Candidate List

Nico Giro-Martin and Sophie Kennedy

NICO: Hello William & Mary! My name is Nico Giro-Martin and I am so thrilled to be running as your Student Assembly President. The past three years I have had the privilege to serve in Senate as the Class of 2027 President. From getting the crosswalk by Lemon Hall built to funding free ice skating nights, I have delivered meaningful results for students, both small and large. I am running for President because I want a Student Assembly that works for you, a Student Assembly that serves the student body. If elected, Sophie and I will work from day one to not only enact the policies we outline during this campaign but also to implement policies that you, the student body, would like to see enacted. I am so excited for the chance to work for you and with you to improve your time here at William & Mary! 

SOPHIE: Hi William & Mary! My name is Sophie Kennedy, and I’m a junior majoring in Public Policy. I am honored to be running as your candidate for Student Assembly Vice President. Since freshman year, I have had the opportunity to be involved with Student Assembly as both a Class Senator and Undersecretary for Health and Safety. I am running for Vice President because, after my time in Student Assembly, I know that having good ideas isn't enough; students deserve representatives who will follow through. If elected, Nico and I will ensure Student Assembly is efficient and held accountable across all departments to serve our campus. We will always listen and act upon your needs. I care deeply about the proper implementation of projects and fulfilling our campaign promises. I am thrilled about the opportunity to work for you and with you all to represent the needs of our student body! 

Instagram: @votenicosophie 

Website: https://sites.google.com/wm.edu/votenicosophie/home 

Cheryl Dao 

Hi! I’m Cheryl Dao, and I’m running for Class of 2027 President because I care deeply about representing our class and making sure our voices are heard. Over the past years within Student Assembly, I’ve worked to advocate for our classmates and listen to the ideas and concerns that shape our campus experience. As President, I want to build on that work by focusing on three priorities: increasing student engagement, supporting well-being and inclusive community spaces, and ensuring that our class is strongly represented in decisions that affect student life. Leadership, to me, means listening, advocating, and turning ideas into action. With your support, we can continue building a more connected, supportive, and empowered Class of 2027. Vote Cheryl Dao for Class of 2027 President! 

Instagram: @cheryldaofor2027 

Quinn Clancey 

I pledge to leverage my experience as a former Senator and member of the Senate Executive Team to continue enhancing the student experience on campus. In the coming year, I aim to advocate for additional bike racks for West Woods residents and to contribute to sustainability initiatives, particularly by improving campus waste management practices. Last year, I supported Orientation-Aides during training through the Orientation Appreciation Act Part III. In my role as Historian, I worked to maintain and improve Student Assembly legislation under the BEEF Act, Part IV. I also served on the Organization Budget Allocation Committee (OBAC) and the Finance Committee, where I helped allocate funding to student organizations across campus. If reelected, my goal is to maximize the impact of every student’s Student Activities Fee and ensure that each dollar is used as effectively as possible to support student life and organizations. Vote for experience, accountability, and results. 

Instagram: @quinnclanceyforsenator 

Tyson Liverman 

Philip Matijevic

As your class Senator, I aim to fulfill three goals. First is SAFETY: on day one, I will implement ICE Watch, a rapid response notification, legal aid, and support system in the event of ICE activity on campus. Second is HEALTH: I will push to implement universal testing at the Wellness Center so that all students, regardless of insurance, will have access to the medical tests they need. Third is WEALTH: I will establish the Griffin Fund, a student-run wealth fund that will provide financial stability for clubs and build a brighter future for the next generation of W&M students. By March 26th, vote for me as your class Senator so I can lead our campus to a fundamentally new direction, and build a Student Assembly that is of the students, by the students, and for the students.

Instagram: @vote4matijevic4senate

Terrence McDuffie 

As W&M’s Class of 2027 Senator, I plan to ensure that all students’ voices are heard and amplified within Student Assembly. I come into this election with the Class of 2027 at the forefront of my mind, with you all serving as my prime motivation. As we approach our senior year, I want to lead at the intersection of pride and ambition– pride in who we are and how far we’ve come and ambition for leaving a legacy of impactful leadership! As your senator, I vow to lead with this in mind, never straying away from our Class’s best interests. 

Instagram: @terrencemcduffiefor2027 

Mayer Tawfik 

Throughout the last three sessions, I have had the honor of representing the class of 2027 within the Senate. I want to continue to ensure that the spirit of this class is translated into meaningful action within the Student Assembly. I am committed to strengthening our community through increased collaboration, advocating for the interests of every sophomore, ensuring transparency and accessibility in student leadership. As we move through this year together, we deserve a representative who is approachable, focused, and ready to lead. I would be honored to have your vote. 

Instagram: @mayerwmsenate 

Benjamin Fredericks 

Student Advocacy: The student government shouldn't wait for people to approach them with their complaints, but should be active and ask students about their complaints Accessability: W&M needs to increase it's commitment to accessability. Earlier this semester while classes were in sessions there were accessibility entrances such as swem that were completely frozen over, and that is unacceptable. Accademics: William & Mary's reading period is very short, even one ore two more days would help reduce stress and improve students mental health while giving them more time to study for finals 

Instagram: @ben4prez28 

Devaughn Henry 

Hey 2028! I’m Devaughn and I’m currently your Class President and I’m running for reelection! Throughout my time as Class President it has been an honor to advocate your initiatives and beliefs across many different aspects of campus and I hope to continue to do so. My goal as Class President if i’m elected is to do the work that you as a member of the class of 2028 would like to see and not what I would like to do and I believe that I have accomplished that thus far. My plans and goals are your plans and goals and it has been an honor to advocate on your behalf since our freshman year and I hope to continue to do so! 

Instagram: @devaughnforwm 

Jackson Webb 

Real change needs less talk and more action. Since arriving at William & Mary, we have witnessed a need for progress that protects the most vulnerable students in our community. As a Posse Scholar, the Vice President of the Kappa Pi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and a student representative on the Year of Civic Leadership Committee, I understand the need for effective leadership that creates tangible solutions. If elected, I intend to advocate for more comprehensive Title IX policies that support sexual violence survivors through creating a Survivor Bill of Rights, promoting Sexual Assault Forensic Exam Kits, and providing readily accessible accommodations. I also plan to protect the ways we build our community by maintaining funding for multicultural celebrations and partnerships, ensuring students’ right to protest on campus, and creating more accessible mental health resources. Community is not just about being together; it’s about taking action together. 

Instagram: @jacksonwebb_2028classpresident 

Nina Argel 

Hi, Class of 2028! I absolutely loved serving as your Class Senator these past few terms, and am excited to run for reelection! In Senate, I’ve found how important it is to use my voice to advocate for change I'm passionate about—accessibility, student wellbeing, and inclusivity drive me. Some projects I’ve completed this year include subsidizing Plan B, leading the Period Project (an initiative stocking free menstrual products campus-wide), tabling for sexual violence prevention, and planning fun class events throughout the year! I’m also currently working on the Art & Hatsuye Ball coming up in April (pull up!) and more sexual violence prevention initiatives. Above all, my favorite thing about W&M are the people. You all truly matter and are the reason why I love my job as much as I do; do not hesitate to reach out! Let’s keep working together ‘28 and vote for me on the 26th! 

Instagram: @ninaforsenate_wm2028 

Maddie Blake 

Mackenna Wyckoff 

Hey Class of 2028! I’m running for reelection to continue serving you as a Class Senator! I truly love the community here at William & Mary and hope to continue championing for progress and student success. This past year, I planned our fall smores class event and our dirty sodas event (pull up to the terrace on March 20th!). Additionally, I passed a bill to provide Narcan for students who complete the REVIVE! Training through the wellness center, subsidized Plan B, am organizing this year’s Earth Day Bash, and helped fund recognized student organizations as the Chair of the Finance Committee. Most importantly, I want to hear from YOU! Don’t hesitate to reach out with issues you want Student Assembly to address or if you have events you would like to see put on- I am here to serve you! I hope I can count on your vote on March 26th! 

Instagram: @wyckoff.for.senate2028 

Nathan Yang 

I’m running to be one of your class of 2028 senators because I can bring a fresh perspective and energy to Student Assembly. As leader of several student orgs, including Fiji and Public Policy Club, I’m interested in streamlining OBAC. As an out-of-state student, I’m interested in promoting transparency surrounding on- and off-campus parking and expanding on study breaks and pop-up events throughout the semester to foster campus connections and mental wellbeing. And as an avid runner, I know how to endure and persevere for the causes I care about. Even more important than my policy goals, I care about empowering students and organizations to make their own decisions. I am committed to working with anyone — from fellow senators to classmates and organization leaders — to enact meaningful change. 

Instagram: @nathanyangforsenate 

Daria Lesmerises 

Hi! My name is Daria Lesmerises and I am the current c/o 2029 President, hoping to be re-elected this year! I'm a hopeful Marine Science major, and I love the environment. I care deeply about this school, as well as everyone who goes here. I truly believe that Who go here, belong here and I am willing to do whatever it takes to make sure every student feels that way. Outside of Student Assembly, I am in Chi Omega and I'm an Eco Rep! I have so many ideas for the upcoming year, and I really hope I'm able to follow through and make William & Mary the best it can be for the class of 2029! 

Instagram: @daria4prez 
TikTok: @daria4prez 

Neha Baskar 

Hi! I’m Neha, and I’m excited for the opportunity to once again serve as one of your class senators. I like to consider myself an adaptable, collaborative, and innovative person—attributes that serve me well in fighting hard for our class’ priorities and beliefs. In my current term, I’ve helped lead initiatives concerning elections policy, access to period products, and class events. In addition, I’m a prospective economics major, so I will keep making sure that our class’ resources are allocated wisely and transparently to best benefit us, the students. In the past, I’ve led groups everywhere from my basketball team to county-wide advocacy organizations, practicing creative problem-solving and working with people from a diverse variety of backgrounds. I’m looking forward to continuing getting to know all of you better so we can keep working toward a brighter future! 

Instagram: @vote.neha.senate 

Riya Budhrani 

Dear Class of 2029, My name is Riya Budhrani, and I am running to continue serving as your Class of 2029 Senator. This year I have advocated for our class by pushing for clearer communication during campus construction and sustainability initiatives so students stay informed about changes that affect our daily lives. I will continue advancing the Open Door Academics initiative, allowing students to view syllabi and course expectations before enrolling so they can better explore departments and connect with professors. I will advocate for clearer and safer campus transportation, especially during evening hours, and work with the opening of the new dining hall to expand flexibility and student choice in dining options. I also hope to implement Town Halls to ensure consistent student feedback, because student government exists to represent and act on the voices of our class. Once again it's One Tribe, One Voice, Riya’s the Choice. 

Instagram: @riyaforsenator2029 

Jenny Wang 

Hi! I’m Jenny Wang, and I’m running for re-election as your Class of 2029 Senator. This past year, it’s been an honor to represent our class in Student Assembly and help bring fun activities to campus, from the Green and Gold Bash to the upcoming Art and Hatsuye Ball. As we move into sophomore year, I want to continue making sure our class is heard and well represented. I’m committed to making your time at William & Mary the best it can be, with authentic enthusiasm and dedication! 

Instagram: @jen_4_office