Student Union Candidates

Elections begin at 12 noon on May 6th and run through until 12 noon on May 13th.  We will be sending a unique one-time ballot to all degree and certificate SLU students.  The ballot will be sent to SLU students preferred email on CUNYfirst.

Kanema Varner is a first-generation, West Indian American college graduate student who was born and raised in a single-parent household in Brooklyn, New York. She serves as an assistant teacher for PS87 in the upper West Side of Manhattan and works as a Malavi leader for CUNY. As a former treasurer for the Burrough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC)’s Sisterhood Society, she advocated for reasonable accommodation funding and infrastructure on BMCC campus. She believes that as a student union representative, every student who attends courses at the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies should have equal and endless opportunities, regardless on their gender, race, ethnicity, and disability. As the oldest of nine children, she has always been a leader and gained the nickname “boss lady” as she always makes sure everything runs smoothly, even if something goes wrong. She never backs down from a challenge, especially when it comes to social and community justice. She currently holds a 3.828 GPA for SLUS’s Master’s program. Just as her grandma tells her, “To whom much is given much is required.” Not only does she strive to implement this saying in her daily life, but in every role she gains.

Providing direction on behalf of us students to maintain our enhanced learning experience and guaranteed success is Shirley’s aim! Shirley Rollins is a first year CUNY SLU student, BA in Labor Studies. Shirley does take notice and respect the family structure of CUNY SLU that she would be honored to maintain, bring innovative ideas in a collective effort, and empower us all, students, and faculty alike to take on! Shirley Rollins is running for the candidacy of Steering Committee. Her 1199SEIU and community outreach background demonstrates a sincere commitment to CUNY SLU that will make her the best suited for this role. Working at 1199SEIU for 7 years, Shirley has worked multiple roles, including a secretary in the steering committee meetings for the NYS Staffing Legislation.

Originating from Harlem, NY, Shirley has been active in community outreach since high school. She is an experienced writer and orator in spoken word, community development & inner-city youth programs. As a Red Hook Youth Court Member, Shirley has had the pleasure to speak to US Attorney General Janet Reno, major media platforms and community organizations to show how inner-city youth can and has improved their lives in impoverished communities. With her bright & energetic persona, she has shared her written poetry to uplift & empower many in her community. As Co-Chair of the new Student Union, Shirley vows to communicate the needs and concerns of the students in an effective and dignified manner to enhance the winning family structure that both students and faculty provide! Our success is a true merit of solidarity to keep on achieving at the maximum level!

I’m Abbie Harper, a neurospicy mental health activist, organizer, and cooperative developer with a fierce passion for, to quote the late John Lewis, good troublemaking. I am pursuing an MA in Urban Studies in the Workplace Democracy and Community Ownership track. As a neurodivergent person, it’s been challenging to find spaces where I feel a genuine sense of belonging, and I feel that belonging at SLU. If elected, I will work to ensure all students feel not only that they belong at SLU, but that they have a voice. Students deserve a seat at the table where decisions are being made, and I will advocate for the practice of participatory democracy and participatory budgeting at SLU.

I came to SLU thinking about what justice-centered public mental health support might look like. I’m currently developing a social cooperative and a worker cooperative, rethinking institutions that provide care. My research is focused on emotional labor, radical mental health peer support, and the solidarity economy.

I’m currently the president of the Solidarity Economy Club at SLU and a member of SLU 4 Palestine. Outside of school, I am the co-chair of political education for the NYC chapter of the Emergency Workplace Organizing Committee (or EWOC), utilizing popular education to empower workers to democratically organize their workplaces through pre-majority unionism rooted in genuine care and concern for each other. In my free time, I love thrift stores, going on walks with my rescue chihuahua, Matilda, and baking. Solidarity is our greatest tool for change!

My name is Shavelle Knox. I am an undergraduate student majoring in Labor Studies. Attending SLU has changed my life in many ways. From the amazing faculty, safe and inclusive environment, and resilient students I knew that SLU was special. I would like to run for co-chair to support my fellow peers and faculty. I am a dedicated student and worker rights advocate. I have years of experience in the labor movement, and I believe that my skills would be beneficial in a student union leadership position. I was employed by the New York City Housing Authority at nineteen years old. While there, I became very active within my union, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 237. I took on the role of shop steward and safety coordinator. Later, I became a union representative and now I am an Assistant Director. I believe that in working with the student union and my peers, we can bring forth new ideas and continue SLU’s legacy. I am grateful to be a part of the SLU community and will continue to contribute in all ways that I can.

Hi SLU! My name is Carmen (she/they) and I want to be your Student Union Secretary for the 2025-2026 academic year! In fall 2025, I will be completing my advanced certificate and I will join the Master’s of Urban Studies program in spring 2026. As the Student Union secretary, I would be responsible for taking & distributing minutes, maintaining student body files, and signing purchase orders. As Secretary, I hope to increase knowledge about the Student Union amongst SLU’s students and use the position to publicize the goings-on of the union. I have loved my time at SLU so far and I’m excited to invest my time and energy into our community <3

The responsibilities of this position are similar to my daily job responsibilities at NYC’s Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS). My position there has allowed me to contribute to the city’s sustainability goals and allowed me to join SSEU 371. I am excited to see where my career in public service, and my CUNY education, take me!

Throughout my undergraduate education, I was a member of the Oberlin Student Cooperative Association (OSCA) – one of the largest student-run cooperatives in North America. I was on OSCA’s Board of Directors for 3 years, served on the long-term planning and accessibility committees, and chaired the education committee. I know the value of a strong student organization and I’m excited to support SLU’s Student Union. Best, Carmen

My name is Chai Leffler, and I’m a second semester Urban Studies graduate student. I am writing to express my interest in joining the Student Union. I currently work as an extracurricular teacher and I’m no stranger to the work/school/life balance that many of us are familiar with. SLU’s flexibility to its students and academic mission is something I’ve come to cherish. Coming from Florida, I’m no stranger to the attacks on higher education across the country. My previous college faced an onslaught of attacks from the state government that abolished our Diversity Office, cancelled programs that were deemed “too woke”, and pushed out faculty and students that spoke out. In response I helped to organize a student group, Students Against Fascism in Education (SAFE), to use direct action, advocacy, and mutual aid to protect and support our community. Whether organizing at SAFE, teaching at school with my students, or studying here in class, I strive to be an active listener. As a Student Union co-chair, I would be no different. The diversity of this school is its strength; and now more than ever we need leaders who can step up to the plate when those values we hold dear are threatened. In my short time here at SLU, I’ve come to meet so many people from all different walks of life which should be reflected in our Student Union. As such, I would be humbled to be part of that leadership.

Sonia Rodriguez is a Bronx born, Dominican-Republic raised, CUNY SLU Labor Studies undergrad student. She is running for the Steering Committee officer position at The School of Labor and Urban Studies Student Union.

Sonia has served the community for almost three decades in her role at the Department of Health Mental Hygiene. An officer-at-large at DC37 Local 1549, and a DC 37 elected delegate. Sonia is an expert in balancing her responsibilities as a leader and advocate while also being a dedicated mother and student. Sonia is a Lillian Roberts Women’s Leadership Academy Trainee, a CEWD Community Health Worker (CHW) Certificate Trainee as well as a graduate of the Bronx Redefining Advocates for Change (BRACE) Community Liaison Mentorship Program. Sonia is also a union board member, parent leader, and a spiritual advisor, elder and leader in the Bronx Yoruba community. Sonia is well-versed in campaigning. While running for her current position in the executive board at Local 1549, she joined the executive board slate with running candidates, she distributed flyers and educated members on the importance of voting. Sonia is deeply committed, determined and industrious. She is skilled in working with different groups of individuals and joining coalition’s, helping them reach their goals. Sonia is committed to the growing community SLU has developed by paying it forward in taking on a representative role at the school that helped shape her into the leader she is today. Her decades-long experiences have equipped her with the skills and understanding necessary to effectively serve, represent and positively impact The School of Labor and Urban Studies.

I am Bri Merritt. For the past 30 years I have been a community organizer in the Presbyterian Church (USA). I have been:
-Founder and Co-Director of Mercy Junction Justice and Peace Center in Chattanooga, TN.
-Personnel Committee chair for the Board of Christian Peacemaking Teams International.
-The Activist Council of Presbyterian Peace Fellowship.
-Founder of a biannual Unconference in New York and California.
-Current Pastor of Church of the Open Door in Cold Spring, NY.
Most free days you can find me reading, talking, and sometimes falling asleep at my neighborhood coffee house, Gingan Cafe in Harlem. I am running for Sterring Committee in the Student Union