The 2025 Student Government election promises to be an exciting and transformative year for the university. Two major tickets are competing for leadership positions: Brand New U and Next Century Canes. Both campaigns are focused on empowering students, expanding resources, and ensuring that every student voice is heard. This article provides a detailed look at the candidates, their key initiatives, and what they aim to achieve for the student body.
Brand New U: Empowering Students for a Brighter Future
Brand New U is made up of presidential candidate Ivana Liberatore, vice presidential candidate Kylie Quintana, and treasurer candidate Victoire Wuyts. According to their Instagram account, Brand New U is “committed to empowering students, expanding resources and making sure every voice is heard.”
Their campaign initiatives focus on student empowerment, accessibility, and innovation. Key priorities include:
- Cane Card integration with Apple Wallet
- Improving campus infrastructure
- Expanding financial and professional opportunities for students
- Student leaders roundtable to foster collaboration among student organizations
- Establishing a Raising Cane’s location on campus
- Providing free rides to the airport
- Enhancing first-aid training for RAs
Ivana Liberatore – Candidate for President
Ivana Liberatore is a junior majoring in finance and legal studies with a minor in political science. Her experience in Student Government includes serving on the First-Year Leadership Council, the Academic Liaison Council, and as assistant director of academic affairs and undergraduate representative for the Board of Trustees Student Affairs Committee.
Ivana says, “From my first day at UM, I have been driven by the idea that student leadership can truly shape the university experience. Running for president is about taking that advocacy to the next level.”
She is also involved in several campus organizations including:
- Alpha Kappa Psi
- Latina Project
- Orientation Fellows
- Student Managed Investment Fund
- Association of Latino Professionals for America
- Undergraduate Dean’s Advisory Council
- Association of Commuter Students
Kylie Quintana – Candidate for Vice President
Kylie Quintana is a junior majoring in political science and psychology with minors in business law and law and politics. She has served as associate justice of the Student Government Supreme Court and vice president of internal finance for Alpha Kappa Psi, where she now serves as director of rituals.
Kylie emphasizes fostering student leadership: “As vice president, I look forward to guiding the First Year Leadership Council as they begin shaping the first freshman class of UM’s next century, ensuring that the future of our university is built on innovation, inclusivity and purpose.”
She is also actively involved in:
- Camner Center for Disability Services (volunteer)
- Girls of Outreach & Diversity (community outreach chair)
- Butler Center (200+ volunteer hours)
Victoire Wuyts – Candidate for Treasurer
Victoire Wuyts is a junior majoring in business analytics and legal studies. As treasurer candidate, she aims to strengthen the relationship between Student Government and SAFAC, increase financial accessibility, and ensure equitable resource distribution.
Vic has been a delegate on the Student Activity Fee Allocation Committee, helping allocate over $1.6 million across 306 student organizations. She also serves as vice president of internal finance for Alpha Kappa Psi, President of Above the Bar, and supports breast cancer awareness initiatives through Zeta Tau Alpha.
Vic says, “Running for treasurer means ensuring that student organizations have the financial tools to grow, innovate, and make a lasting impact on our campus.”
Next Century Canes: Delivering Results for Students
Next Century Canes includes presidential candidate Isaac Jimenez and treasurer candidate Damian Gomez. According to their Instagram account, the ticket is “about action: delivering results for [students].”
Their campaign emphasizes:
- Increased funding for student organizations
- Expanded student involvement
- Enhanced opportunities for students on campus
- Longer dining hall hours
- Discounts on transportation
- Ensuring students’ voices are heard
Isaac Jimenez – Candidate for President
Isaac Jimenez is a junior majoring in political science on the pre-law track. He serves as a Student Government senator for the College of Arts and Sciences, working on bills such as expanding Freebee services to weekends.
Isaac states, “I am running for Student Government president to represent and deliver results for all students. My experiences have prepared me to understand student needs and produce results that benefit the student body.”
He also serves on:
- Policy and Finance Committee
- Student Activity Fee Allocation Committee
- University Affairs Committee
Damian Gomez – Candidate for Treasurer
Damian Gomez is a sophomore majoring in accounting and business with minors in business law and Spanish. He has experience serving as delegate on the Student Activity Fee Allocation Committee, treasurer of the Interfraternity Council, and Business School liaison on the Academic Liaison Council.
Damian says, “The skills I’ve learned not only in my extracurriculars but also in class as an accounting and finance student have equipped me to lead our school’s finances successfully.”
He emphasizes teamwork, effective communication, problem-solving, and balancing responsibilities to benefit all students.
Candidate Withdrawals and Voting Information
According to the Student Government Constitution, candidates may withdraw at any time, but withdrawals after the application deadline cannot be reinstated.
On February 11, Next Century Canes’ vice presidential candidate Dominique Thomas withdrew, stating her vision and priorities did not fully align with the ticket. As a result, only one vice presidential candidate appears on the ballot, and the voter’s second option will be to abstain.
Voting Schedule:
- Open: Monday, Feb. 17 – Wednesday, Feb. 19 on Engage
- Results: Thursday, Feb. 20 at noon
Conclusion
The 2025 Student Government election is set to be a defining moment for student leadership at the university. Both Brand New U and Next Century Canes offer strong, dedicated candidates with ambitious initiatives aimed at improving student life.
From expanding financial opportunities, enhancing campus infrastructure, and empowering student voices, to increasing involvement and delivering actionable results, these candidates aim to make a tangible impact.