Meet Our Student Leaders
A slate of SGA officers and senators were voted in by the student body to serve as the voice of the students and they hit the ground running at the beginning of the semester. They have been meeting biweekly, creating clubs, and becoming a cohesive student leadership group. Led by SGA President Nadine Davila, a Business Administration major, SGA will host Harvest Fest in the Quad later this month and members of SGA will be attending the SUNY Student Assembly Conference in Syracuse in November.
Meet our student leaders as they share their goals as SGA members, plans for the future, favorites places on campus, how they balance school with everything else in their lives, even their favorite study snacks, and more!
Nadine is 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 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 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?
I plan to earn my bachelor's degree in either Psychology or Philosophy and then 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.
Brittany is a member of the Student Programming Board, the International Committee, and the Criminal Justice Club, and participates 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 a member of the Student Programing Board, Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee, 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 10th-grade English teacher Mr. Balmer.
What’s a motto that you live by?
"Fake it 'til 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 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.
Dylan is 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 Greensky 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 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
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 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.
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.
Brook-Lynn is Chair of the Student Volunteer Organization Committee, the President of the Criminal Justice Club, and the President of the Dance Club.
What are your goals as a student leader?
I plan to implement change in the school no matter how minor, whether it's starting
a club for freshmen or a club for Criminal Justice majors.
What do you plan to do after you graduate from SUNY Schenectady?
I plan on going to John Jay College of Criminal Justice in NYC and then obtaining
my law degree from Albany Law School.
Hobbies:
Watching movies, listening to music and dancing.
Who gives you the best advice?
My dad gives the best advice because even when I don’t want to hear it, he always
gives me wisdom and guidance.
Who do you look up to?
I look up to my parents. They are my heroes. They have sacrificed everything for my
success.
What’s a motto that you live by?
“Ignorance is bliss, but reality is sweeter.”
Who’s your favorite band or artist?
Either KPop group NCT127 or Grammy-winning rapper Doechii.
What song is in your headphones now?
"Smuckers" by Tyler the Creator ft Lil Wayne and Kanye West.
How do you balance school, SGA, and other things you do?
I have a schedule where I plan out my work schedule, my assignments when they open
and are due, and the different school events I have to be at.
Favorite study snack?
Hot Cheetos
Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?
Outside under the trees, on the hill next to the Culinary entrance.