IISA/ICC Elections 2016-2017

CANDIDATES:

President, ISA and ICC (one position; four candidates):

• 1)Jason R Diedjomahor
  
  Citizenship: Nigeria
  Major: B.S., Chemical Engineering
  Entered the program: Fall 2012
  Anticipated graduation date: Spring 2017
  Leadership positions held in the past (in or outside LSU):
  - Vice President of ISA.
  
  
  Last year I was the Vice President of the International Student Association. It was a great honor and experience to serve the International community here at LSU. I have chosen to run for President because of the remarkable people that I got to meet and work with over the past year. As such, I hope to be a guide in helping our International student body make new friends, get involved with activities around campus, have fun, and have a place away from home that they can call home.

• 2)Jiayi Wu
  
  Citizenship: China
  Major: M.A., Higher Education
  Entered the program: Fall 2015
  Anticipated graduation date: Spring 2017
  Leadership positions held in the past (in or outside LSU):
  - Graduate Assistant, Laville Honors Hall, LSU Residential Life (01/2016-present),
  - Intern, LSU Office of Diversity (01/2016-present),
  - Human Resources Officer, HSBC Bank (07/2011-10/2014),
  
  - Class President / Executive in College Student Association, Shanghai Normal University (09/2007 - 06/2009).
  
  Please see attached CV for details of above positions' experience.
  Serving international students and multicultural affairs in higher education has always been my passion and my career interest. This is also the reason I come back to U.S. college to pursue a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration after a couple years of professional work experience. With my theoretical knowledge of student affairs, and extensive work experience in/out LSU, I hope to serve the LSU international community with my best. I would be more than excited if I can apply my people skills, governing experiences, and my resources on campus to the work with ISA/ICC! My programming and leadership skills will be a great plus!

• 3)Kwadwo Poku-Agyemang
  
  Citizenship: Ghana
  Major: M.S., Agricultural Economics
  Entered the program: Spring 2016
  Anticipated graduation date: Fall 2017
  Leadership positions held in the past (in or outside LSU):
  - Student Representative Council, Vice president (Prempeh College, 2007),
  - Ghana National Association of Students, Chapter Representative (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, 2010-2012),
  
  - Speaker of students' parliament (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, 2013).
  
  I have strong conviction in the fact that I hold great leadership potential as evidenced by my records, work history and other non-academic activities I have undertaken. It is against this backdrop that I seek to contest the position of President (International Student Association and International Cultural Center) and the following reasons have been adduced to support my stance. The international student community at Louisiana State University have made great and significant strides but I believe there is the need for a drastic swing through innovation and team collaboration to do more and achieve more. I deem it a privilege and a noble quest to be in a position to serve such a community.
  First, in line with the international student office’s goal to increase international student enrolment, I intend to encourage correspondence between current students and prospective students in home countries. My intent is to use all available forms of technology to deepen the reach of LSU beyond the borders of the United States.
  Furthermore, I hope to work assiduously to promote the international cultural mix and cultural exchange through the organization of international cultural fairs and exhibitions. I would also work to ensure that numerous avenues are created to promote and enhance the multi-cultural environment prevailing at LSU.
  Finally, Louisiana State University is the citadel for foreigners from many parts of the world. I believe campaigns to make a strong case for LSU as the destination of choice for international students can be taken more seriously and done more passionately through the office of the president than has been done in the past. This I hope to do if given the nod to serve in the capacity of the president.
  Conclusively, this position provides a platform to enable me contribute my quota towards sustaining and ensuring the success of the international community at LSU. Thank you.

• 4)Farazuddin Riyaz Mohammed
  
  Citizenship: India
  Major: M.S., Computer Science
  Entered the program: Fall 2015
  Anticipated graduation date: Spring 2017
  Leadership positions held in the past (in or outside LSU):
  - Vice-President in High School ('08-'09),
  - The Chief Coordinator('13-'14) for a Technical/Social Student Association in my undergraduate.
  
  I have been a part of the ICC and ISA for almost an year now. Participated in various events, and provided the music on a couple of occasions (DJ is the moniker given to me by the current ISA). Working with the people at ISA and ICC gives me a sense of being with my family. It's my home away from home.

Other positions with the International Student Association (ISA)

Vice President (one position; two candidates):

• 1)Moinul I Mahdi
  
  Citizenship: Bangladesh
  Major: Ph.D., Civil Engineering
  Entered the program: Fall 2011
  Anticipated graduation date: Spring 2017
  
  
  
  
  It’s not every day you are going to run for the Vice President of ISA/ICC and sit to write something about it. I asked myself over and over why I want it. And I found myself answering the question “because I do care about people and I know I can do a better job if given opportunities”. I am always enchanted by the beauty of different cultures, how the people from different culture behave, react and the history behind. My love and passion for travelling always have encouraged me to go beyond my boundaries. I think interacting with other culture not only gave me knowledge, but also allowed to represent my culture as well. This is truly high time that we need to know each other more as the world need more love and peace. ISA/ICC have been doing a great job for this purpose and I want to be a part of it.
  I believe that I have the qualifications that will help me succeed in this responsibility. I served as the Vice President at Chittagong Student Association (CSU) and Joint Secretary at the BUET Drama Society during my undergraduate period. I organized several programs under these organizations. I also served as the key organizer in one of the biggest cultural event, Civil Fest, that time. Now, I am an active member at the Louisiana Photographic Society and participated in several photographic exhibition and competitions which gave me opportunities to know more about Louisiana culture. I have also volunteered for several LSU events. I believe that my experience in all the previous positions that I worked and along with my experience as a student at LSU will make me a successful Vice President. I also want to talk about time commitment, next year is my last year at LSU, but I have finished all my course works and with that extra time, I can, no doubt, lead this new chapter of ISA/ICC.
  No matter if I got elected or not, you will always find me there to serve, love and nurture the LSU community.

• 2)Emmanuel Kyereh
  
  Citizenship: Ghana
  Major: Ph.D., Food Science
  Entered the program: Fall 2014
  Anticipated graduation date: Fall 2018
  Leadership positions held in the past (in or outside LSU):
  - Vice Sport Secretary for University of Ghana during my B.S. with many accomplishments,
  - An active member of LSU food science club, Institute of Food Technologist and American Oil Chemists’ Society.
  I am enthused with involvement, collaboration, and promoting leadership throughout the international student community, to apply for the position of vice president (International Student Association). Being in a position to serve such a community will be a great honor and help bridge the gab between the international communities at Louisiana State University (LSU) and other student group.
  In my quest, I intend to help promote the well-being of international students, and promote better friendship, interactive programs, and understanding among international students and between international student and other groups at LSU. Also to the wider international community in Baton Rouge, which is also a core mandate of the International Student Association (ISA). Besides, the excellent work by the current administration in branding the international student community to attract foreign students, I believe there is still room to engage more students. My goal is to actively absorb graduate student’s participation in meetings, activities and events.
  Finally, I will work to assist, advise and represent the common welfare and concerns of international student. I believe this position will provide me with the needed platform to contribute my quota in building a strong international community at LSU.

Secretary (one position; one candidate):

• 1)Firdaws Ashiru
  
  Citizenship: Dual - Nigeria and USA
  Major: Accounting
  Entered the program: Fall 2015
  Anticipated graduation date: Spring 2019
  Leadership positions held in the past (in or outside LSU):
  - Secretary ISA,
  - President FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America).

Program Committee Chair (one position; one candidate):

• 1)Shashank Muley
  
  Citizenship: India
  Major: M.S., Construction Management
  Entered the program: Spring 2016
  Anticipated graduation date: Spring 2018
  Leadership positions held in the past (in or outside LSU):
  - Part of the Organizing team of a National Level Event (Social Entrepreneur) in association with the Rotary Club,
  - Active Member of social welfare committee through youth mission organization.
  Events that create difference in history are result of harmony of thoughts and extravagant contribution of people from vivid societies. International Student Association is a vibrant example. Being a part of gigantic diversity and cultural heritage have always inspired me to develop that extra edge, to develop, organize and coda it with sublime efforts. I have worked with cultural committees, non-profit organizations and as an event organizer. I would like to use this opportunity and will try to best of my abilities to take ISA (International Student Association) to next level.

Sports Committee Chair (one position; one candidate):

• 1)Ajibola O Ashade
  
  Citizenship: Nigeria
  Major: B.S., Chemical Engineering
  Entered the program: Fall 2013
  Anticipated graduation date: May 2017
  Leadership positions held in the past (in or outside LSU):
  - Recruitment Officer for African Student Organization,
  - Fundraising Officer for African Student Organization.
  
  I am extremely enthusiastic about sports and I am very well versed in American football, football (soccer) and basketball. Sports has always been something of major interest to me as I recognize the many values it teaches including team work, endurance and determination. This love for sports is what I believe will allow me to efficiently execute my duties as Sports committee chair of ISA.

Positions with the International Cultural Center (ICC)

Vice President, Programs (one position; one candidate):

• 1)Emmanuel Kyereh
  
  Citizenship: Ghana
  Major: Ph.D., Food Science
  Entered the program: Fall 2014
  Anticipated graduation date: Fall 2018
  Leadership positions held in the past (in or outside LSU):
  - Vice Sport Secretary for University of Ghana during my B.S. with many accomplishments,
  - An active member of LSU food science club, Institute of Food Technologist and American Oil Chemists’ Society.
  I am enthused with involvement, collaboration, and promoting leadership throughout the international student community, to apply for the position of vice president, programs (International cultural center). Being in a position to serve such a community will be a great honor and help bridging the gab between international communities at Louisiana State University (LSU).
  In my quest, I intend to help promote the well-being of international students, and promote better friendship, interactive programs, and understanding among international students and between international student and other groups at LSU. Also to the wider international community in Baton Rouge, which is also a core mandate of the International Student Association (ISA). Besides, the excellent work by the current administration in branding the international student community to attract foreign students, I believe there is still room to engage more students. My goal is to actively absorb graduate student’s participation in meetings, activities and events. I believe this position will provide me with the needed platform to contribute my quota in building a strong international community at LSU.

Vice President, Administration (one position; one candidate):

• 1)Sulaiman Sulaiman
  
  Citizenship: Saudi Arabia
  Major: B.S., Management, Human Resource
  Entered the program: Fall 2014
  Anticipated graduation date: Summer 2017
  Leadership positions held in the past (in or outside LSU):
  - Secretary, The Arabic Club at LSU (January 2014 – Present),
  - Mentor, UMN CSE Ambassadors (September 2013 – December 2013),
  - Member, Cross-Cultural Discussion Group (September 2012 – May 2013),
  
  - Co-Founder, Al-Madina International Toastmasters Club (April 2010).
  
  I have had work experience related to the administrative position I am applying for through the following positions:
  - General Manager Secretary, Carrefour Retail Inc. – Madinah Branch (March 2014 – July 2014),
  - Human Resources Assistant Manager, Carrefour Retail Inc. – Madinah Branch (March 2014 – July 2014),
  - Human Resources Coordinator, Carrefour Retail Inc. – Madinah Branch (March 2014 – July 2014).
  Please see attached CV for more details.
  I am interested in this position for two reasons. First, I would like to contribute with my time and skills to our awesome International community here at LSU. I feel obligated to extend my hand and help the very community that has been helping me since my first hour in Baton Rouge in September 2014. Second, I would like to have a job responsibility beside my school work and community service.

Vice President, Finance (one position; one candidate):

• 1)Nadeen Y Al-Ali
  
  Citizenship: Saudi Arabia
  Major: B.S., Industrial Engineering
  Entered the program: Spring 2016
  Anticipated graduation date: Fall 2017
  Leadership positions held in the past (in or outside LSU):
  - President of Changing Health, Attitudes + Actions to Recreate Girls At Louisiana State University – April 2015 – Present,
  - VP Media of Changing Health, Attitudes + Actions to Recreate Girls At Louisiana State University – August 2014 – April 2015.
  Please see attached CV for more details.
  I am interested in Vice President of Finance (ICC) because learning to manage money is an invaluable skill that can be applied in a variety of areas.
  I am a very passionate person and once I am involved in something I am passionate about I put my all into it. I feel when someone is truly passionate about something it radiates out and everyone around them is positively affected by it. Having passionate officers who care about what ICC stands for, will help elevate the organization further. When it comes to organizations I have been a part of I believe in thinking “outside the box” as well as logistically. With my experience as President of LSU CHAARG, I was able to plan events for 150+ members and coordinating with local fitness studios/wellness educators in Baton Rouge. I feel like this makes me uniquely qualified to become an ICC officer since I am accustomed to dealing with a large groups of people, speaking publically and being a driving force for my members to achieve their goals. I am a very detail oriented person and when planning events or maintaining organization I think out every step logistically and what needs to happen in order to make everything possible in a timely fashion. I would elevate ICC by bringing new ideas to the table and ways to accomplish them. I love that ICC immerses students in different cultures where they can educate themselves and make long term friendships. I think that by continuing to promote this locally, the members will not only feel more involved with ICC but also thoroughly enjoy their time.

International Student Association at Louisiana State University.
Phone:1-225-342-3084 | Fax:1-225-342-0864 | kpokua1@lsu.edu
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