PARSONS CANDIDATES

I am an interdisciplinary artist who loves experimenting with textures, meandering lines, emotional intangibles, and more. I am currently a Parsons Illustration Junior minoring in Printmaking. I love my friends and family, making and seeing animation and memes, and spending fun times with my cat Toasty!

Despite having experienced some difficult times at The New School, I can proudly say that I love being here. Nothing would make me happier than being with everyone I've met. I cherish the diverse and inclusive community we are building together—this is where I truly feel I belong.

As a current Illustration Junior, I have been in the school for quite a while and have seen, heard, and experienced many joys, and of course frustrations. Many of them came from my beloved, talented friends in various departments and programs. I genuinely care about my schoolmates and their well-being. Especially as an international student myself, I understand that it's never easy for anyone to make their way into this higher education, and nobody's precious time spent here should have been felt like a waste. I want to provoke positive changes with the experiences and knowledge I've gained through the years and put real effort into making everyone I love happy and satisfied with their time here. I believe there is no better way to make an impact than being in the student senate itself. 

As someone who attends multiple university-wide electives, events, and clubs and has friends from almost all majors and minors under the Parsons School of Design, I am comfortable reaching out to students of any background and learning about their educational life, opinions, and needs. I consider myself a genuine, approachable and diligent person, and I have confidence in working to receive constructive and honest feedback from the students. I also have faith in my organizing skills to compile the information clearly and deliver it where necessary. My methods of gathering and hearing students’ voices of my college would include but not be limited to online petitions, social media campaigns, feedback questionnaires, in-person conversations/interviews, and events/assemblies. I would also love to reach out politely to the heads of the departments and those who are in charge of a specific issue.

I have been one of the Illustration Department's Student Representatives since 2023. I am also active in numerous clubs, including The Animation Student Group, the WIA Association, the Printmaking Club, etc. 

One of the significant events I contributed to was holding the Parsons Table at the MoCCA Arts Fest. I handled work selection and email communication. This year, I was in charge of setup design and tabling.

The other significant event was the Illustration Mixer, which gathers students---especially Illustration Major Students, to get to know the Major, socialize, and have a great time. I was in charge of preparation and the event poster designs.

As an Illustration Student Representative, I contribute meaningfully to our bi-weekly meetings while being mindful of my peers' well-being. I have initiated and gathered constructive feedback from students towards a particular section of studios and discussed it with our head of department; the issues have since considerably softened and are experiencing positive change. 

Meanwhile, this semester, I am also a volunteer for the Parsons Animation Festival and have designed one of the Open Call posters. 

Moreover, I am one of the guest speakers at critiques for Professor Alaiyo Bradshaw's electives.

I run on the objectives of improving students' satisfaction with their time at school, making positive changes to educational/recreational environments on campus, acquiring necessary resources for students (registration/club funding/access to & petition to fund the making centers/thesis shows), etc. I run on the objectives of making talented aspiring students enjoy and make use of their time here to the fullest at The New School and making the people I love happy, with no cloud of doubt about where their tuitions were spent.

I’m Gabrielle Geftman, a creative who thrives on connecting with people and bringing ideas to life. I’m starting my grad program at Parsons this fall, and I’m excited to dive into a new chapter at The New School. I’ve always been someone who enjoys taking on new challenges and finding ways to make things better—whether through design, leadership, or simply making sure people feel supported. I’m passionate about making sure everyone feels included and heard, and I’m always up for finding new ways to bring people together. Outside of school, I'm an art director for a clothing brand, which has taught me a lot about collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. I’m eager to use those skills to help create a student experience that’s supportive, engaging, and full of opportunities for everyone.

I’m excited to run for the University Student Senate as an incoming graduate student at Parsons School of Design. With a background in art direction and brand storytelling, I believe in the power of creativity to drive meaningful change—and I want to bring that energy to The New School.

As I begin my master’s program, I am looking for ways to get involved beyond the classroom and help shape a supportive, inspiring, and equitable experience for all students. I’m particularly interested in advocating for stronger cross-college collaboration, increased visibility and resources for creative work, and transparent communication between students and administration.

I see the Senate as a space to listen, create, and lead with purpose. I want to represent voices that might otherwise go unheard, and make sure the student body feels seen, supported, and celebrated.

As a representative for Parsons, I would work to ensure that all students—regardless of discipline—feel seen, supported, and empowered in their creative journeys. I understand the unique pressures and passions that come with being a design student, and I’m committed to advocating for resources that foster both artistic exploration and professional growth.

I will actively listen to my peers, prioritize transparency, and make space for a wide range of voices, especially those who are often overlooked. I’m passionate about cultivating community across departments, increasing access to opportunities, and elevating student work through events, initiatives, and open dialogue.

My goal is to serve not just as a voice for students, but a bridge between them and the greater New School community. Through collaborative leadership, clear communication, and a creative lens, I’ll strive to represent Parsons students with purpose, authenticity, and care.

Although I’m new to The New School, I’ve gained valuable experience through various student organizations at both Temple University and the University of Florida. At Temple University’s Tyler School of Art and Architecture, I was involved in the Tyler Photography Club and Tyler Design Club, where I participated in exhibitions, creative workshops, and design projects. I also worked with Aperture Agency, a student-run photography agency, where I collaborated on projects and gained crucial teamwork and leadership skills.

At the University of Florida, I was a member of The Retail Society, the Florida Business Leadership Society, and was part of the social media team for Rowdy Magazine, a student-run publication. These roles helped me develop strong communication, project management, and creative direction skills while working with diverse teams.

These experiences have taught me the importance of collaboration, listening to various perspectives, and advocating for the needs of the community. I plan to bring these skills to the University Student Senate, ensuring that all student voices are heard and that we work together to create a more inclusive and supportive campus environment.

1. Fostering Cross-Department Collaboration

As a graduate student at Parsons, I understand the power of creative exchange. I’ll work to create more opportunities for students across departments to collaborate—whether through events, interdisciplinary projects, or networking opportunities—fostering a stronger, more unified community.

2. Amplifying Student Voices and Representation

I am committed to ensuring that all student voices, especially those from underrepresented groups, are heard and valued. I will actively listen to my peers and advocate for initiatives that prioritize inclusivity, support, and equal access to resources for every student.

3. Enhancing Student Wellness and Support Systems

The pressures of academic life can be overwhelming, especially in a creative field. I will push for improved mental health resources, wellness programs, and academic support tailored to the needs of graduate students, ensuring everyone has the tools to succeed without compromising their well-being.

4. Transparency and Accountability in Budgeting

I will advocate for a transparent and balanced budget for student funding—ensuring that resources for student initiatives, clubs, and events are allocated fairly and that the student body is informed about how funds are used.

5. Elevating Student Work and Achievements

I will work to celebrate student work—whether through exhibitions, showcases, or online platforms—so that creative contributions are recognized and celebrated, strengthening the community’s sense of pride and purpose.

I believe I'm empathetic, extraverted and good listener. I've been told I'm a good mediator, I'm resilient and reliable. 

To be very brief, I come from a sports background, having played a lot of domestic soccer in Dubai and national level of cricket for my country (UAE). Playing a sport meant being a part of a team and a larger goal that we collectively work towards where everyone has a role to play and represent a specific part of that team. While I did have loads of fun, this platform taught me discipline, resilience, strategy and most importantly collaboration. It has its ups and downs, but every game is a different experience that teaches you something and has a collective energy towards something bigger. I believe this is where my interest for this position comes to play. 

Parsons I believe has a great name attached to it giving students the opportunity to prosper well post our education. The current core problem I have come across is the school support to push the master's cohort the right way through placements or more valuable career fairs or networking sessions. I want to be able to bring this to the table. Being a current strategic design student my whole foundation is built around navigating a problem and solving for it. This is a core problem that I see at the moment but I'm looking to analyze more and be a voice to communicate and mitigate other student facing problems.

I'm part of the student activities board at parsons/ Represent the UAE Women's cricket team/ Captained my undergraduate soccer team

My objectives: To work towards ensuring career success opportunities for students/ To push interuniversity collaborations and learnings, either within parsons or outside/ To build more communities within parsons that contributes to additional learning as well as extra curricular success

I’m Aanya, a second-year fashion design and fashion business student at Parsons School of Design. My mission is to create ethical, sustainable fashion that inspires change. I don’t see fashion as just clothing, it’s a movement and a platform for innovation and impact. I aim to use fashion to raise awareness for global issues and create a better world through creativity.

I’m interested in being a candidate for the University Student Senate because I want to help make campus a better place for all students. I believe in creating an inclusive environment where every student feels heard and supported. I’m a good listener, I like working with others, and I’m ready to speak up for what students need.

I will represent the students of my college by listening to their ideas, concerns, and feedback, and bringing those voices to the Student Senate. I want to make sure everyone feels included and knows their opinions matter. I’ll stay connected with students, keep them updated, and make decisions that reflect what’s best for our college community.

I have experience as a student community leader for the Parsons BFA Fashion program, where I’ve been involved for the past semester. In this role, I help organize events and work with faculty to improve program resources. This opportunity has taught me how to lead, communicate effectively, and collaborate with others. I enjoy being actively involved in the school community.

I’m running to strengthen communication between students and the Senate by making sure everyone feels heard and seen. I want to help create a more inclusive and welcoming campus where all students feel like they belong. I also plan to advocate for student needs, whether that’s academic support, better resources, or student life improvements. Mental health is also a priority for me, and I want to help promote more awareness and access to support services.

My motto—"Every shot you don’t take is a missed opportunity"—guides how I approach life. Whether it’s speaking up for others, pursuing new challenges, or building connections, I believe in seizing every opportunity to make a difference. At our school, I want to help foster a strong sense of community, where students feel empowered to take their own shots, embrace their potential, and support one another in the process.

As an international student from Germany at Parsons School of Design, I recognize the privilege of attending this institution and feel a strong responsibility to contribute to our community. I am committed to advocating for a fair, ethical, and inclusive environment that supports students from all backgrounds. By serving as a Candidate/Senator for the University Student Senate, I aim to ensure that student voices are heard, concerns are addressed, and positive changes are implemented for a more equitable and globally connected school community navigating through times where not every individual has the power to stand/ speak for themselves.

As an international student fluent in four languages, I bring a global perspective to representing the diverse student body of Parsons. My unique blend of creative energy and analytical thinking allows me to approach challenges with an open mind and embracing innovation while learning from those with different perspectives.To me parsons is so special as it’s a community filled with diversity in any aspect. My priority would be to highlight our differences while connecting us via our shared interest and mindset to utilize creativity and a passion for design and the arts to make a change in the world and set positive trends 

Student Prefect (Elected out of 120 students) – Represented student body, facilitated communication between students and administration.

Valedictorian – Selected as the graduating class speaker for academic and leadership excellence.

Varsity Tennis Captain – Led team practices, fostered teamwork, and represented school in competitions.

Varsity Soccer Captain – Organized team activities, motivated players, and contributed to strategic game planning.

Ridley College Nutrition Club (Co-Founder/Member) – Worked to improve dining hall food quality and nutritional options.

Model United Nations (MUN) Chair – Led debates, guided students in diplomatic discussions, and helped organize conferences.

DECA Co-Chair – Managed business case competitions, mentored students in entrepreneurship and finance.

Finance Magazine Intern – Gained experience in financial journalism, research, and presenting information effectively.

BBA Mentorship Program – Engaged in mentorship with other Newschool students 

I am an international student from Germany with a passion for creativity, leadership, and bringing people together. Having studied in diverse environments, I’ve learned the value of listening, adapting, and embracing different perspectives in German / English / Spanish and mandarin. My experiences as a student leader, athlete, and mentor have shaped my belief that taking risks and stepping outside of our comfort zones is essential for growth.

I’m Amirarsalan Hor, a passionate design thinker, community organizer, and international student from Iran. I’ve worked on social change projects, launched two startups, and led student associations focused on freedom, democracy, and civic engagement. Last year, I was elected as a University Student Senator, but due to visa issues, I couldn't make it to New York in time and had to resign. This year, I’m more determined than ever, with strong hopes of joining the campus community soon and bringing my experience, voice, and dedication to students from all backgrounds. I bring a global perspective because of my nationality, a strong belief in classical liberal values like individual liberty, dialogue, and democratic governance, and a desire to make sure every student's voice is heard and valued at The New School.

My interest in serving as a Senator for the University Student Senate comes from a deep commitment to student advocacy, community building, and constructive change. Last academic year, I was honored to be elected as a Senator, but unfortunately, due to visa issues, I was unable to arrive in the U.S. and had to resign my position. This year, I am confident that I will receive my visa and am fully committed to actively contributing to our university community. 

As an international student deeply engaged in social change, community development, and cross-cultural collaboration, I am eager to serve as a Senator to amplify student voices—especially those navigating financial, immigration, or systemic barriers. 

My experience leading student associations, advocating for reform, and launching entrepreneurial initiatives has taught me the power of collective action. I see the University Student Senate as a space where I can help connect diverse student needs with impactful solutions and build a more inclusive and empowered student community.

I will represent the students of my college by being a proactive, approachable, and empathetic advocate for their needs and concerns. I believe that USS should focus on student life not politics outside university that mostly has been used by senate members for show off. I plan to regularly engage with students through open conversations, surveys, and forums to understand their experiences and priorities. I will ensure their voices are heard at Senate meetings and work to translate their feedback into actionable proposals. My goal is to create stronger connections between the administration and student body, advocate for policies that support academic, financial, and social wellbeing.

University of Isfahan – Rahe-Omid Student Association (2018–2022)

Founder & President

Led over 40 programs, including workshops, lectures, and publications focused on political freedom, civic engagement, and social dialogue. Coordinated with students from multiple departments to create an inclusive space for reform-oriented discussions.

Shahrekord University – Student Union & Civic Groups (2016–2018)

Co-founder & Member

Actively participated in founding local student civic groups to promote student rights and dialogue with university administration.

Isfahan Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (2019–2023)

Innovation Expert / Ecosystem Contributor

Played key roles in organizing events and mentorship programs to support startups and young entrepreneurs, especially in the agricultural and tech sectors.

The New School – Elected Student Senator (2024–2025)

Position Resigned due to Visa Denial

Elected as a University Student Senator but had to resign after being unable to secure a visa. Remained actively connected with students and staff and continued supporting initiatives remotely.

International Student Advocacy

Support for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Drive Structural Transparency

I am an international student from South Korea with a dual background in design and business. From leading a military squad to interning in fashion and volunteering in public health, I’ve consistently worked at the intersection of leadership, empathy, and strategy. I want to continue pushing myself to grow and contribute by taking on new responsibilities—especially those that help me engage more deeply with the TNS community as an international student. I believe student governance should be proactive, inclusive, and imaginative—just like the students it serves. I’m committed to helping make The New School a more welcoming and inclusive community for all students—especially those who may be struggling to adapt or who tend to be more reserved or shy.

As a Strategic Design and Management student at Parsons with a foundation in Business Management, I am deeply interested in representing the voices of students who navigate creative and business disciplines. I see the Senate as a platform to bridge diverse student needs and push for meaningful, student-driven change. As an international student, I also view this opportunity as a valuable chance to challenge myself, grow personally, and better adapt to the Parsons community through active engagement, responsibility, and service.

I will actively engage with students to understand their evolving needs, advocate for better career development resources, improve communication between administration and students, and promote wellness and inclusion on campus. Through open feedback, regular check-ins, and transparency in decision-making, I aim to create a representative body that genuinely reflects the student community’s interests and challenges.

1. Korean Medical Association (2016–2021): Participated in monthly volunteer campaigns supporting marginalized communities.

2. Military Squad Leader – Republic of Korea Army (2021-2022): Led a squad, coordinated missions, and received awards for excellence in leadership and creativity (By the Ministry of Defense, ROK).

3. Scheduling Manager – Hoshi Takoyaki, Japanese Restaurant (2023–2024): Oversaw staff schedules, enhanced customer communication, and launched social media outreach.

4. Fashion Design Intern – Castelbajac (2023–2024): Collaborated on creative and operational projects, balancing design innovation with strategic execution.

5. Parsons & FIT Academic Honors: Scholarship Recipient and Deans List.

- Strengthen support for international and transfer students

- Develop and distribute a digital/print guide with curated resources for new and transferring international students—covering academic support, visa logistics, tax tips, and emotional wellness.

- Make a strong effort to expand access to internship opportunities and organize networking events that are especially welcoming and inclusive for introverted students who may not typically participate.

- Internship Peer Map (Create a shared, anonymous TNS-wide “internship experience map” where students can submit internship experiences, reviews, and tips by industry, company, or visa-friendliness. <To help students who lack knowledge or are struggling in applying for internships.>)

- Promote community-building events that everyone can attend without being isolated or alone.

- Amplify student voices through forums, surveys, and Senate-led workshops

- Bridge the gap between creative disciplines and business strategy for interdisciplinary collaboration.

I’m Shoro (they/them) — a South Asian, queer, neurodivergent designer and strategist studying Strategic Design & Management at Parsons. My background spans product design, mutual aid, music, research, and community organizing. I’ve worked in industry, taught students, built shelters, led cultural festivals, and supported grassroots initiatives in India and the U.S.

I’ve always been drawn to work that bridges care and structure — designing inclusive systems, mentoring students, volunteering in community settings, and organizing across disciplines. That same instinct fuels my interest in joining the Student Senate at The New School.

Parsons students are resilient and visionary, but we also face a unique combination of pressure and precarity. Whether it's financial stress, unclear academic structures, or visa-related restrictions, our ability to thrive often depends on navigating systems that weren’t designed with us in mind.

Student Leadership at MIT Institute of Design (India):

- DIVE (Co-founder): Peer education initiative focused on inclusive learning support and academic access, particularly for students facing identity-based and financial challenges.

- TEDxMITID (Marketing Director): Led content strategy and cross-team coordination for a large-scale public event.

- Persona Fest & 1874 Musical (Lead Organizer): Coordinated timelines, partnerships, and logistics across student teams.

- Founder, Campus Animal Shelter: Launched a student-run initiative focused on rescue and advocacy, organizing volunteers, campaigns, and stakeholder meetings.

Volunteer Work:

- Door Step School: Provided hybrid learning and emotional support to children during pandemic school closures.

- TIEEDI (Sustainability): Worked on permaculture and waste education systems in Himalayan regions.

- ResQ (Animal Welfare): Supported animal rescue, care logistics, and adoption drives.

Professional Experience:

In past design roles at companies like Microsoft, I led cross-functional and research-heavy projects that involved building consensus, advocating for users, and thinking systemically. These experiences gave me the tools to navigate bureaucracy with empathy and organize effectively — skills I now apply to student research and policy advocacy at Parsons.

1. Transparency Around Policy, Budget & Priorities

Push for accessible, timely updates around tuition, budget changes, and institutional decisions — so students can organize and act early, not react last-minute.

2. Creative and Academic Resource Access

Advocate for smoother, more equitable access to equipment, funding, and studio spaces — with more student input in how systems are designed and implemented.

3. Protection and Support for Vulnerable Students

Work on systems of support for students facing deportation risks, legal insecurity, financial precarity, or lack of healthcare access. This includes pushing for emergency funds, policy clarity, and safe spaces for advocacy.

4. Career Pathways and Creative Futures

Collaborate with departments and offices to co-design better support for creative and interdisciplinary careers — job fairs, grant directories, research publishing support, and more transparency around paid opportunities.

5. Cross-School Mutual Aid and Collaboration Network

Help build an inter-college mutual aid network for project collaboration, skill exchange, and emotional and academic support — centered on accessibility and student self-determination.

6. Participatory Feedback Systems

Use my background in UX and research to design living feedback tools that actually impact Senate decisions, funding priorities, and university policies.