ABOUT ME
Hi, I'm Ilsa
MY PASSION
When I am not immersed in the world of student governance, I am pursuing my two other passions: law and poetry. I am fascinated with how language can be crafted to produce nuanced feelings whether in legislation or in a book of poetry. To advance my skills, I am a Writing Fellow and intern and a member of the Moot Court team. This, combined with my experience with immigration law, has taught me the art of advocacy and the obligation to highlight voices to promote the wide-eyed ideals of inclusivity.
Putting My Experience to Work
A year of serving on the Finance Board has given me immeasurable insight about not only how SGA operates as a whole, but also what clubs seek with regard to support and funding. Having been acquainted with this bureaucratic system, I want to shift primarily to an advocacy role and develop programs and services to strengthen our relationship with student organizations based on their needs and input. As a liaison to over forty clubs on campus, I was able to communicate with and meet various Treasures to learn about the struggles that overwhelm Executive Board officers. These perspectives, combined with my own as a member of various clubs on campus, have given me what I need to spearhead initiatives that will set organizations up for increased success. Moreover, as the only Representative running in the 2020 election, I would be the only student sitting on the Finance Board with experience in reviewing budgets and allocating funding. I am uniquely qualified to pick up where our last VSPO left off, given that my past role in SGA will vastly offset the learning curve that is often characteristic of any new position.
MISSION STATEMENT
Unprecedented Heights of Service and Success
I envision student organizations being able to reach their highest potential, and an SGA that uplifts and supports student efforts and initiatives by acting as a resource and not a roadblock. We need student organizations at the forefront to create spaces and plan events that enrich the lives of the students they serve. Studies have repeatedly shown that students engaged in extracurriculars perform better academically. More importantly, organizations are often communities of support that cultivate identity and character, hone talents and sharpen skills, and are a welcomed change of setting and pace than a traditional classroom. As VPSO, my promise to student organizations is that they will always know me to be somebody who recognizes their importance, and actively works to assist them in their journey to reach unprecedented heights of service and success.