Student Government

Student Government is an entity that was created to provide students the experience and training in the Democratic Form of Government. This Group of Students are charged with the duty of continuously expanding and coordinating a Program of Student Activities, to stimulate interest and support in the development, assessment and execution of educational, social, cultural and recreational Programs, to develop communication amongst Students, Administration and Faculty. In effect, to represent the best interests of the general Student Body .

The Student Government Association (SGA), also known as the QSA (Queensborough Student Association) Executive Board, is composed of the following Voting Members - President, Executive Vice President, Administrative Vice President, Programming Vice President, Vice President for Evening Students, Vice President for Part-time Students and Treasurer.

SGA Constitution (PDF) opens in a new window

The Student Government Elections are happening online April 10-17, 2024.

Position: President Candidates

Name: Long Chang

Commercial for Long Chang: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYTg681qoQs

Platform Statement:

To whom it may concern: My name is Long Chang. I was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan then my entire family moved to the United States. I have many work experiences in the corporate world. I specialized in Property and Hospitality Management. In that field, I operated as Property Manager and my job was to oversee the capital projects on a daily basis. My other job was to supervise the building maintenance staff. Which included the building superintendent, building handyman and porters. I also earned an Administrative Publishing Contract as a Music Producer. I have released three instrumental albums on major music streaming platforms. Prior to that I earned my Audio Sound Engineering degree from the Institute of Audio Research in Manhattan, NY.

 

Name: Sedial Mitchell

Platform Statement:

Salutations. My name is Sedial Mitchell, Criminal Justice major. I am running for Student Government President. I am running because I wish to make a change in the lives of the students. My goal is to help every student through motivation and guidance. If elected President, I will go out of my way to make sure you, as a student succeed. I will hold your hand and guide you all along the way. My motto is no student left behind. I will be your mentor if needed. I also would like to make more resources available for certain students in need. Whatever you need, I will do my best to accommodate you. Allow me to help! I will be your catalyst to your success, to help you go above and beyond. I look forward to working for you!

 

Name: Simridhi Sharma (Tempest)

Platform Statement:

Some of you know me as Simmy around campus. Allow me to introduce myself. My full name is Simridhi Sharma. I am running for SGA President. Currently, I am the President of the Technology and Gaming Club. As SGA President, I hope to make campus life easier for all students. More hours for 8 ball pool, and more accessible times for the gym. I want to hopefully bring back a program for students to be able to borrow/get a laptop. I wish to make QCC more accessible for students, as well as bring more events and community events campus wide. I even have an idea to bring narcan kits/drug testing kits to be available free of charge to students! Of course, if you see me around, tell me changes you would like to see around campus, and I will make sure your voice is heard when I am elected! Thank you.

 

Name: Isabel Torres (Forward Together)

Commerical for Isabel Torres: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tNyaSIhAGc

Platform Statement:

I'm Isabel Torres, a freshman student-athlete, pursuing Business Administration. I’m from Ozone Park, Queens, with family roots in Puerto Rico. My journey to QCC is very interesting. Despite initial doubts about college, I moved from a career in Unionized Plumbing, to pursue a higher education. I have a unique background in leadership, as well as involvement with different community organizations.

While I do have many ideas that affect different aspects of student life, I am passionate about implementing more career development strategies for all students. I often hear from my peers “I’m not sure what I want to do as a career” or “I’m only in college because my parents wanted me to go.” I want to start an externship program to allow students to truly see if they’re interested in the careers/ degrees they’re currently pursuing.

During an externship, you'll shadow an experienced professional to learn more about their job. Externships also increase job prospects, help you build professional networks, can enhance your resume, and help you gain valuable career skills.

As President, I'd use all resources to bring these programs to life. I'm eager to apply my past experiences, ideas, and connections to this position. Thank you

 

Executive Vice President Candidates:

Name: Gelina Gondre

Commercial for Gelina Gondre: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvAZbP99xZI

Platform Statement:

I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for the position of Vice President. With a passion for leadership and a commitment to serving our campus, I am eager to contribute to the continued growth and success of our student body. I have been actively involved in the CSTEP Club/Program, becoming Club President for the spring semester! I am continuously gaining valuable experience in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. These experiences have shaped me into a proactive and empathetic leader, ready to advocate for the needs and concerns of my fellow students. If elected, I will strive to foster a campus environment that prioritizes inclusivity, diversity, and student well-being. I am dedicated to amplifying the voices of my peers and ensuring that their concerns are heard at every level of decision-making. With integrity, compassion, and determination, I am ready to serve as your Vice President and work tirelessly to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our fellow students. Together, let's build a stronger, more vibrant QCC community. Thank you for considering me for this important role.

 

Name: Isabelle Quiles (Tempest)

Platform Statement:

My name is Isabelle and I am currently a Psychology major at QCC. I am Dominican and Puerto Rican and am a first-generation college student. I'm a major coffee lover and an avid researcher. If elected as Executive Vice President, I pledge to serve with integrity and dedication, aiming to expand our already lively and inclusive campus further so that every student can thrive academically, socially, and personally. I aspire to be a voice for our community, representing students similar to me who used to doubt themselves, and demonstrating that we can accomplish great things. Having served as a VP for Key Club in high school, I have the experience of working closely with student government in a leadership role. I initially wanted to join student government, but opted to step back to gain a deeper understanding of our school's operations and the community at QCC. I opted for this path because I strongly believe a capable representative of student government needs to be able to understand the people in order to advocate for them. Thus, I aim to ensure every student's voice is heard and valued, fostering a culture of respect and belonging where every student feels seen and heard.

 

Name: Mordechai Collins (Forward Together)

Platform Statement:

Hello, my name is Mordechai Collins and I'm running for Executive VP. You might have seen me around campus before. Maybe it was one of the times I was hanging out with my friends in the SU, playing the guitar in the music room, studying in the library, or working out in the RFK gym. I love QCC. My favorite thing about us is our community. I've met amazing people and continue to do so every single day. Diversity on campus is one of our greatest strengths. We have so many people, with so many different stories. Everyone has ideas on how to make the school better. The reason I am running is because I also want to make the school better. QCC has become my home away from home, and I want everyone to enjoy it as much as I do. I want to bridge the gap between students and the administration. I've heard great ideas from a lot of you: my musical friends, telling me about the perpetually out-of-tune piano in the SU; my gym friends, who wish there were more recreational athletics and better equipment to use; you all have great ideas. I care. The next time you see me, let me know how you feel. I can promise that if you vote for me, I'll give it my all.

 

Name: Nazmul Arefin (Your Voice)

Platform Statement:

Hello, I'm Nazmul Arefin and I am excited to announce my candidacy for Student Government.

I am running for Student Government because I am committed to making a difference and giving a voice to all students. I believe that every student's opinion matters and deserves to be heard. If elected, I will work tirelessly to ensure that every student feels represented and valued in our campus community.

If you choose to elect me, I will focus on several key initiatives to enhance student life on campus. In conclusion, I am dedicated to serving as a voice for all students and working collaboratively to create a more inclusive and supportive campus community. I am passionate about making a difference and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive during their time at our university. Together, we can create a brighter future for all students. Thank you for your consideration, and I humbly ask for your vote.

 

Treasurer Candidates:

Name: Chiu Fu "Charles" Chen (Forward Together)

Commercial for Chiu Fu "Charles" Chen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2PpM6CjUY8

Platform Statement:

Hi! I'm Charles Chen, majoring in Forensic Accounting, a new immigrant from an island country that has a harsh political situation. Under the nature of my homeland, my strong resentment towards illegal financial activities was deeply ingrained. This is also why I am determined to dedicate myself to a career in financial crime investigation. I'm looking forward to getting forensic accounting postions in organizations, such as, the FBI or CIA. Upon this premise, you can confidently entrust the treasurer position to me.

Moreover, my credentials include being a NASM-Certified Trainer, coupled with over six years of experience as a competitive athlete. I strongly believe that QCC's college journey should be beyond mere academic routine and coming to class every day. As such, I am committing to cooperate with our cohesive slate "Forward Together", to organize on-campus events, enriching students' experiences and creating memories for you and the rest of our QCC Community.

 

Name: Natalie Singh (Student Empowerment Coalition)

Platform Statement:

Hello my fellow student! I'm Natalie Singh running for Teasurer under the Student Empowerment Coalition. With a background in managing funds at my church in Guyana, I pledge transparency and trustworthiness in handling our budget. Your contributions will be accounted for through clear reports, ensuring your voice is heard and respected. From addressing requests like Halal food options to enhancing our student union with amenities like a new pools table, I'll utilize my budgeting skills to fulfill your needs. Let's bring Caribbean vibrancy to our student government and empower each other for a brighter, inclusive future. I'm committed to amplifying student voices and improving our campus experience at Queensborough Community College. Join me in this journey of positive change by voting for Natalie Singh as your Treasurer.

 

Administrative Vice President Candidates:

Name: Diego Robledo (Tempest)

Platform Statement:

Hello, my name is Diego Robledo. I am in my 2nd year at QCC and I, as well as, my fellow Slate members aim to bring together the community of our students even further. Our campus has a robust and diverse body of different majors and interests, which some may not know about. Our Slate, Tempest, will ensure that no stone goes unturned and all feel their voices are heard. Whether it be though club and academic fairs, events to bring together cultures, or general improvements to student life in all parts of Queensborough, we will make sure to make changes and improvements that will last for years to come. I also personally intend to work with closely with students not a part of the SGA, because I feel that having an ear to the ground to learn what people want and what they feel is an important part of making sure our community's best interest are met.

 

Name: Jada Thomas

Platform Statement:

I am Jada, a returning student to QCC, who wishes to serve my fellow students as best as I can. Becoming your Administrative VP would involve me listening to the needs and wants that you have brought to my attention and tackling each agenda in a timely and effective manner. As a student who has had many obstacles to face during her college experience, I would like to set an example for my fellow classmates that giving up shouldn't be an option, when there are resources to help you and guide you along the way. I have had the liberty of meeting some students around campus and everyone has their own journey, and I would love to a part of that journey in any kind of way needed.

 

Name: Jaskaran Singh (Your Voice)

Commercial for Jaskaran Singh: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvpFYlO4x4A

Platform Statement:

My name is Jaskaran Singh, and I am running for SGA Administrative Vice President because I want to ensure that every student feels represented. I am currently serving as the Programming Vice President for Student Government. I plan to focus on enhancing campus resources, promoting inclusivity, and strengthening our academic support systems. I want to bridge the gap between students and the college administration, ensuring that our voices are not just heard, but acted upon.

I would focus on implementing initiatives that promote resources to help students prioritize their tasks and maintain a healthy life balance. Collaboration with campus organizations and administration would be key to creating a supportive environment.

I have the unique perspective of understanding the day-to-day challenges we all face. I am here to listen, to represent, and to act. With your support, we can work together to make our college not just a place we attend, but a place we are proud to call our own. I ask for your vote, not just for myself, but for the brighter future we can build together. Thank you for considering me as your representative in the Student Government.

 

Programming Vice President Candidates:

Name: Hajirah Begum (Tempest)

Platform Statement:

Hi, I'm Hajirah; a motivational psychology major, a type 1 diabetic, and a true advocate for students' success. As a fellow student at Queensborough Community College. I know the hardships that come with balancing our personal and academic lives. After a summer of hospitalizations and coping with my father's death, college felt immensely isolating. Gaining a sense of belonging at QCC has helped me in many ways and I am forever grateful for everyone I have gotten to know. We all have different experiences in life, but we all need support. Whether that's emotionally, financially, academically, or in other ways, I'm committed to the cause. Ensuring students' success at QCC is my top priority. As Programming Vice President, I will work with the Executive Board to propose ways to help students find a sense of belonging. From personal experience to getting to know my peers, I can say that it's easy to feel alone and not get help. College life and careers are difficult to navigate, but I will aid in creating a better college experience for us all. We're all navigating our way and that's okay. We will make it if we keep going together. So, let's keep going, my friends.

 

Name: Iman Zahid

Platform Statement:

Hi, Iman Zahid here. I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for the position of Programming Vice President in our Student Government. My diverse journey through language, literacy, and arts has instilled in me a passion for inclusivity and community engagement. Having experienced various cultural landscapes, from Pakistan to the United Arab Emirates (Dubai), I value effective communication and cultural exchange in building cohesive communities. My leadership, resilience, and adaptability make me well-suited for this role.

If elected, I'll focus on enhancing student engagement by organizing a variety of events that cater to our diverse student body. I'll also support artistic expression by providing platforms for showcasing talents in visual arts, performing arts, and literature. Moreover, I'll ensure all voices are heard by facilitating open discussions and feedback mechanisms. My goal as Programming Vice President is to create a dynamic and inclusive campus environment where every student feels valued and empowered to thrive.

I'm excited about the opportunity to serve you and our campus community. Remember, your voice matters, and together, we can make a difference.

 

Name: Samaya Ishmael (Student Empowerment Coalition)

Commercial for Samaya Ishmael: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btSaEK8O-QU

Platform Statement:

Hello, my name is Samaya, and I am running for the position of Programming Vice President. As a potential candidate, I am dedicated to bringing fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and an inclusive approach to leading our programming community. As Vice President of Programming, I aim to create a dynamic and thriving environment where every student can excel in programming. In addition, I am devoted to fostering an all-encompassing programming community that ensures every student feels accepted and encouraged. This entails advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, such as mentoring initiatives and affinity groups, aimed at underrepresented communities. By working together, we can construct a welcoming community where diversity is celebrated, and every voice is respected. To sum up, should I be entrusted with the position of Programming Vice President, I will devote myself entirely to improving our programming community and enabling each student to achieve their utmost potential. Thank you for your consideration.

 

Name: MD Mahbubur Rahman (Your Voice)

Platform Statement:

Dear Fellow Students, my name is Mahbubur Rahman, and this is my second semester at QCC. It's an honor for me to let you know, that I'm running for Student Government because I believe in the power of student voices to drive positive change. If elected, my focus will be on three key areas: inclusivity, mental health, and communication. I'm committed to ensuring that every student feels welcome and represented on campus. That means organizing more inclusive events, amplifying diverse voices, and advocating for policies that promote equity and diversity. Together, we can create a campus where every student feels supported, valued, and empowered to succeed. I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work, but I need your support to make it happen.

 

Vice President for Evening Students Candidates

Name: Jake Jacobo (Tempest)

Platform Statement:

Deep down in my heart, I know that if you are reading this, you are a person who cares about our beautiful campus and believes in the future of QCC. For those same reasons and many more, I decided to restart my career at QCC, to finish my degree. I'm sure we have a lot in common, as I know how it feels to have obstacles in college; especially being a part-time evening student. I understand the challenges faced by students who may be trailblazers in their family, born to immigrant parents, have a long commute, or struggle to balance school with work and other responsibilities. As a candidate for SGA Vice President for Evening Students, my goal is to elevate union by bringing awareness to more commonalities that we share and inspire solutions to that can help the evening students thrive better on campus. As your representative, my duty is to echo your voice. It would be my honor to meet you and hear your stories, your concerns, and your suggestions. If voted into office, I will be the face and voice for QCC evening students at SGA, but as a student here, you represent the heart and soul of our campus, and my promise to you is that I will do my best to honor and represent that while in office.

 

Name: Manahil Zahid

Platform Statement:

My name is Manahil Zahid, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for the position of Vice President for Evening Students in the Student Government elections. I reach out to you with a vision of empowerment, inclusivity, and opportunity.

My goal is to serve as a representative voice for all students, ensuring that every individual feels heard and valued. My foremost commitment is to ensure that every student is provided with opportunities that nurture growth and development during their time at QCC. I'm committed to creating opportunities for self-improvement and fostering an inclusive environment. As your representative, I'll establish open communication channels, letting your voices shape our campus.

Your concerns and suggestions will be my guiding force as I advocate for policies that enhance the overall academic experience for our student community. With your support, I aim to create a vibrant, inclusive space where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to pursue their unique journey.

Thank you for considering me as your candidate, and I look forward to serving you as a dedicated advocate in the Student Government.

 

Name: Sabreen Qaisar (Your Voice)

Commercial for Sabreen Qaisar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6eX8LQOUJk

Platform Statement:

Greetings! My name is Sabreen Qaisar. I am excited to announce my candidacy position of Vice President for Evening Students. As a sophomore majoring in Psychology, I am committed to foster a sense of belonging and connection among evening students. Having experienced evening classes myself, I understand the challenges that come with it, college feels dry. Whereas college life should be productive and fun. It is disheartening to see limited access to essential activities and resources necessary for student growth. Such as library, career advising, counseling, cafe, and pantry, so these students have to struggle more. I will try to my best to bring engagement on campus, resource, and mentorship events that evening students need to thrive academically, personally, and professionally. It is also important that our evening student population is represented at events, clubs, and their difficulties should be resolved. I will prioritize transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in all my actions. I am very passionate to empower evening students to reach their full potential. Thank you for considering me your candidate as Vice President for Evening Students. Let's work together to make our voices heard and our aspirations realized.

 

Name: Zunaid Jaffri (Forward Together)

Platform Statement:

Hello, I'm Zunaid Jaffri, a first-year student, with dreams of becoming an engineer. Being an evening student, I've observed a lack of opportunities for campus participation outside hours. Serving as the Vice President for Evening Students and a proud member of the team "Forward Together" I aim to boost engagement during evening hours by advocating for scheduling and organizing events to foster student unity.

I've faced feelings of isolation in the past before joining QCC, understanding firsthand how challenging it can be to find your place in a community. This issue is exacerbated when students rush home after classes. Through our efforts, we plan to tackle these issues head-on facilitating connections and creating lasting memories for students at QCC.

Acknowledging students' various responsibilities, including work and family commitments, along side studies, we intend to establish spaces where students can gather irrespective of time constraints. Our goal is to cultivate an environment that supports all students nurturing a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

Let's work together towards building a vibrant community at QCC.

 

Vice President for Part-Time Students Candidates

Name: Asma Alauddin Juthy

Platform Statement:

As a candidate for Vice President for Part-Time Students at Queensborough Community College, my goal is to advocate for the needs and aspirations of our part-time student community. Through initiatives aimed at increasing benefits and offering diverse opportunities, I aim to empower part-time students to excel academically, professionally, and personally. By fostering collaboration, advocacy, and innovation, I hope to create a more inclusive and supportive environment that values the contributions of all students, regardless of their enrollment status. I am dedicated to advocating for the needs of part-time students at Queensborough Community College. I believe we can create a more supportive and empowering environment for all students. Let us work together towards a future where every part-time student has the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive academically, professionally, and personally.

 

Name: Joselyn Ojeda (Your Voice)

Platform Statement:

Our lives begin to come to an end, the day we stop talking about the things that matter. Empowering part-time students to thrive and never give up, even in difficult times; that is my mission as future Vice President for Part-Time Students. I understand the unique challenges we face from work, family, academic or financial. Together we can make a big difference, amplify our voices, advocate for flexible schedules, and ensure that all students are supported and heard when they feel disoriented or don't know what to do. Forming a group that has the same situations could help so that you don't feel like you are the only one and that you have more power than ever. Plant your seed and let the tree of hope grow, leading you to fulfill your dreams and overcome your fears.

I know that part-time students have difficult times because I was there before, I was worried about what major to choose or having the fear to fail in my classes of English language. I will do my best to improve your student life and make sure your strive to achieve your goals.

 

Name: Kiara Jimenez Diaz (Forward Together)

Platform Statement:

Hello! I'm Kiara Jimenez Diaz, a freshman with dreams of becoming a Mechanical Engineer. My academic journey has been filled with joyful moments and pivotal experiences, shaping me into an individual and a leader. However, as a full-time student juggling studies and work, I understand the unique challenges part-time students face. Balancing academic commitment alongside work responsibilities can often impede active involvement in campus life. I believe that in situations like this, a lot of fear, disappointment, and even loneliness can be experienced because you feel that participating in activities or clubs is something unattainable. Every student deserves the opportunity to engage fully in campus life, regardless of their schedule. As Vice President for Part-Time Students, my goal is to serve as a voice for those who often go unheard. By advocating for flexible participation options, and promoting a culture of understanding, we can empower part-time students to contribute fully to our campus community. Let's break down barriers, amplify diverse voices, and cultivate an environment where every student can thrive in all aspects of college. Let's move Forward Together!

 

Name: Merisalyn Ema Roberts (Tempest)

Platform Statement:

Hello! I am Merisalyn Ema Roberts and I want to run for the position of Student Government Association Vice President for Part-Time Students to help create a positive environment at Queensborough Community College. If I am elected I will organize social events that will promote fun and delicious food. I think we can all agree that these are two things that everybody in the student body would appreciate. I want to promote greater student participation in exciting activities at Queensborough. I would also like to some how incorporate play doh, coloring, and puppies into more events. I think that these are also some universally adored activities that there can never be enough of. I know that I love these things so I really hope that everyone would appreciate me bringing a pro play doh perspective into the Queensborough Student Government. Also, the play doh would never be dry so you won't need to worry about that. I would also create opportunities to spread mental health awareness. Events that educate people about the resources available at Queensborough that can help improve mental health or help to relieve some of the stress and boredom that a lot of people may be dealing with is my top priority.

 

SGA Position	Name	Staff Email
President	Davia Willis	dwillis@qcc.cuny.edu
Executive Vice President	Benjamin Wade	benjamin.wade@qcc.cuny.edu
Administrative Vice President	Abdul Wahab	abdul.wahab@qcc.cuny.edu
Programing Vice President	vacant
Treasurer	Renaediaz Miller	renaediaz.miller@qcc.cuny.edu
Vice President for Part-Time Students	vacant
Vice President for Evening Students	Bouhiza Soraya	bouhiza.soraya@qcc.cuny.edu
SGA Secretary	vacant
SGA Parliamentarian	Jaskaran Singh	jsingh@qcc.cuny.edu
President Pro-Tempore	vacant