On February 19th, 2026, four officers will be sworn into the Executive Board of Western Academic Workers United. We are pleased to announce the uncontested election of Heather Curfman, a Class Facilitator with Associated Students; Lily Eilebrecht, a tutor in the Math Department; Niko F C Pen, a tutor in the Hacherl Research and Writing Studio, and Taylor Carnell, the Vice President of Student Services within Associated Students.
All four officers were uncontested, and their swearing in will take place at the November Monthly Membership Meeting. Heather was elected to the position of Head Steward, serving until the Union’s first Triennial Election, taking place in May of 2027. Lily was elected to a Trustee position, serving until the Union’s first Triennial Election, taking place in May of 2027. Nico was elected to a Head Steward (Member-At-Large) position, serving until the Union’s first Triennial Election, taking place in May of 2027. Taylor was elected to a Trustee position, serving until the Union’s first Triennial Election, taking place in May of 2027.
Head Steward: HEather CURFMAN (they/she/any)
My name is Heather Curfman and I am running for the collective bargaining committee team. I am an Econ/PoliSci major and I am returning to school in my 30s specifically to pursue law school for public policy/labor/basic needs. I have two jobs on campus (OSE and ESE) and can bear first-hand testimony to the positive impact collective bargain has. My work so far on campus as an AS Senator and Basic Needs Hub employee has been centered on advocating for student needs, rights, and interests.
I have union experience working with WFSE in my previous role at WCC, where I was an informal union steward and assisted with lobbying and recruitment efforts. I was learning how to participate in contract negotiations when I was laid off last summer during the big state layoffs. It feels like a natural next step to pick back up here at WWU and step up to the bargaining table. I have over a decade of professional career experience before coming back to school, and I also have blue-collar roots. My perspective as a first-generation, low-income student, with a cardiac disability is valuable. I bring practical skills in negotiation, budget analysis, and navigating complex organizational systems. I am passionate about ensuring that all student employees have strong representation at the bargaining table.
I sincerely want to leave Western better than I found it, and I believe collective bargaining is one of the most powerful tools we have to improve conditions for current and future student employees. I am ready to MAKE WAVES for student workers. Thank you!
TRUSTEe: Lily EILEBRECHT (She/They)
I’m Lily Eilebrecht, and I’m running for WAWU Trustee. I’m running for this position because I care a lot about workers’ rights, the labor movement at large, and specifically accountability and democratic intent. As Trustee, I would ensure our finances are managed correctly, democratic intent is respected, and our union stays safe from legal trouble.
Head Steward: Nico F C Pen
Candidate declined to provide a statement
TRUSTEE: TAYLOR CARNELL
I’ve been a WAWU member for nearly 2 years as an OSE and ESE, I was a member of the Bargaining Committee in 2025, and I have spent quite some time out on the picket line and organizing in my workplaces. I was Secretary for the Guild of Pacific Northwest Employees (Representing City of Bellingham Parks and Public Works Employees) and I had the pleasure of attending the Washington State Labor Council Convention in 2025 with WAWU. I would be thrilled to use that experience to ensure the financial stability and transparency of WAWU in the long-term.
As of February 19th, 2026, the WAWU Executive Board is composed as follows:
| President | Willow Heidt |
| Vice President | Olive Dillemuth |
| Financial Secretary | Gwyn Teel |
| Recording Secretary | Anika Erickson |
| Sergeant at Arms | Connor Haines |
| Guide | McLean Bowers |
| Trustee | Eddie Church |
| Trustee | Lily Eilebrecht |
| Trustee | Taylor Carnell |
| OSE Lead | Kaitlyn Minnotte |
| OSE Lead | Grace Rodriguez |
| Member-at-large (Head Steward) | James Booth |
| Member-at-large (Head Steward) | Cassi Kiger |
| Member-at-large (Head Steward) | Quin Marston |
| Member-at-large (Head Steward) | Heather Curfman |
| Member-at-large (Head Steward) | Nico F. C. Pen |
| Member-at-large (Head Steward) | VACANT |
| Member-at-large (Head Steward) | VACANT |
| Member-at-large (Head Steward) | VACANT |
| Member-at-large (Head Steward) | VACANT |
| Member-at-large (Head Steward) | VACANT |
| Member-at-large (Head Steward) | VACANT |