Candidates for SGA President (One Position)
Alyssa Held
My name is Alyssa Held and I am running for your next president for the 2025-2026 academic year. I believe the SGA provides an essential role in advocating for student life and connecting the students to those who implement policies. The student government acts as a voice for all students and should work to address our needs as efficiently as possible. I believe it is a valuable platform for building a more inclusive community.
As a first semester student, I began my involvement in the SGA as a volunteer and was later elected to serve as a senator. This role has given me the opportunity to connect with new people and gain valuable insights and perspectives. With the resources I've gained from this experience, I learned about the internal processes of serving the interests of our students. I hope to bring some valuable insights and carry out objectives based on what I have seen work successfully in the past.
As an active member of clubs on campus, I understand the importance the student government holds in ensuring we create a welcoming environment and can allocate resources properly to make sure our clubs can continue to thrive. I want to ensure that events that have been successful in the past can be carried on in order to encourage more student interest and involvement. I hope to use what I have learned in order to contribute to the growth of involvement on campus, and find new ways to address the needs of our student body proactively. I aim to foster communication both within our student body, and externally in ways that can benefit everyone’s needs and ideas. It is important to keep students informed about chances to uplift each other. In order to do so, I will advocate for creating new strategies to keep students informed, and to work on various ways to communicate effectively in order to encompass diverse perspectives.
As your SGA president, My key goals will include:
- Recognizing and supporting student organizations by improving access to various resources
- Ensuring our students will be represented in decisions that affect our campus life
- Creating opportunities to provide feedback to encourage more student participation
- Improving the accessibility of information and events with collaborative initiatives
- Linking students with administration to ensure student voices can directly impact key decisions.
If elected, I will strive to make student government accessible and representative of various viewpoints on our campus. With your support, I will commit myself to being a reliable and engaged leader. Thank you for considering me as a candidate for your next SGA President!
Jennifer Oxenkrug
As a dedicated member of the BHCC community and the elected president of BFE club, I am honored to announce my candidacy for the position of Student Government Association (SGA) President. BHCC is a vibrant institution that reflects the rich diversity of our city, with students from over 150 countries, including many who are first generation college students, parents, veterans, and international scholars. This diverse community is our collective strength, and I am committed to ensuring that every student feels seen, heard, and supported.
The Role of SGA in Student Life
The SGA serves as the official voice of the student body, advocating for our rights, representing our interests, and ensuring our active participation in college policies and decisions. Beyond advocacy, the SGA plays a pivotal role in enriching student life by organizing events, supporting clubs, and facilitating programs that enhance our academic and social experiences. It is through these initiatives that we build a sense of community and belonging on campus.
Why I Am Running
I am running for SGA President because I believe in the transformative power of education and community. My experiences at BHCC have shown me the resilience and dedication of our student body. Whether balancing work, family, or academic responsibilities, BHCC students are committed to their success and the success of our community. I want to be a leader who amplifies these voices and works tirelessly to address the needs and aspirations of our peers.
If elected, I aim to:
● Enhance Communication and Transparency: Implement regular updates on SGA activities and financial management through various digital platforms, ensuring all students are well informed and engaged.
● Strengthen Student Advocacy: Establish more comprehensive feedback mechanisms, such as surveys and focus groups, to ensure student voices are represented in all administrative decisions.
● Foster Club Engagement: Organize regular Strategic Leadership Meetings to bring together club leaders, fostering collaboration and sharing of best practices to invigorate student organizations.
● Support Career Development: Expand mentorship and showcase opportunities for students in disciplines like music and art, aiding in their career path development.
● Promote Inclusivity and Equity: Advocate for initiatives that advance diversity, inclusion, and equity, ensuring that all students have access to the resources and opportunities they deserve.
What I Hope to Contribute
If elected, I will bring a leadership style rooted in empathy, transparency, and action. I recently completed BHCC’s Exploring Leadership program, a course that builds leadership skills for the next generation of leaders. Using these skills, I am committed to being a president who listens, understands, and acts on behalf of the student body. My goal is to create a campus environment where every student feels empowered to succeed and contribute to the collective success of our community. Together, we can build a BHCC that reflects our shared values and aspirations. I humbly ask for your support in this endeavor.
Thank you for considering me as your next SGA President
Candidates for SGA Vice President of Finance and Administration (One Position)
Cristian Josue Mazariegos
Hello my name is Cristian Mazariegos. I am running for SGA Vice President of Administration and Finance . The role I believe SGA should have in Student life is engagement and equal opportunity, I believe your success is my success and I feel very grateful to be here as I started as a SGA volunteer at the begging of this semester I really didn’t know a lot about SGA and the campus overall but showing up consistently brought a new opening to my eyes. When coming to this college, I wasn't aware of the resources and support that were offered to students. I am running for office because I care deeply about the student body and the successful opportunity students might not know that they have in the BHCC community. I wish to create engagement and connection with student body, help students with there need’s and create a supportive environment. Opening opportunity of communication, creating a field that powers your ideas, passions, and shared experiences at BHCC. I’m excited to take on this responsibility and invite you to join me in making our college more transparent, inclusive, and dynamic than ever. I believe Student’s voice in decision-making, and actively supporting programs that enrich our academic, social, and cultural experience at BHCC are important. My experiences have shaped me and open communication, equitable finance practices, and proactive collaboration, can be used and can turn ambitions into real opportunities—and make BHCC a more connected, empowered, and transparent place to earn and grow. I believe Elevate student feedback is important as it serves ideas which drive our policies and programs, I believe Ensure transparent fair budget management, impact reports are important, so you always know how and why funds are spent. Working with clubs, academic departments, and community partners to host events and services that enrich your academics, well-being, and cultural life is something I plan to contribute with student life at campus. I’ve seen how powerful student-led initiatives can be, and I want to make sure every student—no matter their background—feels heard, valued, and equipped to succeed. I want to help make sure every student knows what’s here for them and feels confident using those resources. I believe every student deserves equal opportunity If elected, I plan to:
• Advocate for more student support, academic and wellness, resources and awareness for campus-wide guidance.
• Improve communication between SGA and students
• Contribute and Support events that celebrate our diverse cultures
• Make sure student voices are included in important decisions as well as inform student body with campus event’s and resources
• Work with clubs and organizations to increase student involvement, help them get the resources, funding, and visibility they need to grow, thrive and succeed
• Oversight to processes involving budget, resources and finance for SGA, student clubs, and organizations.
I know college can be challenging even if you don’t know where to turn for help but I believe we can overcome these challenges together. I want to be someone who creates a bridge between the student body and the campus as well as the campus administration, ensuring your concerns are heard and acted upon. I'm ready to listen, work hard to guide and represent you. Together, we can make BHCC a place where every student feels informed, supported, and empowered to thrive. I respectfully ask for your support and your vote because I believe when students lead, we all rise together.
Aaron Salcedo
To the Student Association,
As a First-year at BHCC, college was never initially a prospect for me as the costs associated with higher education were often too astronomical to consider. Knowing this, I went to work during my high school days where I maintained a part-time job at McDonald’s carefully balancing my time between my studies and work requirements. Not long after graduation, I fell into banking as well as sales and even security. However, as I started to cultivate a career in finance, little-by-little I began climbing the ladder with both promotions and even pay raises to show for it! Eventually, rising into and taking on management level roles thereafter.
As someone with nearly 10 years of financial experience in the field both being a part of and leading teams, I’ve gained the know how when it comes to not only working with financial products and services such as accounts, applications, loans, lines of credit, dispute resolution, etc., but also people. People ranging from supervisors, to colleagues, to clients, and everything in between—the human element matters too.
While working can be great schoolwork is just as important. I’m proud to say that while I maintain a very healthy GPA several other academic successes of mine I’m proud to share include achieving the 2025 BHCC’s Merit List Award, being a Presidential Member of The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), and even having been proudly elected President of BHCC’s Paralegal Club.
What I hope to achieve within the Student Government Association is giving students the fair shake they deserve by hearing them out and finding a pathway to Yes, when and where possible. Truth, ethics, and responsibility are some of the core values I live by that I fully intended to bring to SGA as well!
It’s through these many achievements I’ve earned, both big and small, that I fully stand by in announcing my candidacy for SGA Vice President of Administration & Finance by humbly asking, YOU, if I may earn your vote here now, where it counts, as well!
Thank you all,
Aaron Salcedo
Candidates for SGA Executive Secretary (One Position)
Joshua Lee
BHCC is home to a vibrant and diverse community, made up of both local and international students and staff from all walks of life. I have been fortunate to have been welcomed into this community and have witnessed firsthand the value of such diversity. On a campus as large and diverse as this, it is essential to have a student association that truly represents and listens to the voices of the student body. Just as important is that this association is student-led – ensuring a direct, authentic connection to student concerns. A staff-led organization, while well-intentioned, runs the risk of becoming disconnected from the lived experiences of students.
My own background reflects the varied paths students at BHCC take. Though I was born and raised in the United States for part of my life, my ethnic roots are Southeast Asian, and I have spent a significant amount of time living abroad in both Europe and Asia. These experiences have deeply shaped my worldview and given me a firsthand understanding of the challenges that international students often face. The transitions I have experienced were not without struggle – and it is precisely because of those challenges that I am driven to support others. I want to offer guidance through thoughtful, behind-the-scenes work that can make a real difference.
This is why I am seeking the role of Executive Secretary. It’s a position that often works quietly in the background – rarely in the spotlight, yet vital to the function and integrity of student leadership. There’s something deeply noble about that to me: creating change not for recognition, but because it’s needed.
If elected, I hope to bring this quiet strength into every meeting and event – to be the person working diligently behind the scenes, representing those who may not always feel seen or heard, and helping build a community where everyone feels they belong.
Candidates for SGA Vice President of Human Resources (One Position)
Christina Mercure
Hi everyone! My name is Christina Mercure, and I am running for the position of Vice President of Human Resources in the Student Government Association at Bunker Hill Community College. Over the course of this past spring semester, I have had the opportunity to volunteer with SGA. This hands-on experience has provided me with a deeper understanding of the importance of student governance. More importantly, it has inspired me to become an active part of the positive change taking place on our campus. I am running for office because I believe in the power of student leadership and the collective potential, we have to improve student life at BHCC through purpose, inclusivity, and integrity.
The Student Government Association should serve as a foundation for advocacy, support, and representation. Its role in student life should extend far beyond organizing events or managing club affairs, it should actively contribute to a campus culture that is inclusive, empowering, and student-centered. As Vice President of Human Resources, I would work to ensure that the SGA operates as a unified, motivated, and high-functioning team.
Throughout my time at BHCC, I have been intentional about getting involved in meaningful ways. In addition to volunteering with SGA, I currently serve as the Vice President of Public Relations and Recruitment for the Community Service Club. In this leadership role, I coordinate outreach efforts, promote club initiatives, and help welcome new members into the community. I took part of my high school student and school council, where I took part of vote ruled decisions, planning fundraisers/and events. Even during times of the Covid pandemic, I was able to make sure the student body kept connected even at a distance. These experiences have strengthened my ability to communicate effectively, collaborate with diverse groups, and represent the interests of my peers with enthusiasm and professionalism. I have also participated in leadership development programs at BHCC, which have enhanced my skills in public speaking, conflict resolution, and team management.
My leadership experience extends beyond campus as well. I currently serve as a Shift Leader at my workplace, where I am responsible for leading teams, overseeing daily operations, and managing customer relations. This position has instilled in me a strong sense of accountability, time management, and strategic problem-solving. I am confident that these skills will support me in strengthening the internal operations of the SGA and building a healthy, well-organized environment for all members.
If elected as Vice President of Human Resources, I will focus on five key initiatives that align with the evolving needs of both SGA members and the broader student body:
- Improving internal communication; by implementing clear meeting structures, follow-up protocols, and digital collaboration tools to promote transparency and accountability.
- Host community-building events specifically for student leaders across campus to build connections, share best practices, and foster a stronger leadership network.
- Fostering a positive and inclusive environment that prioritizes mental health, celebrates diverse identities, and strengthens team cohesion.
- Establishing regular feedback channels; to ensure that all students—not just SGA members—can share insights, concerns, and ideas for improving student life and SGA performance.
- Strengthening collaborations with student clubs and organizations; particularly by working closely with Student Engagement Leaders to support club goals and promote meaningful student involvement.
My mission as Vice President of Human Resources is to ensure that every student and every SGA member feels valued, supported, and empowered. I believe that leadership is not about a title, it is about service. It is about showing up, listening with intention, and taking deliberate action to help others succeed. I am dedicated to cultivating a student government that reflects the voices, experiences, and aspirations of our diverse BHCC community.
In closing, I want the student body to know that I bring not only experience, but also reliability, determination, and a sincere commitment to service. I am confident in my ability to lead with purpose and heart, and I am fully prepared to dedicate myself to the responsibilities of this role. Thank you for your time, your trust, and your consideration.
Sincerely,
Christina Mercure
Ngoc Tu Phuong Pham
Hi everyone! My name is Ngoc Tu Phuong Pham (Ellie). I’m running for the position of Vice President of Human Resources in Student Government Association (SGA).
For me, SGA not only about holding meetings or planning events but also about bringing BHCC students together, being a voice for students, creating welcoming community where everyone feels connected and heard. SGA will turn students’ ideas, concerns and energy into action.
I’m running for this position because I enjoy working, helping and encouraging with people. In my high school, I was a member of a club which called “International Culture Club”. We celebrated 2 events: Holifest and Songkran. To be more detailed, I helped organize activities, scheduled and assigned work for all members, did meeting and bonding for members to get on with each other. I managed the process from the beginning and made sure everything went smoothly. If any problems had occurred, I would have made quick decisions or came up with a backup plan. Additionally, because of being a part of human resources part of that club, I brought people together and let no one feel embarrassed or discouraged. Through that experience, I learned communication skills and knew how to create a positive space where students could connect, bond, and grow.
If elected, I want to contribute that same energy to BHCC. I’ll focus on building stronger connections among students, supporting clubs, and making sure new members feel included and inspired to get involved. I’ll be here to listen and work hard to help SGA be more approachable and responsive to what students really need.
Thanks for reading.
Let’s make this school year something special!
-Ellie-
Candidates for SGA Vice President of Academic Affairs (One Position)
Bhumika Giri
Hello, this is Bhumika Giri, and my major is biomedical engineering, and I have completed two semesters at BHCC, and this coming fall semester will be my third semester at BHCC. I plan to transfer to a four-year institute after completing my associate degree here at BHCC. My GPA in the first semester was 3.0 and in the second semester was 2.83. I have successfully completed Calculus-I, General Psychology-101, English Composition 101, English Composition 102, Calculus-II, General Chemistry-I and General Chemistry-II
I am interested in being a part of the Student Government Association and serve as SGA Vice President of Academic Affairs. As described about the roles of the SGA Vice President of Academic Affairs in the BHCC-SGA website, I plan to fulfill the responsibilities with dedication and morality. I believe that the Student Government Association plays a vital role in helping the students with the available student resources and bringing out the best they can in every individual. Student Government Association helps to run campus activities smoothly and effectively. It provides us the email updates about the events that are organized every week at BHCC. It also helps the students to get involved in different types of student clubs here at BHCC. Additionally, it actively ensures that the students are not facing any kind of difficulties related to food, academics, technologies, and building relations with other students and faculties at the BHCC. It also helps in collecting and recording the budgets to run various active student clubs .
I will ensure that every student meets their academic goals and is not facing any kind of academic hardship related to the missing of the registration dates for their classes, facing difficulties related to registration of classes through self-service, providing knowledge about the different types of classes they can get at BHCC-remote, web-based, and in-person. As even I as a freshman at BHCC have faced problems in my initial days.
I would suggest about the tutoring options available at the BHCC and confirm that every students are able to excel in their course materials. I would guide them towards AIDE, Math Space, The Writing Place based on the area that they require help with.
I would suggest to them about the clubs that would help them in their academics. For example: Math Club, Biology Club, Stem Club, Accounting, Business and Economics Club, Writers Block, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence club.
I will also make sure that the students are not facing any kind of financial hardship and will make sure to remind them about the important dates to see for on-campus employment and internships opportunities and also provide them with the knowledge about the scholarship options and the dates to apply for those scholarships and will also help them with the scholarship essay.
Maureen Glynn
Hello, I am Maureen Glynn running for BHCC Student Government Association (S.G.A). Vice President of Academic Affairs. I graduated with an Associate Degree in Psychology in May of 2024 with honors. I continue as a student at the college. I am excited at the chance and to serve again with S.G.A. and keep advocating for students
My motivation comes from a long-standing belief in fair access to education that respects equal access and makes space for all learners. I believe that there are genius and remarkable solutions for a better world possible from all of my peers. I faced struggles in earning my degree .I have seen the struggle of my peers. In my life I have advocated for family and friends with their healthcare; by being their health care proxy, or making calls, visiting them and asking their healthcare professionals questions. Also I have served with a tenants organization advocating for others including speaking up for a tenant during a court mediation.
The job of academic affairs includes attending the committee meetings, listening well and being the student representative in rooms with decision makers. I will advocate for you to have the best result and to let administration know that some students may need more advocacy for success and empowerment to communicate. If elected, I will ask that my peers on student government sponsor an event to help get papers complete. S.G.A. can put together a Paper Marathon and have weekend late sessions to help students get help from English Professors to complete papers. There are experiences that have contributed to student success and I have witnessed peers having great accomplishments with their education. Some areas that I saw help with education were knowing how to communicate with your professor well, and using resources such as free tutoring. If elected I want to ask our Dean of students, Dean Kumahia to do workshops so students who need to can learn the best way to communicate with professors for success. For conflicts that arise I am currently advocating in my role with S.G.A. for the college to have a neutral party called an Ombudsman to empower students to learn all their options with classes that are not going well with the Professor so they can be empowered to make choices for a best outcome. Books and having the best materials can help students have success and right now the college has added a program called Bulldog Books which is something that could be looked into because it is brand new and it may help you with your books in the Fall. In case the book program is not for you then you can meet with your advisor and opt out and put your resources elsewhere. Your S.G.A can work for positivity and change and I have been part of a team that fought so that when a Dean (not current Dean) wanted to limit access to free book codes to only FAFSA eligible students, our S.G.A. team fought it, meaning that all students international and local had access to the same resource. Your S.G.A. can speak and make change and your voice and experiences are crucial for S.G.A. to learn about. I am open to your ideas and will make myself available to you. Thank you for considering my candidacy and participating in this election.
Candidates for SGA Vice President of Student Affairs (One Position)
Shania Rodrigues
The Student Government Association (SGA) is an essential part of Bunker Hill’s community as it allows students the opportunity to be involved in the college's leadership and acts as a key link between the student body and the college administration. As elected representatives, SGA members are responsible for advocating on behalf of their peers. They should strive to be approachable and communicative in their interactions with students, faculty, and staff. When students have a request or complaint, SGA should be available to communicate these topics with the administration to find solutions or compromises. SGA members should also be welcoming towards incoming students, especially at the beginning of each semester, and serve as a friendly face to new students adjusting to college life, as well as a consistent and reliable presence for returning students. By being accessible and attentive, they’ll help students feel seen, heard, and supported throughout their time at BHCC.
My goal for this election is to become the new Vice President of Student Affairs for the Student Government Association (SGA). If elected, my focus will be on improving student activity through greater engagement, inclusivity, and support. I want to foster stronger connections within the student body by creating more opportunities for students to share their voices, participate in campus life, and feel a genuine sense of belonging at BHCC. This includes organizing regular events and forums where students can express their concerns, suggest improvements, and build community. As Vice President of Student Affairs, I want to create better awareness of events and clubs within Bunker Hill by increasing communication and outreach. This will ensure that more students, especially those who may not typically seek out connectivity, know that opportunities are available and accessible to them. Whether it's through advocating for mental health resources, improving student spaces, or supporting cultural and social events, I want every student to know they are valued and that their college experience matters. I’ll work to ensure students feel welcome, supported, and heard throughout their time at BHCC.
In my previous job, I gained hands-on experience training new employees, helping them feel confident in their roles and comfortable with their peers. Through that work, I discovered that I genuinely enjoy being a support system for others, especially during those first, sometimes overwhelming, days in a new environment. That experience not only gave me the tools to guide and connect effectively, but it also showed me how meaningful it can be to help build stronger, more connected communities. I believe these qualities—along with my dedication to inclusivity, leadership, and student support—make me a strong candidate for this position. I’m excited for the possibility of serving my peers and helping to build a community that’s open, welcoming, and ready to grow together.
Candidates for SGA Vice President of Communications (One Position)
Arthur Nascimento Lobo
Hello, my name is Arthur Nascimento Lobo and I am a communications and media studies major here at Bunker Hill Community College. I am currently running for Vice President of Communications and I choose to run for this role because I have the strong desire of being flexible and willing to update on upcoming announcements for the social media Student Government Association page since I have many experiences with designing pages, taking photos and videos in my life. Since I have recently started my journey as a student volunteer for the SGA, I saw it as a place for new opportunities to take role as a leadership role. I believe it is an essential approach to handle publicity and having a positive outcome for the students to see how our school community can thrive without any complex of receiving events and this will allow more flexibility, and I am a very photograph and video fan since advertising has become a considerable influence in my career at college. Managing the social media post makes a whole other level and much easier to get the word out on what's happening around campus. I’m running for VP of Communication because I know I have a voice of my own to be an advocate for students who are constantly worrying about any issues around the school and I’m here to support them how their situations in terms of any concerning circumstances scenarios. I’m a well-rounded person who is very organized with the school events by advertising its products for the SGA. I want to be the next social media influencer to the page so I can make sure students are aware and following us on Instagram whether it is updates to our community and aware what’s going on around campus. I hope to contribute a great contribution atmosphere of our community towards social media post and the students and faculty, so I can reach more positive engagement with the students who are curious about our club and utilizing their time to know more about us to get them started.
Sivchou Reth
My name is Sivchou Reth, but you can call me “Siv.” I am running for the role as the Vice President of Communications at SGA. I hope to be in this outlet of leadership and foster an environment where students come into school every day feeling more delighted and content to be here.
The Student Government Association acts as an open ear to the entire student body, linking the students and administrators, ensuring voices are heard, and concerns are addressed. Every SGA role act as the backbone, and the Vice President of Communications is no exception. My goal? To further connect the student body. I want to make sure every student at BHCC feels heard, seen, and connected; whether it’s through creative announcements, technology, with clear communication.
To be loved, is to be seen. Electing me as the Vice President of Electing me means electing someone who will make sure your voices matter. I aim to be a megaphone for every student voice on campus, especially those that too often go unheard. I’ll work to amplify student input, prioritize engagement in campus events, and make sure important opportunities don’t get lost in the shuffle.
With my background in media, debate, and technology, I have the tools to help streamline communications and boost visibility around campus. Whether it's organizing important updates, designing creative campaigns, or making information more accessible and user-friendly, I will be dedicated to delivering the messages you need.
If elected, here’s what I hope to contribute:
• Clear, centralized communication so students stay in the loop about events, deadlines, and opportunities.
• Stronger student engagement by celebrating voices, ideas, and achievements from across our diverse community.
• Improved digital resources and creative strategies to make information easier to access and navigate.
• A sense of community built on communication, trust, and support.
And finally, I see a brighter digital future at BHCC, with effective advocation, efficient and organized resources, and your suggestions. I know I am not changing the whole universe with my platform, but as the Vice President of Communications, I surely will make my corners of the universe a little more vibrant and effective, and that starts here at BHCC.
Thank you for your consideration.
Vote “Siv” for Vice President of Communications
Madelynn Yopimesa
Communication, commitment, and community. Three simple words that form the foundation of meaningful connection and impactful leadership. This isn’t just an alliteration—it’s a vision. While our lives revolve around many different things, communication stands at the heart of it all. It’s the key to building relationships, fostering understanding, and helping a community thrive. My name is Madelynn Yopimesa, and I’m running for SGA Vice President of Communication because I believe in the power of words to bring us together and strengthen the BHCC community.
I’m a girl with a wide range of passions—whether it’s creating art, diving into new books, capturing moments through photography, or even watching movies—my interests are always evolving. I love to explore new things because, to me, change isn’t something to fear; it’s an opportunity to grow. Growing up in a multicultural country, I’ve had the privilege of being surrounded by people from all walks of life. This exposure has shaped me into someone who approaches life with a curious, observant mindset, while always keeping empathy at the core. It also taught me the importance of welcoming diverse perspectives and creating spaces where everyone feels valued.
The Student Government Association plays a crucial role in Student Life at BHCC—it encourages collaboration, helping us function as a team. As a Communication Concentration student, I’ve always been both an active listener and an expressive communicator. Optimism has always been one of my strengths, and I view media as a powerful tool to connect. With my world revolving around the arts, I stay attuned to current trends and can provide creative, thoughtful feedback. I believe my knowledge and experience would allow me to support the goals of this position.
As learners, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed at times—but growth often comes from those very challenges. For this reason, I want to be a voice that strengthens our sense of unity, because building bridges is what fuels my passion for this field. My goal is to improve the connection between the SGA and the student body by fostering open and meaningful communication. I believe every voice matters, and no idea is too small; whether that means uplifting student opinions, improving how events are shared, or using creative platforms to gather feedback. Above all, I’m committed to helping students feel more connected—not just to one another, but also to the SGA. I want to contribute to a campus culture where commitment moves us forward and communication inspires action.
Candidates for SGA Senator at Large (Five Positions)
Elizabeth Klaver
My name is Elizabeth Klaver, I'm running for Senator.
I am dedicated and passionate about creating more opportunities for BHCC students. My goal is to help students get involved to build a stronger community and achieve success together. I would love to connect students to the many clubs and activities BHCC has to offer and create new student events.
I am studying Business, with the goal of transferring after graduating from BHCC.
The Student Government Association creates an opportunity for students to integrate diversity and culture into our daily lives at BHCC. As Senator, I would keep that legacy going by being a voice for the student body.
Through my first term at BHCC, I took a leadership class provided by Student Activities to prepare for a role in SGA. This class really spoke to me and inspired me to become a resource for my fellow classmates. By being a resource, I will make it a responsibility of mine to stay up to date on clubs and SGA meetings. As well as, becoming a member of the Academic Affairs and Student Services Committees.
As Senator, I will use my voice to empower the student body and create a relationship opportunity for students to become more involved at BHCC.
Joy Lim
Dear BHCC students, faculty, and staff,
My name is Joy Lim, and I’m honored to be running for SGA Senator at Large. I’m a proud biotechnology major passionate about community, service, and student advocacy. I transferred to BHCC because I saw how this college values growth, equity, and opportunity, and I want to contribute to that mission by representing you in student government.
I believe that the role of a Senator at Large is more than just a title. It’s a commitment to serve every student across all programs, backgrounds, and walks of life. Senators at Large work directly with SGA Vice Presidents on important projects and serve on campus-wide committees where students can shape real policy. We also hold regular office hours, which I view as a great opportunity to hear the voices and opinions of every student. I want every student to know they can come to me with their thoughts, concerns, and ideas. You deserve to be heard.
SGA should reflect our student body, not just in demographics, but in values: diversity, resilience, creativity, and care. If elected, I will advocate for greater academic support, more inclusive events, and mental health resources that go beyond awareness into real action. I also want to make it easier for students to engage with their government, whether that’s by simplifying communication, improving access to SGA information, or creating safe spaces for feedback.
I’m running because I believe that students should not only be supported—they should be empowered. You have a right to shape your college experience, and I want to help make sure you can. Through collaboration, listening, and follow-through, I will do my best to represent your needs and bring about meaningful, student-led change.
Thank you for your time, your trust, and your belief in our shared future. I would be truly honored to serve as your Senator at Large.
With gratitude,
Joy Lim
Candidate for SGA Senator at Large
Sarah Pitan
My name is Sarah Pitan. I was born in Boston and raised in Malden, Massachusetts. I am the proud daughter of Nigerian immigrants who came to Boston in the nineties. My father received his nursing degree from Bunker Hill many years ago. It is an honor to walk in his footsteps and study amongst the great students, teachers, and mentors at Bunker Hill. I am currently pursuing an associate's degree in biotechnology. Science was not my first passion. I studied music composition and piano performance at the Rivers School Conservatory and the Boston Conservatory. At the time, I understood I had the potential to pave the way for a future of young black women like me to excel in the field of classical music. But as I grew, my set of values evolved and my story developed, as did my desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. I value the power of knowledge and am forever grateful for the access to education that so many individuals move to America to pursue. I deeply value diversity in creative expression, from art to fashion to the practice of religious beliefs and gender performance. My parents moved to America from Nigeria to pursue an education and escape widespread corruption and greed. My version of the American Dream looks similar to the American Dream actualized every day in the life that my parents have given to me. A life of freedom, connection, abundance, and prosperity. This life is my version of the American Dream. The Student Government Association should serve as the impetus for the success of every student at Bunker Hill, even if the presence of a Student Government Association is not directly felt. SGA forms a network of leaders. Leaders are meant to be used as resources and offer moral support. Innovations in leadership are always necessary. It is for this reason that I am running for the position of Senator-at-Large on Bunker Hill’s Student Government Association. I am running for this position at SGA because I believe my strengths align with the requirements for this leadership role. I am a friendly face at the LifeMap Advising Office, where I work most days of the school week. Working in this role has strengthened my ability to empathize with countless students, all of whom come from unique backgrounds and will, for a fact, contribute positively to our future. I can understand how difficult it can be to be a student and how important a sense of community is, in modern times where relationships can be taken for granted due to the fast pace of contemporary life, an ever-increasing set of demands from school, work, and relationships, and the influx of social media. A leader can take criticism and turn it into a strength. A leader can plant their strengths and skills in others. Life has shaped me into the woman I am today. I am quick to listen, slow to react, strong in communication, intellectually capable, independent, and committed to collective growth. If I were Senator-at-Large at Bunker Hill, I would focus on strengthening the student-teacher relationship at Bunker Hill. I would provide resources for students to privately brainstorm ways to resolve concerns about the coursework load, adjusting to the work-school-life schedule, adjusting to teaching modalities, and ways for students to utilize their professors as mentors. Additionally, I would advocate for informative seminars on networking and leadership skills for all majors. Lastly, I would find ways to make space for other black women to socialize and collaborate. This last proposal is important in an age where competition between women, especially black women, is emphasized more than women building together. These are the ways that I hope to serve our community at Bunker Hill. I hope to be granted the ability to serve Bunker Hill just as Bunker Hill has exceptionally served me.
Thank you.
Sarah Pitan
Candidate for SGA Senator at Large
Lee An Reth
My name is Lee An Reth, and I am excited to be running for Senator at Large in the Student Government Association. When I first arrived at BHCC, I attended the new international student orientation, and that is where I had my first real glimpse of what the SGA stands for, community, connection, and advocacy. That experience made something clear to me; I did not just want to study here, I wanted to contribute, to help shape the student experience in a meaningful way.
To me, SGA is not just a student organization, it is a vital part of life at BHCC. It is a space where students can be heard, where ideas can turn into action, and where real change can start. SGA should make sure that no student feels like they are navigating college alone. It should support student-led projects, promote equity and inclusion, and act as a link between us and the administration.
I am running for Senator at Large because I care deeply about this community. BHCC is one of the most diverse places I have ever been a part of, and that diversity deserves to be reflected in the decisions that shape our campus. If elected, I will work to make sure more students feel seen, supported, and empowered, especially those who may not always feel like their voices carry weight in student conversations.
In this role, I will be working on collaborative projects with SGA leaders, serving on campus-wide committees, and holding regular office hours so that I am always accessible to you. But more than the responsibilities, it’s the relationships I’m looking forward to, hearing your ideas, learning about your challenges, and figuring out together how we can make student life better for everyone.
This is not just about holding a position, it is about showing up for one another. I want to help build a student government that feels approachable and real, where every student has a place and a voice. If you believe in that vision too, I’d be honored to have your support.
Candidates for Student Trustee (One Position)
Leonel Medrano
Hi all,
My name is Leonel Medrano and I am running for the position of Student Trustee of the Bunker Hill Community College Student Government Association. Within this position, I aim to help relay the grievances and wishes of the student body to our board of trustees with the most concise, punctual information to ensure that your wishes are not neglected and to ensure that policies aiming to improve our experiences, success and resources are passed. I will fight for these policies, tooth and nail, to ensure that the rights we have as students are respected, to ensure that equity and respect is maintained, and to cultivate a rich and memorable educational environment that is unlike any other college.
I can not stress the importance of this position enough, the Student Trustee is the voice of the student body among the board of trustees, the policy-making and governing board of Bunker Hill Community College. Only one Trustee is appointed among this board, and I want to be the voice that you can confide in to ensure that policies and directives passed by the Board of Trustees are able to properly reflect upon and represent the student body within its day to day life.
Not only does this role hold the responsibility of shaping the policy of Bunker Hill Community College, but this role represents a seat within the State's Student Advisory Council alongside the President of SGA. To be able to speak on behalf of the college on critical issues that arise and that pose a hurdle to our students would be my greatest honor, and I would make it my utmost duty to ensure that our voice is heard and our grievances are addressed to those who dictate the decisions made on behalf of our state's education.
The SGA should serve as a beacon of opportunity, and a body that devotes its full interests in ensuring that every student is treated fairly, equally and given the opportunities necessary to succeed. As we’ve come to tackle a variety of issues, like empty cupboards with DISH Food Pantry or struggling students with the help of ACE mentors, I feel like something that could be importantly enunciated and expanded upon is the available mental health resources across the campus and the resources across campus to ensure that international students can maintain a sense of safety and security within the greatest extent of our power.
To develop and refine opportunities is a core tenet of mine that I will hold dearly throughout my time as a Student Trustee if elected. I want nothing more than the best for our campus, and half of the battle is merely the push for it, the other half is your involvement and engagement with our association. Being able to gather your concerns, ideas and issues and garnering their acknowledgement on the road to resolution is something that I wish to do and would bear no issue spending countless hours addressing if it means the improvement of our experiences.
Transparency, integrity, equity and collaboration are fundamental tenets in this position and I aim to ensure that every issue presented to me is addressed in a timely and clear manner. If you have a dream, I want to be a resource for your success. If you have an issue, I want to be a pathway towards resolution. If you have an idea, I want to be a voice that makes it a reality.
My experiences are to shape the way I thrive in my position. Coming from a rough start as a mere high school dropout from Little Havana, Miami, I've learnt the importance first-hand of having an educational environment that truly cares for you and wishes to see your success and through that conduit, I worked my way into the Commonwealth Honors Program and Bunker Hill Community College's Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, I unraveled my passion for the healthcare industry and shared invaluable experiences among Certified Nursing Assistant and Emergency Medical Technician courses and clinicals. Let me be a voice that ensures that YOUR dreams are not hindered, to ensure that policies work in your favor and to ensure that your success is prioritized by the board and by the state.
Vote for Leo: In conclusion, I wish to become Student Trustee in order to ensure that our opportunities are maintained and our insights are acknowledged among the Board of Trustees. I want nothing more than the best for BHCC, and that all starts with ensuring that you have a person who you can confide in as your voice to the Board of Trustees. I hope that I have the honor of serving as your next Student Trustee, and if so, I hope to hear from you as often as possible to ensure that your goals are not hindered and your vision is not obstructed. Thank you for your consideration, and for reading my statement.
Martins Senly SENAT
Hello, my name is Martins Senat, and I am an Electrical Engineering student at BHCC. I am excited to apply for the position of Student Trustee because I am passionate about creating a positive and inclusive environment for all. Serving as Student Trustee would allow me to advocate for the needs and concerns of our diverse student body at the highest levels of college governance.
Throughout my time at BHCC, I have dedicated myself to building connections and supporting my peers. In my role at HOPE (Halting Oppressive Pathways Through Education), an organization focused on supporting Black male and Latino students, I have worked closely with students to help them stay on track with their academic goals and prioritize their well-being. This experience has strengthened my ability to listen, communicate effectively, and provide meaningful support.
As Student Trustee, I would strive to:
- Amplify student voices by actively gathering feedback and concerns from all corners of our campus and ensuring they are heard by the college’s administration and Board of Trustees.
- Advocate for equity and inclusion by working to remove barriers so that every student feels welcome, supported, and empowered to succeed.
- Promote transparency in decision-making processes, keeping students informed about important issues and changes affecting our community.
- Foster collaboration among students, faculty, and administration to address challenges, celebrate our successes, and build a stronger BHCC together.
I believe in the power of student representation to make real change. If selected as Student Trustee, I will be a dedicated advocate and a bridge between students and the college’s leadership. I am committed to ensuring that every student has a voice in shaping the future of BHCC.
Thank you for considering my application. I am eager for the opportunity to serve as your Student Trustee and to help make our college the best it can be for everyone.
Sincerely,
Martins Senat
Arron Stevens
It is likely we have not met; my name is Arron Stevens. I am a Business Transfer student with a little over a year to go, and I would be honored to serve as your Student Trustee. I have always felt the most fulfilled and derived the deepest personal value while working in service to others. As an older brother, a Boy Scout, a volunteer, and a former Marine I believe fully that responsibility and leadership are foundational to a meaningful life.
My leadership philosophy, at its core, is built on the values of servant leadership and the first follower principle. I don’t remember where I ran into the idea of the first follower, but the simple, yet powerful, lesson has stuck with me. Too often, potentially wonderful movements or visionary individuals fail to make an impact for lack of one initial follower. One person willing to risk the embarrassment of dancing alone encourages the second and the third. I believe, this should be the role of your student leaders and government. A body of students willing to dance to your music, who will hear and support your vision even before it is fully formed or considered safe.
As a personal mission, I will work with the Student Government and the Board of Trustees to create a greater sense of confidence within the student body and to fight against the stigma of “community college” that can, unfortunately, influence our attitudes. Last semester, in a club meeting full of academically gifted students and officers for multiple organizations on campus, we casually discussed our experience on campus and our plans. I asked the officer running the meeting, a leader and well-respected student, what her best-case scenario was after finishing a Bunker Hill. I was surprised when, for whatever reason, the confidence and conviction she’d shown until this point faded and watched as she shied away from sharing what she truly wanted and believed herself capable of, despite being one of our ‘best and brightest.’ I have no doubt she, like many of us, envisions herself leaving Bunker Hill and finding success in a competitive program. Whether it was Harvard or MIT or Yale or anything else, she decided against saying it aloud. If all I accomplish as Student Trustee is helping to normalize lofty goals and creating an atmosphere where people feel the confidence to attack those goals, I would be proud.
That said, I would like to accomplish more. As a member of the Board of Trustees, I would want to serve as a persistent reminder to other members of who we serve, the current and future students of Bunker Hill Community College. Considerable thought and resources are being put into the “Vision Project” and campus of the future. I would consider it my duty to advocate for the campus of the present. My aim would be to unify the Board of Trustees, the Student Government, and the administration to tackle issues impacting students today. Personally, my priorities would be updating technical curriculum and the distance learning experience, helping professors be more present in remote classes, improving the clarity of syllabi, finding a way for working students to have an on-campus life, and encouraging students to be more hands-on in the improvement of the school we share.