Caroline Ayebale

Undergraduate Student

Question 1: I believe that I would be an excellent candidate to be considered as a Student Governor because:

I believe I would be an excellent Student Governor because I care deeply about student wellbeing and creating a campus where every student feels supported and represented. As a Political Science student focusing on International Relations, I’ve gained a strong understanding of how institutions work and how decisions made at the top affect people on the ground. This perspective motivates me to be part of the decision-making process at Carleton.
My involvement on campus and in the community has shaped me into a strong advocate. Through my role as the Community Partnerships Coordinator for WUSC Carleton, I work directly with students from refugee and displaced backgrounds. This has taught me how to listen, how to support people facing challenges, and how important it is for students to see themselves reflected in leadership spaces.
Outside Carleton, I volunteer with Youth Ottawa, Raising the Roof, and the Centre for Black Options. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to equity and inclusion, especially for young people and marginalized communities.
Professionally, I work as a Supervisor at Sysco, where I lead teams, handle conflicts, and make decisions that affect daily operations. This role has helped me grow in confidence, responsibility, and communication—skills that I know will serve me well on the Board.
As a Black woman, newcomer, and first-generation university student, I understand barriers that many students face. My goal is to bring those perspectives forward and ensure that every board decision keeps students’ diverse realities in mind.

Question 2: I have the following skills and experiences which would be beneficial in my role as Student Governor:

I bring a mix of real-life experience, leadership, and empathy that I believe will be valuable on the Board of Governors. Through my work with WUSC Carleton, I have learned how to build relationships, coordinate programs, and advocate for students who may not always feel heard. This work has strengthened my ability to listen, problem-solve, and speak up when needed.
In my volunteer roles, I’ve been involved in community projects around youth engagement, homelessness, and mental health. These experiences help me understand the different pressures students deal with beyond academics and remind me why supportive policies matter.
My experience as a Supervisor at Sysco has prepared me to handle responsibility, work under pressure, and manage teams with different backgrounds and personalities. I’ve developed strong communication and conflict-resolution skills, and I’m used to making thoughtful decisions in complex situations.
Academically, my political science studies allow me to approach issues with analysis and context. I understand governance, power structures, and the importance of accountability—knowledge that will help me contribute meaningfully to Board discussions.
Most importantly, I bring lived experience. I know what it feels like to navigate university as a newcomer, as a Black woman, and as someone supporting family back home. These experiences help me connect with students who often feel unseen or unheard, and I want to represent them honestly and respectfully.

Question 3: If elected to the Board, what would you like to gain from the experience and/or what skills would you like to further develop?

If elected to the Board, I hope to grow both personally and professionally. I want to better understand how major decisions at Carleton are made—especially around budgeting, governance, and long-term planning. Being part of these conversations would help me learn how large institutions operate and how student voices can genuinely influence outcomes.
I also want to develop stronger skills in leadership, communication, and policy analysis. Working alongside experienced Board members would push me to think more strategically and improve how I interpret and respond to complex issues.
On a personal level, I want to become a stronger advocate. I want to learn how to express student concerns clearly and confidently, and how to ensure that students from marginalized or underrepresented groups are part of the discussion. This role aligns with the work I already do in the community, and I know it will help me grow into the type of leader I aspire to be.
Ultimately, I hope to gain experience that will stay with me beyond Carleton, while also making a meaningful contribution to the university and the students I represent.