Internal Co-President

Statement: 

I am running for the position of Internal Co-President of the Graduate Student Association  because I believe that effective internal governance is the foundation of meaningful graduate  student representation. The GSA’s strength lies not only in advocacy but in the everyday  structures—meetings, committees, communication systems, and shared spaces—that enable  graduate students to participate, deliberate, and shape collective priorities. I am motivated to  strengthen these internal processes so that the GSA is more transparent, accessible, and  responsive to the diverse needs of graduate students. My qualifications for this role emerge  from both my academic and professional experiences. I have several years of teaching and  mentoring experience across different institutions, including work as a Fulbright instructor and  independent educator. These roles had required of me organizational leadership, collaborative  problem-solving, and sustained engagement with diverse student communities. In addition, my  current graduate research—focused on archives, knowledge production, and institutional  structures—has trained me to critically think about how systems of organization shape  participation and voice. I bring strong skills in communication, coordination, and analytical  thinking, all of which are essential for managing the internal operations of the GSA. 

If elected, I will focus on three key goals. First, I aim to improve transparency and  communication within the GSA by ensuring that meeting agendas, minutes, and decisions are  clearly circulated and accessible, enabling broader participation beyond Assembly members.  Second, I will work to strengthen the functioning of the GSA Assembly and Executive  Committee by fostering more structured, inclusive, and efficient meetings that encourage  substantive discussion while respecting members’ time. Third, I will prioritize the maintenance  and accessibility of shared graduate spaces, including the GSA Lounge, ensuring that they  function as welcoming and well-managed environments for community-building. As I have  served as a staff member of GSA lounge for almost five quarters now, I am well aware of its  importance in graduate students’ lives. 

Additionally, I am committed to supporting the fair and efficient administration of internal  processes such as awards, committee appointments, and internal coordination with other  officers. I view the role of Internal Co-President as one that requires both administrative rigor  and a collaborative ethos, working closely with the External Co-President and other officers to  ensure that internal systems effectively support broader advocacy efforts. At present, I do not  have any conflicts of interest that would interfere with my responsibilities in this role. Should  any arise, I am committed to full transparency and adherence to GSA guidelines. Ultimately, I  see this position as an opportunity to build stronger internal infrastructures that enable graduate  students not only to be represented, but to actively participate in shaping the institutional  environments in which they work and study.