2025-2026 Executive Board

Thank you to everyone who voted in our 2025-2026 Graduate and Professional Student Government Executive Board elections! Congratulations to our new executive board for 2025-2026!

Nayraa Sethi

Graduate School of Public and International Affairs

President

Candidate Biography:

My name is Nayraa Sethi, and I am a graduate student pursuing a Master of Public and International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh. My academic journey has been shaped by my passion for fostering collaboration, communication, and leadership in diverse settings. Currently serving as the Vice President of Committees in the Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG) and as the Director of Finance for the GSPIA Student Cabinet, I have developed a strong foundation in student advocacy and organizational leadership. In my professional roles, including as a Graduate Student Worker in GSPIA's Recruitment and Admissions team, I have honed my skills in stakeholder communication, event coordination, and strategic outreach. My background also includes experience in leadership development, graphic design, and data management. These roles have deepened my understanding of how to bridge gaps between students, administration, and external stakeholders to create inclusive and thriving communities. As someone who has consistently worked to amplify student voices and lead impactful initiatives, I am driven by a desire to empower others and foster a sense of belonging. Originally from Delhi, India, I bring a global perspective, combined with my ability to manage complex projects and facilitate meaningful dialogue, enables me to approach challenges with creativity and purpose. I am committed to building a connected and vibrant graduate student community

Candidate Statement:

I am running for GPSG President because I believe in the power of strong, accountable leadership to drive meaningful change for our graduate and professional student community. In my time as Vice President of Committees, I have worked closely with student organizations, university administrators, and peers to foster collaboration and ensure student concerns are effectively addressed. This role has given me a deep understanding of the challenges students face and the importance of creating spaces where every voice is heard and valued. As GPSG President, I will focus on strengthening the bridge between students and the university administration by effectively communicating our recommendations and advocating for policies that reflect the diverse needs of our community. I will prioritize fostering transparency and ensuring that students are well-informed about decisions impacting them. My leadership will also center on building an inclusive environment where every student feels empowered to participate, share their perspectives, and contribute to shaping our collective future. In addition to maintaining open communication, I will work to ensure all GPSG committees and initiatives operate efficiently and collaboratively. By streamlining processes, enhancing accessibility, and ensuring proper support for student organizations, we can build a thriving network that reflects the aspirations of all graduate and professional students. Furthermore, I will work to amplify student voices in university-wide forums, such as the Board of Trustees Student Affairs Committee and the University Senate Assembly Board, ensuring our priorities are not only heard but acted upon. I am committed to building a GPSG that is proactive, transparent, and driven by the collective needs of our students. Leadership is more than managing; it’s about inspiring action, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that the foundation we build today benefits those who come after us. I look forward to leading with integrity, purpose, and a commitment to making GPSG a true advocate for every student.

Vice President
of Public Relations

First Last

School of

Candidate Biography:

Candidate Statement:

Vice President
of Programming

Puja Halder

School of Medicine

Candidate Biography:

My name is Puja Halder, I am a master's student in the Biomedical Master's Program, located in the School of Medicine. I am from Missouri and completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Missouri-Columbia. I have extensive leadership experience; I am currently the VP of Records for the Biomedical Graduate Student Association (BGSA). As an undergrad, I was the President of MU Women in STEM, the Service Chair for oSTEM @ Mizzou, an executive board member of Mizzou Alternative Breaks, and the Special Events Chair for MU Women’s Leadership Conference. I work as a Clinical Research Coordinator at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital on the Alzheimer’s Pathways Sleep Study (ALPS). I am a volunteer at Allegheny General Hospital, for a local kid’s arts and culture group, and for the Carnegie Library System of Pittsburgh. In my free time I like to knit, cook, play the piano, and dance in the Ballet Club at Pitt and the Dance & Fitness program at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.

Candidate Statement:

As the VP of Records for the BGSA, I am responsible for attending all meetings and taking notes for our records and also for keeping members who are unable to attend meetings up to date on our current events. I also coordinate with other executive board members to increase awareness of our organization and plan events for our members. I have found this to be a great way to increase campus awareness of our organization, so I would like to continue these activities as the VP of Programming for the GPSG. Volunteering and social events have been a good way for members of the BGSA to get to know each other, so I would like to help plan more of these events in the VP of Programming role. Additionally, I would work with other graduate organizations across campus to increase awareness of GPSG across the graduate student population at Pitt. I envision creating presentations to be presented at different general body meetings so that more students are aware of the GPSG and the important role this organization plays in improving the graduate student experience at Pitt.

Vice President
of Committees

Kennedy Short

Graduate School of Public and International Affairs

Candidate Biography:

I am currently a second-semester Master of Public Administration student in the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, specializing in policy research and analysis. Within the school, I serve as the Vice President of the Student Cabinet and as the representative to the GPSG Assembly Board.

For my undergraduate studies, I attended Drake University, where I studied international human rights law and comparative policy analysis. During that time, I served as a club administrator for various student organizations and participated in the Donald V. Adams Leadership Institute, cultivating my abilities to lead not only as someone in charge but as someone who emphasizes understanding and experiences of peers and coworkers to generate quality, equitable results.

Beyond academia, I have a strong history of leadership and service. I have served as secretary for my local county elections committee, as a board member for institutions focused on statewide food insecurity initiatives, and as co-chair of my former employer's International Pride Business Resource Group. After earning my undergraduate degree, I worked professionally for two years and understand the importance of creating an environment that supports students in both their academic success and their preparation for the professional world.

Candidate Statement:

With the state of higher education in flux, I am committed to continuing to maintain unity among graduate programs and preserving the legacy of excellence that Pitt has cultivated, especially in the face of adversity. I will work to maintain committee cohesion and ensure they provide responsible representation of student interests to Pitt administration. Change is happening rapidly, and that trend will likely continue. In the days ahead, having a leader dedicated not only to student well-being but also to the administrative functions that serve them will be essential to ensuring quality higher education and meaningful student engagement, and I hope that you will choose me to fill that role.

Vice President
of Finance

Shivangi Singh

Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business

Candidate Biography:

Shivangi Singh is a seasoned finance professional with over 10 years of experience in financial management, credit risk assessment, and private equity. She is currently pursuing an MBA (STEM) at the University of Pittsburgh’s Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business. With a strong background in financial modelling and critically analyzing the financial background and budget of clients, she has demonstrated expertise in managing financial operations, ensuring compliance, and optimizing risk-adjusted returns for large institutional clients. She is also a Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and possesses a solid foundation in accounting and financial analysis. Additionally, her technical expertise spans Python, Tableau, and data visualization. Before pursuing an MBA, she served as a Credit Risk Officer at Barclays Global Service Center, where they managed credit underwriting for leading private equity clients such as KKR, Blackstone, and Bain Capital. In this role, she successfully evaluated financial risks, structured credit facilities, and streamlined approval processes, reducing turnaround times and improving operational efficiency. Their ability to assess and mitigate risks while maintaining financial integrity played a crucial role in supporting high-value transactions. Previously, she worked at the Central Bank of India, where they progressed from Credit Risk Analyst to Senior Manager (Branch Manager). As a Branch Manager, she led branch operations, and optimized the operations of each department with efficient and effective resource allocation and increased deposit inflows by 31% and implemented employee recognition initiatives that enhanced productivity. Her deep understanding of financial reporting, compliance, and expenditure verification ensured that all financial transactions of the branch were properly recorded and verified so that no discrepancy occurred at the time of audit. With a proven track record of financial leadership, strategic decision-making, and operational efficiency, Shivangi Singh is seeking to leverage their expertise in financial planning, risk management, and corporate finance in a VP of Finance role, where she can drive sustainable growth, enhance financial processes, and ensure fiscal accountability within the organization

Candidate Statement:

As a seasoned finance professional with over 10 years of experience in financial management, credit risk assessment, and strategic planning, I, Shivangi Singh, am committed to bringing strong financial oversight, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making to the VP of Finance role. If selected for this position, my primary focus will be on:

1. Improving Financial Planning & Budgeting – Implementing strategic financial frameworks to optimize budgeting processes, ensuring transparency and fiscal accountability.
2. Strengthening Financial Reporting & Compliance – Leveraging my expertise in financial modeling, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance to maintain accurate records and improve audit readiness.
3. Optimizing Resource Allocation & Risk Management – Applying my background in credit underwriting and private equity to mitigate financial risks, optimize expenditures, and maximize returns.
4. Driving Operational Efficiency – Streamlining financial workflows and approval processes to improve turnaround times, enhance reporting accuracy, and ensure timely distribution of funds.
5. Fostering Collaboration & Strategic Growth – Working closely with stakeholders to develop financial strategies that align with organizational goals, ensuring sustainable financial health and long-term success.

With my strong leadership skills, analytical mindset, and experience managing multimillion-dollar financial portfolios, I am eager to contribute to the organization's financial stability and growth. I look forward to utilizing my expertise to drive financial excellence, enhance reporting mechanisms, and build a more efficient, transparent, and fiscally responsible financial framework.

Election Timeline

Call for Candidates:

January 27 - February 14

Zoom Info Sessions:

Q&A with the Executive Administrator and a current board member.

Link: https://pitt.zoom.us/j/97499473349 updated as of 1/22

Wednesday January 22nd 7pm-8pm

Monday January 27th 7pm-8pm

Campaign Week:

February 17 - 23

Voting:

February 24 - 28

Notification of Results:

February 28

Executive Board Transitions

Individuals elected into positions are expected to attend executive board transitions and installations on the following dates:

TBD

EXECUTIVE BOARD POSITIONS

Meet the current GPSG executive board members and the duties of their role!

John E Danvers

president.gpsg@pitt.edu

Duties of the President

To preside over meetings of the AB and the EB.
To coordinate relations with the administration at the University of Pittsburgh and with organizations external to the University of Pittsburgh.
To convey the recommendations and decisions of the AB to the administration at the University of Pittsburgh and to organizations external to the University of Pittsburgh.
Attend and report on (when permitted by committee policy) meetings of the Board of Trustees Student Affairs Committee, the University Senate-Assembly Board, and the University Council for Graduate Studies if possible.
To perform such other duties as are normally required of the Office of President and as the AB may determine.
To report their actions to the Assembly at each meeting of the AB.
To hold open office hours in the GPSG office for a minimum of 1 hour per week.
To meet with students by appointment when requested at a mutually convenient time during regular university hours.
To provide agenda items and other information for the Assembly Board meetings to the Executive Administrator a minimum of 10 calendar days before each AB meeting.
To chair (or appoint a chair) the External Affairs Committee.
To cast tie-breaking votes in both AB and EB proceedings.
To ensure at the end of the position’s term that all technicalities of the post are passed onto the next President.

2025-2026 Executive Board

President

Vice President of Public Relations

Vice President of Programming

Vice President of Committees

Vice President of Finance

Election Timeline

Call for Candidates:

EXECUTIVE BOARD POSITIONS

Meet the current GPSG executive board members and the duties of their role!

Vice President
of Public Relations

Vice President
of Programming

Vice President
of Committees

Vice President
of Finance