Elections

President

Kyra Bornong: "I don't want to, but I'll do it"

I'm a big believer in the power of collective action and as other institutions crumble around us, I think one of the best things we can do right now is to turn to each other, stand together, and demand our rights.

Working with AGWA's contract enforcement group over the last several months, I have seen firsthand how the University does not respect our contract, or even respect graduate students as workers who may be interested in reasonable working conditions. I will not take this lying down and I hope that I can help empower graduate workers across UA to stand together and make AGWA a force that the administration must take seriously

Vice President

Natalie Detwiler: An incredible amount of work went into the formation of AGWA and I'm ready to contribute the time and energy necessary to maintain our status as an organization that supports student workers and stands up to increasingly hostile federal, state, and university administrations. On a local level, I am co-chair of the healthcare working group and am dedicated to negotiating a plan that benefits the diverse needs of our unit. On a broader scale, I envision AGWA as a tool to build solidarity and community across UA campuses and in the communities that surround them. As a steward I had the opportunity to attend the AK AFL-CIO Youth Leadership Summit and connect with likeminded young people across the state in a variety of professions. These connections are some of the tools that will help us harness the power of worker solidarity and stand up to The Man (fist emoji). Solidarity forever.

Guide

Abigail Schiffmiller: I have been on the Organizing Committee for AGWA since 2022, served on the Bargaining Committee spring 2024, and have served as trustee on the E-board since Fall 2024. Over that time I have also been Co-chair of the political working group, Chair of the Fellows Working group, and at various times an active member of the Communications Committee and several others.  I have been an active organizer in every stage of our union's formation and existence and hope to continue being able to provide context and experience-informed input for our newer members and officers. As other people are interested in joining our E-board as Trustees, and as someone who is familiar with our bylaws, having helped in their drafting and implementation, I am willing to move laterally from my current Trustee position into the Guide position

Sergeant at Arms

Isabel Olazar: I have been actively involved with unionization efforts and our union since joining UAF two years ago. I have been on the comms committee since 2023, and have been its working group chair for well over a year now. I also was elected to be a college of liberal arts steward last fall. I believe that my experience in both positions would make me a good fit to be our Sergeant at Arms. On the comms committee I already regularly review our members list, and through both positions, I encourage people to sign up for membership and attend our membership meetings. Joining the executive board as the Sergeant at Arms will allow me to continue working towards building up our union while still regularly meeting and engaging with members and future members. Thank you for your consideration for this position!

Trustees: 2 positions

Amelia McCarthy: I have been active in organizing with the union for over a year, including serving on the bargaining committee, as a steward, and as co-chair of the political work group. I am currently a steward for CNSM and a statistics graduate student. In the fall I will be starting in CFOS  and am running for trustee so that I can continue working in the union across appointments. I will continue to bring my passion for organizing, finding ways to strengthen all of us, and supporting member's concerns to a role as trustee. I believe very strongly in our collective power, and look forward to  our bright future.

Lauren Kiker: As a graduate worker at the University of Alaska Anchorage, I am committed to ensuring the transparency, accountability, and financial integrity of our union. Through my work on the discrimination and sexual harassment working group and the healthcare bargaining working group, I have seen firsthand the importance of strong advocacy and responsible leadership in protecting the rights and well-being of graduate workers. I am passionate about strengthening our union and ensuring that our hard-won gains are sustained for future members. I would be honored to serve as your Trustee and contribute to the continued success of AGWA-UAW. Thank you for your support!

Stewards

UAF (CFOS): 1 position

Sof Fox: Hi! I’m a first year MS Fisheries student and after getting more involved with AGWA in my time here thus far, I am excited to be running for CFOS Steward! Through being part of the Elections Committee, Organizing Committee, and Fellows Working Group, I have become familiar with some of the innerworkings of the union. I am passionate about making student voices heard and ensuring that we all know our rights as graduate workers and AGWA members. As a steward, I hope to be a welcoming face in AGWA and CFOS that students feel comfortable coming to with any questions, concerns, and potential grievances. I am committed to fighting for you all and contributing to our union together!

UAF (CNSM): 3 positions

Elizabeth Whitney: As a steward for AGWA-UAW I feel that I could help serve the broader student community through unique situations, as I have navigated some of my own this past year. Finishing my first year of studies at UAF as a PhD student, I have come across my fair share of challenges that I have navigated on my own throughout the year. These experiences have brought me into an understanding of the logistical hoops students are often expected to navigate on their own. I feel that I could have gained a lot from going to AGWA-UAW more often and now hope to be that person for others. Additionally, I feel I am in a unique position to aid students especially from working largely with the Institute of Arctic Biology (IAB). Though they do not have many students, there are some that are within IAB and others from Biology and Wildlife that may have to work with IAB. In this capacity I feel I could help shed light on areas of trouble that may arise for students. Having worked in varying capacities as a team leader I feel I could contribute to the AGWA-UAW team as a steward. From 3 years of being a Residence Advisor during my Bachelors, leading undergraduates for my masters and being a team lead for field data collection efforts in Alaska, these experiences have provided me with varying situations of lending guidance to those around me. I feel it is a priority to help others through challenges if and when you are able to lend a hand. Going into another year at UAF, this is a new position that would allow me the opportunity to better serve those around me.

Derk Lyford: I will do it :) can't wait

UAF (CEM): 1 position

Theresa Miller: I believe in the spirit of collectivity that underpins union bargaining and community development. I recognize that having an external source of funding (vs. TA/RA) may not make me the best candidate and would cede this nomination to anyone else who more closely shares the stakes of our body of peers.