Meet the new SAMRU Representation Executive Council

The Students’ Association of Mount Royal University’s (SAMRU) 2026 election resulted in three new representatives and one returning member named to be the voices of MRU’s student body.

Mariana Mejia Salazar is entering her second term as vice-president, External, while Noel Ormita, Liv Lopez and Julia Madden will start their terms as president, vice-president, Student Affairs, and vice-president, Academic, respectively.

SAMRU is a charitable organization with three main focuses; governance, representation and operations. All credit students are members of SAMRU, which provides resources such as Wyckham House, student health benefits, the Peer Support Centre, the Cultural Inclusion Centre and the Pride Centre.

President Noel Ormita

Program of study
Bachelor of Communications — Journalism

Why did you run?

My main campaign message, “It’s time students win,” is more than a slogan, it’s an actionable commitment. Throughout my time at Mount Royal University, I gained valuable experience through various internships and participation in national youth programs, such as Apathy is Boring and with the Canadian Youth Climate Assembly, which focused on civic engagement and policy development. These opportunities enhanced my leadership potential, highlighted the value of collaboration and strengthened my commitment to removing barriers to student success. I believe every student at MRU is a leader, and it’s important we support them in their journey inside and outside the classroom. This is what students winning looks like to me.

What do you hope to accomplish?

Working within the guidelines of SAMRU’s Student Governing Board priorities and with the Representation Executive Council (REC) team, I want to focus on critical issues including: gender-based violence prevention, academic support, student employment and transportation advocacy. Student leaders have the opportunity to stand in the gap between students and MRU’s administration, faculty and all levels of government. I look forward to what that can look like during my term.

Vice-President Student Affairs Liv Lopez

Program of study
Bachelor of Communications — Public Relations

Why did you run?

I chose to run for vice-president, Student Affairs, motivated by a desire to address the systemic barriers that impact the daily lives of MRU students. I have studied at three other universities, prior to Mount Royal University. Through my experiences, I understand and have witnessed the joys, challenges and sheer diversity of the student experience. Alongside my REC members, I hope to build upon the current strength and impact of student voices, along with ensuring student perspectives are actively represented throughout the many layers of university governance and administration.

What do you hope to accomplish?

During this term, I am especially interested in progressing the breadth, equity and impact of student supports, services and opportunities across campus. Overall, my primary objective is to develop and drive practical progress that tangibly enriches the student experience at MRU.

Vice-President Academic Julia Madden

Program of study
Bachelor of Arts — Sociology

Why did you run?

I entered this institution as a first-generation university student and was very unfamiliar with the system itself. Throughout the years, I have become more engaged on campus in community and research. To name a few, I have worked with the Iniskim Centre as a BMO student mentor, research leader representing the Faculty of Arts for MRU’s Library, and even branched out to work for the Federal Archives of Canada on an advisory council. These experiences have shaped me into a student leader I didn’t realize I could be.

What do you hope to accomplish?

Through relationships, research and advocacy, I hope to bring ideas to the committees I will be sitting on to help better the student experience.

Vice-President External Mariana Mejia Salazar

Program of study
Bachelor of Arts — Sociology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies

Why did you run?

I chose to run for a second term because there is still so much important work to be done for students, and many advocacy initiatives in student government take years to fully develop and implement. Re-election has given me the opportunity to continue building momentum on projects that matter to students while strengthening the relationships and advocacy experience I gained during my first term. Through this role, I have had the opportunity to advocate for students at the municipal, provincial and federal levels, and I am passionate about ensuring student voices are heard in decisions that directly affect their post-secondary experience.

What do you hope to accomplish?

During my term, I hope to continue advocating for a more affordable and accessible post-secondary experience by pushing for stronger student supports, reducing barriers that impact student success and creating more opportunities for students to engage with their community and government.