Our student leadership organization began with just four passionate members who shared a vision: to bring the campus community closer, make student life more enjoyable, and provide opportunities for personal and professional growth. From the outset, our mission has been to foster an inclusive environment where students can expand their social circles, develop essential soft skills like time management and teamwork, and become well-rounded individuals ready to face future challenges.
Students who are interested in joining SLC should fill out a UGA Griffin Student Leadership Council (SLC) Application. Use the link below to apply. For more information, contact us at sacgrif@uga.edu.
Our Events
One of our flagship events, the Taste of Nations, is held every spring semester and has become so popular that it has even garnered coverage by local news outlets. This vibrant celebration showcases the diverse cultures represented on our campus and offers students a unique opportunity to connect through food, music, and tradition. In addition to Taste of Nations, we kick off each academic year with a week full of events designed to welcome new and returning students, setting the tone for a year filled with excitement and growth. Last year, we also hosted leadership talks featuring speakers from the Chick-fil-A corporate office, further emphasizing our commitment to nurturing leadership skills. Our regular meetings provide a platform for members to refine their public speaking abilities and gain insights into effective leadership.
Member Expectations
Being a part of our organization comes with a few important responsibilities. We expect our members to be punctual, attend all meetings, volunteer for events, and contribute as strong team players. We also encourage openness to constructive criticism as it is vital for personal growth and the success of our group. While our events are often grand and memorable, the hard work behind the scenes is equally significant. Setting up and cleaning up after these events requires dedication and teamwork, and though these tasks may not always be glamorous, they are crucial to our continued success.
UGA Griffin Student Leadership Council 2025-2026
- Md Shakir Moazzem – President – Ph.D. Food Science – Bangladesh
- Yuna Gaire – Vice President – Ph.D. Entomology – Nepal
- HwaEun Lee – Media Liaison – Ph.D. Food Science & Technology – South Korea
- Umar Munir – Media Liaison – Ph.D. Crop & Soil Sciences – Pakistan
- Racheal Omoboyejo – Ph.D. Crop & Soil Sciences – Nigeria
- Selvin Ramos – Ph.D. Horticulture – Guatemala
- Mayra Villar-Buzo – M.S. Food Science & Technology- Mexico
- Miranda Barr – M.S. Food Science & Technology – United States
- Bijaya Sharma Subedi – Ph.D. Horticulture – Nepal
- Uday Suresh – Ph.D. Entomology – India
- Nived K. Muraleedharan – Ph.D. Entomology – India
- Xinyue Wu – M.S. Food Science & Technology – China
- Yan Zhang – Ph.D. Horticulture – China
- Joinul Islam – Ph.D. Food Science – Bangladesh
- Taiwo Adesiyan – M.S. Horticulture – Nigeria
- Xueyan Hu – Ph.D. Food Science – China
- Haley Robocker – A.B. Interdisciplinary Studies – United States
- Joseph Torres – B.S. Microbiology – United States
Member Testimonials
Being part of the Student Leadership Council at UGA Griffin has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic journey. As an international student from Bangladesh, I found SLC to be not only a platform for leadership but also a community that fostered a sense of belonging, confidence, and growth. Working alongside peers from diverse backgrounds, I learned the power of collaboration and the importance of supporting one another through shared goals. Experiences such as helping with campus events and engaging in cultural programs like Taste of Nations, Halloween, and Game Nights pushed me beyond my comfort zone, strengthened my communication skills, and allowed me to form meaningful friendships. SLC has shaped both my personal and professional development, giving me the tools to lead with purpose while building lasting connections within the campus community.
– Joinul Islam
Being part of the Student Leadership Council has been one of the most rewarding experiences during my time at UGA Griffin. As a Ph.D. student and international student, SLC has given me more than just leadership opportunities—it has provided a true sense of community where support, growth, and friendship flourish. While most of my days are dedicated to research, SLC allows me to step out of the lab and connect with people in meaningful ways, from planning events to building bridges across diverse backgrounds. This balance has not only strengthened my leadership and communication skills but also reminded me of the importance of creating an environment where everyone can thrive. Just like I recharge through rock climbing, yoga, and hitting the gym, SLC has been a space to grow, give back, and celebrate the value of community together.
-Hwa Eun Lee
Over the past 2.5 years, this organization has nourished my growth like a family. The incredible advisors gave me the space to experiment with my ideas and supported me unconditionally—even when things did not go as planned. They allowed me to spread my wings while making sure I never fell too hard, always being there to lift me up. I had never experienced this kind of leadership back home in Pakistan or during my Master’s in Italy, and it has taught me a priceless lesson in true leadership that I will cherish and remain grateful for throughout my life.
The Student Leadership Council (SLC) itself is an inspiring community. It begins with a small group of shy yet brave individuals willing to challenge themselves, and over the course of the year, they learn to support one another, grow together, and ultimately take charge of leading entire events. This journey is transformative not only for the group but for every individual involved, myself included.
The impact of this experience has been so profound that even now, despite my busy schedule, I find myself compelled to make time for it—simply because of how uplifting the environment, opportunities, and leadership are. Sitting alongside young people from 10 different countries (currently), sharing ideas, and bringing together the whole campus has been nothing short of extraordinary.
– Umar Munir