In an attempt to highlight people who lead colleges and universities throughout the country, we have reached the courtyard to the Southern University of New Orleans and an interview with Dana Billy, 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. Dana Billy, who specializes in social work and public administration, from New Orleans.
We met Dana Billy and talked to her about her position, goals, 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?
The biggest thing I have learned as SGA president so far is patience – but not only in the sense of waiting for the results. I learned to be patient with this process, and understand that the change is time, and cooperating, and flexibility. I also discovered the importance of active listening and how to give people space to share their ideas often lead to stronger decisions. Leadership showed me that the ability to adapt is the key because the plans do not always go as expected, but how they respond making the whole difference. Finally, I came to assess the power of the server leadership – put the needs of others first and find loyalty in helping others succeed. Through these lessons, I constantly grow not only as a leader but as a person.
What made you decide to join the South University in New Orleans for university students?
I chose to join the University of South in New Orleans in my university studies because it provided a perfect mix of the ability to withstand costs, opportunity and compatibility with my goals. The ability to bear the costs for me was able to follow higher education without being overwhelmed by financial stress, which is decisive to me. Moreover, Suno presented endless capabilities – whether academic or through leadership roles, community service, and university campus participation. I knew this was a place where I could grow, flourish, and have a real impact. Finally, my main course played a major role in my decision. Sono assured me’s focus on excellence in my field and supportive environment that I will gain the knowledge and practical experience necessary for success in my career.
How did the Southern University of New Orleans form the person you are today?
The Southern University of New Orleans was more than just a place where I got my testimony – it was a transformative experience formed for me in the person I was today. I turned the student into a researcher, giving me knowledge and skills of critical thinking to academically and outside. I turned a girl into a woman, which helps me grow through challenges, driving opportunities, and life lessons that require maturity, flexibility and self -meditation.
Suno also cultivated an audio as a farewell leader, and showed me the power to speak to others and the value of the server leadership. By dealing with various views and working alongside their peers and faculty members, I gained confidence in my abilities and learned how to balance ambition with sympathy. This trip was not only about academics. It was a matter of finding the purpose, building permanent relationships, and understanding the importance of returning the favor to my community. Today, I hold the Suno legacy of excellence, strength and service in everything I do.
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?
This year, I was lucky to lead many influential initiatives aimed at improving both school and surrounding community. One of the most exciting projects I lead is to start a group, which will enhance school spirit, enhance unity, and give students another outlet to display their talents. It has also played a pivotal role in establishing the first consulting center on campus, a vital resource to promote mental health and ensure that students can reach the emotional and psychological support they need to flourish.
In addition, I established a chapter of NAACP on the campus, which gave students a platform for calling, civil participation and the work of social justice that extends beyond the university. It has also started a program aimed at helping students pay their debts so that they can graduate without financial burdens. These efforts are not only related to making changes within the university – they are about creating permanent opportunities for personal, academic and societal development that will benefit future generations.
How does your SGA management/school currently attend the mental health of students?
The SGA administration is obligated to support the mental health of our students through significant initiatives. One of our main achievements is the establishment of the first consulting center on the campus, providing students with access to professional mental health services, support groups and useful workshops. This center guarantees that students have a safe and supportive space to meet their needs and build health confrontation strategies.
We have also provided mental health days throughout the semester, allowing students to take a break, rechar and focus on self -care without worrying about backwardness. In addition, we host a day of mental health, an event at the campus level where students can participate in wellness activities, workshops and reflective sessions designed to give them a break that affects the need.
Through these initiatives, our front administration builds a supportive environment on the campus where mental welfare is a top priority.
What does driving mean to you?
For me, leadership means embodiment of strength, flexibility and purpose with a way to pave the way for others. It is related to long standing in the areas where our voices were historically silent and this sound was used to create a change. Driving revolves around breaking barriers while lifting them as you climb, ensuring that the next generation may rise and face the least obstacles.
This also means that it leads to sympathy – understanding the unique challenges that come with a colorful woman and use this understanding to defend inclusiveness, fairness and justice. As a leader, I think it is not only the decisions, but rather the inspiration of others to believe themselves, and to dream of boldness, and see their potential even when the world tries to reduce their light.
For me, the leadership is rooted in a legacy – where I give up those who came in front of me and created opportunities for those who will come after that. It comes to not being shaken in the face of adversity and it appears to others that their identity is a source of power, not restrictions. The real leadership means knowing that my success is not measured by personal achievements alone, but by society, I help rise along the way.
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 should adopt the digital world by focusing on the strong and transparent brand. The effective brand helps in displaying the school’s values, achievements and culture by involving content on social media, websites and digital platforms, attracting students and graduates and supporting society. Transparency guarantees that important information – such as campus resources, programs and mental health services – can be easily accessible. Regular updates and open dialogue through blogs, videos, questions and live answers that keep students and stakeholders with knowledge and continuous. By being original and comprehensive on the Internet, schools can build confidence and promote the most involved societies.
Why do you think watching the courtyard is important for black students and the culture of the kidney?
Watch The Yard is important for black students and the culture of the kidney because it celebrates and preserves the history, traditions, rich traditions and contributions to the Black Greek Guard organizations (BGLOS) and HBCU Life. It is a platform that highlights the achievements of black students, displays cultural pride, and inflates the sounds that are often represented in the main media. Through its content, it provides a sense of communication and belonging, and students mention that they are part of a much larger legacy than themselves.
The platform also educates and inspires, provides vision in the strength of leadership, community service, and academic excellence in black university life. By sharing the stories of flexibility, creativity and unity, watching the annihilation helps students to embrace their identity and motivate them to continue the legacy of excellence within their societies. It is more than just a media outlet – it is a cultural archive that raises, enables and connects black students throughout the country.
What do you plan to do after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to continue building on the basis I created through driving, service and invitation. I aim to increase my educational education or career in public administration, and perhaps follow -up advanced studies or a role that allows me to call for changing politics, community development and effective governance. I also plan to stay in contact with my community through initiatives that reject others, whether through guidance, activity or partnerships with organizations such as NAACP. My long -term vision includes creating opportunities for others, continuing to lead with role models, and contributing to something greater than me. Ultimately, I want to collect my passion for driving, calling and serving to make a permanent effect wherever you go.
We would like to praise Dana Billy for her work as head of SGA University at South University in New Orleans.
** This is on Facebook and helped us to highlight Dana Billy and the Southern University of New Orleans. **
