2026–27 HES Student Organization Elections

Nathan Rogers

ALM Government
President
Campaign video
LinkedIn 

Statement of Purpose

I am applying for President of the Harvard Extension Student Association to serve a community defined by both intellectual rigor and real-world responsibility. Harvard Extension School students are uniquely committed — not only to their academic growth, but also to careers, families, and significant personal obligations. This demands a student government that is disciplined, responsive, and grounded in purpose.

My involvement with HESA has been both sustained and progressive. I have been honored to have served as Treasurer, Secretary, Advisor to the President, and most recently Vice President. Each role has provided a distinct vantage point, from financial stewardship and operational structure to executive leadership and strategic direction. Collectively, this experience has given me a comprehensive understanding of how HESA functions and where it can continue to grow in both effectiveness and impact. I have also had the privilege of contributing to the team effort that helped secure HESA’s recognition as the official student government of Harvard Extension School.

As President, I will focus on strengthening connection and capability within our student body. I aim to expand networking opportunities that foster meaningful relationships among students, while also developing leadership training initiatives that prepare students not only for roles within HESA and subsequently the Clubs and Societies, but for leadership beyond the University. These efforts are intended to create lasting value, equipping students with skills that extend into their professional and personal lives.

If elected, I will strive to lead with clarity, consistency, and accountability. My priorities will include improving communication, supporting meaningful student engagement, and ensuring that the student voice is represented with credibility and continuity. My goal is not only to build upon past successes, but to leave HESA stronger, more connected, and better positioned to serve future students. Thank you. 

My previous student involvement at Harvard Extension School includes serving in the Harvard Extension School Association (HESA) as Treasurer in 2022-2023, Secretary in 2023-2024, Advisor to the President in 2024-2025 and I am currently serving as Vice-President of HESA for 2025-2026.

I also served as a member of the team that worked hard for HESA to be officially recognized as the Student Government of Havard Extension School.

Carly-Rae Oakley-Doran

ALM Creative Writing and Literature
Vice President
Campaign video
LinkedIn 

Statement of Purpose

I am running for Vice President of the Harvard Extension Student Association because I’m passionate about fostering the HESA community, which has positively shaped my experience at the Harvard Extension School. I also want to raise awareness for both HESA events and ways for students to get involved.

Over the past two years, I’ve been involved in clubs and societies at HES and hosted over 25 events, with hundreds of students RSVPing and attending. This firsthand experience has allowed me to see how the HESA community can enhance our HES experience. The HES community spans the globe. However, HESA connects us all and provides students with a sense of belonging. HESA is more than a community; it’s a family that continues to shape my experience here at HES in a positive way. Since my first day as a leader, my goal has been to foster a sense of community, one classmate at a time, by continually raising awareness of both HES and HESA.

I’ve also worked to help foster the Harvard Extension School’s Lifestyle Medicine Student Society, the Harvard Extension School’s Veteran Student Society, and now the Harvard Extension School’s Creative Writing and Literature Club into spaces where classmates feel welcome. I have designed social media for each society and club, helped launch the websites, organized events, and stayed active in the chats. I have also hosted literary agents, bestselling authors, professors in various disciplines, and book clubs to bring classmates together. Recently, I also worked on launching the YouTube channel for HESCWLSC so students in different time zones can still watch and partake in the events.

If elected as your HESA Vice President, I plan to continue building HESA and raise awareness of both HESA events and ways for students to get involved.

My involvement at Harvard Extension School has been serving in leadership positions in both societies and clubs at Harvard Extension Student Association since 2024. I founded the Harvard Extension School’s Lifestyle Medicine Student Society in 2024 and served as President for the past two years. I’ve also served as Harvard Extension School’s Veteran Student Society Director of Communications in 2024-25 and am now the current Director of Events. I also served as the Director of Communications for the Harvard Extension School’s Creative Writing and Literature Student Society in 2024-25.

I also served as a faculty aide in 2024 for Dr. Peter Girgius’s course, "Sea Monsters Throughout the Ages." This past summer, I became a teaching assistant for the Harvard Summer School course "Supernatural Folklore", taught by Professor Lowell Brower. In Fall ’25, I was the teaching assistant again for both courses, where I gave lectures and conducted discussions.

I work daily to raise awareness of clubs and societies by managing their online presence on LinkedIn, Instagram, WhatsApp, and our websites. My goal is to raise awareness of our amazing community to strengthen classmates’ experiences of the diverse community we offer. 

Halle Colletti

ALM Psychology
Director of Communications
Campaign video
LinkedIn 

Statement of Purpose

I am running for Director of Communications because I care about strengthening connections and engagement within the HES community. As a psychology student, I am interested in how communication shapes belonging, participation, and student experience. I want to use this role to ensure that information is not only accessible, but meaningful and engaging.

In my role as a Marketing and Social Media Director, I developed and executed content strategies, produced videos, and created materials that increased visibility and audience engagement. I also have experience leading teams in fast-paced environments, where I managed operations, solved problems in real time, and maintained strong communication across groups. In addition, my involvement in student leadership and fundraising initiatives has strengthened my ability to collaborate and build community.

If elected, my goal would be to enhance communication in a way that actively brings students together. I hope to encourage sharing student stories and increasing awareness of events and resources. I also want to ensure that communication reflects the diverse experiences within HES. I feel passionately about making communication a tool not just for sharing information, but for building a stronger, more connected student community. 

During my time at the Harvard Extension School, I have actively engaged in both academic and student-centered communities that extend beyond the classroom. I am currently a member of multiple student graduate groups where I have had the opportunity to connect with peers across disciplines and participate in conversations that foster both intellectual and personal growth.

In addition to student organizations, my involvement has been deeply rooted in academic collaboration. As a psychology master’s student, I have worked closely with peers on research-focused coursework, including designing studies, conducting literature reviews, and engaging in group discussions that require strong communication and teamwork. These experiences have strengthened my ability to collaborate effectively in both in-person and virtual learning environments. I have also contributed to the academic community through my work as a faculty aide on multiple occasions. In these roles, I have supported ongoing research by recruiting participants, collecting and coding data, and working alongside research teams. This experience has allowed me to engage with the community in a more behind-the-scenes capacity while contributing to meaningful work. Overall, my involvement at HES has been centered on building connections, contributing to collaborative learning environments, and supporting the academic mission of the school. These experiences have given me a strong understanding of the student experience and have motivated me to become more actively involved in shaping and enhancing the broader HES community.

Jonathan Maharaj

ALM Management
Director of Communications
Campaign video
LinkedIn 

Statement of Purpose

I'm interested in this role because good communication has a real effect on student life. It shapes whether students know what is happening, whether they take part, and whether they feel connected to the HES community.

Harvard Extension School students are often balancing study with work, family, and other responsibilities. Many are also learning remotely and across different time zones. In that environment, communication needs to be clear, timely, and relevant. When it is, students are far more likely to feel included and engaged. When it is not, students miss events, resources, and opportunities to connect.

I would bring strong writing skills, sound judgment, storytelling, and a service mindset to this role. I care about making information clear and useful, but I also think communication should help students feel that they are part of HES and the Harvard Community regardless of where they live and study.

If elected, I would focus on clearer messaging, more consistent communication across channels, and better ways of sharing opportunities with students. My goal would be to help HESA communicate in a way that is practical, trustworthy, and genuinely helpful.

I'm a founder and CPA. 25,000 professionals follow me on LinkedIn and in the past year my content has reached 8 million people because I communicate simply and with empathy.

I am running because I believe communication should do more than pass on information. It should help build our community. 

My involvement at Harvard Extension School has been shaped by how I approach academic and professional spaces: with empathy, respect, and a willingness to contribute.

In class settings, I have aimed to participate thoughtfully, work well with others, and communicate in a way that is clear and constructive. I support my colleagues, try to be reliable, and value creating a positive experience for the people I work with.

I also understand that in a school like HES, where students come from different places and stages of life, the way we engage with one another matters.

One thing I have come to appreciate about HES is how much small actions can affect the student experience. Clear communication, responsiveness, encouragement, and follow-through can make a real difference, especially in an environment where many students are balancing heavy responsibilities outside the classroom.

That perspective has shaped how I think about involvement. Contribution is not only about being visible. It is also about being dependable, respectful of other people’s time, and willing to help create a stronger community. That is the mindset I would bring to the Director of Communications role.

Matt Singletary

ALM Management
Director of Culture and Belonging 
Campaign video
LinkedIn 

Statement of Purpose

There is something profound I noticed about this school. We have students logging in from Dallas, from London, from Beijing, from a kitchen table at midnight after their kids go to bed. Brilliant people. Committed people. People who chose Harvard Extension on purpose, knowing it wouldn't be easy. And a lot of them feel completely alone in it. That's not a small thing. That's a culture problem.

I've been that student. I know what it feels like to be fully invested in something and still feel like you're on the outside of it. And I ALSO know what changes when someone decides to build a bridge instead of just assuming one exists. Culture and belonging don't show up automatically. Somebody has to decide that it matters. Somebody has to put in the (unsexy) work of creating spaces, building rhythms, and making sure the students who are farthest from Cambridge feel just as connected as the ones who can walk to class. That's what I want to do in this role.

My focus would be on the students who are easiest to overlook: the distance learners, the working parents, the career changers who are quietly doing extraordinary things and never quite feel like they're part of something. I want to build real infrastructure for them. Intentional connection at the start of the year. Peer spaces that actually work asynchronously. A cultural presence that reflects who we actually are as a school.

I've spent a lot of my life learning what it takes to make people feel like they belong somewhere. I've seen what happens when they do. And I've seen what it costs when they don't. I'm ready to bring that into this community, and so the work!

I'll be completely honest, my involvement at HES isn't a laundry list of clubs and titles. What it DOES look like is this: I noticed that people in my program were showing up to class, doing the work, and then disappearing. No real connection. No community. Just coursework and silence.

So I started something. Informal, nothing official. Just a standing space outside of class where people could actually talk to each other. About the work, about their lives, about what they were trying to figure out. I didn't know if anyone would care. They did. More than I expected. People who never spoke up in class started opening up. Students who had been grinding through the program completely alone started building real friendships. And a few of them told me something that I haven't been able to shake since: that it was the first time they felt like they actually belonged at HES; and THAT is the moment that's driving this whole thing for me. Because it wasn't hard to create. It didn't require a budget or a title or a formal program. It just required someone paying attention and deciding to do something about what they saw.

I've also stayed connected in online communities tied to my program. Talking with peers about the real stuff: career pivots, burnout, what it's like to be a non-traditional student juggling a full life while trying to keep up academically. Those conversations taught me a lot about where this school shows up for people and where it quietly leaves them behind. I want to be the person who changes that, and this felt like the best move! 

Anu Olawale

ALM Data Science
Director of Student Resource Connection
Campaign video
LinkedIn 

Statement of Purpose

Students across the Harvard Extension School navigate wildly different realities — time zones, caregiving schedules, mid-career pivots, first-generation paths. What I hear most often isn’t that the resources don’t exist; it’s that the right resources don’t reach the right students at the right moment. I’m running for Director of Student Resource Connection to close that gap by converting what students need into the changes HESA can deliver.

My background sits at the intersection of data analysis and stakeholder advocacy. As a Program Operations lead, I built Power BI dashboards that surfaced 24 data inconsistencies a program had missed for years, then rebuilt the reporting workflow to prevent recurrence. As a consultant, I’ve gathered requirements from clinical, billing, and nonprofit stakeholders, translated conflicting needs into actionable recommendations, and delivered them to executives. As AVP of Community Practice at PMI Washington, D.C., my explicit job is to bridge functional teams and propose data-supported governance changes — the same muscle this HESA role requires.

The Director of Student Resource Connection role is, at its core, a data and advocacy role: collect, analyze, and interpret what students are actually experiencing, then push HESA and HES administration toward programs that respond. That’s the work I already do.

If elected, I’ll ground every recommendation in evidence — structured feedback collection, transparent reporting, and measurable outcomes — so that student voice translates into resource decisions that stick. HESA deserves a Director who treats student experience as data worth taking seriously. 

My student involvement at HES so far has been quiet but deliberate. I’ve built my community through the spaces that exist at the edges of the curriculum — the informal ones where most HES students actually live. I’m an active member of the WhatsApp groups for several of my academic classes, where classmates navigate assignments, decipher faculty expectations, coordinate group work, and support each other. These chats are where the real institutional knowledge of HES circulates, and being engaged in them has taught me what students actually need versus what they’re formally offered.

In Spring 2026, I attended the Harvard Extension School Virtual Career Fair, where I engaged directly with recruiters and other HES students pursuing career transitions. The fair was one of the few formal venues where HES students from across programs and time zones could converge, and it reinforced for me how valuable — and how rare — intentionally designed resource touchpoints are for a globally distributed student body.

I’ll be transparent: my formal HESA or Society involvement has not yet begun, and I’m running for Director of Student Resource Connection precisely because I want to change that. My experience as a student has been a working data set — the quiet WhatsApp threads, the Career Fair conversations, the gaps I’ve noticed between resources that exist and resources that reach us. That perspective is exactly what this role calls for. I’m ready to move from observer to organizer, and to translate the lived experience of HES students into the kind of systematic, data-backed advocacy this role demands.

Christian Morris

ALM International Relations
Director of Technology
Campaign video
LinkedIn 

Statement of Purpose

I am applying for the role of Director of Technology because I believe HESA's digital infrastructure is central to building an inclusive, high-functioning student community. With seven years of experience running my own edtech company in Hong Kong, I bring a strong foundation in IT management, digital strategy, and user-centered design. Now, as an ALM candidate in International Relations, I'm eager to contribute these skills to strengthen the student experience at Harvard Extension School.

As a fully remote student in the ALM International Relations program, my involvement at Harvard Extension School has centered on the digital learning environment that defines so much of the HES experience. I have taken all of my courses online, participated in virtual seminars, and engaged with classmates through Canvas, Zoom, and various collaboration tools that support our academic work. While my participation has not been tied to in-person organizations, it has given me a first-hand understanding of the platforms, technologies, and communication channels that remote students rely on every day. 

George Heffernan

ALM International Relations
President
Campaign video
LinkedIn 

Statement of Purpose

There are multiple reasons I am signing on and applying to be president of the International Student Relations Club. The first is to prevent the club from being discontinued since the HESIRSC failed to elect student leadership in 2025-26. This time will be different. As a ALM International Relations degree candidate, I see this club as a great opportunity to take it in a new direction and build leadership skills and make the club function in better form. To create a culture of intellectual as well as vibrant passion towards innovation.

The experience I bring to the table is previous service as a senator for the student governor association and staff writer for the college newspaper in my undergraduate career. I am also connected on the LinkedIn university group for the Harvard Extension School.

My current history of student involvement at the Harvard Extension School was attending on campus academic conferences for Engaging in the Scholarly Conversation last fall. I am active in the HES Creative Writing and Literature Club. I have also taken campus tours to better learn about the history of the campus, including attending the Convocation Ceremony for the incoming class of 2030. I regularly explore new cuisine on and off campus in the Cambridge area.

Ian Moldovan

ALM International Relations
President
Campaign video
LinkedIn 

Statement of Purpose

I am running to ensure that the International Relations Club not only continues, but emerges as a strong and visible voice within the Harvard Extension School. Last year, the club lacked representation; without leadership now, it risks discontinuation. I am committed to rebuilding it with purpose, continuity, and measurable impact.

I bring both academic focus as an ALM candidate in International Relations and a global professional background grounded in real-world experience. I was born and raised in Romania, worked across Europe, and traveled extensively across multiple continents. These experiences have given me direct exposure to diverse cultures, political systems, and economic environments. Combined with over two decades of leadership in real estate investment and corporate operations in the United States, I understand international dynamics not only in theory but also in practice.

My objective is clear: to reestablish the club as an active, inclusive, and influential platform. I will lead initiatives that include distinguished guest speakers, Harvard alumni engagement, policy discussions, and high-value networking opportunities that connect HES students with the broader Harvard ecosystem. Just as important, I will prioritize integrating newly admitted students to ensure continuity and long-term sustainability.

Harvard Extension School is one of the most globally diverse communities within Harvard. The International Relations Club should reflect that strength. I am running to build a lasting institution, one that connects people, fosters meaningful dialogue, and delivers real value to students today and in the years ahead.

My involvement at Harvard Extension School has been grounded in active participation within my courses and consistent engagement with the broader HES community. Throughout my studies, I have taken the initiative to form and support informal student groups within classes, collaborating with peers on course activities, facilitating study groups, and sharing effective online learning strategies. These efforts helped create a more connected and supportive environment, particularly in the virtual classroom setting, where collaboration requires intentional effort.

I have also contributed by encouraging structured group discussions, helping peers navigate course expectations, and promoting accountability within team assignments. My approach has been practical and solution-oriented, focused on ensuring that students not only understand the material but also succeed collectively.

Beyond the classroom, I remain engaged with the Harvard Extension School community through digital platforms. I actively follow HES on LinkedIn and other channels, where I stay informed on student initiatives, academic developments, and institutional updates. I regularly interact with and support these efforts by engaging with content and amplifying visibility across the network.

Overall, my involvement reflects a consistent commitment to collaboration, community-building, and engagement, both academically and across the broader HES ecosystem.

Mahesh Varam Bundikattla

ALM Finance
President
Campaign video
LinkedIn

Statement of Purpose

I am running for President of the HES Management and Finance Student Club because I see an opportunity to turn engagement into real impact. HESMFSC already stands for connection, but I want to strengthen its role as a bridge between students, alumni, and industry, where networking is not just access, but an advantage.

My background combines academic rigor with real-world execution. As a CFA Level II candidate, former investment banking professional, and founder of a wealth management firm, I have worked on capital allocation, portfolio strategy, and client advisory. I understand both the technical side of finance and the importance of relationships in building a successful career.

Over the coming year, my goal is to deepen the club’s engagement across three areas. First, I plan to elevate networking by creating more structured interactions with alumni and business leaders, moving beyond introductions to meaningful mentorship and collaboration. Second, I want to expand career development initiatives through practical workshops, case-based discussions, and forums that reflect real market challenges. Third, I aim to make the club more inclusive and forward-looking, supporting members interested not only in finance but also in entrepreneurship, policy, and broader economic impact.

HESMFSC has the foundation to be more than a student club; it can be a launchpad for future leaders. My objective is to ensure every member finds both opportunity and direction here. If elected, I will focus on building a community that is engaged, relevant, and results-driven.

My involvement at the Harvard Extension School has been driven by a simple principle: participation should create value, not just presence. While my program is rigorous and largely self-directed, I have actively engaged in both academic and peer-driven environments to maximize that value.

Within my coursework, I have consistently taken an active role in group discussions and collaborative assignments, often stepping into leadership positions to structure ideas, align team efforts, and ensure execution. My background in finance and investment management has allowed me to contribute practical perspectives to theoretical concepts, which has helped elevate the quality of group work and discussions.

Beyond the classroom, I have engaged with peers through online forums and academic exchanges, particularly around topics such as portfolio construction, financial markets, and data-driven decision-making. I believe that meaningful engagement does not always require formal titles; what matters is the ability to contribute insight, challenge assumptions, and help others think more clearly.

I have also informally supported peers by sharing resources, simplifying complex financial concepts, and offering guidance on navigating coursework and career direction. Coming from a professional background in investment banking and wealth management, I bring a practical lens that resonates with students looking to connect academic learning with real-world application.

Overall, my involvement reflects a consistent effort to contribute substance over form. If allowed to lead, I intend to scale this approach, creating a more structured and impactful environment for collaboration, learning, and professional growth within the Harvard Extension School community.

Faith Massaquoi

ALM Finance
President
Campaign video
LinkedIn

Statement of Purpose

I'm running for President of the Harvard Extension Student Management and Finance Club because I believe the right connections can change the trajectory of someone's life through networking, and I want to help build those bridges. Finance and business have always been more than academic interests to me; they're lenses through which I understand how the world works and how people create opportunity. But knowledge alone isn't enough. Who you know and who knows you matters just as much, and that belief is at the heart of why I'm running.

I bring a genuine passion for community-building and a track record of bringing people together around shared goals. I understand what it means to navigate professional spaces while still growing your network, and I want to create an environment where every member feels empowered to make meaningful connections. If elected, my priorities will be to expand our networking series to include professionals in finance, investment, consulting, and entrepreneurship; build partnerships with student organizations across Harvard; and establish a mentorship pipeline that connects newer members with experienced peers and alumni. I am ready to put in the work to make this club one of the most impactful communities on campus.

During my time at Harvard Extension School, I have been actively involved in both student organizations and academic group work. As a member of the Student Resource Committee in Student Affairs, I help create events and connect HESA students with valuable campus resources, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive academically and personally.

One of my favorite experiences has been collaborative group work in the classroom. In my Managerial Economics course, my group presented on Starbucks' business strategies, conducting an in-depth analysis of Porter's Five Forces and how each component is reflected in Starbucks' real-world approach. Beyond the content itself, I especially enjoyed finding creative and engaging ways to present our material to keep the class interested and involved. Working with such a motivated and supportive group made the experience even more rewarding and reinforced my love for collaborative, applied learning.

Mark Milewski

ALM Finance
President
Campaign video
LinkedIn

Statement of Purpose

I am interested in running for President of the Management & Finance Club because I want to build a community of members interested in the business world. The coursework is fascinating but that is only half the equation. The other half is building relationships with our amazing fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni at Harvard. We should be getting to know each other during our Harvard journey and availing ourselves of all the wonderful human resources that Harvard has to offer.

This academic year, I have become involved in HES activities beyond the classroom.
I attended the HESA General Assembly Meetings in November, December, February, and April.

I attended HESA Office Hours with Vice President Nathan Rogers (11/14/25), Director of Communications Eashtha Dediwela (11/26/25), and Director of Events Regina Gallardo (3/16/26). I also attended the Campaign Rules Office Hours with Billie Pingree (4/7/26).
I attended two really fun in-person events. The first was the 50-year celebration of the Division of Continuing Education at the Harvard Club in December. The second was a HES local meet-up led by Kam Unninayer, HES Global Ambassador, and Doris Wells, Executive Coordinator for Harvard's Chief Technology Officer, where we visited fun spots on the Harvard campus.
These extracurricular activities have enriched my Harvard experience. I know an active Management & Finance Club will be an additional way for students to bond, learn, network, have fun, and build relationships within this Harvard community that is doing so many interesting things in Cambridge and around the world.

Kira Daubert

Premedical Program
President
Campaign video
LinkedIn

Statement of Purpose

As a first-year student in the Pre-Medical Program, who has served on both the HES Pre-Medical Student Club’s (HESPMSC) executive committee as Director of Events and, later, the executive board as Vice President of Events, I am excited to apply for the HESPMSC position of President. In order to maintain student participation, as well as an efficient and reliable system of operations, one needs to understand every role’s value and construct an open discourse that allows the executive board and the executive committee to exchange ideas and concerns.

Considering that I have been on both sides of this discourse, I have acquired great knowledge about all positions and am prepared to continue to uphold everything that my predecessors have built, embodying our core values of fostering collaboration, advancement, networking, and development opportunities. These values resonate deeply with my own, and this is evident in both my undergraduate endeavors and my current role in the HESPMSC.

During undergrad, I held roles of Philanthropy Coordinator for DPhiE, Psychology Student Ambassador, Fundraising Chair for Psi Chi, Alto Section Leader for two choirs, and both Vice President and President of Order of Omega. Through these positions, I have greatly learned how to foster engagement, trust, organize events and volunteering opportunities, and ensure that every student has the opportunity to articulate their ideas or concerns.

Through the HESPMSC, I have run both a study and snack night for pre-medical students, as well as a student-faculty dinner, where students could network and speak to professors outside of the classroom. Furthermore, there are more events to come, such as Boston Marathon volunteering and a research symposium that I will be spearheading. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute both my prior knowledge and experience to the club’s continued success as President.

Over the past year, I have dedicated my time to serving our community and the HES Pre-Medical Student Club (HESPMSC) with great commitment, integrity, and receptiveness. Through the HESPMSC, I have met multiple like-minded individuals who wish to foster a greater connection between peers and create opportunities that will further everyone’s experiences and skills.

I began in the HESPMSC as the Director of Events in the executive committee, where I organized catering for large events, ensured that spaces were booked, and worked closely with the Vice President of Events to guarantee that everything would run as planned. Later, I was promoted to Vice President of Events on the executive board, considering that I illustrated great eagerness and determination to make every event as successful as it could be. Now, as the Vice President of Events, I work closely with the current President and Vice President of Administration to plan volunteer opportunities, events, and socials, as well as ensure that the executive committees are informed and included in all processes. Additionally, the three of us meet with Dr. Lee, the director of the premedical program, regularly to exchange our ideas and provide updates.

As of now, I have run a study and snacks night, a student-faculty dinner, an HMS anatomy class sit-in, organized and delivered catering for all events, managed RSVPs and attendance, aided in planning Boston Marathon volunteering, and am spearheading a research symposium. In the future, I hope to garner more student involvement by incorporating more mentor-mentee events, such as tote bag painting, and incorporating more skill-building events, such as additional opportunities to participate in HMS classes. Furthermore, I would love to run a social event at the end of the school year that can garner further relationships and celebrate all the hard work and dedication of every student.

Eliana Friedman

Premedical Program
Vice President
Campaign video
LinkedIn

Statement of Purpose

Prior to joining the Pre-Medical Program, I spoke with an alumna of the program, a physician of mine back home. During her HES journey, she was the President of the Pre-Medical Student Club. Upon discussing her role as President, I grew increasingly impressed and inspired. From hearing from each board member at orientation, to receiving emails for all the events held by the club, I grew eager to become an integral member of the team. I am passionate about leadership and collaboration. I would like to work with fellow students to coordinate captivating events, and share my passion for the field of medicine.

In my undergraduate career, I served as the Vice President of the Psychology Honors Society for two consecutive years. I am eager to bring my leadership experience outside of my undergraduate career, and promote events that will help fellow students feel more at ease about the medical school preparation and application process.

In the coming year, I aim to incorporate new ideas to increase club participation for those who may not be able to maintain in-person attendance to many events, and grow my connection to the PMP Community. One idea I have is at the start of each semester, speak at each course’s lecture to provide a brief overview of the Club, and provide an event calendar so students can plan their attendance in advance. For non PMP, but HES students, I hope this speech may encourage them to apply to the program. Another idea I have is to host “specialty speed dating”, where a group of physicians quickly describes the highlight of their field with students.

As I am a relatively new student at HES, my involvement in the program has been limited. However, I have connected extensively with the students in the program. I have organized and joined study sessions, and helped share study techniques with my fellow classmates. Outside of the classroom, I help provide insight for those seeking research opportunities, or looking to gain clinical experience.

I recently completed my undergraduate career in May 2025. At Northeastern, I served as the Vice President of the Psychology Honors Society. In this role, I helped create programs through the club where students were able to learn about their psychology education at Northeastern. Additionally, I facilitated collaboration with other student organizations on campus to increase event attendance, and promote application to the society. I enjoy learning of all HES has to offer, and I am eager to become part of the community that has given me such a meaningful opportunity.

Sophie Penkrat

ALM Psychology
President
Campaign video
LinkedIn

Statement of Purpose

I am applying for the President position of the Harvard Extension School Psychology Student Club because I am passionate about psychology and want to support the Club's mission of professional development, networking, and knowledge sharing. As an ALM candidate, I understand the challenges of balancing academic, professional, and personal responsibilities, especially in a community that does not often meet in person, and I aim to help foster a more connected and supportive student experience.
My academic interest in psychology is driven by a desire to better understand human behavior and contribute to conversations around mental health and well-being.

Through my coursework and professional experience, I have developed strong organizational, communication, and
leadership skills. I am particularly interested in creating accessible, high-impact initiatives such as guest speakers, peer networking events, and discussions on current topics in psychology.As a current CTP candidate, I have developed a strong understanding of the Harvard Extension School Psychology student experience through active engagement with peers and faculty. This involvement led to my role as a Teaching Fellow for Music and the Mind with Dr. Patrick Whelan, where I facilitated weekly Socratic-style discussions. This experience strengthened my ability to foster meaningful dialogue, support student learning, and build an engaging academic community — skills I would bring to the leadership of the Psychology Student Club.

Professionally, I am a Creative Director at a pharmaceutical marketing agency, where I lead a team and apply behavioral science to develop patient support programs for rare diseases. The programs I develop help educate patients about their conditions and better understand how to manage them. With over 20 years of marketing experience, I bring a strategic perspective that can help expand the Club's reach, increase engagement, and strengthen its role within the HES community.

Eashtha Dediwela

ALM Sustainability 
President
Campaign video
LinkedIn

Statement of Purpose

I am interested in this role because we need to keep working towards positive change for our planet, foster connections among like-minded people and with those across fields, and build a community where we can learn from each other, one where sustainability is at the heart of everything we do in order to spread the word to make positive change in the world. I believe that this starts with us — our University  community. want to serve our student body and continue fostering community and engagement, especially among those of us interested in sustainability.

Having served on HESA’s board during the 2025 - 2026 academic year as the Director of Communications, I have made myself available to the student body, responded to last-minute requests and emergencies, attended events (including those outside my time zone), and created a monthly newsletter. I have attended all General Assemblies and Board meetings, and collaborated with other board members of HESA for a variety of purposes.

I’m also very comfortable working across time zones. As HES students, we’re spread out all over the world, and I know how tough this is, as I live several continents away from Boston, and I know how lonely it can get and how disconnected we might feel despite being Harvard students. If I’m elected, I will make sure that we have more opportunities to connect with each other and the broader campus community at Harvard. I will do this by hosting a variety of fun events, starting a sustainability newsletter, finding opportunities for students to make a difference and leave their own mark with the sustainability club and at Harvard, and most importantly, I promise to make sure that everyone is heard and has a seat at the table.

I served as HESA's Director of Communications for the 2025 - 2026 academic year. I have made myself available to the student body, responded to last-minute requests and emergencies, attended events (including those outside my time zone), and created a monthly newsletter. I have attended all General Assemblies, Board meetings, and several events hosted by HESA and student organizations, compiled over 100 graphics (with the help of my Deputy Directors), and collaborated with other board members of HESA for a variety of purposes, such as events, fundraisers, and Office Hours. I’m also very comfortable working across time zones. I’ve also helped create procedures to ensure that the organization runs smoothly. In addition, I’ve helped to create WhatsApp groups to connect people with similar interests and organized group work sessions for classes.