Meet the senators
Executive Board
Hayden Johnson
President
Hassan Ezzeddine
Rachel John
Rabika Ali
Secretary
Senator at Large
Hi everyone! I am currently in my third year majoring in Public Health and minoring in Chemistry. I am the eldest daughter of four sisters, and I immigrated to America when I was 3 years old. Going to a school such as WSU allows me to get more in touch with people of my culture and other cultures while pursuing an education in a career that I intend to use to benefit the elders of my community. Besides the Student Senate, I enjoy working with organizations such as MSA, FIL-SOC, Campus Activities Team, Hijab Haven, SJP, etc. During the summer, I pay back my Islamic teachers by volunteering as a teacher at my local Islamic School. Outside of responsibilities, I feind over activities such as baking, watching dramas, reading, and listening to my podcasts (specifically Baking a Mystery and Rotten Mango by Stephanie Soo). As a current senator-at-large, I am working on initiatives that are dear to me, such as the single-use parking pass initiative, minor resolution, and civic education initiative. I want to continue my efforts and serve as a voice for my peers through these projects.
Vansh Bhardwaj
Treasurer
Senator at Large
Vansh Bhardwaj is a fourth-year student pursuing a Bachelor's in Public Health with a minor in Biological Sciences. With aspirations to work as a physician, he aims to utilize his passion for Public Health to bring health equity to the forefront of medicine by advocating for disadvantaged groups. Vansh is currently the Public Health Project Group Chair and hopes to work with fellow senators to enact initiatives throughout the 2023-24 term. Outside of academics, Vansh tutors elementary students from Detroit Public Schools and visits hospice patients, providing respite care for their families. Overall, Vansh aims to act as a liaison between the student body and administration to implement sustainable and impactful initiatives that improve student life.
Finnley Culhane
Director of Public Relations
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Representative
Finnley Culhane is a Senior completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Romance Languages with a concentration in French and a minor in History. She was raised in Lasalle, Ontario, Canada, and is now continuing her education in the United States. She hopes to continue to law school post-undergraduate. She is interested in pursuing a career practicing immigration law, aiming to make North America more accessible globally. At Wayne State, she is a Forensics Speech and Debate team member, competing nationally on the Policy Team. Additionally, she is the treasurer of the Wayne Women in Law Project. In her free time, she volunteers regularly at the Welcome Centre Shelter for Women and Families in Windsor, Ontario. Her hobbies include watercolor painting, calligraphy and hand-lettering, basketball, and tennis. As the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Representative and Director of Public Relations of the WSU Student Senate, she is committed to fostering a transparent and welcoming environment and improving Wayne State University as a whole.
Mazin Alam
Director of Student Services
Senator at Large
Mazin Alam is a 4th Year undergraduate student at Wayne State majoring in Biology and pursuing a minor in History. Growing up in the Metro Detroit area, Mazin has developed deep roots and a strong connection with the Greater Detroit community. Mazin is passionate about serving the interests of underrepresented groups and minorities who make up the vast mosaic of Southeast Michigan. He splits his time between volunteering at local hospitals, doing research, and being involved with his local religious organizations. Outside of school, Mazin enjoys road biking, reading, cooking, and watching movies. He hopes to one day practice as a physician and use his position to affect public policy on a national and global scale. As Director of Student Services, Mazin hopes to build a better Wayne State for everyone.
Cordelia Krajewski
Director of Government Affairs
Senator at Large
Cordelia Krajewski is a senior majoring in Public Affairs, Honors with an Urban Studies minor. This is Cordelia’s third term serving on the Senate. In the past, she has held the Public Health Project Group Chair position (2022-23) and Director of Public Relations (2023-24). During the 2024-25 term, she will serve as a Member-at-Large and Director of Government Affairs. Cordelia is very passionate about civic engagement and the well-being of students on campus. She feels every student deserves a voice and hopes to help make Wayne State a welcoming place for all. She has predominately focused on voter engagement and the Menstrual Product Program in her time on the Senate and is always looking to hear from students about those topics and others. On campus, Cordelia also works as a Resident Advisor in Anthony Wayne Drive Apartments, and she is a Campus Vote Project Fellow. Feel free to contact Cordelia via email at any time with questions or concerns!
Charlie Rougny
Director of Community Affairs
Senator at Large
Charlie Rougny is a third-year student majoring in English Literature Honors and Employment & Labor Studies. She is a member of Wayne State's Pre-Law Student Association and works as the Executive Assistant to Recreation within the athletics department. Professionally, she aspires to be an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) within the Department of Labor and is passionate about the right to equal opportunity. Charlie has lived in three different states, practices Eastern Orthodoxy, and chose to attend Wayne State University due to its location and diverse student body. Her hobbies include cooking, creative writing, and learning in all forms. By serving on the Student Senate, she aspires to act as a resource and ally for students and faculty alike; she looks forward to meeting any and everyone with constructive critiques, comments, and questions!
General Body
Ridaa Khan
Angelo Alexander
Hello! I’m a current 1L at Wayne Law and very excited to return to the university. I originally attended Wayne State in 2014 for an undergraduate degree but never finished. Initially, a biology student with (very) poor math skills, physics, and economics double KO’d me with such embarrassment that I fled the state. While away, I had an amazing experience living in the Bay Area of California and the not-so-amazing experience of moving to rural Georgia. While away, I received a Bachelor of the Arts in Political Science from Arizona State University online and an associate degree in Arabic. Since moving back in December 22’, I’ve been actively engaged with local nonprofits and communities. Specifically, I work closely with Congress of Communities, 482Forward, and I am a current board member at Urban Neighborhood Initiatives. My hobbies include rollerskating, making Spotify playlists I’ll never use, and pretending to enjoy the taste of black coffee.
Fatima Algahaim
College of Engineering Representative
Fatima Algahaim is a second-year Computer Science major at Wayne State University who has a fervent passion for current events, diverse literature, and making positive impacts. As a committed volunteer, she actively contributes to food banks and refugee welcome centers, hoping to empower individuals to embrace life fully. In addition to this, Fatima expresses affection by baking for the people around her. She loves reading and working out to challenge both her body and mind, and she will have Marvel movie marathons whenever she feels down. With a sincere goal of making a positive impact on the Wayne State community, Fatima aspires to foster an inclusive environment where students of all backgrounds can thrive. Embracing mistakes as opportunities for personal growth, she actively seeks conversations with individuals from diverse backgrounds, aiming to enrich her understanding and contribute to the vibrant community at Wayne State University. Fatima looks forward to combining her passion for technology with her commitment to community service, making lasting contributions to the university community while continuously striving for personal and academic growth.
Joël Hammoud
Mike Ilitch School of Business Representative
Hello everyone! My name is Joël Hammoud, and I am a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Global Supply Chain and minoring in Biology. I am a proud daughter of a Lebanese immigrant and my city of Dearborn's first Arab American Female City Council President. Being raised by such inspiring figures in my community, I was molded into a life of selfless public service and giving back to society. I am striving for a career in Dentistry and serving in government to help enhance the medical/public health sector in my community. I serve on the executive boards of the Lebanese Student Association, Mission Possible Organization, and Pre-Dental Society. My passions/hobbies outside of school include art, playing soccer, playing the piano, participating in campaigns, and scouting for local shops and farmers markets. At Wayne State, I hope to be an agent of change and a bridge between my fellow peers and the university's administration.
Jada Shorter
Housing and Residential Life Representative
Jada Shorter is a Junior at Wayne State University, majoring in Public Health with a minor in Biological Sciences. Aspiring to become a psychiatrist, Jada is deeply passionate about mental health and dedicated to promoting wellness and support within her community. Outside of her academic and leadership responsibilities, Jada volunteers at a free health clinic, providing support to the underserved Detroit population. She also participates in peer mentorship with Planned Parenthood, supporting other college students and ensuring they have access to important health resources. In her free time, she enjoys a variety of hobbies, including art, baking, and music. As the Housing and Residential Life Representative and the Mental Health Project Group Chair, Jada aims to create a compassionate and supportive environment for all students. She is committed to making a positive impact and enhancing the well-being of those around her.
Christopher Roberts
Graduate School Representative
Christopher Roberts is a fourth-year Ph.D. student in Chemical Engineering and Material Science at Wayne State University, currently conducting research in the Harris Hydrocephalus Lab at the WSU Integrative Biosciences Center (IBio). Having grown up in the greater Detroit area, Chris is deeply involved in his community and is passionate about pursuing a postdoctoral fellowship focused on pediatric hydrocephalus. Outside of his academic pursuits, Chris dedicates his time to high school outreach, tutoring students for ACT preparation, and engaging in various recreational activities such as kayaking, biking around Belle Isle, and playing tennis. As a student senate representative, Chris aims to increase graduate school opportunities for underrepresented communities and improve access to STEM programs for all students. He is committed to actively collaborating with the WSU student community to enhance resources and support for graduate students.
Vyali Naem
Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Representative
Vyali Naem earned his degree in Health Sciences from Oakland University and is currently a P2 pharmacy student at Wayne State University. In the summer of 2024, Vyali joined the Student Senate, bringing his dedication to enhancing the educational experience for his peers. He is excited to initiate programs aimed at providing higher quality education, helping his classmates excel in their studies and future careers in pharmacy.
Issa Hosari
Senator at Large
Issa Hosari is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in finance. As a proud Wayne State Warrior, he has embraced the diverse community and rich experiences that have shaped his identity. He is active in numerous organizations at Wayne State, including Delta Epsilon Mu and the Lebanese Student Association’s Dabke group. He has worked with advocacy groups such as The Arab America Foundation, focusing on dispelling misconceptions about Arab Americans through promotion and education. While advocating for his local community has kept him actively engaged, he now utilizes his skills to amplify the voice of the student body, representing and serving his campus community. As a Student Senator, he has collaborated with students and administration at all levels. He has served on committees and represented student interests in university decisions, prioritizing the improvement of student experiences. Serving on project groups focused on public health and mental health, he has been actively involved in initiatives such as the Vaping Education and Student Health Initiative (VESHI), where he contributes to creating educational resources encouraging healthier lifestyles among college students.
Paris Brown
Senator at Large
Paris Brown is an undergraduate senior majoring in Criminal Justice with a double minor in African American Studies and Theatre. She has also followed the path of pre-nursing as she will attend an accelerated nursing program post-graduation to obtain her Registered Nursing Degree. She is very passionate about her current career in the healthcare system which influenced this choice. Paris aspires to follow a career path of becoming a Nurse Paralegal. Born and Raised on the Eastside of Detroit and attending University Preparatory Academy's (PSAD) school system, Paris was always engulfed in the community very early on. She is a first-generation college student who was very familiar with Wayne State's campus, which made the decision to attend very easy for her. Paris has been committed to serving the local community throughout her time as a student, becoming involved with a plethora of organizations throughout the community and on WSU's campus like the Black Student Union, Project Big Sister, AGirlLikeMeInc., and Capuchin Services, etc. Apart from Academics, Paris is a Freelance Makeup Artist in Metro Detroit, she enjoys baking, spending time in nature, and reading. During her time in the Senate, she aims to advocate and liaison for minority students and administrators while improving the campus experience. She is eager to meet new faces and present deep-rooted initiatives for the betterment of students!
Jasmine Farhat
Senator at Large
Hello everyone! My name is Jasmine Farhat, and I’m excited to share a bit about myself. I’m an undergraduate student majoring in Law & Economics with a minor in Philosophy. I’m the proud daughter of Lebanese immigrants, whose resilience and dedication have always inspired me. Growing up, I was surrounded by stories of perseverance and community, shaping my dream of going to law school to address economic injustices. In high school, I loved serving in volunteer opportunities within my city’s district court, which allowed me to familiarize myself with the court system. Additionally, I was involved in community outreach programs where I coordinated volunteer events and built partnerships with local nonprofits. Now, in college, I am starting to get involved in clubs such as the Pre-Law Society, Economics Club, and Student Government. When I’m not buried with school, you’ll find me hanging out with friends, skiing, or blasting Rihanna. Overall, I’m passionate about ensuring student voices are heard and making our campus a welcoming place for everyone. Looking ahead, I am eager to make a meaningful impact and connect with you.
Ann Mascarenhas
Senator at Large
Ann Mascarenhas is a second-year undergraduate student from Troy, Michigan, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Health on the pre-medicine track. As an aspiring physician and public health advocate, Ann is committed to advocating for under-resourced and marginalized communities, ensuring equitable access to basic needs for all. Ann is dedicated to serving her community through various roles, including being on the board of an international nonprofit focused on education, participating in her church’s youth groups, volunteering at hospitals, and tutoring children in under-resourced areas. As a member of the Student Senate, Ann aims to amplify student voices and contribute to initiatives addressing critical campus issues. Her ultimate goal is to ensure the comprehensive fulfillment of all public health requirements, both major and minor, across campus. Outside her academic and volunteer commitments, Ann loves trying new food spots and visiting cities with her friends.
Sara Ghoddoussi
Senator at Large
Sara Ghoddoussi is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Neuroscience Honors with double minors in Economics and Public Health. She is passionate about the intersection of genetics and public health. With the rapid advancements in genetic techniques and tests, she aims to advocate for the accessibility of healthcare resources in underserved communities. Both of Sara's parents earned their graduate degrees at Wayne State University, and her brother also completed his bachelor's degree there. At Wayne State, Sara has been actively involved in various organizations and projects. She currently serves as the president of Make HerStory, the finance chair for the Osteopathic Medicine Club, and a lead research assistant at the BioPsychoSocial Lab. Additionally, she volunteers at Karmanos as a clinical navigator. Sara is committed to representing the interests and needs of her peers, aiming to enhance the student experience and ensure that every student's voice is heard and is dedicated to fostering a sense of community among the student body.
Miriam Moussa
Senator at Large
I’m a third-year undergraduate student majoring in political science honors and double minoring in criminal justice and law. I hope to attend law school after completing my undergraduate degree. I have a strong interest in comparative politics, which is what steered me toward this field of study. I am part of many organizations such as the Egyptian-American Student Association (EASA) and Keys to Navigating Our World (KNOW). I joined JEDI as a non-senator and loved hearing about the ongoing initiatives. I also took over the Instagram page, SWANA. In my first term as a senator, I hope to implement some impactful initiatives through JEDI and SWANA!
Ahmed Mauri
Senator at Large
Ahmed is a 4th year honors student who is pursuing a major in Biological Sciences and a minor in Health Psychology. While still living in Dearborn, Ahmed actually spends most of his time on campus — particularly within the libraries — effectively making Wayne State his home. In the rare moments he is not studying, Ahmed enjoys going on walks and trying local coffee shops, though he is more often found volunteering or working on research at Detroit Receiving Hospital or Wayne State’s biology labs. Driven by his passion for the health sciences and a desire to make a meaningful impact, Ahmed's aspirations extend beyond his undergraduate studies. He has set his sights on attending medical school, with a particular interest in continuing his education at WSU, and seeks to aid in the fight against health inequity as a future physician. During his term on the Student Senate, Ahmed aims to enhance communication between the Senate and the student body, and foster a greater sense of community here at Wayne State.
Mohammed Abulenain
College of Nursing
I'm a junior in the Wayne State University College of Nursing Traditional BSN program. I have a background and am involved in Public Health initiatives. My aim is to address the concerns and demands of nursing students at Wayne State University and communicate those concerns to administration.
Rune Isherwood
Member at Large
hm4188@wayne.edu
Rune is in his senior year of his BS in biomedical engineering. As a trans man with invisible disabilities who has lived in Detroit proper for 5 years, Rune is very passionate about ensuring that students from minorities are safe at Wayne State and feel that their voices are being heard. With over 10 years of teaching experience, Rune intends to utilize the communication skills he has developed to better coordinate resources for LGBTQ+ students and raise awareness of available resources. Rune also wants to increase awareness and empathy towards the transgender population by making sensitivity training that will be freely available to all Wayne State faculty. Upon completion of his studies Rune plans to work as a tissue engineer to develop improvements in transgender medicine.
Vacant: Satellite Campuses Representative, School of Information Sciences Representative, Extension Center Representative.
Faculty Advisor
David Strauss, Ph.D.
Dean of Students
David has served as Wayne State's Dean of Students since January, 2002. In this capacity, he leads the university's student affairs activities, including the responsibility for student and campus activities, student organization resources, fraternity and sorority life, student community involvement, Warrior Pride affinity programs, student senate and student conduct and care services. David chairs the Student Update and Information Team (SUIT), serves as the university's Title IX Deputy Coordinator, represents student life on the university crisis team, and serves as the Office of the Provost's representative to the Academic Senate's Student Affairs committee. Since 2011, David has been an adjunct lecturer in the WSU Department of Economics where he teaches a section of Principles of Economics each fall and winter semester. Prior to joining Wayne State, David served as the Associate Director of the University Honors and Scholars Center at The Ohio State University and the Assistant Dean of Students for Greek Life and Student Activities at Centre College. David received his Ph.D. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from The Ohio State University, his Master of Science degree in College Student Personnel Administration from Indiana University, and his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Bucknell University. David is a member of NASPA-Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education where he serves on the region 4 east board and is on the boards of the Farmington YMCA and the Lester & Jewell Morris Hillel Jewish Student Center at Michigan State University. David enjoys swimming, handy work projects around the house, gardening, and spending time with his wife Amy and children Nate and Caroline