Trachtenberg Student Organization Board Elections begin!
Let the Elections Begin!
Please take the time to read the candidate’s descriptions below. Elections will begin Monday, November 14, via a Trachtenberg Times email! And remember, you will only be voting for the candidates from your respective program, whether that be MPA or MPP.
TSO – President (MPP)
Simon McNorton
I’m currently involved in several student-led TSPPPA initiatives. I’m tutoring in Anacostia with Meghan, and working with Maria and the Diversity and Inclusion Committee. This week I’m meeting with Kathy, Whitney and Kabir to begin planning the annual Policy Forum in the spring semester, and last week I started a discussion with the Center for Civic Engagement to build interest in commitments for the Clinton Global Initiative University, which is coming to GWU in the spring.
I also co-founded Landbanking for Justice as part of Rigby’s 6011 Thursday section.
In the past I’ve held several student association positions, most recently (2007/8) serving as Student Vice-President and then President over two terms at the International Student House in Washington, DC, where I organized events and lectures at the House, began a student newsletter and fundraised to buy equipment for resident common areas.
If elected your student association president, I’m excited to work with the rest of the Student Association Board, with Kathy and other TSPPPA faculty, Paul and Career Services, and to represent TSPPPA across GWU and outside.
I want to see a common/study area exclusive to graduate or TSPPPA students, so I can see your beautiful faces whenever I want; to update student websites to include recommended class/concentration outlines; and to build networks with related schools (Elliot, Education, Public Health, Media and Public Affairs and Political Management).
TSO – VP of Communications (MPP)
Leslie Finnan
The Student Organizations are an integral part of the Trachtenberg experience. I am interested in helping to make these organizations continue to rock in the next year, and would be honored to serve as the VP for Communications. In my current job, I write, design, and send a weekly newsletter to 1000+ aging and disability professionals. The Tberg Times would be 1000+ times more interesting than that, for sure! I also have experience in student leadership; I served as the secretary for my college Democrats club, and was very active in organizing events and campaigns throughout the campus and in sending out emails, minutes, and invitations.
Communication is a crucial part of the student org world, and I believe I would be a strong candidate for this position.
Please vote for me, Leslie Finnan, for VP of Communications!
TSO – Treasurer (MPP)
Kyle Bergman
Hello, T-Bergers! My name is Kyle and I want to be your MPP treasurer. I believe the driving force behind TSO’s ability to enrich our experience at Trachtenberg comes from the people who run it, and while it may not be the sexiest aspect of the organization, proper management of TSO funds is essential in order to make sure the efforts of the board can be translated into action and results. Considering the large amount of debt I’m taking on in pursuit of my MPP degree, I want to get the most out of my time here at GW. Thus, I have decided to concentrate in program evaluation and analysis/public budgeting, and in order to get more real world experience I would like to work with my MPA counterpart in managing the TSO budget. Before coming to Trachtenberg, I was a 2nd grade teacher for a small private school. Along with helping with the day-to-day administration of the school, I was responsible for preparing a budget for my own class every trimester and making sure the appropriated funds would last until the end of term. I was also an officer for a student organization during undergrad where detail and organizational skills were a must.
D&I Representation (MPP)
Morgan Taylor
As a future public servant, I believe diversity and inclusion are two important goals to strive for. For this, I have dedicated myself to these issues and am concentrating in social policy here at the Trachtenberg School. Throughout the past four years I have worked with people from various backgrounds and also currently work as an advocate for different organizations, including those dedicated to helping others gain equality and acceptance. Working with the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan as a tutor allowed me to learn from my students about socio-economic issues facing our country today. At my undergraduate university, I acted as President of the Political Science society, which gave me the skills needed to be an effective leader.
I strongly believe in the goals of the Diversity & Inclusion group here at the Trachtenberg School and that if we wish to fulfill these goals, we must start within our own community. If elected as committee chair, I will dedicate myself to creating a more diverse community at GW where we can all learn from each other and that will prepare us for our futures in public service. Please vote Morgan Taylor for Diversity & Inclusion chair.
–
Ana Jara
The issues of diversity are more and more important to an ever changing and globalizing world. It is critical for those of us that are being trained as the next leaders in policy to be informed, be sensitive to and think creatively about how to address diversity in the public policy arena. I will work hard with my MPA co-chair to bring awareness to and integration of diversity into our program and the University. I will strive to ensure students feel included and the various parts of their identity are welcomed.
I have been involved with a number of student groups and held leadership roles with cultural organizations both on and off campus. One that is important to highlight is an organization that worked with students to create safe spaces for dialogue around culture, ethnicity and identity. I would like to take that idea and incorporate the framework of policy. I have worked with several groups focusing on campaigns and suggestions to policy adoptions dealing with inequality and lack of access. Teamwork, respect and lots of flexibility are key in starting new projects, long term vision and cultural shifts. I would like the opportunity to work with students, faculty and staff to continue developing the D&I committee. It’s my goal to promote ideals of inclusion within Trachtenberg and the greater GW community.
Professional Development Representative (MPP) – No candidate is currently running.
New Student Liaison (MPP)
Lauren Deutsch
I am seeking the position of MPP New Student Liaison to co-chair the Trachtenberg School Orientation and Welcoming Organization (TSOWO). I have held a number of leadership positions in the past and been involved with programs designed to welcome new members into organizations. I always strive to make people around me feel comfortable, welcome and excited to be in Washington, DC. Having attended GWU for undergrad, I am passionate about our surrounding community and want new students to feel the same. I feel confident in my ability to coordinate orientation and retreat to continue activities that have succeeded in the past and introduce new ideas to make these programs even more successful.
–
Stephen Tu
Stephen Tu… New Student Liaison …That rolls right off the tongue, doesn’t it?
Think back to a few months ago, when we were all a little wet behind the ears and excited to begin graduate school. Were you nervous or hesitant as a new student, like I was? Did that clammy feeling go away when you had a bomb time at orientation and retreat? These two events have been vital to my student life experience at GW thus far, and I believe I have the right background to contribute to the team that will guide our cohort through student life next year.
As a former director and counselor of an overnight youth summer camp in the SF Bay Area for four years, I have extensive experience with planning retreats for staff and programming multi-day events. I have a firm grasp of the work that goes into planning and managing a program that turns shy, reluctant children into the most social and talkative creatures you have ever seen. I have no doubt that I can apply my expertise to organizing a team to welcome and guide a new crop of “first-years” through the first few weeks of school, while also acknowledging the traditions, pride and priority on education we associate with the Trachtenberg School.
If elected, I pledge to always break the ice, awkwardly or not, to ensure that the incoming cohort feels as welcome and connected as we do now. I will place an emphasis on mingling part-time, first and second year students, just as the current board has done. I promise to work hard to not only get it done, but get it right. Please vote Stephen Tu for MPP New Student Liaison.
Social Coordinator (MPP)
Ashley Cheung
My name is Ashley and I am running for Social Chair. I am ready to take on the role of making Trachtenberg even sexier, and happier by planning social events to take the stress off of school and work. Midterms, papers, and deadlines can checked at the door at the upcoming social events and replaced by networking with your peers over happy hours, dances and events.
I come with many years of experience in a leadership role in my undergrad career. I was a Resident Advisor, and planned social, cultural and education programs for first and second years. I was also the president of various campus organizations and was university representative at regional and national leadership conferences for three years where I collaborated with other leaders around the nation to create new ideas and programs.
If elected, I promise I will work my hardest to ensure awesomeness and sexiness throughout the Trachtenberg community. As Social Chair I will use my leadership experience and support from my peers to create a welcoming community atmosphere.
Volunteering Coordinator (MPP) – No candidate is currently running.
TSO – President (MPA)
Jay Sher
The great programming and sense of community developed by the Trachtenberg Student Organization makes our time in the program more than a simple academic and professional experience. From social events to community service to professional development it affords us great opportunities to build great relationships and networks. I would like the opportunity to build on the organization’s successes and further integrate it into our experience at Trachtenberg. I believe I would be the best candidate for MPA President.
As a recent undergraduate alumnus of George Washington, I am very informed about the internal workings of the university and events and opportunities offered by the broader university community. I have thrived in previous leadership and management roles maintaining a big picture scope while understanding the details. I hope that I can engage more and more students into the Trachtenberg Student Organization and further expand its accomplishments. Remember to vote this week for Jay Sher for MPA President.
TSO – VP of Communications (MPA)
Sarina Rosenberg
My name is Sarina Rosenberg, and I would be honored to serve as the VP of Communications for the TSO. With a professional background in journalism, I have experience writing and editing for a variety of online and print publications. I am committed to filling our student org’s website with interesting and informative content that will help us connect across the student community. In addition to posting news and upcoming events, I hope to begin a bi-monthly bio of current students working in interesting jobs and industries. We are always told that our peers are our best source of networking. I hope to make it easier for us to learn about the unique backgrounds and expertise of our fellow classmates in order to foster networking opportunities.
I am also committed to helping the student organizations run smoothly with efficient internal communications. As a paralegal, I often had this responsibility on the fast paced teams with which I worked. I learned that timely, clear and concise communication is at the heart of an effective team. Though emails happen behind the scenes, without them a team cannot get the job done well.
I could not imagine the transition to graduate school being as easy as it has been without such a strong student organization, and I am committed to continuing this tradition this coming year. I hope you vote for me for VP of Communications!
TSO – Treasurer (MPA)
Sarah Lynn Geiger
My name is Sarah and I am hoping to be your next MPA Treasurer! We’re all in grad school to make some money in the future, and while we’re here I want to manage TSO’s cash. I’ve had some experience handling money in my past. I was a bank teller for many summers and winter breaks in undergrad. More importantly, I was treasurer of my high school show choir (yep, just like Glee!), so I have some experience managing the financial responsibilities of a student group. I am organized and will be able to manage TSO’s budget well. I am very detail oriented, so I will make sure that no deadlines or requirements are missed when it comes to managing the administrative tasks. I enjoy working with other people, so I will work hard to coordinate with other members of the student board to make sure that your experience at Trachtenberg is the best it can be.
I came to GWU excited to get involved the Trachtenberg community. If elected, I will use that enthusiasm to be diligent and attentive to my duties as treasurer. I look forward to managing that budget. At the end of the day, I’m just a regular gal and I want to be your Treasurer.
D&I Representation (MPA)
Anamita Gall
My name is Anamita Gall, I am a first year MPA running for the MPA chair for Diversity & Inclusion. I believe that issues of diversity are increasingly relevant to our field, so I would work alongside my MPP co-chair to advocate for the increased integration of these topics into our program and the University. Additionally, I would aim to ensure that all students feel welcomed into the program as they transition into graduate school life.
As an undergrad, I was involved with a number of student groups and held leadership roles with two cultural student organizations. One of these, was the university’s inter-cultural student organization which currently works in conjunction with the multicultural student office. I believe teamwork is essential, especially when forming new organizations. I would love the opportunity to work with others to continue developing the D&I committee, to promote its ideals of inclusion within the Trachtenberg and greater GW community.
Professional Development Representative (MPA)
Sadie Thimsen
Just having moved from the mountains of small-town Colorado where I was horseback riding through wide-open pastures and snowboarding powdered peaks, I wasn’t sure what to expect moving to metropolitan DC. I immediately signed up for the mentor-mentee program, as I didn’t know much about the city nor anyone else in the area. So far, my mentor has been extremely helpful in giving advice on everything from classes to internships to general tips about Washington. As a former mentor myself, having experience with students of all ages, I’ll work hard at organizing the Trachtenberg School mentor program for incoming students and creating fun opportunities for engagement.
Back in Colorado, I wasn’t only a ski bum, but rather worked with several organizations in the area volunteering and helping to coordinate networking events. As we’ve all learned, networking is a powerful tool for career development, especially in Washington. As your professional development chair, I’ll strive to bring you a diverse myriad of opportunities to help you succeed at further developing your careers, professional skills and networks.
Vote Sadie Thimsen for Professional Development Chair!
New Student Liaison (MPA)
Charlotte Fallon
My name is Charlotte and I would like to be your MPA New Student Liaison. You may recognize me from my sweet dance moves and glowstick crown, which were showcased at the retreat cabin dance party. If, however, you didn’t go to retreat this year, you should absolutely come next year and learn what all the fuss is about!
In all seriousness, the warm welcome I received on Admitted Students’ Day was a major reason that I chose to attend GW, and not one of those other DC schools. Orientation just confirmed that I had made the right decision in attending a school that offered a perfect balance of useful information and ice breakers.
With experience gained as a camp counselor and volunteer coordinator, I will work hard to make the new kids feel like members of the Trachtenberg community from day one, erase the division between first and second year students, and plan the most awesomest retreat that Trachtenberg has ever seen. If elected, I will use my experience leading and working in teams to work with other members of the Board to ensure that next year’s new students receive the same fantastic and informative welcome that we did (potentially with even more embarrassingly fun ice breakers).
Social Coordinator (MPA)
Mike Fucci
When starting this description, I thought of a few different ways to express why I want to be social coordinator. But honestly, they all sounded like I was a raging alcoholic desperately looking for people to drink with (OK not really). I will say that I think the Trachtenberg social events are very beneficial for getting to know our classmates better, as well relaxing and getting away from the stress and pressure of classes and work. I want to continue the great work Paul and Alicia have done in bringing these successful events to our program. I have worked on an election campaign where I helped coordinate social events like happy hours and fundraising dinners. I know the kind of planning and time that goes into coordinating an event like fall ball. I also like to think I know how to have a good time (if you are unaware of this you will see firsthand at fall ball). I also know of many awesome bars in DC that we can go to. Overall, I believe my prior event planning experience and ability to have fun make me the best candidate for social coordinator. Please vote for Mike Fucci.
Volunteering Coordinator (MPA)
Nancy Lagomarcino
My name is Nancy and I would like to be your MPA Volunteer Coordinator. I am interested in building community within the Trachtenberg School through giving back to our city. I will make sure the service projects we choose are causes that are important to you! I will do my best to continue the great ongoing projects as well as find new and rewarding projects to take on.
Having grown up in DC, I am familiar with great organizations and projects around the city in which we can participate. With leadership and community volunteer experience, I will help coordinate service projects, match students with projects you will find interesting and rewarding, and be your voice in the Trachtenberg school to make sure your interests are recognized.
GPAC (At Large)
Debbie Kobrin
