Starting Tuesday, April 5, 2016,to Wednesday, April 6, 2016, students will be able to vote for who they want to become Student Organization, [the full-time undergraduate student government,] president, vice president and more. But before anyone decides who they want to become president, find out see below to see who is running and what they hope to change on campus. For Student Organization President, the students who are running are Emily Cubilete, Erika Espin and Jonathan Medor.
Cubilete is a junior majoring in public administrations and double minoring in political science and women’s studies. She is a part of the Leadership Iinstitute and is the Vice President of her the sorority she is a part of, Omega Sigma Psi. In her future, Cubilete comments that her future goal “is to work in the United Nations in New York under the department of Women and Children. I want to be able to start a clinic for women in another country because I believe in equality for all.” Cubilete also comments how she would like to either open up her own business or become an executive manager of a multi-million dollar company. She is also currently a Llead Student Ambassador.
Espin is a junior majoring in marketing and minoring in communications. Espin is an intern for CNBC in the area of Marketing and Creative Promos. She is also involved in a few clubs on campus such as the Photography Club and the Cougar’s Business Club. Espin comments that her “future career plan is to become a Marketing Manager for a big AdAgencyor company and work in [New York City],” while getting experience not only nationally but hopefully globally.
Medor is a junior majoring in criminal justice with a concentration of political science., He is currently the President of the Haitian Student Association [HSA] and is a committee member of the MLK restoration project. After he graduates, Medor comments that he wants “to be a criminal lawyer and also start my own non-profit organization in Haiti for aspiring law students so they can understand and grasp the philosophy of law and how to interpret it and also be future lawyers for other Haitians as well.”
Espin is running for president because of her skills that she has learned as being Class President in previous years. She comments how she liked being Class President and that she “definitely learned a lot and gained leadership experience as well as many [other] skills.”
While Medor is running for President because of involvement on campus. He comments that “student involvement has really became a decline than an incline,” since his freshman year. “When I was a freshman here everyone was involved, you were a part of HSA, or pre-law society,” Medor continues to comment, “and as time came on a lot of these groups started not becoming recognized and in my mind, I‘m here like, hmm, maybe there is something wrong, maybe they are not seeing how good of a benefit it is to be involved on campus.” Medor also mentioned how a couple people went up to him and told him why he should run for President, mainly because of his wonderful mindset and business aspect. “And that is how I became involved in HSA and I became more interested in Student Organization. I want to increase involvement here on campus as well as have the students’ voice[s] heard instead of negotiated.”
Cubilete comments that she is “running for Student Organization President because my background experience and future goals are exactly the kind of character and ambition a president should hold. This is not my first time dealing with [a] student government [setting], as I also have past experience in representing my high school of an estimate 3,000 students.” Cubilete also says that “becoming presidentmeans representing the voices of each and every student because it takes each of us individually to form the community we see today. I have many different ideas from students in order to make a better universityfor us all and for the incoming students.”
“Well the first thing I want to achieve if I become Student Organization President is to once again improve student involvement on campus,” comments Medor. Medor wants to improve involvement because he sees how involvement has decreased. He comments how many students may not want to be involved because of lack of time management, the urge to graduate, and social life. “But they don’t understand that being involved on campus can put you further in the job market,” compared to than someone who isn’t involved on campus. Another goal he would like to achieve is to “have cultural minors be more applicable to students on campus.” He would like to push cultural minors like Latin Studies, and Africana Studies as much as possible so more students know about these minors. “Youhave all these types of studies that touch on cultural studies that students really don't know about unless they really have a one- on- one conversation with someone that wants to go through that same minor,” he comments, “with more promotion those minors will have an increase of students in that specific field.” What Medor would also like to touch bases on is to alleviate the conflict between the dining services and students. “There has been so many complaints about the cafeteria in New Upperclass Residence Hall [NURH] and in the [Miron Student Center] cafeteria about uncooked food. This isn’t a problem that should stay away [and not be touched again];... this is a problem that should stop right now because it could be very detrimental to a student’s health.” Medor would also like to continue to alleviate the problem with parking. He comments how getting a parking deck is hard but it is easier than to have an already set-schedule be altered rescheduled in days to relieve parking at certain times. “Now you see a lot of Friday and Saturday classes that used to be on Monday and Tuesday,” which helped with the conflict. Medor would like to continue this process or even think of a new way to alleviate the parking situation.
As for Cubilete, she hopes to accomplish the following goals if she is elected as for Student Organization President: improve the lifestyle of commuters, organize more activities that will unify the Kean community and create fairness for residence on campus. “I expect to achieve all my goals because Kean University is a wonderful place to achieve your future career goals, however, everyone should deserve a comfortable transition and an exciting one too,” she comments. Cubilete also says that as Student Organization President she will be fair and bring new traditions to Kean University. “I believe that a good president is a role model to all people and with my background experience, I will always be sure to excel and fulfill my goals when implemented.”
Espin comments that “as [Student Organization] President I'd like to work with programming and represent the interest of the student body. I want to develop solutions to the problems or issues we have in our university and make sure our needs are met.” To complete her mission, Espin comments how she intends to make social and education events that will help bring students together.
Cubilete, if voted as Student Organization President, will focus on many issues. For example, she says that “Kean University students are facing many issues with parking and cafeteria issues. For example: full-time resident students sometimes are not able to have a full meal because they may get out of class at 9:30 pm while the cafeteriacloses at 10:00 pm but the food begins to be put away at 9:00 pm.” She comments how that although there are other eateries on campus, students who pay for a meal plan would like to use it when they can. “Another issue is parking and as a commuter [Kean] University this needs to be resolved. It should not be a problem for students to always have issues with parking when they are stressed out about other issues such as academics.” Many students have so many concerns with these two issues and I will do everything in my power to reduce the problem or if not completely solve it.”
Espincomments on how “everyone definitely always brings up the issue with parking at Kean [University]. I know for a fact that Student Organization pays attention to that concern and past leaders have also tried to come up with a solution.” She says that it is not an easy task coming up with a solution to the problem but if voted in as president she will make it happen. “It's not an easy and fast process to have more parking added at Kean [University] but as President I will address this issue with higher- up authorities and come up with more ideas that could be obtainable.”
Medor comments that “the main problem today with students is really the strict time management between school and social life. And the reason why I say that is because there are wonderful students here that can really push a lot of clubs or organizations onto a higher pedestal than they are in right now.” Medor says that one way he can solve the problem is by having tabeling hours every other week or at least every week. He would like to show students what it means to be a student leader. He hopes to help students with time management, studies and more by implementing “in Student Organization a tutoring service. It won’t be as big as the one in CAS [Center for Academic Success] but we could have a study night or a study day with Student Organization.” He would also like to have workshops based off of time management.
Espin comments on how “Student Organization is a big part of what happens at Kean University and throughout the years they have developed new programs and acted fast to solve many concerns students or the universityas a whole had.” In the next few years, she hopes to see the organization very diverse, and something that students will be proud to be a part of.
Medor comments that he sees “Student Organization five years from now as a big force.” Student Oorganization will have a strong voice and more students will be involved on campus. He would also like to see Student Organization and the Center for Leadership and Service [CLS] combining together because at the end of the day they are both the same thing, it’s just that one is bigger than the other.” Medor would also like to see Greek fraternities and sororities to be funded, as well as other non-funded groups like the Pre-Law Society, the Graphic Organization, cultural groups and more. He continues to say that the only way that can happen is if students speak up to have their voice heard and not negotiated.
Cubilete says that “Student Organization is a professional and determined department dedicated to empowering their students to get involved and make a difference in the university. In my three years of being a student at Kean University, I have seen Student Organization grow into a diverse department with inspiring students ready to hear the Kean community’ies’ voice and make a difference that everyone can see and feel proud of.” She hopes to see in five years the Student Organization being a more competitive department than it is today and hopes to see students working hard to make the change. She continues to say that “all representatives are a firm definition of what future leaders resemble. I want to leave a legacy that can change the perception of what Student Organization resembles. There has not been a female President in a long time and I want to make that change in order to inspire many more students five years from now.”
Medor comments that “the student body should elect me aspresidentbecause of my resume. Right now I am the current Presidentof HSA. HSA was at a low minimum of members [before becoming the president]; we started with 20 members [in the fall of 2015] semester and now we are at 43.” He explains how he was able to raise the number by over 50 percent by getting the executive board together to bring in more members. Medor continues to say that “if the student body elects me aspresident, they will see a wonderful face at that of Student Organization and my door will be open.” He explains how he spoke with a student about the current Student Organization and the student comments how she wishes that she didn’t have to make an appointment to voice her opinion. Medor’s response was that he will change that. “If [the students] elect me as President, any problem that they face, my door is wide open and I will work hard day and night to get the problem resolved. I am here to be the voice of the students.”
Cubilete says that “Kean [University] students should elect me because I have such a strong base in leadership and I know how to make a group of people stronger than they imagined. I have always stated that if I am Presidentthat means everyone is president because everyone’s voice is heard and acknowledged like pieces to a puzzle, you need each piece to complete the puzzle.” Cubilete continues to say that if elected, she will make sure that her team “is as strong as individuals as they are teammates in order to get as much done as possible and even have tabling for comments that students may have.” She has plenty of ideas that can hopefully change the mindset of what Kean University is to many students. “Characteristics that make a great president: are taking quick action when needed, carrying yourself with utmost respect and understanding that you are a role model for others, and lastly you are a sole representation of what incoming Kean [University] students want to become.”
Espin comments that “Student Organization is a big part of what happens at Kean University and throughout the years they have developed new programs and acted fast to solve many concerns students or the universityas a whole had.” She hopes to see Student Organization as a diverse organization that students will be proud of.
With the information given above each candidate--who they are, what they will fix and what they hope to see in the future--decide who should be the next Student Organization President.Students will also be able to vote for other positions like Class Presidents, Vice Presidents and Vice President of Programming.
Emily M. Cubilete
As a young Hispanic-American woman, those were the words I heard every single day until I decided to make a change. My name is Emily Marie Cubilete and I was born in Queens, New York and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey. Since the 5th grade, I was always involved in sports and afterschool clubs in order to keep myself occupied. I never saw myself going to college or doing something bigger than myself. When I entered my junior year of high school everything changed. They say that a teacher is meant to inspire and uplift and that is what my history teacher did for me. Because of his motivation, I am now a junior majoring in Public Administration minoring in both Political Science and Women’s Studies. I am running for Executive President of Student Organizations because I know with my background and skills in leadership I can make a difference for the student body of Kean University. Being a student ambassador for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions shows me how diverse our University is and what students look and want in a school. If elected for this position I will ensure to listen to the students in order to make their college experience a memorable one.
Jonathan P. Medor
Hello, my name is Jonathan Medor, I am a Criminal Justice major with a concentration on Political Science. I am also the former President of the Haitian Student Association, now currently running for Executive President of Student Organization. Through my experience in leadership, I am highly competent with the tasks and duties that may come forth. With your vote, I would ensure that your voice is heard not negotiated. Don't forget, vote for Jon!
Requel C. Avena
My name is Requel Avena and I am running for Executive Vice President for the Office of Student Organization. I am currently a junior here at Kean University. I am a Psychology major with a Minor in American Sign Language and Criminal Justice. I have been a Resident Assistant for New Freshmen Residence Hall for 2 years. I am also a Transfer Instructional Mentor for the School of General Studies. I believe that I am not only a great candidate for Executive Vice President but will be an asset to this Organization. I have been involved in the Office of Student Organization for 2 years. I was Sophomore Class Vice President and currently Junior Class President. With my experience here at Kean and the Office of Student Organization I am the most qualified candidate for this position and I hope that you will trust that I will do what is best for students of Kean University.
Stephanie A. Cerna
Stephanie Cerna is applying for the Executive Vice President position of Student Organization. She is from Elizabeth, NJ and is raised from a very diverse community.
Stephanie loves being physically active and swimming is her all-time favorite sport. She swam competitively at a very young age for the Union County’s Swimming Team and during high school for the Elizabeth Swimming Team. She later on became a certified lifeguard.
In 2014, Cerna graduated high school from Alexander Hamilton Preparatory Academy and was ranked Top 50 of her graduated class.
Stephanie is passionate for serving her community and her first year attending Kean University not only did she received the Freshman Service Award but also was presented her 2015 Volunteer of the Year Award and the President’s Service Volunteer Award in recognition for the many community service hours achieved.
She is always driven and motivated to look for new opportunities. She loves to expand her horizons and is willing to put herself in different experiences.
Stephanie Cerna is currently a sophomore at Kean University, majoring in B.S. Cell and Molecular Biology. She is working on campus for a fitness program called Fit to be Kean. She is in the process of becoming a certified personal trainer. She is doing research in preparation for Kean Research Day 2016 and is also the Secretary of a well-known funded group organization called Pre-Medical Pre-Dental Association. She continues to serve her community and dedicates her time focusing on her involvement on campus and education in hopes of her acceptance to medical school.
Asa Duggar
My name is Asa Dugger, some may remember me as "Ace-spades". As a first-generation student, I am currently double majoring in Media Communications and Marketing with a 3.9 GPA. I have been a member of Student Organization for two years now and I enjoy being a part of the voice of the student body here at Kean. I find interest in photography, traveling, community service and helping to inspire others. Along with my hobbies, I spend most of my time striving for academic excellence and giving back to my lovely community. During my free time, I enjoy being involved on campus and being immersed the diverse environment of Kean. I will ensure to my fellow Kean peers that as Vice-President of Student Government, I will ensure the conflicts within the Student Body will no longer be shadowed but brought to light. Together, we will inherit a World Class Education, in and outside of the classroom.
Dayling M. Urquia
-No bio provided-
Marquiale T. Davis
Hello, my name is Marquiale Davis but, I am known on campus as Marq; thank you for taking the time to read my biography.
I am running for the Vice President of Funded Groups because, I have the necessary skills and enthusiasm to be sure the entire Kean student body has the same opportunity to be serviced and have their voice heard. I work on-campus as a Community Assistant in the New Upperclassmen Residence Hall and as Resident Assistant in Bartlett Hall. I am majoring in Psychology and I am triple minoring in American Sign Language, Africana Studies and Health Education. I am a member of several groups on-campus such as ASL club, BE THE CHANGE, Forensic Psychology Club etc. My experience in these groups and others have thought me the importance of groups function to their full capacity and programming accordingly.
Some fun facts about me are: I love watching TV. Some of my favorite shows are Scandal, Switched at Birth, Glee and Charmed; I could literally go on forever. I want to become a Sign Language Interpreter and a Mental Health Counselor. I am the first in my family to go to college.
My favorite quotes are: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Eleanor Roosevelt
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” Barack Obama
Angelica F. Glispie
What is my name you ask? Angelica Glispie, aspiring candidate for Vice President of Programming. I am currently a sophomore majoring in Media Communications and Marketing with a minor in Business Management. Despite the amount of work my academics require, I manage to maintain presence on campus and get involved. As of now, I am a Student Ambassador, President of Women’s Circle, member of The Dining Advisory Board, member of the Rotaract Club and a Student Council Representative. My plate may be full, but I manage to obtain a 3.8 GPA and remain a scholar every semester. In my spare time, I mentor to younger girls outside of campus to teach them the importance of education and self-esteem. In addition, I also blog to inspire those who seek it. Yes, anyone can have a long resume, but it’s how you utilize what you should have gained from those experiences.
Leadership, the action of leading a group of people or an organization, is a crucial characteristic for one to have when reaching into the world of Student Government. A position as well-known and respected such as Vice President of Programming, requires a student who is willing to put their best foot forward and is ready to listen to the voice of Kean University. I am that student.
(Please note Glispie's name was not added to our print editon due to an election mix up; however she is still an eligible candidate.)
Julio C. Olivo
My education background in Business Management, along with my professional experience, makes me an excellent candidate for this position. As you will see from the enclosed resume, I have more than two years of experience in the field of research and event management. My resume shows that I have been consistently working on different assignments that allowed me to develop my skills in the areas of data analysis and budget management. The different successful events completed, annual budget management, and annual reports send out to the State of New Jersey Secretary of Education are just a few responsibilities that I encounter. Specifically, I believe that the following skills and experience makes me an excellent candidate for this position. Few of the skills I possess are: ? Proficiency in several software packages including MS Word, Excel, Access and Publisher. ? Fluency in Spanish and English. ? Three years in administration experience in general budgeting. ? Ability to handle multiple projects and tasks in an accurate and efficient matter. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss with you in person how my skills might match the position of VP of Programming. I look forward to an opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you in person. Thank You for your time.
Damion D. Wilson, Jr.
My name is Damion Wilson and I am from Fort Worth, Texas, where I previously attended Prairie View A&M in Houston, Texas fall of 2014. I am applying for the VP of Programming. I’m currently a sophomore at Kean University pursing a degree in Communication Public Relations. Although I've only been here for such a short time I've had a great deal of success. When I first came to Kean University I landed a job as a Customer Service Representative. I was determined to achieve more. Shortly after, I became Assistant Coordinator of the programming board, enhancing my skills in programming and leadership. Refusing to stop there, I went on to hosting many events on campus including, the fall 2015 Homecoming pep rally. In addition to this I joined different organizations on campus like Leadership Institution, a film club, Prisoners of War and many more. Contributing to my great deal of success, I never stopped reaching my full potential through my strong work ethics, I was able to receive the position as a Residential Assistant for spring 2016. My hard work and dedication will not stop here i hope to become the next VP of Programming.
Christian Larrain
Hi my name is Christian C.R. Larrain and I'm Appling for the Vice President position at Kean Ocean. I have had the pleasure to work with Director Faser for almost 4 semesters. During my time as a council representative here at Kean Ocean I worked with former Vice president Casey and fellow council Representative M.J. They were able to bring out the best in me because of the leadership skills that they possessed. I learned a lot from both Casey and M.J who I consider friends for life. And that is why I know I will do a great job representing Kean Ocean as their next V.P. I come from a traditional Roman Catholic family I grew up in northern N.J. and attended Paterson Catholic high school. I played for their soccer, and baseball varsity team. I was president of the chess and debate club. I graduated O.C.C. with honors and my GPA was 3.859 . I'm also a member of phi theta kappa. I consider myself to be part of a strong and powerful family here at Kean University weather I'm attending a special event at the Union campus where I'm seeing familiar faces like Carlis or shaking hands with Nigel and felling proud about building the bookbags for the kids this past November. Kean Ocean was a great idea that turned into a great University enrollment at kean ocean has gone up 7 percent since last year and we are continuing to grow. I will make sure that we will continue to move forward in the direction that will help every student attending Kean Ocean excel to the next level. Sincerely Christian C.R. Larrain.
Robert H. Schiele, III
Robert Schiele is a Kean University student and double major in Psychology and Criminal Justice, who has outstanding organization and leadership skills. Rob is currently the president of the Kean Ocean Criminal Justice Club and active in the Forensic Psychology and PreLaw Clubs. As an industrious and conscientious student Rob is prepared for both challenges and opportunities that arise. He is devoted to his academic work as well as community involvement. Rob has solid inter-personal skills and works well with others, attested to by his leadership in student organizations. He relies on such relationships to address challenges and to build social networks for the benefit of all. With these attributes obstacles are minimized and opportunities are maximized. Rob continues his solid academic and social involvement for the benefit of others, Kean and himself, and is thankful to Kean University, his colleagues for the opportunities that have emerged, and the friendships that have developed.
Delois O. Blackmon
I, Delois Blackmon, am applying for the Executive Treasurer position for Student Organization. I have always been talented in mathematics and can take my obtained knowledge and bring it forth in the treasurer position. As a high school student I attended Passaic County Technical Institute, and my shop/major was Business. In my sophomore year, I was chosen for the alternative Accounting shop/major. This shop was designed specifically for a chosen group of 60 students picked from the entire class, and was to be completed junior and senior year. Within the classes, there were college accounting professors who came in and taught, as well as gave assignment, midterms, finals, and class projects. At the end of the two years I accumulated college credits in accounting. I have had a lot of experience with accounting, and also enjoy the work that comes with it.
Nina A. Townsend
My name is Nino Townsend and I am running for Assistant Secretary because I held the secretary position in my organization for a year and was successful in hosting events and I love to be involved.
Tahjane Q. Whitsett
My name is Tahjane Whitsett and I am pursuing a B.S degree in Business Management. I am currently a sophomore here at Kean University. I am from Colonia, NJ and I graduated from Colonia High School. I am running to be your Junior Class President. I’ve been a part of student government for the past two years. I served as Freshman Vice President and Sophomore President. My goal is to enhance the social and academic atmosphere here at Kean University and also give back to my school community.
Giulia Catalano
Hey everyone! My name is Giulia Catalano and I am running for the position of Junior Class Treasurer. If elected, I will most definitely come up with many on and off campus events and trips that will be appealing to all. Additionally, I will create multiple fundraisers that are fun and charity driven. With all that I have done as a Freshman Representative, and Sophomore Treasurer, I would love to continue my services as Junior Class Treasurer at Kean University.
Imani M. Walker
A recognized leader known for crafting leadership qualities and achieving the vision to conquer her goals, Imani Walker offers a unique blend of honesty, communication, confidence, positive attitude, creativity and a hands on approach. As an active representative for Student Organization, Imani has enhanced a variety of skills such as her communication skills by being actively aware of the student’s concerns, issues and events around campus. Imani’s leadership role at Kean University has allowed her to recruit volunteers and another representative who is proud to serve. Reapplying to be a representative gives her the opportunity to continue to listen, analyze, and understand differences. Imani believes a basic that not all human beings are the same. There are cultural perspectives, language barriers, personal traits and value systems that greatly effects how information is interpreted and processed. Some work well under pressure while others do not. In order to become a leader, Imani discovered one must have the ability to customize their approach on a person based on the situation. Imani’s experience and personality allows her to offer new ideas and above all, her most important job will be to help others and communicate regularly. The future as well as cooperation and teamwork depends on our ability to work together. Being elected as a representative enables Imani to lead with openness and honesty while welcoming all ideas for making Kean a better university. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Together we must be strong and cooperate to achieve our goals.
Jennifer Herrera
My name is Jennifer Herrera and the position I am applying for is Sophomore Class President. I am currently the Freshman Class President, a member of Center for Leadership and Service Bronze Leadership Program and I am also part of the Catholic Newman Club. I plan to obtain a degree in Criminal Justice and continue to law school after graduating from Kean University. I attended Elizabeth High School Academy in Elizabeth New Jersey and graduated with honors in 2015. During my 4 years of high school I was part of the Elizabeth Girls Basketball team, as well as the key club. Outside of school I was very involved with my community and still am. I serve as a Catechist Teacher at Immaculate Conception Church in Elizabeth New Jersey teaching children from 4th-6th grade. Serving as the Freshman Class President has given me the opportunity to gain knowledge of the student body and the University overall. My objective for this upcoming year is to have another opportunity and become the Sophomore Class President and apply all that I have learned throughout these two semesters, I believe that with a good mindset and the will power to grow it will get us as a whole class further in our path.
Paulina V. Darasz
My name is Paulina Darasz and I am running for treasurer to represent my sophomore class. I was the treasurer for the Ambassador Club at County Prep High School, which has given me ample experience in budgeting, overseeing costs, and financial planning. While serving as treasurer, I have proven my ability to achieve desired results and not make empty promises. I am running for this position because I want to bring my past experience to make this year a success. I will bring innovative ideas that will best serve my fellow classmates. I assure everyone that my classmates' concerns will in turn be my own if elected. I look forward to making Kean University a better place for the class of 2018.
Genesis J. Algaba
Genesis Algaba is a second semester student at Kean University. She is currently a Freshman Class Student Council Representative and is applying to be a Sophomore Class Student Representative in the fall of 2016. Genesis describes herself as someone inclined to public service through community service. She is also part of the Bronze Leadership Program at Kean University where she has learned the importance of leadership, service, and commitment. Genesis considers herself a family person. She believes family is the most important institute in society and therefor her family is the most important aspect in her life. As an older sister, Genesis has been able to understand what it means to put others before her and most importantly to lead by example. Her little sister, who is ten years younger, is her biggest fan and this is what drives her to always excel and be the best she can be. After obtaining her bachelor’s at Kean, she plans on studying Constitutional Law. Her biggest dream is to be part of a nonprofit organization dedicated to help young women achieve a higher education. She believes that the womb is the pillar of society but sometimes these young women are discouraged and often forbidden to pursue an education. As a young woman who has always been motivated by her father, Genesis wants to share her father’s words that it is a woman’s choice to accomplish anything she wishes to accomplish. Genesis strongly believes in the power of education and community service.
Antuanett Lopez-Sani
Antuanett Lopez is a full-time psychology student at Kean University. She is applying for the position of Sophomore Class Representative. Antuanett was born in Lima-Peru, she moved to The United States five years ago and currently lives with her mother in a small town called Elmwood Park. Antuanett’s two passions in life are art and family, she believes that the world has something to give to each human, she sees the world as art, and her purpose is to help others feel confident to achieve common goals. Most common goal of humanity is to purpose a life of success and happiness. She focus on gives people opportunities throughout people’s life to become successful and happy, it is her hope that everyone capitalize on opportunities.
Kayla A. Walker
My name is Kayla Walker. I am 18 years old and live in Nutley, New Jersey. Being a freshman class representative was an honor and I hope to continue to do so my sophomore year by being your sophomore class representative. I am a responsible individual and you can count on me to attend all meetings that are scheduled.
Javon Jacobs
My name is Javon Jacobs. I am in my second year with an anticipated graduation date of May 2018. I currently work as a Peer Educator in the Office of Community Standards & Student Conduct under Ms. Nicole Rodriguez. I am also the Vice President of the Peer Volunteer Group. I pay close attention to detail and I am very organized. If I grated the chance to be a class representative I can use my skills & knowledge to be an effective leader at Kean University.
Maribel Batista
My name is Maribel Batista and I am applying for the sophomore class representative position. I live in Perth Amboy, NJ, but I was raised in the Dominican Republic. I have a younger sister, who's currently in high school. I am pursuing a degree in Elementary Education K-5/5-8 with an option in Bilingual Education. I participate in many activities, community services, and jobs. I am also able to maintain being on top of my grades. I think that in order to be a leader one should be a well-rounded and capable of managing different tasks/ activities at the same time. I know that I have all the characteristics to be a leader and I am sure that I am one. Asides from the activities performed in and out of campus I also hold two jobs, in which I held an assistant manager and supervisor position during the fall semester of 2015. These experiences shaped my first semester in college and have helped me see what the true meaning of the college experience is, which I think will help me tremendously if I acquire this position.
-GPSC-
Lawrence Owens
My name is Lawrence J. Owens and I will be running for President of the Graduate and Part-Time Council (GPSC) of Kean University. I’ve been Treasure this past year of the Graduate and Part-Time Council, and have oversaw and helped in creating great events on campus and off campus for Graduate and Part-Time Students as well as the Kean Community at large. From off campus events such as Broadway Shows like the Color Purple and Chicago and Jets vs. Titans NFL Football Game to on campus events such as Bingo and comedy show that showcased Lil Duvall and DeRay Davis. Those are just some of the events and programs I helped in planning and creating, but mostly importantly I am a graduate student in the MPA program, (I received my B.A. in Political Science here at Kean University) so I know first-hand how confusing and frustrating graduate life can be. We face many ups and downs throughout our time in graduate school, from balancing work, school work, and our own personal life it can be demanding. That’s why if you give me the opportunity to become your President, I can promise you that I will work hard on your behalf to continue progress we have made as an organization as well as listen to your issues and concerns and address them in the best way possible. As President I will ensure that graduate students and part-time students are having their voices heard and issues address. I know we, working together can build upon the strides we have made and will continue to make moving forward.
Leigha Gullotta
Hello, my name is Leigha Gullotta and I am applying for the vice president
Nigel Donald
Hello, my name is Nigel Donald and I am seeking to run for the position of Alternative Trustee. Coming from an extensive background within Student Government and my high school, leadership is an important attribute to possess and that’s why I’ve always sought it out. Being Executive President gives you tremendous experience with working with a group of others for the success of the students. If elected I look forward to working with both Student Organization and my Executive Board to identify shortcomings within the student population and solutions to the students expectations of Student Government. Lastly I identify myself to be energetic, positive-thinking, strategic and a knowledgeable with whatever I devote my focus to and if given the opportunity to be an Treasurer I will highlight both my personal attributes within the position as well as those that are expected from the position.
Jessica Taylor
My name is Jessica Taylor, and I am applying for the position of Student Council Representative. I am currently working toward a M.A. degree in Writing Studies, and I work as a Graduate Assistant for Dr. Nelson in the Undergraduate English Dept. I have studied at Kean for the past four years, as I completed an Undergraduate degree in English here as well. Those who know me would describe me as a friendly and dedicated individual. I am motivated to help our University and its students succeed. In my personal life, I am an avid reader and I enjoy writing fiction.
Jessica Bomm
I am currently working to obtain my master's in occupational therapy. I hope to work as a hand therapist in the future and assist individuals in gaining their independence back after traumatic life events. I work as a graduate assistant in the Office of Alumni Relations and have had the opportunity to take part in numerous events on campus and work closely with the student body. In my free time I enjoy reading, specifically history and nonfiction, and spending time outdoors. I have a passion for volunteer work and enjoy giving back to the community. As an undergraduate student at Kean University I was always interested in participating in student government but was unable to do so due to an extensive work commitment in additional to my academic one. This past year I was able to attend GPSC meetings as a council representative and gained an understanding of the hard work and dedication put into by the executive board and the representatives. Taking part in this organization was rewarding and I believe I added valuable input and insight to each meeting.
Paola Prieto
My name is Paola Andrea Prieto and I am applying for the Student Council Representative. I am currently in the Professional Diploma in School Psychology and will be graduating in 2017. For my undergraduate studies, I graduated from Montclair State University in May 2014 with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. As a student, I believe it is important to be involved and contribute to the school that we are learning from. We as students have a voice that the school needs to take into consideration when it comes to concerns or ideas. That is why I have enjoyed being a Student Council Representative because I can voice my classmates concerns to student leaders that need to voice the concerns of the student body to those in charge of the University. I look forward to serving the community through Graduate Part-time Student Council for this next coming school year.
