Our Team.
2025 Officer Candidates
Meet the 2025 Officer Candidates
Each year, Students United's Board of Directors begins hiring our next Officers of the Board. Officers are made up of three positions: State Chair, Vice Chair, and Treasurer.
These officers fill a critical role in supporting the daily functions of Students United. From leading Board of Directors meetings to approving financial reports, the Officers are vital positions fit for passionate student leaders.
Meet the 2025 Candidates below, and read their full applications here.
Ankit Bhandari | He/Him
St. Cloud State University
Position(s): Treasurer
Why are you interested in this specific position?
I’m interested in the Treasurer position because I enjoy working with numbers and keeping things organized. Managing budgets has always been something I find rewarding. As Treasurer of the Nepalese Student Association, I’ve learned how to handle finances while also leading others. I’m excited to use that experience in this role and help the organization run smoothly while continuing to grow my skills.
Bimala Ranabhat | She/Her
Minnesota State University – Mankato
Position(s): Treasurer
Why are you interested in this specific position?
As a Community Leadership Fellow of the 2023-2024 Cohort, I have had the opportunity to work closely and directly with Students United, especially on the finances and operations side. As a finance major student of MNSU and as someone with extensive experience working on various finances, operations, and fundraising aspects of Students United, I believe I possess the right experience as well as unique strengths fit for the Treasurer position. Having also worked as a consultant at U.S. bank, I have continued to polish and improve upon my strengths in financial handling, strategizing, preparing detailed spreadsheets, and incorporating efficiency in every work I do.
Finally, my values closely align with the mission of Students United to help make a positive impact on the students and community by addressing and tackling issues that affect the students. This role would be a great fit given my strengths and experiences and I’d love to contribute to the best of my abilities.
Mohammad Fayed Khan | He/Him
St. Cloud State University
Position(s): Treasurer
Why are you interested in this specific position?
I am interested in the State Chair position because I want to make a bigger impact on students across the state. As Vice Chair of Student United, I visited 7 campuses every semester, listening to student concerns and working to improve their experience. I also joined advocacy conferences and Lobby Day, where I learned how to represent student voices effectively.
As President of BSA, I successfully organized 3 major events in 5 planned over 3 years, gaining leadership experience and teamwork skills. Now, I want to use my experience to lead Student United at the state level, ensuring all students have a strong voice and better opportunities.
Yoda Kebede | He/Him
Minnesota State University – Mankato
Position(s): Treasurer
Why are you interested in this specific position?
My interest in this officer position comes from my experience as a treasurer for various recognized school organisations. My previous roles as treasure for both Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and the United Nations & International Relations Club have given me extensive experience in money budgeting and tracking, grant applications and general financial oversight. Specifically during my time as a Treasure for the United Nation & International Relations club, I was able to successfully double our budget through various volunteering and fundraising events hosted by the club. Furthermore I was able to get grants to support our MinneMUN 2025 trip for all our members willing to travel and participate in the event. As well as during my time as the treasurer for Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, I was able to manage $5,000+ in student organization funds, ensuring transparent financial planning.
Currently as the Vice President for the United Nation & International Relations Club, I was able to further develop my leadership and event coordination skills. I work with a team of bright pears to foster engagement from our members and students/faculty willing to attend our events.
This officer's position can give me the opportunity to further my financial expertise and as an aspiring developmental economist it provides me insight to how policy implementations and development happens on a bigger scale.
Alexis Smith |
Minnesota State University – Mankato
Position(s): State Chair, Vice Chair
Why are you interested in this specific position?
I am currently a Political Science major at Minnesota State University, Mankato. I plan to attend law school after graduation and have a very strong desire and admiration for politics and law. I believe strongly in our individual freedoms and our rights as Americans. I feel that unity within the student body and within our entire college community is very important. I strive for change and our voices to be heard. I know that any involvement within Students United would be an honor, however I feel that I could bring a different and diverse dynamic to this organization. I believe that this would be a great learning experience for both the potential constituents and myself.
Georgine Kanyidna Mitongo | She/Her
St. Cloud State University
Position(s): Vice Chair, Treasurer
Why are you interested in this specific position?
I want to gain experience, learn to facilitate meetings, and expand my social circle.
Javelia Morrison-Galimore | She/Her
St. Cloud State University
Position(s): State Chair, Vice Chair
Why are you interested in this specific position?
When I joined Students United, I sought to make an impact that transcended a mere title or personal accolade. I aimed to add value, drive change, shape spaces, and subsequently contribute to a culture of progress and inclusivity that existed before me. My experience as a Community Leader Fellow (CLF) has provided me with firsthand insight into the impact of student leadership on policy, governance, and systemic change.
Running for State Chair or Vice Chair is not just a continuation of my commitment but a natural extension of my leadership journey in project management, grassroots organizing, and advocacy. I seek to elevate the work of Students United by expanding student engagement, strengthening advocacy efforts, and cultivating partnerships that drive sustainable change. My leadership philosophy is grounded in stewardship and collective responsibility, and I look forward to standing alongside those dedicated to service and the future of Minnesota’s higher education landscape.
Em Hodge | She/They
Minnesota State University – Mankato
Position(s): State Chair, Vice Chair
Why are you interested in this specific position?
Being a Vice Chair is a huge leadership role as well as a critical support role to the State Chair. Likewise, being a State Chair requires supporting the team and confidence for the role. Being a support is what I have specialized in over my college career. I have learned that supporting people and communities is critical to allyship and building trust. I have had the ability to participate in DEI events, volunteerism, celebrations, community discussions, committee hearings, and more. Through my ability to commit to the work I have done, I have been able to be the support that others need for the role they are in.
I have been in internships revolving around being a legislative assistant for two nonprofit organizations; Goodwill-Easter Seals MN and Students United. Through my observations in both roles, I have been able to explore my leadership capabilities by communicating with legislators, presenting to the Community Leadership Fellow Cohort, and planning critical meetings.
I am passionate about this role as I believe being a Vice Chair or State Chair will build my ability to listen to the demands of students to serve their needs, expand my knowledge of committee work/governmental relations, and take on a larger role of advocacy for the MN State Universities.
Mirza Shehroz | He/Him
St. Cloud State University
Position(s): State Chair
Why are you interested in this specific position?
Being associated with the organization for a time now, it is time for me to step up and be the face of organization, I have previously served my role as a community leader fellow and currently serve as a treasurer/secretary before I graduate I would want to serve Minnesota State Students by having a more robust role in higher education advocacy. I believe I have climbed my way up to this position by being patient and equipped with right skills set to serve on this position. The reason I am running for this position and not any is this position can bring me a-lot of exposure which can influence my personal and professional growth to be more vocal and handy to play a part in higher education.
Sam Bista | She/They
St. Cloud State University
Position(s): Vice Chair, Treasurer
Why are you interested in this specific position?
I’m excited to apply for both the Vice Chair and Treasurer positions at Students United because I truly believe in the mission of the organization and want to contribute in both a strategic and operational capacity. Having gained hands-on experience with the Community Leader Fellowship program in which one of my responsibilities was managing invoices and overseeing financial aspects of our organization, I feel confident in my ability to effectively serve as Treasurer. In this role, I would ensure the organization's financial integrity and transparency, helping to build a solid foundation for our continued growth.
That said, I’m equally excited about the opportunity to serve as Vice Chair. While I’ve developed a strong foundation in finance, I am eager to step into a more strategic and leadership-focused role. I’m motivated by the idea of contributing to big-picture decisions and collaborating with fellow officers to ensure Students United remains a powerful voice for students. As Vice Chair, I would have the opportunity to expand my leadership experience while still supporting financial processes and the State Chair, and I’m ready to take on more responsibility to drive meaningful change.