Fellow graduate knights, I am Monette Schwoerer, a third year biology master’s student. I am a member of the Biology Graduate Student Association, serve on the Graduate Community Advisory Panel, and have a passion for serving the unique and diverse needs of the graduate student body. Because those needs are vastly different than those of the undergraduate study body, my main goal as president will be to improve the representation of the graduate student body by appointing a member from every college to the GSA Advisory Board with the help of College Deans. I began my involvement with the Graduate Student Association at UCF during the past fall semester, where I especially enjoyed organizing the graduate student tailgating event. I then was appointed as GSA President in January, upon the resignation of your previous President; we have since procured funds for the Graduate Research Forum and I look forward to accomplishing more in the future.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology at Palm Beach University. I then spent five years teaching Biology and coaching Cross Country at Lake Howell High School before enrolling here at UCF. In my free time I enjoy running and spending time outdoors. I would be humbled and honored to earn your vote.

Hi! My name is Gayathri Ramanathan I am a first semester graduate student studying doing my Masters in Health Service Administration. I am originally from California and received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology at University of California Davis. I am the current Vice President of Graduate Student Association am running for the same position this year. As a new student to Florida and to UCF, being involved with Graduate Student Association improved my knowledge of our campus and the various resources available to graduate students. In addition, attending board meetings and networking with fellow graduate students allowed me to voice my opinion on decisions made for the organization. As a Vice President I will work to my greatest potential to make Graduate Student Association welcoming and beneficial to every graduate student on campus. I will assist my President in brainstorming, planning, and organizing events that allow graduate students to voice their opinions, show case their abilities, gain more insight on future career options, and to have fun! 

I am currently an intern at Florida Accountable Care Services located in Winter Park, Florida. In addition, I am a member of Graduate Committee Advisory Panel and am representing my college, College of Health and Public Affairs. Also, I am involved with Health Service Administration Grad Network, a new club for MSHSA students. Apart from this, I am involved with Sangam, the Indian Student Association on campus. For over eight years, I have been running my own non-profit project, The Pencil Project. We have helped over 10,000 children from economically deprived communities with their school supplies. I believe that my current and previous leadership experiences will allow me to serve you with confidence and I look forward to working with you!

As an Americorp’s Public Ally I am constantly reminded of our motto, “Everyone Leads.” Each of us has the capability to create social, environmental, and economic change but only if we work together to do so. I truly believe that we can use the tools of collaboration to better our community. As a student in the field of Public Administration and Nonprofit Management, I am constantly learning how to use effective leadership techniques to benefit my community.

This semester my role as President of Habitat for Humanity at UCF is coming to a close. I’ve been with Habitat UCF since its inception in 2008. Habitat for Humanity at UCF has improved my construction skills and helped build my resume. Most importantly, this organization has introduced me to my very best friends and through these individuals I have seen the impact of student involvement at UCF and in the community abroad.

By combining the leadership skills I’ve learned through my experiences with Public Allies and Habitat for Humanity at UCF and through my courses in the MPA/MNM program, I hope to create positive change for graduate students. The University of Central Florida has provided me with so much more than a higher education. It is at UCF that I have discovered my passion for service and thus, the person I aspire to be. I would love nothing more than to empower my grad-student family through this position!