In order to ensure the smoothest transition possible between officers, especially on the Finance Board which needs to hit the ground running in the Fall to prepare for budget season, having a VPSO who is familiar with the allocation process is critical. Being that I am the only Representative running in the 2020 election, I would be the only person on the Finance Board, if elected this April, who has had a year of experience passing legislation for hundreds of budget requests. This process is extremely intricate and having a pair of familiar eyes reviewing requests will reduce the likelihood of error when determining funding for student organizations. Moreover, my experience being a Finance Board Representative is not an isolated leadership role for me. I have been involved in student government since eight grade, and have been accountable to various constituency groups for over six years. I pride myself in my ability to lead by example, and in the organizational and critical thinking skills that I have acquired over time. 

I plan to use every tool at my disposal to ensure that all student organizations know my priorities are to support their endeavours, advocate on their behalf on the Finance Board, and act as a resource to convey important information to them such as alternative funding sources and the Student Organization Resource Center (SORC). The existing methods of communication via myUMBC groups and emails with club Executive Board members are efficient in reaching a large audience, but to have more intimate and personalized discussions, I will publicize and attend weekly Office Hours. I know that cultivating meaningful relationships requires an intentional effort, so being present at SGA-sponsored events is an opportunity not only for me to meet the students the SGA serves, but for them to voice any concerns or ideas to me about how I can better support them. 

As VPSO, my role intersects with both the Executive Branch and the Legislative Branch, granting me the opportunity to work alongside student leaders from both realms. Fulfilling my responsibilities as a Top Four elected official would require broad-scale discussions on the needs of student organizations, beyond simply financial support. This would require working closely with many appointed officers to enact and increase awareness for key initiatives and collaborations. Deliberation is the means with which positive change can be brought on campus, and the nature of the SGA is such that civilized discourse is heavily encouraged. As for sitting on the Finance Board, I will only stand for objectivity and transparency, and will advocate on behalf of clubs to ensure that all policies and precedents align with these principles.