Mugdha Mokashi, one of two candidates for USGA president. Photo by Ian Keel/Photo EditorMugdha Mokashi, one of two candidates for USGA president. Photo by Ian Keel/Photo Editor
Sufia Alam
Campus Reporter
Mokashi, a junior in neuroscience and public health and has been involved with multiple student life organizations on campus since the beginning of her freshman year. She also served as director of student issues under the division of the executive vice president prior to the election. Through these experiences, Mokashi has acquired many skills in leadership and management. Additionally, Mokashi recognizes the importance of her position and plans on using her title to successfully represent the beliefs of USGA members as well the entire undergraduate student body.
Mokashi spent two years on USGA’s Executive Cabinet, three years in leadership positions on UAB’s Student Multicultural and Diversity Programs, three years in leadership roles of the Science and Technology Honors Program Executive Council and has formed two student organizations including women in science, engineering and math as well as Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equality at UAB.
“I have a significant amount of training in diversity education and social justice, which I believe is critical for a university that is as active, progressive and forward thinking as our own,” Mokashi said.
If elected, Mokashi plans on changing some foundations of USGA.
“I would love to continue to diversify all branches with students from all parts of campus. During my time as director of student issues, I focused specifically on creating data-driven USGA policy decisions through surveys on dining, parking and safety,” Mokashi said. “I think that part of making USGA accessible to all students is collecting data on what students want, and then shifting our structure to meet that ideal.”
Mokashi focused her platform on campus sustainability, increased student support and services, student equity and inclusion and student activism and engagement. Students who are friends with her have supported her candidacy and her platform.
“Mugdha is the perfect candidate because she is fearless when it comes to advocating for students and making change,” said Catherine McCarty, junior in neuroscience. “There are a lot of topics such as dining, disability, sexual assault, campus safety, diversity and administrator accountability that are perceived as controversial and can be easy for student leaders to avoid. Mugdha’s past experiences serving on USGA and in SMDP have prepared her to tackle these tough issues for students.”
Students who would like to learn more about Mokashi’s platform can contact her at [email protected]
