Six new commissioners assumed their roles within the AMS, each hoping to create change and strengthen foundations.
With portfolios spanning from external affairs, social issues, campus affairs, clubs, and environmental sustainability, the team emphasized a goal to improve accessibility and support their portfolios to help develop student services.
The commissioners, overseen by AMS Vice-President (University Affairs) Edward Sy, spoke with The Journal about their plans for the upcoming academic year.
Eshal Ali, Commissioner of Social Issues (External)
Eshal Ali, HealthSci ’27, said what she believed set her apart from other applicants was her involvement in equity work.
Coming from a small town, Ali explained she has grown through her participation in advocacy both on and off campus. She recently completed her two-year term on the AMS Board of Directors.
Ali’s experience working with organizations such as the Citizens Foundation has allowed her to hear others’ stories and deepen her understanding of equity and how it pertains to different communities.
In the coming year, Ali said she hopes to uphold the AMS motto, “By Students, For Students.” While she acknowledged she may not always have the answers, she wants to assure students that “if you have a question, a comment, a concern, our doors are always open.”
Caroline Ding, Commissioner of Clubs Commissions
Having had clubs play a large role in her own student experience, Caroline Ding, HealthSci ’27, believes the inclusivity cultivated through clubs is an integral part of Queen’s sense of community.
In a statement to The Journal, Ding said she is excited to be working alongside students and support the work they develop and produce.
During her term, Ding aims to foster stronger relationships between the AMS and clubs across campus. “I hope to do this by continuing to streamline processes and create more opportunities for clubs to showcase their unique contributions to the Queen’s community,” she said.
Ravneet Kaur, Commissioner of Social Issues (Internal)
A passion for accessibility, advocacy, and equity drew Ravneet Kaur, ArtSci ’27, to the role of commissioner of social issues (internal).
Beginning her advocacy work at 15, Kaur has contributed to mental health initiatives at both the provincial and national levels such as Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario. At Queen’s, however, her experience has centred on one-on-one student support.
Kaur is looking forward to working with the Accessibility Queen’s Advisory Council. She expressed concerns that policy reports are often written but not shared with students. Kaur said she hopes to make reports more accessible to “get the general student body engaged in conversation.”
Rachael Reddy, Commissioner of External Affairs
Rachael Reddy, ArtSci ’27, said her time working as secretariat for the AMS and five years at Subhash Joshi Law PC created what she described as a “snowball effect” of wanting to help people.
Reddy outlined her eagerness to expand the three portfolios under her mandate — academic affairs, housing resources, and governance affairs — with the support of her three assistant managers.
As part of the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance, Reddy said she understands that change must begin at the municipal level, motivating her focus on lobbying for student housing initiatives such as non-market housing and improved financial aid.
Reddy said she wants students to understand that “they’re not just one person in a silo […] their voices, their thoughts, their opinions, and everything else that they can think of, do matter.”
Samantha Rogers, Commissioner of Campus Affairs
Samantha Rogers, HealthSci ’27, said one of her main priorities will be to provide direct support for Queen’s international student population. Having travelled from New Zealand to attend Queen’s, Rogers has experienced the challenges international students may face firsthand.
“I came to Queen’s, and I was super intimidated. But, as soon as I started orientation week, I was like, ‘Wow, I found my home,’” Rogers said.
With a passion for event sanctioning, Rogers hopes to carry on the goal of improving transparency and accessibility. She plans to introduce office hours for students to reduce “the barriers that students may face when it comes to accessing information around event sanctioning.”
Alexander Wong-Ma, Commissioner of Environmental Sustainability
From gardening with his grandmother in B.C. to serving as co-president of the newly ratified AMS club of International Forestry and Environmental Development, Alexander Wong-Ma, HealthSci ’28, has long been passionate about protecting the environment.
Wong-Ma said he hopes to build on the work of his predecessor, Brooke Schmidt, ArtSci ’26. He aims to expand opportunities for students to discuss and vote on environmental issues and bring these concerns to higher political bodies.
“This year, I want to bring more of a formal governance structure to these meetings,” Wong-Ma said.
Wong-Ma also said he hopes to strengthen the AMS Sustainability Policy, which aims to engage Indigenous groups and individuals on campus in environmental conservation efforts.
Tags
2026-27, Advocacy, AMS Commissioners, Commissioner, University Affairs
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