Taliyah Daniels plans to be an advocate for all students in her new role as Student Government Association president at UNC Pembroke.

Daniels was recently elected along with fellow senior Yamil Hernandez Sanchez, who will serve as vice president for the 2022-2023 academic year. Daniels and Hernandez Sanchez have served as student leaders since arriving on campus. Together, they plan to implement initiatives that align with their campaign platform focused on inclusivity, accessibility and unity.  

“We plan to focus on ensuring all people are involved on campus no matter their race, classification, background or culture,” Daniels said. “We want to hold town halls and roundtables to improve how students are represented and how the university can better serve them.”

Daniels and Hernandez Sanchez––both political science majors––are also strategizing ways to ensure students have access to resources such as tutoring, counseling, and career and student health services.

Increased collaboration among student organizations is another priority they believe will be improved through a harmony walk planned for the fall.

Daniels joined SGA as a freshman. She’s also active in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., a LEAD Fellow, a member of the Leadership Living Community, NAACP and the university’s E¢ial Hip Hop Dance Team.

“I’ve had such a great experience at UNCP,” said Daniels, a native of Longwood, N.C. “There are many opportunities to get involved on campus and in the community. I’ve had the chance to attend a regional conference with my sorority in Hampton, Virginia. Later this month, I’m traveling to Los Angeles to participate in a leadership camp at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). I would have not gotten this experience anywhere else. UNCP has been a unique experience for me.”

As SGA president, Daniels plans to encourage other students, especially freshmen, to follow suit and immerse themselves into campus life.

“I’m excited about being a voice for all students and being able to talk with students and bring their ideas back to SGA and come up with ways to solve any issues they may have,” Daniels said.

“Our goal is to improve the overall campus experience and give a voice to those who may feel like their voices are not being heard. I want to make them aware of the opportunities UNCP has to offer, how impactful this university can be on their career, and how much better their experience will be if they become involved.”