The SIPASA 2026 Elections Voter Guide
By Megan Vidovich
The SIPASA 2026 Elections are in full swing, and voting is now open! For the past two weeks, flyers have covered the stairwells in IAB and candidates have taken over Publique, handing out sweets as they try to win the favor of their peers and a spot in the SIPA Student Association. With 7 presidential hopefuls and 19 candidates overall, it’s difficult to know how to choose the best students to lead SIPA next year. The Morningside Post is here to help you make an informed vote.
During campaign week, The Morningside Post interviewed the SIPASA candidates for insight on why they want to lead our vibrant SIPA community. All candidates were invited to submit 2-3 sentence answers to each question; longer answers were truncated. Then, on Thursday, November 20, candidates gathered for SIPASA Debate Night 2025 to share their visions for SIPA. We’ve compiled these into one complete SIPASA 2026 Elections Voter Guide.
Before you run to the polls, learn about each candidate’s priorities, read about their standout moments at the debate, and see what they had to say about some of SIPA’s top issues.
President
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Debate Standouts
Initiatives:
Reevaluate SIPASA events budget
Create subsidized or free MetroCards for the subway
Create meaningful changes, like better water bottle stations and cozy study spaces
On campus safety and free speech: “We [have] power in numbers. Petitions and reforms [can] create change within our school.”
Interview:
What inspired your decision to run for the SIPASA elections?
I was inspired to run because SIPA brings together some of the most globally minded and passionate people I’ve ever met, yet we often pass each other like strangers instead of a real community. I want to build a SIPA that feels like HOME, where people feel supported and connected.
What aspects of SIPASA leadership do you plan on continuing in your time as President, and what changes would you implement?
I will continue fostering student engagement and ensuring that SIPASA remains a responsive voice for students. However, I want to expand on community-building events, improve daily campus life through tangible fixes, and create more collaborative academic and career opportunities across Columbia.
Why do you believe you are the most suitable candidate for SIPASA President?
My background growing up across multiple countries and learning from diverse communities gives me a unique ability to connect people and build belonging. I understand how to intentionally create spaces where students feel at HOME socially and academically.
How do you plan on collaborating with the SIPA administration to foster a positive environment and meet the needs of students?
I’ll work closely with administrators to address everyday student concerns like facilities, study spaces, and course selection transparency. At the same time, I’ll partner with faculty and staff to support career development, organize career site visits, and create more student-faculty engagement opportunities that complement SIPA’s mission.
What is your vision for SIPA in 2026-27, and what key priorities will you focus on if elected?
My vision is a SIPA where students feel grounded in community, supported in their academic journey, and connected to meaningful career pathways. My priorities will be building human connection, expanding career and cross-school opportunities, improving daily campus life, and enriching academic experiences through faculty engagement and better information access.
Is there anything else you wish to convey to your fellow Seeples before the voting process?
I want Seeples to know that the HOME platform is more than a slogan and that it reflects a commitment to making SIPA a place where we feel connected, supported, and part of a real community. Through HOME I am focused on human connection, career opportunities, daily campus improvements, and stronger academic experiences so every student feels that SIPA is truly a place they belong.
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Obaid Barakzai
Debate Standouts
Initiatives
Affordability and accessibility
Clear communication
“Chai and Chat” for open discussions
On his vision for SIPA: “We are going to revolutionize the way we think of the SIPA community.”
Interview:
What inspired your decision to run for the SIPASA elections?
I'm running because I’ve seen how much potential this community has and how much frustration builds when decisions are made without students at the center. As someone who came to this country with almost nothing, I’m not doing this for a title or status. I’m doing it because SIPA needs a real shift toward transparency and solidarity.
What aspects of SIPASA leadership do you plan on continuing in your time as President, and what changes would you implement?
I want to build on the strong programming, career events, and club work that SIPASA already does well. That means better communication around policies like the credit cap, more support for students dealing with financial pressure, and stronger backing for clubs so they can do the work they care about. I also want to introduce “Chai and Chat” as a warm, welcoming space where students can raise concerns directly and early, not after decisions are finalized.
Why do you believe you are the most suitable candidate for SIPASA President?
I arrived in the U.S. with $2.67 and no support system, worked as a janitor through high school, and still made it to the top of my class in high school and college. Those experiences taught me how to lead with empathy and action. More importantly, I understand what it feels like to navigate broken systems and how to collectively fix them.
How do you plan on collaborating with the SIPA administration to foster a positive environment and meet the needs of students?
I plan to keep steady and consistent communication with SIPA administrators and directly bring them authentic feedback from students. With issues like the credit cap, we need transparency about why decisions are made, how they affect us, and what alternatives exist. My policy background helps me push for change while still working constructively within institutions.
What is your vision for SIPA in 2026-27, and what key priorities will you focus on if elected?
I want SIPA to feel like a place where people genuinely look out for each other. My priorities are affordability, basic needs support, clearer communication around major events and opportunities, stronger community, club support, and real career pathways. That means more emergency funds, better guidance on academics and registration, and events that help us reconnect after a tough couple of years on campus.
What’s your go-to Publique order?
A hot chai. It keeps me calm enough to survive registration season.
Is there anything else you wish to convey to your fellow Seeples before the voting process?
I came from nothing, and every step of my life has been about building community where it didn’t exist. I’m running because SIPA deserves a fresh start and a stronger sense of togetherness. If you ever want to talk, I'm only a text away.
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Debate Standouts
Initiatives
Ensure student funds are spent on students
Stipend for students in student government
Create fun, engaging activities on campus that are not transactional
Accessible wellness and mental health services for students.
On campus safety and free speech: “I have too many friends here who are really scared and concerned about their safety and who feel like the school does not have their back. I know how to advocate, as a black woman and as a mother. We need to build strategic coalitions and relationships.”
Interview:
What inspired your decision to run for the SIPASA elections?
SIPA is where I will be spending the majority of my time over the next two years. I want it to reflect the kind of environment that fosters respect, safety, and community. I believe that my lived experience of working across various industries — the expertise I’ve developed at negotiation and communication, along with my passion for advocating — ensure that I can work with the administration to make material changes that benefit the lives of all students at SIPA.
What aspects of SIPASA leadership do you plan on continuing in your time as President, and what changes would you implement?
As a new SIPA graduate student, I plan to continue listening to and advocating for the SIPA student body, including pushing for paid student government participation. I would also work to better understand and clarify the ongoing student–administration discussions around credit caps. Additionally, I aim to center mental health, student wellbeing, and safety, and to foster a deeper sense of community by creating more spaces for relaxed, meaningful networking rather than our often transactional and high-pressure interactions.
Why do you believe you are the most suitable candidate for SIPASA President?
I’ve led before during turbulent times (COVID), as President of a diverse student government representing over 18,000 [students] and managing a budget of nearly $1 million. I know and understand how to navigate the terrains of academic administration and institutional complexity, while fully representing the interests of students. As a teacher in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, working in Equity Swaps at JPMorgan Chase, as a community liaison with the NYC Office of the Mayor, and as a mother, my experiences have shaped my leadership, empathy and problem-solving abilities — all of which I will bring to the role of SIPASA President.
How do you plan on collaborating with the SIPA administration to foster a positive environment and meet the needs of students?
I will fully collaborate with the administration in prioritizing students’ needs and interests. I will support the administration in providing transparency in their decision-making processes and in maintaining frequent communication. I also plan to use surveys to track student sentiment about issues and concerns that are pertinent and critical to them.
What is your vision for SIPA in 2026-27, and what key priorities will you focus on if elected?
If elected, I promise to: (1) support every student’s well-being and strengthen mental health resources and international student support, (2) build a more unified SIPA Community by fostering collaboration across concentrations and cultures, (3) make SIPASA leadership accessible and secure stipends or academic credit for student government service, allowing more students to participate.
What’s your go-to Publique order?
My go-to order is a large coffee, cream no sugar. I generally bring my own lunch, but grabbing a coffee with a friend is something I often do. Publique is well-lit with lots of windows, and that is the kind of space I like after being in the classroom for hours.
Is there anything else you wish to convey to your fellow Seeples before the voting process?
Please see this LinkedIn article!
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Debate Standouts
Initiatives
Build relationships among SIPASA board members
Increase the number of microwaves in Publique
Update the SIPASA room to be a safe and welcoming space
Start a “SIPA Ambassador” program for networking opportunities
On campus safety and free speech: “I will create a space for discussion so issues do not escalate and everyone feels safe.”
Interview:
What inspired your decision to run for the SIPASA elections?
I have been inspired by a deep sense of perseverance and resilience and by my commitment to contribute meaningfully to the SIPA community. SIPA is more than a school to me because it feels like a family, where every corner and every hallway carries a sense of belonging, support, and purpose. Running for President is my way of giving back to the community that has shaped me and of ensuring that every student can get the support they need, feel truly listened to, and feel comfortable discussing any topic.
What aspects of SIPASA leadership do you plan on continuing in your time as President, and what changes would you implement?
I plan to continue the strong foundation the current SIPASA board has built, especially their commitment to following the rules, prioritizing student well-being, and building trust through transparency. As President, I want to combine administrative responsibility with emotional and mental support, because leadership is about being human and practicing empathy every day. It means understanding students, putting yourself in their shoes, listening deeply, and making the necessary sacrifices to strengthen our community.
Why do you believe you are the most suitable candidate for SIPASA President?
As someone who has overcome significant health and financial challenges, earning the chance to study at SIPA carries deep meaning for me and motivates me to serve this community fully. Being part of SIPASA has given me a clear understanding of how the process works, what barriers students face, and where stronger support is needed, which is why I spend so much time engaging with classmates and listening to their experiences. My leadership roles across SIPA and Columbia, including SIPASA, FGSU, Women in STEM, the Sustainable Business Working Group, Orientation Leader, and Student Conduct Leader, have prepared me to advocate effectively, lead with empathy, and represent our community with integrity.
How do you plan on collaborating with the SIPA administration to foster a positive environment and meet the needs of students?
I plan to collaborate with the SIPA administration by strengthening the connection between administrators and students and making communication more direct and open. I will offer weekly office hours where students can come, share their concerns, and talk openly about the issues they are facing, and I will bring those concerns directly to the administration so their voices are clearly represented. By creating this consistent bridge between students and leadership, I hope to ensure that decisions are informed by real experiences and that every student feels supported and heard.
What is your vision for SIPA in 2026-27, and what key priorities will you focus on if elected?
My vision for SIPA in 2026–27 is a community that is more engaged, more centralized, more organized, and more grounded in empathy. I want to focus on practical improvements such as increasing the number of microwaves at Publique, keeping the SIPASA room fully replenished, promoting stronger use of CampusGroups, creating a universal calendar, offering an AI literacy class to support student learning, building an official channel for concerns, and strengthening interconnection with other Columbia schools through shared events and collaboration. My goal is to make resources accessible, communication clear, and our community guided by empathy and genuine support for one another.
What’s your go-to Publique order?
I select a hot latte because the milk reflects a journey that begins pure and full of possibility, the foam represents the challenges that rise along the way, and the espresso at the center symbolizes the strength we gain with every strong decision we make.
Is there anything else you wish to convey to your fellow Seeples before the voting process?
I encourage everyone to choose with intention and clarity because SIPA deserves a leader who is passionate about every corner of this school and who has sacrificed so much to be here and serve this community fully. I believe in building empathy, taking meaningful action, and creating real change that strengthens our shared experience. Together, we can continue writing my story, your story, and a stronger story for SIPA.
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Debate Standouts
Initiatives
Expand relaxation spaces in SIPA
Create inclusive spaces for parents and families
Create spaces for creativity
On holding SIPA administration accountable: “It’s time that we step into the situation room and have conversations that we have been ignoring. We are not taking no for an answer.”
Ridhi did not respond to our request for interview. -
Kevin Norizadeh
Debate Standouts
Initiatives
Focus on education and networking
Create more accessible events
Build relationships that will outlast tenure at SIPA
On holding the SIPA administration accountable: “I have already fought the administration for three years [as an undergraduate], and I will continue.”
Interview:
What inspired your decision to run for the SIPASA elections?
What inspired me to run for the SIPASA elections is simple: I love leadership and creating opportunities for people to be the best version of themselves. I learned a lot about leading teams in the Army and as president of my undergraduate fraternity, and I want to bring that experience to SIPA; organizing more events, fighting for the student body, and, yes, providing free drinks as often as possible.
What aspects of SIPASA leadership do you plan on continuing in your time as President, and what changes would you implement?
I plan to continue SIPASA’s commitment to representing student interests and keeping communication clear between students and the administration. I want to put a hard focus on building community, with more frequent and engaging events where everyone feels included.
Why do you believe you are the most suitable candidate for SIPASA President?
I have extensive experience leading diverse groups, building strong communities, and working under extreme pressure. I’ve served as an Army team leader, twice as president of my undergraduate fraternity, and as president of VCU’s Interfraternity Council, where I coordinated events, managed budgets, and brought people together. I want to bring that same leadership, organization, and focus on community to SIPA.
How do you plan on collaborating with the SIPA administration to foster a positive environment and meet the needs of students?
I will spend every day if necessary in the SIPA administration office because, honestly, I’m frustrated. This credit cap, for example, blindsided a lot of us, and it feels like decisions are being made without considering the real impact on students. I’m going to push back hard on policies like this and make sure our voices aren’t just an afterthought.
What is your vision for SIPA in 2026-27, and what key priorities will you focus on if elected?
My vision for SIPA is absolute: a unified, unstoppable force of students where every corner of campus feels our presence. I will focus on expanding socials, guaranteeing free or sponsored drinks, and advocating for a better educational environment. And let it be known: the Law School shall tremble under the might of our coordinated revelry; we will out-social, out-influence, and out-anything them until their soirées are nothing but a cautionary tale.
What’s your go-to Publique order?
Vanilla Latte but they give me the wrong order every time, so I am yet to actually have one. This will be addressed once I nationalize them.
Is there anything else you wish to convey to your fellow Seeples before the voting process?
I want to take a moment to speak honestly with my fellow Seeples. Beyond events and socials, I care deeply about making sure everyone feels represented and supported, especially members of the veteran community like myself who often face unique challenges balancing school, work, and post-service life. If elected, I promise to advocate for all students, listen carefully, and help create a SIPA experience that is fair, inclusive, and truly enriching for everyone.
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Jiayuan Tian
Jiayuan did not attend the debate.
Interview:
What inspired your decision to run for the SIPASA elections?
Over the past several months, I’ve been deeply involved in SIPA life, from serving on the Belonging & Engagement Committee to helping host high-impact events with CUCSSA and cross-school communities. These roles showed me how much potential we have when student leaders bridge communities, uplift new voices, and create spaces where every Seeple feels seen. Running for SIPASA President is my way of scaling that impact and serving the community that has already given me so much.
What aspects of SIPASA leadership do you plan on continuing in your time as President, and what changes would you implement?
I want to continue SIPASA’s strong tradition of advocacy, cultural programming, and supporting student organizations through funding and visibility. At the same time, I will introduce new initiatives that center equity, collaboration, and practical support, such as improving communication streams, expanding mentorship for incoming students, and strengthening cross-school partnerships with CBS, GSAPP, TC, Mailman, and beyond. My goal is to ensure SIPASA is not just responsive, but proactively shaping student life.
Why do you believe you are the most suitable candidate for SIPASA President?
My background in youth leadership, community-building, and cross-cultural communication, from founding social enterprise OneXplore and interview column "Youth π" to leading large-scale events at Columbia has prepared me to serve a diverse and global student body. At SIPA, I’ve already shown my ability to unify students, work across communities, and collaborate with administration and faculty. I bring not only experience, but deep commitment, empathy, and the willingness to work hard for every Seeple.
How do you plan on collaborating with the SIPA administration to foster a positive environment and meet the needs of students?
As a member of the Belonging & Engagement Committee and an Admission Ambassador, I’ve already developed strong working relationships with administrators across OSA, Admissions, and DEIA. I plan to formalize regular feedback loops between students and staff, ensuring concerns are communicated quickly and transparently. My approach is collaborative, advocating firmly but building solutions together.
What is your vision for SIPA in 2026-27, and what key priorities will you focus on if elected?
I envision a SIPA that is more connected, supportive, and globally engaged, a place where every student feels belonging and opportunity. My priorities will include improving career development resources, enhancing cross-school community events, increasing transparency in funding and decision-making, and expanding peer mentorship for both academic and wellbeing support. Ultimately, I want to build a SIPA that empowers every student to lead, grow, and thrive.
What’s your go-to Publique order?
My go-to order is honestly the lunch box: it keeps me going through long SIPA days.
Is there anything else you wish to convey to your fellow Seeples before the voting process?
SIPA is a community full of passion, diversity, and possibility, and I’d be honored to serve as your President. I promise to listen, show up, and work every day to make our time here meaningful, supportive, and memorable. Thank you for your trust: let’s build the SIPA we all deserve.
vice president
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Debate Standouts
Initiatives
Create a space for real communication, including through a VP email train
Turn conversations into action
On navigating a hypothetical leadership change, taking the place of the president: “I will be ready to serve. [My first priority would be] to email the students to let them know of the changes in leadership, and find out student needs.”
Interview:
What inspired your decision to run for the SIPASA elections?
I’m running for SIPASA because I want SIPA to be a place where every student feels seen, included, and able to participate fully. I stand for a SIPA where diversity is honored, equity is upheld, and every voice is heard and leads to real action. My experiences in social work and student government showed me how powerful it is when students have trusted spaces to share their ideas, and I want to help strengthen those spaces here.
Why should SIPA students choose you as the Vice President of SIPASA?
I see leadership as creating an environment where people feel comfortable speaking up and contributing meaningfully. I focus on building the conditions where more voices can shape shared outcomes, and I lead with empathy, inclusivity, and accountability so our diverse student body can feel a real sense of belonging at SIPA. I want students to trust that when they speak up, their concerns will be heard, taken seriously, and followed through with care.
How do you plan on collaborating with the SIPASA President to best represent the SIPA student community?
I plan to work closely with the President through open communication, aligned priorities, and consistent check-ins so we stay focused on what students need. I aim to work with the President to serve as a strong bridge between students and the school, making sure feedback moves clearly in both directions and turns into real outcomes. I want this partnership to feel organized, transparent, and centered on amplifying student voices in every decision.
Is there anything else you wish to convey to your fellow Seeples before the voting process?
I want my fellow Seeples to know how much I care about this community and how deeply I value the voices within it. I want to help make SIPA a place where people feel supported, welcomed, and genuinely happy to be here, and I am committed to showing up with empathy, consistency, and real follow through. Thank you for taking the time to engage in this process, and I would be truly grateful for your support.
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Debate Standouts
Initiatives
Increase SIPASA funding
Create more accessible events
On his vision for the vice presidency: “Important to be adaptable. When things need to get done, I’m there to do it.”
Matthew did not respond to our request for interview.
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Debate Standouts
Initiatives
Build community across concentrations at SIPA with coordinated events
Cross-school collaborations
Transparent communication with students and smart budgeting
“SIPA doesn’t need more chaos, it needs collaboration.”
Interview:
What inspired your decision to run for the SIPASA elections?
I chose to run because SIPA constantly amazes me with the diversity of experiences in every room, but I also see how quickly we fall into our own bubbles. We don’t cross paths as much as we could, and that’s a missed opportunity. I want to help create a SIPA where connecting feels natural and community isn’t something we have to search for.
Why should SIPA students choose you as the Vice President of SIPASA?
These past two weeks of holding office hours and listening to what matters to you all have honestly shaped my entire campaign. I'm running because I’ve heard you, and I want to act on it. My experience working in nonprofits, governance focused projects, and even serving as a soccer captain taught me how to bring people together, stay organized under pressure, and actually follow through.
How do you plan on collaborating with the SIPASA President to best represent the SIPA student community?
I plan to collaborate with the President by making sure the goals we set actually turn into results. I aspire to be the person who takes ideas from the student body and turns them into real structures, events, and conversations that matter. My goal is to help make SIPA more connected, more transparent, and more intentional in how it responds to students.
What’s your go-to Publique order?
I keep it simple with an iced latte or a hot black coffee, plus a Ferrero Rocher that I definitely did not plan to buy, but always do.
Is there anything else you wish to convey to your fellow Seeples before the voting process?
I’m so grateful for the honesty, ideas, and warmth people shared with me throughout campaigning, it made me appreciate this community so much more. Whether you vote for me or not, I hope we keep building a SIPA that feels welcoming, connected, and supportive. And if you do choose to support me, thank you for believing in the idea of “A SIPA for everyone.”
general secretary
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Debate Standouts
Initiatives
Host weekly office hours to hear students’ needs
Create informal events for meaningful connections
On her vision for a successful SIPASA Board: “Success would be a more unified board [with] more of the students' voices heard.”
Interview:
What qualities and skills do you possess that make you an ideal candidate for the SIPASA board? Elaborate on relevant experience that has prepared you for this role.
My experience managing a small business, volunteering as a teaching assistant, and serving as one of SIPASA’s Communications Chairs, has helped me develop the consistency, communication skills, and reliability needed for General Secretary. These roles strengthened my ability to take detailed notes, stay organized, and work collaboratively. With my thorough understanding of SIPASA’s internal operations, I’m ready to not only continue supporting some of the current, ongoing SIPASA programs, but also help advance new initiatives with next year's board.
What’s your go-to Publique order?
Brown Sugar Bubble Milk Tea
Is there anything else you wish to convey to your fellow Seeples before the voting process?
Thank you so much for hearing our campaigns these past few days (I know it's been a lot). If there's one thing I hope you take away from this experience, it's that every candidate is incredibly passionate about serving the SIPA community and representing you. It would be an honor to serve as your SIPASA General Secretary next year, but regardless of the outcome, I'm grateful for the opportunity and your support.
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Debate Standouts
Initiatives
Improve communication so students feel more connected to SIPASA
Establish a “concern tracker” and hold office hours to understand student needs
On her vision for a successful SIPASA Board: “[We need a] transparent and accountable board [that understands] the needs of students.”
Simran did not respond to our request for interview.
Treasurer
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Debate Standouts
Initiatives
Financial transparency
Efficient allocation of resources for SIPA events and initiatives
Establish a “Helping Hands Fund” to make Treks more accessible
On her appreciation for SIPA: “SIPA is a place where ambition does not feel competitive, but [it is] a wave that we ride together.”
Interview:
What makes you the best candidate for Treasurer? Why should SIPA students vote for you?
Like many of you, I would describe the SIPA community as a place that gives you purpose and every day here reminds me why I wanted to study policy in the first place: to be surrounded by people who care deeply about real change and bringing their own stories to the table in a space where ambition doesn’t feel competitive. Although I have only been here for a few months, I have felt a sense of belonging, much of it through the mixers and activities planned by our lovely student organizations. Running for Treasurer is my way of giving back, by making funding processes more transparent and ensuring that every student and every group, no matter their background or size, feels supported financially and included in what we build together.
What’s your go-to Publique order?
I actually don't drink caffeine (I know crazy) so the Publique soup of the day is always my go to.
Is there anything else you wish to convey to your fellow Seeples before the voting process?
Go out and vote! More than ever we need individuals in SIPASA who represent the SIPA student body. It doesn't matter who you vote for, just that you do!
university senator
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Debate Standouts
Initiatives
Publish University Senate decisions to uphold transparency
Promote student collaboration in Senate rule-making
On addressing the recently announced credit cap: “I will hold a referendum immediately. With every fiber of my being, we will get [these credits] back to us.”
Interview:
Why do you want to be part of SIPASA leadership?
Over the past year, Columbia's administration has slowly but surely chipped away at and derided student rights, alongside SIPA's latest decision to reduce the credit cap without the explicit, informed consent of students. I promise to do everything possible to clawback each and every single degradation of student rights and reverse the credit cap lowering.
What qualities and skills do you possess that make you an ideal candidate for this role?
During my tenure with the Government of Tamil Nadu, I led a successful effort to persuade the Department of School Education to overturn a major decision regarding the role of analytics in education. Navigating a complex bureaucratic environment, I built consensus, presented evidence-based arguments, and stayed persistent throughout the process. This experience reflects my ability to advocate effectively, my resilience in the face of challenges, and my deep commitment to advancing meaningful, mission-driven work.
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Debate Standouts
Initiatives
Host information sessions on University Senate operations for students
Represent student priorities on the Student Affairs Committee
On addressing the recently announced credit cap: “I started a petition [opposing the credit cap] that already has over 120 student signatures. Just 30 minutes ago, the [SIPA administration] announced they will review the petition.”
Interview:
Why do you want to be part of SIPASA leadership?
I’m running because I feel like most students, including myself at first, don’t fully know what the University Senator does, and that gap matters. What I do know is that I can help students, represent them, and learn firsthand about the most pressing issues facing our university. In short, I want to do something for my community.
What qualities and skills do you possess that make you an ideal candidate for this role?
I bring policy and advocacy experience from Capitol Hill, but more importantly, I’ve already shown I can deliver results for SIPA students even without holding any office. I helped build momentum on the credit cap reduction at SIPA and organized a petition that quickly gathered over 120 signatures, proving I can mobilize our community and turn concerns into concrete action. I’m proactive, responsive, and committed to getting things done for students.
Academic Chair
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Debate Standouts
Initiatives
Promote transparency and consult students before major changes are implemented
Address credit cap concerns, as they may affect graduation timelines and increase financial burdens on students
Advocate for students who enrolled under the 18 credit rule so they can graduate under these terms
Lara did not respond to our request for interview.
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Gayathri did not attend the debate nor respond to our request for interview.
Career and Alumni Affairs Chair
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Interview:
Why do you want to be part of SIPASA leadership?
I'm running for one clear reason: to get Seeples a great job. I believe our career services can be much more proactive. I will transform our network from a passive contact list into an active job-seeking engine, creating direct pipelines to internships and full-time roles for every student.
What qualities and skills do you possess that make you an ideal candidate for this role?
I have two proven skills that deliver results: 1. Entrepreneurial Hustle: I built a company and understand exactly what employers are looking for. I will use this to negotiate directly with companies for more paid internships and exclusive job referrals for SIPA students. 2. Connector: I've organized a couple of 10,000+ audiences in-person summits; I will use this experience to build deep mentor circles, connecting you personally with the senior leaders who can actually hire Seeples.
Communication and External Relations Chair
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Interview:
Why do you want to be part of SIPASA leadership?
Growing up in Northeast India, where communities often live at the margins of national conversations, I learned early on what it feels like to be spoken about, but not spoken to. This lived reality has made me committed to building spaces where voices are not just heard, but actively invited in. As Communication and External Relations Chair, I will transform our collective story into one where every one of us sees ourselves reflected in the centre of campus life.
What qualities and skills do you possess that make you an ideal candidate for this role?
Having worked with Members of Parliament, Supreme Court lawyers and civil society representatives, I have learned how to translate complex issues into human stories that bring communities together. I build bridges by listening between the lines, connecting across divides, and representing people from diverse demographics. My experiences have taught me that effective communication and strong relationships are built on clarity, empathy and accountability—exactly what this role demands.