The Student Association is composed of 15 representatives from undergraduate and graduate programs. The representatives serve a term of one year (September-June) and are elected by the student body during elections held each spring semester. Students may self-nominate to run for Student Association by sending an email to the Office of Student Life: studentlife@sps.cuny.edu.
The Student Association representatives must be in good academic standing by earning and maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0 for undergraduates and 3.0 for graduates and satisfactory academic progress towards completion of your degree.
To contact the Student Association please send an email to studentassociation@sps.cuny.edu.
Representatives
Aftab Abrahim
At-Large Steering Officer
BS in Health Services Administration
Aftab is interested in serving on the Student Association because he wants to be more involved and make a meaningful impact on student life. As a full-time student who also works, he understands the challenges many students face balancing responsibilities. He wants to advocate for better resources, stronger communication, and more opportunities for students to succeed. Aftab is committed to representing student voices, bringing forward new ideas, and helping create a more connected and supportive community. He believes he can contribute positively and help improve the overall student experience.
Ria Arora
At-Large Steering Officer
BS in Health Services Administration
Aftab is interested in serving on the Student Association because he wants to be more involved and make a meaningful impact on student life. As a full-time student who also works, he understands the challenges many students face balancing responsibilities. He wants to advocate for better resources, stronger communication, and more opportunities for students to succeed. Aftab is committed to representing student voices, bringing forward new ideas, and helping create a more connected and supportive community. He believes he can contribute positively and help improve the overall student experience.
Cheyenne Belizaire
Treasurer
Advanced Certificate in Youth Studies
Cheyenne is a youth development professional, Site Program Manager, and graduate student at CUNY SPS. With over eight years of experience, she creates structured, healing-centered environments that promote youth voice and leadership. She leads a 21st Century Community Learning Center serving 140+ Bronx students, overseeing staff, compliance, and engagement strategies. Cheyenne serves on the Youth Studies Advisory Board and Bronx Community Board District 6 Youth and Education Committee. She is enrolled in the Advanced Certificate in Youth Studies and will begin the Advanced Certificate in Early Childhood Policy in Fall 2026, pursuing a Doctor of Public Policy in Education Policy.
Janaah is a dedicated and driven student completing a degree in Developmental Psychology with a minor in Sociology. As a thought leader and student advocate, and mentor, she is deeply committed to promoting mental health awareness, supporting marginalized communities, and leading with positivity. Her passion lies in fostering and maintaining meaningful connections, ensuring that her peers feel seen, supported, and empowered. Outside of her academic pursuits, Janaah channels her creativity and insight as a freelance writer, exploring topics that intersect with culture, wellness, and social advocacy.
Omari Cannon is a Human Relations Major at the CUNY School of Professional Studies pursing a bachelor's degree. She is the Founder of Lessons to Blessings Inc., a community-based organization empowering families through self-development workshops. She leads weekly programming in the Bronx and on Zoom, supporting youth and families in building confidence, communication, and self-awareness. Omari is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and actively participates in the Parent Club, Creative Writing Club, and the Human Relations and Sociology Club. Her leadership is rooted in service, advocacy, and creating meaningful impact, with a strong commitment to strengthening communities and uplifting student voices.
Nicole Carr
Technology Editor and University Student Senate Undergrad Delegate
BPS in Applied Management and Entrepreneurship
Nicole Carr is a dedicated and accomplished student currently in her first year at the CUNY SPS, where she is pursuing a bachelor's degree in applied management and entrepreneurship. With a strong commitment to community service, Nicole actively volunteers to feed the homeless and organizes fundraisers aimed at providing back-to-school supplies for children in her community. Her leadership skills were prominently displayed during her tenure as the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) President for the Urban Assembly School for Law and Justice, where she served for two years. In this role, Nicole successfully raised funds to support high school students and became a passionate advocate for parents within the community and the broader high school district. Recently, she was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), recognizing her leadership potential and commitment to excellence. Additionally, Nicole is an active member of Sigma Beta Delta Business Honors Society, further highlighting her dedication to academic achievement and professional development.
Eric Fishon
At-Large Steering Officer
Advanced Certificate in Disability Advocacy
Dr. Fishon is a graduate student at the CUNY School of Professional Studies, focused on disability studies, leadership, and inclusive education. His work centers on advancing accessibility and advocacy for individuals with unseen disabilities through research, community engagement, and collaboration with organizations such as the Invisible Disabilities Association. With a successful career in broadcasting and financial services, he brings real-world leadership and communication expertise to student engagement. Now dedicated to advocacy for differential learning, Dr. Fishon is committed to fostering inclusive, student-centered environments that support diverse learning needs and empower individuals to succeed academically, professionally, and personally within higher education and beyond.
Jessica is a disabled disability scholar-activist and founder of White Dove Disability Advocacy, a community-based and grassroots-modeled organization for disability empowerment. Her additional disability identities of neurodivergence, madness, physical impairment, chronic pain and illness, and crip time further inform her practices as an educator, currently working at North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE) as a Disability Support Services (DSS) Educational Coach.
She specializes in disability culture and narratives through the MA in Disability Studies program at CUNY School of Professional Studies. With a particular interest in anthologies, she published Enabling Disabled Expressions as one of her earliest advocacy projects at Long Beach State University, and is currently developing two anthologies focusing on multi-marginalized communities: Love Letters from the Chronically Ill-Remembered and Borders Don't Exist in Bodies.
She has spoken at over a dozen academic/literary conferences on topics surrounding digital accessibility, disability pedagogy, inclusive language, and historical/contemporary representation. These conferences include recurring presentations at Southern California Writing Centers Association (SoCal WCA), Pacific Ancient and Modern Language Association (PAMLA), Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI), and CSU Long Beach's Current Comparative Literature. Other notable conferences include CSU San Marcos's National Social Mobility Symposium, CSU Fullerton's Acacia Group, and Wichita State University's Accessibility Summer Camp.
Jose Ortega
At-Large Steering Officer and University Student Senate Undergrad Alternate
BA in Sociology
Jose Ortega is a first-generation Mexican American, born in Mexico and raised in Los Angeles. He transferred to CUNY SPS from the University of Texas at San Antonio to pursuit a B.A. in Sociology. As both an immigrant and someone who has experienced homelessness, Jose brings a unique perspective to everything he does. He believes that wanting change—whether in our own lives or in society—is not enough; we must actively take part in making it happen. That's why Jose is here—to do his part.
Krutika Patel is a returning student at CUNY SPS, currently pursuing her Masters in Generative AI. She previously graduated with a Masters in Data Science and is back to continue her academic journey. Krutika has an interest in ethical AI, with a goal to use her education in the nonprofit sector to uplift and allow access to education for underrepresented individuals. She has previously held leadership positions in various student organizations and served on the Student Association. Committed to building an engaging student life, she brings her perspective as a distant learner to create an accessible experience for all students. Outside of school, Krutika enjoys reading, films, dancing, and activities that push her outside the comfort zone one experience at a time.
Abdul Rahman
Co-Chair and University Student Senate Graduate Alternate
MS in Generative AI
Abdul Rahman brings over seven years of experience in the financial services industry, where he has led global teams across risk management, operations, and multi-asset portfolio oversight. His work has focused on scaling complex platforms, improving data-driven decision-making, and delivering high-impact solutions—skills he aims to bring into student leadership at CUNY School of Professional Studies.
In addition to his professional background, Abdul is currently working on several AI-driven startups across the marketing, real estate, and tutoring sectors, focused on building scalable, technology-enabled solutions that improve access, efficiency, and user experience.
Beyond his professional career, Abdul is a dedicated community builder. He co-founded NYGT (New York Grows Together), a statewide platform supporting professionals, students, and entrepreneurs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he helped launch a virtual incubator that connected individuals across the state and led community relief efforts recognized by New York City's Community Engagement Division.
A graduate of Queens College with a BBA in Finance and Economics, Abdul served as President of the Economics and Business Club, co-founded the Trading and Investing Club, and co-founded the Young Alumni Committee. He continues to stay engaged through advisory roles supporting students and institutional growth.
Daniel Reden is the current Student Trustee of CUNY and Chairperson of the University Student Senate. Daniel loves reading, learning, and advocating. His life experiences and lessons have shaped him to be thoughtful, understanding different perspectives and listening intently. Daniel considers the emotions and aspirations of everyone he's met. Life is meaningless without context.
J. Antonio Rivera
Co-Chair and University Student Senate Undergrad Delegate
BS in Business
J. Antonio is a Business Management student at the CUNY School of Professional Studies and a dedicated student leader committed to building stronger, more connected communities. He currently serves as President of the Creative Writing Club and Treasurer of the Photography Club, where he focuses on increasing engagement and creating meaningful opportunities for student expression. Professionally, he works in finance, bringing experience in budgeting, accountability, and organizational systems. J. Antonio is passionate about ensuring student voices are heard, respected, and represented in institutional decision-making while fostering inclusive spaces that empower students to grow academically, creatively, and professionally.
Aleysia Sargent
At-Large Steering Officer and University Student Senate Undergrad Alternate
BA in Psychology
Aleysia Sargent is currently studying Psychology here at CUNY SPS. She was born in Manhattan and raised in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn. After taking several years off, Aleysia is extremely excited to get back to school to complete her academic goals. She is an advocate of mental health and loves connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Her goal is to use my Psychology degree to pursue a career as an attorney. Aleysia hopes to use her undergraduate degree to make a difference helping underprivileged individuals in the justice system. She has always had a passion to help others and become a lawyer to aid those who need help navigating the complex webs we call the legal system and giving a voice to those in need. When she is not studying, Aleysia loves exploring New York City, taking advantage of city parks, finding new recipes, finding new bakeries to try, and making recipes at home. She is also an avid book reader who loves fantasy novels.
Arturo Soto
At-Large Steering Officer and University Student Senate Graduate Delegate
MS in Disability Studies in Higher Education
Arturo is a College & Career Counselor supporting high school students in navigating postsecondary pathways. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Disability Services in Higher Education and has a background in History and Education. Arturo previously served as President of the Committee for Disabled Students (CDS) at Queens College and as Chairperson of the CUNY-wide Coalition for Students with Disabilities (CCSD). His work is rooted in advocacy, access, and student empowerment, particularly for students with disabilities. Arturo values building meaningful relationships and creating spaces where students feel seen, supported, and capable of achieving their goals.