Oscar is studying Software Engineering Programme at Linnaeus University in Kalmar. The impression we got of Oscar is that he is a responsible, dutiful, and competent person who understands what it means to be the president of the Linnaeus Union. If elected president, Oscar will work towards greater transparency from the university regarding what actually applies to education and students during their studies, and to make the union such an attractive organization that membership becomes a given. Oscar has been involved in student life in Kalmar through the association SPIIK, where he served as president. He has strong connections to the student community in Kalmar, as well as a good understanding and knowledge of what is happening in Växjö. During the interview, Oscar demonstrated great insight into both local and national student issues, as well as the challenges students face in both education and social life. According to the nomination committee, Oscar will be a great asset to the Linnaeus Union and student life at Linnaeus University.

My has been part of the Linnaeus Union board for almost three years and is now seeking re-election for her second year as Head of Student Social Matters in Kalmar. During her time in the union, she has learned nearly everything about both the Linnaeus Union and Linnaeus University’s organizations, as well as national student issues. My is a very cheerful and driven person with a strong sense of responsibility. She gives her all in everything she takes on and always strives to find the most fair solution to the problems she faces. If re-elected, My will continue her work to increase the visibility of the Linnaeus Union at the university through various events and make union membership more attractive. In addition to her work with the Linnaeus Union, My has also been active as House Manager at KAROLIN, Chairperson of LéK-Stugan, and Board Member of KAFFE. Over the years, she has contributed greatly to student life in Kalmar through her dedication and possesses a drive that is hard to match. My is the clear candidate for the position of Head of Student Social Matters.

Ata moved to Växjö to study a bachelors degree in software engineering. While studying, he is also active in student life at the university. He is currently the treasurer and event manager for ESN Växjö, but also a translator. He is very social, and has during the past two years planned and held several events for ESN where he has taken on a great responsibility. He wants to continue the student unions work and their collaborations with various companies and student associations on campus. Ata also has an international character, where he has an ambition to improve the cooperation between Swedish and international students and associations. Atas engagement for the students and the student life is the reason that the election committee believes that he fits perfectly into the position as head of social matters for the Linnaeus Union and its board.

Stefan is studying the newly introduced Law Program in Kalmar but has been part of a variety of different programs and courses over the years. During his time at the university, Stefan has been very active in student life through associations such as FIKS, KAFFE, and LiK. He also worked quite a bit at Sjösjukan before the pandemic hit. His interest in educational advocacy grew during his year as Education Officer in LiK, and his ambition as Head of Educational Matters in the Union is to increase student representation towards the university and to continue strengthening the collaboration between the Linnaeus Union and the academic associations. Stefan is a very responsible, social, and outgoing person with many years of experience in both studies and student life. Through his long-standing involvement, he holds a rather unique position, offering deep insight into how both student life and academics have worked in the past and how they function today, and what lessons we can learn from this. With his extensive knowledge of the university world, Stefan will be a great asset to the Linnaeus Union

Mattias is currently studying but has a degree in media technology from before. He worked as a system developer after his exam until the turn of the year. He was active in Wädur and sat in Smålands as a committee coordinator and responsible for the activity committee during his first stint at the university. Together with his education it has given Mattias knowledge and perspectives on the intricate details of student- and university life. Now his curiosity has put its gaze on its next goal. To further develop the student unions work on educational matters and to work for the students best interest. With this in mind, the election committee believes that Mattias would fit very well in the Linnaeus Union as head of educational matters.

Erika is now in her fourth year at Linnaeus University and is currently studying the Natural Science Foundation Year. She has explored several different academic paths in her studies, which has given her valuable insight into various faculties and how they operate. As a part-time board member, Erika is most interested in getting involved in educational and international matters, as these are the areas she is most familiar with. Her goal on the board is to strengthen the student voice, bring in new ideas aimed at engaging new members, and increase collaboration between the different associations. Erika describes herself as organized, meticulous, and flexible, with a strong desire to help others. qualities that are highly valued within the work of the Linnaeus Union. The nomination committee believes that Erika would be an excellent addition to the Linnaeus Union board.

Fernanda has been part of the Linnaeus Union board since the autumn of 2024 and is now looking to serve another year. She comes from Bolivia and is studying Media, Democracy, and Human Rights in Kalmar. Fernanda has previous experience working in student organizations—she was the chairperson of a student organization during her undergraduate studies. If re-elected to the board, Fernanda wants to continue working with social activities and EUniWell, where she aims to increase integration between international and Swedish students. Fernanda describes herself as structured, balanced, outgoing, and empathetic, and with her previous experience in the union, she is a clear choice for the new board.

Punsisi comes from Sri Lanka, where she owns a successful bakery but has also worked as an HR representative. She came to Sweden to study Tourism Management and is the student representative for her program. Through her business, Punsisi has developed a strong understanding of what it takes to make good decisions and how those decisions can impact others. During the interview, we got the impression that she is kind, competent, responsible, and eager to take initiative. She is rightfully proud of her accomplishments. Punsisi describes herself as an entrepreneur who enjoys challenges and wants to contribute her talents to the various tasks of the board. Despite her short time in Sweden, Punsisi has already stood out and shown the nomination committee that she has what it takes to be a valuable member of the Linnaeus Union board.

Sunil comes from India and is currently in his first year of pursuing a masters degree in economics. Even though he has only been in Sweden for less than a year, he has managed to not only be a student representative, but he’s also the treasurer for UPF in Växjö. Before moving to Sweden Sunil was working as a senior manager in the financial sector for over a decade. While studying in India he established a student organization of which he led for almost two years. This experience has given him structural knowledge of how organizations work and how to coordinate events which the election committee appreciated during the interview. Sunils ambition is also to contribute towards inclusivity, international cooperation like EUniWell and to foster well-being within the Linnaeus Union and the university. The election committee believes that Sunil would be a fine addition to the board as a part-timer.

Lesly has been studying at the university for a few years. She grew up in the Dominican Republic but has lived a majority of her life in Madrid in Spain before moving to Sweden. Lesly is very active in the student life at the university and sits as vice-president in ESN Växjö and in the national ESN board. She has previously sat on the LnuGBTQ+ board. Her interest in the student life came during her high school studies, where she was involved in student associations. Lesly has during her time in Växjö been involved in several events and collaborated with the Linnaeus Union on several of these events. Her knowledge about the student union and its work together with her experiences in other student associations makes, according to the election committee, us sure that she can make the Linnaeus Union better. As such, the election committee believes that Lesly is an exceptionally good fit as a part-timer to the Linnaeus Union board.

Olga comes from Colombia, but came to Sweden to study Design + Change. She has with her a degree from her country of birth and has a masters degree from Italy. Olga has a great interest in sustainability and the students well-being, which we can see with her work within EUniWell during the autumn and spring semesters. Before moving to Sweden Olga worked as a communications and marketing manager in Colombia. It has given her significant knowledge about sustainability and innovation, but also the importance of working together as a team to reach common goals. Her engagement and expertise for the students individual and collective well-being makes her, according to the election committee, fit brilliantly into the Linnaeus Union’s board as a part-timer.