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Candidates United for Student Voice slate secures major victory in UMGPS election
Roy Albright Obah, staff
The provisional results for the 2026-27 U of M Graduate and Postdoctoral Society (UMGPS) election have been officially announced by the chief returning officer in a widely circulated email on March 17 to graduate and postdoctoral students.
This year’s election saw two slates go head-to-head for leadership positions. Team THRIVE and Candidates United for Student Voice each presented candidates for the five contested positions. As polls closed on March 17, the results were officially released, with candidates from the United for Student Voice slate winning three of the contested positions, while Team THRIVE secured two positions.
The election results are in, and the candidates-elect have shared their victory statements.
Emma Heath President and senator
The presidential race was keenly contested between two candidates. At the end of the polls, Emma Heath, a member of the United for Student Voice slate, emerged victorious with 253 votes, representing 57 per cent, as against Uche Nwankwo, who secured 188 votes, representing 43 per cent.
Heath expressed her joy at winning alongside her team and extended appreciation to students who supported them.
“I am very thankful for your trust in me, and in our slate.”
She added, “I would also like to acknowledge the THRIVE slate and all other candidates who ran in this election.”
As she prepares to take on the leadership role of president and senator, Heath said she is “focused on transparency, accountability and student support.” She added, “I look forward to representing graduate students at the [U of M] and working with the new executive team and UMGPS staff to build a stable foundation for the future of UMGPS.”
Heath said she is “committed to listening to any and all concerns graduate students face, and [she invites] any graduate student to please email UMGPS to make their voice heard.”
Laleema Senanayake Vice-president, academic and senator
In one of the most contested races, Laleema Senanayake, a member of the United for Student Voice slate, secured her spot as the next vice president academic and senator with a total of 193 votes, representing 43 per cent.
Senanayake said she was
thankful to “the graduate students who supported [United for Student Voice ] and placed their trust in [her].”
“My vision for the coming year as vice-president, academic is grounded in accessibility and support,” she said. “I will work closely with student support services to develop awareness and outreach initiatives that ensure graduate students can fully benefit from these resources.”
She also emphasized collaboration as one of her key strategies, saying she would work closely with the leadership team to strengthen the grants system for graduate students.
Senanayake further assured students that she is “committed to listening to and advocating for graduate students employed by the university, ensuring their concerns are represented at the senate level.”
Janie Dupuis, who was with Team THRIVE, earned 164 votes (36 per cent), Manish Dhakal secured 56 votes (12 per cent) and Muhammed Aldhshan secured 37 votes (8 per cent).
Abiodun Adejumo Vice-president, events and clubs
Abiodun Adejumo ran uncontested as a member of
Team THRIVE. He secured 87 per cent of the votes, earning 378 yes votes.
Adejumo described the victory “as a reminder of what is possible when we choose community.”
As he steps into the role, he said, “I want to build on the strong foundation that already exists, while creating more opportunities for people to come together.”
“Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote, support, encourage and believe in this vision,” he added, expressing gratitude to all who made the win possible.
Kyra Swenson Vice-president, equity and inclusion
Kyra Swenson, a member of the United for Student Voice slate, ran unopposed and secured the highest percentage of votes, with 378 votes representing 92 per cent.
Swenson said this is a role she does not take “lightly, and [hopes] that any graduate struggling with issues with equity and inclusion will reach out.”
She stated that she is ready to work closely with the executive team to ensure a “solid footing from both budget and policy [documents].”
As part of her objectives in this position, Swenson said,
“I will work to ensure that the strength of our diverse graduate students is reflected in the programs and policies of the U of M, both in values and action.”
Swenson also expressed gratitude to everyone who took part in the election.
Lamia Mahzabin Vice-president, external and senator
Lamia Mahzabin, a member of Team THRIVE, ran unopposed and secured 334 votes, representing 81 per cent of the total.
Mahzabin, who has previously served as vice-president academic and senator, stated, “I’ll be advocating for fair and transparent immigration policies […] and strengthening partnerships with organizations that can expand opportunities for graduate students.”
She described the role as one focused on “ensuring the community is heard and supported,” and pledged to represent graduate students with clarity, integrity and determination.
EMMA HEATH LALEEMA SENANAYAKE ABIODUN ADEJUMO
KYRA SWENSON LAMIA MAHZABIN
Celebrating Indigenous culture at the U of M
UMISA hosts ninth annual Miskofest
Mikaela Warkentin, staff
T
he U of M Indigenous Students’ Association (UMISA) hosted the ninth annual Miskofest on March 20, a day-long celebration of Indigenous, Métis and Inuit culture in the university community. UMISA co-cultural coordinator and next year’s UMSU Indigenous students’s rep Rayden Seela shared that, featuring various performers and speakers, the day served as a way “of celebrating […] a wide variety of all Indigenous culture.” Guest speakers included Manitoba’s minister of advanced education and training Renée Cable, along with U of M vice-president (Indigenous) Angie Bruce.
Sam North, a student at Yellowquill University College, was invited along with her class to attend Miskofest. For North, the event put community first and foremost. “I knew the drummer [and] one of the grass dancers […] I also knew one of the throat singers” shared North. “It’s pretty cool to see a lot of people I knew come together in community and spread good vibes.” When asked what her highlight of the day was, North laughed. “The draws! […] but, the whole day altogether has been really good for me.” Donations for the
North Point Douglas Women’s Centre were collected at the raffle table, with a draw ticket given for each non-perishable good brought in.
Vendor and U of M student Lucy Lindell was selling beadwork along with prints featuring her first solo exhibition at the Manitoba Museum. For Lindell, the event means a reframing of the U of M community as a whole. “As an Indigenous student […] I’ve had a very mixed experience at the University of Manitoba, sadly, with discrimination and racism, but it’s events like this that bring me into the university where I have a greater respect and […] fonder memories.”
A feature of Miskofest was the contests, of which there were many, including an on-the-spot jigging lesson followed by a contest, won by Mackaila Bruce-Tapley. Bruce-Tapley attributed her win to the women in her life. “I just learned [jigging] from watching my family and my aunties do it all the time.”
The jigging lesson was led by Jessica Burzuik, Métis inclusion coordinator at the U of M and the Manitoba Métis Federation. Burzuik shared that she learned to jig at an event hosted by Migizii Agamik’s Karen Courchene,
also known as Kookum Karen. For Burzuik, Miskofest’s importance not only lies in what it is about, but who is running the show. “It’s so
much fun, a bunch of wonderful Indigenous folks coming together,” she said. “[It’s] all student-led and really important work. [I’m] so happy to
support them.”
To stay tuned for future UMISA events, check out their Instagram @umisacouncil.
PHOTO BY MIKAELA WARKENTIN / STAFF
Rethinking Cuba
Discussion highlights democracy, media and global politics
Arifah Gheesah, staff
The U of M Students for Cuba, along with the Manitoba-Cuba Solidarity Committee, hosted an event on March 18 to talk about Cuban democracy. The event covered different areas of the Cuban government, its electoral system and how it contrasts with Canada’s multiparty system. The goal was to debunk the common idea that because Cuba is a one-party state that it is undemocratic.
Diane Zack, U of M alum and retired teacher, was a speaker at the event. “We wanted to have an angle to capture people’s imagination because even the half-sympathetic mainstream media portrays Cuba as an authoritarian dictatorship, which it isn’t.”
The event presented information including statistics on the average voting percentage in Cuba, which is much higher than in Canada and even higher than in the U.S.
“University is a place for inquiry,” Zack explained when reflecting on the importance of such discussions on campus. “Right now, we’re in a period of massive war insti-
gated by the U.S. government [...] We have to watch very carefully how the Canadian government is responding to that.”
“It’s important for young people to be aware of what’s going on in the world,” Zack said. She believed that even though young people “may not have time to follow the news that carefully,” they should have “an open mind and a critical eye [and be] able to evaluate the media they follow.”
“Even though you might feel, as many students say, ‘I’m not political, I’m just focused on my career,’ what happens in the world affects us deeply.”
“Canada was one of the only two countries in this hemisphere that did not break off relations with Cuba after its revolution, which was Jan. 1, 1959,” Zack said. “We would like Canada to continue having positive relationships with Cuba, which is why we call on the Canadian government to do many things.”
The event fostered discussions about education and the three-months-long oil blockade that Cuba is facing.
Attendees also got to discuss Canada’s independence and sovereignty. They also discussed the role of the communist party in Cuba and its function. Zack believed that students were able to learn new things as a lot of people came in not knowing much about the topic.
“The Cuban people are very proud and they will not be starved into submission. They are ready to fight,” she said.
Zack has also been a
coordinator at the Manitoba-Cuba Solidarity Committee for 25 years. She mentioned how the committee’s focus is currently on the campaign to support Cuba against U.S. intervention. She also mentioned that the “committee, and Cuba as a country, have been with Palestine and Palestinian people from even before the founding of the State of Israel.”
The Manitoba-Cuba Soli-
darity Committee and the U of M Students for Cuba will be organizing several events in the weeks to come, such as rallies for Cuba in front of the U.S. consulate, an event with the upcoming MayWorks Festival of Labour and the Arts, as well as their Che Guevara volunteer brigade panel happening March 25. For more information, check out @uofmstudentsforcuba on Instagram.
U of M panel explores antisemitism and inclusion
Students and leaders discuss EDIA gaps and campus experiences
Nafisa Al Lilo, staff
Questions of identity, inclusion and rising antisemitism took centre stage on March 19 at the U of M during the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility (EDIA) Community of Practice Session 5. Titled Jewish Identity, Antisemitism and EDIA, the event aimed at strengthening how institutions approach equity work.
The session was hosted in person and included a panel and breakout discussions. The featured speakers were Melanie Soderstrom, department head of psychology, Emily Kalo, a second-year student at the faculty of law and Lindsay Kerr, director of Hillel Winnipeg.
Soderstrom shared that while antisemitism may look different today, its core meaning remains unchanged.
She noted that modern antisemitism appears in multiple forms, across the political spectrum and in relation to global issues but stressed that these patterns are not new.
“They did not arise suddenly in the last few years,”
she said.
Addressing why antisemitism continues, Soderstrom pointed to both history and present-day conditions, and explained that the “hatred of Jews goes back centuries, not years or decades.”
Education was identified as one of the most important tools in addressing antisemitism, particularly as its modern forms can be less visible.
“I think it is extremely important to educate the general public about what modern antisemitism looks like,” she said.
ization, and we counter that with building bridges,” Soderstrom stated. “It takes time, but deeply hurting communities need support to reconnect with each other.”
A key focus of the session was examining how EDIA frameworks include or fail to include Jewish identity.
“Coming into today’s discussion, the topic that I really wanted to discuss was anti-
Office of Equity transformation or a professor or a dean saying they acknowledge that antisemitism is real,” she stated, “but also building relationships.”
According to Kalo, equity work is rooted in ongoing connection. “[To get toward true equity, it’s] really about having that dynamic relationship so that we can continue to meet up-and-coming needs of these communities.”
“Hate is driven by dehumanization, and we counter that with building bridges”
— Melanie Soderstrom, U of M psychology department head
She explained that while many people recognize overt symbols of hate, newer expressions often require more context to understand. This includes awareness of global events, political language and historical narratives.
Rather than shutting down conversations, she encouraged open dialogue and engagement across differences.
“Hate is driven by dehuman-
semitism and established EDIA frameworks,” Kalo said. “How do we ensure that antisemitism is included?”
Kalo emphasized that inclusion must go beyond symbolic recognition. “Jewish students shouldn’t just be included in those frameworks but should feel like they’re included.”
She explained that meaningful inclusion requires more than statements or policies
“It’s not just about the
She also highlighted the importance of relationships across different groups on campus.
“How do we create that relationship between Jewish faculty and students and other marginalized communities so that we can really build equity at large?” she asked.
Kalo also spoke about lived experiences at U of M. “I think antisemitism is, unfortunately, a real reality,” she said.
She noted that these experiences are not isolated. “As a Jewish student, I’ve definitely
had experiences with antisemitism on campus, and I know, unfortunately, I’m not alone in that.”
For Kerr, supporting Jewish students means creating both community and consistent presence across campuses.
“We tend to run usually one or two social or holiday programs a month,” she said. “I do visit our campuses on a weekly basis and bring snacks or lunch twice a month to our campuses.”
Kerr stressed that while Hillel is centred on Jewish students, it also welcomes others.
“Hillel exists for Jewish students but is also open to allied students who want to learn about our community,” she said.
When addressing antisemitism directly, Kerr encouraged students to take note of the action and share the concerns that they have with someone.
She stressed, “Students should never be made to feel that they have to do something on campus if they feel like it would put them in a position that will make them uncomfortable.”
PHOTO BY MIKAELA WARKENTIN
Flourishing through healthy eating for older adults
U of M’s ESSENCE session guides retirees on balanced nutrition and brain health
Nafisa Al Lilo, staff
The U of M organized a session on March 19. This brought together retirees and community members to explore healthy aging through nutrition as part of a broader initiative aimed at supporting scholars beyond retirement.
The session was titled Nourish to Flourish: Eating Well as We Age with Leslie Redmond.
Francene Perehinec, family resources coordinator, noted the session is one piece of a larger institutional effort through the Emeriti and Senior Scholars Engaged in Navigating Continued Excellence (ESSENCE) Project, funded by the 2025-26 Strategic Initiatives Support Fund.
The project connects to the university’s recognition of emeriti and senior scholars — these titles are awarded to faculty and administrators in acknowledgement of distinguished service and contribu-
tion.
Organizers emphasized that the sessions are primarily designed for retired academics.
Redmond presented different vitamins and minerals, discussed their benefits and explained which foods hold those vitamins.
Throughout the presentation, Redmond emphasized that nutrition in older adulthood is less about strict rules and more about understanding how the different nutrients support the body over time.
A major portion of the session focused on essential vitamins and minerals, particularly B vitamins, which play a role in energy metabolism, brain function and overall health.
For example, B12, primarily found in animal products, was highlighted as especially important for older adults, as
absorption can decrease with age due to changes in stomach acid.
A consistent theme throughout the session was the importance of obtaining nutrients through food rather than relying on supplements.
Redmond shared that although some vitamins can be prescribed in high doses for medical reasons, excessive supplementation can carry risks, including liver damage or nerve issues in certain cases.
The session addressed the relationship between nutrition and cognitive function. Foods like fish, nuts, leafy greens and whole grains were highlighted as part of dietary patterns associated with better cognitive outcomes.
Approaches such as the Mediterranean diet and DASH diet were discussed as examples of balanced eating that emphasize whole foods, lean
proteins, healthy fats and overall lifestyle.
Regulating diet is important, but practical steps such as having an active lifestyle and eating with others are also essential.
U of M Matcha Club launches on campus
A new club whisking students into community
Arifah Gheesah, staff
The U of M Matcha Club (UMMC) announced its opening on Instagram on March 10 as ”a welcoming social space for matcha enthusiasts to sip, study and repeat.”
The club started with Johann Tan, UMMC vice president, wondering why there was no matcha club on campus. He then spoke to Arian Andes, UMMC president, and they eventually got to planning.
“Not a lot of students have access to go [to] downtown due to car issues, transportation issues,” Andes explained. The club thought that bringing vendors to campus would be convenient for students. These local pop-ups also benefit a larger student audience.
“Drinking matcha, when you find others that love it too, it’s very sociable. You can meet a lot of people and make lots of friends just by drinking it,” Tan replied when asked about what matcha means to
him personally.
Andes explained how their vision with the club is to have matcha workshops and cafe hopping to create a social space on campus for people who might not already have that social circle.
Their first event, UMMC X MARO MATCHA on March 19, a collaboration with a local matcha shop, attracted people beyond their expectations.
This event also featured an exclusive UMMC drink, the Dubai chocolate hojicha.
John Maraneta, UMMC treasurer, explained the importance of having this event in the middle of the stressful midterms season.
“It’s always nice to have this socialization, this community to come back to and just realize that we can take a step back and just chill out.”
To learn more about the U of M Matcha Club and keep up with their events, follow them on Instagram @ummatchaclub.
One of the key messages of the session was simplicity. Rather than looking for a single superfood or nutrient, individuals are encouraged to be intentional about their overall eating habits.
PHOTOS BY MIKAELA WARKENTIN / STAFF
LESLIE REDMOND, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SCIENCES.
PAWS FOR A CHAT
Tuesday, March 31 2-3PM
Fireside Lounge - 1st floor, UMSU University Centre
Research & Technology
Spiritual benefits of going offline in a digital age
Research indicates social media impacts spirituality, positively and negatively
Nawal Semir, staff
I
n today’s digital world, spirituality is increasingly shaped by online spaces.
Social media, apps and websites provide new ways to engage with faith, but they also reshape how people think about and practice spirituality. Research shows that while digital tools can support religious life, stepping away from them can significantly deepen spiritual engagement by improving focus, strengthening relationships and fostering intentional reflection.
One key reason offline engagement is beneficial is that digital environments can disrupt spiritual focus and reshape belief formation.
Research by Mark Ehlebracht found that social media influences how emerging adults construct their religious and spiritual beliefs, often creating a more fragmented and individualized understanding of faith rather than one rooted in traditional communities. This suggests that constant online engagement may weaken sustained, structured spiritual practices. By contrast, going offline allows individuals to reconnect with more stable and intentional forms of spirituality, such as prayer, reflection and communal worship.
Another major benefit of disconnecting is the ability to improve attention and mental clarity. These are essential aspects of meaningful spiritual engagement.
cates that high levels of screen time are associated with cognitive strain, reduced attention span and increased mental health challenges. Since spiritual practices such as meditation, prayer and contemplation require sustained attention, reducing digital distractions can directly enhance the depth and quality of these experiences.
Going offline also supports emotional well-being, which is closely tied to spiritual life. Digital detox research shows that limiting social media use can reduce stress, improve mood and enhance overall mental health. Personal accounts and qualitative observations further suggest that stepping away from social media leads to better sleep, reduced anxiety and increased engagement in meaningful offline activities such as reading or creative hobbies. These improvements create a mental and emotional environment more conducive to spiritual reflection and connection.
“Digital overuse can weaken these connections by replacing face-to-face interaction with passive online engagement”
Studies on digital distraction show that excessive device use negatively impacts concentration and engagement, particularly in learning and reflective environments. Similarly, psychological research indi-
In addition, offline engagement strengthens real-world relationships and community, which are central to many religious traditions. Spirituality is not only an individual experience but also a communal one, shaped by shared practices and interactions. Digital overuse can weaken these connections by replacing face-to-face interaction with passive online engagement. In contrast, reducing screen time encourages deeper interpersonal communication and shared spiritual activities, reinforcing a sense of belong-
ing and collective meaning. Despite these benefits, it is important to recognize that digital platforms also offer valuable contributions to spiritual life. Online spaces enable access to religious teachings, communities and resources that might otherwise be unavailable. Ehlebracht’s research argues that social media can foster discussion, questioning and exploration of faith, allowing individuals to engage with diverse perspectives and develop their beliefs. Other research by Heidi A. Campbell explains that digital platforms support new forms of religious expression and community-building, demon-
strating that spirituality is not confined to offline spaces.
Furthermore, digital tools can enhance connection and accessibility, particularly in contexts of isolation. According to Xiaoshuang Lu et al, digital media use highlights how online platforms provide important opportunities for social interaction and support, especially when in-person engagement is limited. This suggests that rather than replacing spirituality, technology can complement it when used intentionally.
Ultimately, the relationship between digital technology and spirituality is not a simple opposition between online and offline engagement. Instead, it is about finding balance. Going offline offers clear benefits — improved
focus, emotional well-being, stronger relationships and deeper reflection. At the same time, digital tools provide access, flexibility and new forms of connection. In a world of constant connectivity, cultivating spiritual depth requires intentional boundaries. When individuals incorporate regular periods of disconnection, whether through daily breaks, reduced screen time or practices like digital fasting, people can create space for more meaningful engagement with their faith. At the same time, maintaining selective and purposeful use of digital tools allows individuals to benefit from the opportunities technology provides. Together, this balanced approach supports a richer, more sustainable spiritual life.
