Over the last year, our community has endured more than we could have imagined. With the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly halting our Spring 2020 semester, we adapted to working digitally and socially distanced. Every part of our UConn community has been impacted by the pandemic, and strong student leadership will play a critical role on the Board of Trustees as we navigate out of this crisis. My name is Noah Frank, I’m a junior Political Science and Economics double major, and I’m running to be your Undergraduate Student Trustee.

I have spent my entire UConn career fighting for students–taking your ideas to state and local leaders, as well as University administration. Together, we’ve been at the forefront of the surge in civic engagement on our campuses, and I have worked tirelessly heading the #UConnVotes effort to bring reliable election information to thousands. As a student advocate, I have witnessed the impact our UConn Nation has on our entire community, and as Trustee, I am committed to creating a platform that works for all students. Whether it’s been directing USG’s External Affairs Committee, serving as President of Pi Sigma Alpha, or singing with UConn’s very own “Conn-Men,” I have come to understand that there is always promise for the future.

On the Board, I will advocate for smart savings and smart spending as our University recovers from this pandemic. I believe that there has never been a more important time for us to support our students’ mental health, and I will work to address these complex issues we face as students. I support green, clean energy, and I believe we can develop sustainable plans for growth that consider the needs of students that will come ten, twenty, and fifty years after us.

At my core, I’m a doer, and someone who isn’t afraid to speak up and do what’s right. I’m running because I’m convinced that the challenges we face are ones that can be overcome. As your Trustee, you can count on me to be your ally at the table.

Maggie Khuu

My name is Maggie Khuu and I am running for the UConn Foundation Student Director position. As a first generation college graduate, I am deeply appreciative of the opportunities that have allowed me to pursue both of my loves: public service and science. I have spent countless years supporting students of all ages and backgrounds through different cultural, mentoring, and educational programs. Now as a student at UConn, I have the pleasure of serving as the current GSS Vice President. Through this position, I routinely interact with and advocate on behalf of both the undergraduate and graduate student populations. I am committed to making sure that ALL student voices are heard and represented and that resources are provided to making sure that UConn does its very best to ensure awareness, inclusivity, and accountability within our community.

Entering College during a Global Pandemic is a daunting prospect. Students across the country have never been more isolated. Online education proves to be discouraging for students and teachers alike. Each day we push ourselves, hoping for normalcy and certainty. As a Freshman in College, older individuals share with me that they could not learn virtually. Online classes can cause a plethora of disappointment. Many students do not turn on their cameras nor participate in class and many courses are “asynchronous.” As a people person, online education can be quite discouraging. However, I found a place where I can connect with my peers in a virtual environment, Associated Student Government. As soon as I logged into the WebEx room I was welcomed right away by the members and advisor, Randall Patterson. At my first meeting I was directly asked about my ideas and thoughts. I have never experienced the amount of inclusivity shown in ASG, than in any other organization that I have been a member of. Each member is given an equal voice and is shown nothing but kindness. After attending a couple of meetings Randall pushed me to host my very own virtual event. I never would have imagined hosting my own event before. Before I knew it, I was running for Vice President of ASG. The Associated Student Government has shaped me into a confident person. I know that I can bring my ideas to the table, collaborate with my peers effectively, and at the end of the day, get the job done. If I am elected President of ASG, I hope to continue collaborating with my peers, coming up with innovative ideas to unify students during the se isolating times. I also want to show incoming students how important it is to become involved in the Avery Point community and share the good it has done for me. ASG values collaboration, kindness, and inclusivity and it would be an honor to serve as President, continuing the hard work ahead.

If I am elected as student body President, I hope to unify the Avery Point community. I would like to continue to collaborate with my peers to plan and organize engaging events for Avery Point students. From my experience during the Pandemic, I know students are isolated. I want to continue to think of innovative ways to bring students together during the Pandemic. In addition to planning events, I would like to make ASG a resource for students to utilize, if they have any issues on campus. I believe it is crucial that students have their voices heard. As a governing body, ASG should be able to assist with student issues and concerns. It is also crucial that all University of Connecticut Student Governments be in communication with one another. If I am elected, I hope to communicate with all UCONN Student Governments. It is important we hear the issues that occur on all campuses. If all campuses work together, we can truly make an impact.

Hi there! My name is Solaiman Chowdhury, and I’m a Freshman Political Science major. I’m running for the ASG Comedy Chair so I can make an impact on the Avery Point community. I love to run, draw, do origami, sail, read, and crack jokes. As the Comedy Chair, I hope to brighten our campus through comedic events that’ll bring the whole community together. If I’m elected, I promise to dedicate my time toward organizing cool and awesome events for the whole student body.

As the Comedy Chair, I’ll be organizing comedy events for our campus. But I won’t stop short and simply hire comedians from around the area. I want to establish a comedic platform for all students to participate in, and give everyone an chance to have fun as a comedian. My hope is to create an everlasting tradition, but my endgame is simply to give the students of this campus an immersive experience. In times like this, I want to make life as much fun as possible. I want to see students involved, and expressing themselves in every medium at their disposal. I also want to work along side the clubs within our community, such as Husky Ambassadors, and host standup performances and comedy competitions, where students alike can win prizes and really just have a great time. I also want to work with others campuses, like the Waterbury’s ASG, in order to orchestrate amazing programs for the entire UConn community. All in all, I wish to be the Comedy Chair to make our campus as whole better, and more fun. With me as the Comedy Chair, I can guarantee you an awesome time. Vote For The Man: SOLAIMAN!

It is an honor to be considered for the position of SGA President! If elected, I vow to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the Presidency with the same level of professionalism that I have displayed as Chief Financial Officer. SGA has always been a proudly bipartisan Association, and if elected, I promise to hold this tradition in the highest regards with every decision and communication I would make as acting President. SGA has always had an issue with spending the revenue collected from student fees, and properly ensuring the appropriate utilization of these funds would be my top priority as President. Please consider casting your vote for me, but either way thank you for reading my description, and Go Huskies!

My name is Chinedu Nkwo and I’m running for President of the Student Government Association. Having been in many roles of Student Government (including Vice-President) and student leader in multiple organizations for the bulk of my time at UConn, it has given me a rare opportunity and a unique perspective on the current state of our campus and the great students that inhabit it.

My goal in running stems from my desire to create change on an individual level and institutional level for the Stamford Campus, by establishing solid lines of communication in all things UConn to put our campus at the forefront of the information, crucial topics, and opportunities that affect our campus as a whole. In this, I aspire to lead the way for meaningful progress that gives way to crucial and lasting effects on all of our students as a whole, as well as be the best person to represent our campus interests. I hope to have your vote for this upcoming election!

Hi everyone! My name is Francesca Figueroa. I am currently a Junior. I am majoring in Communications and minoring in Psychology. I’ve been part of SGA working as a program director for the past two semesters. I am now running for Vice President to help the student body get the most out of SGA events and feel like they’re being accounted for despite these troubling times. I want to help program directors be successful in planning and executing events as they intend. Thank you for this opportunity and time. I look forward to your vote on the ballot.

Hi my name is Anejah McLaurin. I am running for the position of VP for the Student Government Association. It will be an honor to be chosen for this position. Being VP, I

would make sure all programming events will be secure and a lot of fun. Also, I’d ensure that all students will have a great time joining the events while we are still in a pandemic.

Hello Students,

I am Sabrina Uva and I am running to be your next Vice President of the Student Government Association (SGA). I am currently a junior majoring in Human Development and Family Sciences. For the past three years, I have served on the Senate of SGA and have been the President of the volunteer organization, Huskies for Charity. In both of these positions, I put the students’ interests first when making decisions, and I will do the same as Vice President. I am passionate about representing student voices and aim to create a positive campus community at UConn Stamford.

Hi,

My name is Hadia Ahmad. I am running for the position of CFO for the Student Government Association. I’m honored to be considered and If elected I intend to spend into our reserve during my term. In addition, I would like to focus on utilizing the FY’21/’22 Budget to further our mission statement as a Campus-wide Student Representative Organization by ensuring that all funds are used appropriately for more RSO activities as we transition back to in-person events.

Hi everyone! My name is Alyssa Pelletier, and I am a freshman Honors student studying Financial Management here at UConn Stamford! I am an ambitious, organized, and productive individual, that strives to work hard with the people around me. Outside of SGA, I serve as the Financial Events Chair of the Financial Management Club and Secretary of the Data Analytics Club. In my personal life, I enjoy dancing, reading, the beach, and painting. As CFO, my passion for finance will inspire me to ensure that SGA funds are efficiently used for the greater benefit of the UConn community experience.

Hello UConn Nation! We are Christine Jorquera and Noel Mitchell and we are extremely grateful for this opportunity to serve the UConn community at large and bring about the change our fellow students deserve. Our combined experiences within USG have contributed to initiatives like the Justice Now Initiative and Cultural Appreciation Series. We have served in many areas in the UConn community such as Husky Ambassador, Learning Communities, Intercultural Greek Council, and various other Tier-II organizations. It is time that we have a USG that fights for BIPOC students, LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, survivors, and all other backgrounds and identities that make up our diverse student body! Together, we are fighting to combat racial injustice, expand the accessibility and inclusivity of USG, hold semesterly town halls connecting students to administration, address food insecurity and exacerbated inequalities during COVID, and fight for the expansion of intersectional mental health services staff. We want to empower you- the students. There is too much at stake- racial injustice, climate change, and economic inequalities- that we cannot make our demands small. Our generation is one to be reckoned with and, with your help, we will continue to win- even against all odds!

Reimagining student power.
Reinvesting human and financial capital.
Rebuilding institutions of equity and justice.

Our names are Mason Holland and Ethan Werstler. We have served you, the undergraduate student body, either as the President of the Uconn NAACP, The Undergraduate Student Trustee, or within a host of other leadership positions across the University.

Our vision is one of love, of building a campus where every student feels safe to be themselves and is empowered to demonstrate compassion for one another, even in disagreement and strife. We understand that despite our disconnection, physical and social, there will be always more that unites us than sets us apart.

Our commitment is to address issues students face every day; access to mental healthcare, food and housing insecurity, public safety, and the ever rising costs of higher education. Our commitment is to you, the student, the peer, the future.

Reimagine.
Reinvest.
Rebuild.

You deserve transparency: we’re just students. We’re also leaders having been tutors to both peers and children, president of residence halls, and a research project leader. However, we have never had any affiliation with USG or student politics. So why are we running? Well, because we’re just students. The USG and its president are supposed to represent us, you, and the entire Student Body. Yet when was the last time you remember getting asked for input on decision making or being given updates on USG? We receive nearly daily emails from the University Bookstore, but are largely kept in the dark over the actions of our own government. And what truly makes this frustrating is that many are upset by the current political climate, especially regarding campus issues. That’s okay, we feel that way too; that is why we, outsiders to the institution, want to fix it. We want to bring your voices into the government and make information on what we do more accessible. We want to provide weekly emails and surveys, interaction with USG leaders, and social media outreach. Most importantly, we don’t want to pretend to know everything: our job is to represent and listen to you.

Hey everyone! My name is Chris Bergen and I’m a sophomore Mechanical Engineering and Economics student here at UConn. I’m running to be our next USG Comptroller.

Every year, we pay nearly $3,400 in university & student fees, of which, only $90 is allocated for clubs and activities. While we don’t want an increase in student fees, we want someone who can budget this money to the 700 clubs on campus responsibly. Student activity fees should benefit the most students through as many student organizations and events possible.

As a Senator in the Undergraduate Student Government, I represented the School of Engineering, and advocated on behalf of all students. As Comptroller, I will continue to be an advocate by ensuring our priorities are properly funded.

UConn deserves a Comptroller that is honest, conscientious, and trustworthy – which is why I am running for this position.

Thank you for your support and consideration,

Chris

My name is Brittany Diaz. I am a junior studying political science and human rights. During my time at UConn, I have worked on the implementation of the Anti-Black Racism course as a graduation requirement and wrote the Mental Care Act, which was successfully passed by UConn Storrs Undergraduate Student Government. As a student organizer, I currently serve as president of UConn Collaborative Organizing (UCCO). As the president of UCCO, one of my goals has been to engage students in grassroots activism and the movement for social equity and environmental justice. As someone with experience in community organizing, legislation, and community outreach I am running for Chief Diversity Officer because I aim to create an inclusive and safe community here at UConn. Utilizing my skills from the leadership positions I currently hold and my ability to collaborate with others, I believe I am the best person to lead the student body through some of the most impactful changes this organization can make. It is my goal as a candidate for Chief Diversity Officer to push for the initiatives many student activists have been working on while continuing to support the principles of intersectionality and solidarity.

Hello, my name is Carter Newman. I am a freshman at UConn Storrs currently in ACES, in the Pre-Sport Management Program. As an Academic Senator, I will push to make sure all students’ voices are heard and their needs are put first. Working to create a better school environment and a fair curriculum for all students is a necessity to the growth and success of our diverse student body. During High School I had the pleasure of working on numerous committees that found solutions to issues in our school regarding academic success and inclusivity. These committees granted me the ability to work with staff and the Superintendent of schools too. This showed me the importance of uniting to work together and that building trust amongst our student body will lead us to great achievements and help us strive together toward an even better future. I would love to do the same at UConn as a Senator and address concerns that the student body brings forth. I hope to work with you all in the very near future!

Hello! My name is Teresa Nguyen, and I am a first-year Pathobiology Major. As both a woman and a first-generation Vietnamese-American, I understand the struggles faced by people of color and women in STEM fields. We fight an uphill battle against discrimination, constantly striving to be included and allotted the same opportunities as our peers. I am running for the Senate because I wish to advocate for and foster an educational environment in which students of all skin colors, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities are able to feel safe, included and heard. This includes streamlining the methods for reporting sexual and discriminatory harassment and improving campus and organization accessibility.

Additionally, I will strive to make UCONN a more sustainable campus. The current pandemic has resulted in a large amount of waste being produced, particularly in the dining halls; I will push for a transition to reusable, recycled, or biodegradable containers and cutlery, as well as for the implementation of a composting system in the future.
More than anything, I wish to be your voice. I want to be a trusted representative you can turn to with questions and concerns; I want you to be heard.

I am running for Senator of CAHNR because I am passionate about seeing our peers succeed and gaining invaluable experiences. As a senior animal science student, I have witnessed first hand the strength and community of our college and I plan to listen and represent each voice. My ultimate goal will be to increase the diversity and inclusivity as well as advocating for greater mental health resources. We are an underrepresented group of hard-working, successful students and we deserve to have our demands heard. I am passionate about CAHNR and my fellow students and will work my hardest to make every opinion heard.

My name is Yuhan Liu (she/her/hers) and I am a third-year student majoring in Finance. I am seeking the role of School of Business Senator to ensure the perspectives and ideas of business students could be heard and represented in our school. My main focus is to collect and address class concerns college students may have during this unprecedented time. I also want to promote diversity by driving awareness and channeling concerns and advices from underrepresented student groups with school authorities.
I am passionate about implementing a positive change in the School of Business and further in our college with collaborative spirit and hard work. Listening to everyone, seeking out the opinion and informing people USG’s initiatives will be my responsibilities. I would greatly appreciate your consideration to vote and support for me. We can make School of Business and UConn as a whole a better place.

I feel as if I would make a good Education Student Senator because I care alot about the program and can advocate for my fellow student in NEAG. Additionally I am very committed to not only my extra circulars but also my school work. I have had a-lot of experiences with many different people here at UConn and hope to magnify their voices for the betterment of this school and with the interest of education majors in mind.

Hi everyone! My name is Jnanasravanthi Athina and I am a freshman computer science and engineering major in the honors program at UConn Storrs. During the academic year 2020-2021, I advocated for students in the following roles:

– Undergraduate Student Government: Senator (USG)
– University Senate Scholastic Standards Committee (SSC): Student Representative
– Academic Affairs: Committee Member

It’s been an honor to speak for student interests in this unpredictable era. Given that the school of engineering is the 2nd largest school on campus, students given senate seats should be active, outspoken, and knowledgeable- especially in regards to academic policy. I have experience in USG and furthered the following initiatives…

– I co-authored the “Withdrawal Legislation” and urged SSC and the Provost to extend the course withdrawal deadline.
– I pushed for the inclusion of reading days and spring break in the spring calendar.
– I advocated for pass/fail without restrictions.
– I helped bring forth the deadline extension for the current pass/fail policy.
– I argued against requiring a secondary student authentication measure during exams so student privacy would not be violated.
– I co-authored the “Uyghur Legislation,” imploring UConn to denounce genocide and reevaluate negotiations with companies using forced labor.

Hi everyone! My name is Likhitadevi Athina and I am a junior majoring in Computer Science and Engineering. As a current Commuter senator, I am running for re-election because I would like to continue my efforts in making sure all students, especially students in the school of engineering, have a voice in matters of the University. I currently serve as the Academic Affairs Deputy Director of Policy, a member of Engineering Ambassadors, Students’ Collaborative Action Network and University Senate on campus.
Some of the work I’ve done this past year is the extension of the date to put a course on pass/fail as well as to withdraw from a class, advocating for a less restrictive pass/fail, restructuring of our graduation requirements, increasing student representation, changes to the SETs, and finding ways to bring academic consistency for students. If re-elected, I will continue to advocate on behalf of Engineering students, especially considering that despite being the second largest school at UCONN, we are often a represented group of students when it comes to the decision-making process on matters that affect us. If you have any questions/concerns, please feel free to reach out to me. Thank-you!

My name is Conor Broderick, I am an engineering physics major in my sophomore year. I would appreciate your vote for one of the SOE’s USG Senate seats. My main goal is to create better options for communication between students and department heads/deans when problems arise with (tenured) professors not adequately teaching their classes. While this has always been a problem, I’m sure a lot of you have experienced this even more with online school. Now, we have the SET surveys at the end of the semester, but that doesn’t help YOU pass YOUR class. It is my hope that opening new lines of communication between students and our professor’s bosses will help resolve problems with classes and get our professors the training some of them desperately need to teach more effectively.

My name is Aayush Chopra and I am currently a freshman Biomedical Engineering student. I am from Glastonbury, CT and played soccer and ran track all four years. I held leadership positions in Chemistry Olympiad and Dragon Dance club and served as the President pro tempore of the senate at Boys’ State. As a member of the Honors Program, I plan to bring my goals as an undergrad and expand on them to not only my fellow engineering students, but the student body as a whole. I hope to use my skills of problem solving and collaboration to bring issues to the table and work on them with other senators to better the student experience here at UConn. I hope to represent my peers in the School of Engineering and look forward to working with them to create the best UConn experience there can be.

My name is Colby Hoffman, and I am a Management and Engineering for Manufacturing major as part of the class of 2023 here at UConn. I am running for the position of Engineering Senator because I want to have a voice in the governing processes that determine the major decisions regarding our education. The USG can have an incredible impact on the quality of courses, professors, and educational standards but only if the right people are involved. I believe that I can have a positive impact on not only the present students in the School of Engineering but also on future generations of students to come. Together we can change the future of engineering at UConn.

Hello Fellow Huskies!

My name is Samuel Pontes and I will be running for a seat in the Engineering Senate during the Spring 2021 election. I am a sophomore majoring in Environmental Engineering and currently I participate in 3 different extracurricular research activities relating to different environmental sustainability issues within the state of Connecticut.

As a fellow Engineering Student I am aware of the many issues we face as a community and if elected promise to make each and everyone of the engineering student body voice heard. I can assure that I will do everything in my power to oversee legislation which will only work to improve the quality of student life and provide resources for our community to grow even stronger.

For my final remark I want to leave you with this, the idea of a senate which will endlessly work for Uconn engineers, always putting their standard of education first to unify us as a family so that we may become more than just students.

Sincerely
-Samuel Pontes

Vote for me 🙂

As an Engineering senator, I aim to create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for underrepresented students in the School of Engineering, specifically racial minorities, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. By designing new programs that support underrepresented students in engineering academically, socially, and financially, I will be able to increase both minority student representation and student retention.

As a board member of the School of Engineering FOCUS group and the STEM Scholar Executive board, I have a passion for creating a platform for the new and diverse voices within the School of Engineering in order to address the great lack and women and BIPOC representation within the academic school.

Being a woman, Latina, and a Computer Science and Engineering student will allow me to bring a unique perspective to USG. I am excited and ready to listen, share ideas, and make UConn a more welcoming and diverse environment for all students.

Far too often, I feel like our voices as students are not listened to. And if they are, they are, by no means, seriously considered. Particularly during the COVID-19 era, many academic decisions are made “behind closed doors”, and we, the students, have very limited input regarding these decisions. Decisions that are made supposedly on our behalf, such as deciding which modality to offer a course, or how the course will be taught, have excluded students, and we have no say in what the outcome will be. I feel like many professors and University administration forget the entire reason why they have jobs is because of us, the students. I feel trapped as a student, like nobody cares about me. I feel unheard, with so many things to say, and nobody to say them to. Therefore, I find it extremely hypocritical when many decisions are made without our best interests in mind, and I wish to help be a part of the change, particularly within the School of Engineering. This is why I am interested in running for a USG Academic Senator representing the School of Engineering. Perhaps through this platform, my thoughts may finally be heard.

Hello SFA, my name is Kazi, I’m a sophomore music major from Manchester, Connecticut and I’m running to represent you in USG.
In the past I’ve held many musical and non-musical leadership roles ranging from coordinating the UCMB sound system to leading community service initiatives in high school.
I believe that an effective student government should accurately represent the views of the student body and be a conspicuous and approachable channel for students to be able to voice their issues.
My goals as Senator are to bring back that close knit feeling that we get in the Fine Arts building, albeit through digital means. I also hope to shift that tight-knit community closer to the center of campus and shed some light on the incredible work that we do. It is critical that we have the visibility to validate that hard work on a wider stage, and use our newfound leverage to secure funding for the tools that we desperately need such as Adobe Suite licenses and better printing options. I will also work to demand accountability and transparency from university leadership and work with groups like Defund UCPD and UCCO to advocate for real change.

This past year has been very turbulent for many of us. With the pandemic and social injustices at the forefront of our minds, education has become much more difficult. As a senator, I want to help my fellow CLAS students with their struggles. College is meant to be challenging, but how can we be engaged in our academic pursuits with such turmoil. My other focuses for UConn are inclusion and environmental sustainability. I want to make UConn a better place for everyone.

As a senator, I would fight for social, environmental, and climate justice within the UConn community. In order to address the current climate crisis that our world faces, it will take every community, including ours, to take bold steps to secure a safe future for those who come after us. USG has an opportunity to not only work on creating legislation in support of special initiatives that lead towards a more sustainable future, but using its unique platform to uplift voices, especially those within the BIPOC community who are actively facing the climate crisis at a faster rate than other racial groups. Student organizations like EcoHusky’s, Sunrise UConn, Fridays For Future UConn, PowerUp UConn, and UConn Collaborative Organizing deserve to be at the table when finding sustainable solutions for these issues within our community and I intend to be an ally and advocate for their ideas.

I am running to represent the diverse interests of the largest college at UConn. If elected I will meet with my constituents weekly and leverage my experience in USG and the University to deliver on CLAS concerns.

Hello! Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy. My name is Julia and I am currently a Sophomore at UCONN with a major in Molecular and Cell Biology. I believe that I would be a great candidate for the CLAS Senate position for USG due to my past leadership experience. I was captain of my high school’s swimming and diving team, as well as President of the English National Honors Society and Co-President of my school’s string orchestra. I was also a part of my high school’s student council, where many of the student body was heard during major votes because of the dedication my fellow classmates and I had in advocating for the interests and issues our student body believed in. I hope everyone has a great semester and thank you for voting!

My name is Autumn Michels and I am running as a Senator representing the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. I am currently a freshman at UConn and this is my second semester on campus. As a Political Science Major with an English Minor, I am well-acquainted with the academic demands of a Liberal Arts and Sciences student. In addition, I am also involved with multiple clubs and associations at UConn, notably Hall Association and Ecohusky. Through my involvement in Hall Association, I have gained valuable experience in working with and listening to residents in order to create community events in accordance with our residents’ desires. As a Senator, I will use these skills to promote your interests and concerns to the larger Legislative body. Furthermore, through my experience in Ecohusky and overall dedication to protecting the environment, I will advocate for stronger environmentalism and sustainability actions to the Legislative body and demand further action on the part of UConn. If you want your voice to be heard and have heart-eyes for the environment, vote for Autumn as your CLAS Senator!

Hi! I am Braden Migneault, I am a sophomore political science major. As your Senator, I hope to represent all of us in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences to the very best of my ability. While most of you don’t know me, the ones that do will tell you that I live and breathe politics; I’m a self-proclaimed “political junkie”. You can be assured that I would work incredibly hard for all of us. Thank you for supporting my campaign for USG Senate.

I am Athanasios Montemarano and I am running for CLAS senator during the Spring 2021 academic semester. My goal as senator would be to facilitate Covid-19 related communication between the student body and UCONN. Over the past year, I have found a schism between the university and the student body when it came to Covid-19 and related anxiety that emerged during this pandemic. Many of my peers have voiced their concerns over this issue. It is my intention to alleviate the stress that CLAS students are feeling during these troubled times.

I, Aryan Naik, will advocate and work endlessly on your behalf to ensure your voice is not only heard on the senate floor, but is used to drive change. As a senior in USG who has spent the past 3 and half years working to make UConn a better university for all students, I have the experience and knowledge required to strengthen and advocate for the students within CLAS. My passion for community service and student rights will help me tackle key issues regarding our education in order to create and implement real and innovative solutions on campus. I hope that you consider, and vote for me to represent you as your CLAS Senator on this year’s spring 2021 ballot!

I am running to bring progress back to this university, to elevate students up from this troubling time, to show that this school still looks out for its own. I will be running to bring accountability back to USG, to put the spotlight on our leaders and show that they work for us, not the other way around.

Navigating life is hard enough as a college student. Now, more than ever, you deserve representation that is always prepared to listen and never afraid to act. In my one year since being elected into USG, I have worked day in and day out to make that my very mission: meeting with faculty to convey student concerns, authoring legislation to change the institutions that students find problematic, and most importantly, meeting with all of you. My door has remained open every day of this year, and in that time I’ve worked to reduce college costs, improve our gen eds, and create the spaces for connection that students have repeatedly asked for. Being your Senator has been both an honor and a privilege, and if you choose to elect me again this spring, I guarantee that I’ll continue to do that and more.

I am a sixth-semester junior running to represent every student who doesn’t feel represented. This year I served you as USG’s first-ever Chief Diversity Officer. It was an incredible honor and responsibility, I have decided to return to the Student Senate to pursue D&I initiatives at all levels of the University. I wish to be a resource for you my peers and constituents and the Student Government that represents you. I will be a leader in the Senate and a champion of the student voice to both Admin and USG. I in my core am a guy who cares about those around me. If you find this statement compelling I ask that you consider sending be back to USG to be your voice. 

I have always had a passion for diversity and inclusion, and I am active in various positions on campus (BSA social media coordinator, McMahon Resident Assistant, AACC programmer, etc.) that have allowed me to interact with many different groups of students on campus. This involvement furthered my desire to create a more inclusive space here at Uconn. I believe that being a Multicultural and Diversity senator on USG would be the best opportunity to really assert and execute my dream to make Uconn more inclusive. Not only would it be a great opportunity for me to push the idea of diversity, but I also think that it would give me the opportunity to find like minded individuals on campus who truly want to see social change at Uconn. It would allow me to find people who are not preformative in their intent, but passionate in their mission. It would be an honor to be elected and given the chance to be a part of the vision to make Uconn a more inclusive environment. “Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization” (Gandhi).

Hey y’all, my name is Neha Kataria. I am a Sophomore Political Science major and a Women and Gender Sexuality Studies minor. One of my main focuses in my daily life and academic life is making sure everyone feels welcomed, included, and heard, especially those in marginalized spaces. I want to make UConn more inclusive while also highlighting the programs and resources we have. Two of the initiatives I want to work on is more workshops for students, organizations, professors, and advisors, while also making short videos/social media posts to spread awareness on UConn’s resources for every and all groups.

I am currently the Parliamentarian of the Senate and I have been an MCD Senator for a year. I will continue to push these agendas that I have started while listening to the student body to do more.

Hello! My name is Aanya and I’m excited for the chance to collaborate with you all on issues of multiculturalism and diversity within the UConn community. I’m a queer woman of color who’s grown up in Connecticut and I have been involved in social action since my freshman year of high school. Prior to attending UConn this August, I was appointed to serve on my hometown’s Equity Council, which analyzed areas of inequity in our public school system and worked towards long-term solutions. In addition, I was accepted to my high school’s Diversity Committee, which focused on inclusivity and celebrating differences. My collaborative work in these groups was very rewarding and I am eager to make an impact on a larger community here at UConn. I plan on engaging my fellow Student Government members, our student body, our university’s Executive Cabinet, and our Cultural Centers to catalyze positive change to represent all of UConn’s students. I believe issues of multiculturalism and diversity are closely intertwined with those of social justice and anti-racism. This is a matter that UConn has recently been focusing on and I would love the chance to represent you all in this critical ongoing dialogue.

My name is Winta Luel Mekonnen. I am a sophomore studying Physiology and Neurobiology. During my time at UConn, I have noticed how a lot of students of color have not been treated with the respect they deserve. I plan to change that. I, along with a fellow UConn student, have worked hard to make the voices of BIPOC students heard with our @BlackatUConn page. As the former president of the Northwest Resident Hall Association, I plan to utilize my skills and the things I’ve learned to provide a voice for those unheard. I plan to use this senate seat to make long-lasting and impactful changes that benefit all of UConn students and especially students of color and the LGBTQIA+ community. I will work hard to make the implicit, explicit.

My name is Isabella Martinez-Warren, and I am a freshman at the University of Connecticut. I’m a psychological sciences major as well as currently considering a double major in political sciences. I’m Native American, a member of the Navajo Tribe. The Navajo tribe is an indigenous group residing in Arizona and Colorado. There are few Native Americans left from a terrible history of genocide, and many Native Americans today are mixed ethnically. I identify as mixed, with Native, Black, and Mexican heritage. I’m a campus correspondent for the Daily Campus, a part of Mu Sigma Upsilon Concordia, and a founder of Newtown Allies for Change in my hometown of Newtown, Connecticut. I’m a socially extroverted person who loves to meet new people. I moved frequently when I was younger, so I know how to strike a conversation with strangers and potential new friends. I have a passion for social justice. Overall, I’m a person with many interests and passions who can’t wait to express them with other like minded people. As a Multicultural and Diversity senator, I will dedicate myself to promoting diversity, inclusion, and a focus on BIPOC issues. I hope to help USG become an accessible, anti-racist organization.

Hey Huskies! My name is Daniel White and It is with great pleasure, passion, and privilege that I submit my application to run for and serve as your USG Multicultural and Diversity Senator. As a member of the USG, I will diligently work to advocate for inclusivity on and off UCONN’s campus. I’ll seek to work with UCONN’s administration in order to make resources more available for minority students. Moreover, I will pursue coordination with the campus law-enforcement in order to not only make the campus more comfortable for minority students, but to also hold them accountable, guaranteeing that they “protect and serve”. Over the years I have learned that being a leader is being authentic, accountable, and accessible, and as your senator I will promise to be exactly that. Vote Me! Change begins with us!