SGA Special Elections 2026-2027 for Vacant Officer Positions

• The vacant positions are SGA President(1), SGA Executive Secretary (1), and Six SGA Senators-at-Large (6).
• Self-Nominations: Available September 17-October 6. Deadline to submit self-nomination application is October 6, by 2 p.m. (EST).
• Special Elections: Will be held on October 8 at 1 p.m. during Student Government Association meeting in N-112A.
• Election Results: Announced on Friday, May 8 at 2 p.m. Location: WebEx

The benefits for Students to be involved and serve on SGA are:

• Involved students are more likely to get better grades,
• Be more knowledgeable about campus resources and what is going on at BHCC,
• Gain valuable transferable skills that students can promote on their resume/LinkedIn/Transfer college applications,
• Previous SGA officers from BHCC have successfully transferred to: MIT, Columbia University, Yale, Boston University, Stanford, etc…
• Involved students build strong networks and gain strong references,
• Involved students make a difference and have fun doing it!

Eligibility: This opportunity is available to any BHCC student who is enrolled part time, enrolled in six credits or more, during the term they serve and must stay in good standing as defined by the College and maintain this status during the term of office.

Requirements: The successful candidates for these positions will need to be available to attend weekly SGA Meetings on Thursdays at 1pm during the Fall and Spring semesters, supports all SGA special projects/initiatives, and serve on campus-wide committees. All eligible candidates with completed applications will be invited to an SGA meeting where the Special Election will take place on October 8th.

Are you interested in being part of your SGA? If so, please fill out the self-nomination form using the link below by:
Tuesday, October 6 at 2 p.m. (EST).

Self Nomination Form

If you have questions or would like to schedule an information meeting to learn more about the position and SGA, please contact:

• Nicolas Rodrigues Couto, SGA Vice President of Human Resources at: n.rodriguescouto@bhcc.edu ; and/or
• Will Cribby, SGA Advisor at wjcribby@bhcc.edu

Best of luck to all candidates. Thank you for your attention and support.

Paul Elie Shama Jean-Baptiste

Major: Electrical Engineering

Introduction & Personal Commitment

My name is Paul Elie Shama Jean-Baptiste, and I am running for Student Trustee at Bunker Hill Community College. I am an Electrical Engineering student, Peer Connector, and Math Tutor, and my experiences at BHCC have allowed me to engage with students not only as a classmate, but also as someone who listens, supports, and advocates for my peers.

As a student, I understand the realities of balancing demanding coursework, employment, personal responsibilities, and financial challenges while pursuing higher education. My involvement in student leadership has reinforced one belief: students should have a meaningful voice in the institution they are helping to build.

Through INSPIRE (Initiative Navigating Students' Power in Reimagining Education), I have taken part in conversations about student voice and the role students can play in shaping education. I am also a Voice Leader with OYC (Opportunity Youth Collaborative), an initiative connected to the Boston Private Industry Council (PIC) where young people discuss their educational experiences, goals, challenges, and opportunities. I join its weekly meetings and a monthly general meeting at The Boston Foundation. These experiences have taught me that effective advocacy begins with listening to the people directly affected by the issues being discussed. I want to bring that same approach to the Student Trustee position.

The Role of the Student Trustee in Student Life

The Student Trustee serves as a connection between students and the College's Board of Trustees, and must understand that decisions about academics, technology, campus resources, student services, and affordability affect different groups of students differently. I see three responsibilities:

1. Student Representation. Listen to a broad range of students, including working students, commuters, first-generation students, English-language learners, STEM students, and those preparing to transfer or enter the workforce, and bring their perspectives into institutional conversations.

2. Communication. Representation should work in both directions: students should understand issues discussed at the institutional level, and college leadership should hear directly from students.

3. Advocacy. Raise student concerns respectfully and constructively, particularly regarding access to resources, academic support, student services, affordability, transfer opportunities, and student success.

Why I Am Running

My experiences at BHCC have shown me how much students can contribute when given meaningful opportunities to participate. As an Electrical Engineering student, I approach problems by looking at how the parts of a system work together: identify the problem, test possible solutions, and keep improving when something does not work the first time.

As a Math Tutor and Peer Connector, I bring a similar mindset to working with people. Helping a student often does not mean giving an answer right away; it means listening, understanding where they are struggling, and helping them find a path forward. INSPIRE and OYC/PIC have expanded that perspective beyond individual students, showing me the importance of listening collectively and creating spaces where student experiences inform larger conversations about education.

My Priorities If Elected

1. Academic Support and Transfer Opportunities. As an Electrical Engineering student preparing to continue beyond BHCC, I value strong academic support and clear transfer pathways. I would listen to students about tutoring, advising, STEM resources, transfer planning, internships, and career preparation, and bring those perspectives into discussions.

2. Support for Working and Commuter Students. Many students balance school with employment, transportation challenges, and family responsibilities. I would advocate for conversations about scheduling, campus accessibility, study spaces, and services for students who cannot always participate during traditional hours.

3. Student Voice and Institutional Transparency. I would create consistent opportunities for students to share concerns, maintain accessible communication through forums, conversations, and office hours, and help students understand how institutional decisions affect them.

4. Student Community, Leadership, and Belonging. Students also need opportunities to build relationships, develop leadership skills, and feel connected to campus. I would support student organizations, cultural activities, creative expression, and other forms of engagement.

Conclusion

My journey at BHCC has let me experience the College as an Electrical Engineering student, Math Tutor, Peer Connector, INSPIRE participant, and OYC Voice Leader. Each role has reinforced the same lesson: students know their experiences best, and meaningful leadership begins by listening to them.

If elected, I would bring a commitment to listening, responsible representation, clear communication, and constructive advocacy. I would not assume that one perspective represents every student; I would seek to understand the diversity of experiences in our community and bring them into the appropriate conversations. I want to help ensure that student voices remain an important part of the conversation about the College's future.

Sejin Kim

Hello, my name is Sejin Kim, and I am running for Student Trustee of Bunker Hill Community College. I believe that students should have a meaningful voice in the decisions that shape their college experience and the future of our community. As a student leader at BHCC, I have had the opportunity to listen to students, collaborate with faculty and staff, and gain a deeper understanding of the diverse needs and perspectives within our community. I want to bring that student perspective to the Board and contribute thoughtfully to decisions that affect BHCC as a whole.

I believe the student trustees should serve as a strong connection between the student body and college leadership. Because the Board is responsible for making decisions that influence the direction and future of the college, the student representative should not only communicate student concerns but also listen carefully to different perspectives and understand the broader impact of institutional decisions. In Student Life, I believe this position should help students feel that their voices are not only heard but meaningfully represented in conversations about the college's future.

My experience in the Student Government Association has prepared me for this responsibility. Through my involvement as a Senator-at-Large and my current role as Vice President of Student Affairs, I have learned that effective student leadership is not simply about speaking for students. It is about listening to them, identifying common concerns, communicating those concerns respectfully, and working with others to find practical solutions. I have also learned that students have very different experiences depending on their academic programs, campuses, backgrounds, and personal circumstances. I believe a student representative must be willing to hear those differences rather than assume that one student's experience represents everyone.

I am running for this position because I want to take what I have learned through Student Life and apply it at a broader level. BHCC is a diverse community, and its students bring different goals, challenges, and experiences to the college. As an international student and an active member of the BHCC community, I understand the importance of having someone who is willing to listen to perspectives that may not always be represented in larger conversations. At the same time, I want to represent students rather than only one group or community.

If elected, I hope to contribute by bringing student perspectives into Board discussions, communicating with students to better understand their concerns, and helping strengthen communication between students and college leadership. I would approach the position with responsibility, openness, and respect for different viewpoints. I also hope to learn from the Board members, faculty, staff, and students around me so that I can make informed contributions to discussions about BHCC's future.

Most importantly, I want students to know that their experiences matter. Serving as a voting member of the Board of Trustees would be a significant responsibility, and I would take that responsibility seriously. I hope to use this opportunity not only to represent students but also to contribute to a stronger connection between Student Life, college leadership, and the broader BHCC community.

I would be honored to serve as the student voice on the Board of Trustees and to contribute thoughtfully to the continued growth of Bunker Hill Community College.

Mileina Noel

My Name is Mileina Noel, I am a 24 year old Paralegal major and I am running for Student Trustee at Bunker Hill Community College. When I first entered through the doors of Bunker Hill as a student, I saw myself in a lot of the scholars attending. From appearances, background, interest, major, ambition, and above all, character. Everyone has been uniquely different and from all walks of life and yet, we all have found ourselves walking through the same doors everyday with the same goal in mind. From that moment on I knew that I was exactly where I needed to be.

The purpose of a student trustee is to be the voice and bridge between students' concerns and needs and leadership resolution. Through my campaign I have hopes of building a rapport between students and leadership to aid in a more conducive environment for all. At BHCC it is an honor to be around so many brilliant minds and though I am only 1 month into my first semester, I am honored to have heard many stories from staff and scholars like me, and to make new friends. One of the things I aim to advocate for is more community building incentives that highlight and honor all of the different backgrounds and cultures that attend and bring life to Bunker Hill Community College. I have seen many ways that Bunker Hill Community College can be more than just a stepping stone to their attendees' futures seeing the volume of International students attending and it is exciting that people from all corners of the world choose to attend and pursue their education here at Bunker Hill. I believe that there should be a broader appeal at assimilating International, Local and Out of state students to the Bunker Hill Community College Culture.

I strongly believe in Community, Health and Wellness and Love in the college experience and it is imperative to me that ALL voices are heard, and more than ever we all need a sense of community and belonging.

Through my passion for learning how systems work, standing up for others and leadership skills, I know that I will be a great candidate for Student Trustee. When I think of being a Student Trustee I think of the word trustee itself, It is more than just a role for the duration you're running for, it is the full embodiment of being; Being a confidant, being vigilant, and being selfless when necessary so that when you do see the gaps or when you're brought forward a concern you know the steps necessary to find a solution that can positively impact all students, here, at Bunker Hill Community College.

Kasia Piekielniak

Hello everyone,

My name is Kasia Piekielniak and I am running for the 2026-2027 Student Trustee position here at Bunker Hill Community College.

If elected, I vouch to be an active listener and voice to represent us, the students of Bunker Hill. As an experienced student body representative, I plan to work hand-in-hand with the Board of Trustees and student body to promote growth, financial accessibility, and transparency.

I want you all to get to know me personally. I am a transfer student from Northeastern University, previously working towards a Bachelors in Science in Mechanical Engineering. I transferred to Bunker Hill to restart my academic journey as a student pursuing an Associates in Arts in Business Transfer. Bunker Hill has helped me find my passion for business management and understand how effective leadership can create opportunities, bring people together, and drive meaningful change. That is the kind of leadership I hope to bring as a Student Trustee. Since starting classes here in Charlestown over the summer, I have taken some of my favorite courses so far, learning from some exceptional professors and many like-minded peers. I am a second-generation community college student, so I understand the significance that this institution has to our career goals. If elected Student Trustee, I will represent you in every decision. I am a full-time student, who takes the Orange Line to class, just like many of you. I roam the halls looking for a place to study. And I eat Bulldog Bites Café during lunch hours. As a full time student, I am able to see and experience this institution just like you all do. So when a new idea or concern is addressed to me by you, I transparently relate and address whatever may be sent my way.

If elected Student Trustee, I am prepared to fight for issues that students care about, such as financial transparency of BHCC investments, tuition hikes, and the active progression towards our Vision Plan. I will address the affordability of food, transportation, and textbook costs (and availability.)

It will be my goal to include the student body in choices made by the Board of Trustees. I will participate in board discussions and won't be afraid to ask the hard questions. I will ensure that students’ perspectives and needs are part of the equation when decisions are made institution-wide. I would be honored to earn your vote for Student Trustee. Thank you.

Ana Luisa Purcino

My name is Ana Luisa Purcino, and I am running for the position of Student Trustee at Bunker Hill Community College. I am interested in this position because I want to become more involved in the BHCC community and have the opportunity to represent students and their experiences. I believe the Student Trustee should be someone who listens to students, understands their concerns, and makes sure their voices are included in conversations that affect the college.

To me, this leadership opportunity should serve as a connection between students and the college. BHCC has students from many different backgrounds, with different goals, responsibilities, and challenges. Some students are balancing school with work, family responsibilities, financial concerns, or plans to transfer to a four-year university. Because of this, I believe it is important for student leadership to be approachable and connected to what students are actually experiencing. The Student Trustee should communicate with students, bring their concerns forward, and also help students feel more informed about the opportunities and resources available to them.

I am running for office because BHCC has been an important part of my academic journey. During my time here, I have grown as a student and as a person. I have worked hard academically while also becoming involved outside of the classroom through volunteering and professional experiences. These experiences have taught me how important it is to communicate with different people, listen carefully, be responsible, and speak up when something matters. They have also shown me that having support and access to the right opportunities can make a big difference in a student's experience.

If elected, I hope to contribute by being available and willing to listen to other students. I would like students to feel comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and suggestions with me, including students who may not normally participate in student government or campus activities. I also want to help create stronger communication between students and BHCC leadership so that students understand what is happening on campus and know that their perspectives are being represented.

I would also like to encourage students to take advantage of the opportunities BHCC offers, whether that is academic support, mentorship, volunteering, career development, transfer resources, or ways to become more involved on campus. College can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when students are managing several responsibilities at once. I think student leaders can help by making information easier to access and by creating a stronger sense of community.

Most importantly, if I am elected Student Trustee, I would take the responsibility seriously. I know that this position is not only about representing my own ideas. It is about listening to the student body and representing the different experiences and needs of BHCC students. I would bring an open mind, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn. I hope to use this opportunity to give back to the BHCC community, advocate for students, and help make sure students feel heard and included.

Rabab Traiba

My name is Rabab Traiba, and I am running for the position of SGA Student Trustee at Bunker Hill Community College.

The student Government Association (SGA) should act as a bridge between the students and administration. Also, the SGA should represent students' interests and voices on the faculty committee and the Board of Trustees. Adding to that, SGA should actively act on students' needs seeking meaningful change in student life, that improves student’s academic success, and campus engagement. For SGA, should help succeed in student organizations, like planning events in campus for students to feel engaged and engaged, providing support for clubs. SGA has the responsibility to make students feel heard, valued, and supported, making sure that students' concerns are addressed through actions, and collaboration with college leadership.

I am running for this position because I am passionate about leadership and making an impact in others’ lives in my college community. Being someone who’s been involved in different roles at Bunker Hill Community College, made me gain the experience of working with diverse groups of students and being able to see the multiple challenges within our campus. During my time experiencing different challenges with students inspired me to think beyond supporting groups that I am assigned too, and instead focus on bringing new ideas, and things that have more lasting impact across the entire college. I want to ensure that those challenges aren’t neglected, instead of trying to work on them through policies. I am committed to being the voice of students who feel unvalued, unheard, and unseen, then try to create opportunities for students to get involved in campus.

If elected as Student Trustee, I will serve as a strong, accountable voice for students on the Board of Trustees at Bunker Hill Community College. This is the only position on the Board elected directly by the student body, and I will use it to ensure that student perspectives are clearly represented in every major decision. I will actively gather input from students, bring those perspectives into Board discussions, and communicate decisions back to the student body with clarity and transparency. My focus is on ensuring that policies and priorities reflect the real needs and experiences of students across the College.

I am committed to advancing BHCC’s mission by supporting inclusive and affordable access to higher education, strengthening student success, and contributing to partnerships that expand opportunities for students both during and after their time at the College. I will approach this role with a clear understanding that student voice is essential to achieving these goals. I will work to strengthen connections between students, administrators, and trustees by creating consistent channels for dialogue and accountability. This means not only listening, but following through—bringing forward informed, actionable perspectives that contribute to thoughtful decision-making. This role requires clarity, responsibility, and persistence. I am prepared to represent students with focus, integrity, and purpose.

I am ready to represent the student body with purpose. My goal is simple: to bring students' needs and voices from the body to the board. I would be honored to serve as your SGA Student Trustee and work toward building a long-lasting impact, and more supportive BHCC Community.

Andy Xu

My name is Andy Xu, and I am running for the position of Student Trustee at Bunker Hill Community College.

I believe the Student Trustee should serve as a clear and reliable connection between students, the Student Government Association, and the Board of Trustees. This position should do more than attend meetings. The Student Trustee should listen carefully to students, identify concerns shared across the campus, communicate those concerns to college leadership, and explain important decisions and opportunities back to the student body.

As an international student, I understand how difficult it can be to navigate an unfamiliar college system. Even when resources are available, students may not know where to find them, whom to contact, or what questions to ask. These challenges affect many students, especially those who are new to BHCC, speak English as an additional language, or are preparing to transfer.

Over the past several weeks, I have spoken with more than 30 BHCC students from different majors and backgrounds about their experiences. Many students told me that they struggle to find clear information about transferring, campus events, clubs, offices, and student support services. I also found that many students know very little about SGA or how student representatives can help them. These conversations showed me that students do not only need more resources; they need clearer connections to the resources that already exist.

This is one of the reasons I began developing Bunker Connect, a student-support project designed to make campus information easier to find. The project is still being developed, but the research behind it taught me an important lesson: effective leadership begins with listening. A leader should not assume what students need. A leader should speak with them, identify patterns, bring their concerns to the appropriate people, and follow up with practical action.

I am also serving as Vice President of Fellowship for BHCC’s Alpha Kappa Mu chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. Through PTK and my previous club leadership experience, I have learned the importance of welcoming students, building community, and turning ideas into organised projects. These experiences have prepared me to work with students, SGA members, faculty, administrators, and trustees respectfully and responsibly.

If elected, I hope to make the Student Trustee position more visible and accessible to students. I would maintain regular office hours, create simple ways for students to share concerns, and provide clear updates about issues that affect student life. I would also work to ensure that the voices of international students, transfer students, working students, and students who are not currently involved in campus organizations are included in important conversations.

I do not expect every problem to have an immediate or simple solution. However, students deserve a representative who will listen, ask questions, communicate honestly, and continue following up. I am running because I want students to feel that their concerns can reach the people making decisions and that student government has a meaningful role in improving their college experience.

If elected as Student Trustee, I will bring curiosity, persistence, and a student-centred perspective to the position. I would be honoured to represent the BHCC student body and respectfully ask for your support.