Howdy! I'm Deepanjali (Deepa) Chowdhury (she/her), a second-year graduate worker conducting research in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE), and currently serving as a department steward in CBE and Materials Science & Engineering (MSE). I am running for Recording Secretary on the Build / Activate / Mobilize (BAM)  slate, and I'm excited to bring my passion for meticulous documentation and member advocacy to this critical role.

I got more active in the union when I worked alongside peers in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) to advocate for and file an Appointment Security Grievance this past spring. Together with Andrea Cicirello and Katrina Davis, I played an integral role in this case, collecting crucial evidence and mobilizing fellow graduate workers who had lost their appointments to seek union support. The grievance made me recognize how union representation translates into real protection for graduate workers when the administration overreaches. Since then, I regularly attend General Membership Meetings, continue fulfilling my responsibilities as a steward, and consistently advocate for graduate workers to receive fair treatment based on the protections outlined in our contract. Currently, I serve on the Communications Committee, where I work on both internal communication to our membership and external outreach efforts to build solidarity and awareness of our union's mission.

I am running for CGSU-UE Recording Secretary with BAM because I understand that comprehensive, accurate record-keeping forms the backbone of any successful labor organization. Throughout my involvement with CGSU, I have witnessed firsthand how important documentation has been in our current union processes – from grievance proceedings to contract negotiations – and I recognize that robust record-keeping will be absolutely necessary for our union's continued success and growth. However, my vision for this role is far beyond administrative duties. I believe that maintaining detailed, organized records serves as a protective shield for every member in our bargaining unit. At a time when unions are under increased scrutiny, I will ensure that our union's documentation and records are thorough and consistent. This commitment to accountability protects not only individual members but also strengthens our collective power.

Furthermore, I am determined to use meticulous record-keeping as a tool to defend our membership against Cornell's systematic attempts to weaponize data and exploit graduate students through bureaucratic manipulation. The administration has repeatedly demonstrated their willingness to use incomplete information, selective data presentation, and administrative technicalities to undermine graduate worker rights. As Recording Secretary, I will ensure that CGSU maintains comprehensive documentation that can counter these tactics and provide our membership with the evidence needed to secure fair treatment.