SGA Senator Election Candidates

What is a senator?

This position serves as the legislative branch of the Student Government Association (SGA) as defined in the Governing Documents, Senator/Representative Contracts, and other related materials. Senators have the power to introduce legislation, enact all legislation concerning the student body, appropriations, student organizations, and elections, properly appropriate the Student Activity Fee, and to recognize, suspend, or dissolve any student organization under the jurisdiction of the SGA.

Meet the Candidates

Owen Ibey (he/him)

Macricostas School of Arts and Sciences

Major(s): Political Science, Music Performance

Currently involved in: SGA, Strings Club

Statement: As a Senator, I intend to grow not only our outreach to the student body but also the integrity inside our own organization. Increasing student opinions, as well as activism for issues they may experience, is something I have always wished I could improve, and I believe that WCSU is the best place for that. As well, I hope to help promote and serve all the groups of the student body and help with collaboration for the best results in each of the clubs, to get the results they have envisioned. As part of the governing body, I will help vote for what is right for the entirety of WCSU and be a voice for all.

Major(s): Biochemistry with a minor in Mathematics

Currently involved in: Sigma Chi, Muslim Student Association, SGA, Chemistry Club

Biography : A little about me, I’m from Sri Lanka, I studied in CIS which was a private school, I was also part of the varsity soccer team and I was part of a club that acted as the SGA too.
I’m the only international student in the freshman (2028) class, I’ve learnt a lot and enjoyed everyone around WCSU and even being an international student I didn’t feel ignored or separated. Being a senator right now I’ve enjoyed passing motions and voting for the right changes that should take place in WCSU and I look forward to continue my service at WCSU throughout my academic years.

Statement: Hello, my name is Aaqil Ajwan, and I’m running to be your Student Government Association Senator. I’m passionate about making our campus a place where student feels their voices are heard, supported, and empowered. If elected, I’ll work hard to represent your concerns, advocate for meaningful change, and promote initiatives that enhance student life, which includes running motions and voting for the right cause for a good change at senate. Let’s create a supportive environment together because there should be someone to make a change . Vote for Aaqil for SGA Senate – together, we can make a difference!

Aaqil Ajwan (he/him)

Macricostas School of Arts and Sciences

Matthew Onorata (he/him)

Macricostas School of Arts and Sciences

Major(s): History with a minor in Anthropology

Currently involved in: President of CLIO

Major(s): Social Work

Currently involved in: President of Chi Sigma Chapter of Phi Alpha Society, Social Work Club

Biography: I am a dedicated and hardworking student with a consistent GPA of 4.0 throughout my college career. Currently, I serve as the president of WCSU’s Chi Sigma chapter of the Phi Alpha honor society, where I lead a community service project each fall semester, addressing pressing local issues. Last year, for instance, we tackled food insecurity by partnering with Filling in the Blanks, a nonprofit dedicated to providing nutritious meals and snacks to children from low-income families. We also hosted a function called the poverty simulation where students could interact with one another in a mock community environment that showed the difficulties of living on a fixed income and needing to provide for themselves and their families while on government assistance.

In addition to this, we organize the Bea Nemzer Symposium each spring to educate the social work students on current individual, community, and national issues as well as oversee our society’s induction ceremony. My passion for advocacy and volunteering drives me to be compassionate and empathetic, striving to amplify the voices of those in need.

Statement: As a non-traditional student balancing family life with a husband, a young daughter, and a home, I’ve developed strong time management skills and resilience. This unique perspective allows me to offer a fresh voice to the association. I am eager to continue engaging with both my community and the university, always seeking new opportunities to make a positive impact. Running for a senator position in the Student Government Association presents an exciting opportunity for me to provide constructive and beneficial contributions to our university’s community.

As a passionate advocate for our university community, I am excited to run for the position of senator in the Student Government Association. My commitment to social service and community engagement drives me to create positive change that resonates with all students. As your senator, I will work tirelessly to amplify our voices and ensure that our needs are met. I am committed to fostering a vibrant, inclusive campus culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute. Together, we can develop programs that enhance student well-being, promote advocacy, and strengthen our community ties. I will prioritize transparency and collaboration, ensuring that your ideas and concerns are at the forefront of our initiatives. Let’s work together to create a campus environment that champions advocacy and service. Your support means we can make a meaningful impact—one that reflects the values of compassion and community engagement that we all share. Vote for me, and let’s build an even better university together!

Angela Tanghare (she/her)

School of Professional Studies

Kyra Cummins (she/her)

School of Visual, Performing, and Communication Arts

Major(s): Communications with a minor in Business Management

Major(s): Communication with a minor in Sports Media

Currently involved in: SGA, PAC Street Team, FSL, Asian Student Union

Statement: Hello, WCSU! My name is Will Brock, and I’m running for Senator to bring meaningful change to our campus. I am committed to enhancing student resources, advocating for mental health and wellness support, and ensuring that every voice is heard in student government decisions. With your vote, I’ll work hard to make WCSU a more inclusive, supportive, and vibrant place for all of us!

Will Brock (he/him)

School of Visual, Performing, and Communication Arts

Mitchell Andrea-Neuhuijs

Macricostas School of Arts and Sciences

Major(s): Biochemistry

Currently involved with: SGA

Statement: My name is Mitchell Andrea-Neuhuijs. I joined SGA this fall semester because I want, more than anything, to have the opportunity to make a positive impact on my community, both at WestConn and in the world at large. I promise, therefore, that, as an SGA senator, I will work to the best of my ability to help you and all of my fellow students, as well as faculty members, to have the best community and the best college experience possible. My greatest desire in life is that of having a community and a world in which every person can live a happy, healthy and peaceful life, and that is exactly what I will strive to work toward for WestConn. Being a member of SGA has been by far my greatest joy over the course of my first semester, and I am eternally grateful for having been given that great opportunity.

Major(s): Finance

Currently involved in: SGA

Anthony Waite (he/him)

Ancell School of Business

Zayda Greer (she/they)

School of Visual, Performing, and Communication Arts

Major(s): Musical Theatre

Currently involved with: Vice President of Western Improv Group, Treasurer of CenterStage, VPA Box Office Manager (The Moundbuilders), SGA

Statement: Hello! My name is Zayda, and I am running for the position of Senator in our University’s Student Government Association. I am passionate about advocating for student voices and ensuring that every student has a chance to be heard and represented. I am running because I believe that our University should be a place where all students feel supported, empowered, and engaged. If elected, I promise to take in and truly listen to your experiences as students to help improve campus life, address your concerns, and work to create positive change within our community. Whether it’s increasing access to resources, promoting inclusivity, or enhancing student-faculty relationships to ensure positive, productive classrooms, I will be a voice for the issues that matter most to you.

As a member of three student organizations and a student employee, I have experience and dedication needed to make a meaningful impact. As a senior, I understand the many challenges students face, and I am committed to working collaboratively with faculty, administration, and you, to ensure our needs are met and our voices are amplified. I hope to earn your trust as your Senator, and get to have the privilege of serving and representing the student body of Western Connecticut State University.

Thank you,

Zayda Greer

Major(s): Masters of Health Administration

Biography: During my undergraduate years at UConn, I joined the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) student leadership board in which we were responsible for connecting alumni and students together for networking purposes, raising awareness of available resources, and coordinating fun events for the students on campus!

Statement: I strive to build a stronger student community at WCSU in which students are aware of the all of the resources at their disposal and of the fun events occurring on campus! As a future senator, I am committed to receiving feedback from both undergraduate and graduate students’ on improvements SGA can make to create a better experience on campus and in classes.

Sahar Iqbal (she/her)

Ancell School of Business

Gianna Ruby-DaSilva (she/her)

School of Professional Studies

Major(s): Justice and Law Administration with a minor in Theatre Arts

Currently involved with: SGA, Kathwari Honors Program

Statement: As a student at Western, I’m committed to working hard and building a community; I have the same commitment to my role in student government. My biggest goal as a senator is to improve student outreach. The more we can invite the student body to interact with the Student Government Association, the better we can understand their issues, support them, and improve life on campus.