Meet the new LazSoc co-presidents: Celine Cheung and Alya Najla

By Katherine Plante | Sept. 6, 2023

The Lazaridis Students’ Society (LazSoc) at Wilfrid Laurier University is the governing student association that serves undergraduate students in the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics. With 26 subsidiary clubs, committees, and associations, LazSoc oversees everything from case competitions and industry focused workshops, to networking events and student socials.

The 2023/2024 school year will be welcoming Celine Cheung and Alya Najla, who are both fourth-year BBA students with a concentration in marketing, as co-presidents of LazSoc. This will be Cheung’s third year on the executive team after being an operations director and executive vice president. While this will be Najla’s first official year with LazSoc after serving DECA Laurier as vice-president of marketing and co-president.

What initially drew you to LazSoc and what motivated you to stay involved?

Najla: Having been on the other side of LazSoc from the club’s perspective, I got to work closely with the LazSoc team through various initiatives. The interactions I had with the past teams and the support I received made me motivated to further stay involved. Additionally, the positive impact clubs have on the student body has shown me how rewarding and meaningful it is to be part of a community that constantly gives back.

Why did you decide to run for co-presidents? Was there a specific moment that made you realize you wanted to take on this leadership role?

Cheung: Honestly, ever since I first joined LazSoc I knew at the back of my mind that running for president was something I wanted to accomplish during my time at Laurier. As a first-year director, it seemed like a distant dream, but I continued to work towards this goal and eventually progressed in the right direction. After completing my term as executive vice-president, I fell in love with the organization even more and knew that I was not ready to let LazSoc go. Once I made up my mind, I met with Najla and all the puzzle pieces fell into place. We both were so passionate about the Lazaridis Clubs’ Community and with our diverse experiences, we knew that we would be a great team!

Can you share a memorable experience or initiative from your time with LazSoc?

Najla:  A memorable experience that I’ve had with LazSoc was recently when we ran our first official event of the 2023-2024 year. It was the first time our team had seen our event come to life and it couldn’t have been more of a team bonding experience, seeing everyone come together to help one another. I know that there are many more events to come but this first experience together was one that truly highlighted the strong dynamic of our team.

What specific initiatives or changes do you hope to bring to LazSoc that will positively impact the student community?

Cheung: The biggest change we hope to bring to LazSoc this year is increasing its connections with internal and external resources to enhance the Lazaridis student experience. Internally, this includes the introduction of our brand-new EDI portfolio which showcases that EDI is a priority at LazSoc. From prompting EDI discussions to increasing accessibility at Laurier, our new portfolio aims to pave the way for a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable future for years to come. As for external components, we hope to enhance our external portfolio to continue putting the Lazaridis School on the map by fostering relationships with other business schools across the country and prompting collaborations with various charities. This year holds great significance for LazSoc as it marks a pivotal period where we can set new standards and create a meaningful impact on the Lazaridis community.

Could you tell me more about your presidential platform and what that entailed?

Najla: Our presidential platform is divided into three pillars, all of which are positioned to create a positive environment for the students within the Lazaridis School and beyond. The first of our three pillars, ‘Our Journey’, is aimed at providing the student body with resources related to mental health, EDI, and advocacy, ultimately providing them with the right tools to succeed in university and a space to have their voices heard. Our second pillar, ‘Our Laz’ is dedicated towards enhancing students’ time within the Lazaridis School through our clubs’ community and new opportunity support, all while ensuring that we remain transparent with our operations. Lastly, our third pillar ‘Our Community’, focuses on enhancing partnerships within and beyond Laurier including other universities and organizations to bring upon new and exciting opportunities.

What advice or message would you like to share with aspiring student leaders who may be considering taking on leadership positions within their own clubs/organizations?

Cheung: To any student considering taking on a leadership role, I would say go for it! I know it can be intimidating and out of your comfort zone to do so, but I can assure you that you will not regret it. Looking back at your time at Laurier, you will cherish these moments and the possibilities of any opportunity are endless! Getting involved with your community will not only allow you to grow both personally and professionally, but you never know who you will meet along the way!

How do you envision leaving a lasting impact on LazSoc after your term comes to an end?

Najla: Through our new EDI portfolio and all the wonderful people we’ll be working with throughout our term, I hope that we’ll be able to inspire a new generation of student leaders within Laurier. Our team at LazSoc is here to help you grow through your university journey, so don’t be afraid to reach out and take that leap!