2027 COMMITTEE NOMINATIONS
Due to a high level of competition, rather than conducting a one-minute verbal defence during the AGM, nominees have instead been asked to submit a short textual pitch promoting themselves. These are listed below.
Please read these pitches carefully before casting your vote.
1. PRESIDENT
The President leads the Committee, providing executive direction and oversight to all other committee members by calling and chairing all official meetings from the onset of the 2026 AGM through to the 2027 AGM. Consequently, the President acts as the public face of the organisation by liaising directly with sponsors, AUSA, other clubs/societies, and other collaborators.
Elena Pontifex
Hello all,
My name is Ellie and I am putting my hand up for President of the Adelaide University Economics Students Society for the 2027 university year. As Vice President in 2026, I have learnt a lot about what it takes to lead a university society like the AUESS. You need organisational and communication skills, knowledge of the environment you are working in and, above all, a passion for what we do.
University, as it has always been, can be a challenging time for students. Many of us are juggling our studies alongside work, career aspirations, social lives and navigating early adulthood. I strongly believe that societies like ours can help lighten the load in these respects by creating networking opportunities, sharing knowledge and, above all, fostering a strong community with like-minded peers.
I believe my work as Vice President has shown my passion for achieving these ideals, represented in the numerous new events I have had a hand in organising alongside our committee and President. I am particularly proud of how much we have grown our membership this year, a sentiment that was definitely reflected in the AUESS winning ‘Club of the Year’.
Going into the next year as President, I hope to maintain our strong presence in social, academic and networking events, and I am open to new projects and ideas our community may have.
As a proposal, I am also particularly interested in looking into the viability of the AUESS obtaining a club room in City East, as many other clubs have. Not only would it be a place where we can collaborate more readily, but in the past year we have also increased our assets (including our merchandise and trophy!), which reflects a need for a larger space.
I bring to the table a background in governance, not only from working within the society, but also through my former job as a paralegal officer for the Gambling and Associations team at Consumer and Business Services. Through working for the agency that oversees incorporated associations such as ours, I know not only what is formally required of us, but also what is expected of committee members in a more general sense.
I hope to serve as your President, and I am excited to work with the AUESS in any other capacity in the coming year regardless!
2. VICE PRESIDENT
The Vice-President (VP) assists the president with this role for the same term as the President. The VP provides administrative support and guidance for other committee members, assisting them with their tasks and projects. This role requires significant involvement over the summer holidays.
Becca Adams
Hey! I am Becca and I am applying because I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the committee this year in the role of Director of Socials and Communications and would love to give back even more to the society through the role of VP. This year has given me a lot of insight into what the role of VP entails and the impact a strong VP can have on a committee and I would love to do the same next year.
I would consider myself a very Type A sort of person. I am hyper organised, not afraid to speak up and love to be a part of a team and it would be so exciting to bring these skills to VP.
As VP I would focus on growing our incredible society even further, connecting with an even bigger outreach of students along with strengthening current connections with our sponsors and industry professionals.
I would love to be your VP next year :)
Megan Shaw
As a committed and high-performing economics student, I will bring strong leadership experience, organisational capability, and a collaborative mindset to the vice-president role. Having served as a Stage manager and Symphonic band captain during high school, I have developed the ability to coordinate people and projects with professionalism, empathy, and clear communication.
Through my role on the St Mark’s college Charitable Foundation this year, I’ve gained valuable experience planning and delivering large-scale fundraising events, strengthening my skills in logistics, teamwork, and event management. These experiences have reinforced the importance of preparations, initiative, and collaboration in achieving shared goals.
My vision for the Economics society is one of engagement, inclusion, and excellence. I aim to support the President and committee in delivering meaningful initiatives that connect students, enhance academic and social opportunities, and promote a strong sense of community within the society.
Mannat Walia
I am excited to be applying for Vice President of the 2027 AUESS Committee because I have really enjoyed being part of the society and would love the opportunity to play a bigger role in shaping what we achieve next year. Being involved in the committee throughout 2026 has given me so much appreciation for everything that goes into organising events, bringing students together and making AUESS a society that people genuinely want to be part of. I've really valued the experience so far and I'm keen to take on more responsibility and contribute beyond my current role. I genuinely enjoy hearing different perspectives and believe some of the best ideas come from working together. I'd love to be someone who helps bring those ideas to life, making sure everyone's voice is heard and working closely with the President to ensure suggestions are considered and followed through. Through my experience on the committee and in my professional role, I've learnt the importance of being organised, communicating openly and following through on commitments and these are qualities I'd bring to the position. With 2027 being my final year at university, I'd love to make the most of it by taking on a bigger role in a society that has already been such a rewarding part of my university experience. I'm excited to work alongside people who share the same enthusiasm for AUESS and would love to finish my time at university knowing I've helped create something that continues to benefit students in the years to come.
3. TREASURER
The Treasurer manages the Society’s finances, applies for grants and manages all payments. This role demands great organisational skills and requires the Treasurer to stay up-to-date with the committee’s events calendar throughout the year to ensure effective management of all necessary payments and prompt submissions of grant applications.This role requires significant involvement over the summer holidays.
Meg Shaw
Serving as treasurer on the society this past year has given me an incredible insight into the organisation, effort, and time it takes to execute events both social and academic. I am a highly motivated and organised individual and would like to continue to bring this to the society in 2027 with some new initiatives I’m incredibly passionate about. I carry with me the experience of being treasurer during 2026 which will allow me to focus on improvement in efficiency rather than learning the role (including a start of year budget, and a club card), as well as the experience of planning events, applying for grants, ensuring timely payments, a plethora of connections with students through my college involvements and university staff through my position of the undergraduate student representative for economics on the College of Business and Law student experience and success committee (an official committee of the university), and my bubbly personality that allows me to get along with whoever I’m working with.
I would like to propose the creation of an extensively planned budget for the year. As we continue to expand as a society, introducing new events such as the pub crawl which began this year and gaining traction (winning club of the year 2026) it is essential that we endeavour to improve our organisational capacity. The current way we cost events and apply for grants is done as each event approaches. I would like to plan this at the beginning of the year including event dates, when grants need to be applied for, and likely expenditures based on the previous year. This would help us to continue operating at a higher capacity as we continue to grow.
I would also like to make it a priority to obtain a club card to avoid out of pocket expenditures for society members and assist to keep financial records clean and organised (avoiding receipts that get sent to the treasurer getting lost in emails).
4. SECRETARY
The Secretary takes official notes (minutes) of every committee meeting and carefully disseminates information within the committee and to general members when required. Strong organisational and interpersonal skills are essential.
Abhijat Luke Jacob
I am applying because, I believe a Secretary is the heart of a committee: the person who makes sure every voice is heard and nothing is lost along the way. Since February, I've lived that as Executive Secretary to the President at the Syrian Mar Thoma Church, keeping minutes and attendance records, managing correspondence, and connecting the committee, volunteers and congregation through email and WhatsApp.
In 2025, I led over 50 volunteers to feed more than 100 people every week, and I learned that careful records and clear schedules are acts of care.
I've attended AUESS careers fair events and seen first-hand how much this club gives its members. I would love to be part of all this.
Zainab Atiq
Tragically, I've been in one too many group projects where atleast one person has no idea what's happening. I want to be the person who makes sure nobody leaves a meeting feeling lost. I'll take my notes, nothing too much of a drag because we all have enough readings as it is. And if you can't make it to a meeting, you won't be left out of the loop! I'd love for our committee to feel like a team you can rely on, and I'm ready to put in the work to make that happen :).
Sidra Liaqat
I'm sure there's plenty of these to get through, so I'll get straight to the point.
Here's what I'd bring to AUESS:
- Good at organisation of tasks: For group assignments, I helped break the workload into manageable tasks and set deadlines so we could stay on track.
- Communication skills: During a high school bake sale, I coordinated between the decorating team and event heads to make sure everyone was well informed.
- How I'd follow through for AUESS: I'd keep track of meeting decisions and agreed next steps, so good ideas don't get lost once the meeting ends.
All in all, I don't think being Secretary is just about taking notes. It's about making sure everyone's on the same page and good ideas have a chance to go somewhere.
Ukyai Ching Naisa Chowdhury
I am applying because I've always believed that having great ideas is one thing, but making sure something actually comes from them is another. And if there's anything I learnt from being a Model UN kid, it's that a room full of ambitious people produces plenty of discussion. Keeping everyone organized and moving in the same direction? That's where things get interesting. Having participated in International Model UN conferences, including serving as a rapporteur, I've developed an appreciation for the work that happens behind the scenes. It's taught me the importance of turning conversations into clear outcomes. If elected as Secretary. I'd bring that same energy to keeping the committee organized, keeping meetings productive, and ensuring reliable follow-through. I'd also love to introduce a simple way of keeping track of decisions and responsibilities, because a good meeting shouldn't end with everyone wondering who's doing what. A little organization behind the scenes can make a remarkable difference to what a team achieves. I am new to the Economics Society but I'm not new to showing up prepared. If the committee wants someone who can keep things on track without taking the fun out of it, I'd love to help!
5. DIRECTOR OF CAREERS AND SPONSORSHIPS
The Director of Careers and Sponsorships serves as the primary liaison with our industry partners. They are tasked with writing and sharing our annual sponsorship prospectus over the summer break before the start of Semester 1. Throughout the academic year, they are chiefly responsible for organising our professional events, including Careers Night.
Daniel Song
I am applying because I understand that for lots of students, connecting their university studies with real world opportunities can be a struggle, and I believe that I can contribute positively by helping connect them with the backing of the AUES. I am currently a second year Bachelor of Commerce student majoring in Accounting, Banking and Finance, and I have a strong interest in exploring different pathways across finance, and more importantly, understand the importance of industry exposure and professional networking for students. During high school, I was a school prefect, where I was responsible for coordinating multiple initiatives, including charity initiatives that raised over $10,000 in donations. This helped me develop my communication and organisational skills, while teaching me the importance of working collaboratively to deliver outstanding outcomes. Additionally, participating in professional development opportunities such as the KPMG Foundations Program has really strengthened my interest in corporate world and has given me greater insight into the value of connecting students with industry professionals.
If selected, my goal is to continue to build on existing relationships with employers and industry patterns while helping organise networking events, career panels and professional development workshops. I would also be aiming to explore more sponsorship opportunities that create mutual value for both the society and its members but also the partners.
Ukyai Ching Naisa Chowdhury
I am applying because I've always found it interesting how one conversation can open a door that a hundred applications might not. Sometimes, the difference between ambition and opportunity is simply knowing whom to approach, what to ask and having the confidence to start the conversation. That's precisely why I'm applying for the Director of Careers and Sponsorships. As an Accounting and Corporate Finance major, I've developed a genuine interest in the world beyond lecture theatres. Completing virtual job simulations with Goldman Sachs and Bank of America has only strengthened that curiosity. If anything, they've made me realize how much there is to learn from people who are already doing the work we aspire to do. One thing I'd love to bring to the society is more approachable networking opportunities, where students can connect with professionals, ask questions, and explore careers without feeling intimidated. I may not have a contact list full of CEOs yet but I do bring the curiosity, initiative and the confidence to start conversations that could lead somewhere meaningful. After all, opportunities don't always come knocking. Sometimes, you have to be the one who knock!
Jose Ignacio Salas Morales
I am applying for this role because I have loved coming along to events this year and would love to give back to the committee. Intersociety soccer was so fun and made me realise how much being apart of a society meant to me. In this role I would take initiative and promote our society to sponsors and connect us with potential business partners. I would love this opportunity and would give back so much to the society!
Mannat Walia
I am excited to be applying for Director of Careers and Sponsorships again because it's a role I've genuinely enjoyed and would love to continue developing in 2027. As an Economics student myself, I know how valuable it is to have opportunities to meet people in the industry, ask questions and learn about career paths you might not have otherwise considered. With 2027 also being my final year at university, I understand even more how important these connections can be as students begin thinking seriously about their next steps after graduation. Throughout my time on the committee, I've had the opportunity to connect with a range of organisations, gaining valuable experience in industry outreach and building professional relationships. It's been a great learning experience, and I'd love to take what I've learnt into another year while continuing to strengthen the connections we've started building. If elected, I'd be excited to continue growing our industry connections, explore new sponsorship opportunities and help make Careers Night an even more valuable experience for students. I'd also love to introduce smaller networking events and industry sessions where students can have more personal conversations with professionals, ask questions and get a better sense of the different opportunities available to them. I'd really appreciate the opportunity to continue building on what we've started and help create experiences that students at every stage of their degree can benefit from.
Arita Haque
Serving as AUESS First Year Representative in 2026 has shown me how valuable professional connections and career opportunities are for economics students. Having contributed to organising events such as Finance Accelerator, Careers Night and Exam Cram, I have witnessed firsthand the impact AUESS can have in connecting students with industry professionals and opportunities beyond university.
As an international student pursuing a Bachelor of Economics (Honours), I understand the challenges of navigating unfamiliar professional environments and finding opportunities. My involvement as a mentee with the Women in Economics Network South Australia, alongside my previous experience with the Youth Policy Forum's Government Apprenticeship, has further strengthened my interest in professional development, networking and industry engagement.
If elected, I would focus on strengthening relationships with existing sponsors while exploring new partnerships across consulting, finance, banking, government and public policy. I would love to expand upon Careers Night by introducing more interactive networking sessions, alumni discussions, career preparation workshops and opportunities for students to engage directly with professionals. I would also prioritise making internships and career opportunities more accessible, particularly to first-year and international students.
I understand that this role requires initiative, professionalism, organisation and strong communication skills, all of which I have developed through my leadership, writing and event coordination experiences.
Having been part of AUESS during its recognition as Club of the Year, I would be proud to help build upon this achievement in 2027. I am applying because I genuinely value this society and want to contribute to creating opportunities that help students develop confidence, meaningful professional connections and clearer career pathways.
6. CO-DIRECTORS OF PUBLICATIONS
The Co-Directors of Publications (2) source articles for, edit, and compile our frequent newsletter and blog, and share responsibilities for website maintenance with the Director of Socials and Communications. This role requires digital and media literacy, as well as introductory print and web design skills.
Dev Sharma
I am applying for Co-Director of Publications because I believe my background in digital marketing, content strategy and writing would allow me to make a strong contribution to the Economics Club’s publications. Before moving to Australia, I gained over two years of professional experience in digital marketing, where I worked across content strategy, SEO, social media and digital communications. This experience taught me how to turn ideas into engaging content for different audiences.
Since joining Adelaide University as an International MBA student, I have actively looked for opportunities to contribute beyond the classroom. I have written for the Economics Club’s What’s (Ec)on? newsletter, including topics such as “The Economics of Free: If an App Is Free, What Are You Actually Paying With?” I enjoy taking economic and business concepts and making them interesting, relevant and accessible to students.
I have also volunteered with AUSA, completing more than 15 hours of volunteering and engaging with students through university activities. I currently work as a Christmas Casual Sales Associate at David Jones, which has further strengthened my communication, teamwork and ability to connect with people from different backgrounds.
As Co-Director of Publications, I would like to bring together my professional marketing experience and interest in economics to help create high-quality, engaging and student-focused content. I would also encourage more students, particularly international students, to contribute their ideas and perspectives to the club’s publications.
Vedhika Ganapathy
I am applying because I'm interested in combining my communication and creative skills with my interest in economics and business. Through my experience as a Marketing Representative for the Adelaide Uni Business Society, I have been able to gain experience by creating promotional material and contributing to social media content. As a junior consultant for 180 Degrees Consulting has been able to strengthen my interest in research, analysis and communication. I would love to contribute and be a part of the AUESS newsletter, blog and most importantly the committee as well.
Sidra Liaqat
I’ve always liked making things and then wondering, okay, but would someone else actually want to see this?
That’s probably why I’ve ended up creating content in a few different ways. I’ve managed social media accounts for a college podcast and a high school bake sale account, made posters, and even make short-form vlogs for my friends. I like taking something that might otherwise be overlooked and finding a way to make it interesting, whether that’s through writing, design, or just the way it’s presented.
I’d love to bring that to AUESS. I think economics can sometimes feel very textbook-heavy, and I’d want the newsletter, blog and other content to feel like something students actually want to read, not something they feel like they should read.
Arita Haque
I believe economics should extend beyond lecture theatres and textbooks, encouraging meaningful conversations about the world around us. Having served as AUESS First Year Representative in 2026, I would love to continue contributing to society by combining two of my greatest interests which are economics and writing.
Writing and editorial work have been central to my experiences. I previously worked as a contributing writer at the Dhaka Tribune before progressing to lead its youth platform, Tribune Z. I currently contribute to On Dit, Adelaide University's student magazine and have previously worked as a Senior Content Writer at DP Tutorials. These roles have strengthened my skills in editing, coordinating content, interviewing and communicating complex ideas to diverse audiences.
Having also contributed to the AUESS newsletter, I understand its potential to engage students beyond events and announcements. If elected, I would introduce more student-led economic commentary, interviews with academics and industry professionals and accessible discussions of contemporary economic issues. I would prioritise consistent, high-quality publications that encourage students to share their perspectives.
Having already represented AUESS members throughout 2026, I would be grateful for the opportunity to build upon this experience and make our publications more engaging, inclusive and representative of our student community.
7. DIRECTOR OF SOCIALS AND COMMUNICATIONS
The Director of Socials and Communications actively manages our social media engagement throughout the year across Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok, designing multimodal content and responding to any queries communicated by students & members through our social media channels in a timely manner. They also assist with tasks such as publishing events on our website. This role requires digital and media literacy and strong design skills.
Mackenzie Chiselett
I am applying because this role fits right where my studies and interests meet. I would enjoy the hands-on experience of running a real account, as this is the field I want to go into after my degree. I'm a first-year Bachelor of Business majoring in Marketing and Communications. This year, I've taken Digital and Social Media Management and Creating Content for Media, where I built a full social media strategy pitch for Vogue Australia (attached below). I'd love to use my skills on a real account for the AUESS. In 2027, I'd build on AUESS's strong 2026 feed by promoting every event with countdown stories and recap reels and replying to comments and DMs within 24 hours. Keep branding consistent across all social media, with more career content, and work closely with the rest of the committee. I'd love to get involved. Thank you! (I've attached a design skills sample from a previous application, a screenshot of my own Instagram account, and slides from my Vogue Australia social media strategy pitch.)
8. DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
The Director of Education serves as the primary liaison with the School of Economics and Public Policy. Similar to the Director of Careers and Sponsorships, this role is chiefly responsible for organising our educational and academic events throughout the year.
Meg Shaw
I would like to apply for director of education as through my role as the the undergraduate student representative for economics on the College of Business and Law student experience and success committee (an official committee of the university), and my small classes where I have had a chance to form educational relationships with professors and tutors, I have created beneficial relationships with educators and other staff at the university and as such am confident and knowledgeable with liaising with the relevant people.
Jose Ignacio Salas Morales
I am applying for this role because I have loved coming along to events this year and would love to give back to the committee. Intersociety soccer was so fun and made me realise how much being apart of a society meant to me. In this role I would take initiative and promote our society to sponsors and connect us with potential business partners. I would love this opportunity and would give back so much to the society! In this role I aim to connect with the faculty and actively organise events.
9. DIRECTOR OF WOMEN IN ECONOMICS
The Director of Women in Economics connects the AUESS to the Women in Economics network, helping to organise joint-events and promote a welcoming space in economics for women in the university setting.
Becca Adams
Hey! I am Becca and I am applying because I have absolutely loved being a part of the committee this year as Director of Socials and Communications and want to expand my capabilities in a new role as Director of Women in Economics. The number of women studying Economics and Economics related degrees is growing and I am really passionate about supporting that growth and providing further opportunity to women who are studying within this space. I have loved being part of AUESS this year and I am so proud of our growth and the level of student outreach we have achieved. I am so keen to give back even more to the committee in 2027 and to connect with all the people who come to our events and make the society what it is!
10. GENERAL COUNCILLORS
The General Councillors (2) provide support liaising with the student community and conducting day-to-day business of the committee throughout the year. These students help coordinate and run events by assisting behind the scenes. These students must show initiative and a keen interest in the AUESS to effectively support the committee.
Mitchell De Jong
I am applying for the General Councillor position because my experience with the AUESS this year has made me want to become more involved in the society and contribute to the experiences it creates for other students.
One of the highlights for me was attending the Economics Society wine tour. It was a great opportunity to meet other students outside of the classroom and connect with people studying similar subjects. What stood out to me was how the event brought together students who may not otherwise have had the chance to interact. It made me realise how valuable the AUESS can be in creating a stronger sense of community within the economics degree.
I would like to take on the General Councillor role so I can help create more of these opportunities for other students. I am particularly interested in being involved in the organisation and running of events, while also being someone students can approach and feel comfortable engaging with. I would bring enthusiasm, initiative and a genuine willingness to help wherever needed throughout the year.
Having enjoyed being a participant in AUESS events, I would now like to contribute from the other side and help make sure other students have the same positive experience that I have had.
Dev Sharma
I am applying for General Councillor because I want to be actively involved in the Economics Club and contribute wherever the committee and its members need support. As an International MBA student, I understand how important student clubs can be in helping students build friendships, professional networks and a sense of belonging at university.
Since arriving in Adelaide, I have made a genuine effort to become involved in the university community. I have completed 15+ hours of volunteering with AUSA, participated in university and club activities, and contributed articles to the Economics Club newsletter. Through these experiences, I have met students from different courses, cultures and backgrounds and learned the importance of creating an inclusive and welcoming student community.
Professionally, my background in digital marketing, communications and content strategy, along with my current role as a Christmas Casual Sales Associate at David Jones, has strengthened my teamwork, customer service, communication and problem-solving skills.
As a General Councillor, I would be willing to support the committee across events, promotions, publications and student engagement rather than limiting myself to one area. I would bring energy, reliability and a willingness to get involved, while also representing the perspective of international students and helping the Economics Club connect with a broader student community.
Abhijat Luke Jacob
I am applying because I'm someone who sees what needs doing and gets on with it. In 2025 I took the initiative to lead a team of over 50 volunteers for a weekly food distribution serving over 100 people. I recruited volunteers, secured donations through social media, and organised the logistics so each session ran smoothly. Since February I've also helped plan and run major annual events and fundraisers as Executive Secretary to the President at the Syrian Mar Thoma Church, working behind the scenes with committee members and volunteers.
I enjoy talking with people and making them feel welcome. Through the Australian Refugee Association's peer leadership program, I mentored and supported young people from diverse backgrounds, and in sales I built rapport with members of the public every day. I'm also comfortable speaking in front of a crowd, which helps when welcoming people at events or answering member questions.
I've attended AUESS careers fair events and I'm genuinely interested in what the society offers economics students. As a General Councillor, I'd be a reliable and approachable presence: helping set up and run events, passing on member feedback to the committee, and supporting whatever the committee needs, day to day. I'd love the chance to contribute to the AUESS in 2027.
Zainab Atiq
I’ll source, edit, and compile our newsletter and blog, so what people read actually reflects what members are up to. I’ll chase down contributions, tidy up the rough edges, and keep things on schedule so nobody misses out! I’d also love to help keep our website up to date with Socials and Comms, since it’s the first place people look. I’m not going to pretend I already have every print or web design skill, but I’m keen to learn and I’ll pitch in wherever I can :)
Eleanor Saies
I am applying because I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the AUESS committee in 2026 as Director of Women in Economics. My work alongside the WEN committee has brought me opportunities and networking I never could have imagined, and I have made some of the greatest friends. I would love to continue to help and facilitate events with the committee and bring my experience from other committees to make sure that all economics students have heaps of events that they can have fun and do as much as possible while they are at uni, both fun and professional (I want to help to maintain that balance :)))