Senate Vacancy Candidates

Activism & Advocacy Senator

Krisna Kumar If I were to answer this question normally, I would expand on how my past student government experience included leading my school’s disciplinary committee, how I formed close relationships with my school’s administration and took it upon myself to schedule meetings with them when student concerns arose during the War in Gaza, or how I led more than four clubs and involved myself in all forms of advocacy from lobbying to blog writing. But, if I were to answer honestly, I want to join SGA for 3 reasons: because I’m curious, I'm committed, and I care. I’m curious about how the student government works at JHU and just how much I can help get accomplished as a Senator. I want to understand the roots of the problems behind some of the main concerns students have about JHU - to plan real and feasible steps to make positive change. I’m also committed to anything I dedicate myself to. I firmly believe that in taking on the role of a senator or any form of leader/representative, you owe it to your community to stay committed to your role. Especially as this is a special election, where the student body cannot vote directly, it would be my responsibility to prove to them that I am still committed not only to SGA, but to their concerns and their ideas. Finally, and simply, I care. And I care not just about the JHU community, but also about Baltimore (the city I’ve lived in for almost ten years) and the world outside of JHU. And this is what especially drew me to the Activism and Advocacy Senator position, as I feel comfortable and passionate raising awareness about all sorts of issues to all sorts of people from students to administrators to the greater community. It would be my honor to serve as a Senator in the Student Government Association, where I know I will be surrounded by peers who, like me, will do anything in their power to make impactful changes at JHU.

Arham Alam I am excited to join the Student Government Association as an Activism and Advocacy Senator because I believe in the power of grassroots change and making sure that every individual feels their voice matters. In my experience as a pro-choice organizer, I have worked to ensure that pregnant people have full bodily autonomy by motivating more pro-choice men and male-identifying individuals to speak up on the issue and challenge abortion bans. This work has shown me the importance of creating spaces where people feel empowered to advocate for their rights and be heard because for far too long, pro-choice men did not speak up under the pretense that it was not their place. In today’s climate, it’s more critical than ever for individuals—especially marginalized communities—to know that their voices are valued and have an impact. My experience organizing for reproductive justice has equipped me with the tools to amplify voices, facilitate meaningful dialogue, and push for policies that reflect the needs of those most affected. I want to bring that same passion and skill set to SGA, ensuring students feel represented and have a platform to make change on the issues that matter to them. Together, we can foster a campus environment where advocacy thrives, and every student knows that their voice truly counts.

Sara Mishra I am from the Maryland-D.C. area, where government activism and advocacy are highly encouraged for students throughout our academic and social journey. From a young age, I have been involved in advocacy, whether it was writing to local politicians about adding traffic lights in my neighborhood, urging for the creation of anti-racist and anti-xenophobic audits in my county, tackling larger issues like healthcare disparities and prison reform in the United States, or participating in protests and attending conferences in the Maryland and Washington, D.C. regions. Thus, I strongly believe that collective action and the power of student voices can drive meaningful change. I am very passionate about advocating for issues that affect the lives of students here, such as high tuition, unclean dorms with mice and cockroaches, and the lack of social and academic spaces like the library and student center. I believe we can develop plans and initiatives that make a more equitable and supportive environment for everyone by working with students, faculty, and administration at Johns Hopkins. This role isn’t just about advocating for change, however - it is also about empowering my fellow classmates and students to feel comfortable and confident enough to engage in important conversations and share their thoughts and ideas, both on campus and beyond as active participants of democracy in the United States. As the activism and advocacy senator, I want to make sure that every student feels heard and that nobody feels hesitant in voicing their opinions and concerns. With the combined force of students at Johns Hopkins University, we can create a campus culture and atmosphere that champions activism and encourages every student to respectfully stand up for what they believe in. I am committed to being a dedicated and diligent senator who will engage in making the Johns Hopkins campus a better place for all.

Disability Senator

Raven Mccoy I am passionate about Disability Advocacy and the general wellbeing of Hopkins students as well as working to improve their experience during my time at Hopkins.

Seungmyoung Lee

For me, becoming a Disability Senator is a representation of my passion for involvement in academic excellence and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. By taking on this position, I would like to hear diverse voices and discuss the intersection of student life, knowledge, and disability rights since they apply to many members of the Hopkins community for almost everything, let alone academics. I personally believe that DEI can never be “fully achieved” or “fully discussed” in a community setting since it is an ongoing effort. Consequently, I am hoping to clearly frame and amplify the SGA and the school’s “ongoing and developing approach to DEI” to as many members of the community as possible through the revision of academic policies. Although Johns Hopkins is heading a great direction, there are still limitations and biases shown in our curriculums and classroom conversations/environments. I hope to increase student participation in the curriculum review and to work on devising an initial set of “classroom and community guidelines for DEI” based on student voices. I will actively collaborate with student-led groups and individuals within the community to receive feedback and ideas from various student bodies throughout the year.

Carissa Shuxteau

I'm interested in joining the SGA as a disability senator because I see an opportunity to make our campus more inclusive and accessible for all students. As someone who understands the challenges faced by students with disabilities, I want to be a strong advocate for their needs and rights. My goals would include improving campus accessibility, raising awareness about disability issues, and ensuring university policies consider the needs of all students. I'm excited about the chance to work with the administration and student body to create positive change and contribute to a more equitable campus community. By serving in this role, I believe I can help bridge communication gaps and ensure that the voices of students with disabilities are heard in important decision-making processes. Ultimately, I want to use this position to make a real difference in the college experience for my fellow students.

Dubravko Rodriguez

I am interested in the opportunity to join the SGA as a Senator, particularly in the role of Disability Senator. My experience as the chair of student engagements at Peabody has shown me how essential it is to advocate for all student needs and create an inclusive campus community. I want to bring that same dedication to the SGA. As a music education major, I understand the unique challenges that students with disabilities face. I am passionate about ensuring that all students, regardless of their abilities, feel heard and supported. I want to collaborate with others to develop programs and policies that enhance accessibility, promote inclusive events, and address the specific challenges faced by students with disabilities. My background in student leadership, combined with my commitment to community engagement, equips me to effectively advocate for a more inclusive environment. If elected, I would be dedicated to making a positive impact for all students on campus.

Dubravko Rodriguez

Krish Kulkarni

A birthday should be a time of celebration; my last three were spent in a hospital. My sister was diagnosed with a congenital hip condition, my father suffered back injuries, and my mother was injured in a car accident. Together, they have undergone 14 surgeries in the past three years, and the road to recovery has been challenging, not only for them but for my entire family. After my father’s first surgery, we rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with sepsis. When he returned home, I became heavily involved in his care. I assisted him in getting dressed, ensured he took his medications, and was available for anything else he needed. Just as my father started to heal, my sister complained about hip pain and the doctor recommended two surgeries. While the first surgery was a success, the second left her with post-surgical seizures. I cared for my sister like I did my father, including taking her on walks in her wheelchair and assisting with her physical therapy exercises. Sadly, my sister’s condition was far more complicated, and she needed 10 surgeries in total, with the final two being on my 16th and 17th birthdays. Finally, when my mother was involved in a car accident, she had to undergo emergency surgery and was in the hospital during my most recent birthday. Right before coming to Johns Hopkins University, I assisted my mother around the house and drove her to errands. While there is still a long way for them to recover, they are now well enough to accomplish their desired activities due to their hard work. While my family has physical limitations due to their ailments, they also face institutional inequalities because of their disabilities, especially in the case of my sister. From not being selected for research opportunities, to having to traverse university paths difficult for her, to even friends avoiding her because of her injuries, my sister found college life incredibly unenjoyable. While I could comfort and advocate for her on a personal level, I was limited in how much I could help my sister with college. However, I was inspired by my sister to help people with disabilities in any way possible. Now, as an undergraduate student, I would like to advocate for such individuals at Johns Hopkins University, and I believe the best way for me to do that would be as the Disability Senator. Becoming the Disability Senator would allow me to help create academic policies that support disabled individuals. Ultimately, this would help me achieve part of my goal of institutionally aiding disabled people.

Johnalys Ferrer

There is not a strong sense of the disability services offered on campus, and with the ever-changing infrastructure, disabled individuals are being left to navigate these challenges on their own. Ongoing construction has altered many pathways, and without clear communication or accessible feedback mechanisms, disabled individuals must often get creative just to move around. Therefore, I am committed to making the campus more accessible and in amplifying the voices of organizations that seek to raise awareness of resources available to disabled students. My goal is to foster collaboration between campus departments, student groups, and disability advocates, creating a task force dedicated to addressing accessibility concerns. I want to implement formal feedback channels, such as an online form or regular focus groups, where disabled students can report accessibility issues, especially those caused by construction. Through awareness campaigns, we can unite the campus and promote resources that ensure everyone's voice is heard. Together, we can make the campus safer and align its values with inclusivity and equal access for all.

Junior Class Senator (2)

Sitina Mesfin

I am excited to run for Junior Class Senator at Johns Hopkins because I want to make a lasting impact and advocate for student needs. My focus is on boosting school spirit and addressing issues like the ongoing library construction, delays with the student center, and dissatisfaction with dining options. I also aim to improve access to tutoring, promote campus diversity despite recent affirmative action changes, expand transportation options, and enhance mental health resources. With determination, empathy, and strong communication skills, I’m ready to collaborate with students and administrators to bring meaningful changes that improve the Hopkins experience for everyone.

Zaynab Mirza

I am running for the position of Junior class senator in JHU's Student Government Association because I have a passion for voicing the concerns of the student body. As the previous president of the Student Government Association at Northern Virginia Community College, I have experience serving as a liaison between the student body, faculty, and administration. I was responsible for promoting awareness of campus issues, fostering a sense of well-being and community, and maintaining an open dialogue with those on campus to promote engagement. In addition, SGA attended the 2022 and 2023 NVCC Student Leadership Conference in Roanoke, Virginia, to further build leadership and presentational skills whilst packing thousands of meals for Rise Against Hunger to be distributed overseas by various humanitarian groups. The previous initiatives that we worked on included an on-campus daycare system, a student discount program, and a successful implementation of a community garden in the middle of campus to promote biodiversity and student enjoyment altogether. Similarly, I have noticed that there have been concerns regarding certain aspects of Hopkin's campus, so I would love to become involved with helping to solve these issues to further improve our school in the interests of everyone. I am very committed to the roles I take on and I always try to find ways to problem solve, which is why I am applying to run as Junior Senator. The satisfaction of the student body is my number one priority and I hope to implement practical changes accordingly to make our college experience worthwhile!

Ali Asghar Kassamali

I value the role of Academic Senator as a unique opportunity to amplify voices of the student body. To me, what makes an institution strong is the constant feedback, both positive and constructive, to help shape the academic experience and policy at Hopkins. My whole life, I have been dedicated to enhancing community education in Baltimore City. My teaching experiences from shaping curricula for high school students to guiding elderly patients through rehabilitation and recovery have highlighted the significance of tailoring teaching experiences to meet the diverse needs of learners. For the high school students, I have restructured curricula to meet the needs of my audience and created supplementary resources, such as tutorial videos in my free time. It has taken a lot of trial and error and I have learned so much from my students. In order to initiate change for students in low resourced high schools, I need to fully invest myself in their day to day, gain their trust, and always get their perspective. My experiences have pushed me to think critically about the sociopolitical constraints that hinder opportunities for education, and in turn keep people entrenched in cycles of inequity. Similarly, for the elderly patients, I have helped to modify the resources they receive to help with their recovery. I believe teaching methods should be adaptable and must match the current landscape. The lessons from my experiences align perfectly with the responsibility of representing student concerns, ensuring their voices are heard and academic policies are inclusive. I have come to understand that to effect lasting change, I need to collaborate with others to dissect the components of the academic system and help promote practical long-term solutions. I have learned that while it is almost impossible to bring about major change alone, I can serve as a catalyst for lasting change by joining forces with my peers and faculty. I am committed to collaborating with fellow students, faculty, and administrators to enhance the academic experience at the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences. The solutions to tomorrow’s problems lie in the initiative and innovation of today’s minds. By actively collaborating with others, we can find sustainable solutions to academic dilemmas that can be extrapolated to address academic policy. Together, we can achieve something greater than ourselves that will outlast our time here and wrap future generations in a blanket of hope and achievement. I believe everyone has the right to access the best possible education attainable. At Hopkins, I view this position as a privilege. It would be a personal honor for me to be able to help shape academic policy to enhance the education of current and future colleagues. I promise to go above and beyond to ensure that every student's voice contributes meaningfully to the academic decisions that shape our school's future.

Peter Jackson I am excited to advocate for my fellow students! I am a transfer student who has been a part of student government at my former University (University of Maryland - College Park), and have helped advocate as the students voice for the past two years. I am here to listen and make sure everyone is heard, being a part of a community is essential and being heard is integral to feeling like you’re part of your community. I am here to listen, understand, and fight for you!