For the third consecutive year, rising seniors Nick Diaz and Paris Tracey have been reelected as President and Vice President of The Student Government Association (SGA) at Pace University’s Pleasantville campus.
The pair’s consistent leadership has become a recognized force within student life. They have successfully transformed the organization into one that is approachable. Both remain committed to student advocacy, allowing all students to have a voice.
Diaz and Tracey, both orientation leaders, give credit to some of the success they have had in the skills and connections they built in that role. especially giving the opportunity to learn how to hear student voices. The two executives share a goal, which is to make Pace students feel supported, safe in an environment to talk, and seen, along with giving them a strong base to advocate from.
Throughout their two years in office, the duo has started multiple initiatives and events. They include SGA Day, Cookies & Conversations, and Lunch With a Bunch. All were created with the intentions of encouraging transparency, their visibility, community, and an open line of communication. Diaz and Tracey’s leadership has introduced a new and helpful presence for the Student Government, now known for being accessible with an “open door” policy that allows students to feel heard.
Under their guidance, student involvement has increased, and the group’s reputation has grown immensely. According to both Nick and Paris in their most recent speeches, prior to being reelected, they’re currently working on launching a leadership scholarship to help further opportunities for students.
While their passion has continued to burn, the incumbents acknowledge that their time as leaders of the Student Government has not been a piece of cake. One of their biggest challenges has been being overlooked or underestimated. This is a hurdle that this administration has cleared through consistent results from their leadership and visible change.
“The workload is heavy,” Paris admits, “but seeing the fruits of that labor, and the positive change in the student body, makes it all worth it.”
The current President and Executive Vice President have also learned some tough lessons along the way. One of the most important is that not everyone will be happy with every decision. “You can’t please everyone,” said Paris in her most recent speech. Accepting that you can not please every person was part of the experience learned throughout being a leader.
As Diaz and Tracey enter their final year of undergrad at Pace, they make their vision very clear. They want to leave a legacy of inclusivity, advocacy, and leadership that lasts far beyond their graduation.