Idelle Kahyeba Vice President External
My name is Idelle Kahyeba, a third-year Computer Science student minoring in Anthropology at the University of Lethbridge. Born in Cameroon, I moved to Canada in 2016 at the age of 11. My experiences here have shaped my passion for leadership, community engagement, and creativity. I graduated high school with honors in 2022 and have since developed strong technical skills in C++, Python, and Assembly, leading innovative group projects. In my free time, I enjoy video editing, cooking, dancing, and gaming.
Beyond academics, I am deeply committed to student leadership, advocacy, and community involvement. I am a strong communicator, problem solver, and empathetic leader, with the ability to adapt to challenges and remain patient under pressure. My leadership journey began in high school, where I was actively involved for all four years, organizing pep rallies for over 3,000 students, leading Spirit Week activities, and spearheading Black History Month events. I also mentored middle school students through Big Brothers Big Sisters, helping them develop social and personal skills.
Currently, I serve as VP of Media and Marketing for the Cameroonian Youth Association of Calgary(CYAC), a role I’ve held for two years and was recently re-elected for. I manage collaborations, media content, and outreach, organizing workshops, networking events, and volunteer initiatives like clothing drives for orphanages in Cameroon. I have also partnered with youth groups across Canada, including CYAE in Edmonton and YCA in Toronto.
I am passionate about creating opportunities for others and fostering inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome. My dedication to leadership, technology, and community drives me to take initiative, set clear goals, and make a meaningful impact wherever I go.
What do you know about the position you are running for?
What are some of the initiatives you would like to implement if you are elected?
As VP External, my primary goal is to strengthen the connection between students and external bodies at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels. I aim to improve communication, ensuring students are informed about political developments and external forces impacting their education and careers. With federal elections approaching, I will advocate for workshops and resources to educate students on federal politics, the importance of voting, and how government decisions affect their education, whether they are domestic or international students.
Students work hard to build their futures, but unclear or misunderstood government decisions can disrupt academic progress and career plans. That’s why I’m running for VP External. This role is about advocacy, and I am committed to ensuring students’ voices are heard. I will gather student input through surveys and conversations to represent them accurately to government officials.
On the federal level, I will advocate for better support for international students, particularly in light of recent policy changes. I will push for increased resources, such as work-integrated learning programs, co-ops, and internships, to address the lack of diversity in current opportunities. At the provincial level, I will work to improve accessibility to Alberta grants, helping more students pursue their education without financial barriers. On the municipal level, I will advocate for better housing and transportation options, as overcrowded buses and rising housing costs are pressing issues for students.
At the institutional level, I will collaborate with the VP Academics to improve academic advising, ensuring students receive clear guidance on graduate school requirements and career pathways. Additionally, I will push for culturally competent counseling services, with a focus on supporting Indigenous students and underrepresented communities.
By bridging the gap between students and external forces, I aim to create a campus environment where every student is empowered, informed and equipped to succeed.