Board of Governor
Representative #1 candidates

The Board of Governor Representative is a member of DSU Council that sits on the Dalhousie Board of Governors as a student representative for a 2- year term. They will attend Council meetings and join at least one DSU Committee.

Mizel Cluett

Pronouns: N/A

Platform: Mizel Cluett - Trust that Your voice will be heard.

Social Media
LinkedIn

CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

  • "All students deserve representation at the highest level of Dalhousie governance that is informed, prepared, and genuinely accountable. I am running for this role to ensure student voices are clearly understood and meaningfully reflected in Board of Governors decision making.

    I will advocate for affordability, equity, safety, clarity, and accountability in behalf of every student no matter who you are. 

    I bring over a decade of experience in governance, policy, and community leadership across non profit, social enterprise, and advisory Boards. I currently serve as Board Secretary for The ReCover Initiative, Board Chair for Youth Art Connection, and I am the Founder of Indigenous Futures Canada, where I recruited, onboarded, and have led my own Board for over two years. This work has required reading complex materials, building consensus across differing perspectives, and advocating responsibly in high stakes discussions, skills that directly benefit students at the Board table.

    I am currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Computer Science, which means I understand Dalhousie as a student navigating academic policy, workload, and program requirements in real time. My leadership and service have been recognized nationally, including receiving the Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year award at the Tribe Summit and being named Young Humanitarian of the Year by the Canadian Red Cross.

    As an neurodivergent Indigenous student, I understand how Board level decisions can remove barriers or create them. I am committed to listening to students, communicating their concerns clearly, and advocating for them with care and accountability throughout this two year term."

  • I have a cute cat named Huey!

Steven Mata

Pronouns: He/Him

Platform: Putting Students in the Room where it happens!

Social Media
Instagram (@stevenmata_) 

CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

  • I am a Microbiology & Immunology student running to be your Board of Governors (BoG) Representative because I believe the university’s highest decision-making body needs a voice that understands the true student experience. My extensive leadership involvement has prepared me to represent you effectively. As the Faculty of Science Representative on the DSU Council, I have gained valuable experience in student governance, advocating for student interests and navigating the complexities of our union to deliver results.

    My qualifications extend into the university’s financial and academic systems. Through my work on committees focused on grants, sponsorships, and academic policy, I have developed a deep understanding of how university decisions are made and funded. Beyond my work on Council, I serve as an executive in various student societies across campus, which has given me a broad perspective on the diverse needs and challenges of our student community. Furthermore, I have already established professional relationships with several current Board members and representatives, ensuring I am ready to prioritize student concerns in high-level discussions from the very first meeting.

    If elected, my priority will be ensuring that the Board’s decisions regarding tuition, infrastructure, and long-term strategy are made with student well-being at the forefront. I am committed to ensuring that the student body has a powerful, informed seat at the table. I am not just looking to occupy a space in the room; I am dedicated to ensuring your voice is the one that is heard and respected.

  • I speak 3.5 languages!