Stevie Edwards, Assistant Director of LGBTQIA+ Outreach and Title IX Resource Provider

An avid fan of Dungeons and Dragons and originally from Duluth, Georgia, Stevie now resides with his partners in the city of Worcester and comes to us with a bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Science from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs from New York University. As the Assistant Director of LGBTQIA+ Outreach, Stevie oversees the new LGBTQIA+ Community Center and social and educational programming for the center and campus. He also serves as an advisor for the LGBTQ+ Alliance, our major organization dedicated to supporting our queer community as well as allies, and he also advises the Drag Club. Stevie also serves on the LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee, which is a campus-wide committee made up of faculty, staff, and students that discusses issues and provides programming for the campus community. Stevie has found the environment at WSU very welcoming since he started in April. He feels that he doesn’t need to be as stringent, as on-guard, as defensive a leader as he had to be before coming to WSU.

Stevie has already accomplished a lot in his short time at WSU. In addition to advising the student organizations, Stevie opened the LGBTQIA+ Community Center with a grand opening in September of this year, which provided an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to check out the new space and learn more about the resources that are available through the center and his office. Developing programming specifically for the space, as well as programming for the entire campus community, is another area where Stevie has put a lot of work into since arriving in April.  His first large-scale event was Lavender Graduation in May. This nationwide ceremony is held on university campuses to celebrate seniors who identify as members of the queer community. Faculty and student speakers address the attendees and graduates with well-wishes and messages of resilience and strength, and graduating seniors receive lavender cords to wear at commencement. Consistent monthly and weekly programming as well as educational training, has also been a focus of Stevie’s this year. Programming has included the Allyship Workshop, Transgender Day of Remembrance, Queer BBQ during Welcome Week, and many queer socials held throughout the semester. Stevie also partners with Counseling Services to provide a monthly support group for students in the queer community.

Steve’s Leadership Perspective

Stevie has learned many lessons during his career as a leader. He defines a great leader as “someone who can mess up, apologize, and work to do better next time. It’s okay to make mistakes and to own them! Making mistakes is part of learning, and it will only make you a stronger leader to acknowledge and welcome your mistakes and work to recover from them.” Stevie believes that the biggest misconception of what makes a good leader is that a leader is never wrong. “We’re all going to be wrong at some point! It’s unrealistic to expect anyone to be right 100% of the time.” Stevie believes that taking ownership of decisions made, whether right or wrong, will make us better leaders as we continue through life.  

Identity and Leadership

Identity and culture play into how people define their leadership style as they progress through their lives. Identifying with the queer community has really shaped Stevie into the leader and professional that he is today. “I am a trans man, and before I transitioned, I was labeled as “annoying” and other less-flattering words. But after I transitioned, suddenly I have “leadership skills”! It’s been interesting to live on two different sides of gender and see how differently people treat me. Ultimately, I think my transness has taught me how to incorporate joy and resilience into my leadership, to celebrate the wins and small victories, and to welcome others for who they are.” Through his own personal experiences, Stevie serves as a valuable resource for students exploring and/or struggling with their own gender and sexual identities. His most valuable experiences at WSU, so far, have been with the students he works closely with through the LGBTQIA+ Community Center. “In the short time I’ve been here, I would say students trusting me with their stories has been the most meaningful experience. They still don’t know me very well, and they choose to trust me with part of themselves, which I think is a profound gift.”

Advice for Leaders

When asked if he had any advice for future leaders, Stevie focused on a message of taking in as many experiences as you can to become a better leader. “Lean in as much as you can– there is something you can learn from every experience, from every person. Even if you think you know better than someone else, chances are that they have something they can teach you, either about leadership or life or other people’s perspectives. Leadership is a skill; it takes practice. If you wait to be comfortable to be a leader, you never will be. It is uncomfortable work, but so is all meaningful work.” 

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Alyson Archambault

How did you get involved in campus life? What advice would you give to students who haven’t yet found their place on campus?
I got involved with campus life by starting a club I wanted to see on campus and through being a part of Res Life. The advice I would give to students who have not found their place on campus is to go to different events to explore their interests and to be open to learning new things. If you do not find what you like, start it, people who enjoy the same will join you.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes to leadership?
Over time I have learned how to ask for help and advocate for myself and for others. I have learned that most people are willing to help or give you resources, you just need to reach out. People have access to solutions that you don’t know exist and will give you access if they know you need it. Just ask!

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
Living on campus the last few years, I have made numerous memories that are incredibly meaningful. My favorite moments have been in my dorm or out and about where I have been able to have many conversations and build connections. From puzzle nights with my suitemates, to staff meetings with my fellow RAs, positive experiences occur on a daily basis.

What advice would you give to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader, or the type of person, they hope to become?
Surround yourself with people who you can learn from. You are never going to know it all, hold yourself accountable but also take the time to learn, by forming these relationships you can learn and support each other.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
Surround yourself with people who you can learn from. You are never going to know it all, hold yourself accountable but also take the time to learn, by forming these relationships you can learn and support each other.

Alyson with other members of the Fiber Arts Circle.

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Class of 2026, Political Science with a minor in Spanish
Hometown | Worcester, MA
Campus Involvement | Intercultural Student Alliance, Student Senate Secretary of Diversity and Multiculturalism, Orientation Leader,

Brandol Ogando-Saladin

Can you describe the role of the Student Trustee? What do they do for the student body?
The Student Trustee serves as the voice of the student body on the Board of Trustees – bringing forward student concerns, perspectives, and ideas and ensuring decisions reflect student needs. It’s about being a bridge between students and university leadership so students have a seat at the table when important choices are made. The Student Trustee also attends SGA meetings as a guest and non-voting member, which provides another opportunity to stay connected and involved with student concerns at a more direct level.

What are some goals you hope to accomplish while in this position?
I want to strengthen communication between students and the administration so students feel informed and included in decisions. I aim to elevate underrepresented voices in campus conversations and support initiatives that improve student life and success through resources, support systems, and meaningful opportunities for engagement.

What are some of the challenges you could face in this position?
Balancing the diverse needs of our student body can be challenging because priorities do not always align. Students come from many different backgrounds, with unique goals and concerns, and it is not always easy to represent everyone equally at the same time. Another challenge is making sure students feel heard and that their input is valued in decision-making. It takes time and effort to build trust between students and leadership, and part of this role is making sure those conversations remain open and meaningful.

What do you hope your fellow students remember about you?
I hope students remember me as someone who listened, was approachable, and worked hard to represent them. I also hope to be remembered as a leader who helped make the campus more inclusive and connected.

What advice would you give to students just beginning to explore the type of leader they hope to become?
Say yes to opportunities, even small ones, because every experience helps you grow. The kind of leader you become is shaped by the relationships you build, the challenges you face, and the values you choose to stand by. My advice is to stay open to growth, seek out mentors and peers who inspire you, and remember that leadership is ultimately about service and making a positive impact on the people around you.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
I plan on pursuing a master’s degree to continue building my knowledge and skills, and then I want to pursue a career in diplomacy and international relations. My goal is to work on issues that affect both our country and the broader global community, such as security, human rights, and sustainable development.

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Class of 2025, Psychology, minor in Spanish and Pre-Law
Hometown | Clinton, MA
Campus Involvement | Student Senate, Tour Guide, Presidential Student Ambassador, Honors Program

Lilian Sydow, SGA President

Can you describe the role of the SGA President? What do they do for the student body?
Two of the SGA President’s main roles are to run weekly Senate meetings in an orderly fashion, and to connect students with administrators and faculty who can assist them in their academic journeys. Within the student body, the SGA President is responsible for making sure the needs of the students are heard by administration, and not just their personal needs.

What are some goals you hope to accomplish while in this position?
While in this position, I hope to bring more awareness to what decisions are being made and what is going on around campus. I was unaware of so many decisions being made at the administrative level before joining SGA, and my ultimate goal is to provide everyone with the same access to the information as other members and I have.

What are some of the challenges you could face in this position?
Worcester State is an extremely diverse campus, and every student here is unique. That being said, it may be difficult to satisfy everyone when advocating for what the majority of students want. Also, relating to my main goal, it may be difficult to give all students the same access to information because not everyone uses the same methods of communication.

What do you hope your fellow students remember about you?
I hope they remember my work ethic and my determination to help them be heard in all areas  around campus. I also hope students will remember my approachability. My job is to listen to  students and express their opinions, and I can’t effectively do that if I’m not approachable to them!

What advice would you give to students just beginning to explore the type of leader they hope to become?My biggest piece of advice: Don’t sell yourself short. You can’t reach your full potential if you aren’t reaching for it, and you’ll never know what you are capable of if you don’t try your best. It can be difficult at times, and it might feel like a lot on your plate, but growth isn’t always comfortable! It’s a bit clichĂ©, but if you struggle or don’t succeed the first time, TRY AGAIN! Worcester State is filled with people who want to help you succeed, and they are all so supportive! Never be afraid to reach out for help!

What are your current plans for the next few years?
After graduating from Worcester State, I am planning to go to law school. I’m hoping to pursue civil law, specializing in either family or immigration law!

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Jamilah Namaganda and other members of BSU

How did you get involved in campus life? What advice would you give to students who haven’t yet found their place on campus?
I got involved with campus life by starting a club I wanted to see on campus and through being a part of Res Life. The advice I would give to students who have not found their place on campus is to go to different events to explore their interests and to be open to learning new things. If you do not find what you like, start it, people who enjoy the same will join you.

How do you think you’ve changed as a leader throughout your time at WSU, and what aspects of your experience most influenced this change?
I have changed as a leader throughout my time at WSU because I have stepped out of my comfort zone and seen things from different perspectives.
The aspects of my experience that influenced this change the most are the support and always being open to learning.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes to leadership?
The biggest lesson I have learned about leadership is the importance of empathy. It takes listening to the needs of others, recognizing strengths, and creating a safe space.

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
The best experience I have had at WSU is making lifelong friendships and memories. I will leave knowing that students of color have a space to create memories.

What advice would you give to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader, or the type of person, they hope to become?
The advice I would give to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader they are is to gain self-awareness and embrace failure because that is how you grow.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
My plans after graduation are to gain experience as a nurse and travel as much as possible.

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Abby St. Martin

How did you get involved in campus life? What advice would you give to students who haven’t yet found their place on campus?
I first got involved with campus life by going to the Club Kickoff outside the Student Center. This gave me the opportunity to explore all the different areas in which I could get involved. Having the chance to talk to current students allowed me to ask questions and find my passion. If you haven’t found your “people/place” on campus, continue to join other clubs or organizations because you never know where your passion lies until you try it.

How do you think you’ve changed as a leader throughout your time at WSU, and what aspects of your experience most influenced this change?
Being heavily involved as a leader on campus allowed me to grow in many different aspects. Through being a captain of the , I learned how to better communicate and work as a team. As an Orientation Leader, I grew my public speaking skills and collaborated with many different students. These are just a few examples of how my leadership grew throughout my time at WSU. Collaborating with my peers and team leaders significantly shaped my leadership style by teaching me the value of active listening, open communication, and diverse perspectives. Through teamwork and mentorship, I learned to delegate effectively, adapt to changes, and foster a positive, inclusive environment. These experiences helped me develop a more empathetic and collaborative leadership approach.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes to leadership?
The biggest lesson I have learned when it comes to leadership is the importance of adaptability and active listening. Being open to feedback and different perspectives has helped me make more informed decisions and better support my team/organizations/clubs. I’ve realized that effective leadership is not just about guiding others but also about fostering collaboration and continuous learning. 

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
It is hard for me to pick a singular experience at WSU. I have found that one experience has led me to another experience that I have taken the opportunity to be a part of. Coming in as a freshman playing basketball was the beginning of my entire involvement at WSU. Having teammates and coaches encouraging me to try new opportunities gave me the confidence to join other leadership positions on campus.

What advice would you give to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader, or the type of person, they hope to become?
My advice to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader they hope to become is that you have to be willing to step outside of your comfort zone and try new experiences. Take every opportunity as a way to explore how you want to collaborate with others, listen to diverse perspectives, and learn from successes and failures/challenges. However, it is important to lead how you feel most comfortable and be authentic to yourself. Everyone leads differently so do not compare.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
After graduation in May, I intend to go to another university for an accelerated nursing program which takes about 16 months to complete. After completing that I plan on becoming a travel nurse and begin my healthcare journey!

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Ansha Khan

How did you get involved in campus life? What advice would you give to students who haven’t yet found their place on campus?
The way I got involved was I just quite literally showed up to different club meetings. I started getting involved in NSSLHA when I heard students in class talking about going to the meetings. I got involved in MSA because I am passionate about it. I did go to other club meetings but they just weren’t for me and that’s okay. 

My best recommendation would be to check through all of the clubs/ organizations available on campus and choose which ones pique your interest. These clubs may relate to your major, your passions, or could be random and you found them curious. Just make it apparent to go to the meeting and try it out. I took a defense class my freshman year and it was so much fun. Choose different interests and step out of your comfort zone.

How do you think you’ve changed as a leader throughout your time at WSU, and what aspects of your experience most influenced this change?
Without a doubt, my trust in myself and my self-confidence have grown tremendously. I used to believe that I wouldn’t succeed, that everything would fail, that I wouldn’t be able to do it, etc., when I initially started in my leadership role. But as time went on I started to change and realize my abilities and skills. My e-board definitely helped influence this change by lifting me up and continuously encouraging me to keep going.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes to leadership?
The most important thing I’ve learned about leadership is that asking questions is better than assuming. Help is always there if you need it. Another big lesson I learned was to have faith in myself and be proud of my accomplishments. 

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
My first Ramadan Iftar Dinner was the highlight of my time at WSU at this point. I genuinely wouldn’t have known my best friends the way I do now if it weren’t for that night, when I first met and grew close to them. That night held an abundance of memories as we, a Muslim community, got to come together like this in faith. 

What advice would you give to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader, or the type of person, they hope to become?
Not giving up is the most important piece of advice I would tell students who are just starting to consider their leadership role. I know it sounds cliche, but if you want to be a leader or it’s who you are, don’t give up on it. There will be moments when you feel overburdened but don’t shy away from asking for help, it will always be there. One step at a time is the best approach.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
I hope to continue my education here at Worcester State and get into the 4+1 Speech-Language Pathology Master’s program this upcoming April. After that, I plan to take my board examinations and obtain clinical certification in order to work as a registered speech-language pathologist. 

Members of MSA at their annual Iftar dinner.

The post Student Spotlight | Ansha Khan appeared first on Campus Life.

How did you get involved in campus life? What advice would you give to students who haven’t yet found their place on campus?
My friend Eric introduced me to the Commuter Activity Board. He suggested I come by and check it out. It’s a lot of fun! I usually don’t get involved in social activities on campus because I’m a shy person. I’d usually just hang out with my closest friends. Looking back, I wish I had joined the club sooner. For those still searching for their own social group, consider joining a few clubs to see which ones resonate with you the most. Each club offers its own unique vibe. Get involved on campus, and the experience you gain will last you a lifetime.

How do you think you’ve changed as a leader throughout your time at WSU, and what aspects of your experience most influenced this change?
In the past, I would simply follow someone else’s lead. However, when I became the president, everyone turned to me for guidance. As a result, I started speaking up and became a better person to lead my organization. I began talking to more people and actively listening to their opinions, which allowed me to grow as an individual.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes to leadership?
Not everything will go as planned, and you must listen to your followers for feedback on the event. Something always happens spontaneously, and you need to pay attention to the situation to fix the problem.

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
Getting involved on campus has made me a better person today. It has made me more social and allowed me to meet other organizations on campus. Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, but that’s okay because it’s how you grow as a person.

What advice would you give to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader, or the type of person, they hope to become?
Get involved in an organization and actively contribute whenever possible. Engage in conversations with the other board members to demonstrate your interest in expanding your involvement within the organization. The valuable friendships and experiences you’ve gained from the organization will serve you well throughout your life.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
After graduating from ·¬ÇŃĘÓƵ, I plan to secure an Analysis position that will allow me to further develop the skills I’ve acquired during my time here.

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Class of 2025, Communications major with a concentration in Digital Media Production
Hometown | Worcester, MA
Campus Involvement | Student Senate, 2025 Class Committee, Photography Club

Kyram Pou, Student Trustee

Can you describe the role of the SGA President? What do they do for the student body?
The Student Trustee is a representative elected by the student body to act as a liaison for both the students and the Board of Trustees. The Student Trustee ensures that a collective voice from the students is heard at the Board of Trustee Meetings, and also engages in rigorous conversations that determine the future of the university as a whole.

What are some goals you hope to accomplish while in this position?
Firstly, my biggest goal is to make sure our students are seen, heard, comfortable, and can thrive in our Worcester State environment without worrying about barriers that other students typically face during their four years of college, like food insecurity and representation. I want to create a space where students can feel like their voices are heard. I have high hopes of doing some civic engagement events in collaboration with the Worcester Student Government Association to motivate our students to put their voices out there, beyond Worcester State!

What are some of the challenges you could face in this position?
A challenge for myself (and for anyone, really) is definitely getting students together to create change. In one of my classes I took this past semester, Independent Media and Society, I learned that one of the biggest outlets for change begins with bringing a group of people together, to become more seen and heard. This is a challenge I hope to overcome this year.

What do you hope your fellow students remember about you?
I hope my fellow students remember me as one of the many Student Trustees who put students before themselves. Each elected Student Trustee makes sure that the students of Worcester State feel like they can thrive in their space, which is what will make me feel accomplished at the end of the year when I look back. 

What advice would you give to students just beginning to explore the type of leader they hope to become?
My biggest piece of advice to students who want to make in impact on Worcester State is to always “just do it,” even if you don’t really get as far as you want to. It’s normal to always start small, it’s just a matter of starting.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
After graduation, I want to get a Master’s Degree in Digital Media Management. I hope to work in the media industry since that has always been my passion. Aside from the media industry, I have always had an interest in Urban Planning and Accounting. Although these are very different career paths, Digital Media Management is definitely my go-to.

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Class of 2025, Criminal Justice & Psychology, minor in Philosophy
Hometown | Paxton, MA
Campus Involvement | Student Senate, Criminal Justice Club, Tour Guide, CJ Department clerical assistant, Orientation Leader, Presidential Student Ambassador, 2025 Class Committee, Honors Program

Lily Morgan, SGA President

Can you describe the role of the SGA President? What do they do for the student body?
The SGA President is the face of the Senate and oversees its operation. The SGA President is often the voice of the student body to the administration as well, sharing concerns and ideas that they gathered from the Senate meetings. The SGA President is there for the students. 

What are some goals you hope to accomplish while in this position?
I hope to increase student engagement on campus, both with our student organizations and within our administration. Through this, I hope to increase the student voice within important conversations on our campus.

What are some of the challenges you could face in this position?
I foresee that recruitment will be a challenge, as it has been a recurring challenge in all student organizations post-pandemic. 

What do you hope your fellow students remember about you?
I hope my fellow students will remember me being a friendly face on campus. Someone that they were not afraid to share their concerns with and that I helped them with their issues. As a student leader on campus, I want to be able to help the students to the best of my ability and hope to be remembered for this. 

What advice would you give to students just beginning to explore the type of leader they hope to become?
Get involved on campus. Go to a club meeting or an event, get to know other students there. You do not need to be involved in everything to make an impact on campus. Just going to a club meeting and participating is impacting that club for the better.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
I am attending law school. I am not exactly sure where yet, but I am currently in my application process, so we will see during the year where I end up going.

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