduate House Supervisor
Pronouns: He/him/his 

Candidate statement:

I have been the Graduate House Supervisor for five years this October. During that time, I have worked collaboratively with the Hospitality Manager and GSA to provide students and staff with a safe, fun, and welcoming space to study, attend events, or just grab a delicious meal. After Covid, we worried about the future of this 50 year+ institution, but I am happy to say that we have exceeded our predictions year after year. During that time, I have come to respect the staff and students I have met, whether as guests, hosts or employees. My interest in this board position comes from a desire to focus more on long-term goals. My current position deals more with the day-to-day operations; keeping events running smoothly and ensuring hosts' desires and concerns are effectively communicated to our team here. I have wanted to take a broader view, as well as getting more involved in the university community. This year I joined the Appointments Committee, and I have found the people to be amazing and the experience very positive. This encouraged me to look at other positions that may be a good fit. I am more than willing to share my opinions and lived experiences, having lived all over Ontario, and a couple of years in Alberta. I have always enjoyed learning from people with diverse experiences that go against my small-town Northern Ontario upbringing. Thank you for considering me for this position!

Robbyn Hesch

Current position: Project Manager, Student Success Office
Pronouns: She/her/hers

Visit Robbyn's LinkedIn profile

Candidate statement:

I feel deeply invested in the success of the University of Waterloo, and I believe that staff have a significant impact on that success. Since completing my undergraduate degree at the University of Waterloo and returning almost eight years ago to work at Waterloo, I have felt committed to continuing to improve the experience of all campus community members.

I spent the first seven years of my career at Waterloo as a Health Promotion and Evaluation Specialist, focused on wellbeing for all. As the lead facilitator for the Mental Health Literacy Certificate, I engaged with many staff members about the challenges they were facing in their roles. Since January 2026, I have been working as a Project Manager in the Student Success Office, which has allowed me to engage with many new colleagues across the university and hear about both the successes and challenges of their work.

As a project manager and evaluator with a focus on evidence-informed decision-making, I will advocate for consultation with staff and for the use of available data to inform our decisions. My entire career at the University of Waterloo has centred on thinking strategically and advocating for the interests of others while working toward long-term goals that support us all.

I believe the UWSA is an important staff voice. I have seen significant improvements in the UWSA's ability to advocate for staff, and with more changes likely to come at UW, it is important for the UWSA Board to support the Association in advocating for staff.

To further my understanding of governance, I have taken UWSA workshops on Board Foundations and University of Waterloo Governance. I would be honoured to play a part in guiding the Staff Association on how best to support staff and help ensure their voices continue to be heard.