2025 Officer Elections: Javelia Morrison-Galimore
- Grant Berg
- Mar 24
- 3 min read
Javelia (she/her) is a student at St. Cloud State University and is applying for the position of State Chair and Vice Chair
The responses to the application questions are unedited and are written by the candidate. Why are you interested in this specific officer 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.
Please describe your understanding of Students United Students United serves as an inclusive and representative voice for Minnesota State University students. As a 501(c)(3) student-led organization, it operates at the system, state, and federal levels to influence policies that affect students and communities, ensuring their needs and concerns are addressed through legislative and institutional advocacy. Beyond policy work, Students United fosters student leadership development, community engagement, and institutional change. The organization also empowers students to actively shape their educational experiences
Please describe your understanding of the role officers play at Students United The officers of Students United serve as non-voting members of the board, collaborating with the Board of Directors and the Executive Director to uphold the organization's mission and priorities. The State Chair spearheads governance initiatives, represents the organization in significant policy discussions, and supervises board operations to guarantee that advocacy efforts reflect student interests. The Vice Chair assists the Chair, leads essential committees, and ensures effective coordination of Students United’s programs and events. The Treasurer is responsible for ensuring financial accountability and transparency, managing budgets, and providing fiscal oversight to uphold Students United’s advocacy objectives. Officers also act as the main representatives of Students United, interacting with students, administrators, and policymakers to promote initiatives focused on students. Their efforts are imperative in driving policy change, amplifying student perspectives, and ensuring that the organization functions with integrity, efficiency, and a focus on students.
What goals do you have for this position and/or for Students United?
In this capacity, I will continue to serve as a bridge between students and decision-makers, ensuring that the concerns, aspirations, and needs of Minnesota State University students are not only heard but also acted upon. With my comprehensive skill set and willingness to learn, I am committed to becoming better equipped to advocate for increased financial aid resources, enhanced mental health support, campus safety measures, affordable healthcare, textbook cost reduction, and equity-driven initiatives that benefit all students, including the international community.
My goal is to also increase student engagement in Students United efforts and strengthen ties with student government associations across campuses through outreach, awareness campaigns, mission-driven initiatives, and campus visits to align advocacy efforts. In this role, I also seek to further develop relationships with alumni and legislators to create a network of support for Students United’s mission. Additionally, I intend to streamline internal processes to improve the efficacy of advocacy efforts and organizational programs.
Is there anything else you would like the Board of Directors, and the public, to know? I view leadership as a service to others. Throughout my tenure as a Community Leader Fellow, Student Government executive member, Community Organizer, Non-Profit Managing Director, mentor, and active student leader, I have dedicated my time and expertise to initiatives that support the well-being and success of all students, regardless of background, and the people in the spaces I navigate. I welcome the opportunity to continue serving students and advocating for policies that reflect their needs and aspirations. I am excited about the potential to lead Students United into a future where students are empowered, heard, and equipped with the tools to thrive.