Tell us about yourself.

Hi, my name is Avery McDowell. My pronouns are she/her/hers and I am a second-year Sociology major. I am also pursuing minors in Ethics and possibly Political Science. I was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and lived in Seattle, Washington for a few years but for most of my life, I’ve grown up outside Portland, Oregon.

What are the three key issues that you've noticed on campus that you hope to improve for students as an elected official?
Please list each issue and briefly explain how you hope to improve it.

I will focus on strengthening the community on campus by uplifting the voices of underrepresented and marginalized people, facilitating meaningful dialogue, and promoting collective action and mutual aid to strengthen the connection between students, their programs, and ASUO. The rising cost of living is a pressing issue that affects us all. I will advocate for cost reduction in every area from tuition, food costs, transportation, healthcare, and housing both on and off campus. This will allow the resources promised by the university to be more widely accessible and beneficial to the student body. I also plan to use this position to advocate for equitable and sustainable practices surrounding the treatment of student workers and levels of food waste and general waste within the institution.

Why are you running?

There is meaningful change and nurturing of community needed in the world right now. Joining this group of students running for ASUO is an impactful way to become more involved and advocate for change. I will work closely with student programs to secure their necessary funding, ultimately benefiting all students! Additionally, I plan to incorporate a variety of perspectives into the cultivation of dialogue and change by uplifting student perspectives and needs within our ASUO.