Senate Bios

Ryleigh Christensen

President

Ryleigh Christensen is a senior double majoring in Political Science and Paralegal Studies. In Christensen's words, she says “I decided to join the Student Senate because I wanted to get more involved here at Lewis. I want to bring the thoughts and concerns of the student body to the table to be discussed. I want to be a resource for the students of Lewis University and be the person that they can come to with any thoughts or concerns that they may have.” Christensen's favorite candy is Twix. An interesting fact about her is that her favorite historical document is the Constitution of the United States. She has read it, outside of class, at least 10 times.

“Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” -Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Dominick Bartels

Vice President

Dominick Bartels is a senior majoring in Public Policy and minoring in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Pre-Law. Bartels decided to join Senate because he wanted to get involved in the Lewis school environment and make a positive change for the student body. He describes his goal as a senator being to create a positive culture where everyone feels represented and that they have a voice his favorite snack is peanut MnM's. An interesting fact about him is that he grew up in Omaha Nebraska.

“It's amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit” -President Harry S. Truman

Irena Ilic

Director of Communications

Irena Ilic is a sophomore double majoring in History and International Relations and minoring in Paralegal Studies. Ilic decided to join Senate because she wanted to help voice student concerns and make Lewis a better place. She’s super excited to help voice student concerns and help solve the issues the student body is experiencing. Her favorite snack is dark chocolate covered almonds. An interesting fact about Ilic is that she was born in Croatia.

“You’re your own problem, but you’re your own solution too” -Bridesmaids

Miranda Beverly

Director of Finance

Miranda Beverly is a senior Nursing major. Beverly says she chose to join Student Senate for the same reason she picked her major. Beverly loves advocating for those around her as well as using her voice to speak about things needing to be changed. Beverly wants to help all her peers have the best possible experience while at Lewis University. Her favorite snack is pickles and an interesting fact about Beverly is that she is on the cheerleading team and works on campus at the recreation center.

“You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.”” -Christopher Columbus

Emiliano Justice

Freshman Senator

Emiliano Justice is a freshman majoring in Cybersecurity. Justice decided to join Student Senate because he wanted to have an impact in his community. He claims he, “wanted to speak for my peers and become a better leader while also creating as many connections with as many people as possible.” Along that note, Justice is the first in his immediate family to go to college which comes with a lot of pressure and so he wanted to take it upon himself to accomplish some set goals. Being Senate was one of those goals for Justice and he is truly honored to be given the opportunity to sit on the senate. Justice’s favorite food is sushi and an interesting fact about him is that he played lacrosse for 4 years during high school.

“Life is 5% what happens and 95% how you react.” -Kayne

Morgan Lopez

Sophomore Senator

Morgan Lopez is a sophomore double majoring in Business Administration and Marketing. Lopez joined Senate to learn more about the issues involving the Lewis community and to share her thoughts with the Senate on behalf of the sophomore class. Her favorite food is gyros and a fun fact about her is that she was in choir for 8 years.

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” -Walt Disney

Erin Cunningham

Junior Senator

Erin Cunningham is a junior majoring in Aviation Administration and minoring in Public Policy. Cunningham joined Senate to get more involved on campus and build her leadership skills. She also wants to help student’s voices be heard and wants experience working in an administrative position that helps push her out of her comfort zone. Having friends that spoke highly of Senate, Cunningham is glad to have joined as Senate has expanded her views on a variety of topics which has challenged her to problem-solve and improve her professional skills. Cunningham is excited to make a real difference at Lewis and help make everyone’s time here memorable. Her favorite food is crab rangoon and a fun fact about her is that she worked in a garden nursery and has a vast knowledge of plants.

“Darling, you can be whatever you want to be as long as you're outrageous.” -Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Mother

Randall Sutton

Commuter Senator

Christobal Ramos

Residential Senator

Cristobal Ramos is a Senior majoring in Aviation Administration. Ramos joined Senate because he knows what it feels like not to get help which is why he wants to help others. He is also very passionate about change and this is a big reason he joined Senate. His favorite food is tacos and a fun fact about him is that he is trilingual.

““No matter how hard it gets, don't stop because at the end of the day, it will be worth it.” -Anonymous

Somkene Ugwu

International Senator

Somkene Ugwu is a senior double majoring in Nuclear Medicine Technology and Biology. Ugwu joined Senate because he wants to foster community for both international and local students while simultaneously hoping to increase international student participation in campus activities. Ugwu’s favorite food is fried rice and turkey and a fun fact about him is that he works as a photographer for African American shows around Chicago and is privileged to met some interesting people.

“I think, therefore I am!”

Daisha Perez

Transfer Senator

Daisha Perez is a sophomore majoring in Sports Management and she is on the Pre-Law track. Perez joined Senate because she wants to be the voice for transfer students and help them feel welcome. Her favorite food is tacos and a fun fact about her is that running and dancing bring her peace.

“Accept what is, Have faith in what will be, and let go of the past.”

Eduarda Macron P. da Silva

Student Organization Senator

Eduarda Marcon P. da Silva is a junior majoring in International Relations. She decided to join Senate because she wanted to engage with the Lewis community and contribute to the daily lives of students. She is also excited to help improve the University and bring her thoughts and ideas to the table. Her favorite foods include Brazilian Á la minuta, açaí, and any type of pasta. A fun fact about Eduarda is that she knows all the Barbie and Disney princess songs in Portuguese.

“Have courage”
“be kind and do it for the friends you haven't met yet.”

Destiny Reynolds

Athletic Senator

Destiny Reynolds is a junior majoring in Criminal Justice and minoring in Paralegal Studies. Reynolds joined Senate to share her ideas on how to make Lewis a more welcoming place and to help students get more involved. Reynolds also wants to advocate for those who may not feel like their voices are being heard. Her favorite food is french fries and a fun fact about her is that she loves to dance but is not very good at it.

“Everything happens for a reason”

Amineh Ayyad

Greek Organization and Honor Society Senator

Amineh Ayyad is a senior majoring in Biology and minoring in Psychology. Ayyad decided to join Senate to represent the many students who are in honor societies and are members of Greek Organizations on the administrative level. Her favorite food is Poké bowls and a fun fact about her is that she is sponsored by Coca Cola, the Cloud Gate Foundation (The Chicago Bean), Cook County, Islamic Society of North America, and the Rosaik-Maize family.

“Everything happens for a reason.”

Saenovia Poole

College of Humanities, Fine Arts & Communications Senator

Saenovia Poole is a senior double majoring in Political Science and Peace and Justice Studies. Poole decided to join Senate to be a voice for her peers and get involved on campus. She has a passion for advocating for people and believes she can do this in student senate. Poole’s favorite food is sushi and a fun fact about her is that she plays the violin.

“It always seems impossible until it's done.” –Nelson Mandela

Cassandra Stupay

College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Cassandra Stupay, who often goes by “Cassie”, is a junior Nursing major. Stupay decided to join Student Senate because she has always been a big advocate for change and wanted to make a positive impact during her time at Lewis. She participated in a student government during high school and really enjoyed it so when one of her friends on the Executive Board talked about Senate so highly she knew she wanted to join. Stupay’s favorite food is tacos and a fun fact about her is that she did competitive and non-competitive dance for a total of thirteen years.

““In matters of style, swim with the current. In matters of principle, stand like a rock.” –Thomas Jefferson

Alexandra Martin

College of Education & Social Sciences

Alexandra Martin is a freshman majoring in Psychology. Martin decided to join Senate to help provide a voice to the student body and she strives to make a difference at Lewis both in the classroom and on campus. Her favorite food is Quesadillas and a fun fact about her is that she has been to England, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and Lichenstien!

“You can't achieve the rainbow, without dealing with the rain.” -Dolly Parton

Jackson Smith

College of Business Senator

Jackson Smith is a sophomore majoring in Aviation Flight Sciences and minoring in Powerplant ratings. Smith wanted to join Senate because he wanted to serve his peers both from an educational standpoint but also as a companion of learning to help everyone get through the ride we students call college. Jack's favorite snack is Sour Patch Kids and something interesting is that he owns and operates a small business!

“If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.” -Rear Admiral Willam H. McRaven

Alex Lesnicki

Senator at Large

Alex Lesnicki is a junior majoring in Aviation Flight Technology. Lesnicki wanted to join Senate because he has experienced life as a Lewis University student from a variety of perspectives, having been both a commuter and resident, and also a member of several campus organizations. He wholeheartedly desires to not only accurately represent his fellow students, but also long to place a special emphasis on advocating for students who may not always have their voices heard; especially when attempting to communicate their concerns and wishes regarding campus life, activities, events, etc. He personally knows how it feels to be entirely out-of-touch with campus life despite one's best efforts, due to a variety of struggles, including a lack of adequate representation and transparency. He wants to ensure that all students are thought of and kept up-to-date with the latest occurrences at Lewis. Lesnicki’s favorite food is sushi and a fun fact about him is that he once ate 63 pieces of sushi in one sitting!

“A mile of road will take you just one mile, but a mile of runway will take you anywhere.”

Codi Landry

Military Senator

Codi Landry is a senior majoring in Criminal Justice. Landry wanted to join Senate because he wanted to be a part of an organization that can make a change for veterans and future officers here at school. His favorite snack is skittles and a fun fact about him is that he has seven siblings!

“It could be worse, you could be on fire.” -Anonymous

Khyia Jones

Recreation and Personal Wellness Senator

Khyia Jones is an undecided sophomore. Jones attributes her position in Senate to her boss at the Rec Center, Sam. She’s very glad to have joined Senate and is excited about her role. Her favorite food is tacos and a fun fact about her is that she was the tallest in her 5th grade class!

“Just try new things. Don't be afraid. Step out of your comfort zones and soar, all right?” -Michelle Obama