Fall semester is in full swing at Ringling College of Art and Design, which means it’s a busy time for the College’s Student Government Association (SGA). And it would seem that no one is busier than current SGA President, Celi Mitidieri.
Originally from Brazil, Mitidieri is a junior in the Film department at Ringling College with an emphasis in the department’s Branded Entertainment track. She is minoring in Graphic Design, Creative Writing, and Business of Art and Design, and has been the recipient of a number of awards and honors including the President’s Scholar award and the Emerging Service Leader award. Her passion is documentary filmmaking and street photography, through which she says she can, “unify her artistic inclinations to the exposition of the world around her.”
Inducted as the SGA President in May 2022, Mitidieri serves as the official representative for the SGA and Ringling’s students at all times. She actively oversees the Student Government Senate composed of 20 representatives, providing guidance and support for their initiatives. And, she manages the overall structure of the Executive Board.
“The members of the Executive Board are really crucial to the success of SGA and the overall success of the College,” explains Mitidieri. “I am so fortunate to be working alongside a strong and dedicated Board this year. They all have great leadership experience at Ringling College and beyond, so I know we’re going to be able to accomplish great things.”
The members of the Executive Board are Vice President: Alejandra Cintrón Rivera; Secretary: Daphne Reynolds; Treasurer: Bee Tollison; Club Liaison: Jessenia Luis; and Outreach Coordinator: Sierra Sonberg.
The official Mission of the SGA is to promote a school culture that is welcoming and engaging, where all students feel encouraged to create the Ringling College that they want to see. Their vision is to be the College’s primary student-led organization for creative change and leadership development.
Their Values include: Awareness, Student Empowerment, Leadership Development, Transparency, Diversity, Accountability, Approachability, Communication, Fun times forever and always, Positivity, Availability, and Freedom of Speech.
Some of the goals they hope to achieve this year include:
- Higher awareness in the Freshman class
- Awareness of the Committees across the school
- Get commuters students more involved
- Raising attendance of the weekly meetings amongst the general members
- Make SGA meetings more accessible through subtitles and videos
- Bring presentations on the topics of diversity to the SGA weekly meetings
- Evaluating SGA’s leadership representation in comparison to the student body
“Every Ringling student is a member of the Student Government from the moment they enter our community,” Mitidieri says. “Therefore, they are all welcome to attend our meetings every Tuesday from 11:30 am to 12:15 pm at the Academic Center Room 209. Beyond that, students can join one of our committees at any time of the year, and run for the Senate or the Executive Board positions.”
“SGA is not just about the issues a student may have on campus, but also about shaping the community the students want to live in. We create opportunities for everyone to develop into creative leaders and provide resources that bridge the student population to faculty and staff.”
SGA meetings are held every Tuesday from 11:30 am to 12:15 pm, Room 209 in the Larry R. Thompson Academic Center. All students are encouraged and welcome to attend.