What relevant experience would you bring to the position you are seeking?

During this academic year I have served as both a project manager and as the Unit Coordinator for the Student Organization Support Team. In both these positions, I have been working to bring resources and awareness of them to student organizations through programming such as the ConnectingOrg series. As project manager I worked with Campus Life to partner with other resources/organizations on campus such as the Career Center and UHS to bring about awareness, networking and partnerships among these organizations and among student organizations. As Unit Coordinator, I have worked to organize the Student Org Support Team in manner to support student organizations through initiatives and directly engaging with student organizations about their concerns, questions and future goals.

How do you intend on fulfilling your role while working alongside other members of SGA? What strategies do you use to address conflict?

I plan on fulfilling my role by using cooperation, communication and collaboration with not only members of SGA, but also with other students and administrators. These three aspects are key to being in any type of leadership position and are the most prominent aspects to a successful organization. I intend to work closely with not only other elected members, but also other students who are all in SGA and deserve to have their voices and ideas listened to and taken seriously when representing them to other SGA officers and administrators. Resolving conflict must always start with the mediation of all of those involved. Comprehensively understanding the issue or problem, listening and talking to all parties involved and constructing a compromise that is fair and inclusive is key to addressing and resolving any conflict. Conflict resolution must be addressed in a fair, unbiased and respectful manner which I believe my strategies follow.

What is your vision for student organizations at UMBC?

Student organizations are the life line of campus culture at UMBC. I already see student organizations playing their vital role on campus as groups of passionate, dedicated and successful students creating a vibrant atmosphere on campus and change on and off campus as well. I envision student organizations being more connected and collaborative when in an environment that promotes and encourages collaboration which I hope to foster. Student organizations are groups that are crucial to UMBC's identity and need to be advocated for, funded and given the resources to collaborate and succeed. As UMBC grows and expands, I see student organizations leading the way in continuing to create an inviting, fun and productive environment that truly makes UMBC an institution of change and inspiration.

How do you plan to reach out and be a resource to student organizations?

I plan to directly communicate and engage with students and student organizations in a variety of ways. One is to engage with students and organizations through personal interactions such as meetings and community dinners based on concerns or issues of the students. Another is to hold forums and town halls to not only engage, but openly discuss and address issues, concerns, and questions students have and are facing within their organizations. Another is to hold workshops such as LeadingOrgs to engage organizations and students with the tools and skills needed to develop and better their own leadership qualities. I plan to fully commit my time and attention to this position to not only advocate for students, but to also engage with them and empower them to be part of the change and advocacy they wish to see on campus.