I would be the ideal NSBMA president due to my extensive experience working with the organization. While I hold many valuable skills that would be of benefit, such as strategic planning skills, leadership, community organizing, policy analysis, research, and time management, the skill that would be of most benefit to NSBMA is my knowledge of the organization. Having worked for this organization for more than a year, and serving in two different positions, I know all of the ins and outs. I know how each position within the executive council is supposed to operate, I know what works well and what doesn't work well for hosting webinars, and I have seen how EC meetings are run and facilitated throughout the year.

In an ever-changing policy landscape for SBMs, we need a restless Executive Council. My leadership, while strong and principled, will be just that. I have a bold and collaborative vision for NSBMA not only to be a resource sheet, but a partner, with an openness to consider many improvements—or even overhauls—to my ideas that may be proposed by the Executive Council and SBM’s across the nation. I understand that the Presidency isn’t about a rigid command structure, it’s about facilitating an environment where every voice is heard and valued. Together, we will implement the strategies we’ve curated during our terms as Student Board Members to advance our priorities: Universal SMOB Voting Rights “Take a Seat” Campaign (establishment of SMOBs in new districts) Growing the # of State Student Board Member Associations Increasing frequency of NSBMA Programming I’m ready to contribute my experience representing 900,000 students on the Maryland State Board of Education, serving alongside the only full-voting member on any Board of Education in the nation in Anne Arundel, and being the key operational and programmatic decision-maker for the nonprofit Barnes and Scott Youth At Law. In these capacities, I’ve not only honed my organizational, problem-solving, and team-building skills, but I’ve also recognized that effective leadership is about shared ownership and progress requires a vision that is attainable to all. I believe in my ability to lead a team that adheres to these principles. NSBMA has so many opportunities for amplification this year, and I can’t wait to seize them with you! Let’s get to work!

My goal in all my work has been to increase student civic engagement and promote youth in government. Serving as NSBMA President would give me the chance to take everything I’ve learned as a Student Advisor, my work with the Florida Student School Board Member Initiative (FL SSBMI), my time on the M-DCPS District Student Government Association, and my fellowship with M-DCPS District 9 School Board Member Luisa Santos, and use it to connect students and leaders across the country while growing NSBMA and making student representation stronger than ever. As Student Advisor in Miami-Dade, I work with students from 500+ schools, school board members, district staff, and community stakeholders, all to make sure student perspectives are represented in decisions that impact hundreds of thousands of students every day. That experience has taught me how to communicate effectively, navigate big systems, and turn ideas into real action. With FL SSBMI, I’ve led a statewide team of 45+ students, aiming to implement Student Advisors in all 67 districts and working with 160 state legislators to turn it into state policy. My fellowship with Luisa Santos showed me how to bring people together, research and brief policy, and organize events that engage members in the community. What excites me most about being NSBMA President is the chance to expand these goals and experiences nationally. I want to launch the National Student School Board Member Initiative (NSSBMI), connect Student Board Members across the country, offer mentorship and training, and give students a platform to share ideas, advocate together, and inspire action in their own districts. I want to help grow NSBMA into a more connected, supportive, and powerful community, where students feel empowered, heard, and encouraged to be involved in government and policy.