Photo and Video Credit: Ilouisa Salazar & Wakens Leonard
Name: Kira Parisi
Major: Computer Science: Information Assurance
Class standing: Junior
SGU position you applied for: Vice President of Operations
What experience do you have which makes you qualified for the position you’re running for and a better choice than your opponent(s)?
I have been on multiple executive boards over the three years I have been at Saint Leo University: The Student Ambassador Executive Board (2.5 years), CAB Executive Board (2 years), and Order of Omega Executive Board (almost 1 year). Each of these positions have given me the opportunity to practice my skills as a strong leader on campus, but to also hold me to a higher standard when leading a group of students. I have also been an Orientation Leader and Mentor which allowed me to help nurture and grow young students on campus and helped them take those steps to become future student leaders. I believe that these experiences make me qualified for the position because from them I have learned communication skills, conflict-resolution skills, and I have learned to be innovative and creative with every project I face. The most important thing I have learned is that I know how to be the power to the voices that students hold within themselves. Let me be the power to your voice, and together we can make a positive impact on this campus!
Why do you want this position and what/who inspired or motivated you to run?
I wanted to run for this position for a while. The aspect of the position interested me and pushed me to illustrate ideas and goals I wanted to set for it. I have been multiple forms of a mentor to students for some time now. And I have this passion for wanting students to get involved and know what a great experience it is. VPO in a way, is like being a mentor. You create these leadership conferences and workshops for students to develop skills and to grow. I want to be a part of that experience for students. VPO also helps teach and mentor Senate members to learn Robert’s Rules, the Constitution, and
Policies/Procedures for clubs and organizations on campus. I think these points are what really drove me to run for Vice President of Operations.
What do you hope to accomplish and how do you plan to accomplish these goals in your position?
I hope to inspire at least one person in a crowd at any of my workshops. To give that person the motivation to take on the world and be great. I want Senate to continue to be the beacon of positive influences on this campus and to allow for our campus to grow with diversity through different clubs and organizations. I want students to feel like they can come to Senate with their ideas for a new home on campus, and come out feeling like they can truly express themselves on campus.
What would your first action in office be, if you are elected?
If I am elected in office, my first action would be two-fold: 1) to continue to create Leadership Conferences and workshops, and to create themes that students could use as a new perspective on leadership development and how we can turn our experiences at Saint Leo University into transferable business skills for our life after college. 2) to continue to establish the strong force that Senate holds to bring positive change to campus through newly established clubs/organizations as well as policy changes, events, and other activities.
