Brayden Shopland

Brayden Shopland

CANDIDATE FOR President

Hello there! I’m Brayden Shopland, your current Vice President Internal of the NAIT Students’ Association (NAITSA). I’m excited to run as your next President for the 2025/26 school year!

During my time as VP Internal, I’ve had the privilege of meeting many of you at campus events like Orientation, NEST Fest, Clubs Showcase, Ooks Life Mixer, Heritage Fest, and Brain Freeze – the one with free ice cream! These moments have been more than fun; they’ve been opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together as part of our vibrant community.

With nearly a year of experience as an Executive Council member, I’ve been fighting for students like you. I’ve questioned NAIT’s decisions about tuition and fees, challenged them to do better when they’ve fallen short, and worked to ensure that your needs and concerns are front and center. At every step, my focus has been on ensuring you are not ignored. Students are the heart of this institution – without you, there is no NAIT, yet time and again, we’ve seen decisions that push your needs aside. My experience has taught me how to push back when it matters most; leadership in these moments is about listening to the people you serve, not ignoring them. If elected, I’ll continue this fight, ensuring that your voices are heard, and your priorities drive the decisions that shape your future.

I know NAITSA and Executive Council have more work to do. That’s why I’m running for President – to lead a new team of Vice Presidents who are confident, passionate, and ready to serve you. With my experience, I’ll guide them through a smooth and effective transition, help them navigate their new responsibilities, and support their goals throughout the year. Together, we’ll continue improving NAITSA’s services, providing strong advocacy, and building a more connected student community without losing momentum.

If elected, my priorities will include:

• Examining NAIT’s use of student fees to ensure they support programs, services, and extracurricular opportunities that improve student life and learning.
• Holding NAIT to a higher standard, ensuring campus administration and operations reflect the quality and professionalism expected from the programs taught here.
• Observing NAIT’s response and commitment to supporting international students instead of seeing them as just a revenue source.
• Advocating for meaningful consultation, fostering trust, collaboration, and better outcomes for students.

As a candidate for President, I bring leadership shaped by my current role as VP Internal, passion for enhancing student life, and a clear vision for our NAITSA community. My experience prepares us to advocate effectively, my commitment to excellence drives results, and my resilience will help us overcome challenges.

During my campaign, I invite you to stop and share your thoughts with me. If we don’t connect before the election, know that my door will always be open. Advocacy doesn’t end when the votes are counted – your voice will always guide my work.

With leadership you can trust and experience you deserve, I’m ready to build a stronger community.

Please vote Brayden Shopland for President!