2026/2027 Executive Council Election Candidates

I am running for President of the Graduate Student Association because I believe graduate students deserve strong, thoughtful, and consistent representation. Graduate students contribute enormously to the intellectual life of the University of Alabama. We teach, conduct research, mentor undergraduates, publish scholarship, and help shape the academic environment of this institution. At the same time, we often navigate significant challenges, including financial pressures, professional uncertainty, and the need for stronger institutional support. I am running to help ensure that graduate students’ voices are heard and that their concerns are meaningfully represented.

My leadership philosophy is grounded in three principles: advocacy, collaboration, and inclusion. Effective leadership is not about speaking for others but about creating spaces where people feel heard, valued, and empowered to participate in shaping their community. Leadership should be transparent, responsive, and attentive to the diverse experiences that make up our graduate student body. My experience in the Graduate Student Association has prepared me for this role. As vice president of Community Engagement and Opportunity Connections and Success, I have worked to strengthen connections between graduate students, the university, and the Tuscaloosa community. In this role, I have helped organize community service initiatives, outreach programs, and collaborative events that bring graduate students together across departments. These experiences have shown me how important it is for graduate students to have spaces where they can connect, share resources, and support one another.

If elected President, I hope to continue building a Graduate Student Association that actively advocates for graduate students while fostering a stronger sense of community across campus. I will prioritize strengthening communication between graduate students and university leadership to ensure clear representation of concerns affecting graduate life. I also want to support initiatives that expand professional development opportunities, including workshops, mentorship programs, and networking events that prepare graduate students for diverse career paths both within and beyond academia. Equally important to me is building a graduate student community where students feel supported not only academically but also personally. Graduate school can sometimes feel isolating, and I want the GSA to serve as a space where graduate students feel connected, supported, and represented regardless of their department, background, or stage in their program.

My goal as President would be to continue strengthening the GSA as an organization that advocates effectively, fosters collaboration, and works to ensure that every graduate student feels that they belong and that their voice matters.

I am deeply committed to advancing the academic, professional, and personal well-being of graduate students through collaborative, inclusive, and service-oriented leadership. My experiences across leadership, advocacy, mentorship, and community engagement have prepared me to serve effectively and to lead GSA in a way that reflects the diverse voices and needs of graduate student body.

My leadership journey has given me a strong foundation in communication, advocacy and teamwork. As the president of the College of Education Graduate Students Organization and with the support of other executive members, I have helped to strengthen organizational operations, foster students’ engagement, expand interdisciplinary collaboration, and advocate for graduate student needs. Through my leadership advocacy as the president, the College of Education established a food pantry which provides basic food supply to an average of 25 students every month. Also, we facilitated about 61% increase (from $3,500 to about $5,700) in the summer research stipend usually provided by the College. As a way of supporting graduate students’ professional development, my administration has supported and funded about 40 students to various conferences within the United States and Abroad. In addition, due to my love for service and support for humanity, I am serving and have served as an International Peer Advisory Council Leader, Tide Together mentor, and Graduate School ambassador respectfully. As a result of my commitment to service and the well-being of students, I have been opportune to Chair multiple academic and cultural initiatives, which has allowed me to support students from varied backgrounds and stages of graduate study.

My leadership philosophy is rooted in teamwork, shared responsibility, and collective success. I believe leadership is not about individual authority but about building a strong team where members support one another. Where members collectively bear burdens together as one and ensuring that no one is left behind for the furtherance of the group. This philosophy emphasizes empathy, accountability, and mutual respect. These are essential values needed in a thriving graduate community and equally important for moving the association further to achieve more success.

As a GSA President, I plan to focus on three key priorities. First, I will strengthen advocacy efforts by actively listening to graduate students and ensuring that the concerns of all groups, are clearly communicated to the University leadership. Second, through my leadership experience, I will promote interdisciplinary collaboration across fields and expertise among the graduate students in the university, through opportunities that discuss interconnected issues across disciplines. Third, I will enhance collaboration by working closely with departmental organizations, campus partners, and community leaders to create professional development, wellness, and networking opportunities that benefit all graduate students.

I am committed to leading with integrity, transparency, and compassion. I am running for this position because I believe in the power of collective leadership and because I am dedicated to ensuring that every graduate student feels supported, heard, and empowered to succeed.

My decision to run for the position of the Executive Vice President of the Graduate Student Association (GSA) at the University of Alabama, stems from a deep commitment to leadership through service and a belief that graduate students must play an active role in shaping the academic and social environment in which they study, research, and teach. As the philosopher Plato once suggested, societies flourish when those who lead do so because they are guided by wisdom, justice, and a commitment to the common good. In this light, my candidacy is grounded in this tradition of principled leadership.

My academic journey has consistently been driven by the pursuit of constructive engagement and collective progress. As a PhD student in Political Science majoring in international relations, with a focus on conflict resolution, and governance, I spend much of my scholarly life examining how institutions succeed or fail in representing the people they serve. These intellectual commitments are closely aligned with my professional experiences in peacebuilding and community engagement. Before beginning my PhD studies, I worked as a research assistant at the Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution in Nigeria, where I participated in research and policy discussions aimed at preventing violence and promoting social cohesion. That experience reinforced a central lesson, that institutions thrive when leaders listen carefully, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively across diverse communities.

If elected Executive Vice President, my leadership philosophy will center on three interconnected principles, which are representation, collaboration, and advocacy.

Personally, representation requires ensuring that the diverse voices of graduate students are heard within the university’s decision-making processes. Evidently, graduate students occupy many roles within the university, such as researchers, instructors, mentors, and innovators, but their perspectives are not always fully integrated into institutional conversations. As liaison between the Executive Council and the House of Delegates, I will prioritize transparent and consistent communication so that delegates feel empowered to represent the concerns of their departments.

Additionally, I understand that collaboration must remain the foundation of effective governance. And so, the position of the executive vice president must serve as both a facilitator and a bridge-builder. Acknowledging this, I am committed to working with the President, executive council, delegates, and the broader graduate community to ensure that GSA initiatives reflect shared priorities. In this capacity, I will work closely with the Speaker of the House and the Secretary to organize productive delegate meetings, cultivate constructive dialogue, and encourage broad participation in GSA initiatives. Remarkably, I am committed to demonstrating that enduring leadership is built on unity, humility, and the capacity to bring people together around common goals. This represents my philosophy of stewardship.

On top of that, I believe that advocacy remains a central responsibility of this role. I understand that graduate students navigate complex academic, financial, and professional challenges, and GSA must continue to be a strong advocate for policies that enhance graduate student well-being, professional development, and academic success. Drawing inspiration from leaders like Abraham Lincoln, who emphasized government as an instrument for the people, I intend to work with fellow GSA leaders to strengthen initiatives that support research funding opportunities, interdisciplinary collaboration, mentorship networks, and meaningful engagement between graduate students and university administration.

Above all, my goal is to contribute to a GSA that embodies intellectual leadership, inclusive representation, and purposeful advocacy. By fostering dialogue and strengthening representation.

I currently serve as the Vice President of Financial Affairs for the Graduate Student Association (GSA), where I work closely with the President, Executive Council, and GSA advisor to manage budgets, track expenditures, and ensure all financial processes follow university guidelines. In this role, I also coordinate funding requests, present financial updates in meetings, and act as a liaison between student organizations and the Graduate School for reimbursements and purchasing.

One of my key contributions has been founding and leading the GSA Financial Affairs Committee (GSA-FAC). I developed a structured funding system for graduate student organizations by creating clear guidelines, eligibility criteria, and review processes. I oversee application reviews, approvals, and post-event audits to ensure accountability and transparency. This initiative has helped expand funding access and support multiple academic, cultural, and professional events across campus.

In addition, I have been actively involved in the GSA House of Delegates under the Student Experience Committee, where I authored and supported resolutions aimed at improving student opportunities, such as enhancing career fair experiences and advocating for increased funding for research and conferences. My work here focused on addressing real student concerns and improving campus-wide engagement.

I also serve in the Student Government Association (SGA) as part of the External Affairs Committee, where I contributed to multiple bills and resolutions focused on student welfare, awareness initiatives, and community engagement. One of my authored initiatives included introducing a donation option to support student care and emergency relief programs.

Beyond governance roles, I have been involved with the Indian Student Association of Tuscaloosa (ISAT) as an Event Coordinator and Associate Public Relations Officer. In these roles, I managed event logistics, coordinated approvals, and helped promote events, including a large-scale Diwali event with over 500 attendees that received campus recognition.

Overall, these experiences have helped me develop skills in leadership, coordination, communication, and problem-solving, all of which I believe are important for the Executive Vice President role.

I am running for Vice President of Academic Affairs because strong academic communities are built intentionally. Graduate education is intellectually rigorous, but it is also structurally complex. Success depends not only on scholarship, but on understanding how to access conferences and grants, interpret departmental expectations, cultivate mentorship relationships, and navigate institutional culture. I am committed to helping make these processes clearer, more accessible, and more sustainable for graduate students across disciplines.

My leadership perspective is shaped not only by my work as a doctoral student and instructor of record, but also by life experience. I am the mother of five adult daughters, each of whom has navigated higher education with distinct challenges. Pursuing a PhD at this stage of my life makes me unusual within the graduate population, but it also gives me unusual range of experience and institutional insight. I have interacted with higher education as a student, as an instructor, and as a parent supporting students. That layered engagement has given me a broader understanding of how academic systems function, where they empower, where they discourage, and where clearer communication and structure can make a meaningful difference. That vantage point informs my leadership philosophy.

I believe the Vice President of Academic Affairs should serve as a bridge, translating student concerns into constructive dialogue with university leadership while helping students better understand the expectations, resources, and structures that shape academic life. My leadership philosophy is grounded in clarity, collaboration, and continuity. I value transparent communication, reciprocal mentorship, and initiatives designed to endure beyond a single term. I am particularly interested in strengthening academic professionalization, improving institutional navigation, and aligning GSA efforts with Graduate School initiatives to create coordinated, sustainable support.

Graduate education is not only about individual achievement; it is about cultivating scholars who contribute meaningfully to the university and beyond. I seek this role not simply to represent graduate students, but to help steward a more integrated and responsive academic environment in which graduate students and the university work in closer partnership toward shared intellectual goals.

My top priority is to strengthen transparency and consistency in academic policies by improving clarity around grading standards, funding conditions, and program requirements across departments. I will work with GSA to collect student feedback, identify inconsistencies, and engage appropriate university leadership to promote clearer, more standardized communication. When expectations are clear, students can focus fully on academic performance. 2. I will advocate for stronger mentorship structures, expanded research support, and increased opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. By partnering with academic units and campus resources, I will promote workshops, research forums, and peer-learning initiatives that support both academic success and career development. 3. I will work hard to establish consistent feedback mechanisms; such as surveys and open forums to ensure graduate student perspectives are effectively communicated in academic policy discussions. Representation should be structured and continuous to be truly impactful. 4. I will work to ensure that all initiatives are guided by data and implemented through collaboration with GSA leadership, faculty, and administrators. This approach will align student needs with institutional priorities and support sustainable, measurable outcomes.

I am running for Vice President of Academic Affairs because academic excellence shouldn’t be a solo marathon. In grad school, we know that discipline only takes us so far, we need a system that actually works for us. I plan to implement three Gold Standard initiatives to ensure every graduate scholar has the professional infrastructure to lead. 1.A rising tide to stipends: The cost of living in Tuscaloosa is rising, but our stipends aren’t always keeping pace. I will advocate for a Graduate Labor Dashboard that publicly tracks UA stipend levels against cost-of-living data. By making this data transparent, we give the GSA the leverage needed to negotiate for competitive, livable wages for all GTAs, GRAs and GSA’s. 2.Navigating the secret economy: Finding a travel grant shouldn’t depend on who you know or which email list you’re on. I will push for a Transparent Funding Portal, a centralized, searchable home for every internal dollar at UA. This removes the insider knowledge barrier, ensuring every domestic and international scholar has a visible path to the resources they need for grad school. 3. The 20-Hour Hard-Stop Protocol: Our contracts say 20 hours, but our reality often says more. I will collaborate with the VP of Student Engagement and VP of Opportunities, Connections and Success to launch Workload Audits. We will provide Time-Tracking Toolkits to help GTAs and GRAs document their hours and protect their research time, ensuring our professional roles support our degrees rather than draining them. I will use my leadership experience and academic excellence to be a steady, unwavering voice for our GSA and graduate student community. I am here to ensure that when we say Roll Tide, we mean a tide that lifts every scholar, protects every hour, and values every contribution we make to the Capstone.

I am running for the position of Vice President of Operations to strengthen how effectively the GSA communicates, operates, and delivers on its initiatives. I believe that a well-structured and accountable organization is essential to ensuring student voices are heard and translated into action.

My leadership philosophy centers on clarity, accountability, and execution. I value structured systems, transparent communication, and reliable follow-through, especially in administrative roles where timely information and accurate documentation are critical.

If elected, I will focus on improving consistency in communication, ensuring that meeting records and updates are well-organized and accessible, and maintaining transparency in Executive Council activities. I also aim to introduce simple operational improvements, such as action tracking to ensure follow-through and structured feedback updates to better connect student concerns with GSA actions.

Additionally, I will collaborate closely with other Vice Presidents to support efficient execution of initiatives and maintain well-organized governing documents to ensure continuity.

Overall, my goal is to build a more structured, transparent, and execution-focused GSA that effectively serves graduate students.

I am applying for the position of Vice President of Operations to contribute to a more structured, communicative, and sustainable Graduate Student Association, drawing on my experience in leadership, project coordination, and engaged scholarship. As a PhD student in Anthropology at the University of Alabama, I have consistently worked at the intersection of research, administration, and community engagement all experiences that have prepared me to manage the operational demands of this role.

I previously served as the GSA’s first Elections Committee representative, acting as the primary point of contact between the committee and the Executive Council for a full year. In this role, I helped establish communication protocols, supported election logistics, and ensured transparency in reporting and decision-making. I also currently serve as the presiding officer for the Anthropology Department’s Graduate Student Association, where I oversee meetings, coordinate initiatives, and maintain continuity across leadership transitions. Through these roles, I have prioritized clear documentation, institutional integrity and constructing collegial relationships.

I am committed to building efficient methods of operation for the GSA, supporting Executive Council initiatives, and enhancing graduate student experiences through responsive communication.

I am running for the position of Vice President of Opportunities, Connections, and Success because I am passionate about building a graduate community where every student feels supported, connected, and empowered to succeed. As a graduate student and active member of the academic community, I have seen how meaningful engagement, mentorship, and access to opportunities can shape both academic and professional growth. I aim to help create systems that make these opportunities more visible, accessible, and impactful for all graduate and professional students.

My leadership philosophy is centered on inclusivity, collaboration, and intentional impact. I believe leadership is not just about organizing events, but about creating structures that allow individuals from diverse backgrounds to thrive and contribute meaningfully. My leadership experiences—serving as Student Union Government President at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and currently as President of the Sigma Gamma Epsilon Alpha Chi Chapter at the University of Alabama have strengthened my ability to listen, represent diverse perspectives, and translate ideas into meaningful action.

If elected, I will focus on three key areas. First, I will develop cross-disciplinary engagement programs that connect students from different fields through workshops, networking events, and collaborative projects to break down silos and encourage knowledge exchange. Second, I will strengthen partnerships with campus organizations, professional groups, and external stakeholders to expand access to internships, outreach opportunities, and community-based initiatives. Third, I will prioritize accessible and inclusive programming, ensuring that opportunities are designed to accommodate students with diverse schedules, backgrounds, and needs.

Additionally, I aim to establish platforms for peer mentorship and professional development, enabling students to share experiences, build networks, and prepare for careers beyond academia. I will also serve as an active liaison between GSA and university divisions to ensure that graduate student voices are effectively represented in decisions related to engagement and success.

Ultimately, my goal is to foster a graduate community that is not only academically strong but also connected, supportive, and opportunity-driven. I am committed to working collaboratively with GSA leadership and the broader university community to make this vision a reality.

I am running for the position of Vice President of Opportunities, Connections, and Success because I believe there is a stronger role graduate students can play in shaping the communities around us, especially here in Alabama. From what I have seen, the state is still growing and developing, and there are many communities with real potential that are just waiting for the right kind of partnerships and support. At the same time, the University of Alabama’s graduate school is filled with people who are being trained to solve problems, think critically, and lead in different fields. To me, it only makes sense that these two spaces (graduate students and local communities) should be more intentionally connected.

This became very real to me when I visited Marion, Alabama recently and spoke with community leaders who were eager to collaborate with people from UA and beyond. What stood out was not just the need, but their openness, willingness to partner, to host ideas, and to grow. It made me realize that there are likely many towns like this across Alabama, and what is missing is not interest, but connection.

My leadership philosophy is rooted in service. I do not see leadership as authority, but as responsibility. It is about meeting people where they are, listening before acting, and creating systems that allow others to thrive. I believe that leadership is not about telling people what to do, but about understanding what is needed and working collaboratively to make it happen. For me, this means being intentional about inclusion, making sure opportunities are not hidden or limited to a few, and ensuring that every graduate student, regardless of their background or discipline, can see a pathway to getting involved.

If elected, my focus will be on three main areas. First, I want to strengthen partnerships between the Graduate School and the Division of Community Affairs, particularly through the Center for Community-Based Partnerships and programs like Scholars for Community, Outreach, Partnership, and Engagement (SCOPE). Many students are simply unaware of these opportunities, so I plan to work on improving communication and visibility, while also exploring ways to support graduate students in accessing funding for community-based or applied projects. Second, I want to create a centralized and reliable system for sharing opportunities. Right now, information is often scattered, and students can easily miss out. I envision a platform that regularly highlights internships, volunteer roles, fellowships, and community projects across Alabama. Finally, I want to strengthen the connection between graduate school and life after graduation. Many students are thinking about what comes next, but do not always have clear pathways. I plan to work with local organizations to create opportunities for shadowing, internships, and networking, so students can gain practical experience while building relationships that extend beyond the university.

Overall, I want to contribute to a graduate student community that is more connected to each other, to Alabama, and to the opportunities that exist beyond the classroom.

“Next to doing the right thing, the most important thing is to let people know you are doing the right thing.” – John D. Rockefeller

This quote sums up my motivation to serve in public relations roles across multiple student and professional organizations. I understand that public relations, which has communication at its core, is crucial to GSA’s aims to represent graduate students’ interests, promote a sense of belonging, and ensure that we are aware of the opportunities, events, and support available to us. These realizations have spurred my decision to run again for VP of Public Relations.

In whatever organization I find myself, my credo has always been to let people know about the work we are doing, the opportunities we are offering, and the important information that concerns relevant stakeholders (e.g., students and university officials). I have always dedicated my communication and technological skills to actualizing this belief, as I will show you shortly.

Through my prior experiences, I have developed important public relations skills, which I will continue to contribute to GSA and the student community. As the 2023/2024 Public Relations Officer for the African Students Association at UA, I coordinated event promotions, facilitated communication between the executive board and the student body as well as other multicultural organizations, designed visual communication materials, and managed our social media platforms. As the Communication Officer for the 2025 University of Alabama Languages Conference (UALC), I enhanced my abilities to use digital tools, communicate effectively, and plan large-scale events. Apart from handling correspondence with conference participants, moderators, and stakeholders, I managed the conference website, created feedback forms, and handled graphic designs. As the Liaison Officer of the International Students Association at UA, I continued to improve and leverage my communication, digital, creative, and collaboration skills.

As the current VP of Public Relations for GSA, I have also continued the practice of using my skills to actualize my credo of letting people know what the organization does. While my office does not organize primary events like other offices, I have contributed to the success of our events and initiatives. In my tenure, I have created over 140 flyers and video content, promoted our events through social media and other marketing channels, and kept a record of media (photos and videos) from our events. The impact of my work is evident in the results the team gets; for example, for our Next Chapter Book Drive, my promotional efforts contributed to how we exceeded our 500-book goal. Beyond publicity, I have also fulfilled my previous goal of revamping the association’s website. I have also grown our social media pages; for example, I’ve grown the number of our Instagram followers by about 20% and LinkedIn by 40%.

In all, my experiences, skills, and dedication make me the right candidate for the position of the GSA VP of Public Relations. I have been committed to my work in the office over the past year and will remain committed to it for the next.

I am running for Vice President of Public Relations because I’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference clear communication makes for our graduate community. I want to help the GSA communicate better with students and build a much stronger, more transparent connection between our organization and the people we serve. I believe this role is vital because good communication is what connects students to the events, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed.

For me, leadership is about three things: clarity, consistency, and respect. I believe a good leader should listen first, understand what students actually need, and then share information in a way that is easy to navigate. Public relations isn’t just about posting announcements; it’s about making sure every student feels included, informed, and connected to the larger UA community.

I am a strong fit for this role because I am already deeply embedded in student outreach and promotion. I currently serve as a GAIN Graduate Ambassador Influencer, representing the UA Graduate School on digital platforms to highlight research and the international student experience. Beyond digital spaces, I’ve led public outreach through webinars, museum activities, and library programs. These experiences taught me how to translate complex information into clear, engaging messages for different audiences.

I also bring leadership experience from within my department and student organizations. I serve as the Vice-Treasurer and DEI Representative for the Department of Geological Sciences, where I manage support for our gatherings and connect students with fellowship opportunities. Additionally, I am the founder secretary and a trip leader/tail guide for the Cave Appreciation Club. In caving, the “tail guide” ensures that no one gets left behind or lost in the dark—I view Public Relations the same way. My goal is to make sure no student misses out on an opportunity simply because they didn’t hear about it in time.

As an international student, I have a personal understanding of how easily information can be missed. Many students lose out on great opportunities not because they aren’t interested, but because the message wasn’t clear or didn’t reach them. I want to make GSA communication more active, accessible, and welcoming for students from every department and background.

If elected, I will work to improve GSA visibility through regular updates, more aggressive event promotion, and direct collaboration with student groups. I want the GSA to be seen as a helpful, high-energy, and indispensable part of graduate student life at Alabama.

I am excited to submit my candidacy for Vice President of Student Engagement for the Graduate Student Association at the University of Alabama. Having actively participated in student organizations throughout my graduate career, I have witnessed firsthand how meaningful events and inclusive initiatives can foster community, professional growth, and a sense of belonging. I am motivated to serve in this role because I believe every graduate student should feel connected, supported, and empowered to contribute to the university community.

My leadership philosophy centers on collaboration, inclusivity, and actionable engagement. I believe that effective leadership is not just about organizing events but about listening to diverse student voices, understanding their needs, and translating those insights into programs that resonate. I approach leadership as a service-oriented responsibility, ensuring that initiatives are not only well-executed but also accessible, inclusive, and responsive to student feedback. By fostering open communication and encouraging participation from all graduate disciplines, I aim to create a sense of shared ownership in the GSA and the broader graduate student community.

As Vice President of Student Engagement, my focus would be on enhancing both the social and professional experiences of graduate students. I plan to organize a diverse portfolio of events, including networking opportunities, professional development workshops, academic seminars, and social gatherings that foster cross-disciplinary connections. In collaboration with The Graduate School and other graduate student organizations, I will work to ensure events are well-publicized, well-attended, and tailored to the unique interests and needs of our graduate student population. I am particularly committed to integrating innovative approaches to engagement, including hybrid and inclusive event formats, to ensure accessibility for all students, regardless of schedule or discipline.

I am eager to create avenues for undergraduate students to benefit from select graduate-led initiatives, promoting mentorship and collaboration across academic levels. By building these bridges, we can strengthen the university community and provide meaningful growth opportunities for all participants.

My ultimate goal as Vice President of Student Engagement is to cultivate a vibrant, connected, and empowered graduate student community. I am confident that my organizational experience, commitment to inclusivity, and dedication to student success will allow me to contribute effectively to the GSA. I look forward to the opportunity to serve, amplify graduate student voices, and help create experiences that leave a lasting, positive impact on our campus community.