In an attempt to highlight people who lead colleges and universities throughout the country, we got to the courtyard to Kentucky State University and had an interview with Aury Rios-ALCANTARA, president of the Student Government Association 2024-2025.
The position of SGA president is a great respect, and there is a special pride in their election by their peers to lead. AURY, a specialist in agricultural business with a minor in psychology, from Indian Police, Indiana, is in the Spring of 2023 starting from Zita Fay Beta.
We met AURY RIOS-ALCANTARA and talked to her about its position, goals and future and what it means to occupy this type of leadership in 2024-2025.
Read the full interview below.
What is the biggest thing you learned as SGA president so far?
As SGA president and Regent Council, one of the biggest lessons that I learned so far is the importance of patience. Not only can there be more than 30 members of EBOARD, but also represent the entire students ’body overwhelmingly. A lot of scenes always happen that does not always receive attention. This experience has shown me that leadership is not only related to decision -making – it is related to reaching the ladder to raise others. I learned that no challenge needs to face face to face; Sometimes it comes to putting the biggest image in mind and knowing that the long -term goal deserves the journey. I have also learned that someone is always watching and never know who inspires and affects.
What made you decide to attend Kentucky State University for university students?
I chose Kentucky State University because it was the closest HBCU to my hometown, but it offered more than proximity – she offered a sense of belonging. As a first -generation university student who grew up in a family of Spanish origin, I had no “typical” childhood. As older, I was always dealing with responsibilities such as care for my brothers, and helping my mother around the house // to pay the bills, all while trying to stay at the head of the school and take a job. I knew that at college, I wanted to try freedom of life independently and last to feel that I belong. I grew up, I often felt torn between two very black worlds for Spanish descent and a Spanish desk as well as black children. Since the English language was not my first language, I fought to find my place. But I knew that I needed to be somewhere where I can really understand a heritage, and I immerse myself in a society that celebrates black excellence, surrounded by people who have shared similar experiences. Kentucky presented this opportunity not only to learn, but to flourish in an environment that I felt as if I was at home, where I could really grow and communicate with my roots. Moreover, I wanted to make a name for my family in the best light for the first time. I wanted to show them, and my friends, that it is not only possible to break the barriers, but it is possible to succeed and make an effect. I wanted to be the living evidence that our dreams deserve to be followed up, regardless of where we come from.
How did the Kentucky State University formed the person you are today?
Kentucky State University has completely changed my life in ways I did not think it was possible. I grew up, I faced poverty and homelessness, and my life was full of certainty until about the seventh grade. I was often told to be calm and I have no reason for sadness because I did not pay any bills. In the ninth grade, I stood with depression so deeply that I tried to commit suicide and ended up with antidepressants. Life felt that it was a continuous battle only passes every day without any real feeling of goal or hope. When I reached high school, everything began to turn. I threw myself in activities outside the curriculum, such as the chorus, musical plays, and soft ball because those places I felt were really belonging. After that, in my upper years, I received a academic presentation from Kentucky State University, covering most of the tuition fees, and decided a leap. To come to KSU is one of the best decisions I made ever. In just three years, in four years, I evolved into a person I had never imagined. I have gained an invaluable life of building skills building skills, professional efficiency, and trust to be a good woman. Through my participation in clubs and organizations and community service, I not only did the relationships related to the network and the building, but I also accomplished more than I imagined. I left a legacy in one KSU that I am proud of, and will continue to inspire others. If we look back, I am surprised by the extent of my growth and to what extent I have reached. I never imagined that this would be my life, but I am really grateful to every experience, challenge, and the opportunity that came on my way.
What are the specific initiatives that you went to this year (or planning), and how do you think it will improve the school and the surrounding community?
SGA 91, the first executive council in all females in history, has worked tirelessly behind the scenes this year to create a permanent effect. One of our main priorities is to strengthen the relationship between the Student Authority, faculty and employees by emphasizing communication, mutual respect and cooperation. By strengthening these ties, we aim to create a more supportive and comprehensive environment on campus.
We also focused on raising the student’s experience by treating mental health in a more serious and comprehensive way. Mental health is often ignored, but we have made it a priority through events, discussions and resources aimed at increasing awareness and providing support. In addition, we were dedicated to preparing students for life beyond the college with events such as business forums, biography building workshops, head sessions, and financial literacy seminars-all designed to provide students with the skills they need to succeed in their career and their personal lives. : Connecting students with local graduates and professionals in their areas of interest to provide professional advice, communication and internal training opportunities. This initiative helps students build valuable communications and acquire a real vision in the industries you have chosen. Organizing volunteering events that allow students to return to the surrounding community. This initiative includes partnerships with local charitable societies, youth programs and environmental projects, which helps students communicate with society and enhance the feeling of civil responsibility. Encouraging entrepreneurship by hosting stadium competitions, innovation challenges, and communication events for students interested in starting their own business. This initiative provides workshops and resources to support ambitious entrepreneurs. Hosting the events that link the current students to the graduates to enhance relationships and provide communication opportunities. These events allow students to obtain valuable professional advice and learn from graduate experiences.
Create peer counseling programs where students can support each other during difficult times. These groups provide a reliable space and a course for students to discuss mental health, tension, anxiety and other challenges they may face.
Organizing cultural days, talent shows, and artistic exhibitions to celebrate various backgrounds and talents in the Student Authority. These events create a platform for students to display their creativity and exchange their experiences, which enhances the feeling of belonging and integration. In the end, our goal is to leave a legacy of empowerment, growth and success for both the school and the surrounding community. By preparing students for their future and enhancing the general campus climate, we aim to ensure that everyone who walks across KSU has a chance of prosperity. “
How does your SGA management/school currently attend the mental health of students?
Our administration actively works to address the mental health of students by creating a safe and supportive environment for open conversations. One of the initiatives I lead is the creation of KAMP Thorobred, a safe space run by students dedicated to discussing the topics that we often ignore when it comes to mental health. Every week, we will have a session led by our mental health counselor to direct these decisive discussions, followed by an activity led by the student in the following week. This coordination allows students not only to talk about their challenges, but also participate in activities that enhance wellness, self -care and community support. By strengthening these conversations and activities, we hope to break the stigma surrounding mental health and create a space in which students feel hearing, supporting and empowering them. “
What does driving mean to you?
For me, driving means you are a merchant for hope – put your hand on the ladder to raise others. The real leader realizes that their role is not only related to guidance, but about enabling those around them. It comes to listening to understanding, not just speaking. A good leader realizes the potential in others and enhances an environment in which everyone feels the value, support and encouragement of growth
We are now living in a digital world, what do you think of schools that you should do to represent themselves online in 2025?
In 2025, schools need to adapt to the digital scene by using social media and other online platforms to market themselves effectively. With only one click, you can reach potential students, current students, graduates, and even the surrounding community. Schools should focus on creating authentic and attractive content that highlights the lives of campus, academic achievements, student success stories and community participation. Regular updates, interactive publications and virtual events can help enhance the sense of communication and display the unique characteristics of the institution. In addition, creating a accessible and easy -to -use website with clear information about admission, programs and campus resources is necessary. Schools must adopt digital tools for relevant survival, attract new students, and maintain strong relationships with their community
Why do you think watching the courtyard is important for black students and the culture of the kidney?
I think watching the courtyard is incredibly important for black students and the culture of the kidney because it highlights beauty, excellence and flexibility within the black society. Often, the world connects negative stereotypes with us, but platforms like Watch The Yard provides space to display real diversity, strength, intelligence of black students and their achievements. I am very appreciated by the work that sees the annihilation in increasing awareness and raising our societies, which helps to transform the narration and celebrate our achievements on a broader scale.
What do you plan to do after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to follow my herbal passion and become a herbalist. I also have a goal to open a small shopping center or a small mall that works as a center for black project owners to display their business. I would like to create one store where people can support black -owned local companies and experience the force of trade that is driven by society. In addition, I also do Nails @Nailedbytriple7, and I hope that I am integrated into my journey in organizing project as part of the services I offer.
We would like to monitor the annihilation in praising Uri Rios Alkantara for her work as head of Kentucky State University in Kentucky.
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