2021-2022 Student Government Association Officials Elected

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Posted on April 20, 2021

Joy Washington

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The Student Government Association officers at the University of South Alabama have been elected for the 2021-22 academic year.

Grace Sekaya, a junior majoring in international studies and pre-med, was elected SGA president. Hope Bae, a junior majoring in international studies, was elected vice president, and Maggie Braun, a junior biology major, was elected treasurer.

Carly Williams, a sophomore majoring in criminal justice and political science, will serve as chief justice, and Neha Piracha, a junior majoring in biomedical sciences, will serve as a student-at-large.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students voted this year via their JagMail email accounts. In preparation for the vote, students also attended a virtual candidates forum via Zoom. Officers were announced during a Zoom meeting, and election results were shared through the SGA’s Instagram Live account.

The new president said she is hopeful for the upcoming academic year, adding that she is humbled and honored to serve South Alabama in this leadership role.

“My journey at South has been more than I could have imagined through the support of amazing faculty, peers and resources,” Sekaya expressed. “However, my story may not equate to someone else's journey. But, I hope that whatever chapter someone may be experiencing, SGA will equip them for success to the best of our ability. The heart of SGA is students.

Our goals include the well being of students, accessibility, and impactful engagement,” Sekaya added. “I use “our” intentionally because every initiative will take teamwork from every individual in SGA, as we are a collective. My vision is to be that true bridge of connection and resources for the student body here at USA. I am excited for what is to come.”

Sekaya said she hopes to work toward establishing an Equity & Equality Director position within SGA while increasing exposure to accessible resources for the student body. She also plans to continue the initiative to supply free menstrual products in each of the women’s restroom and to advocate for an enhanced student dining experience.

Sekaya, 21, is a graduate of Gadsden City High School and is very active on campus. She is a USA Southerner, South Resident Assistant for Continuing Education Students, and treasurer of the W.O.K.E. organization. She is also a Freshman Leadership Scholar, South Medical Preparatory Scholar through the USA College of Medicine, and a member of the Mortar Board Honor Society, She is also in the Honors College, a Whiddon Scholar, and she is a Linley Heflin Scholar. Sekaya is a proud first-generation student and a first-generation immigrant from Togo, West Africa. She is the daughter of Akpene Dossou and Francois Sekaya.

SGA Vice President Hope Bae, 21, of Vestavia Hills, Ala., is a graduate of Vestavia Hills High School.  She served as the Rules Chair for the SGA, and is a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta Honor Society, Mortar Board Honor Society, and the Phi Sigma Iota Honor Society. An Honors College student, Bae is a former member of the Freshman Year Council. Also, she has been admitted to the early acceptance program at the USA College of Medicine. Bae is currently a tutor at the USA Center for Academic Excellence. She is also on the Dean’s and President’s lists. Her parents are Sejong and Heeyoung Bae.

SGA Treasurer Maggie Braun, 20, of Pensacola Beach, Fla., is a graduate of Gulf Breeze High School. She is a member of the Pre-dental Society, Alpha Epsilon Delta, Catholic Student Association and the Cottage Hill@South organization. Braun is a member of the Mortar Board Honor Society and she is a previous vice president of the Freshman Year Council. Her parents are Scott Braun and Peggy Braun.

Chief Justice Carly Williams, 20, of Lafayette, Ind., is a graduate of Harrison High School. She is a member of Chi Omega Sorority, the Order of Omega and the Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society. She’s also a member of the Office of Prospective Student Programs social media team.

Student-at-Large Neha Piracha, 20, of Ocean Springs, Miss., is a graduate of Ocean Springs High School. Piracha is a member of the Muslim Student Association, Alpha Epsilon Delta, Mega Musical Chairs and the Mortar Board Honor Society. She is an Honors College student and  member of the First Year Council. Her parents are Umaira and Muzaffar Piracha.

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