Meet the Candidates

2026-2027 Student Government Association Candidate Information

Presidential Candidates

Position: President
Candidate Name:  Gia Howard
Past Leadership experience:
Vice President of SGA 2025-2026Black Caucus President 2025-2027Black Caucus Vice President 2024-2025Operation: Empower Us Mentoring Club Founder/President 2024-2027Head Mentor for Project Success Program (Academic Affairs)
What do you believe to the critical issues facing NEIU students?
I believe the critical issues facing NEIU students deserve both honest acknowledgment and
thoughtful action. First, there is a lack of engagement. Many students are not as connected to
campus life as they could be, often because they don’t feel represented, informed, or included.
Engagement should be intentional and meaningful, something that builds community and makes
every student feel like they belong. Second, while student retention has improved, there is still
progress to be made. We must continue creating an environment where all students, especially
those from underrepresented backgrounds, feel supported, valued, and empowered to persist and
succeed. Third, instances of discrimination on campus, whether based on race, religion, sexuality, or other identities, remain a serious concern. Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and affirmed in their environment, and addressing these issues must remain a priority. Fourth, there is a noticeable disconnect between students and administration. Strengthening communication and increasing transparency in decision making processes is essential to building trust and ensuring students feel heard and included. Finally, many students are not fully aware of the resources available to them. Increasing visibility and access to these resources is crucial so that every student has the tools they need to thrive both academically and personally. By addressing these issues with intention and collaboration, NEIU can become a stronger, more inclusive, and more connected community for all.
How do you plan to address these issues?
I am committed to addressing the critical issues facing NEIU students with purpose, collaboration, and care. To strengthen student engagement, I will continue promoting and supporting meaningful programming that truly reflects the interests and identities of our student body. I have already taken action by helping establish the Royal Leadership Court, creating new leadership opportunities and spaces for students to feel involved, empowered, and connected. To support student retention, I plan to work alongside both administration and students to ensure that policies and initiatives are thoughtful, inclusive, and effective. I believe student voices must be part of every conversation, and I will advocate for SGA to actively contribute ideas and solutions that reflect the real experiences of our community. To address discrimination, I will prioritize creating a campus environment where every student feels safe, respected, and supported. This means ensuring students have accessible outlets when they need help and making SGA more visible, approachable, and accountable. By promoting open meetings and creating opportunities for students to connect directly with their representatives, I want to build trust and show that students are never alone in their experiences. To improve communication and transparency, I plan to fully embrace SGA’s responsibility as the bridge between students and
administration. I aim to clearly communicate administrative processes to students while consistently advocating for student concerns. I also hope to expand opportunities for direct, meaningful dialogue between students and campus leadership. Finally, to better highlight campus resources, I plan to collaborate with my team to ensure students are aware of and able to access the support available to them. Every student deserves to feel equipped to succeed, both academically and personally. Through these efforts, I hope to contribute to a more engaged, inclusive, and united NEIU, one where every student feels seen, heard, and valued.

Position: President
Candidate Name: Damian Orozco

Position: President
Candidate Name: Kevin Baez 

Vice President Candidates

Position: Vice President
Candidate Name: Simona Zlatkova
Past Leadership experience:
Secretary, SGA (Executive Board Position)Co-Chair for Appointments and Promotions Committee, SGA Faculty Senate Representative Policy Coordinator Group Representative House Democrat (Delegate), Model Illinois Government (MIG)Moot Court Attorney (Delegate), Model Illinois Government (MIG)Vice President of External Affairs, Rise Interest Group Sorority Vice President, Philosophy Club Event Coordinator, Student Media Board Social Media Manager, The Independent News at NEIU Secretary, Philosophy Club Secretary, Future Health Professionals Club Competitor, Ethics Bowl Past Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
What do you believe to the critical issues facing NEIU students?
The biggest challenges facing NEIU students right now come down to ongoing issues with state funding. Over the past two decades, state support has steadily declined by 40%, which has shifted more of the financial burden onto students. This has been made worse by the Governor only releasing 1% of a proposed 3% increase in university funding, largely due to broader political instability at the federal level. Because of this, students are feeling the impact directly. Tuition and fees continue to rise, while important campus improvements are being delayed. There is a reduction in scholarships or in the promotion of the ones we have available, as the university is trying to manage its budget shortfall. Some buildings still have outdated or unreliable elevators, which create real accessibility issues. These conditions especially affect disabled students, elderly individuals, and those who are immunocompromised, making it harder for them to safely access campus spaces and resources. It also raises concerns about whether the university is fully meeting its obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires equal access and reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities.
How do you plan to address these issues?
As a disabled student, I will be advocating for increased NEIU funding by joining the Teach Out Protest on April 16, 2026, at the Illinois State Capitol, where I will lobby lawmakers on how underfunding harms students, tuition, infrastructure, and accessibility. Since being SGA Secretary this term, I have worked on several resolutions and pieces of legislation to help the student body: a resolution for an Ombuds office, urging NEIU administration to hire said person, where students can access a neutral, confidential resource for their concerns without fear of retaliation from the university; and a resolution urging NEIU administration to promote our resources better, such as our emergency overnight shelter at the NEST for undocumented students and those facing homelessness. My final resolution this term would expand vending options for students who are diabetic, vegan, or vegetarian. This will better accommodate their disability or food-restricted needs so no one is forgotten. Next term, if I am elected as Vice President, I will push NEIU administration and other offices to better promote under-publicized resources and scholarships, as well as urge them to create more scholarships for disabled, Black, international, and Hispanic/Latine students. I will also address issues related to the NEST, such
as the high overnight fees students are penalized with if they do not fill out an overnight form or have a guest past 11 p.m. Charging $150, an astronomical amount, for having a friend over when students already pay so much for housing feels exploitative. Through protest and student government, I work to make NEIU inclusive and proactive.

Position: Vice President
Candidate Name: Angel Nunez 

Treasurer Candidates 

Position: Treasurer
Candidate Name: Mohammed Musba
Past Leadership experience:
As the current treasurer of MSA at NEIU, I manage a budget, track expenses, and make sure funds are used responsibly for events and activities. I also work closely with the executive board to plan events within budget. This taught me how to prioritize limited resources, communicate transparently with members about where money goes, and submit budget reports on time. I’ve also learned how to navigate NEIU’s student organization funding process.
What do you believe to the critical issues facing NEIU students?
One of the main issues facing NEIU students is financial stress, including tuition costs, limited funding for student organizations, and difficulty balancing work and academics. Many students also struggle with accessing resources or even knowing what resources are available to them. Another issue is student engagement; some students feel disconnected from campus activities due to time constraints or lack of awareness. Many students pay fees but don’t know where the money goes.
How do you plan to address these issues?
As Treasurer, I plan to make financial processes more transparent and easier to understand for student organizations. I will ensure fair distribution of funds so that more clubs have the opportunity to host events and engage students. I also want to improve communication by clearly explaining funding guidelines and being accessible to answer questions. My goal is to manage funds responsibly while supporting student activities and making sure resources are used in the best way possible.“As treasurer, I can’t fix everything, but I can make sure every dollar is accounted for, spent fairly, and actually benefits NEIU students not just bureaucracy.”

Position: Treasurer
Candidate Name: Hesed Gaiya
Past Leadership experience:
SGA - COC Representative, Director of PR and Communications
What do you believe to the critical issues facing NEIU students?

I’m running for Treasurer because I want to help build stronger unity and structure within our student government and campus community. I’m especially passionate about supporting international students and making COC feel more welcoming and accessible for everyone.
How do you plan to address these issues?
I want to help organize and simplify access to resources-scholarships, grants, research opportunities, and anything else students shouldn't have to dig for alone. I’m running alongside a team of like-minded students who care about impact, inclusion, and actually getting things done. Let’s make campus life more connected, more supported, and a lot less confusing.

Position: Treasurer
Candidate Name: Jessica Gramajo

Position: Treasurer
Candidate Name: Cristian Martinez-Ibarra

Secretary Candidate

Position: Secretary
Candidate Name: Krupa Patel
Past Leadership experience:
I am an active member of NEIU's Feminist Club, where I actively contribute to planning and leading events that promote awareness and community engagement. In this role, I organize and host meetings, facilitate discussions on important social issues, and support initiatives such as awareness campaigns and outreach efforts, including writing letters to women's shelters. Through my involvement, I have developed strong organizational skills, while fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment. I am passionate about advocating for gender equality and creating meaningful spaces for open dialogue and connection.
What do you believe to the critical issues facing NEIU students?
I believe a big issue facing NEIU students are financial stress, feeling safe on campus, and having access to the support they need. A lot of students are juggling school, work, and personal responsibilities, and when things like housing or fees become uncertain, it makes it even harder to focus and succeed. From my experience in feminist Club, iv'e also seen how important it is for students to feel safe and comfortable speaking up about their concerns. At the end of the day, students just wants to feel supported without constantly worrying about these challenges.
How do you plan to address these issues?
I plan to dress these issues by focusing on communication, accessibility, and student support. I want to make sure students are aware of the resources already available to them by improving outreach and sharing information more clearly. I also plan to create more opportunities for students to voice their concerns, whether through meetings, events, or open discussions, so they feel heard and represented. Additionally I wan to work with students organization on campus leadership to promote a safer and more inclusive environment, especially continuing conversations around students safety and well-being. My goal is to help build a campus where students feel supported, informed, and confident that their voice matter.

Director of Public Relations Candidate 

Position: Director of PR
Candidate Name: Dakota Watkins 

Student Trustee Candidate

Position: Student Trustee
Candidate Name: Lea Brecel Limon

Senator Candidates 

Position: Senator
Candidate Name: Roxana Hernandez
Past Leadership experience
I have developed strong leadership experience through my involvement on campus, particularly as a current Senator in the Student Government Association (SGA). In this role, I advocate for student needs, contribute to decision-making processes, and collaborate with fellow student leaders and administration to improve the overall student experience. In addition, I serve as Vice
President of an interest group focused on student government, where I help lead meetings, support member engagement, and assist in organizing initiatives that encourage student involvement and leadership development. These roles have strengthened my communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, while reinforcing my passion for representing and supporting the student body.
What do you believe to the critical issues facing NEIU students?
I believe the most critical issues facing NEIU students today include affordability, access to resources, campus safety, and student engagement. First, financial challenges and basic needs insecurity remain a major concern. Many NEIU students are first-generation or come from low- income backgrounds, and the university has even created initiatives to address housing and basic needs insecurity, which shows how serious this issue is. Students often struggle with tuition, financial aid, and balancing school with work. Second, access to academic and support resources is essential. NEIU has programs focused on student success and retention because many students face barriers that impact their ability to stay on track and graduate. This includes advising, mental health support, and navigating college systems, especially for first-generation students. Third, campus safety and student well-being is an ongoing concern. Recent incidents, including a reported sexual assault in student housing, highlight the importance of ensuring students feel safe and supported on campus. Lastly, student engagement and representation are key issues. As a commuter-heavy campus, many students feel disconnected, which can limit involvement and sense of community. This makes it even more important for student voices to be heard and represented in decision-making. As a student leader, I believe addressing these issues means advocating for stronger resources, improving communication between students and administration, and creating more inclusive opportunities for all students to feel supported and involved.
How do you plan to address these issues?
First, to tackle financial challenges and basic needs insecurity, I will advocate for increased awareness and accessibility of existing resources such as emergency funds, food pantries, and scholarships. Many students don’t know what’s available to them, so I want to improve outreach and ensure information is clearly communicated. Second, for access to academic and support resources, I will work to strengthen the connection between students and services like advising, tutoring, and mental health support. This includes collaborating with campus departments and using SGA as a platform to share resources more effectively and gather student feedback on what is or isn’t working. Third, regarding campus safety and well-being, I plan to support initiatives that promote safety awareness and ensure student concerns are heard. This means advocating for transparency, better communication about safety measures, and creating spaces where students feel comfortable speaking up. Lastly, to improve student engagement, I want to help create more inclusive and accessible events, especially for commuter students. By working with student organizations and campus leaders, I hope to build a stronger sense of community and make it easier for students to get involved. Overall, my goal is to be a consistent and reliable voice for students listening to their concerns, bringing them to the table, and working with others to create real, meaningful change.

Position: Senator
Candidate Name: Victoria Howard
Past Leadership experience: 
I’ve been involved in several organizations, including STEM LLC, Black Caucus, and Empower Us, where I’ve had opportunities to show leadership and work with others. In STEM LLC, I worked with peers on group activities, helped stay organized, and supported others when needed. In Black Caucus, I took part in discussions and group efforts that focused on culture, awareness, and supporting the community. I shared ideas and helped keep conversations positive and inclusive. In Empower Us, I continued building leadership skills by encouraging others, participating in activities, and helping create a supportive environment. Overall, these experiences taught me how to communicate better, work as a team, and take initiative.
What do you believe to the critical issues facing NEIU students?
One issue I believe SGA should address sexual assault awareness and prevention. Although this is a sensitive issue it needs to be talked about here at NEIU. Many students aren't aware of the different resources here at NEIU for sexual conduct because it's not showcase as much. SGA can play a big role to change that narrative by promoting safety education, self- defense programs, supporting campus wide events, and making sure students know their rights and the resources that NEIU provides. Creating safer and more informed on-off campus should be a priority.
How do you plan to address these issues?
I plan on addressing my issue by using my voice and student power to have an impact to make a difference. Student Government Association will directly help me improve students experience and making sure our voices are heard. I care about building a positive, supportive campus environment here at NEIU. I want to be the support system students can come to when they need to find ways for problems to be solved etc. Being in SGA will give me the opportunity to share students' ideas, plan activities to help bring students and staff together. Spreading more awareness when it comes to addressing my issues here at NEIU.

Position: Senator
Candidate Name: Jazlyn Solis
Past Leadership experience
In addition to balancing school, work, and parenting, I have held leadership and supervisory roles in my work environments, where I was responsible for supporting others, staying organized, and handling responsibilities under pressure. These experiences have strengthened my communication, problem-solving, and ability to take initiative. They’ve taught me how to listen, lead, and advocate for others, which I will bring into my role as a Student Government Senator.

What do you believe to the critical issues facing NEIU students?
A lot of NEIU students are balancing school with work, family, and real life responsibilities, and that makes it hard to fully access support and resources. I think many students are doing everything they can just to keep up, but still feel overwhelmed, overlooked, or unsure of where to go for help. Mental health support is important, but it also needs to feel realistic and accessible for students who already have so much on their plate. I also think there needs to be more recognition and support for non traditional students, especially student parents and students who are working while going to school.
How do you plan to address these issues?
I plan to address these issues by really listening to students and making sure their experiences are actually being brought forward. I want to help make resources more clear and easier to access so students are not left feeling like they have to figure everything out on their own. I also want to be someone students feel comfortable coming to. Someone who is approachable, understanding, and willing to speak up for them. Even small changes can make a difference, and I want to help create a space where students feel supported, heard, and not alone. I see you, I understand you, and I will show up for you.

Council of Clubs Representative Candidate 

Position: COC Rep
Candidate Name: Imani Jones