2023-2024 Executive Board Election Candidates
April 12th to April 13th voting ends at 9pm EST, 2023 via Engage
Students must be a member of the Black Student Union on Engage in order to vote in the election.
Meet the Candidates
Co-President
Kelsey Baker
They/Them/Theirs
Class: 2025
Major: Journalism/Mass Communication
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Hi GW family! I have gained a love for the Black GW community and a behind-the-scenes understanding of the dedication and hard work that goes into this organization. If elected as co-president, I plan to bring a more creative, arts-informed approach to compliment the black excellence already established on campus. I hope to continue bridging the gap between the GW community at-large and Black GW. I have seen the progress in my two years here at the school and I hope to be a part of furthering it. It is also important to me that the arts have just as much of a platform as STEM or political fields. Without the arts, there would be no entertainment, so let’s get groovin’. I hope to continue bridging the gap between the GW community at-large and Black GW. I have seen the progress in my two years here at the school and I hope to be a part of furthering it.
Co-President
Bailey Moore
Class: 2024
Major: Public Health with a Pre-Medical Concentration
Minors: Human Services and Social Justice with a micro-minor in Health Equity
Build, Broaden, Blossom
Blackness is unapologetic. Blackness is bold. Blackness is versatile. Blackness is beautiful. To be Black at GW is to be all these things and more. With me as your 2023-2024 Black Student Union Co-President, I will help Build, Broaden, and Blossom the abundance of Blackness rooted on this campus.
To Build is to develop according to a systematic plan, by a definite process, or on a particular base. Undoubtedly, the Black Student Union has a strong base and has been a staple in uplifting and elevating the Black Community here at GW. I aim to strengthen this foundation by building upon the strengths, passions, and values already beautifully present within this community.
To Broaden is to expand to encompass more people, ideas, or things. Blackness at GW is not a monolith, we are made up of many backgrounds, and experiences. Therefore, I aim to combat any divisiveness and facilitate a stronger sense of connection within the various identities within the Black community on campus.
To Blossom is to mature or develop in a promising or healthy way. As Co-President, the BSU will continue to create spaces for students to grow into their unique selves. In this position, I will strive to hear the voices of the Black community, to get a better understanding of how to help it blossom and thrive.
I believe my experiences have armed me to complete these tasks and help Build, Broaden, and Blossom the Black Student Union and the greater Black community at GW.
Executive Vice President
Kalah Neal
Class: 2026
Major: International Affairs
Minor: Law and Society
Don’t let the vice fool you - I’m the real spice in the BSU!
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As a candidate for vice president of the Black Student Union, I believe that I would be an excellent fit for the position. I possess a unique set of skills and experiences that would allow me to make valuable contributions to the organization.
My passion for empowering and uplifting the black community, as well as my natural leadership abilities, would enable me to work collaboratively with other members of the executive board to develop and execute initiatives that would benefit black students on campus. With my strong communication skills, I would be able to effectively engage with other students and build strong relationships within the community.
In addition, my experience in organizing events and campaigns would be a great asset to the Black Student Union as we plan and execute various programs and activities. My commitment to social justice and advocacy would also ensure that the voices and needs of black students are heard and addressed by the university administration.
Overall, I am excited about the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of black students on campus as the vice president of the Black Student Union. With my passion, leadership, and dedication, I believe that I can help create a more inclusive and supportive community for all.
Vice President of Marketing
Devin Tennant
Class: 2026
Hometown: Manassas, VA
Major: Public Health
Minor: Law & Society and Criminal Justice
As someone deeply committed to making a difference in the lives of Black
students, I believe that serving as the Vice President of Marketing for the Black Student Union would be an incredible opportunity for me to contribute to the growth and success of our community at GW. I am passionate about creating and executing innovative marketing strategies that can help promote BSU and its events to a broader audience. I am confident that as Vice President of Marketing, I could develop and implement marketing campaigns that engage and inspire Black students to get involved in BSU and help promote the organization's initiatives and events here at GW.
I recognize the critical role that I would play in driving membership and ensuring that the BSU remains a thriving community that empowers and uplifts Black students. As a potential leader within BSU, I am eager to make a difference and bring about meaningful change that positively impacts the lives of Black students.
My skills and experience in marketing would be highly valued and utilized within BSU. I am excited to collaborate with other executive board members to develop marketing materials communicating the organization's mission and values and help attract new members to BSU. I am confident that serving as the Vice President of Marketing for the Black Student Union would be an incredible opportunity for me to make a meaningful contribution to the organization and the Black student community at GW. I am excited about the prospect of taking on this important role and helping shape the future of BSU.
Vice President of Special Events and Programming
Maja Hawthorne
Class: 2026
Major: Information Systems and Interaction Design Major
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Hello everyone! My name is Maja Hawthorne and I am a first year student here at George Washington University. I’m running to be Vice President of Special Events and Programming for the Black Student Union and asking for your vote. I believe one of BSU’s most redeeming qualities is the community it provides for the black students on campus. One of the best ways to continue to nurture, yet expand our community is through events and programming. I aim to create spaces where students can celebrate with one another, support one another, and engage with another through real discussions. Additionally, I would love for everyone who attends an event to genuinely have at least one positive memory or take away from it. I aspire to bring all class years together during events that range from fellowship nights to networking opportunities. However, also bringing new events to the table such as Black Family Feud/Jeopardy Nights and a March Madness style basketball tournament. The Black Student Union has given me so many valued friendships and opportunities during my first year of college. I would love to return the favor and continue to uplift the black community on campus by my effort as Vice President of Special Events and Programming.
Vice President of Special Events and Programming
Irekar Jeune
Class: 2026
Major: Criminal Justice
Minor: Entrepreneurship
Vote for me because you want to see growth, not familiarity.
Hi! My name is Irekar Jeune and I am a freshman at GW. I live in Houston, Texas so I am pretty far from home, but through Black Student Union I found a new home. I understand that experience is not the same for everyone, especially for those who are really shy and have a harder time making friends. As Vice President of Special Events and Programming, I hope to create a welcoming experience for both incoming freshmen and all undergraduates through all the events I would plan. For incoming freshmen, I want to give them ease into the new atmosphere of college and create events that makes assimilating into the Black Communtiy at GW much smoother. For the rest of the members, I plan to create a stronger bond between them and encourage them to expand outside of their current friend groups and comfort zones. Furthermore, I aim to create an alliance between upperclasmen and underclassmen. Through this position, I hope to accomplish not a sense of pride, not a sense of happiness for myself, but a sense of satisfaction that I did my job and made others feel welcome. I plan to create events that bring people together, events that in the long run will build lifelong friendships. I desire to be able to contribute to the very community that welcomed me. Everyone wants a place where they feel welcome and like they belong. Black Student Union’s mission is to create community and belonging and that is exactly what I attend to accomplish.
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Vice President of Special Events and Programming
Olivia Justice
Class: 2026
Major: Political Communication
You Only Liv Once (YOLO)
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to run for Vice President of Special Events and Programming! The Black Student Union has held out welcoming, open arms since move-in and has served as a safe space for me since. I have found family and comfort in the BSU and hope to continue to foster this kind of environment in this leadership capacity. As an umbrella organization that unifies so many of us here at GW, and with that, this position requires a keen understanding of how to retain engagement. Through my experience this year as BSU’s First-Year Liaison, I know how to use this institution’s wealth of resources to do just that. Alongside the skills I have learned this year on the E-Board, please know that I am diligent, meticulous, and persistent as can be. I will go above and beyond to make sure my people are taken care of, feel loved, and are enjoying their time here as best they can. My love for BSU and the Black community as a whole is abundant and ever-flowing, and with your vote, I will pour this love into the work of Vice President of Special Events and Programming. Remember, You Only Liv Once!
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Vice President of Community Outreach
Netaya Davis
Class: 2026
Major: Exercise Science
Vote for Tay, It’ll Make Your Day.
Community is a gateway to better understand our own lives and the lives of others
which creates an essential foundation for people working toward common goals.
Volunteering gives people a sense of purpose. A Vote for me brings purpose and
improvement within the black community at D.C through community service. I plan to
organize a multitude of community service events. A few are school drives for kids in
low income areas. School supplies and book bags would be fund raised and given out.
As well as Coat and shoe drives for the homeless, or any blankets or tents to be fund-
raised and given out. In terms of fundraising, a few ideas I have are raffles, card or
board game tournaments, Karaoke night. My community ideas and opinions are
something I hold dearly to my heart. I value respect, integrity, and Generosity. I’ve been
told that I am a persistent person. I like to get things done accordingly and in a timely
manner. Active listening is also a trait of mine, I respect constructive criticism and
feedback to grow within and through my actions. It’s important to have an individual with
these values and traits within the community because it gives to the generation before
and after us as well as reintroduce the importance of generosity. When voting for me
you are voting for a person that respects your values, morals and religion. As well as,
someone who is willing to bring your ideas to life. Let’s take action and improve the
community.
Vice President of Community Outreach
Shawn Conley
Class: 2026
Major: Political Science and Economics
All One Voice
The Vice President of Community Outreach position requires dedication to establishing a culture at GW that makes every student feel welcome on campus. As someone who is very enthusiastic about getting to know people and helping them to feel more at home in a new environment, I would be perfect for this role. I have gained experience with organizing community events and reaching out to my peers both formally, as a multiple-term student body president in high school, and informally, by getting involved on campus this academic year. I have many ideas for events that could benefit us next semester. One example would be to hold a basketball tournament between the different graduating years to establish a better connection between the upper and lower classmen. My long-term goal is to establish a culture of unity among the black students at GW. As of now, there are a great deal of students who are not coming to the events. I have learned that some students feel disconnected from other parts of the diaspora. While it is unlikely that everyone will be able to come to every event, I have a few ideas for building a sense of community. Having routine mixers within the various dorms on campus would be a good way to draw people in, as they wouldn’t have to leave the comfort of their building to meet new people. I also think establishing a team of promoters to bring peers to events, and to develop relationships with more people on campus would increase event attendance.
Historian
Ryan Titus
Class: 2025
Major: History
Minors: Africana Studies
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As a candidate for the position of Black Student Union Historian, I want the community to know that I am deeply committed to preserving our history. Understanding our past is crucial to crafting our future, and as BSU Historian, I am dedicated to ensuring that our community's experiences are accurately documented and cherished. My background in archive research and historical preservation suited me for this position. These experiences have given me a greater awareness for the significance of preserving our tales and making them available to future generations. If elected as BSU Historian, I pledge to emphasize the community's needs and desires. Through engaging events and exhibitions, I will aim to ensure that our collective history is accurately reflected and appreciated. Furthermore, I will work to make our archives more accessible and user-friendly to all members of the community. Above all, I am committed to establishing an inclusive and respectful atmosphere within the BSU community. I believe that our shared history binds us together, and I am dedicated to ensuring that all members of the community feel heard and valued.
Vice President of Finance
Rhea Turner
Class: 2026
Major: Public Health & Data Science
If 2+2 is 4 and 5+5 is 10 then u already know ima win
As a member of the Black community, I understand the importance of representation and advocacy for our community's needs. As a candidate for Vice President of Finance for the Black Student Union, I am passionate about ensuring that our organization has the necessary resources to support our community and empower our members.
I have a strong background in finance, with experience in managing budgets and financial planning. I believe that my skills and experience will be invaluable in ensuring that the Black Student Union's finances are managed efficiently and effectively. With me as Vice President of Finance, our organization will be able to fund important initiatives and programs that benefit our members and promote our community's values.
In addition to my financial expertise, I am a dedicated and empathetic leader who cares deeply about our community's well-being. I am committed to working collaboratively with other members of the executive board to ensure that our organization is meeting the diverse needs of our members. I believe that through open communication and active listening, we can create a strong and inclusive community that uplifts and supports all of its members.
As Vice President of Finance, I will work tirelessly to ensure that our organization is transparent and accountable with its finances. I believe that our community deserves a leader who is committed to their needs and will do everything in their power to ensure their success. I am that leader, and I am excited about the opportunity to serve as your Vice President of Finance for the Black Student Union.
Director of Advocacy
Clark Gilmore
Class: 2025
Major: Psychology under the GW Honors Program
Track: Pre-Med
I would like the Black GW community to first recognize the need for the position. Over the course of our college careers, most black students on campus have unfortunately experienced a discriminatory and/or inappropriate incident, inside and outside the classroom. It is vital that when such situations occur for there to be a direct point of contact within BSU to create a safe space for the student(s) to share their experiences, and be supported in taking the next steps for a positive and effective change to be made. I hope to be elected as the point of contact in the Director of Advocacy position for BSU. I will strive to help all black students who undergo harmful events on campus by advocating for their overall well-being by directing them all the necessary resources that they need, as well as being a source of comfortability for them to express their concerns and assist them in organizing any personal steps they would like to make to generate a safer and more inclusive environment at GW.
BHC Co-Chair
Milynda Armstrong-Stewart
Class: 2026
Major: Pre-Med Biology
Minor: Journalism
Milynda When You Need Results
Growing up, Black History Month was always presented to me as a time to talk about the same Black leaders, and a time to reflect on the modern day implications of slavery—But there is so much more to being Black than just slavery, or MLK. Now, I see Black History Month as an opportunity to uplift the beauty of being Black. Although it is important to remember our history, we should be honoring our hair, food, fashion, and everything else that makes Black people one of a kind. I am highly interested in becoming a BHC Co-chair, because I want to be involved in the process of rebranding Black History Month and celebrating us. I have a lot of experience in event coordination from organizing Black History Month activities in high school. I planned 2 Black History Month assemblies, several fundraisers, and guest speakers. On a smaller scale, I organized spirit weeks where we played schoolwide games similar to Wild n Out, hosted dress up days, and held raffles. In addition to this, I planned weekly BSU club events. Outside of event planning, I believe I would be a good Co-chair because I am a natural leader but work well with a team, I enjoy working under a healthy amount of pressure, and I have many creative ideas for the future of BSU!
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BHC Co-Chair
Keja Ferguson
Class: 2026
Major: Business with concentrations in Marketing and Entrepreneurship & Innovation
As part of BSU Executive Board (BHC Co-Chair), I will strive to ensure that voices are heard because I believe that all of our voices matter. I believe that true success is only achieved when everyone’s ideas are taken into consideration. This is extremely important as a BHC Co-Chair, working to highlight and celebrate black figures as well as all of GW’s black community. In doing so, I will advocate for students, promote students’ voices, and ensure student welfare & engagement. I am hardworking, passionate about change, and eager to advocate for the black community at GW!
The experiences I have acquired over the years, my natural desire to help others, my collaborative approach, my passion, my appreciation for cultural diversity, and my perseverance will guide me to make unique, impactful experiences for the students at George Washington University.
