Meet Your 2023-24 Student Government Leaders

Miami Dade College’s new student government leaders are here. 

College-wide elections took place from March 20 to 26. Voting was held virtually through MDC’s election website. 

Candidates had to be enrolled in at least six credits at their respective campus, have a clear academic and conduct standing and have a minimum 2.5 GPA. 

Elected officers will start their term this summer and serve until the end of the spring 2024 semester.

Here are the winners:

 

Eduardo J. Padrón Campus

 President: Melissa Rodriguez

 Rodriguez is an 18-year-old economic student at Padrón Campus. She aspires to increase community engagement and organize events promoting professional development. Rodriguez, who is currently a political intern for Senator Marco Rubio, is also a member of Phi Beta Lamba and Phi Theta Kappa.

“Above all, I want to make students on  Padrón Campus feel heard and engaged in their campus community,” said Rodriguez, who aspires to work in corporate law or investment banking. 

Vice President: Javier Vazquez

Treasurer: Paola Cuba

Secretary: Ivanna Zambrano

 

Hialeah Campus

President: Laura Triana

Triana, 22, is a second-year computer art animation student. She hopes to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that promotes student wellness, artistic expression and academic success. Triana is currently vice-president of the anime club at Hialeah Campus. 

“I think it is crucial as the representatives of the students, to help those who may be going through tough times,” said Triana, who hopes to become a 2D animator at Pixar or Naughty Dog. 

Vice President: Jhonatan Lalla

Secretary: Nayely Rivero 

 

Homestead Campus

President: Jack Taks

Taks, 19, is a landscape architecture student aiming to galvanize student engagement by providing more extracurricular and volunteering opportunities. He is also the president of the Gardening Innovation and Awareness Club and a member of the YES! for Environmental Sustainability club.

“We have great people and great staff,” Tacks said. “I would like to connect Homestead Campus with the other campuses.”

Vice President: Carlos Blanquicett

Secretary: Janelle Pratt

Treasurer: Antavius Brady

 

Medical Campus

President: Arturo Ortiz

Ortiz is a 35-year-old nursing student. This academic year he served as SGA president and PTK vice-president at Hialeah Campus, where he focused on civic activism and promoting mental wellness. He hopes to continue his advocacy efforts at Medical Campus.

“I hope to give the student body a voice, because I have experienced firsthand what it’s like to be represented,” Ortiz said. 

Vice-President: Wickander Ferreira

Secretary: Shana Ryan

 

 

North Campus

President: Marlom Elvin

Elvin, 18, is majoring in accounting. He hopes to address student concerns such as the lack of sanitary pads in school bathrooms and cafeteria food prices. Elvin is a member of the Minorities of the Future club and has volunteered at Brownsville’s True Church of Christ since 2018. 

“I want to try to get as many students involved as possible,” said Elvin, who is also part of the TRIO Student Support Services program at North Campus. “The campus can create doors of opportunity that open once in a lifetime.” 

Vice-President: Sarah Lestrade

Secretary: Darline Dorsainvil

Treasurer: Danaeziah Jones

 

 

Kendall Campus

President: Gabriela Gonzales

Gonzales, 19, is a first-year communication and media studies student. She hopes to utilize her position to promote inclusion and help students obtain academic opportunities. Previously, Gonzales served as the director of the legislative committee at SGA. 

“I look forward to working alongside my E-Board to cultivate a community of strong change-makers and support the students at MDC,” said Gonzales, who also serves as a public affairs and media coordination intern at Miami-Dade County. 

Vice-President: Valeria Zimmerman

Secretary: Javier Cunat

Treasurer: Victoria Perez

 

West Campus

President: Maria Gabriela Velasquez

Velasquez is a business administration student who hopes to increase student engagement at West Campus. The 18-year-old, who works as a student assistant at the Student Life Department, is also involved in the pre-health, business and American Dream Scholars clubs. 

“My main goal is to make the student’s experience at MDC fun, successful and memorable,” said Velasquez, who aspires to become an entrepreneur. 

Vice President: Santiago Granie

Treasurer: Kenneth Betancourt

Secretary: Valentina Aleman

 

Wolfson Campus

President: Arquimedez Rivero

Rivero is an 18-year-old international relations and economics student. He hopes to increase community service efforts and promote civic and financial literacy. Rivero serves as a Changemaking Ambassador and is a member of the Student Managed Investment Fund and the PTK chapter at Wolfson Campus.  

“We at Wolfson share the same goal as many student leaders in other campuses—to highlight students’ voices, uplift their passions, and build them a home on our campus,” said Rivero, who aspires to become a diplomat for the United Nations Human Rights Commission. 

Vice President: Camila Garcia-Llaurado

Treasurer: Anthony Makhlouf

Secretary: Leilanie Morales

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