Q&A With SSU Student Executive of Advocacy - Christian Evangelista
We believe that every voice matters, including yours. When it comes to speaking up for students and turning feedbacks into actions, Christian Evangelista is leading as a Student Executive of Advocacy to build a stronger and more connected Sheridan community. In this Q&A, learn about how his leadership and educational journey shape him to amplify student voices and how he’s helping students know how to advocate for themselves and for others.
Q: What made you apply for this position?
A: “I’ve always had the passion of becoming a student leader ever since I was younger. In my high school years, I served as a student council mayor, where I was able to make an impact through various initiatives like fundraising, health campaigns, and sports tournaments, among others. This experience taught me how to identify gaps and propose solutions to improve the student experience. I carried that passion with me to Canada, especially here at Sheridan. In my first two years here, I have shared conversations with countless peers about their struggles, whether with accessing academic supports, feeling socially isolated, or dealing with systemic issues like food insecurity. Students have valid concerns, but often don’t know someone to turn to who can lend an ear and take effective action.
I was inspired to apply for the Executive of Advocacy position because I saw a silver lining between those tough conversations and the important work to be done to make student life better for everyone. I want to serve as a bridge for students to share feedback and turn those into action, ensuring that the student voice is amplified and heard inside and outside of Sheridan.”
“I want to serve as a bridge for students to share feedback and turn those into action, ensuring that the student voice is amplified and heard inside and outside of Sheridan.”
- Christian Evangelista
Q:What does advocacy mean to you personally?
A: “In my opinion, advocacy means collective empowerment. It’s not about me being the single ‘voice’ in the room, but instead sharing the opportunity with others and empowering them to be heard. Last August, I ran one of my first initiatives called the ‘Share Your Voice’ pop-up, in which the whole idea behind it was to create an easy and accessible platform for students to speak up on issues that matter to them most. That alone showed me that Sheridan students are advocates for their own experience; they just need the right channel.
My job, as I see it, is to create more of those initiatives, sharing a platform where every student can find their own voice and feel confident using it to advocate for good. At the end of the day, the real win for me is when students feel genuinely empowered, know how to make their voices heard, and we build that strong, unified voice together.”
Q:What program are you in and what is the most memorable lesson you learned in your program?
A: “I’m in the Honours Bachelor of Business Administration program, specializing in Finance. I would say the most memorable lesson that has really stuck with me is the concept of future value. We were taught that small and consistent investments we make today compound over time and grow into something valuable in the future. I apply that lesson to my work here at the SSU.
My upcoming ‘AdvocART on Campus’ event, for example, is an event for students to learn about advocacy and get creative on a canvas. For me, that event is a small investment that will lead to future value: the new conversations we’ll start, the community we’ll build, and the platform that we’re establishing for students to express themselves. That will build momentum, which makes the next advocacy conversation easier, and helps future student leaders build on what we started.”
Q: How has your finance program influenced the way you think about problem-solving and representing students?
A: “My program has definitely had a huge impact on my thinking. It taught me to become an evidence-based thinker, and I bring that to all the work that I do here at the SSU. In finance, you can’t just base everything on feelings and say that something feels like a good investment. You have to have proof, backed with numbers and analysis, to support your case. That’s where the research comes in. I’ll go out and gather data, run surveys, and find real student feedback to present. My program has taught me that when you can back up a problem with data, it becomes an undeniable fact.”
The Student Executive Team (from left to right): Rushaine Phoenix, Christian Evangelista, Hayley DeSantis, Mateo Tavera, & Aditya Sablok
“As Executive of Advocacy, I see it more than just pointing out a problem… It’s about presenting the evidence that makes the problem harder to ignore.”
Q: What’s the best way for students to bring forward their concerns or ideas to you?
A: “Honestly, I wouldn’t say that there is a ‘best’ way, because I would love to hear any concerns or ideas in whichever way students are most comfortable with. As your Executive of Advocacy, I want to be as accessible as possible. You can email me directly at my Sheridan email (christiandave.evangelista@sheridancollege.ca), connect with me during my front-facing hours, or even stop me when you see me on campus… I really wouldn’t mind! I am always moving between different campuses, so if you ever see me, please don’t hesitate to come chat and share what’s on your mind, no matter how big or small they are.”
Q: What’s been the most rewarding part of your Sheridan journey so far?
A: “The most rewarding part so far has been the journey of growing and finding my place here at Sheridan. When I first came here to Canada as an international student, it was a struggle to navigate a different culture, figure out how everything worked, and learn all these unwritten rules. It can feel pretty lonely at first. But the amazing part was realizing that I wasn’t alone. The community here at Sheridan has been incredibly supportive, and I was able to adapt with the help of my professors, classmates, friends, and coworkers. The real turning point for me was getting involved with my program and my on-campus jobs (with Student Leadership and the SSU). That showed me the impact I could have as a student and proved to me that I have a voice that actually matters here at Sheridan. This whole experience is why I’m so passionate about ensuring every student, regardless of their background, feels that same sense of belonging and empowerment, and knows that their voice can make a real difference.”
Q: When students think of the Executive of Advocacy, what should they come to you for specifically?
A: “Students should come to me with their concerns, ideas, and feedback they have about their student experience, especially when they see or face a systemic issue or have any ideas to create positive change. One of the key aspects of my job is to represent you, taking your concerns, like say, transit affordability, food insecurity, or unfair policies, and championing these things, whether within the college or out in the community. I can also help students become their own advocate. If you’re passionate about a certain topic or issue, I can help equip you with the knowledge and materials you need, such as drafting a proposal and finding the right data. Whether you need a voice to speak for you or the tools to speak for yourself, I am your first point of contact for those things at the SSU.”
Q: One year from now, what’s one change you would love to see at Sheridan and the SSU?
A: “One year from now, I would love to see a positive change in terms of transit affordability for all Sheridan students. It’s one of the biggest issues I hear about from our students. When students are already on a tight budget with their rent, tuition, and textbooks, the high cost of transit causes major financial distress. For some, it is a barrier, forcing them to choose whether to come to campus or prioritize other needs. That is why transit affordability is something that we are actively working to solve right now. Not only do we want to help students save some money, but also reduce their stress and make their education more accessible.
We are pushing hard for a tangible solution, whether that ends up being a U-Pass or a major discount program, we will see how it unfolds. By then, I am also excited to see the next batch of student leaders build on the foundation we are laying down and continue this important work.”
Q: What are some of your hobbies and passions outside of Sheridan?
A: “When I’m not in a meeting or studying, you will usually find me in one of three places. First, at the gym, which is my main stress-reliever; it helps me clear my head of all stress and worries and gives me more energy to continue throughout the day. If I’m not in the gym, I’m probably singing, whether that’s at home or at the Karaoke Nights happening on campus. Singing is a huge passion of mine, and it’s just a great, fun creative outlet! Other times, I’m either relaxing with a good book or playing games on stuff I geek out about.”
Christian’s newest addition on his book collection: “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith Deluxe Edition”
Christian’s Fortnite skin is Batman!
Q: How do you balance advocating for students’ needs while also taking care of yourself?
A: “As a finance student, I tend to schedule everything, including my self-care, with the same level of importance as my studies and work. That includes my time for gym, relaxation, and recharge (aka sleep). Being in this role requires a lot of effort and energy, so I am very intentional about keeping my work at work and protecting my personal time. It’s all about making time for self-care and being able to rest when needed. Students deserve a student leader who is sharp, focused and energized, and being disciplined with my schedule is how I ensure that I can be that person for them, day in and day out.”
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Here at SSU, we love learning from the stories and experiences that shape our community. Check out some of our other inspiring voices from our Q&A features, curated with intention and connection:
