Candidate Profile

Ariana Mizan

(She/Her)

Hello! My name is Ariana Mizan, and I am a sophomore majoring in Strategy, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (SIE) at Gies. I am running to be a student senator because I am passionate about accessibility in the classroom, student mental wellbeing, and fostering a collective sense of belonging. For two years, I have been a volunteer on the University’s Senate committees (committees that work in tandem with the Senate). This experience has allowed me to learn how the Senate works and to gain deeper connections with important stakeholders. As a freshman, I volunteered on the Senate Public Engagement Committee, learning more about various UIUC outreach programs (e.g., programs for prospective students and families, international outreach initiatives, and cultural house programs). I currently serve on the Senate Committee for Student Life where I work directly on student life policy changes that are presented to the entire senate. (e.g., the potential implementation of a fall break in addition to the Thanksgiving break). I have worked on other projects and policies that seek to centralize student resources and to standardize the first-year experience courses for all new students across colleges. Further, as the Food Insecurity Chair on the Student Success Undergraduate Advisory Board (SSUAB), I am spearheading a novel pop-up food pantry initiative and the plans for a virtual dining dollar bank. Here I get to collaborate with other undergraduate students on innovative wellness policies. In addition, I am a representative on the Student Affairs Council where I formulate strategies in partnership with alumni and other stakeholders to strengthen alumni relations and increase Student Affairs funding (these funds help provide students with important everyday services). These opportunities and experiences demonstrate my understanding of institutional processes at UIUC, my strong advocacy and communication skills, as well as my long-held commitment to improving existing systems for students. I would be honored to serve and represent the Gies student body as a senator, if given the opportunity! Ultimately, I am someone who will listen and who will strive in every way to keep student stories and student needs at the Senate’s forefront.