Meet the 2023-24 UIndy Student Government Association
The Office of Student Affairs has re-established the UIndy Student Government Association (SGA) to strengthen the relationship between UIndy’s students and leadership. Elections for the SGA President were held last Spring, with Stephano Ibarra Shishido winning the leadership role.
According to Ibarra Shishido, SGA serves as “a crucial connection between the student body and the university administration.” This year’s cabinet is focused on advocacy and representation of the UIndy student body as a whole.
Learn more about the 2023-24 UIndy SGA Cabinet below.
President – Stephano Ibarra Shishido ‘25 (Business Management, Political Science)
Why did you want to serve in the UIndy Student Government Association?
I aspired to become a student body president because it offered a unique opportunity to mix leadership and advocacy, fostering not only my personal growth but also creating positive change on campus.
What are your priorities for the SGA this academic year?
My top priorities as the Student Body President for the SGA this academic year build a strong foundation for future SGA cabinets, with a strong focus on facilitating student engagement and satisfaction. It’s crucial that students feel comfortable approaching us, and we are committed to addressing their concerns and issues professionally.
What would you like the UIndy student body to know about SGA?
SGA is here to support you. Regardless of your background, our purpose is to improve your campus experience. As an international student, I’ve faced challenges, but remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. We’re here to ensure your voice is heard and your concerns addressed.
Vice President – Andras Tiszai ‘24 (MBA, Data Analytics)
Why did you want to serve in the UIndy Student Government Association?
Having already dedicated three years to serving students, my journey commenced at the student gym in the RLFC basement, progressed through the Office of Student Affairs, and culminated in the Office of Admissions. Throughout this transformative experience, my dedication to student service has evolved, fueling a profound desire to contribute on a broader scale. Motivated by a vision for impactful leadership on campus, I am eager to embark on a role that allows me to elevate the student experience at Uindy to new heights and creating a bridge between students and faculty.
What are your priorities for the SGA this academic year?
Our key priorities for this academic year in the Student Government Association include establishing a strong foundation through effective communication of our mission and membership. Additionally, we will prioritize addressing and resolving student concerns to enhance our impact on campus life.
What would you like the UIndy student body to know about SGA?
Our team is actively working towards addressing and resolving student concerns, aiming to enhance the overall student experience on campus.
Equity & Social Justice Chair – Sofia Ramirez ‘25 (Public Health Education and Promotion)
Why did you want to serve in the UIndy Student Government Association?
I wanted to serve in the SGA because I wanted to make sure every student in the campus community was not just safe on campus but comfortable. The UIndy community, including the faculty and staff, should feel as if UIndy is their home away from home.
What are your priorities for the SGA this academic year?
My priorities for SGA during this academic year are to ensure that everybody on campus has a sense of belonging and feels included on campus, no matter their race, gender, religion, etc. A word that would describe my priorities for this year is “advocacy.”
What would you like the UIndy student body to know about SGA?
We are very excited to work with everybody on campus and address not only your concerns but also those of the UIndy community to enhance campus life.
Communication Chair – Mallory Thompson ‘25 (Communication, Public Relations)
Why did you want to serve in the UIndy Student Government Association?
I wanted to serve on the Student Government Association because UIndy has become a second home for me and I want other students to find their place on this campus in the same way I was able to.
What are your priorities for the SGA this academic year?
My priorities for SGA this academic year are for students to use their voice to connect with us so we can help facilitate positive change on campus. My goal is truly to listen, engage, and improve morale through small initiatives that hold greater impacts.
What would you like the UIndy student body to know about SGA?
I want the UIndy student body to know that SGA is on campus as students, for the students. SGA is a connection, a safe space, and a group of UIndy students who care.
Student-Athlete Representative – Jeron Thompson ‘25 (Strategic Leadership and Design)
Why did you want to serve in the UIndy Student Government Association?
My upbringing in Trinidad & Tobago made me not only appreciative of the little things but it also taught me resourcefulness. Coming to UIndy I was given a plethora of amenities and resources to take advantage of and it has propelled me academically and athletically. My mission now as a fifth year is to give back by facilitating the diurnal challenges of students and athletes alike, through the use of said campus resources.
What are your priorities for the SGA this academic year?
My priorities for this year is to lay the foundation for Student Government and enable (International) Student-Athletes to succeed domestically and internationally. This begins with learning the structures and systems in place around us and teaching each other how to navigate mental health, athletic performance, academic success etc while still managing the rigors of day to day life.
What would you like the UIndy student body to know about SGA?
The SGA is experiencing UIndy at the same time as the rest of the student body. Luckily enough, we’ve put ourselves into a space unfamiliar to us for the benefit of our peers, the student body. We’ve experienced a lot of positives in our life thanks to UIndy and our collective goal is to help share our appreciation for the community by nurturing everyone else’s positive experience.
UIndy students are encouraged to share their thoughts, concerns and ideas with SGA by emailing sga@uindy.edu or direct messaging the SGA Instagram account @uindysga. Additionally, the SGA plans to establish regular appearances in the Schwitzer Student Center for students to engage with the cabinet in-person. More information will be shared with students via email and the UIndy app.