GISA Spring Election 2024: Candidate Profiles – President (1)

In conversation with Angello Leon, MINT 1st year.

Q. Why do you think you are the best candidate for the role of President?

I believe I am the best candidate for President of GISA because of my deep commitment to improving students’ lives and my approach to proactive leadership. My life at the Graduate Institute has been of active engagement and listening, where I interacted with and valued diverse student perspectives to better understand and meet our collective needs. My ability to empathize with fellow students and my motivation to encourage an inclusive and supportive environment motivates me to lead. As President, I intend to use these qualities to effectively advocate for all students, ensuring that our voices are not only heard but that they act to create meaningful change.

Q. How will your experiences as a student at the Institute shape your approach to the role of President?

As a student at the Institute and resident at the Grand Morillon student residence, I’ve gained a valuable understanding of the dynamic environment in which we operate. This experience has been foundational in shaping my approach to the presidency. I’ve actively engaged with a broad spectrum of students, consistently seeking their perspectives on issues that affect our community not only engaging with them after class but also creating long lasting bonds with my housemates. This dialogue has informed and allowed me to advocate for changes that reflect our collective voice. I have participated in events of the Institute organized by the initiatives, always trying to help everyone feel welcome to this multicultural space. I strive to understand the context surrounding key issues at IHEID to ensure my approach is proactive and well-informed.

Q. What other experience do you believe qualifies you for the role of President?

My professional background uniquely qualifies me for this role. When I was an assistant manager at a martial arts school, I taught classes to clients of all ages and served as a high-rank judge in tournaments and tests. I developed strong leadership and decision-making skills, learning to manage teams and work under pressure while maintaining integrity and fairness. As Treasurer of the Model United Nations club at UNO, I improved my organizational, networking, and negotiation skills. Moreover, my position as a Housing Counselor required me to participate in community engagement and outreach where I helped misrepresented communities, gaining insights into partnership development with local NGOs and stakeholders. Additionally, I organized a new student call “get-to-know-each-other” to help students develop friendships before arriving in Geneva and eliminate a sense of isolation. As Class Rep, I’ve represented students in my cohort while meeting with faculty as well as bringing everyone together for activities.

Q. If elected, what would be your primary goal as President?

My primary goal as President would be to focus on the issue regarding Housing. Living at Grand Morillons for the past few months, I realize how fortunate I am compared to some of our colleagues at the Institute who struggle to find accommodation. Life in Geneva is anything but a smooth transition for newcomers and even when housing is available, the prices are not adapted to a student budget. In addition to this, summer is the busiest time of the year regarding this, as not only 1st and 2nd years trying to find appropriate housing, but we have incoming new students who will also be in need. Feeling welcome starts by having a place to call home, even abroad. Making sure contracts match the length of study and try to add other options and assistance by partnering with the Swiss Tenant Association (ASLOCA) and non-profit organization, La Ciguë.

Q. As president, how would you foster a collaborative and inclusive environment that empowers all members to contribute their ideas and perspectives effectively?

The Initiatives are imperative in the promotion of an inclusive environment that also acts as a safe space. However, I’ve heard the sentiment of some students that the regional initiatives such as MENA, LANI and ASA act as a piece of home for many of us, they can also sometimes isolate us from others. I want to promote a spirit of cooperation among initiatives and exchange of cultural activities. Of course, one of the challenges is turnout. I want to cooperate with the boards and heads of initiatives on potential strategies to achieve high turnout.

Q. Describe your vision for enhancing the organization’s reputation and impact on campus. What new initiatives or changes would you propose to raise its profile and better serve the student community?

As mentioned before, I want to foster a safe and inclusive environment for all students. I want to improve the quality of life for our students at the Institute so that they may perform at the best of their capabilities. Most of us are foreign students already going through the hardship of moving across oceans to live in another country. I want us to increase satisfaction and our effectiveness as students will create outstanding professionals whose achievements will motivate the next generations. I am not here to speak for you, but to allow you to be heard.

Voting for the 2024 Spring Semester GISA Elections will open on Friday, May 3rd, at 17:00, when students will receive the online voting form, and remain open for 48 hours until Sunday, May 5th, at 17:00, with the results announced on May 6th at 10:00. The winner will be declared by a plurality of votes, requiring the winner to have the largest vote share among the other candidates, official abstentions, and write in candidates. Best wishes to all the candidates from the TGP Editorial Board!

Photo provided by Angello Leon