The online votes from Panther Connect are tallied and Oluwademilade O. Ogunlade is now transitioning from Executive Vice President to President of the SUNY Old Westbury Student Government Association.

Officially taking office the day of commencement on May 23, Ogunlade continues her involvement of being in student government, first starting during her senior year in high school, where she “got seats at tables I’d otherwise not have.” She now hopes to achieve even more, not only for herself but for the whole student and faculty body at SUNY Old Westbury.

Elaborating on her “seats at tables I’d otherwise not have,” Ogunlade says, “The truth is, I’m often overlooked. I’m a Black, loud, assertive and committed woman from NYC. Shortly put, I’m a lot. All the things that make me sometimes create a barrier which is challenging to say the least. I understand that my disposition can oftentimes be disadvantageous but that’s why I do things like run for president; I will simply take the chance that I wouldn’t otherwise be handed. Then when I get it, I make sure I keep my seat at the table.”

“I hope to change a lot. I hope to start a school garden that will benefit many campus parties, adjust campus dining to include healthier options, increase student retention rates and much more,” Ogunlade writes to me in an email chain filled with positivity and warmth.

While in development no new programs are solidified at the moment, but she urges students to follow @ow_sga on Instagram and check your student email for newsletters to keep up with any future events.

Ogunlade has an ambition to better streamline communication within SGA. “I have high hopes that many things will change within SGA during my presidency. Some things I hope change include SGA & student relationships, UPD & student relationships and faculty & student relationships,” she said. “The students are the school; it is vital that we nurture our reality from that angle.”

With things still up in the air due to Covid-19, Ogunlade is learning all the online nuances by working closely with current SGA President Kalief Metellus. “I am actively paying attention to how he maneuvers the position and I’ve gotten to see how he does so pre-covid and in a virtual format. The challenge I have now is deciphering how to effectively be the SGA President for the students as we potentially transition back into campus. All in all, I work for you all and will do my best in seeing to it that you are satisfied.”