Vani Sharma

Vice President Finance Candidate

Meet the Candidate

Vani - a 1st year engineering student - has spent the first year as the Research and Advocacy Coordinator. In this role, Vani created first-year packages to support new students. She researched to improve the university's orientation by analyzing successful strategies from other universities and recommending ways to enhance the program for a more welcoming experience. Outside of this, Vani can be found in libraries doing her assignments or volunteering on the weekend for youth-focused events as OCHEM TA and as a general volunteer.

Platform

Funding That Works for YOU – More Impact, More Transparency, More Access

1. The ESS "Fast-Track" Fund – Get Your Money Faster

  • Problem: Students and clubs wait too long for funding approvals due to a lack of a clear streamed lines process, delaying events and projects groups.

  • Solution: Introduce a Fast-Track Approval Process for requests under $500, with a 48-hour turnaround time.

  • Implementation: Replace the messy Google Form system with a Smart Reimbursement Portal that features auto-verification, priority sorting, and tracking IDs, ensuring faster approvals and no lost requests. Dedicated finance team member assigned for urgent approvals.

2. More Money for Student-Led Engineering Startups & Prototypes

  • Problem: There is no dedicated fund to support student entrepreneurs and prototype development.

  • Solution: Create the ESS Startup & Prototype Fund (SPF), which will help students bring their ideas to life.

  • Implementation:

    • Secure industry sponsorships and alumni donors to fund promising projects.

    • Offer grants of $500–$2000 for prototype development and testing.

    • Provide access to mentorship from alumni engineers & local startups.

3. Engineering Finance Made Simple – No More Confusion

  • Problem: Students don’t apply for funding because they don’t know what they’re eligible for.

  • Solution: A one-click funding tool on the ESS website where students enter their needs and instantly see which funding options apply.

  • Implementation:

    • Develop an interactive funding decision tool with simple dropdowns.

    • Hold monthly info sessions with step-by-step guides.

4. Automatic Club Funding Increases – No More Begging for Money

  • Problem: Engineering clubs must justify their funding every year, even when their membership grows.

  • Solution: Automatic funding increases based on club size and impact metrics.

  • Implementation:

    • Clubs submit a single report each year showing membership growth and event impact.

    • Funding scales automatically – no extra applications are needed.

5. Improve Transparency and Strategic Use of FAMF Funds

  • Actionable Steps:

    • Break Down FAMF Spending: Create an easy-to-understand report or infographic showing where the money goes, so students know how their fees benefit them.

    • Expand Funding Opportunities: Allocate more FAMF funding toward initiatives that directly improve student experience, such as professional development grants, conference funding, or mental health resources.

    • Student Consultation: Conduct surveys or town halls to ensure student input guides how FAMF funds are allocated.