Our General Election is officially underway and we are excited to share the candidates with you! We are sharing the candidate profiles on our website and social media accounts to create awareness about our General Election and to encourage students to vote. The Students’ Association remains impartial and does not endorse any of the candidates.

Candidate profile & photo requirements: Maximum of 150 words for social media and a maximum of 500 words for the Students’ Association blog. If the maximum word count is exceeded, profiles will be cut off at the maximum allotted. Candidates must submit a photo and completed Consent for Use of Personal Image, Video, and Information by 4:00pm on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Profiles are not edited by the Students’ Association.

VOTE ON YOUR MyRDP ACCOUNT
March 9 – 12

Student Council Candidates

*profiles shared in alphabetical order by last name*

Don Allen

Hello, friends and future friends. I started at Red Deer College, now Polytechnic, in 1987 for my first year of a Bachelor of Arts. I have returned as a senior student to complete that degree in Multidisciplinary Studies. I worked my career as a mechanical engineer in municipal plus oil and gas, and I retired due to cancer. Having reached remission, I returned to RDP in spring 2025 and joined the Students’ Association as a counsellor in fall 2025.

I have had an awesome time representing the students of RDP on council this year, and I wish to continue. My perspective is different from most of my classmates, perhaps because I have decades of business experience. I would like your vote to continue advocating for you, representing you to the polytechnic, and bringing your views to the governments that control the purse strings.

This year, I worked on the council, the Academic Council, the ad-hoc advocacy committee, and the governance review committee. I have met hundreds of students, and I love to chat with everyone. I tell a lot of stories, and I can tell your stories to the Polytechnic and people I meet outside. I have lived in Red Deer since 1971, with some breaks for work or raising a family.

I have laid out my four policy planks.

  • Housing First – affordable for all.
  • Advocacy for you, my fellow students.
  • Diversity is our magic. Inclusion is my goal.
  • Speak truth to power.

Housing First is a concept from Finland. It is best described by this quotation from the Housing First Europe Hub website. “The basic idea behind the Housing First model is simple and clear: homelessness will only be eliminated if housing is based on a permanent rental property with its own tenancy and the necessary support services if the tenant so wishes.” In my view, it means to solve homelessness, including student homelessness, housing comes first. Everyone deserves safe, secure, and affordable housing.

Advocacy for you means I listen to you, share your stories wherever I can, and push for action. You are most welcome to find me around campus. There are systems in place within the Students’ Association for advocacy, and I intend to continue my role on that committee. It is an amazing experience to see people from all over the world at RDP. It’s magic. 38 years ago, the student body was much less diverse. I have met people from around the world here this year. Red Deer has changed. Only one group of people here is not an immigrant: the original peoples. I wish to include everyone of any background, affiliation, or culture in Red Deer.

Speak truth to power is a famous description of the job of advocates and real journalists. I am fearless when advocating for people to those in power. I will stand up for you.

Vote for me. I will do the job.

Bridget Anderson

Hello fellow students,

My name is Bridget Anderson, and I am a second-year Business student running for re-election as a councillor on Student Council. Over the past year, I have had the incredible opportunity to serve as your representative, advocating for student voices, promoting inclusivity, and working to make our campus a place where everyone feels valued and supported. I am excited to continue this work and bring even more positive change in the coming year.

During my time on Student Council, I have learned that effective leadership is about listening first and acting second. I am committed to making sure that every student, no matter their background, program, or year, feels heard and represented. I have worked to bring forward initiatives that address student concerns, improve awareness of campus resources, and promote initiatives that build a sense of community. Whether it was organizing forums for student feedback or helping to address academic and social challenges, I have always prioritized your voice and your experience.

Students deserve a council that not only listens but acts with dedication and integrity. If re-elected, my focus will be on ensuring transparency in decision-making, advocating for student needs, and fostering a campus culture where everyone feels included and empowered. I want to continue building stronger communication between the Student Council and the student body, so you always know your ideas and concerns are valued.

In addition to advocacy, I am committed to creating meaningful opportunities for student engagement. I also want to focus on supporting mental health initiatives, creating spaces for students to feel safe, and ensuring that everyone can access the resources they need to succeed both in and out of school.

Why vote for me? I bring experience, dedication, and a genuine passion for student advocacy. I understand the challenges we face as students, and I know how important it is to have someone in your corner who will actively work to address those challenges. I am approachable, collaborative, and committed to making sure your voices guide our council’s decisions. Re-electing me means a trusted advocate who listens and stands up for fairness, inclusion, and opportunity for all.

As your Student Council representative, I promise to continue being accessible, approachable, and accountable. I will work hard to make our campus a place where every student feels proud to belong, where ideas are heard and acted upon, and where we can collectively create a stronger, more connected community.

I am asking for your vote so we can continue building the campus experience we all deserve. Together, we can ensure that our student community thrives, grows, and feels truly supported. Thank you for your trust, your time, and your support.

Vote for Bridget Anderson for councillor!

Orla Briggs

My name is Orla, and I am a student in the BBA program here at Red Deer Polytechnic. I grew up just 20km away in Sylvan Lake, and the central Alberta community has always been home to me. When I’m not on campus, you can usually find me active in equine sports; working with horses has taught me the discipline, patience, and grit required to be an effective leader. Looking ahead, I am striving to pursue my career in the government sector. My passion for policy and advocacy is what drives me to ensure that our student government operates with the highest standards of integrity and fairness.

I am running for Council because I want to bring the “college experience” back to life! After seeing how disconnected campus life can sometimes feel, I want to help rebuild a culture where connection inspires discovery and every student feels they belong. The Students’ Association (SA) is mandated to serve us, the students, and I want to ensure that mandate translates into a fun, community-focused environment. As someone aiming for a legal career, I am particularly interested in the governance side of Council—making sure our policies and finances are managed with total transparency and accountability to you.

If elected, I will focus on these key areas to enhance our time at RDP:

  • Making Campus “Community-Like” Again: I will advocate for events and opportunities that foster a sense of belonging and provide a memorable experience for all members.
  • Boosting Student Engagement: I want to bridge the gap between the SA and the student body. I will commit to participating in at least three Association events per term to hear your concerns directly and ensure your voice is heard in decision-making.
  • Wellness and Inclusion: Our community is only as strong as its members. I will prioritize the mental, spiritual, and physical wellness of our students, advocating for a learning environment that is safe and inclusive for everyone.
  • Accountability: I will treat every decision regarding the Association’s vision and finances with the seriousness it deserves, putting the interests of the Membership above my own at all times.

I understand that a Councillor’s role is a twelve-month commitment, and I am ready to put in the work starting May 1. I will be a diligent and professional representative who isn’t afraid to advocate for the things that make the “college experience” worth it. Whether you are a credit, collaborative, or apprenticeship student, I am here to represent your concerns.

Let’s make this year unforgettable

Merissa Hughes

My name is Merissa Hughes and I am enrolled in my second year of Bachelor of Education, Middle years, and completed a certificate for Educational Assistant in 2024. I grew up on a farm near the small town of Elnora, about an hour southeast of Red Deer. I enjoy hanging out with friends and being around animals. I have chosen to run for a member of council because I feel as though I have lots of experience with the RDP environment through my own perspective, and those of friends and family. I am running for student council because I have leadership experience and would appreciate the opportunity to widen my scope of responsibilities. Students should vote for me because I believe that I can provide a varying perspective of student life here at RDP due to my small-town background and years of education experience both in the classroom and as a teaching professional. In this position I would like to increase accessibility around campus, specifically the library, the sidewalks around campus, and services provided to students. To be more specific, I am very aware that with the 8am classes, many services at the school are no longer available to students before 8am, thus causing a gap in student preparedness. I also want to increase student knowledge and the disbursement of program-specific information, such as grant possibilities, practicum subsidies and travel compensation, as well as generally increasing accessibility to all “need to know” information.

Mitchell Hummel

Are you tired of driving around the parking lot looking for a spot? Do you struggle to find a place to study or charge your laptop? Do you feel like nobody listens to student concerns?

My name is Mitchell Hummel. I am a second-year Business student at Red Deer Polytechnic. I grew up in Red Deer. I love being part of this community, and most importantly, I love serving the needs of the community.

That is why I am running for Student Council. I want to listen to students from all programs and years. I want to come up with solutions that actually work. As a Business student, I know how important it is to communicate plans carefully and to be responsible. I will bring these skills to the council.

If I am elected, I will push for changes that make a difference in our daily lives. I will make sure student voices are heard.

Vote Mitchell Hummel for student council

Enricka Julien

Hi, my name is Enricka Julien, and I am an international student from Trinidad and Tobago currently pursuing a Postgraduate Certificate in Human Resources Management at Red Deer Polytechnic.

My professional background is rooted in the agriculture sector, where I was involved in agricultural advocacy, agritech initiatives, and community development projects. Through this work, I developed a strong appreciation for collaboration, leadership, and the importance of building systems that help people and organizations grow.

Since arriving in Red Deer, I’ve continued my commitment to community involvement by volunteering with organizations such as the Red Deer Food Bank and Mission Thrift Store. These experiences have enabled me to connect with community members and contribute to initiatives that support those in need.

Professionally, I have experience in project coordination and leadership support, working with diverse teams, and contributing to initiatives that require strong organization skills, accountability, and clear communication. These experiences have influenced my approach to leadership today, where I prioritize careful listening, collaboration, and a focus on practical outcomes.

My experiences have motivated me to run for the Students’ Association Councillor position. Many students at Red Deer Polytechnic are balancing academics with work, financial pressures, family responsibilities, and long-term career goals. For some, including international students, there are additional challenges that come with studying in a new country.

Students deserve representation that listens carefully, communicates clearly, and focuses on practical solutions that reflect the diverse realities of our campus community.

If elected, I will advocate for clearer communication between students and leadership, stronger support for diverse student experiences, and more opportunities that help students prepare for today’s job market. I will also work to ensure student concerns are raised respectfully and consistently in council discussions.

Leadership, to me, isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It is about listening carefully, representing others with integrity, and following through.

I would be honoured to earn your vote and help build a stronger, more connected student community at Red Deer Polytechnic.

Gift Udeme

I am currently pursuing a Business Diploma and originally from Nigeria. I am passionate about leadership, community building, and creating spaces where every student feels seen and supported. Outside of academics, I enjoy singing and dancing activities that allow me to connect with others and celebrate culture and creativity.

I am running for Student Association Councillor because I believe student voices matter. Many students face challenges balancing academics, finances, work, and personal life. I want to be a strong, approachable representative who listens, advocates, and takes action.

If elected, I will focus on:

  1. Strengthening communication between students and the association
  2. Creating inclusive events that reflect our diverse student body

You should vote for me because I am committed, approachable, and ready to serve. I will not just hold the title. I will actively represent your concerns and work toward meaningful improvements that benefit all students.

Together, we can build a more connected and supportive campus community.

Candidate profile & photo requirements: Maximum of 150 words for social media and a maximum of 500 words for the Students’ Association blog. If the maximum word count is exceeded, profiles will be cut off at the maximum allotted. Candidates must submit a photo and completed Consent for Use of Personal Image, Video, and Information by 4:00pm on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Profiles are not edited by the Students’ Association.

Questions about the Elections? Contact Martin Cruz, Chief Returning Officer at sa.elections@rdpolytech.ca.