Student Senate Leadership
Meet your Oberlin Student Senate leaders for 2025–26:
President
Lily Gonzalez
she/they
I am a fourth-year student majoring in financial economics with minors in statistical modeling and mathematics and an integrative concentration in business. I’m from the Southwest side of Chicago and found my way to Oberlin through the POSSE scholarship program. Throughout my time here, I have been involved with various student organizations and initiatives, including La Alianza Latinx, Obies for Undocumented Inclusion, The Cat in the Cream, and, more recently, as an Impact Investment Fellow. As president, I plan to continue to build visibility of the Student Senate on campus, promote meaningful engagement between the student body and administration, and rigorously advocate for the needs of our campus community members. Know that I am always available as a resource on campus!
Fun Fact: I love to collect comic books and legos!
Vice President of Academic Affairs
Kana Sakamoto
she/her
Hi everyone! My name is Kana, and I am a fourth-year sociology major serving as the vice president of academic affairs this year. With my experiences in various academic jobs and roles on campus, I am passionate about bridging the gap between students and the administration to create positive change in our academic environment. I will dedicate my best efforts to ensuring that students can engage in discussions surrounding AI and to advocating for more support for underrepresented groups. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any issues in the academic sphere, and I will also reach out to listen and learn from you. Let’s create a vibrant and inclusive academic community together!
Vice President of Student Finance
Zaire Robertson
they/them
I am a third-year Africana studies and business major with a minor in law and society. I’m one of the cochairs of the Student Finance Committee. My goal is to help foster transparency surrounding our student funds.
Fun Fact: I like axolotls, Sanrio, and sharks.
Vice President of Student Life
Gideon Hurtado-Sher
she/her
Hello everyone! My name is Gideon Hurtado-Sher and I am a second-year student double majoring in economics and politics. This year, I plan to achieve my campaign goals, host community events, and keep my peers informed on pressing issues. I aim to always act in your best interest and remain responsive to your needs. I am passionate about career development, civic engagement, and creating a more equitable campus. Outside of the senate, I am a Democracy Fellow, Ashby Business Scholar, and a member of the Economics Major Committee. Please feel free to reach out any time!
Fun Fact: I also love playing sudoku and ballroom dancing.
Final-Year Class Representative
Juwayria Zahurullah
she/her
Hi everyone! My name is Juwayria Zahurullah and I am excited to serve as your Final-Year Class Representative on Student Senate 2025–26! I am a fourth-year student majoring in psychology with a concentration in education studies and minors in cognitive science and religion. In my time at Oberlin, I have been lucky to find an incredible community through advocacy work on campus. Outside of the senate, I serve as chair for Students for a Free Palestine and Muslim Students Association. I am looking forward to serving the Class of 2026 on the Student Senate, and to a busy and fulfilling final year at Oberlin!
Third-Year Class Representative
Madison Block
she/her
Hi Obies! My name is Madison Block and I am serving as the 2025–26 Third-Year Class Representative on Student Senate. Prior to coming to Oberlin, I had lived in Rockford, Illinois (the home of the Sock Monkey!) my entire life. I am double majoring in politics and history and have a minor in law and society. Additionally, I am a 2025 Cole Scholar participant for the Oberlin Initiative in Electoral Politics. As your Third-Year Class Representative, my goals for this year are to better connect students to campus and career resources, to strengthen the connection between Senate and the student body, and to ensure that the interests of my class peers are represented to the best of my abilities. A fun fact about me is that I like to play Geoguessr in my free time, and I’d say I’m pretty good at it! I’m excited to serve on Senate this year, and if you see me around campus, feel free to say hi!
Second-Year Class Representative
Eric Nkurunziza
he/him
Hi everyone! My name is Eric Nkurunziza, and I am a sophomore international student from Bujumbura, Burundi. I am intending to pursue a double major in biochemistry and global health on the pre-med track, with a deep passion for addressing health challenges and making a lasting impact in my community. On campus, I am actively involved in both the Bonner Scholars Program and the STRONG Program—two amazing opportunities that have enriched my experience through community service and hands-on research. This year, I am thrilled to serve as your Second-Year Class Representative. My goal is to be a helpful resource and advocate, so if you ever have questions or concerns, whether about academics, campus life, or anything in between, please feel free to reach out. And for a couple of fun facts: I am a New Year’s baby, and I am a big language enthusiast, currently speaking six languages and always eager to learn more. Looking forward to connecting with you all!
First-Year Class Representative
Saumik Sharma
he/they
My name is Saumik Sharma and I am a first-year student planning to double major in philosophy and history with a minor in cognitive sciences. My primary academic interests lie in the study of South Asia and Indic thought. As 2025–26 First-Year Class Representative, my goals are to effectively advocate for first-year concerns, maintain transparency and clear communication, and advance initiatives that enhance the first-year experience.
Conservatory Representative
Ben Weiss
he/him
Hello! My name is Ben Weiss and I am the Conservatory Representative. I am a third-year student in the conservatory. I previously studied tuba performance, but I am looking to pursue an individual major in arts administration with a minor in conducting. I am really involved in the conservatory through my jobs and work in other local organizations and schools.
I want to represent the students in the conservatory in the absolute best manner possible. My goal is to get conservatory student’s voices heard in the student senate as well as within the conservatory’s administration. Also, I plan to hold office hours in the conservatory as well as provide forms for student feedback. I’m here to listen and help, but I’m also always open to collaborations and any other way I can be of assistance. Please reach out to me any time, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
Fun Fact: I am a transfer student!
International Students Representative
Menard Simoya
he/him
I am a third-year student from Zimbabwe, majoring in computer science. I’m excited to serve on the Student Senate as the representative for international students. My focus this year is on improving access to information about regulations that affect students’ academic and social experiences at Oberlin, and working to ensure our policies better support international students.
Beyond the Senate, I’m involved across campus in several roles: I’m a Research Assistant, a member of the Green EDGE Fund Board, and an Eco Rep in the Office of Energy and Sustainability.
Fun Fact: I’m a big soccer fan and a proud supporter of Real Madrid!
Housing and Dining Representative
Eli Ramer
he/him
This year, I want to ensure that the concerns of all students as they relate to housing and dining are passed along to the people who make the decisions in those fields. All students here have a right to clean, functional housing as well as tasty, nutritious food. Please feel free to reach out with any questions!
Fun Fact: I play the euphonium (like a small tuba that sounds like a trombone)!
Disability Equity Representative
Ava Firestone-Morrill
she/her
I am a second-year psychology major with minors in creative writing and Spanish. I’m from Brooklyn, New York, and a passionate activist and artist. I am happy to be there for any of your concerns related to the Office of Disability and Accessibility. In fact, I encourage you to reach out with questions and ideas for making our campus a more equitable, inclusive place. Outside of Student Senate, I’m managing editor of Plum Creek Review and a committee chair for Young Democratic Socialists of America. I am also involved in Sassafras Magazine, Law and Policy Magazine, OSCA, and I hop in and out of other activities. I spend the rest of my time writing, acting, hiking, dancing, and playing games at 2 a.m. with random people. I’m excited to take this year head-on and highlight the voices of disabled students!
Health, Safety, and Wellness Representative
Koosh Nadkarni
he/him
As the HSW representative, my projects for this year include obtaining student feedback, communicating student feedback, and self-defense training. I’m involved with a couple of clubs on campus, including the public health society (OPHS) and the minority association of premedical students (MAPS). Outside of campus, I work as an EMT and volunteer with CATSS. Come talk to me about any topics related to Student & Community Health, Oberlin, or anything else you’d like to discuss!
Fun Fact: I enjoy cooking and baking.
Director of Operations and Communications
Frankie Mizikowski
he/him
Hello Everybody! My name is Frankie Mizikowski and I am a third-year neuroscience major (what can I say, I love the brain.) My favorite things to do are bowl, play rugby, swim, and create mini skits! I am currently the director of operations and communications because I love talking, so if you ever want to reach out and talk about anything, I’m your guy. Thanks!
Racial Equity Representative
Ari Marrero
she/her
My goal this year is to support Oberlin in standing firm in its commitment to racial equity. During this turbulent time, I want to work closely with the administration to ensure that all students feel supported, valued, and welcome. Outside of Student Senate, I also am a captain on the Varsity Swim and Dive team, cochair of BSAG, a writing associate, and a lifeguard. I am also a part of the Changemakers Fellowship inaugural cohort and a Law & Justice Scholar. A fun fact about me is that I have been swimming competitively since the fourth grade!