
Nabilah Chowdhury
Faculty/Degree Held
Faculty of Science
Year of Studying/Conferring
IV
USU Positions
Sponsorship Director, Sydney Arts Student Society 2026
Chair/Director, SYDMUN 2024 - 2025
General Executive, Sydney University United Nations Society 2024
Member, Sydney University Greens Club 2024 - 2026
Member, Sydney University United Nations Society 2023 - 2026
Member, Sydney Arts Students Society 2023 - 2026
Member, Sydney University Science Society 2023 - 2026
Member, Sydney University Muslim Society Association 2023 - 2026
USYD Positions
Sponsorships and Socials, Sydney University Fencing Club 2026
Unisport Nationals Fencing Club 2025
University of Sydney Student Ambassador program 2024 - 2026
Taronga Wildlife Conservation Student Representative 2024 - 2026
University of Sydney SRC Global Solidarity Officer 2023 – 2024
Sydney University Fencing Club 2018 - 2026
Hobbies and Interests
Hey everyone!! I’m a 22-year-old left-wing activist and I’m here because I genuinely do care about social justice, building a better life for students and staff, and giving back to a community which has given me so much. I adore animals, and my perfect day is a bushwalk with an iced mocha in hand. I’m constantly searching for Sydney’s best matcha (I have standards, sorry). I also fence at USYD, not winning medals, but definitely bringing vibes. I’m interested in having good debates, helping those that need it, and standing up for what’s right.
Candidate Policy Statement
Climate Justice & Ethical Campus
- Implement BDS and ethical investments for the funds the USU manages (our money)!
- Along with super that’s aligned with social justice!
- A truly climate-conscious USU: composting, e-waste expansion & zero-waste events
- Incentives for reusables across all outlets
- Better bike storage & greener campus infrastructure
Cost of Living & Real Support
- Expand FoodHub with more locations and greater access
- Affordable food options across campus
- Fair pay & conditions for USU staff
- USU Swap Shop for clothes, books & essentials
Clubs & Student Life
- Allow for more support for large faculty societies! The USU should work to pair faculty support with society needs!
- More food and drink outlets open late - students should be able to find a meal on campus in the evenings!
- Increased funding and real support for clubs
- Cut red tape and simplify club processes
Accountability & Anti-Racism
- The USU should make students of colour feel safe on campus, and provide more places for people to practice their religions!
- Culturally competent and accessible mental health services
- Backing student organisers & the right to protest
Get to know Nabilah
Describe the key roles and responsibilities of a USU Board Director.
USU Board Directors are responsible for governing the Union in the best interests of its members, ensuring decisions are transparent, accountable, and student-focused. They oversee finances, strategy, and operations, while holding the organisation to high standards of integrity and good governance. Directors must represent and advocate for the diverse student body, amplifying marginalised voices and addressing key student concerns. They play a critical role in shaping services, improving the student experience, and ensuring access to essential resources and opportunities. When issues arise, Directors must respond proactively and effectively to ensure the USU remains responsive, inclusive, and aligned with students.
How will you ensure that you can commit the time required to be an effective Board Director?
To dedicate the time required as a Board Director, I will prioritise this role alongside my studies and other commitments. I will use strong time-management strategies, including time-blocking and goal-setting, to ensure I attend all Board meetings, collaborate effectively with fellow Directors, and actively engage with students. My experience in leadership and student advocacy has equipped me to balance multiple responsibilities efficiently. Driven by a genuine commitment to student welfare, I will remain fully present and proactive in fulfilling the responsibilities of this role.
How will you represent the best interests of the student community, while also representing the best interests of the USU?
Representing both the student community and the USU requires a balance between advocating for student needs and ensuring the Union’s long-term sustainability. As a Board Director, I would actively engage students through surveys, town halls, and consultations to gather their input and understand their priorities. I would use this feedback to guide decision-making, ensuring transparency and accountability in all Board actions. By championing policies that directly benefit students while upholding the Union’s integrity and operational health, I can deliver solutions that are both practical and impactful, strengthening the USU’s role as a student-focused organisation.
Identify an area of the USU where you would like to see improvement and explain how this will be of benefit to the organisation and/or students.
One area I’d like to see major improvements is the accessibility, affordability, and ethical alignment of campus food options. Expanding FoodHub with more locations and greater reach would provide healthy, affordable meals to students, directly easing financial pressures and supporting wellbeing. Alongside this, ensuring that USU investments and procurement align with social justice values including strong support for BDS and ethical sourcing would make the Union’s operations more accountable and student-driven. Improving food access while embedding ethical principles benefits students by reducing cost-of-living stress, fostering an inclusive campus, and strengthening the USU’s commitment to justice and sustainability.