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FIT SGA 2024-2025

Meet the Team

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President

Samantha Barnes

She/Her

Samantha Barnes started her journey at FIT in 2021. She graduated with her A.A.S degree in
Fashion Business Management and transitioned into her B.A.S degree in Art History and
Museum Professions with minors in French Language and Fashion History. She has been
actively involved on campus since her first day, holding several positions in the Residence Hall
Association, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Art History Association, and the Facilitator
Program at The FIT Museum. Before transiting into the President role she acted as the
Secretary for Academic Affairs for the 2023-2024 academic year and participated in many
initiatives to support courses from a variety of departments. As the new President of SGA, she
hopes to advocate for students and faculty, doing as much good as possible. In her free time,
she enjoys reading, dancing, and visiting museums.

OFFICE HOURS

Tuesday, 12PM - 1PM

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Chief Of Staff

Kiara Subardjo

She/Her

Kiara, a junior at FIT, majors in Cosmetics & Fragrance Marketing. She is the Chief of Staff and was the Director of Finance for SGA in the previous year. Kiara's upbringing and experience in FIT's diverse community have fueled her passion for supporting students across all majors. She aims to enhance SGA's visibility on campus and dreams of owning a black Newfoundland dog.

OFFICE HOURS

Tuesday, 12PM - 1PM

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Director of Finance

Baishnavi Mishra

She/Her

Baishnavi Mishra is a junior at FIT, with an AAS degree in Communication Design Pathways. She currently holds two E-board positions at ICS and RHA Club and has served as an Orientation Leader for three semesters. She was previously the Secretary for Campus Affairs and is now the SGA Director of Finance, aiming to prioritize community, support, accessibility, and inclusivity.

OFFICE HOURS

Tuesday, 11AM - 12PM

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Secretary for Campus Affairs

Lakshya Lodha

He/Him

"Leadership and learning are intertwined." - John F. Kennedy
Lakshya is a Fashion Business Management junior with an Associates Degree in Fashion Design. He is passionate about fashion and its integration with business. He was previously the Senator for International students and is now the Secretary for Campus Affairs. He aims to improve communication between students and administration and a more connected and engaged campus community.

OFFICE HOURS

Thursday, 10AM - 12PM

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Secretary for Diversity & Inclustion

Heer Sharma

She/Her

Heer believes in choosing inclusion daily, guiding her SGA journey. She's an active member of the FIT, involved in various clubs, and committed to creating an inclusive campus environment. As the Secretary for Diversity and Inclusion, she's dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and creating a welcoming environment for all students.

OFFICE HOURS

Tuesday, 3PM - 5PM

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Secretary for Sustainability

Izzy FitzSimmons

She/Her

Izzy FitzSimmons, Secretary of Sustainability at FIT, is returning for her Bachelor's degree in Fashion Business Management with a minor in Ethics and Sustainability. She is passionate about advocating for a better environment and wants to continue the Recycling Program and Sustainability Flea Markets. Izzy also plans to work on paper waste on campus replacing bulletin boards with TV.

OFFICE HOURS

Monday, 12PM - 2PM

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Senator for Animation, Interactive Media and Game Design

Hannah Mangione

She/Her

Hannah Mangione, senator for Animation, Interactive Media and Game Design, aims to represent her peers and address their concerns in the Student Association. She is the of Film Club and will also serve on the Campus Affairs Committee. Hannah holds an associates degree in Illustration and is pursuing a Bachelor degree in Animation, Interactive Media and Game Design with a minor in Art History. She hopes to improve the workspace for her peers and prepare them for a career in the field.

OFFICE HOURS

Tuesday, 2.30PM - 4.30PM

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Senator for Fashion Design

Jagriti Agrawal

She/Her

Jagriti, the Senator for Fashion Design at the Student Government Association, is a dedicated fashion design student who advocates for creativity and innovation. She actively participates in campus affairs and represents the interests of her peers in curriculum, resources, and opportunities. Jagriti aims to create a supportive environment for all fashion students, promoting collaboration, professional growth, and diverse design perspectives.

OFFICE HOURS

Wednesday, 1PM - 3PM

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Senator for Fine Arts

Coralis Rivera

SHe/Her

Coralis Rivera is a Fine Arts student at FIT who was the president of the media arts club and is now a Senator for the Fine Arts community in FIT's SGA. They dedicate their time to anti-disciplinary experiments and advocating for the needs of their peers in the Arts Department.

OFFICE HOURS

Wednesday, 3PM - 6PM

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Senator for Packaging Design

Kazi Murtadha

He/Him

Kazi Murtadha is a multidisciplinary designer born and raised in NYC. He's currently pursuing Packaging Design for his BFA and has his associates in Communication Design. Holding the position of Senator for Packaging Design, he strives to empower students, give them a space for their voices, and bring awareness to the program. With previous experience as President for the Asian Student Network club, Kazi is dedicated to fostering a welcoming environment for students at FIT.

He's also a major foodie— passionfruit green tea with lychee jelly, low sugar is his boba order.

OFFICE HOURS

Monday, 4PM - 6PM

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Senator for Spatial Experience Design

Kelly Lo

She/Her

Kelly is a rising senior majoring in Spatial Experience Design, known for her determination and
efficiency. As a Presidential Scholar and Orientation Leader, she demonstrates leadership and
commitment to her academic and extracurricular pursuits. This past summer, Kelly gained
valuable industry experience through an internship at Tory Burch, further honing her skills and
knowledge in her field. Alongside her dedication and work ethic, she enjoys traveling, reading,
and spending time with her friends and family.

OFFICE HOURS

Tuesday, 2PM - 4PM

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Senator for Textile and Development Marketing

Daniella Sanchez

She/Her

Dani began her journey at FIT in 2021, earning her associates degree in Fashion Business Management. However, her passion for sustainability led her to enroll in Textile Development and Marketing for her bachelors with a minor in Ethics and Sustainability. Through her years of involvement in campus and studying abroad, she learned her biggest inspiration comes from community and now serves as the President of the Latinx Culture & Career Association as well as the Senator for Textile Development and Marketing. Outside of FIT, she enjoys cafe-hopping, traveling, and “Queening-out” with her girls.

OFFICE HOURS

Monday, 12PM - 2PM

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Senator for Clubs and Organizations

Doriean Jackson

She/Her

Doriean Jackson is a dynamic entrepreneur with a strong commitment to fashion and sustainability. Doriean balances her academic achievements with a strong career as a real estate investor and fashion brand owner. Her experience also includes serving as an administrator for a global real estate brokerage, where she managed events and real estate transactions across multiple locations. In her role as Senator of Clubs and Organizations for FIT’s Student Government Association, Doriean is dedicated to enriching the campus culture by empowering student-founded clubs and organizations. She is passionate about supporting student-led initiatives, helping to build platforms that showcase their ideas, events, and achievements while ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve. Doriean is also committed to helping students secure the necessary resources and support for their clubs, including funding, guidance, and access to campus spaces, to bring their visions to life.

OFFICE HOURS

Wednesday, 2PM - 3PM

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Senator for Gender Equity

Thursday Abad

They/Them/Theirs

Thursday Abad received their Associate in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Suffolk County Community College in January 2023. They began attending FIT in September 2023 for their Bachelor of Science degree in the Art History and Museum Professions program. They were a peer leader and the secretary of Phi Theta Kappa at SCCC and is currently the secretary of the Art History and Museum Professions Association. Thursday also interned at the Mattituck-Laurel Historical Society and the Walt Whitman Birthplace Association. Thursday wants to give students the platform to voice concerns regarding gender equity on campus. In their free time, they like to play video games, read manga, and watch anime after a long day.

OFFICE HOURS

Thursday, 1PM - PM

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Senator for International Students

Tripti Ladha

She/Her

Tripti Ladha is a sophomore at FIT, majoring in Fashion Business Management. An active member of the FIT community, she is the Vice President of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Former Advertising and Outreach Coordinator of the Residential Hall Association, Student-Athlete Representative of the Table Tennis Team, Lead Choreographer for the Indian Cultural Society, as well as an Orientation Leader and Student Tour Guide. Recently elected as the Senator for International Students, Tripti is committed to addressing the challenges faced by her peers and aims to foster cultural inclusiveness by hosting exchange programs. Her goal is to be a welcoming and supportive presence, ensuring that all students have the best possible experience at FIT.

OFFICE HOURS

Tuesday, 11AM - 1PM

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Senator for Residential Students

Thea Koss

She/Her

Thea Koss is currently a Fashion Business Management student in her sophomore year. During her freshman year she was actively involved in the Merchandising Society and the Style Shop, as well as a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. As the current Senator for Residential Students, she is dedicated to collaborating with faculty, students, and her fellow Student Government Association leaders to enhance the campus living environment and overall student experience. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends, playing with her dogs, and exploring New York City. In the future, her goal is to work in the fashion industry as a stylist or in a marketing and public relations position.

OFFICE HOURS

Tuesday, 3PM - 4PM

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Vice President

Alexa Scotti

She/Her

Alexa Scotti is the Vice President of SGA, a fashion business management major with minors in Ethics, Sustainability, and Women and Gender Studies. She is an active member of the FIT community, having graduated with Summa Cum Laude and received awards. Her goals for FIT include ensuring every student's voice is heard and that the Student Government is confident in fulfilling their work and engaging with the community.

OFFICE HOURS

Wednesday, 1PM - 2PM

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Director of Communications

Aditi Joshi

She/Her

Aditi Joshi, a Presidential Scholar and Junior in Advertising and Digital Design at FIT, assumes the role of Director of Communications for the Student Government Association (SGA). Alongside her primary studies, Aditi is pursuing minors in Multi-Sensory Branding, Creative Technology, and Psychology, further enriching her multifaceted skillset. Aditi's diverse involvement on campus, including her previous role as President of the Indian Cultural Society and her current position as a Student Tour Guide Leader, has honed her leadership abilities and deep understanding of the FIT community. Complemented by her Magna Cum Laude-honored AAS degree in Communication Design, Aditi is poised to leverage her exceptional communication skills, and innovative approach to amplify student voices, increase campus engagement, and foster a greater sense of unity within the FIT community. Aditi aims to spearhead the SGA's comprehensive communications strategy, and serve as the primary liaison between the student government and the wider FIT community.

OFFICE HOURS

Wednesday, 9AM - 11AM

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Secretary for Academic Affairs

Olivia Koh

She/Her

Olivia Koh is a Fashion Business Management (B.S) student at FIT minoring in Sustainable Materials and Technology, with two previous degrees in Fashion Design and Fashion Business Management. She takes varied major classes, including honor classes. Olivia holds the Secretary for Academic Affairs at SGA and is dedicated to promoting harmony among all majors and minors at FIT. Olivia loves fashion deeply and enjoys crocheting, watching Broadway shows, visiting museums, and spending time with her two cats.

OFFICE HOURS

Thursday, 2PM - 4PM

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Secretary for Career Exploration

Kira Cunningham

She/Her

Kira Cunningham started her FIT journey in 2021 as a Fashion Design major. She completed her associates in Spring 2022 and is now pursuing a BFA in Knitwear while double minoring in African and Africana American Studies & Art History. Kira has been actively involved in the FIT community since her sophomore year and has held various leadership positions. She currently serves as the Secretary Of Career Exploration.

OFFICE HOURS

Monday, 1PM - 2PM, Thursday 2PM - 3PM

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Secretary for Student Affairs

Tarana Tewari

She/Her

Tarana Tewari is a passionate student serving as the Secretary for Student Affairs in the Student Government Association. She completed AAS in Fashion Design and is pursuing a BFA in Fashion Design at FIT with minors in Ethics, Sustainability, Italian Studies, and History of Art. Tarana has a passion for traveling and has visited 56 countries.

OFFICE HOURS

Thursday, 10AM - 12PM

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Senator for Advertising and Digital Design

Keishlyan Carrero Detres

She/Her

Keishlyan Carrero Detres (Keish), is serving as a senator in the Student Government Association (SGA), where she advocates for the Advertising and Digital Design program. As president of the Advertising and Digital Design Club and a senior, Keish is committed to expanding her design expertise and fostering meaningful connections. Alongside her academic focus, which includes minors in art history, creative technology, and multi-sensory branding, she finds joy in baking, roller skating, music, martial arts, and fashion.

OFFICE HOURS

Wednesday, 12.10PM - 2.10PM

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Senator for Art History and Museum Professions

Patrick Garry

He/Him

Patrick Garry, a rising senior at FIT, is the Senator of Art History and Museum Professions. He was recognized for his work with the Student Excellence Award from The Museum at FIT. He hopes to provide an outlet for students and faculty to voice their opinions and needs openly. He is also a film lover and a passionate member of the FIT community and AHMP program.

OFFICE HOURS

Monday 4PM - 6PM

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Senator for Fashion Business Management

Christiana Maticke

She/Her

Christiana Maticke is a Fashion Business Management student and Senator who is passionate about learning and advocating for her major. She is active on campus, participating in clubs and holding various positions, including Co Manager for the Style Shop and Fashion Forecasting Manager. Christiana is also a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor and serves on the Sustainability Committee. In her free time, she enjoys walking on the beach with her dog.

OFFICE HOURS

Wednesday, 4.30PM - 6.30PM

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Senator for Graphic Design

Kaila Donohue

She/Her

Kaila started at FIT in 2021. She earned her Associates in Communication Design, and is currently pursuing her Bachelors in Graphic Design. This year she is serving as the Senator for Graphic Design. Outside of SGA, Kaila is an Orientation Leader and is a part of W27 Newspaper. Outside of school, Kaila loves working with children as well as being in leadership positions. She worked as a recreational gymnastics coach for 4 years. She loves hanging out with friends, grabbing coffee, and going to museums in her free time.

OFFICE HOURS

Tuesday, 2PM - 4PM

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Senator for Production Management for Fashion and Related Industries

Jenesis (Jen) Vaughn

She/Her

Jenesis Vaughn is thrilled to start her position as Senator of Production Management as she enters her second year of studying it. She has been actively involved in the FIT Dance Company and the Style Shop PR team, which has helped her to expand her outreach and participation on campus. Jenesis aims to use her role as senator to connect faculty and students by taking advantage of Production Management's smaller size.

OFFICE HOURS

Thursday, 11AM - 1PM

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Senator for Technical Design

Elise Harfield

She/Her

Elise Harfield started with her Fashion Design Associates degree at Fashion institute  of Technology and is currently in her junior year of the Technical design Bachelors degree with minors in Asian Studies and Fashion Theory and Culture. She is involved in Student life at FIT as an orientation leader, former Residence hall Association member, and works as the technical design senator hoping to be an advocate for other technical design students and help better campus life. She works in the city as a barista-bartender, and uses her degree to design for the US Army. 

OFFICE HOURS

Tuesday, 1PM - 3PM

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Senator for Textile/Surface Design

Hridya Sehgal

She/Her

"Effective delegation requires the delegator to work alongside the team - Robert Half
Hridya Sehgal, also as Hrids, is a dedicated sophomore in textile/surface design. She is a member of the dean's list and strives for perfection in her work. Hrids is an all-rounder on campus, involved in The Style Shop digital team and as a Dye Garden leader. She is passionate about her field and aims to bring her major to the limelight as a textile/surface design senator in the SGA. Hrids is an extrovert who enjoys sharing experiences with others and is a tour guide and orientation leader on campus.

OFFICE HOURS

Tuesday, 10AM - 11AM, Friday 1PM - 2PM

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Senator for Commuter Students

Samantha Gray

She/Her

Samantha Gray began her journey at FIT in the Spring of 2023. As she completed her A.A.S degree in Fashion Business Management, she has began to take on many leadership roles to begin her active campus life. Holding the position of Vintage Head Buyer within FIT’s Style Shop as well as The Senator of Commuter Students in SGA, Samantha hopes to be a voice for students and represent the stewardship that herself and the many other leaders on campus possess. In her free time, she enjoys being around her friends, meditating and listening to her favorite artists. 

OFFICE HOURS

Wednesday, 5PM - 7PM

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Senator for Health and Wellness

Roselyn (Rosie) McCarthy

She/Her

Rosie McCarthy started her journey at FIT in 2021. She is currently working towards her B.S. degree in Fashion Business Management with minors in Math, Economics, and Ethics & Sustainability. Rosie has been actively involved in campus affairs since her freshman year, holding several positions. She has been most active in Merchandising Society Style Shop Club (MSSSC), with managerial efforts in Social Media, Visual Merchandising, and serving as the President of the club during the 2023-2024 school year. Throughout these roles, she utilized her networking expertise to provide countless opportunities for students to be exposed to industry opportunities, through guest speakers, panel discussions, student internship presentations, and corporate visits in Boston, New York City, and Austin. Additionally, she has had an active role in the FIT Dance Company since 2021, even serving as Temporary Team Manager in Spring 2024, helping to organize and plan team efforts. As the Senator for Health and Wellness, she hopes to advocate and bring awareness to the multitude of services offered at FIT. In her free time, she enjoys thrift/second-hand shopping for shoes and designer items! 

OFFICE HOURS

Monday, 3PM - 5PM

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Senator for Illustration

Emmett Magalhaes

They/Them

Emmett Magalhaes began their FIT journey in 2021, graduating with an AAS degree in Illustration and in the process of achieving a BFA degree in Illustration. Pigeon Watching Club’s co-President and co-founder, as well as Dean’s List honors student, Emmett is thrilled to be this academic year’s Senator for Illustration. They’re most excited to be able to give back to their major and serve the FIT community. Feel free to stop by, even if it’s to talk about bugs or pet their plush dog!

OFFICE HOURS

Monday, 2PM - 4PM

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Senator for Transfer Students

Fernanda Giron

She/Her

Fernanda began her academic journey at FIT in 2023, transitioning from a community college in Long Island to pursue a Bachelor’s in Production Management: Fashion and Related Industries. Since joining FIT, she has been deeply involved in campus life through the FIT Outreach Club and ITSA. Drawing from her personal experience as a transfer student, Fernanda now serves as the Senator for Transfer Students, committed to championing the needs of her peers and ensuring their voices are heard. In her free time, she enjoys walking, reading, and going for coffee.

OFFICE HOURS

Tuesday, 11AM - 12PM

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