
Nabilah Chowdhury
Faculty/Degree Held
Faculty of Science
Year of Studying/Conferring
III
USU Positions
Member, Sydney University Greens Club - 2024 – present
General Executive, Sydney University United Nations Society - 2024
Member, Sydney University United Nations Society - 2023 – present
Member, Sydney Arts Students Society - 2023 – present
Member, Sydney University Science Society - 2023 – present
USYD Positions
University of Sydney Student Ambassador program - 2024 – present
Taronga Wildlife Conservation Student Representative - 2024 – present
University of Sydney SRC Global Solidarity Officer - 2023 – 2024
Sydney University Fencing Club (via SUSF) - 2018 – present
Hobbies and Interests
I'm a 21-year-old left-wing activist who's been running my mouth about social justice since I was nine. I adore animals (seriously, I could talk your ear off about them), and my perfect day includes a bushwalk with an iced mocha in-hand. I'm always on the hunt for the best matcha spot in town – because I have standards, okay? I fence at USYD, though my terrible hand-eye coordination means I'm not exactly winning medals. I love a good debate (get ready to hear my opinions), and I'm all about making noise, standing up for what's right, and never, ever shutting-up!
Get to know Nabilah
Candidate Policy Statement
Naturally Nabilah
Nabilah is fighting for a greener, fairer, and more inclusive campus for all. Her key policies include expanding $6 meal deals to more USU outlets and launching a USU Swap Shop for students to exchange second-hand clothes, books, and homewares. She backs ethical investments/superannuation, FoodHub expansion, reusable discounts at outlets, fair-pay for USU staff, and free menstrual products. Nabilah supports stronger activist spaces, simpler club processes, and more funding for marginalised groups. She champions student-led sustainability—from composting to e-waste recycling—and is committed to transparency, town halls, and putting real power in student hands.
Ethical & Sustainable Campus
Ethical investments/superannuation
Discounts for reusable cups/containers
FoodHub expansion & zero-waste events
Bike storage, compost bins & e-waste recycling
Cost-of-Living & Student-Support
$6 meal deals at more outlets
Better pay and conditions for USU staff
USU Swap Shop for second-hand goods
Unionism & Activism
Dedicated spaces for activism
Support for student organisers & protest rights
Active USU advocacy on key student issues
Student Life & Clubs
More funding and support for clubs
Reduced red tape for new clubs
Wellbeing & Anti-Racism
Culturally competent mental health services
Inclusive campus spaces for diverse communities
Transparency & Accountability
Monthly updates from the USU Board
Describe the key roles and responsibilities of a USU Board Director.
USU Board Directors ensure the Union remains a truly representative body, protecting students’ interests at all decision-making levels. They uphold transparent governance processes and prioritise student safety, well-being, and inclusion. Directors must amplify marginalised voices and advocate for student concerns inside the organisation. This includes improving the student experience and ensuring access to vital resources, opportunities, and support services. When challenges arise, they must act proactively to address concerns and ensure the USU responds effectively and efficiently. By doing so, they strengthen the USU’s ability to foster a healthy, inclusive, and supportive campus environment where all our members can thrive.
How will you ensure that you can commit the time required to be an effective Board Director?
To ensure I can devote the necessary time as a Director, I will prioritise the role alongside my studies and other responsibilities. By focusing on time management, I will set aside time to attend Board meetings, work with fellow Directors, and engage with students. My leadership experience and passion for student advocacy have equipped me with the organisational skills to manage multiple roles. Using techniques like time-blocking and setting clear goals, I will give the Board the attention it deserves while managing my academic and extracurricular commitments. My commitment to student welfare will keep me fully engaged in this position.
How will you represent the best interests of the student community, while also representing the best interests of the USU?
To represent the best interests of the student community and the USU, a balanced approach is required – prioritising students’ demands while maintaining the Union's long-term sustainability. As a Board Director, I would engage with students through surveys, town hall-style meetings, and consultations to better understand our members’ needs. This feedback would directly inform my decisions and advocacy efforts. I would ensure transparent decision-making and work to align the USU’s goals with students’ interests. By campaigning for policies that benefit students without compromising on integrity, I would balance student needs and sustain the Union's effectiveness, strengthening its role in student-life.
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.
The area where I’d like to see major improvements is the accessibility and affordability of campus food options. Many students are struggling financially, making it difficult to access healthy meals on-campus. Expanding services like FoodHub and offering affordable meal deals at more USU outlets would help reduce the financial burden on students while ensuring access to healthy meals. The USU could enhance the student experience by increasing food options, reducing cost of living stress, and fostering an inclusive campus. This approach would benefit students by addressing the cost of living crisis and align with our mission to prioritise student welfare.
Nominator 1
Kaela Goldsmith
Law, IV
Nominator 2
Madeline Sebesta
Faculty of Arts/Social Sciences, II