My name is Alexa Leitch, and I am the Vice President, External Affairs at the Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU), at Brock University in St. Catharines. I am honoured to have the opportunity to represent Brock students and BUSU as a Steering Committee Member for OUSA this year. Along with serving as a SC member, I am beyond excited to serve as OUSA’s Vice President of Administration and Human Resources for 2020-2021.
I am currently entering my fifth (and hopefully final), year of in Honours Political Science and Child and Youth Studies. My undergraduate studies have served to shape a keen interest in political science and government, specifically looking at it through the lens of today’s youth. While I am thankful for the continuous learning in the classroom, it has been the opportunities I have so graciously experienced outside of the classroom that have truly formed my passion for advocacy and government relations.
I am now entering my 3rd year of working for BUSU; previously serving as a Deputy Returning Officer on their Elections Team, and most recently as their Advocacy Coordinator. Additionally, I served as a Student Senator for the past year. Beyond this, I worked for my municipal government for the past two summers. In 2018, I assisted in the organization of the Municipal Election, the following summer, I had the honour to be selected as the Mayor’s Assistant. Throughout the duration of these opportunities my love for advocacy and education has developed immensely. I have learned the passion I have to lead, empower, represent, and most importantly, listen to students, is certainly my calling.
Throughout my time at Brock, I have had the privilege to represent my school at a provincial level as a member of their Varsity Figure Skating Team; earning a total of 5 Ontario University Athletics (OUA) championship medals. Having previously experienced mistreatment in sport, these poor experiences served as the catalyst for being passionate and advocating for athlete rights and protection. In doing so, my objective is to create policies specifically for varsity athletes, focusing on athlete protection from abuse (Ie. sexual, physical, mental, etc), and athlete mental health.
In regards to my role as an OUSA Steering Committee member, I am keen on advocating to create and influence change to better PSE for students across the province. Some areas in which I intend to focus on this year, will be to elevate the issues addressed both from OUSA, and internally at BUSU. Central issues such as student mental health and wellness, advocating for rural and northern students, and ensuring to listen to the needs and voices of students during this unprecedented time.
I am beyond thankful for all of the students, co-workers, coaches, friends and family who supported me throughout this incredible journey. I am beyond excited to be part of such an incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, and driven Steering Committee this year. I am looking forward to an incredible year continuing to advocate for students and the post-secondary level!