by: WavelengthPosted on:

AS Spring Elections 2019: President

Designed by Jacob Carver//AS Review

Note from the Editor: Candidates submitted these statements to the AS Review for this voter’s guide. We made no edits. Photos by Ella Banken.

Lani DeFiesta

Lani DeFiesta – she/her/hers – Presidential Candidate
Ella Banken//AS Review

My name is Lani DeFiesta and I am running to be your next A.S. President! As a queer woman of color, these identities have provided me an experience that allows me to add a unique perspective to this position. I am committed to implementing clearer ways of communication, collaboration, and transparency between the AS Board, Board of Trustees, student and faculty senates, admin, as well as within the student body. It is important that these positions are held accountable for their actions and behavior. I am devoted towards finding ways to ensure that this can happen. I believe in my platform and I believe that together, we can make Western a better and safer place, not just for the communities I belong to, but for all marginalized and minority groups on campus. #JoinDeFiesta because this OUR presidency! Follow me @joindefiesta to learn more about me and my platform.

Abdul-Malik Ford

Abdul Malik Ford – he/him/his – Presidential Candidadte
Ella Banken//AS Review

I am running for AS President under the acronym platform of JARES. I advocate, champion and put in work towards bringing about JUSTICE, holding the Administration here at WWU ACCOUNTABLE for what they’ve committed to, and what they need to do. I want to continue contributing my energy to REFORM the way the university operates and form a focus group to evaluate and restructure the very policies that we are running on. I will use this opportunity to EMPOWER the students here the same way that I was so that people will increasingly emerge from our communities as changemakers and leaders. Representation is important and it exists! Ecological and social SUSTAINABILITY must be prioritized! We need to be encouraging the divestment from fossil fuels, promoting and working for shredding the Aramark contract, helping to create sustainable social practices and programming, so that we as a university can carry on year to year with consistency and achievement.