Meet Our Student Leaders

Nadine is also a member of the Faculty-Student Association Board, Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee, TRIO, & CSTEP.

What are your goals as a student leader?  
As a student leader, my goal is to make a positive impact and be the voice of the student body. I want to advocate for our needs and concerns and work towards improving the overall student experience.

What do you plan to do after you graduate from SUNY Schenectady?  
After graduating from SUNY Schenectady, I want to pursue a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and then move on to a master's degree.

Hobbies:
I enjoy traveling, listening to music, event planning, and interior design.

Who gives you the best advice and why?  
The best advice I receive comes from God, whose teachings in the Bible offer wisdom, comfort, and guidance in all areas of life.

Who do you look up to?  
Michelle Obama. Her grace, intelligence, and dedication to making a difference is truly inspiring.

What’s a motto that you live by?  
"Life happens for you, not to you."

Who’s your favorite band or artist?  
I have so many favorites, it’s hard to choose just one!  

How do you balance school, SGA, and other things you do?
Plan accordingly and prioritize deadlines. I use a digital calendar to manage my tasks, events, and appointments.

Favorite study snack?  
My infamous Strawberry Tres Leches treats.

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?  
My favorite place on campus is the Library. It’s where I'm most productive and comfortable.

Yuliano is also a member of the Criminal Justice Club. 

What are your goals as a student leader?
My goal as a student leader is to use my previous government experience to reform how the Student Government operates, in essence, bringing in a more mature and effective mindset. This leads to higher activity from each member of the SGA rather than a select few carrying the whole body.

What do you plan to do after you graduate from SUNY Schenectady?
I plan to pursue my bachelor's degree at SUNY Albany and eventually attend law school.

Hobbies:
My hobbies are taking care of my dogs, spending time with my friends, and, of course, being with my family.

Who gives you the best advice and why?
Whenever I've needed advice, I've always gone to my grandfather, as he has been a guiding light to me and has inspired my interest in public service.

Who do you look up to?
My grandfather (Hon), grandmother (Noni), and my mother are those whom I look up to. I realize, as I've gotten older, the amount of trials and tribulations they have gone through, and yet they've always gone out of their way to make my childhood a fantastic journey. And because of their lessons, I've always brought that upon those whom I've had the opportunity to mentor.

What’s a motto that you live by?
No matter what your place in society, whether you're working in a blue-collar job or a white-collar job, you must never forget your morals. For if you lose your morals for the sake of your own personal success, then you will live a life of an unsatisfied and miserable individual with nothing to stand for.

Who’s your favorite band or artist?
I’m a proud Monster! I love Lady Gaga.

What song is in your headphones now?
"Dead Dance" - Lady Gaga

How do you balance school, SGA, and other things you do?
I try to get the heavier assignments out of the way early in the week and leave the end of the week towards the weekend as free as possible so I can enjoy being around those whom I care for and love.

Favorite study snack?
Fried Ravioli!

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?
I've always enjoyed the study rooms, specifically 119. It's especially quiet in the mornings, and you have a bit of privacy, so there are no onlookers, and you can get a lot of studying done while also listening to a podcast.

River is also Chair of the SGA Budget and Finance Committee.

What are your goals as a student leader?
I hope to support student initiatives and allocate the SGA budget fairly to benefit the entire campus community.

What do you plan to do after you graduate from SUNY Schenectady?
Attend law school. 

Hobbies:
I love to play cello and make music. I’m also a big fan of running and swimming.

Who gives you the best advice and why?
I think my parents throughout my life have given me the best advice since they always have my best interests In mind.

Who do you look up to?
I look up to the teachers and mentors in my life, who often help me overcome difficulties

What’s a motto that you live by?
“Live in the moment but don’t forget the future."

Who’s your favorite band or artist?
Duran Duran

What song is in your headphones now?
"Stressed Out" by Babyface

How do you balance school, SGA, and other things you do?
I plan out the schoolwork I have using my calendar app and set firm deadlines for when I am going to get work done. I always try to complete things at least one day before they are due.

Favorite study snack:
Goldfish or any type of chocolate

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?
I love the stage and School of Music building. I get to play and practice there occasionally which is always a treat.

Britanny is also a member of the Student Programming Board, the International Committee, and the Criminal Justice Club, and has participated in the College's "Many Voices, One Call" podcast.

What are your goals as a student leader?
My goal as a student leader is to hear the voices that are not being acknowledged. I hope my voice can inspire others to use their own voice to speak up. I want to advocate for inclusivity and diversity.

What do you plan to do after you graduate from SUNY Schenectady?
I plan to enroll into a four-year college and then go to law school.

Hobbies:
I enjoy playing volleyball and cooking.

Who gives you the best advice and why?
My aunt gives me the best advice because she takes the time to understand what I’m saying and avoids conflict as much as possible. Her ideas and thoughts are heartwarming.

Who do you look up to?
I look up to my family. I can’t choose one. They inspire me every single day.

What’s a motto that you live by?
“It’s just a bad day, not a bad life.”

Who’s your favorite band or artist?
Bad Bunny

What song is in your headphones now?
"Soy Peor" by Bad Bunny

How do you balance school, SGA, and other things you do?
I tend to make a schedule to find balance. There isn’t a single day where I’m not adding or removing things from my schedule. I must organize everything in my calendar. I’m a full-time employee too, sometimes it feels like I’m carrying a stack of bricks on my shoulders, but I often fill my mind with positive affirmations. My goals and aspirations are a driving force that helps me create balance. If I stay positive and work hard, I will achieve everything I put my energy into. I attract what I give. If I put positive energy out there that same positive energy will come back to me.

Favorite study snack:
Any kind of cookies.

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?
The Library is my favorite place on campus because it’s quiet. I can focus on my academic work which brings me a step closer to the person I want to become. Additionally, the committees and the podcast I have been participating in usually meet in the Library. Every time I attend these meetings, I feel so accomplished and grateful for the opportunity.

Skylar is also a member of the Student Programing Board, JEDI,  and the Criminal Justice Club.

What are your goals as a student leader?
My goal is to make sure everyone has their voice heard and feels safe and welcomed at this school.

What do you plan to do after you graduate from SUNY Schenectady?
My goal is to become an educated and qualified detective. 

Hobbies:
Reading, music, writing, drawing, and crafting.

Who gives you the best advice?
My mom. She’s my bestie. 

Who do you look up to?
My ninth- and 10^th-grade English teacher Mr. Balmer

What’s a motto that you live by?
"Fake it till you make it."

Who’s your favorite band or artist?
Insane Clown Posse   

What song is in your headphones now?
"American Idiot" by Green Day

How do you balance school, SGA, and other things you do?
I make sure to listen to my mind and body and take a break if needed.

Favorite study snack:
Blue raspberry slushy and popcorn.

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?
Wherever my friends are because I love them.

Elizabeth is also a member of the Student Volunteer Committee, Sustainability Committee, and the Intercultural Affairs Committee.

What are your goals as a student leader?
My goal is to work on my communication and leadership skills, advocate for students, and become a part of a community here at SUNY Schenectady.

What do you plan to do after you graduate from SUNY Schenectady? I plan to transfer to a four-year school and major in Biochemistry, and then hopefully become a nurse.

Hobbies:
Gymnastics, making art, reading, hiking, and listening to music.

Who gives you the best advice and why?
My mom gives me the best life advice because she always encourages me to look at the bigger picture and change my perspective, which makes my problems seem less scary than they seem.

Who do you look up to?
My mom.

What’s a motto that you live by?
"Love many, trust few, and always paddle your own canoe."

Who’s your favorite band or artist?
Bob Dylan

What song is in your headphones now?
"Mama, You Been on My Mind" by Jeff Buckley

How do you balance school, SGA, and other things you do?
I keep a planner that I write my assignments in as soon as they're assigned, and I like to do my work ahead of time with my friends around (usually in the Begley Library) which keeps me balanced academically and socially.

Favorite study snack:
Strawberry Poptarts.

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?
The Library! I love the study rooms that are available to book through the College website because they allow me to have my own "safe space" with no distractions.

Crystal is also in Totally Pitchin' A Cappella Club.

What are your goals as a student leader?
As Senator my goals are to provide knowledge and insight to areas of development on campus. To vote what is best and make sure classmates are aware of what changes and events are happening on campus. 

What do you plan to do after you graduate from SUNY Schenectady? I plan to attend SUNY Albany.

Hobbies:
Roller skating and cosmetology.

Who gives you the best advice?
My Grandfather. He knew how hard the world was and always reminded me to look at the world with a softer focus.

Who do you look up to?
Anne Hathaway

What’s a motto that you live by?
"Tomorrow will shine, but today you’ll feel the warmth."

Who’s your favorite band or artist?
Patti LaBelle

What song is in your headphones now?
Gospel

How do you balance school, SGA, and other things you do?
Make time to unwind and take walks with my bunnies, while keeping my calendar to date.

Favorite study snack:
Laffy taffys.

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?
The Library. It’s so cozy and I can meet people while getting much of my work done.

Dylan is also President of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, a member of the Sustainability Committee, and plays tenor saxophone in the Jazz Ensemble.

What are your goals as a student leader?
My goals is to make the College better through student engagement.

What do you plan to do after you graduate from SUNY Schenectady?
I plan to continue on for my bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and then attend medical school. I plan on becoming a physician. 

Hobbies:
Saxophone, snowboarding, and ukulele.

Who gives you the best advice?
My parents because they know me and can relate their experiences.

Who do you look up to?
Dr. Paul Kalanithi

What’s a motto that you live by?
"Be the change you want to see in the world."

Who’s your favorite band or artist?
Red Hot Chili Peppers

What song is in your headphones now?
"Time>Breathe Reprise" by Greenskies Bluegrass

How do you balance school, SGA, and other things you do?
Going to the Library consistently.

Favorite study snack:
Peanut butter pretzels

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?
The School of Music building because it has the nicest architecture at the entrance and lobby.

Sam is also Chair of the Student Programming Board, Vice President of the Criminal Justice Club, an FSA Board Member, and a Community and Cultural Events Board Member.

What are your goals as a student leader?
To help protect my peers and faculty members, by helping them get a proper education and keep their jobs that are necessary for SUNY Schenectady.

What do you plan to do after you graduate from SUNY Schenectady?Get a job that will pay enough money for me to retire early and enjoy life with my family.

Hobbies:
I am an amateur voice actor and I am a huge fan of Pokémon and The Beginning After the End book series.

Who gives you the best advice?
(Student Activities Advisor) Christina Charette always tells me what I need to hear and is always an amazing role model!

Who do you look up to?
I tend to be the tallest in the room, so I tend to look down, not up. Hahaha.

What’s a motto that you live by?
“Cheeseburgers are the answer to any problem."

Who’s your favorite band or artist?
Kidsbop

What song is in your headphones now?
"Let It Go" from Frozen

How do you balance school, SGA, and other things you do?
Cheeseburgers

What’s your favorite study snack?
Cheeseburgers

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?
Elston Hall, Room 136, because that is where the Criminal Justice Club meets every Thursday, 4 p.m.-8 p.m.

Camila is also Chair of the International Affairs Committee, organizing cultural events such as Diwali, Día de los Muertos, Latin Carnaval, Holi, and the International Gala.

What are your goals as a student leader?
To create inclusive spaces, celebrate diversity, and ensure all students—especially international and underrepresented voices—feel represented, respected, and empowered on campus.

What do you plan to do after you graduate from SUNY Schenectady?
Transfer to complete a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and pursue a career related to law or advocacy for immigrant communities.

Hobbies:
Volleyball, painting, drawing, swimming, and dancing.

Who gives you the best advice and why?
Myself, because I have learned from my mistakes that the best advice is to stay true to who I am.

Who do you look up to?
My parents, for their resilience and sacrifices that allow me to pursue my education abroad.

What’s a motto that you live by?
"Hard work and perseverance always open doors."

Who’s your favorite band or artist?
Guardarraya, as they represent me as a person and are deeply connected to my Ecuadorian culture.

What song is in your headphones now?
"Ella viene del futuro" – Alkaloydos

How do you balance school, SGA, and other things you do?
I stay organized with a planner, prioritize responsibilities, and make time for rest and self-care to stay motivated and balanced.

What’s your favorite study snack?
Cheetos, even if they’re a bit messy!

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?
The Library, because it’s quiet, inspiring, and the best space to focus and recharge.