Democracy in Action

As the U.S. mid-term elections are just around the corner, Global UGRAD students are also participating in democracy by running for office at their host universities and registering people to vote!

Kenza Beladel from Morocco at the University of the Incarnate Word

Kenza was recently elected as the Senator of International Students for the Student Government Association. As Senator, Kenza is the link between international students on campus and university leadership. In addition to assisting in organizing campus events, she elevates the international student body’s questions and concerns to the student government and other university officials.

 

 

 

 

Genesis Garrido from Venezuela at Fayetteville State University 

Genesis was elected as the Vice President of the International Student Club. The club has members from across the world including China, South Korea and the U.S. As Vice President, Genesis will help the President, fellow Global UGRAD student Chanez Touati, make important decisions. With members that speak diverse languages such as Korean, Chinese, Portuguese, French, Arabic, Spanish, and Bangla, she hopes students exchange language lessons. Her vision is to build a strong group of leaders who can increase cultural awareness across campus.

 

Chanez Touati from Algeria at Fayetteville State University 

Chanez was elected as the President of the International Student Club. Along with the Vice President, fellow Global UGRAD student Genesis Garrido, Chanez will be responsible for facilitating meetings, reporting progress to the club’s advisor, representing the club at broader university meetings, and dividing responsibilities between members. Chanez’s goal is to help international students feel like a family so that they do not feel as homesick and lonely. She is excited to hold an event, in partnership with the Africa Student Association and the Chinese Students Club, that showcases the cultures of international students.

 

Walid Abi Moussa Faddoul from Lebanon at Carroll College

It is commonly known that in the U.S., many young people do not vote in large percentages during local and national elections. Walid and his fellow classmates are trying to change that. To encourage college students to register to vote, Walid volunteered for the event “Goats for Votes.” This event made registering to vote exciting through games, prizes, food, and of course, cute goats!