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Ereden's Candidate Statement:

As a current student leader, I prioritize diversity and inclusivity in every programming effort I contribute to, ensuring that all students within FIT’s diverse community have the opportunity to feel seen, heard, and valued. I showcased this commitment strongest during the club outreach stage for the Fall 2024’s Intercultural Night event, held in collaboration with Phi Theta Kappa, International Student Services, and the Student Government Association’s Diversity and Inclusion branch. As PTK’s Vice President of Membership, I took on the key tasks of coordinating emails across all FIT clubs and organizations to advertise the event collaboration, uniting cultural groups across campus, and organizing performance collaborations with Kwave and Bollymove to elevate the event experience. These efforts not only strengthened the event’s focus on cross-cultural appreciation but also deepened community ties. It is an event I plan on bringing back for a 2nd run on a larger scale with the same collaborating organizations.In the same semester, I spearheaded a project aimed at addressing student burnout, developing and distributing a survey among our 300+ club members to ensure our solution was grounded in real student experiences. We found that poor time management was a key contributor to overwork and stress—a factor we could actively address. After collaborating on a solution within our team, I delegated tasks among our executive board members to implement new strategies to help our club members better balance their schedules, demonstrating my ability to transform student concerns into meaningful action.Building on these experiences, I am excited to further my passion for advocacy as the Student Government Association’s Secretary for Diversity and Inclusion, ensuring that all student voices are represented. To fully commit to this role, I pledge that this will be my sole campus leadership position during the Fall 2025 to Spring 2026 school year, allowing me to dedicate my full efforts to fostering an inclusive and equitable campus.
Utilizing the creative lens my background as a visual artist has instilled in me, I will collaborate on key initiatives with faculty, administration, and other SGA branches as their missions intersect with diversity and inclusion. Together, we will develop innovative policies, strategies, and programs that empower students from all backgrounds to thrive.Diversity and inclusion should not only be principles we stand by but values we actively reflect in our everyday actions. I look forward to serving as an advocate for the students at FIT, amplifying their voices and contributing to a campus culture where establishing a sense of belonging is not just encouraged but a priority for all.