NHCC students, cast your vote for the 2026-27 Student Senate. Check your NHCC email on Monday, March 30, for a link to vote by Thursday, April 2, 2026.
What is Student Senate?
Student Senate is a group of students who are elected to represent the NHCC student body to continuously improve the student experience at both the college and state level. For example, in past years, Student Senate advocated for a new food service vendor in the Campus Center, advocated for changes in the Food Cupboard, a clearer policy on bookstore returns/buybacks, and pushed for additional support for student parents.
2026-27 Student Senate Candidates
Here are the students who are running for Student Senate. Scroll down to read more about them to help you make an informed vote.
President:
- Ryan Ismail
- Noah Plahn
Vice President:
- Gabriel Gonçalves Costa Siqueira
Secretary:
- Joshua Dykhoff
- Manisha Roberts
Treasurer:
- Amira Jama
Public Relations Coordinator:
- Cherise Omondi
Legislative Coordinator:
- Kaddijatou Njie
Diversity & Equity Coordinator:
- Emmanuel Aggrey
- Julianna Mokhanhtha
Ombuds:
- N/A
Senator At-Large:
- Wendy Narvaez Rodriguez
- Lethy Saye
Meet the Student Senate Candidates
President:
Ryan Ismail
What skills will you bring to the Student Senate?
- I will bring leadership, strong communication, and responsibility to the Student Senate. I have already shown these qualities through my active presence in Senate since the end of last spring. That experience has helped me build practical skills in working with others, handling responsibilities, and understanding how Senate operates. Because of this, I am prepared to contribute effectively and serve students well as a president.
What area of concern would you like the Senate to focus on?
- I would like the Senate to focus on improving access to education and addressing the small everyday problems that affect students’ daily lives. Sometimes it is the simple issues that make a big difference in a student’s experience, and I believe Senate should work on making student life smoother, more supportive, and more accessible.
What personal/professional gains do you hope to receive from the Senate?
- I hope to strengthen my leadership and advocacy skills through my involvement in the Senate. I also want to build meaningful connections and improve my ability to communicate my ideas clearly with others. Most importantly, I want to learn how to work collaboratively so that ideas can be turned into practical, implementable solutions that benefit students.
Noah Plahn
What skills will you bring to the Student Senate?
- As the President of both the Phi Xi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and Kappa Beta Delta, I bring a proven track record of executive leadership and the ability to manage multiple high-stakes organizational goals simultaneously. My experience running for PTK International President has sharpened my advocacy and public speaking skills, allowing me to represent diverse student interests to administration and community stakeholders effectively. I offer a results-oriented approach to leadership, with a focus on building professional partnerships and executing large-scale campus events that serve the entire student body.
What area of concern would you like the Senate to focus on?
- I would like the Senate to focus on strengthening the bridge between our campus and the local professional community. My goal is to leverage my experience building partnerships, such as our current project with the Maple Grove Rotary, to create more high-impact mentorship and networking opportunities for students. Additionally, I want to focus on increasing cross-club collaboration; by fostering a more integrated environment between our various student organizations and the Senate, we can ensure that every student has a clear pathway to leadership and professional development during their time at NHCC.
What personal/professional gains do you hope to receive from the Senate?
- Through this role, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of institutional governance and the complexities of collegiate policy-making. While my current leadership roles are focused on honors and business sectors, the Student Senate provides the opportunity to lead a much broader, more diverse student body, which will challenge me to balance competing interests and find unified solutions. Ultimately, I hope to refine my ability to create lasting, systemic change that benefits the entire campus community well beyond my tenure.
Vice President:
Gabriel Goncalves Costa Siqueira
What skills will you bring to the Student Senate?
- I am bringing my positivity, proactivity and willingness to help students with any concern they have on campus.
What area of concern would you like the Senate to focus on?
- I would like the Senate to focus on student mental health, the cost of college, and student success.
What personal/professional gains do you hope to receive from the Senate?
- I am bringing my personal experience being an international student at NHCC, customer service experience working in the admissions office as a Student Ambassador, and knowledge about the major I am studying.
Secretary:
Joshua Dykhoff
What skills will you bring to the Student Senate?
- I’ve already been Secretary for the Sp26 semester, hoping to continue if I'm doing well. I'm punctual, vocal about student needs, and have connections to recreation and theatre programs. In addition, I'm also currently on the student Because of all the time I'm on campus, people tend to call on me for an extra hand with things. :)
What area of concern would you like the Senate to focus on?
- Three main things: - Student Morale/Life - Expanding Work Study eligibility - Public Safety reporting procedures/drills (making the theatre programs more popular is a sub-priority, we actually have a good and growing program, hoping to nurture the flame).
What personal/professional gains do you hope to receive from the Senate?
- Public Speaking Experience, Networking, but overall since joining Senate I find that there's a lot of potential in the student body, and I hope to provide more ways to enrich that.
Manisha Roberts
What skills will you bring to the Student Senate?
- I previously held a Secretary role for my local union for over 2 years. Initially ran for an e-board position, which I served for over 4 years, then secretary for over 2 years, then President for about a year or so before transferring agencies which required me to resign, but after a couple of years with my new agency I joined e-board with my new local, and currently hold that seat. Although, I hold over 10 years of experience, I still allow room for growth and change. I come with skills but only as an addition.
What area of concern would you like the Senate to focus on?
- Continuous focus on bridging the gap between administration and students, continue to enhance student engagement, enhance on current campus life activities, but most importantly engaging my fellow classmates / and students on campus. Making sure their inclusive with senate activities, being transparent and following all guidelines.
What personal/professional gains do you hope to receive from the Senate?
- Personally and professionally I want to learn to embrace change, overcome public speaking fears, learn to stop underestimating myself, learn from my peers, take on another leadership role, build / add more to my resume, be part of an amazing comradery, and be a part of something positive while staying engage.
Treasurer:
Amira Jama
What skills will you bring to the Student Senate?
- So I have been treasurer for spring semester and was the previous student senator before that. My ability to communicate within the community in our school to get effective feedback for student senate to use had been found very helpful because I was able to open doors of opportunity for the Muslim community to be able to have an easier Ramadan and come up with creative ways to promote different clubs to join through incentives and assisted with tablings during my free time and I am always in office for student senate Monday through Thursday. As an active member I have been able to advocate for ways to market our school as well through posters and events that we could do outside of school and I always try to participate to events outside of school like LeadMN. My leadership skills are still in development but have so far improved since joining student senate. Besides my work in student senate I am a board member of Salaam club which contributes to bringing in our schools community to divulge themselves in fun events like Henna and fundraisers which brought awareness of people being interested of what we represent of a club. Before becoming a board member I was encouraged to because of the Ideas that revolved around the club helped bring in some people’s interest in do fun activities with club members. My strategic thinking and problem solving with issues, creativity, conflict resolution, and adaptability to unforeseeable situations (which we Salaam club have experienced after miscommunication) that I have experienced make me fit for such a role.
What area of concern would you like the Senate to focus on?
- One of them is promotions and getting more student activities. We see a lot of students roaming round campus center and want to include them in our school community so it became student senate goal through events to bring students together while promoting our club so we can get more students feedback and fill in leadership goals. One of the other things I have been interested in is voicing out our concerns as members of LeadMN so the senate of Minnesota can hear our voices and concerns.
What personal/professional gains do you hope to receive from the Senate?
- I hope to further develop my leadership skills since I had experienced what it was like for the first time when attending student budget meeting. It was a wonderful experience to be able to be apart of big decision revolving the organizations in student life. I want to harness some delegable qualities for the future to be able to step out of my comfort zone.
Public Relations Coordinator:
Cherise Omondi
What skills will you bring to the Student Senate?
- As a nursing student, I bring strong time-management, teamwork, communication, and critical-thinking skills. Nursing education requires collaboration, accountability, and attention to detail, which will help me contribute effectively to Student Senate initiatives. I am also passionate about promoting student wellness and creating supportive environments that help students succeed academically and personally.
What area of concern would you like the Senate to focus on?
- I would like the Senate to focus on student wellness, academic support, and increasing awareness of campus resources. Many students experience stress related to balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities. Strengthening wellness programs, peer support opportunities, and resource visibility can improve student success and retention.
What personal/professional gains do you hope to receive from the Senate?
- I hope to gain leadership experience, improve my public speaking and collaboration skills, and contribute meaningfully to the student community. Serving in Student Senate will help me grow professionally as I prepare for a future career in nursing, where leadership, advocacy, and teamwork are essential.
Legislative Coordinator:
Kaddijatou Njie
What skills will you bring to the Student Senate?
- Being an introvert, I want to step outside my comfort zone and grow by serving in the Student Senate. I am a thoughtful listener who observes carefully before speaking, which helps me understand different perspectives. I may be quiet at first, but I am reflective, organized, and intentional in my actions. Joining the Senate is an opportunity for me to challenge myself, build stronger communication skills, and contribute meaningfully to improving the student experience. I am ready to grow while also bringing a calm, focused, and respectful presence to the team.
What area of concern would you like the Senate to focus on?
- The Student Senate should focus on strengthening student support services, improving communication between students and administration, and increasing campus involvement opportunities. Prioritising mental health, academic resources, and student representation will help create a more supportive and inclusive campus environment.
What personal/professional gains do you hope to receive from the Senate?
- Through serving in the Student Senate, I hope to gain leadership experience, strengthen my communication and teamwork skills, and better understand how student governance works. As an introvert, I also hope this role will help me grow more confident in speaking up, sharing my ideas, and engaging with others in a professional setting.
Diversity & Equity Coordinator:
Emmanuel Aggrey
What skills will you bring to the Student Senate?
- Having worked in student life office, I have first and understanding of the administrative process and student engagement strategies here at North Hennepin community college and I can hit the ground running without learning the curve. On addition to that, I have already built professional relationship with most of the staffs and most of the student groups, which will allow me to be more effective between the Senate and the general student body. I am currently working on expanding my relationship with both other faculty members and other student bodies at large to ensure that I am more effective.
What area of concern would you like the Senate to focus on?
- I would like the senate to focus on accessibility of student services. From my experience working with Student life, I have seen which resources students use the most and which ones they struggle to find and therefore I would like the senate to focus on lining communication so that every student knows how to access diversity and equity support and LeadMN opportunities. Additionally, at my point of view, I also want the Senate to ensure that projects the Senate works on a directly aligned with the real timeline. I have observed while working with broader student population here at NHCC.
What personal/professional gains do you hope to receive from the Senate?
- I hope to gain deeper understanding of Robert’s Rules of Order and institutional policy to become more effective advocate for my peers. I also hope to refine my ability to lead committees, and manage public responsibilities since it will prepare me for my career in management and information systems. Finally, I hope to connect with student leaders across the senate through LeadMN to share best practices of equity and inclusion.
Julianna Mokhanhtha
What skills will you bring to the Student Senate?
- I am an effective communicator and leader (basic leadership skills). I am a strong communicator that is motivated by gaining experience. I’ve engaged and interacted with people from all different backgrounds and know I will excel with advocating for the community and assisting people who need help. I have held previous leadership roles and have a strong sense of guidance. I am familiar with posting on social media and creating/organizing flyers.
What area of concern would you like the Senate to focus on?
- The senate should focus more on how students attending NHCC can balance school and work, especially for new students. It is important that individuals who choose to receive higher education here at NHCC are able to balance their responsibilities without being overwhelmed and stressed. Many students can’t balance it, which results in them dropping out of school to focus on work, or quitting their job and being unable to pay for their college. This is a huge issue that needs to be addressed and taken care of.
What personal/professional gains do you hope to receive from the Senate?
- As I mentioned before, I am driven by gaining experience. I want to be a leader who can set an example and see what other people contribute to the Student Senate. I think the best part about working collaboratively is learning from others and having strong networks
Senator At-Large:
Wendy Narvaez Rodriguez
What skills will you bring to the Student Senate?
I hope to bring positivity and inclusion and unity for all students. As well pushing people out of there comfort zone so they can reach their full potential!
What area of concern would you like the Senate to focus on?
- Inclusion and Student metal health. No one should feel alone while they are in college. It is really easy to forget that we are in this together. I want to change the culture make sure if people want connection they can make friends if they are comfortable doing so. Making a place where every person no matter what major can come and chat or do homework whatever they need to make them feel safe.
What personal/professional gains do you hope to receive from the Senate?
- I hope that this experience can being me networking skills and help me learn to become better at public speaking as well as making decisions in a timely and decisive manner.
Lethy Saye
What skills will you bring to the Student Senate?
- I bring strong communication skills and the ability to connect with ALL types of people. I’m someone who will always listen first, but I’m also NOT afraid to speak up when something needs to be said. I’m dependable, I follow through on what I commit to, and take pride in following my moral compass. I’m also good at staying organized and balancing multiple responsibilities, which helps me show up consistently. Overall, I bring a positive attitude, accountability, and a willingness to learn and grow while working with others.
What area of concern would you like the Senate to focus on?
- Dealing with family situations, or going through personal challenges while trying to succeed academically. I think increasing awareness of resources and making them more accessible would make a big difference. I’d also like to focus on creating a stronger sense of community so students feel more connected and supported on campus.
What personal/professional gains do you hope to receive from the Senate?
- I hope to gain leadership experience and grow my confidence in speaking up and representing others. I want to build stronger communication and teamwork skills while learning how decisions are made at the college level. Professionally, I believe this experience will help prepare me for my future career by strengthening my ability to advocate for others and work in a team setting. Personally, I’m looking forward to stepping outside of my comfort zone and becoming more involved in my school community.
Good luck to all of the Student Senate candidates!