The Insider Election Special 2025 by The Insider

ELECTION SPECIAL 2025

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Special thanks to

SA Board of 2025, Reinis Zirnis, Luīze Reinšmite, Matīss Aksjonovs, Vlada Dzene, Anastasia Kikalia, Ēvalds Dans Felsbergs, Evelīna Kuciņa, Tomas Markauskas, Lenija Laura Liepiņa, Ance Aināre, Anna Smeltere-Maksimoviča, Jēkabs Prodnieks, Hugo Lācis, Mārtiņš Feldmanis, Gustavs Zīverts & Auguste Kripaite, Maksims Tihonovs & Emīlija Paliepa, Bruno Dumpis & Edvards Lauva, Elīna Bībere, Benas Brazaitis and and the beloved team of The Insider.

In case of any queries, contact insider@sseriga.edu or zkalnina@sseriga.edu (Editor-in-Chief)

4 T H E E D I T O R I A L

5 B U S I N E S S C O M M I T T E E

R e i n i s Z i r n i s , L u ī z e R e i n š m i t e , M a t ī s s A k s j o n o v s

8 E D U C A T I O N C O M M I T T E E

0 E V

T A B L E O F

Dear November is here – terrifying deadlines, cold weather and, of course, the long-awaited ELECTIONS!

Thanks to our dear SA board of 2025, we had such an amazing year. New partners, creative promo videos, and fun events like the Takeover, Summer Symposium, and a lot more! Now it’s our turn to shape what comes next. We’re electing the new Student Association Board - the people who will represent our interests and set the tone for the year ahead

This year we have 20 ambitious candidates ready to prove themselves to the rest of school. First they will organize campaigns with bold posters and engaging activities, then face the fear of public speaking while presenting their vision in the Soros. And yes - NOTA (None of the Above) is on the ballot too, because real choice includes the option to ask for better. And this year, it proves that size does matter (in posters, of course)!

So, this is your chance to get to know a little bit more about the candidates Their personalities, goals, and of course, their proposals. Read the issue, pick your favorite and support everyone who had the courage to run, because it is not easy.

See you at the elections, and vote as it mattersbecause it does :)

xoxo, The Insider

T H E I N S I D E R

D I T O R I A L

e i n i s Z i r n i s

Ever since high school, I have always been open to new experiences whenever a chance comes my way. This curious and open-minded view of the world has given me countless unforgettable experiences, ranging from things like learning all the steps needed to put makeup on your face to appearing on television Because of this mentality, the idea of becoming a chief was always at the back of my mind since the Organisation Fair.

From the start of the summer, I was working at a children's theme park, and I continued to do so even when my studies at SSE Riga started I managed to balance my time quite well; however, the job wasn't anything prestigious and didn't really give me anything besides money

When the SA elections came, I decided that this was my chance to switch things up and do something more interesting. So I left my job with the idea in mind that I would try to candidate for a chief position to take on more responsibility and improve my skills by also helping the school community

I consider myself to be an outgoing person who prefers to work with people rather than numbers

My experience in BusCom thus far has only cemented the idea that I am good at reaching out and talking to new people This is what made me realize that BusCom Chief was the right place where I could prove to myself and everyone else that I can lead and take on responsibility. I am aware that BusCom is of great importance for the school, and being its chief isn't easy; however, I am certain that if elected, I will succeed, and I can guarantee that I will put my heart and soul into this mission, because that's what I always do with the things that captivate me.

P.S. An interesting fact about me is that I like to climb on roofs, thus the picture (I am trying to point towards SSE Riga)

BUSINESS COMMITTEE

Over the past few months, I’ve had the chance to get to know SSE Riga and its community through late-night study sessions, countless events, and collaboration in various committees What I’ve realized is that this place is not just about academics; it’s about people, ideas, and the drive to create something meaningful together

The Business Committee stood out to me from the very beginning. It’s where creativity meets structure and where students can connect theory with real-world experience. I’ve loved being part of that process while reaching out to sponsors, developing collaborations, and seeing how shared effort can turn small ideas into real results

Teamwork and community have always been at the core of who I am. Back in high school my class was known for its team spirit, we supported one another and achieved things that wouldn’t have been possible alone That same energy motivates me now, guided by the belief that shared effort leads to real progress

As chief, I want to continue developing what has already been built while setting new goals for the future. My aim is for the Business Committee to represent not only professionalism and ambition but also creativity, inclusivity, and growth. Together, we can expand our network, attract new sponsors, and turn fresh ideas into tangible projects that enrich student life.

SSE Riga is full of opportunities, and I want to make sure we take advantage of every one of them. Dream big, plan smart, and make it happen that’s the mindset I hope to bring forward as your next Business Committee Chief

BUSINESS COMMITTEE

M a t ī s s A k s j o n o v s

The Business Committee Chief position has always seemed suitable for me because it aligns well with my intentions and skills, although I was not entirely certain to what extent. The decision to apply for the position of Business Committee Chief came to me spontaneously, and I spent days wondering whether I should or should not apply. After careful consideration, I decided to register myself as a candidate.

I love challenges, especially in fields I am enthusiastic about

Interacting with people, presenting my vision, bargaining for a better deal, and managing all the other tasks required for acquiring and maintaining sponsors are not obstacles to me - they are opportunities to understand my strengths and weaknesses and to act on them accordingly

This is the mindset a Business Committee Chief needs to do the job efficiently. If I am elected, any difficulties that arise will not stop me from performing effectively and reaching the full potential of the Business Committee

Even if I do not finish this race as the winner, the feedback I receive, the experiences I gain, and the insights I gather from analyzing my performance will be the real rewards of this journey - lessons I will carry throughout my life. After all, sometimes the journey is much more important than the destination

BUSINESS COMMITTEE

V l a d a D z e n e

Overall, becoming a chief is not just about the responsibility and effort that you put into your work; it’s also about all exciting opportunities that come with it: leading a group of young and creative minds, actually having influence on the daily routine of many students, as well as dealing with the concerns and uncertainties of everyone studying here And that’s exactly why I’ve applied to become the Education Committee's Chief.

I wouldn’t say that I’m unhappy with the current work of the EduCom: it’s clear that the present chief (and amazing members, of course!) truly care about students' comfort while studying at SSE Riga

However, “good” doesn’t mean that there is no room for “better”. I’d like to contribute to this important process by introducing additional “midterm check-ins” so that our committee could be informed about the wellbeing of students earlier, not by the end of the course. Additionally, I’d like to create “Survival guides” for the upcoming courses, which you’ll hear more about either in my motivation letter or in upcoming presentations :)

The feeling that I can contribute and actually make a difference is what shaped my desire to become a chief I fully understand that this role comes with a lot of responsibility, and I’m genuinely ready to take it on I’m ready to listen to everyone and show that here, every opinion truly matters. I’m ready to do everything I can to connect students and lecturers, because those relationships are what shape the educational system of SSE Riga I’m ready to help build the academic family that is made up of our wonderful and hardworking students. I’m ready to prove that YOU matter and YOUR feedback is not just words; it’s a chance for growth and change

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

A n a s t a s i a

K i k a l i a

I’ve always been someone who likes to connect people and make things work better I really value good communication, because I think it shapes almost everything in our daily lives Whether it’s studying or having a conversation, I’ve learned that when communication flows, everything else follows.

Since coming to SSE Riga, I’ve really enjoyed being part of the Education Committee, the Student Association, and various student organisations I’ve really come to appreciate how much energy and creativity each committee brings, as well as the enthusiasm of the SA board that keeps our community alive and connected

I want to help strengthen this atmosphere and make sure both exchange and full-time students feel equally included and engaged

I want to focus on making the Education Committee even more efficient and visible. A part of my goal is to make sure that the communication between students and lecturers stays open and clear throughout the whole course, not only at the end as it often is.

I’d also like to bring more energy into our academic life by increasing the collaboration with other committees through engaging activities (like more of the beloved quiz nights).

I’m confident that my experience and motivation to improve student life makes me the right person for the Education Committee. I would be truly honored to serve as chief, to represent students, support their ideas, and help to make our academic life smoother, more connected, and more enjoyable for everyone It would be a privilege to continue building on what already works so well and contribute to the openness and cooperation that defines our school.

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

a l d s D a n s

F e l s b e r g s

Hi, my name is Ēvalds Felsbergs, and I am a Y1 here at SSE Riga I am a considerate person, always doing my best to ensure everyone is heard and doesn’t feel left out, which is especially important in a multicultural environment I am also composed and perform well under pressure, which I believe to be an important quality for a position that requires meticulous planning and organization. Most importantly, I’m persistent in achieving my goals and love collaborating with others to come up with crafty solutions

Despite only beginning studies at SSE Riga this year, I have been attending the SA board organized events for a few years now, and I can say with confidence that they never disappoint When comparing my experience at SSE Riga to that of studying abroad, what stands out is the incentive to breed a sense of community that students have here, to which I genuinely want to contribute. That, along with my experience in event organization, is what motivated me to become a part of the SA.

Of course, I’m aware that the position of committee chief is not all fun and games But that’s part of why it excites me :) After all, the feeling of accomplishment is greater the more you have worked for it I am hoping for the opportunity to work with an amazing team of associates and build upon the great foundation set by the previous chiefs In terms of improvement, I have a few ideas regarding task delegation within the committee itself, as I believe there is potential for even greater efficiency

EventCom is the cornerstone of extracurricular activities here at SSE Riga, and I can assure you that, if elected, I will do everything in my power to make sure you have the time of your life at every single event.

EVENT COMMITTEE

Community is one of SSE Riga’s core values, and it is what attracted me to this school. I was drawn to the strong and close-knit environment where students support each other and work together to create a motivated and productive atmosphere. Every conversation I had with current students, as well as my observations while shadowing during the application process, reinforced this impression. This is the kind of atmosphere I want to be a part of and help strengthen as a member of the Student Association, which is why I am applying for the position of Information Committee Chief.

I hope to help ensure that all SSE Riga students stay well-informed about upcoming events and opportunities, gather insightful student feedback, help create a memorable and high-quality yearbook, and provide a helpful Newcomers Guide for Y1 students. My goal is to support improvements that make the committee more active within the Student Association while building on the strengths it already has.

I am hard-working, organized, detail-oriented, and reliable I am confident that I can handle the responsibilities that come with this position and fulfill the duties of the Information Committee Chief.

I believe the Information Committee has great potential to become more engaged and proactive within the Student Association My goal is to encourage the committee to take part more actively in our own responsibilities and to cooperate more with other committees. I want to involve the committee members more in our own tasks, by splitting the workload fairly, working together more closely, and ensuring everyone has something meaningful to contribute.

INFO COMMITTEE

T o m a s M a r k a u s k a s

I’ve decided to apply for the position of chief of the Information Committee because I believe that this committee needs to become more relevant

Often, people know very little about its vision or what it does. I want to change that by introducing smaller, creative projects throughout the year (not just focusing on the yearbook, Newcomers guide, or surveys), and also some initiatives that keep InfoCom more active and consistent.

I see myself as a person who has a wide array of interests, having already been involved in multiple committees and organisations. I will try to transmit ideas from each Coming from Lithuania, a place where there sometimes seems to be more information sources than readers, I can bring a unique perspective to the committee.

My background in parliamentary democracy competitions has also trained me to think critically, make decisions under pressure, and structure my tasks. Also, as someone who has passion for learning history, I’ve had the experience of learning it from historical and cultural yearbooks that capture a year. I believe this can be used to make the Information Committee more meaningful.

My vision is to ensure that InfoCom stays on track with what it currently has achieved, and becomes even more consistent, known, and respected.

INFO COMMITTEE

L e n i j a L a u r a L i e p i ņ a

To participate in the election was not a decision, it was my destiny to do so.

The Information Committee for the past three years has been piece by piece developed to reach its end state.

The Vision was partially revealed a year ago, yet it was not a coincidence it was not yet completed

The students needed time to find their path towards it.

The Vision has never been just a campaign, it is a movement that stands for the future of the Information Committee, it exists to guide us all towards better times.

Multiple generations of SSE Riga have worked hard to breathe life into the once withered committee, and we plan to finally take fruits from our efforts

But now, We believe that the gospel must be spread to all. 19.11.2025 will be the day of clarity once and for all.

INFO COMMITTEE

A n c e A i n ā r e

Dears,

I have liked technology for as long as I can remember. It has fed me like an addiction and shaped me into who I am today

Over the time I developed some valuable technical skills I’m comfortable working with HTML, CSS, and Python; plus I can also handle basic technical problems But what I really want to highlight is my motivation to succeed and my determination to do everything to the best of my abilities

My goals are to create an engaging and supportive atmosphere within the IT community, organize fantastic team-building events, and, of course, host game nights!

Since I’m only in Year 1, I still have a lot to discover and learn about SSE Riga.

However, I am eager to work hard, grow through experience, and give my best to achieve meaningful results. With perseverance and dedication, I hope to bring something valuable to our community.

Ultimately, I want to contribute in a way that matters: not only to the IT Committee but also to the SSE Riga community as a whole

Best,

Ance

IT COMMITTEE

A n n a S m e l t e r eM a k s i m o v i č a

The Marketing Committee’s work and efforts are visible every day and shape the public image of the Student Association and SSE Riga This requires time, effective teamwork, and strong leadership, and I am confident that my experience, creativity, and passion will contribute greatly to the committee and future SA board.

My main motivation to initially join the committee was to further develop my artistic side and not let my creativity diminish from only thinking about my studies all the time To me, being chief means leading a team of bright and diverse minds and being able to bring everyone ’ s ideas together, improving overall productivity, and bringing more good to everyone;

I value highly the work that the Marketing Committee has been doing so far and and would be proud to contribute with the creativity within me.

I would be an honor to continue leading the legacy, as I've proven to be a great leader and negotiator, and I excel at blending everyone's good ideas into one great project

Being a part of the creative team in one of the leading architecture firms in Latvia taught me a lot about working effectively in a team and how valuable creativity and efficiency is in combining arts and science for large projects in this field

During my time as a part of the Student Association I’ve also worked on posters for the upcoming sports tournament as well as the marketing for Beer Pong, and I’ve learnt a lot about the technicalities and details of such tasks here

As the chief of the Marketing Committee, I will make sure to further develop our social media presence and boost engagement through Instagram reels and TikTok, displaying not only our amazing events and promotion content, but also providing more insight into our daily student life, in order to continue building the image of SSE Riga as welcoming and prestigious I also plan to expand the SA merch variety and build a brand recognition, while also strengthening the collaboration with all the other committees of the SA

MARKETING COMMITTEE

ē k a b s P r o d n i e k s

Sports is not just a game or a competition - it is a community, a way of thinking, and a way of bringing people together. That is exactly why I’m running for Sports Committee Chief - I want to make sure every student can feel the spirit of motivation, teamwork, and pride

My name is Jēkabs Leons Prodnieks, I am a Year 1 student, and I believe that sports are for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you ’ re a player, a supporter, or anything in betweeneveryone deserves the chance to have fun and participate in some way

I believe I’m a great candidate for this role because the SSE Riga community deserves someone whose goal is to connect people, make everyone feel included, and show real passion for sports.

My main goals for this committee are to maintain its already well-known reputation for amazing events while adding even more - new tournaments, collaborations, and ideas For example, I’d like to organize Novus tournaments, connect with other committees such as IT for potential e-sports activities, and introduce new games

Of course, the committee will make decisions together, but I also want to ensure that the student voice has real impact Listening to what you, the SSE Riga students, want - and making it happen. For instance, I’ve already heard requests for a Clash Royale tournament, and that could definitely be a great start!

If you want your voice to be heard and to make sure both existing and new events are even better - vote for me, and together, we’ll make the Sports Committee greater than ever

Best of luck to everyone - see you at the elections!

– Jēkabs

SPORTS COMMITTEE

F e l d m a n i s

Dear SSE Riga students, I'm year 1 student Mārtiņš Aleksandrs Feldmanis and I am running for the Sports Committee Chief position.

I’m applying because I know how to run real, high-level sports events and I want to replicate that in SSE Riga As I’ve played for the Latvian National team in basketball and worked as Team Sweden’s EuroBasket 2025 local manager in Riga, I’ve seen the behind the scenes and I’m the only candidate with that national-team experience both from the players perspective and the managers/organizers perspective. I can bring that here - events that look and feel elite, not amateur

My network in the Latvian Basketball Federation, Swedish Basketball Federation and in the sports industry can help scale and expand these events adding additional perks and sponsors

I love sports, I live it every day, and I’m taking this chance to make SSE Riga sports life more active, more fun and overall better

As I previously mentioned, I bring both player and organizer experience. Playing with the Latvian Youth National team and playing for Rīgas Zeļļi in the Ramirent National basketball league, I’ve learned the day to day life of sports management in the professional sports scene from the athletes perspective and built close ties across the Latvian Basketball federation

This summer I also handled local management for Team Sweden at EuroBasket 2025 in Riga, coordinating practices, transport, hotels, police-escorts, meals, medical support, laundry and lastminute changes This role built direct links with the Swedish Basketball Federation.

Now I’m ready to turn this experience and these links into results for SSE Riga sports with real partnerships, meaningful experiences for students, and events that will be memorable and feel crazy.

I would be happy to hear any proposals on what you want to see implemented and/or improved in the SSE Riga sports scene!

I'm ready to work and expand the already amazing SSE Riga sports environment and add some new events and tournaments to diversify the school's sports experience

SPORTS COMMITTEE

H u g o L ā c i s

I am running for the sports committee chief, not to only continue the great sports related traditions of the past, but also bring a fresh, new perspective to the already wonderful SSE Riga student community I believe I would be a great fit for the position not only because of my experience, but also because of the lessons I have learned whilst being in the sports field I have associated all my life with sports, for the past 12 years I have been playing basketball, and even worked for a professional basketball club “Rīgas Zeļļi”

These experiences have thought me a great deal about team-work, leadership, communication, and resilience - all of which I intend to bring to this role. I also learned about event organisation, contacting sponsors, and a bit about marketing, so I think these skills and learnings will help me as the next chief if you intend to vote for me

So what would be my main tasks as the chief of sports com?

So firstly I would like to track down the ping-pong table and set it in the lobby, secondly improve the overall activity of the students by introducing new sports for weekly practices, so that everybody could try out a new thing each week, and lastly I would like to listen to what you think are the short comings of the sports committee, so if you have something you would like to improve or discuss then, dm me on IG @hugo laacis, so I can see how these issues can be fixed

SPORTS COMMITTEE

G u s t a v s Z ī v e r t s & A u g u s t e K r i p a i t e

Our decision to run for President and Vice President comes from a simple belief: the Student Association is the heartbeat of our university It’s a space where ideas become action, friendships turn into community and where every student’s voice can shape what our culture stands for.

That is why we are here: to strengthen this bond.

We want to contribute to what already makes the SA special, while preparing it for the future. Our goal is to make every student feel seen, supported and involved in an environment designed to be forwardthinking, inclusive, and inspiring. That means continuing traditions that make SSE Riga special while also bringing new perspectives, fresh initiatives, and more opportunities.

We see this role not just as a responsibility, but as a chance to shape the next chapter of our school’s story together with all of you. Together, we want to lead with dedication and an honest care for every student’s experience. We are here to keep the SA an example of a welcoming and supportive community at our university.

PRESIDENTIAL COUPLE

B r u n o D u m p i s & E d v a r d s L a u v a

Since joining SSE Riga, we ’ ve both been drawn to the Student Association and the spirit it brings to the community. What inspires us to run is the chance to build on its spark - a foundation of traditions and uniqueness

Our discussions with committee and organisation chiefs made one thing clear: the Student Association runs on trust, which can be made stronger after clear and honest communication. Having already built that trust between ourselves since August, we see our partnership as a united pair that can bring stability to the team

Our shared vision and chemistry makes us confident in our ability to take on the roles of president and vice president. As we see it, the President is someone who carries responsibility, a person others can trust to stay calm and make the right choices. To us, this role is less about authority and more about being dependable and consistent Bruno connects with this role by staying collected and organized

Among other duties, the Vice President is like the glue that holds the board together and often acts as a mediator. It’s a role that requires patience and strong communication skills Edvards embodies these traits through the calm way he speaks yet still manages to be listened to and heard.

Together, we believe that our traits, rapport and dedication mix perfectly and make us worthy candidates

We’re running because we genuinely care about and admire this community and want to contribute to its growth

PRESIDENTIAL COUPLE

M a k s i m s T i h o n o v s & E m ī l i j a P a l i e p a

Why do we care? It must be something on an instinctual level. When we come on campus daily, it is like rewatching your favourite Netflix series - filled with comfort, warmth and enthusiasm Although we have been part of this family for only 3 months, we have already realised how many amazing initiatives are happening here and can't wait to contribute even more ourselves

Starting with the first day at SSE Riga, Maksims has been a kind, talkative guy trying to get to know everyone around and build up strong bonds with others He is always in the epicenter of discussions and tries his best to speak to as many people as possible throughout the day to keep the chemistry going.

You can find him anywhere - in the lobby, hall, next to chess boards, and even under the table (if football went awfully). His interpersonal skills allow him to stay tactful towards others and express empathy when needed, but singlemindedness prompts him to complete his responsibilities well on time.

Emīlija is a person driven by curiosity and devotion. She constantly seeks opportunities to learn and grow, both personally and within the community Her focus on development and improvement motivates her to find new ways to make a positive impact –

whether that means fostering collaboration, bringing fresh ideas to life, or supporting others with perspective and sound judgment Her strategic approach helps turn ideas into action She believes that real progress comes from listening, understanding, and acting with purpose - and that’s exactly the energy she wants to bring into our community

Together, even though our mindsets might differ, we share the same goal - to make sure that the SSE Riga community thrives, and every person feels at home on campus We intend to achieve this through promoting current SSE Riga traditions, strengthening communication and by offering our own ideas.

By choosing Max as P and Emīlija as VP, you not only vote for the brightest future of SSE Riga, but you also vote for a chance to be heard and noticed.