We are excited to announce that eight candidates have officially put their names forward for the upcoming MSU Elections. These individuals are running for the positions of Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer, and Member Representative (5 positions).

Please join us in congratulating the following candidates:

• Barb Hudkins
• Crystal Yuzyk
• Roy Donaghy
• Abdullah Muktadir
• Tanis Saretsky
• Aleem Youhannes
• Ayman Yousuf

Please see each candidate’s bio below

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Barb Hudkins, Vice-President Nominee

Fellow Union Members,

Since joining the MacEwan community in October 2020, I have had the privilege of working in the Office of Work-Integrated Learning as a WIL Specialist, collaborating closely with community partners, students, and faculty. Through this work, I have developed strong skills in partnership-building, problem-solving, and advocacy, which I will bring to the role of Vice President.

Beyond my professional role, I am deeply committed to community engagement and leadership. I proudly serve as a volunteer with Women United Cabinet, the C2U Expo, CEWIL Canada, and MSU—organizations dedicated to making a meaningful impact. I believe in giving back and fostering a strong, supportive community for all.

Why Vote for Me?
1. Experienced and Committed – Leadership With my governance and community service background, I am ready to take on a leadership role that ensures our union remains strong, responsive, and effective.
2. A Voice for Every Member I am committed to advocating for your rights, fair treatment, and workplace improvements. I will ensure that your concerns are heard and acted upon.
3. Transparency and Open Communication – I believe in keeping members informed, engaged, and involved in union decisions. You deserve a clear voice in shaping our future.
4. Integrity and Collaboration – Working alongside the President and other leaders, I will help maintain a culture of trust, fairness, and accountability. Together, we can negotiate from a position of strength and achieve real progress.
5. Stronger Together
Our union is only as strong as its members, and together, we can build a future that prioritizes fairness, respect, and opportunity. I would be honoured to have your vote and to serve as your Vice President.

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Crystal Yuzyk, Secretary Treasurer

I’ve worked in Career Services for the past three years and I’ve been a member representative for the last two years. While working and serving on the MSU board, I’m also completing my Bachelor of Commerce here at MacEwan. I’ve been fortunate to build relationships and connections across campus, and I’m constantly inspired by the great people that I get to work with. 

As a part of the MSU, I look forward to continuing to grow our community and support the membership. I’m running for Secretary-Treasurer to be able to continue to serve the community. 

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There will be a vote by the membership to fill 5 Member Representative positions from the following 6 candidates:

Roy Donaghy, Member Representative Nominee

I’ve worked for MacEwan University since 2010. When I started at MacEwan, I started as a Security Dispatcher, and from there, I became a Security Agent, and I’ve now progressed to an Acting Security Supervisor.
 
As a Member of the Security Services Department, I am very fortunate because of the daily interactions we get to have with Staff, Students, and Guests on the Campus. I’ve built friendships, trust, and open communication through those interactions. 
 
The greatest gifts I’ve received are my children and being a parent. I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer in many roles and activities, but the one I’ve enjoyed the most is Volunteering as a Scouter; I’ve been able to travel, teach, and be taught life skills that have helped me be a better person.
 
I’m interested in the Position of Member Representative because I want to help make a difference for MSU members; I want to help my fellow colleagues and let them know they have

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Tanis Saretsky, Member Representative Nominee

I’ve worked in the Faculty of Arts and Science for 18 years and have decided to get more involved in the MacEwan Staff Union. I want to gain a deeper understanding of how the MSU works.
I think I’d be a great representative because I work with staff from across the university, and I’m good at connecting people to appropriate resources to address their needs.

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Abdullah Muktadir, Member Representative Nominee

My name is Abdullah Al Muktadir, and I am set to graduate in April 2025 with a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in accounting, from MacEwan University. What began as a new chapter in a foreign country quickly turned into a transformative journey- starting as an international student, MacEwan has grown to be much more than just a place of learning. It has become a second home, a vibrant community that has shaped my identity, built my confidence, and opened countless doors for personal and professional growth.
I have had the opportunity to wear many hats on campus: from being a Residence Assistant for two years- supporting and mentoring students in residence life; working with MacEwan Griffins as a Griffins game day staff and representing the university at the Welcome Centre. These roles have taught me the importance of listening, advocating for others, and building strong, meaningful connections. I have also worked closely with various departments, coordinated events, mentored peers, and contributed to a more inclusive and engaging campus culture.
I’m passionate about student engagement and equity, and I genuinely enjoy being a voice for others. As a Member Representative, I aim to bring my collaborative mindset, cross-campus experience, and commitment to inclusive leadership to the table. I believe in empowering others, celebrating diversity, and creating spaces where every member feels seen, heard, and supported.

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Ayman Yousuf, Member Representative Nominee

Since 2017, I’ve been proud to be part of the MacEwan University community, working in the Parking and Transportation department. In 2021, I joined the MacEwan Staff Union (MSU) Executive Team, and since then, it’s been an incredible journey of growth, connection, and advocacy.

I’m currently concluding my second term as Secretary-Treasurer of the MSU, where I’ve also had the privilege of chairing the Financial Audit Committee and serving as a Governance Champion on the Board. These roles have deepened my understanding of governance, financial responsibility, and the importance of collective action. More than anything, they’ve reinforced my commitment to creating positive change and standing up for what’s right on behalf of our members. While my term as Treasurer is coming to an end, I hope to continue serving on the Board in a member representative capacity. Given the memberships approval.

My approach to union work is rooted in the belief that positive interactions and shared knowledge can transform our workplace into one that’s not only supportive but deeply fulfilling. I’m passionate about inspiring and uplifting those around me, and I take pride in mentoring others to help them reach their full potential as well as learning from others to be the better version of myself. If there’s one thing I bring to every space, it’s a genuine smile and an unwavering belief in the value of happiness—both mine and that of others.

Outside of work, I’m an avid long-distance runner. My current goal is to complete a Half-Marathon in every Canadian province—a journey that combines my love for endurance, travel, and new experiences. Once that dream is realized, I plan to set my sights even further: running a Half-Marathon on every continent.

Being part of the MSU continues to inspire me, and I look forward to growing with this community and contributing wherever I can. I’m always happy to lend a hand or simply connect—because together, we can make our workplace stronger, happier, and more united.

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Aleem Youhannes, Member Representative Nominee

Aleem works as Building Supervisor Facilities,  with high school Diploma and Supervision and Management and Leadership certificates from MacEwan, employed since October 15, 2015.