VOTE 15 - 22 August 2024

Karmen Naidoo ​for senate

Together:

Transparent,

United,

Authentic

About Me

Colleagues, our strength is in our unity. Columbia University thrives because of your dedication and hard ​work. Together, we can shape a future that truly reflects our shared values.


I’m Karmen Naidoo, Manager of the Construction Engineering Audit Department in CUFO Finance & ​Administration and I’m running for the Columbia University Senate to be a voice for all of us. Growing up in ​a small rural village in South Africa during apartheid, where basic amenities like running water and ​electricity were luxuries, I witnessed the struggles of inequality firsthand. Watching my parents stand in ​line for hours to vote in the first democratic election, I learned early on the power of standing up for what’s ​right.


As an immigrant to this country, I’ve seen how fairness, hard work, and determination are crucial to ​success. These experiences have shaped my unwavering commitment to justice and equity.

At Columbia, I’ve served on the DEI committee and have been active in my local community, volunteering ​at Brooklyn Public Libraries. I’m committed to ensuring every voice is heard and every person is valued.


This campaign isn’t about me—it’s about all of us. Together, we can create a Columbia where everyone feels ​supported and respected.

Let’s build that future together. When we unite, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish.


Accomplishments

  • Completed Columbia Emerging Leaders ​Program


  • Honored with the Women Builders Council ​2022 Next Generation of Women Builders ​Award


  • Spearheaded the Construction Safety ​Reporting initiative


  • Contributed to grassroots outreach for ​tutoring underprivileged youth in South Africa


  • Raised $10K for an underserved primary ​school in South Africa and was honored at the ​Facebook Social Impact Forum

My Vision: The Issues That Matter Most

At Columbia, we share a mission: to educate, create knowledge, and invest in our community. To succeed, we need ​a community that is strong, fair, and inclusive. Here’s what I’m committed to:


  • Equality for All: Everyone deserves dignity and respect. I’m dedicated to promoting fairness and inclusivity, ​ensuring that all members of our community feel valued . Equality is a basic right.


  • Support for Families and Individuals with Disabilities: Balancing work and life is tough. As a new parent, I ​get it. I’ll push for better flexible work options, better parental leave, better support resources and support for ​those with disabilities. Everyone deserves to thrive without sacrificing well-being, regardless of circumstance.


  • Diversity and Inclusion: Our diversity is our greatest strength. I’m committed to fostering an inclusive ​environment where everyone feels they belong.


  • Equal and Transparent Pay: Fair pay is a cornerstone of our shared values. I’ll work to ensure transparency ​and fairness in compensation, recognizing and rewarding everyone’s contributions. Additionally, I will advocate ​for mentorship programs that are accessible to all, providing opportunities for growth and professional ​development across the university.


Accountability and Value: Every contribution to Columbia matters. I’ll work to ensure that all staff are valued and ​recognized for their efforts, with a focus on collaboration and respect.

My Values: Guiding Principles for a ​Better Columbia


  • Ubuntu: "I Am Because We Are": We are all connected, and our ​success is shared. I’m committed to fostering collaboration.


  • Transparency: Clear, honest communication builds trust. I’ll ​push for greater transparency in university policies and ensure ​clarity in the decision-making process so that everyone ​understands how and why decisions are made.


  • Advocacy: I will stand up for fairness and respect for ​everyone, ensuring that all concerns are addressed ​constructively.


  • Authenticity: I believe in leading with integrity and staying ​true to our values. I will bring my full, authentic self to every ​decision.


My Commitment: I’m here to serve and earn your trust. Together, ​we can build a future that reflects our best selves.

Get Involved

I’m not just running for Senate—I’m running to be ​your advocate. This campaign is about collaboration ​and working together to create a better Columbia. ​Your voice matters, and I want to earn your vote ​and build trust by listening to your concerns and ​ideas.


Open Door Policy:

I’m always available to chat and answer your ​questions. Feel free to visit me at B 230 on the ​Morningside campus anytime or contact me by ​email, text/call


Spread the Word: Talk to your colleagues about ​the campaign. Share why you believe in our vision ​for a collaborative and inclusive Columbia.

vote

Voting Details:

  • Voting: 15-22 August 15, 2024, at 5 PM
  • Results Announced: Friday, August 23, 2024
  • How to Vote: You will receive a unique individual ​voting link via email from

ElectionBuddy Elections ​<invitations@mail.electionbuddy.com>


If you have election questions, feedback please email ​University Senate at senate@columbia.edu.


Who is Eligible to Vote in This Election?

  • Constituency: All full-time and regular part-time ​Morningside-Lamont (including Manhattanville) ​administrative employees in grades 7 to 16


Source: Morningside-Lamont Administrative Staff Election

Let’s Chat

I’m here to listen, answer questions, and discuss how we can work ​together to create a better Columbia. Feel free to reach out to me ​anytime.


Contact Information:

Location: B 230, Morningside East Campus

Email: kn2506@columbia.edu

Text/Call : 646-770-5913


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“Change will not come if we wait for some other person ​or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting ​for. We are the change that we seek.” - Barack Obama