Executive Ticket #1

Ander Turueno Garcia & Teshome Teshome

"Your Voice Counts"

Ander & Teshome's photos were captured by:

Colin Daily / The Avion

Meet Your President Candidate Ander!

Ander Turueno Garcia

Junior, BS Aeronautical Science

"Embry-Riddle holds deep personal and professional significance for me, as it is the place where I am pursuing my passion for aviation and where I have developed myself to new levels.

My legacy with the SGA began in Fall 2021 when I got selected for the vacancy for senator for the College of Aviation. I served in that role until January of 2024 when I was elected as the current SGA Vice President.

My leadership experience on campus includes serving as a College of Aviation student senator for three terms, president of the ALPA ACE Club, president of the Flight Professional Conduct Board, co-chair of the Dean’s Student Advisory Board, anchor of the Well & Beyond video series, membership on two Chairman’s Advisory Councils, and more.

The reason of running for SGA President is because I care about the work being properly done, no matter what. In my previous leadership roles, I have implemented various leadership styles, and I am eager to propel the SGA to new heights."

  • What is your platform for this campaign? How does it stand out?

    "Every student pays the SGA fee, and by default, you are a customer to every SGA official. Our platform includes and focuses on being there physically for the students. Currently, human interactions are less frequent, and that is where we see the gap in our relations with the student body. We have never seen someone approach a student and say, 'Hey, how is your day going?' or be genuine and caring when making that interaction. We care about every student on this campus, and it’s important that we get to listen to everyone. You can clearly see an example of how we care by watching the social campaigns we have done with the Student Senate. Most of the time, effective leadership doesn't come from telling people what to do, but rather from listening to everyone. These two positions MUST listen to everyone and then act upon your voice. Most people call the SGA an organization, but in reality, it is an association focused on having common interests and supporting every member and student within it. You can ask anyone in the SGA about how Ander has solidified the relationships within the Branches and Divisions of the SGA to work closer with the Student Senate. We want to be the President and Vice President who knows you by your name and recognizes you every time. This campaign is all about you and how we can create a better experience for everyone."

  • What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?

    "I am the candidate proposing and pursuing achievable ideas. Among all candidates, I am the most qualified to be the next SGA President. My leadership experience includes three terms as an SGA Senator for the College of Aviation, the current SGA Vice President, President of the ALPA ACE Club, former Vice President and President of the Flight Professional Conduct Board, Co-Chair of the Dean’s Student Advisory Board, and more. As SGA Vice President, I've made a significant impact by actively engaging with students, striving for success and excellence in the Student Senate, and maintaining high levels of discipline. Voted into the SGA Vice President position at the start of this semester, I've enhanced accountability among senators, increased project involvement per senator, redesigned the Student Senate Forum event to benefit RSOs, currently leading the renovation of the Student Leadership Suite, working on hosting TEDx conferences with the TEDx club, expanded Senate relations with other campus departments, involve other Branches and Divisions in the day-to-day business of the Senate, conducted social campaigns to boost SGA awareness, and more. What sets me apart is my commitment to doing things differently. As Vice President, I'm physically present for students, actively engaging through campus outreach and social campaigns to ensure everyone's voice is heard. This commitment will persist if elected President."

  • As President, you would be a connection between students and the Administration. What do you do to ensure the voices of students are heard?

    "Being part of Chairman's Advisory Council and the Dean’s Student Advisory Board, I have experience in approaching ideas with the University administration. Many other candidates might tell you they will approach the administration and simply share your ideas or concerns, but it's not that simple. Everything revolves around strategy and thinking about the best way to convey a student's voice to the administration. The most crucial aspect is considering both perspectives and finding common ground to initiate and guide the conversation toward an agreement to move forward.

    One of the most palpable examples is being the Co-Chair of the Dean’s Student Advisory Board, where I get to hear concerns from COA majors and approach them to the respective Chair or the Dean of the college. Through this, I have been able to relate to students in other majors and advocate for their ideas or concerns. Having a strong personality plays a vital role in these situations, and during my time on these boards/councils, I have never been afraid to bring a concern or idea to the administration's attention. One of the most important things to highlight is that whenever I hear a student, I always ensure they feel heard. Regardless of the topic, every student will be heard, and I will make sure you have confidence in bringing anything to my attention."

  • How will you improve the SGA to better serve the student body?

    "One of the goals to better students is that I will pursue to create more cabinet positions, including an RSO & Athletics Relations (ensuring SGA presence, involvement, and offering resources to RSOs), Event Coordinator (facilitating every SGA event, ensuring they start on time with all necessary resources), Career Services and Professional Development (facilitating and offering solutions for career services-related topics), Mental Health (organizing events and campaigns to enhance better mental health, engaging with mental health task forces), and Veteran (being there for outstanding individuals who have served this country, making them more engaged with the SGA).

    In the past, I've observed that while presidents can create new cabinet positions to better serve the student body, these are often not implemented. The goal of adding these positions is to spread, have clearer, and faster communication with my office. Additionally, fostering unity among students is crucial. Currently, communication and our approach to the student body are fragmented, and that will change with both of us. We are two individuals who think outside the box and look for creative ways to engage with the student body, involving them with the SGA. Better serving the student body starts with fostering unity within the university, including every student on campus—those in ROTC, RSOs, Athletics, International Students, Veterans, etc. You should not wonder where to find SGA resources or communication; you should have the ability to pull up your phone and immediately access anything you would like, making it clearer.

    We are one Eagle; the SGA includes everyone on the same team, and we will play as a team during our term."

  • What does the SGA mean to you?

    "My involvement with the SGA has defined my entire college career here at Embry-Riddle. It has been the association that I am most passionate about due to the impact I have been able to make with my experience in the SGA. This association has offered something I have never experienced elsewhere, and that is the people within it. I have been surrounded by individuals who step up because they care, striving for improvement and bettering student life. Sharing those values and making lifelong human connections is something I can't put a value on. Throughout my various roles in this association, I have learned valuable life lessons about genuine human interaction and the impact it can have on someone's life. Being the current SGA Vice President has allowed me to not only impact students and achieve goals but also learn a lot about the university and about myself that I would never have found out otherwise. Words cannot fully express my feelings about what the SGA means to me."

Meet Your Vice President Candidate Teshome!

Teshome Teshome

Senior, BS Aerospace Engineering

"Hello fellow Eagles! I am honored to stand before you as a candidate for the role of Vice President in the upcoming SGA elections. My aim is to propel the student senator to their full potential as a current COE senator, and my involvement through RSOs such as NSBE, AIAA, ERFSEDS, and ERPL.

I consistently implemented ideas for student interests, facilitated vital improvements in academic and extracurricular programs which allowed an interaction with students from various backgrounds, each with their own interests, concerns, and aspirations this will allow me to serve you and build a campus that reflects every student's voice and concerns.

Although the current VP is doing an excellent job, and has implemented great plans, there is still room for improvement. I want to make sure that student senators implement projects that will positively impact students on campus. Together, let's create an SGA that not only listens to your needs but acts upon them, creating an inclusive and enriching college experience for all. Thank you for considering my candidacy."

  • What makes your Executive Ticket stand out?

    "Our Executive Ticket stands out due to our combined experience, commitment, and proven track record of leadership within the student government and campus organizations.

    As a senator for the College of Engineering for one term, I have gained valuable insights into the needs and challenges of engineering students, working diligently to advocate for their interests and foster a supportive academic environment.

    My running mate, Ander, brings a wealth of experience to our ticket, having served as a student senator for the College of Aviation for three terms. His tenure in this role has equipped him with a deep understanding of the aviation community's unique needs and the skills to address them effectively. As the current Vice President, he has demonstrated strong leadership, effective communication, and a commitment to enhancing the student experience campus-wide.

    Together, we have been actively involved in various clubs on campus, which has allowed us to engage with a diverse range of students and understand their perspectives. Our extensive involvement has helped us build a strong network and foster relationships across different segments of the student body. Our combined experiences in leadership roles, along with our active participation in campus clubs, position us as a well-rounded and capable Executive Ticket. We are committed to leveraging our skills and knowledge to represent the student body effectively and drive positive change within the SGA and the broader campus community."

  • What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?

    "I believe I am the most qualified candidate for the SGA Vice President position due to my comprehensive experience as a student senator for the College of Engineering and my active involvement in various campus clubs. My current position as a senator has equipped me with a deep understanding of the engineering student body's needs, allowing me to effectively advocate for their interests and work towards meaningful improvements in their academic and extracurricular experiences. My involvement in other clubs on campus has not only broadened my perspective on student life but also honed my ability to multitask and manage diverse responsibilities. This experience has been instrumental in developing my leadership skills, fostering collaboration, and enhancing my ability to connect with students from different backgrounds and disciplines.

    Moreover, my commitment to student representation and my track record of successfully navigating the complexities of student governance demonstrate my readiness to take on the responsibilities of the Vice President role. I am confident that my blend of leadership experience, proven ability to multitask, and dedication to serving the student body make me the most qualified candidate to effectively support the President and lead the Senate in addressing the needs and aspirations of our diverse student community."

  • As the Vice President, you have a supportive role to the President as well as being the head of the Senate. How will you use your position to ensure the needs of students are met?

    "As the Vice President, my primary focus will be to bridge the gap between the student body and the SGA, ensuring that the needs and concerns of students are not only heard but also addressed effectively. In my supportive role to the President, I will work collaboratively to set clear goals and strategies that align with our shared vision for an inclusive and dynamic campus environment.

    Being the head of the Senate, I will prioritize fostering open communication and collaboration among senators, encouraging them to actively engage with their constituents and bring diverse perspectives to the table. This will enable us to identify and tackle key issues that impact students' academic and social experiences. I will also leverage my experience as a College of Engineering senator to implement structured feedback mechanisms, ensuring that student voices are systematically collected and considered in decision-making processes. By promoting transparency and accountability within the SGA, I aim to build trust and confidence among students in our ability to represent their interests effectively. Furthermore, I will advocate for initiatives that support student well-being, academic success, and professional development, ensuring that our actions are aligned with the evolving needs of the student body. Through collaborative leadership and a commitment to student-centered governance, I will strive to make a meaningful impact in my role as Vice President."

  • How would you use the position of Vice President to create a positive and productive environment in the SGA and around campus?

    "As Vice President, my approach to creating a positive and productive environment in the SGA and around campus will be rooted in fostering inclusivity, collaboration, and effective communication. I will prioritize building a supportive and respectful culture within the SGA, where every member feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. By encouraging open dialogue and diverse perspectives, we can cultivate an environment that inspires innovation and creative problem-solving. I will also focus on strengthening the relationship between the SGA and the student body, ensuring that students feel heard and represented. By organizing regular forums and feedback sessions, we can maintain a pulse on student needs and concerns, enabling us to respond proactively and effectively. In addition, I will advocate for initiatives that promote student engagement, well-being, and personal development. By supporting programs that enhance academic success, mental health, and leadership skills, we can create a more vibrant and supportive campus community. By leading with empathy, transparency, and a commitment to collaboration, I aim to foster a culture within the SGA that is both positive and productive, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and enriching campus experience for all students."

  • What does the SGA mean to you?

    "The SGA is more than just a governing body; it's a passionate group of individuals united by a common goal to create an enriching and supportive campus environment for all students. It's a beacon of hope, a source of inspiration, and a testament to the power of student collaboration. Being part of the SGA means being at the forefront of making a tangible difference in the lives of my fellow students, and it fills me with a profound sense of purpose and pride. It's a reminder that together, we can overcome any challenge and transform our campus into a place where everyone feels heard, respected, and empowered. Moreover, the SGA serves as a vital bridge between the student body and the administration, ensuring that our collective voice is not only heard but also acted upon. It's a platform where we can advocate for change, support each other's growth, and celebrate our achievements. In the SGA, we are not just representatives; we are catalysts for positive change, champions of diversity, and guardians of student rights. Our commitment to service, equity, and excellence drives us to continuously seek ways to enhance the student experience and foster a sense of belonging for all. In essence, the SGA embodies the spirit of unity, resilience, and progress, making it an integral part of our journey as students and leaders."