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.
Fall 2024 UGA Griffin Student Leadership Council
- Umar Munir – President – Ph.D. Crop & Soil Sciences – Pakistan
- Ion Marshall – Vice President – B.S. Biological Sciences – United States
- HwaEun Lee – Media Liaison – Ph.D. Food Science & Technology – South Korea
- Ibukunoluwa Adelekan – M.S. Crop & Soil Sciences – Nigeria
- Chiara Ammaturo – M.S. Crop & Soil Sciences – Italy
- Javier Cruz – Ph.D. Food Science & Technology – Guatemala
- Yuna Gaire – Ph.D. Entomology – Nepal
- Caitlin McCann – M.S. Horticulture – United States
- Jake McGwin – M.S. Food Science & Technology – United States
- Macray Metz – M.S. Food Science & Technology – United States
- Racheal Omoboyejo – M.S. Crop & Soil Sciences – Nigeria
- Selvin Ramos – Ph.D. Horticulture – Guatemala
- James Robinson – B.B.A. General Business, B.S. Agribusiness, and B.S.F.C.S. Consumer Economics with a concentration in Financial Planning – United States
- Md Shakir Moazzem – Ph.D. Food Science & Technology – Bangladesh
- Rajesh Vavilapalli – Ph.D. Entomology – India
- Mayra Villar-Buzo – M.S. Food Science & Technology- Mexico
Member Testimonials
A community is not just a place; it is the shared pursuit of a greater good. At SLC, I found more than a student organization; I found a space where connection, growth, and purpose converge. As an international student from Guatemala, my journey at the Griffin campus has been shaped by the bonds I have built, the knowledge I have exchanged, and the sense of belonging that SLC fosters. One of my most cherished experiences was witnessing how our diverse backgrounds unite us in a common goal—to support and uplift one another. Through events like Taste of Nations, I saw firsthand how culture, friendship, and learning intertwine, making our small community powerful. As Aristotle might say, true fulfillment comes from actively engaging in the community’s life, and that is exactly what SLC has given me.
– Javier Cruz
As an international student, joining the Student Leadership Council has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. Being part of this organization has not only allowed me to grow as a leader but has also given me a sense of belonging in a new environment. It has provided opportunities to connect with amazing people, develop valuable skills, and contribute meaningfully to the campus community. The friendships and experiences I’ve gained have made my journey as a student even more enriching, and I’m grateful for the impact the Student Leadership Council has had on my personal and professional growth.
– Racheal Omoboyejo
Since joining the Student Leadership Council, I’ve been able to see myself come out of my shell and approach all sorts of social situations with more confidence, and that only scratches the surface of the leadership skills I’ve been able to learn with the help of the SLC! I’ve learned how to interact with and form meaningful bonds with so many different types of people, push myself with taking on a leadership role in the SLC itself, and contribute to the events that help bring the entire campus community together. Its been nothing short of a truly rewarding experience for me and I’d suggest it to anyone interested, whether it be their first leadership experience (like it was for me) or someone with lots of experience that wants to get connected with and contribute to the UGA Griffin community!
– Ion Marshall