The Madison College Student Senate is hosting their annual elections March 29th-April 2nd, to fill the President and Senator roles for the 2021-2022 academic year. All degree students will receive their ballot directly through their Madison College email on Monday, March 29th, and have until Friday, April 2nd to cast their vote electronically.
All degree students will be able to vote for the following positions: Student Senate President, 14 General Senators, Fort Atkinson Senator, Goodman South Senator, Portage Senator, Reedsburg Senator, and Watertown Senator. Write-in votes are encouraged, particularly for the open seats, which include the Fort Atkinson Senator, Portage Senator, and Watertown Senator positions. Check out the Madison College Student Senate website and follow them on social media to learn more about how the organization advocates for students! They also host virtual office hours Monday-Thursday, which are posted in WolfPack Connect.

Website: www.madisoncollegesenate.org

Facebook: Facebook.com/MadisonCollegeStudentSenate

Instagram: @madisonstudentsenate

Twitter: @MCSenate

Candidate Profiles
*Incumbent candidates who are current Senators or Officers

Name: Sean Green*
Academic Program: IT Network Specialist
Senate Position Running For: President
Involvement:
Peer Support Specialist in the Student Success Center: September 2019-Present
Student Senator: October 2019-Present
Student Senate President: May 2020-Present
Student Representative on IT Council: November 2019-Present
NSLS Member: January 2021-Present
What would you like to accomplish with the Student Senate? My main goal is to continue the work that I had started last May and continue to do to this day, which would be student engagement.
I want to see Student Life organizations become closer and collaborate more and I want every student to feel welcomed when they joined the Madison College community. The pandemic made everything that much more challenging and new strategies on how to approach student engagement had to be proposed and tested out. An idea like creating a virtual office so that any student could drop in between 11-8 Monday – Friday and speak to us about issues that they were having is an awesome idea, but it’s clear now that Senate need to be advertising it more than what we originally were doing. Being confined to a virtual world can be limiting yet at the same time, it forces us to be creative.
I think more accommodations for students and their mental health need to be evaluated. While the entire Madison College community is in the very long process of transitioning into what a post COVID “normal” will look like, there needs to be some consideration for how stressful it has been for every student. Not every student has the same situation going on, to compare one student’s situation to another’s is like trying to compare apples to oranges. If, let’s say, a student doesn’t want to turn their camera on but is still able to fully participate in every other manner, should their grade be negatively affected? No, it shouldn’t. I then hear the counterpoint in the back of my mind “this is what they signed up for” No they didn’t. No one did. I have heard the same line since fall semester started and it goes something like “I didn’t want to go to college to better my life, have everything on the line, and then be stressed if I might get sick.” I don’t think students are asking for a hall pass, we want to work for our degree, but finding the middle ground has got to happen. I see and hear all the time the progress that’s being done to try and help with mental health, but I think not everyone is on board just yet.
What qualities and skills do you possess that would make you a good candidate for Senate?
Communication: it’s the one thing that leads to being successful at anything in life
Listening: I have enjoyed every opportunity as Senate President to have conversations with students where I can just let them talk and I listen.
Being truthful/staying true to oneself and everyone around them no matter what happens
Acceptance: I think we need to accept each other; it doesn’t mean we need to agree with them. It’s fine to have a difference of opinion but we can at least accept that they have an opinion in the first place rather than no opinion at all.
I like to be organized, have structure and routine, and I am detail orientated.
What initiatives should the Senate devote its work to, which would be most helpful for students at Madison College?
The thing that is hurting the Student Senate the most is that we don’t have a wide range of voices that this Madison College community represents. So, when we try to decide what’s best for the needs of all students, we are missing a bunch of those. We want those voices and try to actively pursue finding them. Student outreach is needed. We want to make sure every student is being represented, age, sex, race, gender, identity, and that list can go on.
I wanted to be President the first time around because I wanted a system that worked for everyone and though we have made some ground we are not there yet. A lot more progress must be made, and I want to continue to dedicate my time to seeing it through.

Name: Brennan Balestrieri
Academic Program: Cloud I.T.
Senate Position Running For: General Senator
Involvement:
ACLU – helped build student membership and helped organize trips including to conference in Chicago.
March For Our Lives – helped organize march of 10,000 people for sensible gun reform
What qualities and skills do you possess that would make you a good candidate for Senate? Organizational skills, team building experience, love peer mentoring and coaching, social media and website design experience.
What would you like to accomplish with the Student Senate? Increase outreach to minority and impoverished families; increase services for community members near campuses; increase visibility of anti-racist, pro-inclusivity programs; eliminate obstacles to enrollment and participation for poor Wisconsin families, especially new immigrants and communities historically impacted by racism and colonialism (Native, black, latinX etc.).

Name: Joseph Ciardelli*
Academic Program: Electrical Engineering Technology
Senate Position Running For: General Senator
Involvement:
UW-Madison Taekwondo Club – Instructor Board: Learned organization, leadership, and teaching.
Kappa Eta Kappa – Professional Electrical Engineering Fraternity – Executive Board: Learned about administrative and organizational tasks.
What qualities and skills do you possess that would make you a good candidate for Senate? I’m good at listening and observing, distilling information into key points, brainstorming with people and facilitating communication, planning, and organizing.
What would you like to accomplish with the Student Senate? I would like to learn more about the processes and administration the Student Senate is involved in and bring some of my time and energy and experience to hopefully affect some positive changes in whatever we apply ourselves too.

Name: Estella Howard
Academic Program: Human Resources Management
Senate Position Running For: Portage Senator
Involvement: I currently work a financial aid assistance helping students answer questions about financial Aid and other loans and grants. I have also worked on the student advisory committee last year prior to COVID. I was also an officer with the PTK honor society. All of these roles have been great leader roles and allowed me to a voice for students and provide great support.
What qualities and skills do you possess that would make you a good candidate for Senate? I maintain great academic records and take my education very serious. This makes me a great mentor and leader for students. I also care deeply about the success of all students and will fight to give them every tool and resources they need. I have also been part of other committees and have worked closely with Madison College. Also been on the dean’s list every semester.
What would you like to accomplish with the Student Senate? I would like to help make students’ lives easier. I want to be the ear they can depend on. Being a voice for people and being a resource is something I have always had a passion for. That’s why I’m in the HR field. I plan on using my passion as a career.

Name: Donna Hutcherson
Academic Program: Criminal Justice
Senate Position Running For: General Senator
Involvement: Criminal Justice Association, Student Advisory Committee. I am the Assisted Vice President for CJA, I have used my attention to detail, compassion and management skills. In the Student Advisory Committee, I have used my ability to communicate with staff and peers on the committee. We help develop the CT3 roll out on the New Madison College page.
What qualities and skills do you possess that would make you a good candidate for Senate? The qualities I pose to make me a great fit would be, understanding the need of my peers. Management and organizational are great skill that I have excelled over the years. I have over 20 years of management and organizational skills. I am dependable and I communicate well.
What would you like to accomplish with the Student Senate? I would like to accomplish that every individual would feel as though they belong, and that their voice is heard. I would like to ensure that programs are in place for different needs of students. To ensure students feel safe no matter what demographic they are. I am eager to learn more about Madison College and be a part of making a difference.

Name: Kaitlyn Klonsinski
Academic Program: Liberal Arts Transfer
Senate Position Running For: General Senator
Involvement: Though I have not participated in organizations at Madison College, as I have previously held positions of employment that I was obligated to outside of my classes, I was a part of a few organizations at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities: CHAARG and The Salt Company. CHAARG is a college women’s health and fitness group that aims to share a passion for movement with women of all identities, abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. This group provided me with an encouraging and energetic space to get to know women of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities– many of which I still have a relationship with today! The Salt Company (popularly referred to as just ‘Salt’) is a college ministry organization that offers a welcoming and loving space of worship for college students. Through this group and the founded relationships, I felt more confident in my own identities, as well as my ability to interact with so many different individuals in a space. Salt provided its members with an encouraging and energetic space to promote tolerance, respect, and communication between its members.
What qualities and skills do you possess that would make you a good candidate for Senate? To hold a Student Senate position at Madison College requires someone who is diligent, organized, insightful, and meticulous. I can confidently say that I achieve each of these standards. As we look ahead into the summer and fall of 2021, it is no secret that new challenges still await. I am confident that my developed skills of self-awareness, communication, empathy, and proactiveness will aid in meeting the demands of the Madison College Student Senate. I would be honored to serve alongside individuals who will promote honest and open conversation, encourage both self- and peer-criticism in order to best represent our diverse student population, and to work with members of the Madison College administration in order to meet the needs of its students.
What would you like to accomplish with the Student Senate? The next several months will bring great change, thus demanding responsive and resolute leadership from the Madison College Student Senate. Whether or not we achieve in-person classes by next fall, it is critical that we continue preparing for the transition. My goals while serving on the Madison College Student Senate would be focused on this; I intend to highlight the situations of students who do face unique barriers when considering their return to Madison College after over a year of quarantine, a health and sanitation crisis, economic instability, and societal tragedy, reflection, and transformation. As much as a Student Senate position is about accountability and advocating for my fellow students, it is also about learning, self-criticism and reflection, and never allowing oneself to overlook or dismiss the situation of a student because of an inability to consider and/or understand. I believe the best way to represent all students at Madison College is by communicating with our student groups, its leaders, and its members. I aim to directly collaborate with such groups, especially those organizing minority students who are able to more directly share the needs of the involved students. Ultimately, the role of our Student Senate is to speak on behalf of the students at Madison College. Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and welcomed when returning to campus, whenever that will be. My goals will largely focus on ensuring that all students feel heard in this transition, as well as throughout their education at Madison Area Technical College.

Name: Andrea LaBella
Academic Program: Business Management
Senate Position Running For: General Senator
Involvement: This is my first semester with Madison College. Being amid COVID-19 has not allowed many in person opportunities to learn about many other activities. This is part of why I want to join the Senate. I would like to potentially join a club next semester too! As far as things I have done outside of school, I previously volunteered at a Baptist Episcopal Church food pantry and a Humane Society before moving to the Madison Area. What I learned was that I enjoyed putting in work to help others. Whether it was giving a lonely cat some cuddles, lifting 50lbs crates of flour, or just lending an ear to people who needed to talk. I believe every person can spread positivity no matter how big or small the manner is that they do it.
What qualities and skills do you possess that would make you a good candidate for Senate? I think communication is key for many things in life. Not just verbal, but also listening, reading, and understanding what people are conveying to you. I pride myself on being a great communicator and will always do my best to ensure people feel heard. It may sound corny, but diplomacy. It sounds like such a fancy word but many of us use this skill every day. I always try to act with grace and tact in every situation. Compassion. If someone were to ask me what this world needs more of, I would say compassion. Especially in these times. People are confused, scared, and maybe even a little frustrated. I have always been a compassionate person and I think that would translate well to the duties of a Student Senator.
What would you like to accomplish with the Student Senate? First and foremost, I would like to learn. I want to learn about the College and all it offers to students so I can better help people who need it. I would like to listen to other students and find out what would benefit them and help their education experience at Madison College and be an advocate for their needs.

Name: Lukas Sebranek*
Academic Program: Liberal Arts Transfer
Senate Position Running For: General Senator
Involvement: I am an incumbent member of the Student Senate. I deeply enjoy my Senate position and I have learned more about being a dissenting vote as well as having a good relationship with people I disagree with.
What qualities and skills do you possess that would make you a good candidate for Senate? I am a good listener, I do what my conscious tells me, and I am a quick learner.
What would you like to accomplish with the Student Senate? I would like to make the college a better place for my fellow students. I would like to make sure that students of many different beliefs and values are represented in the student government.

Name: Jack Shockey
Academic Program: Paralegal
Senate Position Running For: General Senator
Involvement:
Fox Student Association, Senator – University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Fox Cities Campus (allocated segregated university fee dollars to campus clubs and organizations, utilized organizational skills to uphold and advance students’ rights, provided student representation on campus committees)
Biology Club – University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Fox Cities Campus
What qualities and skills do you possess that would make you a good candidate for Senate? My strongest quality is listening to others and my ability to make decisions that reflect others thinking. Understanding and conversing with people that share different viewpoints is beneficial in decision making. I held this belief while serving as a Fox Student Association Senator at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Fox Cities Campus. I, along with my fellow senators, held discussions with University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh faculty at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, with the purpose of sharing our student body’s concerns. We were able to help transition to an online learning format and relayed issues that arose.
What would you like to accomplish with the Student Senate? Improving the transfer process for students coming to Madison College from other campuses is very important, as I experienced difficulties while transferring from my former campus. Expanding resources for students who suffer from hunger or homelessness is also of upmost importance because no student should be disadvantaged due to their economic status. Every student deserves the access to basic necessities that enable them to succeed in their education.

Name: Amanda Streiff
Academic Program: Criminal Justice
Senate Position Running For: General Senator
Involvement: I haven’t been in any organizations. I am very interested in becoming part of this.
What qualities and skills do you possess that would make you a good candidate for Senate? I like to represent people who don’t feel they are heard or just be a part of a group to coordinate activities.
What would you like to accomplish with the Student Senate? Unsure but I would love the experience.

Name: Inamuddin Syed
Academic Program: Liberal Arts Transfer
Senate Position Running For: General Senator
Involvement: I haven’t participated in any organizations or activities because firstly I am already in a volunteering program at McFarland Police Department as a post of Police explorer. I joined the college in the fall of 2020 which was all online. So, I didn’t find any good activities, all of them were online and I didn’t want that.
What qualities and skills do you possess that would make you a good candidate for Senate? Some qualities and skills that I possess that can make me a good candidate to be a senator are- 1.) Good Listener. 2.) Motivated. 3.) Good Organization skills. 4.) Teamwork-driven person. 5.) Creative.
What would you like to accomplish with the Student Senate? A few things that I would like to accomplish with the Madison College Student Senate are- 1.) I want to advocate for students. 2.) I want to make a difference in terms of the experience of Madison College.

Name: Aleemuddin Syed*
Academic Program: Liberal Arts Transfer
Senate Position Running For: General Senator
Involvement: I am serving Student Senate for close to 1 year now. I have some decent knowledge about Senate as a whole. I have a better understanding how does committee works, parliamentary procedure and public relation committee. I have served as the VP of PR in my previous term.
What qualities and skills do you possess that would make you a good candidate for Senate? I definitely have some good ideas to promote Student Senate election at large. I am a good listener and a motivated person.
What would you like to accomplish with the Student Senate? I would like to help recover Madison College from the Covid-19 pandemic. Also, I want to advocate for the Madison College students!

Name: Daniel Thompson
Academic Program: Liberal Arts Transfer
Senate Position Running For: General Senator
Involvement: President of the UW-Whitewater Racquetball Club. Organized racquetball leagues and tournaments. Improved player skills by hosting racquetball clinics.
What qualities and skills do you possess that would make you a good candidate for Senate? Strong interpersonal and networking skills. Responsible. Respectful. Open-minded. Independent. Resourceful. Excellent organizational and time management skills. I work full time and attend school. Value education.
What would you like to accomplish with the Student Senate? I would promote equal accessibility to student accommodations for ALL students. It is important that every student attending Madison College has a great experience and is successful. Also, I would like to explore ways to improve student/teacher interactions virtually. From my experience, online learning has taken away a crucial element of learning from the student.

Name: Ireland Virgil
Academic Program: ADN to RN
Senate Position Running For: Goodman South Campus Senator
Involvement: I have not been involved in any previous organizations at Madison College as this year has been odd due to our current circumstances with COVID-19. Although I have not participated in any organizations at Madison College, I have had several experiences in being part of organizations throughout high school as well as my years before high school.
What qualities and skills do you possess that would make you a good candidate for Senate? I strongly believe that I am a great leader; I always feel the need to contribute to group work. I think it is highly important for all leaders to listen and to be all ears when it comes to student satisfaction as well. I would be more than happy to join the student senate at Madison College!
What would you like to accomplish with the Student Senate? I would like to improve student performance within classes, organizations, and so much more. I feel it is highly important for all students to want to do well in all activities from school-related functions to functions outside of school. Additionally, I feel that student satisfaction plays a major role in the campus outlook itself.

Name: Katrina Willis*
Academic Program: Medical Coding Specialist
Senate Position Running For: General Senator
Involvement: I am the current State President and Chapter President for Business Professionals of America; Senator, Student Rep on FPIC and PD Councils; current member of Phi Theta Kappa since 2009; served as Vice President of Scholarship 2019-2019; served as Vice President of Fellowship 2017-2018; Santa Wish List Volunteer 2016, 2017, and 2019. Officer on the Executive Leadership Team and Black Student Union 2009; Class A Registered Volunteer with Special Olympics 2020-Present; and member of League of Women Voters.
What qualities and skills do you possess that would make you a good candidate for Senate? Katrina V Willis is a Student Senator who works with the Student Senate to advocate to improve the academic quality of life for all Madison College students. She is very active in multiple organizations. In all my various roles, I have acquired the skills to be a transformative leader, mentor, collaborator, and advocate. I continue to further develop my soft skills. I look forward to the honor of serving on Student Senate again. Katrina is passionate about advocating for others. Driven and dedicated to resolving issues that impact Madison College and all of its stakeholders. Experience working with the Madison College Student Senate. Administrative and office management skills. Great listener. Advocate. Collaborator.
What would you like to accomplish with the Student Senate? I would like for Student Senate to fulfill its Three-Year Goals and continue to focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion for all of our stakeholders.

Name: Mina Yildiz*
Academic Program: Gateway to College Program
Senate Position Running For: General Senator
Involvement: This is my first year at Madison Area Technical College. I am participating in the Honors Program, the Student Senate Racial Equity Committee, and the Gateway to College program. My honors project’s responsibilities are to create 3 AB-A assignments, and in my last semester at MATC, I will be presenting to the board of Madison College. My honors project is analyzing the relationship between the high school schooling system and mental health. My role as the Chair of the Racial Equity Committee is to be communicative, timely, and passionate. I am very interested in making changes that can help others for the better. Lastly, my Gateway to College Program’s role is to be a full-time high school and college student. The program offers a chance for higher education. It’s my responsibility to learn to the best of my capabilities and take the initiative of my future.
What qualities and skills do you possess that would make you a good candidate for Senate? I am very good at communicating and conveying my thoughts while working independently or when working with others. Resilience is probably my strongest skill. Throughout my life, I have dealt with family instability, mental health, and physical health. I did not let these occurrences bring me down; instead, I grew from them and became a stronger person. When there is something I believe in something, there’s nothing that can hold me back. Some other skills I have are time management, enthusiasm, and work ethic.
What would you like to accomplish with the Student Senate? The biggest thing I want to accomplish is to create change. I want to use my position in the student Senate to help develop ideas that turn into reality. I also want to be a diplomat when I am older, so by participating in a government-like position, I can prepare for my future to better understand how things work. Some other things I want to accomplish is spreading awareness, building connections, and being a part of a community.

Name: Eric Ziebell*
Academic Program: Cyber Security
Senate Position Running For: General Senator
Involvement: Senate 3rd year; IT Council; Digital Access Impact Team; PR and Team Development committees.
What qualities and skills do you possess that would make you a good candidate for Senate? Previous knowledge of prior committee and council progress and activities. I get along great with everyone. Now a Tech Master!
What would you like to accomplish with the Student Senate? Try and get the word out about Senate and what we have done!