GISA Autumn Election 2024 Candidate Profiles: Pilar Alejandra Paradiso for Administrative Director

In conversation with Pilar Alejandra Paradiso, first year, MINT (Conflict, Peace and Security)

Q. What makes you the ideal candidate for the role of Administrative Director, and how do you believe your background will help you succeed in this position?

I believe I am the ideal candidate for the role of Administrative Director for GISA
because of my proactive approach and strong problem-solving skills. I actively seek out potential issues and areas of concern, addressing them to ensure continuous improvement. I am highly organised, detail-oriented, and committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment and am dedicated to enhancing GISA’s operations, creating a positive experience for the student body. 

Q. How do you plan to approach the role of Administrative Director in a way that ensures the smooth running of GISA’s operations and fosters a collaborative atmosphere?

I believe in hard work, a positive mindset, and collaboration. By bringing all three
qualities, I hope to serve the association and the student body, bringing results that move everyone forward.

Q. What past experiences have prepared you for the challenges of this role, and how will you use these experiences to improve GISA’s administrative efficiency?

My professional experience has prepared me for the challenges of Administrative
Director. For the past two years, I worked at an education nonprofit, Link Education Partners, near my hometown in the U.S. In this position, I assisted the fundraising team, managed project and event timelines, and expanded our donor and alumni relations networks. This role helped me develop critical skills in time management, prioritisation, and outreach. I became adept at supporting my team in any capacity needed to achieve our goals. My past roles as Secretary for my high school student association and as part of my college dance company leadership team helped me become familiar with working closely with institutional administration. These roles gave me experience navigating the bureaucratic challenges and traditional mindsets that often exist within organisations. I learned how to diplomatically push past resistance to change, advocating for student interests while maintaining positive relationships with administrators. This is why I see GISA as not only a support system for the student body but also a platform for negotiation and advocacy. As Administrative
Director, I am committed to ensuring that GISA operates smoothly while also serving as a voice that can effectively bridge the gap between students and the institution.

Q. If elected, what would be your primary goal as Administrative Director, and how would you ensure its successful implementation during your tenure?

My primary motivation for being a part of GISA is to strengthen the connection between the student body, GISA, and the Institute’s administration. I recognise how important it is for students and the administration to work together. I am sure that students come with different expectations based on their home culture. I hope to establish an environment where students can share both successes and challenges at the Institute. My goal is to strengthen the already positive aspects and provide support in those areas where we need growth. My primary goal as Administrative Director is to support the GISA Board as best as I can
by ensuring efficient operations, clear communication, and fostering collaboration. I will streamline administrative processes, making it easier for board members to focus on their respective roles while ensuring that GISA functions smoothly. I also aim to create a supportive environment where ideas are shared openly, challenges are addressed proactively, and the board can work together effectively to serve the student body.

Q. How do you plan to make GISA more accessible and transparent for students, particularly when it comes to administrative processes and decision-making?

I plan to approach the Administrative Director role by emphasising clear communication, streamlining processes, and building a collaborative, problem-solving team culture. Internally, within GISA, I plan to implement clear, structured processes for tasks such as meeting scheduling, event planning, and resource management to ensure efficiency and avoid confusion. I would do this by leveraging collaboration and project management digital tools to track progress. Externally, I plan to enact Weekly Updates in conjunction with the Communications Director. The current process of sending event details on WhatsApp although very helpful, can become tiresome to receive constant notifications. I want to create weekly newsletters to keep students informed on the ongoing projects of GISA as well as the events occurring each week. Having all this information in one place, readily available will ensure the student body is fully informed. Within these Weekly Updates, there will be monthly feedback forms sent out to the student body. I would implement a system to track and follow up on student concerns, providing updates to maintain transparency and accountability. I also hope to implement Town Halls, which will serve as a vital platform for students to bring their ideas, concerns, and feedback directly to GISA. These gatherings will encourage open dialogue and foster a sense of community among students, creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to participate.

Q. What are three core values you bring to the role of Administrative Director?

My three core values are breath, perseverance, and responsibility. By this, I mean the combination of patience, grace, and compassion — both towards myself and others. I strive to carry this sense of calm and mindfulness wherever I go, constantly reminding myself to pause, reflect, and respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. This allows me to navigate challenges with clarity and empathy. With perseverance, I have learned that failure is an inevitable part of growth. I fail often, but I view each setback as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and keep moving forward. It’s through these experiences that I build resilience and strengthen my determination to reach my goals. Lastly, responsibility is central to how I approach both my personal and professional life. I believe in accountability for my actions, decisions, and commitments. Whether it’s
following through on a promise or owning up to mistakes, I take my responsibilities seriously and work hard to honour them. Together, these values guide me to be thoughtful, resilient, and dependable in everything I do.

Editor’s Note: Responses have been edited for clarity.

Voting is open now and will close on October 10 at 10:30 a.m. We encourage all students to participate and cast their votes