With elections being held early in March, the Undergraduate Student Government Association has announced the candidates who are campaigning for election to the Executive Council. The Executive Council consists of five elected members—the President and four Vice Presidents—as well as the Chief of Staff and Chief Justice, both of whom are appointed by the President. Together, these members form the core leadership of the USGA and are responsible for much of the organization’s day-to-day operation and impact on students at UAB.

In an effort to increase student awareness of on-campus events, Kaleidoscope reached out to each candidate and asked them if they could outline their reason for campaigning for election, as well as any specific interests or issues that they may have prioritized. Below, we’ve outlined the candidates for each elected position within the Executive Council, providing some basic information about them as well as the aforementioned platform statements.

Presidential Candidates

Breanna Fisher

Breanna Fisher is a junior double majoring in psychology & criminal justice from Robertsdale, Alabama. She has previously served as a member of Freshman Forum and Senator for the College of Arts and Sciences, and is currently the USGA’s Executive Vice President. Fisher is running for President of the Undergraduate Student Government Association because she said that the student government exists to serve, resource, and amplify the voices of UAB’s undergraduate students. Fisher stated that she wants to strengthen the USGA internally through increased accountability measures and the collection of student-driven data to improve campus life. She also said that she wants to collaborate with university departments, administration and local organizations to celebrate the spirit of UAB while increasing advocacy. Over the next few weeks, Fisher said that her focus will remain on action-oriented leadership that prioritizes student feedback and creates tangible improvements to the undergraduate experience.

Rishab Samant

Rishab Samant is a junior majoring in cancer biology from Birmingham, Alabama. He has previously served as a member of Freshman Forum and the Outreach and Newsletter Coordinator, and is currently the USGA’s Vice President of Communications. UAB has been Samant’s home for nearly 15 years. Samant said every summer since the age of seven, he would inevitably find his way to the institution, participating in educational camps, volunteering, or just working on summer work. He counts himself lucky to have grown with the university and the greater city of Birmingham. Samant said the position of the presidency is one that he knows will be challenging, but claims he can bring a novel, tangible perspective that enhances campus community and provides students with the means to feel prepared for their journey of individualized success. Campaign specifics are listed on his social media: @rishab_samant on Instagram, until the campaigning period ends.

Executive Vice President Candidates

Bhavya Chalaslani

Bhavya Chalaslani is a sophomore majoring in neuroscience on the pre-med track from Madison, Alabama. She has previously served as a Freshman Forum member, and is currently a Senator for the College of Arts & Sciences and a member of the Academic Affairs Committee. As Executive Vice President, Chalaslani said that she hopes to strengthen engagement between students and the Senate while addressing key concerns like transportation, housing, and dining. Alongside her running mate, Breanna Fisher, Chalaslani aims to improve accountability and transparency within Senate operations, collaborate more intentionally with registered student organizations and university departments, and create more opportunities for non-USGA students to contribute to initiatives. Chalaslani said her vision is a student government that actively reflects student voices and advocates for meaningful, long-term change both on campus and in the Birmingham community.

Luc Slate

Luc Slate is a junior majoring in finance from Birmingham, Alabama. He has prior experience within student government and currently serves as a Senator for the Collat School of Business, the Vice Chairman of the Senate, and the Chairman of the Financial Oversight Committee. His platform is based on increasing cross-campus collaboration and connection with USGA, particularly with Greek life, club sports, students in the Collat School of Business, and others who may not traditionally engage with student government. Slate said that he believes in implementing realistic and practical solutions, shown through his past legislation focused on transparency and accountability. Additionally, Slate said he has a deep understanding of the USGA Code of Laws and Constitution, as well as how to apply that knowledge in turning ideas into effective and implementable policy. “There is a need for stronger representation from the Collat School of Business in an executive-level role, and I will bring a fresh perspective to USGA leadership,” Slate stated.

Songi Yoon

Songi Yoon is a sophomore majoring in biomedical sciences from Auburn, Alabama. Yoon states that her platform centers on mental health and the understanding that it doesn’t only affect the mind — it impacts every aspect of a student’s life, including physical health, academic performance, and overall well-being. Yoon said that she believes in spreading awareness and fostering a deeper understanding of how interconnected our basic needs are, especially access to nutritious food and supportive resources. By prioritizing these areas, Yoon claims that we can create a campus environment where every student feels supported and set up to succeed.

Vice President of Communications Candidate

Mohamed Elimam

Mohamed Elimam, the sole candidate for the office of Vice President of Communications, is a sophomore electrical & computer engineering major from Hoover, Alabama. He has previously served as a member of Freshman Forum and is currently the Senate Head for the School of Engineering. Elimam said he is running for office to create a more connected, informed, and engaged student body. His primary goals are to establish consistent newsletters, stronger social media outreach, and clearer communication channels between USGA, student organizations, and the broader campus community. By making information easier to access and more engaging, Elimam stated that he wants to “increase student awareness, participation, and trust in USGA initiatives.” Elimam said that he intends to work closely with every USGA branch, campus department, and student organization to ensure their initiatives are represented clearly and on time. “Through stronger collaboration and open communication, I believe that we can build a USGA that truly reflects and serves the entire student body, ” Elimam stated.

Vice President of Finance Candidate

Sammi Buhanan

Sammi Buhanan, a junior majoring in biology from Phoenix, Arizona, is the only candidate for the office of Vice President of Finance. She is currently serving as the Director of Partnerships within the USGA’s Division of Finance. Buhanan said her love for the Division of Finance comes from her work with registered student organizations on campus. Buhanan states that she has experience in building and managing student organizations and aims to support all student leaders in their club endeavors. Buhanan said that her platform is based on continuing to practice transparency within USGA finances, building a motivated Division of Finance team, and using student and administrator feedback to optimize budget processes both in and out of USGA.

Vice President of Student Services Candidates

Ashima Grover

Ashima Grover is a junior majoring in biomedical engineering on the pre-med track from Franklin, Tennessee. She has previously served as a member of Freshman Forum and the Civic Engagement Coordinator, and is currently the Director of Logistics and Programming within the Division of Student Services. Grover said that she is running for Vice President of Student Services to help ensure every UAB student feels supported and valued. Grover stated that she wants to work closely with different student groups, make campus resources easier to find and use, and ensure student feedback actually leads to real changes. Grover stated that her goal is to help build a campus that truly works for students and provides students with the best college experience possible.

Neha Sharma

Neha Sharma is a sophomore majoring in healthcare management from Madison, Alabama. She has previously served as a member of Freshman Forum and is currently the Cultural Enrichment and Engagement Coordinator in the Division of Student Services. If elected as VP of Student Services, Sharma said her primary goal is to turn connection into action and events into real impact for students. Her campaign focuses on uniting the different divisions within USGA and bridging the gap between campus organizations and USGA. Through the strengthening of the Blazers Answers program, Sharma said she aims to amplify student voices through real feedback and offer prompt solutions. Additionally, Sharma stated that she wants to broaden the USGA’s presence on campus by creating lasting traditions like the continuance of the USGA Day of Service or through the creation of a Student Success Week. Sharma stated that her passion for serving others drove her to run for office, and she is ready to lead and act with intention and purpose for those who need it most.