On November 5th, 2026, three officers were sworn into the Executive Board of Western Academic Workers United. We are pleased to announce the uncontested election of Jaycee Gonzalez, Arlo Urbigkit, and Jade McAdam as Head Stewards.
These officers were sworn in at an Executive Board Meeting and shall serve in their position until Spring of 2027, when Western Academic Workers United will hold it’s first Triennial Election. Congratulations to our newly elected Head Stewards!
Head Steward: Jaycee Gonzalez
My name is Jaycee Gonzalez, and I am a sophomore here at Western Washington University majoring in Political Science and Economics. To me, unions represent the idea that workers should not have to stand alone. I believe that workers deserve not only to have a voice in the decisions that affect them and that unions provide an important way to make that possible, because a union should be a mega phone for our voices. However, I also believe that a union is only as strong as the people who participate in it. It takes communication, cooperation, and a willingness to stand up for one another to build a strong and supportive workplace. I want to serve as Head Steward because I believe in the importance of making sure workers feel heard, supported, and informed about their rights. I understand that approaching someone with a workplace concern can be intimidating, especially when someone is unsure of what steps to take or whether their concerns will be taken seriously. I want to help create an environment where members feel comfortable asking questions, raising concerns, and seeking support without feeling like they have to navigate those situations alone. Ultimately, I am running because I want to contribute to a union where solidarity is more than just a word. I want us to continue building a community where workers look out for one another, understand the power they have collectively, and know that their voices matter. I would be grateful for the opportunity to serve as Head Steward and help strengthen WAWU through my commitment to advocacy and education. Knowing your rights is how you help fight for others as well. I believe in being willing to learn, and showing up when people need you, and remaining accountable to the people you represent
Head Steward: Arlo Urbigkit
I signed a membership card in the spring of last year and since then I have been an active member of our union. I started coming to committee meetings immediately before the somewhat impromptu May Day rally was to be held. Though those meetings were hectic and fast paced, our committee members included me in conversation, asked for my opinions, and got me more involved in spite of already being so busy. It is that community-orientation that kept me involved and now I could not be happier to say that my schedule is packed with all things WAWU. As many of those members near graduation it falls to newer organizers, like myself, to carry on that community-first attitude and grow a new generation of organizers. I am running for head steward because I am proud of our organization. Even as a young unit we have made profound and historic wins, all of which I am so honored to be a part of, but I believe that the best has yet to come. We are going to do so many even more amazing things and I would like to be a part of each and every one of them.
Head Steward: Jade McAdam
Hi, my name is Jade McAdam, and I’m running for Head Steward within WAWU!
I’m passionate about WAWU, building a strong sense of community, and making union information accessible to everyone. For nearly three years, I’ve been both a student worker and an active member of WAWU. During that time, I’ve canvassed on campus to inform students about ballot issues, led WAWU orientations for new student employees, and sat in on bargaining sessions. These experiences have helped me better understand the importance of worker solidarity, communication, and collective action.
I joined WAWU because I wanted to find a sense of community and be part of creating meaningful change. Since then, I’ve seen how important it is for student workers to have access to information, feel supported, and know that their voices matter. As Head Steward, I would bring my commitment to these values and work to ensure that student workers feel informed, empowered, and connected to their union.
I’m excited for the opportunity to continue supporting WAWU and advocating for our community.
As of November 5th, 2026, the WAWU Executive Board is composed as follows:
| President | Anika Erickson |
| Vice President | Kaitlyn Minnotte |
| Financial Secretary | Lily Eilebrecht |
| Recording Secretary | Connor Haines |
| Sergeant at Arms | Haley Meerdink |
| Guide | Mclean Bowers |
| Trustee | Jase Kaeberlein |
| Trustee | VACANT |
| Trustee | VACANT |
| Member-at-large (Head Steward) | Quin Marston |
| Member-at-large (Head Steward) | Grace Rodriguez |
| Member-at-large (Head Steward) | Heather Curfman |
| Member-at-large (Head Steward) | Nico F C Pen |
| Member-at-large (Head Steward) | Becca Brock |
| Member-at-large (Head Steward) | Willow Giorgini |
| Member-at-large (Head Steward) | Frances Wankowski |
| Member-at-large (Head Steward) | Aaliyah Rydahl |
| Member-at-large (Head Steward) | Jaycee Gonzalez |
| Member-at-large (Head Steward) | Arlo Urbigkit |
| Member-at-large (Head Steward) | Jade McAdam |
| Member-at-large (Head Steward) | VACANT |
| Member-at-large (Head Steward) | VACANT |