Candidate List

William Henderson and Alena Jones

Hello! My name is William Henderson, and I am excited to run for your Student Assembly President. I am committed to bringing honest leadership and compassionate change to our campus. I aim to make Student Assembly truly representative of all students, drawing from our diverse experiences across campus. I believe in empowering others by providing relevant and intentional opportunities for students. I aim to bridge the gap between administration and students, fostering transparency and communication. I will lead with integrity, ensuring every student feels heard and valued. My dynamic and engaged leadership will prioritize your needs, striving to create a space where honest representation thrives. I want all students to see themselves in Student Assembly, feeling included and supported. Together, Alena and I will build a student-led community focused on growth, understanding, and empowerment. Vote for us, and let’s create a future where every student is empowered to lead!

Hi! My name is Alena Jones and I am so thrilled to be running for your Student Body Vice President. As a transfer student I have so much appreciation for this incredible community and hope to continue to foster a community of kindness as Student Assembly Vice President. My time in student Assembly began in the Outreach Department which works to ensure Student Assembly is accessible for students, which is something William and I are committed to continuing. William and I plan to work hard to make sure that all students see themselves within Student Assembly, so vote for us and let’s create a future where every student is empowered to lead!

Instagram: @votehendersonjones and @nothendersonjones

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/votehendersonjones/home

Zoe Wang and Matt Swenson

Hello William & 玛丽! I’m a senior and first year Master’s in Public Policy student from Northern Virginia. Over the last three years, I’ve had the privilege of serving you as 2026 Class President, and my experience in this role is why I’m running to be your Student Body President. Through tenacity and hard work, Matt and I have been able to turn your ideas into reality – such as the Lavender House – and work productively with student organizations. I’m also an active listener and stand my ground when advocating for students. If elected, Matt and I will run an effective and reflective Student Assembly that actualizes tangible results and reaches out to you instead of expecting you to come to us. We will also respond to the world around us and be transparent in that process. I hope you give me the opportunity to continue working with and for you.

Hey all! I’m a first-generation student from New Hampshire and currently study Public Policy and History. I’m running for Student Body Vice President because I believe in working with others to find balanced solutions to complex issues. As a Class of 2026 Senator, I have valued compassion and fairness in decision-making. I’m committed to ensuring all voices are heard, especially the ones who aren’t always listened to. If elected, I will advocate for equitable and transparent funding from Student Assembly and administration, prioritizing resources that directly support student life, learning, and wellness. I will also work to ensure student leaders respond effectively to the challenges coming from a national context. Zoe and I care deeply about every student and are committed to helping you thrive. I’d be honored to earn your vote and work with you to make our school a better place for all.

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

Instagram: @zoemattforwm, @zoewang4president @zoewang06

Debbie Ho

Hello! My name is Debbie Ho and I’m excited to run for 2026 President. Through my former experience in Student Assembly this past year as ‘26 Senator and as President of the Fencing Club I have been very privileged to serve the communities that supported me, and I would be thrilled to continue giving back as 2026 President in the upcoming year. Next year I would like to focus primarily on increasing engagement between Student Assembly and the rest of the student body. In addition to surveys for bill ideas, I would like to implement regular meetings with leaders of other groups on campus so I can better understand the needs of athletics, MCOs, fraternity/sorority life, and other RSOs, so that I can work on projects that will effectively impact these groups and improve transparency. I hope you consider me as your Class of 2026 President!

Instagram: @debbieho4senate

Peerawut Ruangsawasdi

Hi everybody! My name is Peerawut, I’m currently a Class of 2026 senator and I’m so excited to be running for ’26 president this time! Throughout my time here at W&M, I’ve been incredibly blessed to have worked with so many of you through my various RSO involvements, which have come in handy as I navigate my role in SA. In the Senate, I’ve raised my hand to work on or help with many initiatives, including the Sankofa Gala, Earth Day celebrations, the Royal Ball, the Art & Hatsuye Ball, and others. If chosen for the presidency, I hope to burst the SA bubble and increase non-SA engagement with student government. If you think SA isn’t transparent enough—you are valid. As class president, I would make transparency and accountability a priority because I know how important it is for regular students to get a say in SA. Thanks everyone!

Website: https://peerawut4prez.substack.com/

Instagram: @peerawut_WM

Esma Akram

Hi, I’m Esma Akram, and I’m running to be your Class of 2026 Senator! As a former senator and a leader in the Muslim Student Association, I am deeply committed to ensuring that all voices are heard on our campus. As a low-income student, I understand the challenges that underprivileged and underrepresented students face. I will advocate for greater support, inclusivity, and resources to ensure that every student, regardless of background, feels seen and supported, especially in these turbulent times. I promise to uplift and represent all students, working toward a more equitable and inclusive William & 玛丽. Vote for me, and let’s make our campus a place where everyone belongs!

Instagram: @esmaforsenate

Jason Zheng

For the past few years, I served as a Member of the Review Board and Chair of the Independent Elections Commission while participating in efforts to revise Student Assembly’s governing documents. Now, I am running to serve as a Class Senator to hear your stories, elevate voices, and ensure that more students in different facets of campus are given a seat at the table. Through my previous experiences, I know the bureaucratic nature of Student Assembly can only change through accountability of those who endanger our values and transparency for how we support historically marginalized communities. It has become increasingly important to look out for the next generation of students, leaving our place better than we found it. While I hope to help make our final year as amazing as possible, I also intend to serve as a leader who will fight for you through policy and advocacy.

Instagram: @zheng4wmsenate

Nico Giro-Martin

Hi, my name is Nico, and I’m running for Class President once again. This past term as Class President has been so rewarding. I have been able to work on a plethora of issues and initiatives, from free ice skating to pedestrian safety. If I were to be reelected, I promise to work as diligently as I have been to improve student wellbeing. In the past, I ran on the principle of student voice and I can affirm that I will continue to be here to resolve your concerns, whatever they may be.

Instagram: @nico4classprez

Gibran Adnan

Hi everyone, my name is Gibran and I would love to be one of your Senators for the 2025-26 academic year! I am a transfer student from GMU, and there I became a Senator and Vice-Chair of a committee, in which I was able to pilot a program to get to-go boxes to the school, help lead a weekly cleanup of trash on campus, and write and co-author numerous pieces of legislation. Having made my mark there, I now hope to achieve the following goals at WM: - Find ways to make the cost of college cheaper - Throw numerous events to build a stronger Tribe community - Fight to keep the Office of Diversity and Inclusion open - Listen to the student body on what changes they'd like to see I hope you consider me as one of your Senators for the upcoming year!

Instagram: @gibranforsenate

Quinn Clancey

Hi! I'm Quinn Clancey, a sophomore majoring in Economics with a Computer Science minor. My primary involvements across campus include the professional business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi (AKPsi), serving on the executive board of a social fraternity, and the orientation process, in which I plan to be a Returning Orientation Aide (ROA) next academic year. With professional experience in management and budgeting, along with strong organizational and leadership skills, I am committed to strengthening every organization I join. If elected, I will bring my skills and passion to enhance the student experience and contribute to an effective and responsive Student Assembly. A vote for me is a vote for a stronger William & 玛丽. Make your voice heard—vote Quinn Clancey for Senator!

Cheryl Dao

Hi! I'm thrilled to once again run for the position of Class of 2027 Senator and be dedicated to amplifying your voices and addressing your concerns for the 2025-2026 school year. My platform focuses on three key areas: 1. Engagement and Accessibility: I'll ensure every student feels heard and valued by actively seeking your input and feedback. 2. Student Well-being and Support: I'll work to enhance mental health resources, campus amenities, and diverse representation. 3. Advocacy and Action: I'll champion initiatives for campus social justice, advocating for positive change. With your support, we can make a real difference in our college community. Let's empower change together – vote Cheryl Dao for Class Senator!

Instagram: @cheryldaofor2027

Bri Furman

Hey, Tribe! I’m Bri, and I’m running to be YOUR Class of 2027 Senator. As a STEM major, I’ve noticed something: Student Assembly needs more STEM representation. Representation matters, and I’m here to ensure that EVERY student—STEM, humanities, arts, and beyond—has a seat at the table. I’m running for Senator because I believe in action, advocacy, and accountability. To me, leadership isn’t about empty promises; it’s about showing up, standing firm, and making real change happen. I will push to UNITE our community, AMPLIFY student voices, and BUILD a stronger, more connected William & 玛丽. I value teamwork because there is strength in numbers. Together, we are stronger, louder, and unstoppable. I’m not just a candidate; I’m an eager advocate and a voice of the people, ready to speak up, take action, and get things done. Let’s make this year one for the books. #BRILEIVEINBRI

Instagram: @wmluvvbri

TikTok: @brilieveinbri

Tyson Liverman

My name is Tyson Liverman, and I hope to continue the work that I’ve done over the past 2 years. I am honored to stand before you as a candidate committed to progress, inclusivity, and action. Over the years, I’ve worked tirelessly to uplift our community—whether through championing for Indigenous people on campus, organizing the Sankofa Gala to celebrate the rich heritage of Black students on campus, or advocating for first-generation, limited-income students to ensure they have the resources they need to thrive. But there’s more work to do. I am dedicated to making tribe cards accessible on mobile devices, ensuring that students of color have the recognition and convenience they deserve. I will also stand firm in holding our university accountable to its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives—because our commitment to a just and equitable campus must never waver.

Instagram: @tysonfor2027

Mayer Tawfik

Over the last two years, I have worked diligently to make this school a better place for all. During my time as a senator, I passed two big pieces of legislation: the Syllabus Access Resolution and the NAME resolution. I am asking for you to re-elect me so I can continue the work I started. Those two initiatives are long-term initiatives that take a lot of effort and negotiation with administration. I am grateful to have already built the connections and networks necessary to progress those efforts to make sure that every William & 玛丽 student who comes here belongs here.

Devaughn Henry

Hey everyone, I’m Devaughn and I am running to be re-elected as your class president here at William and 玛丽. I am passionate about fostering a community where everyone feels heard, valued, and included. As class president I hope to continue creating more inclusive and engaging events , building relationships and being an advocate for our class in regards to dealing with administration, and ensuring our voices are represented in the decisions that will affect us. As senior class president in high school, I was able to achieve many things, including our first ever class trip, the first ever advisory committee and much more. I believe in the power of transparency and collaboration. If re-elected I will work to ensure all of our concerns and ideas are addressed. Together we can make William and 玛丽 an environment full of academic excellence and personal growth. Let's make a difference together!

Instagram: @devaughnforwm

Nina Argel

Hey everyone! I’m Nina Argel, your Class of 2028 Senator, and I’m thrilled to be running for reelection. Dedicated to making our campus more inclusive and accessible—whether through the Period Project, advocating for mental health resources, or planning fun events—I promise to keep showing up for ‘28. Over the past school-year, I’ve built strong relationships with campus leadership and served on committees to improve student life, which will help me push for even more meaningful change. Uplifting underrepresented communities, expanding access to mental health resources, and strengthening communication between Student Assembly and our class is important to me, and I’ll continue working toward that while always welcoming feedback from our class. William & 玛丽 has given me an incredible community, and I’d love the privilege to continue advocating for us. As always, thank you for your support, and GO TRIBE!

Instagram: @ninaforsenate2028

Ryan Ponmakha

My name is Ryan, and I’m running for Student Senate. First of all, I don't believe in promising the impossible. I believe in practical, impactful policies that foster equality and ensure no one is left out. That’s why I’m running for Student Senate—to make sure your voices are truly heard and represented. I want to strengthen our sense of community by making campus engagement centers more accessible and empowering them to bring students together in meaningful ways. Additionally, I’ll work to expand the pass/fail policy, allowing students to apply it to more classes—not just electives—and making the process simpler and earlier. Transparency is also key. I’ll advocate for clearer communication between the Senate and student body so you know how decisions are made and how resources are used. College is about connection, opportunity, and growth—and I’m committed to helping every student thrive. Vote Ryan—I’m here to represent you!

Instagram: @ryanponmakha2028

Ryan Silien

My name is Ryan Silien, and I’m honored to be running for re-election for Class of 2028 Senator. I’m proud to have accomplished a lot this year as your Senator, and I can’t wait to serve you for another year. This year, I sponsored a bill to purchase more compost bins around campus (helping W&M divert 234,868 pounds of food waste from landfills!), co-coordinated the Green & Gold Bash, helped allocate over $175,000 to RSOs, and more. Next year, I’ll continue funding the clubs you love, organizing fun programs like our spring concert (shoutout NLE), and promoting communication between the students, Student Assembly, and the administration. To learn more, follow @silienforsenate on Instagram and check out my website linked below. Remember, for the best W&M experience, vote to re-elect Ryan!

Instagram: @silienforsenate

Tik Tok: @silienforsenate

Website: https://bit.ly/reelectryan

Mackenna Wycoff

Hi! I’m Mackenna, a public policy major, and I’m running to be one of your Senators for the Class of 2028. While in the Senate, I will amplify your voices and concerns surrounding issues here on campus. I also hope to provide more transparency to the student body with the ongoings in Student Assembly, as there is little communication with the class at the moment. I know there is a lot of uncertainty at this time, but I will continue to support marginalized groups on campus and ensure everyone has access to resources that will promote their success & sense of belonging here at William & 玛丽. Most importantly, I want to hear what matters to you and what issues should be addressed by Student Assembly!

Personal Instagram: @mackennawyckoff

Campaign Instagram: @wyckoff.for.senate2028

Personal TikTok: @mackenna_w