Elections
Executive Board
The first Executive Board Elections are in progress now!
Nominations open August 26 and close on September 2nd at 11:59 PM. All members in good standing are automatically nominated. Click here to accept an E-board nomination!
Candidate statements will be distributed no later than September 9th.
Voting begins on September 16th and ends on September 23rd at 11:59 PM.
Only members may run or vote in elections! Sign up for membership if you haven't already.
All members of the Executive Board (E-Board) are expected to help manage the day-to-day operations of our local, including organizing, grievance handling, financial decisions, committee work, and more. Duties are not limited to what is outlined below. In addition, all members of the E-Board are expected to attend monthly E-Board and Membership Meetings.
E-board Candidate Statements
E-Board Terms will run until April 2026
(You may resign early, especially if you graduate or are no longer a unit member. Anyone interested should run for these positions.)President - makes decisions between E-board meetings, helps with grievances, assists with organizing and political work of the local, etc.
Rachel Neubuhr
I joined AGWA as a member of the Bargaining Committee last fall, and since negotiating our first CBA, I have also served as the interim President. In addition, I am involved with the Communications Committee, Organizing Committee, Bylaws Committee, and Contract Enforcement Workgroup. I also serve on the UAW Region 6 Communications Committee and Orientations Committee. This summer, I attended the UAW Region 6 Summer School to enhance my skills in running orientations, contract enforcement, member activation, and strengthening union communication. I firmly believe that our greatest strength comes from collaborating to understand the unique strengths and challenges of each department, thereby building stronger solidarity within our union.
Vice-president - serves as President's alternate and assists in President's duties
Victor Devaux-Chupin
Last semester was a rollercoaster, and so were the 2 prior years leading to us winning our first contract. It took unity and strength, hours of shear sweat, tears and laughs, to take one small step, but a giant leap, towards better working conditions. However, do not be fooled, the way ahead is long and will require us to be more united than ever. It is in this spirit, cautiously optimistic and determined, that I present my candidacy to the post of vice-president. Our Union faces many great challenges that only the unyielding spirit of our members will help us get through. Society is changing, the planet is warming, and through it all, collaboration and support between each of us is the impervious shelter beneath which we shall prosper.
*fist pounding on an imaginary podium*
Financial Secretary - handles financial reports, taxes, audit, etc.
Yuqing Wang
*Yuqing was on the bargaining committee in Spring 2024 and is currently on the OC
Recording Secretary - takes meeting minutes at E-Board and membership meetings
Jessica Richert
I originally joined the Organizing Committee because I wanted to see what this whole union thing was about and started taking notes and getting more involved. I've now been a part of it for over a year and am happy to continue my role as note taker and records keeper during meetings in hopes of disseminating useful information to our unit members.
Kyra Bornong
Hello! My name is Kyra and I am a first-year Geosciences PhD student working in the Permafrost Lab in the GI. I’m a big believer in the power of collective action and I am excited to get involved with AGWA-UAW. I get really fired up about income inequality (why does the university president get paid more than 10x the salary of a graduate student worker?! Is she doing 10x the work?) and as a dry cabin dweller, have a personal stake in campus shower access.
Sergeant at Arms - maintains list of members, helps run membership meetings
Nicholas Parlato
I care a great deal about the success of the AGWA and wish to contribute to ensuring the security and comfort of its members. Preventing scabs from joining meetings and working with leadership to protect the integrity of union communications will be a privilege.
Garrett Savory
I'm running for Sergeant-at-Arms because I thought "Why not? I think I can do this role and someone has to do it." As for qualifications, I can keep a list of Union members in order and can help run membership meetings. I have a history of being on executive boards too. I'm currently on the board for Epic Kayak Ultimate and I served in the past as Secretary for 4 years for Interior Alaska Wilderness Search and Rescue.
Guide - gives guidance on procedural questions
Kathy Kitts
I have served on two boards of 501c3 non-profits and therefore am knowledgeable of Robert's Rules of Order and on the organizing committee during the development of the Bylaws.
Trustee (3) - vote on financial decisions
Abigail Schiffmiller
I have been an Organizing Committee member since 2022, and was on the bargaining committee in spring 2024. I have served in many capacities over that time and look forward to continuing to deploy my acquired skills and knowledge on behalf of our graduate students, as well as being a resource for new members of the AGWA leadership and organizing bodies.
Josh Barna
I want to get involved with helping the grad student union flourish in any manner I can
Allexis Mahanna
I am eager to serve as a trustee for the union to ensure the Anchorage campus is effectively represented and that all members' concerns are addressed. My goal is to support and advance union activities that enhance member experiences, from negotiating better working conditions to providing comprehensive support and resources. I am dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment where every member feels heard and valued. By advocating for fair and equitable treatment and actively participating in union initiatives, I aim to contribute to a stronger, more unified organization that drives meaningful improvements for all its members.