The moment we've all been waiting for has arrived: the Fall 2024 Elections results are in! It’s time to celebrate your newly elected student representatives for the 2024-2025 academic year. A heartfelt thank you goes out to every student who participated in the voting process—your voices matter, and your choices truly shape our community.
This year, we have a dynamic group of leaders stepping up to represent you, each bringing unique perspectives and ambitions to the table.
Tess Malloy ‘26, your newly elected Executive Vice President, is ready to enhance transparency and collaboration within the SGA. Tess is passionate about fostering an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and heard.
Trevor Lai ‘25 will serve as a Senior Senator, dedicated to advocating for initiatives that enrich student life. Trevor's commitment to his peers is unwavering, and he aims to create a vibrant campus culture where everyone thrives.
Nana Kwame ‘27 and Issa Siby ‘27 have both secured positions as Sophomore Senators. Eager to bring fresh ideas, they are determined to bridge gaps between students and the administration, ensuring that your concerns and suggestions are at the forefront of decision-making.
Representing the first-year class, Solayman Ararba ‘28 takes on the role of First-Year Class President. Alongside fellow senators Shira Lobron ‘28, Dylan Kostbar ‘28, Natalie Koegler ‘28, and Claudette Castillo ‘28, Ararba is committed to ensuring that all first-years feel welcomed and heard as they navigate this exciting new chapter in their lives.
As we reflect on this year's elections, it’s important to recognize the power of your vote. Each ballot cast is a testament to your beliefs, aspirations, and hopes for the future of our community. Participating in elections not only empowers you as an individual but also strengthens the very fabric of our campus. It’s a reminder that we are all stakeholders in shaping our collective experience.
To get to know our new leaders better, I reached out to a few of them to share their motivations and aspirations for the coming year:
“I ran for SGA President because in my previous two years in the SGA, I was able to see the impact that the SGA has at Skidmore. I felt like I was able to accomplish a lot last year as the VP for Financial Affairs, but there was still much more to accomplish. While I have many priorities for this year, my most important goal is to stabilize the organization after it went through dramatic changes over the past year. I aim to do this by working closely with my peers to ensure that they are comfortable with their roles and understanding of the SGA's structure and governing documents.” - Josh Maxwell, President
Tess Malloy ‘26, current Vice President. Image courtesy of Tess Malloy ‘26.
“I chose to run for office as VP for Engagement and Outreach because I believe in the power of connecting diverse voices across campus. I wanted to create a platform where every student, regardless of their background or interests, feels heard and valued. My most important mission during my term is to foster a more inclusive and engaged community by increasing transparency, participation, and communication between students and SGA. By building these bridges, I hope to drive positive change and ensure that everyone feels a part of the vibrant Skidmore community.” - David Aybar, VP for Engagement and Outreach
Issa Siby ‘27, current Sophomore Senator. Image courtesy of Issa Siby ‘27.
“I initially decided to run for office as a way to challenge myself and step outside of my comfort zone. However, as I learned more about the role, I realized how influential the role was and how much good I could do in the school as a Senator. As a Jewish student, my main goal is to make Skidmore a more inclusive space for people of all identities and specifically be more proactive in preventing antisemitism.” - Shira Lobron, First-Year Senator
Solayman Ararba ‘28, current First-Year Class President. Image courtesy of Solayman Ararba ‘28.
Josh Maxwell ‘26, current SGA President. Image courtesy of Josh Maxwell ‘26.
“I have been an active participant in the SGA throughout my time at Skidmore because I care deeply about improving the student experience at Skidmore. Following the SGA and student body passing major constitutional and bylaw changes last year, I hope to help the SGA stabilize under our new structure this year, evaluate what works and what needs work, and make sure we are the most effective as an organization that we can be.” - Tess Malloy, Executive Vice President
David Aybar ‘26, current VP for Engagement and Outreach. Image courtesy of David Aybar ‘26.
“I chose to run for office because I am passionate about making Skidmore College an even better place for all students. I believe that with the support of our student body and students taking initiatives, we can create meaningful changes that bring people together and strengthen our community. One of my most important missions during my term is to increase student involvement in clubs and campus activities. I want to encourage collaboration and inspire more students to take active roles in shaping the culture and future of our school.” - Issa Siby, Sophomore Senator
Shira Lobron ‘28, current First-Year Senator. Image courtesy of Shira Lobron ‘28.
“I ran for Skidmore’s SGA to give students a voice with their best interests in mind. During my time in the office, I plan to implement my app Skid-Circuit for all students around campus (Beta coming early December) to ensure we follow our commitment to DEI as a council and improve the quality of the Skidmore experience.” - Solayman Ararba, First-Year Class President
As we move into the new academic year, we encourage all students to engage with their representatives. Your elected leaders are here to serve you, but they can only do so effectively if you reach out, share your thoughts, and provide your feedback. This is your opportunity to shape the future of our campus community—don’t let it pass by!
Stay tuned for more updates and initiatives from the SGA. Together, let’s make this year a memorable one, filled with collaboration, innovation, and a sense of belonging. Remember, your voice is powerful—let’s use it to make a difference!