Hello, my name is Noah, I am currently a sophomore at DePaul. I am currently studying both Film and Political Science and I am involved in a variety of clubs and organizations on campus. I came to Chicago from my home in Louisville, Kentucky, and I am excited to represent the student body on campus!
My main goal as a representative is to get more involvement from students who are on the Loop campus. This goal is important because many students living on the Loop campus don't know about Student Government or what it does. As a representative for a Loop centered college, it is my goal to get more involvement and recognition at the Loop. My second goal is to host events that allow students to be involved on campus. The majority of our student body does not live on campus, which sometimes stands in the way of collaborating with others and meeting new people. I believe that the DePaul college campus experience is unique and I want everyone to experience campus life while they are here. Finally, my last goal is to represent the needs and wants of the students at the College of Computing and Digital Media. Many students in this college have wonderful ideas on how to improve the programs, equipment, courses, etc. My goal is to communicate with students about ideas and properly represent these ideas to faculty and staff to improve the programs this college offers.
Hello! My name is Nora Riba, and I am a sophomore majoring in Political Science. My greatest passion in life is helping others, which is why I am going into law. My experience in leadership roles since elementary school has prepared me to advocate for positive change effectively. If elected SGA, I plan on using all my knowledge and skills to make a positive difference for you.
A big goal of mine is for everyone to feel safe and comfortable on campus. If elected for SGA, my first goal is to strengthen communication between students and administration by fostering a more transparent and open dialogue. A good way would be to establish regular town hall meetings where student concerns can be heard and addressed promptly. Another big goal of mine is to improve academic support by advocating for expanded tutoring services and networking opportunities, such as mentorship programs, to help students thrive both academically and professionally. These are just some of my goals that reflect my commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where all students can succeed.
My name is Maryam Naveed, and I’m a third-year student double majoring in Political Science and Economics. I serve as the Public Relations and Outreach manager for Speech and Debate at DePaul and the Treasurer for the American Middle East Journalism Association (AMEJA). This past summer, I interned with Forging Opportunities for Refugees in America and gained valuable experience interning at immigration law firms in my two years at DePaul. I’m passionate about pursuing immigration law in the future and furthering my education in Forced Migration and Displacement Studies. I am running to be your representative for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences because I want to ensure that all student voices are heard and to create positive change within our college, making it a better place to study and thrive.
As a student in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, I have faced both challenges and opportunities for growth within our college, and I am committed to improving its environment. I hope to gain access to more research opportunities for undergraduates, as this is a passion of mine shared by many others who wish to pursue research in our field. Additionally, I want to work with and improve the academic advising services for LAS to help students navigate their courses and career opportunities more effectively. I also aim to advocate for more career development resources and internship opportunities that align with LAS majors.
Hello everyone! I am a senior majoring in Special Education with a minor in Public Policy Studies. I have held leadership roles such as Treasurer, Vice-President External, and President in an organization advocating for Filipinx communities in Illinois. I have led projects with The PUSO Foundation to support individuals with disabilities in the Philippines. My leadership and advocacy work, along with my experience at DePaul's College of Education, drive me to represent students and address the challenges aspiring educators face. I want to help make education an exciting career path for future students with changes in the structure of DePaul's College of Education.
Career Preparation: Conversations with recent graduates from the Class of 2024 have highlighted a critical need for enhanced job readiness workshops. These should focus on skill-building in areas such as resume writing, interview techniques, and networking strategies. Additionally, DePaul should expand access to career resources, such as industry-specific job boards, internship opportunities, and alumni networks, to enhance students' marketability in an increasingly competitive job market. To make these resources truly impactful, regular career fairs and professional panels featuring educators, school administrators, and other leaders in the education sector would provide practical insights and connections for students. Career services should also provide tailored support for education students transitioning into the workforce.
Practicum and Student Teaching Support: As DePaul caters to a large population of commuter students, it is vital that practicum and student teaching placements accommodate those who live beyond the Chicago metropolitan area. Expanding partnerships with schools in suburban regions and nearby cities would ensure that all students, regardless of location, have equitable access to required field experiences. Additionally, transportation costs can be a significant burden, especially for students fulfilling practicum hours before their formal student teaching assignments. DePaul must explore options to provide stipends or travel reimbursements to offset these costs, similar to financial assistance provided for unpaid internships in other programs. With students often reducing their work hours to meet field experience requirements, these stipends would offer much-needed relief.
Community Building: While there have been efforts toward fostering community within the College of Education, it is important that these initiatives reflect the true desires and needs of the student body, rather than DePaul's assumptions about what students want. A proposed solution is the development of a mentorship program that pairs incoming education students with upperclassmen mentors. This program would foster peer support, easing the transition into college and creating a strong foundation of camaraderie. Social events and networking opportunities should also be strategically planned to nurture a supportive, inclusive community where students feel connected and valued throughout their educational journey.
Diversity and Inclusion: To support students through the challenges of the rigorous teacher preparation program, DePaul needs to implement more targeted academic and mental health services. This could include tutoring sessions specifically designed for education coursework, time management and stress-reduction workshops, and counseling services that address the unique pressures of student teaching and fieldwork. Additionally, it is essential that these resources are accessible to all students, with a special focus on those from diverse backgrounds who may face additional hurdles. Creating an environment where mental health and academic support are integral to the student experience will help students thrive in both their professional preparation and personal well-being.
Hello! I am Isabella Simkus. I am a junior studying management with a concentration in supply chain. I am in Women in Business and work with the mentorship program EmpowHer, which is exciting because I get to show younger students around the school and the city! I like to explore the city and listen to music in my free time.
At DePaul getting the students involved creates strong leaders, and our student body is full of creative minds. I am willing to advocate on behalf of the Driehaus College of Business, making sure all students are aware of the possibilities provided by DePaul. I want to become a voice for students, but I also want to be able to help students become comfortable with expressing concerns over campus affairs freely.
As a driven new student, I can't wait to become engaged and contribute to our campus. I'm good at working alongside others and have a lot of experience planning events. I support giving students a feeling of community and providing chances for everyone to succeed. I'm honored to speak for my fellow students and collaborate with them to improve our college experience.
If elected to the Student General Association, I aim to enhance student engagement through diverse events and activities, advocate for mental health resources, and promote sustainability initiatives on campus. In order to guarantee that everyone's opinions are heard, I also intend to improve the lines of contact between students and the administration. Finally, in order to set us up for success in the future, I will provide networking opportunities that link students with alumni and professionals in the sector.
Hello everyone! I am a very dedicated student with many interests! I'm currently majoring in Business Admin and Marketing, but I am also interested in law, so I will be taking the LSAT soon! I also have a love for photography, and I hope to start doing that on the side soon. My biggest passion in life is helping as many people as I can, and I believe that being part of the SGA is a fantastic way to make a positive impact and be a voice for the students. I’m committed to ensuring everyone feels heard and happy!
If elected to the SGA, I have several goals and initiatives focused on creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students at DePaul. First, I aim to enhance awareness of campus safety resources and events, ensuring that students always feel informed and secure on campus. Second, I want to advocate for the visibility and inclusion of SWANA and Native American communities, making sure they have a dedicated space on campus to share their cultures and perspectives. Third, I plan to implement programs that foster community engagement and dialogue, helping all students feel welcomed and supported. By prioritizing these initiatives, I hope to create a campus atmosphere where everyone feels included and empowered to thrive.
My name is Rawshan Rasha, and as both a 1L law student and proud alumna of DePaul University, I have spent the last five years deeply invested in the success of this institution. My unwavering belief in DePaul’s mission and future has driven me to continue my academic journey here, first through four years of undergraduate studies and now in law school. With leadership experience as Membership Chair and Head of the Judicial Board in Delta Zeta, I have developed strong advocacy skills and a passion for representing student interests. As your SGA College of Law Representative, I will work to ensure that the voices of law students are heard in university-wide decisions, advocating for resources and policies that benefit the entire DePaul community. I am dedicated to ensuring that the unique needs of law students are front and center as we work together to shape the future of DePaul.
As a representative for law students in DePaul’s SGA, my vision is to strengthen the connection between the law school and the broader university community by advocating for initiatives that benefit all students. One of my top priorities is to create cross-disciplinary programs where law students collaborate with undergraduates from fields like business, public health, communication, science, and technology. Through workshops, projects, and case studies, law students will gain valuable insights into how these industries work, while applying legal reasoning to real-world problems. For example, business students could provide insights into corporate structures, while law students address the legal complexities of contracts or regulations. This collaboration will give law students a deeper, practical understanding of how law intersects with different industries, making them better prepared for the challenges they will face in their careers. Undergraduates will also benefit by learning how legal frameworks impact their fields, creating a more well-rounded educational experience for all. Additionally, I will champion university-wide improvements to student resources to ensure that graduate students, especially law students, have access to the tools they need to succeed. This includes increasing the availability of study spaces tailored to extended hours, enhancing access to learning platforms, and expanding wellness initiatives that help students maintain a healthy balance between academic demands and personal well-being. My goal is to ensure that law students, who often face unique pressures, have access to the same level of support and resources as their undergraduate peers. Another key focus of mine will be expanding financial literacy and career development programs across all DePaul colleges. I will advocate for workshops that cover critical topics such as managing student loans, navigating post-graduation debt, and transitioning into professional careers. These programs will serve both law students and undergraduates, preparing them for the financial realities of post-graduate life while offering early education on managing finances and career planning. I also plan to introduce interdisciplinary networking events that will connect students from across the university. These events will provide law students with opportunities to build relationships with peers from other fields, offering potential future collaborators and clients, and broadening their professional networks. This initiative goes beyond the law school alone, fostering a more interconnected and professionally engaged DePaul community. Finally, I am committed to ensuring that law students are fully represented in university-wide decisions that affect campus life, tuition, and student resources. It is crucial that our unique needs and perspectives are considered when shaping the future of DePaul. By advocating for this inclusion, I will work to create a more supportive and cohesive environment that benefits all students while strengthening DePaul as an institution for both professional and graduate populations.
My name is Peyton Deck, and I am a current freshman from Southern California. I'm a history and political science double major and hope to either go into museum work or public relations. I'm excited and grateful to be continuing my academic journey at DePaul and to be growing in this community with my peers.
If elected as a First-Year Representative, my primary goal would be to further provide freshmen with support from peers. Although students are offered plenty of academic and emotional support through professionals at DePaul, this is not a substitute for support from peers who are also experiencing the same changes and struggles. Another major focus of mine is that I’d like for peers to feel comfortable enough to come directly to me with concerns or ideas of any sort that I could use my platform to bring focus to both in and out of Student Government. I'd also like to encourage more first-year students to attend general body meetings and feel comfortable sharing their concerns themselves. Finding a place in leadership and getting involved can be daunting, especially as a freshman, and I think that it is so important that DePaul students of any year or background feel both comfortable and able to get involved and promote change. I’d generally just like to serve as a stable and supportive figure for my peers in such a heavily transitional period of time in life.
