SGA Session: Empowering Student Voices: A Dialogue on Campus Advocacy

Attendees will learn how Adelphi students can turn their voices into action by advocating on behalf of their peers and helping shape positive change on campus.

This event is part of Adelphi University’s Freedom of Expression Week Symposium, hosted by the Division of Student Affairs and Office of Diversity Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.

For more information, please contact Cathy Harrison at 516.877.3146 or charrison@adelphi.edu.

About the Speakers

Hussein Ali Rifath

Hussein Ali Rifath is the President of Adelphi University’s Student Government Association (SGA). His passion for campus advocacy started when he began writing for The Delphian student newspaper during his freshman year. Throughout his work with the paper–including a brief tenure as Editor-in-Chief–Hussein focused his efforts on giving a platform to often-overlooked members of the Adelphi community. He intends to continue that tradition through his leadership of SGA by advancing initiatives that foster a more connected, engaged, and empowered student body that collaborates across the University. Beyond his involvement in student government, Hussein is proud to work as a Research Assistant for the Department of Political Science and International Relations and as a Residential Assistant at Eddy Hall.

Amanda Ali

Amanda Ali is the SGA Public Relations Secretary. She is a sophomore at the Honors College, majoring in both Psychology and Criminal Justice. Amanda oversees the SGA’s social media presence and is passionate about keeping students informed by promoting events and other campus initiatives. She also serves as a member of the Honors College Student Council and the Honors College Symposium Board, where she helps organize events and continues to advocate on behalf of her fellow students. Through all of her work, Amanda hopes to help create an inclusive and welcoming environment on campus where all community members feel free to express their ideas and creativity.

Sydney Drain

Sydney Drain is the Parliamentarian of the Student Government Association. She is a sophomore at the Honors College and participates in the Levermore Global Scholars program. She is majoring in criminal justice and minors in psychology. Her role in SGA is to ensure that all proceedings follow the Robert’s Rules of Order and the SGA Constitution, so that all members of the student body have a fair voice in the decision-making process. Sydney is involved in many other campus clubs and organizations, including the Waldo Hall Council. Beyond this, she works as an Event Assistant with the Office of Admissions. Her mission as a student leader is to make Adelphi a more accessible college campus for all those in need.

Michele Polisi

Michele Polisi serves as the Treasurer of SGA. He is in his sophomore year studying Psychology, with a minor in Human Resources as part of the CSTEP program. In his free time, he enjoys volunteering to support events on campus. In his role as Treasurer, he assists student leaders with event planning and club finances. This includes guiding club officers through the club budgeting process and teaching them how to place orders and set up events while being smart with their money. Through his work, he hopes to help make Adelphi a more welcoming place by bridging the gap between commuters and residents.

Isabella Fiore 

Isabella (Bella) Fiore is a member of the Student Senate. She is a junior studying psychology at the Derner School of Psychology and a participant in the STEP program. Bella also serves as the Public Relations and Marketing Chair of Adelphi’s Disability Advocacy Group. She transferred to Adelphi last semester from Sacred Heart University. She finds it important that students like herself have their voices heard. She is excited to work with SGA to turn ideas into action to help improve our campus.

Tanush Singh

Tanush Singh is a member of the Student Senate. He is a first-year biology major participating in Adelphi’s 8-year BS/DO joint-degree program with the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. In the future, Tanush aspires to practice medicine, with the ultimate goal of pursuing a career as an anesthesiologist. Through his work, he hopes to champion efforts in addressing healthcare inequality. What excites him most about student government and advocacy is the chance to uplift the voices of his peers and work toward solutions that make everyday students’ lives better. Tanush is also an active member of Adelphi’s Pre-Med Club. He looks forward to learning, growing, and contributing to Adelphi’s community during his time at Adelphi.