Tell us about yourself.

My name is Kikachi “Kiki” Akpakwu. I am a junior here at the University of Oregon majoring in Neuroscience with minors in both Chemistry and Computer Science. I was born in Torrance, California and spent a majority of my life there. I've had the pleasure of being a member of ASUO this past year as an academic senator. In my free time, I enjoy playing volleyball, fostering kittens, and spending time with loved ones.

What are the three key issues that you've noticed on campus that you hope to improve for students as an elected official?

As an elected official, my focus is on addressing key issues raised by members of our campus community. Firstly, I intend to prioritize accessibility during my term, particularly concerning campus parking. I’ll establish a system that makes parking more accessible and work to lower the cost of parking tickets. Secondly, I am committed to fostering inclusivity within ASUO, ensuring that our student government truly represents the diversity of our student body, by enhancing dialogue with student organizations, particularly those representing underrepresented cultural groups. Inviting such members to join ASUO committees ensures their voices are heard in decisions that directly affect them. Lastly, I advocate for establishing an on-campus food pantry accessible to all UO students to address food security, recognizing it as a fundamental right 

Why are you running?

I'm running because of my deep affection for our school and my strong commitment to improving our community. My time here has equipped me with the necessary tools to administer positive change and ensure effective representation, alongside Mariam. I want to foster collaboration between the student body, student government, and administration. Meaningful change requires collective action, and I am excited to use empathy and collaboration as my core principles to navigate my term.