Meet one of our candidates, Zara, running for Student Government Treasurer!

Zara Wilson ’29 (she/her)
Major: Policy Studies
As Treasurer, I will strengthen the Budgets Committee from within while ensuring student organizations have the guidance and resources they need to navigate Student Government’s financial processes. I recognize that the Treasury already has effective systems in place, and my priority will be building on that foundation rather than introducing unnecessary changes. One of my main priorities will be giving Budgets Committee members greater responsibility and encouraging them to take a more active role in supporting student organizations. With many members potentially returning next semester, I hope to utilize their experience by delegating responsibilities more effectively and empowering them to answer questions and provide guidance independently. I would also welcome expanding the committee to accommodate more senators interested in contributing to its work. I also want to strengthen the connection between the Budgets Committee and the Delegate System. Through my work as Vice President, I have heard consistent feedback that many of the questions delegates receive from clubs are budget-related. I want to ensure Budget committee members are equipped to serve as an additional resource for these organizations, particularly when club leaders may feel more comfortable approaching a committee member than the Treasurer directly. Ultimately, I will be a Treasurer who fosters collaboration, distributes responsibilities effectively, and ensures that financial guidance is accessible to the students we represent.
I am prepared to serve as Treasurer because I bring direct experience managing finances, navigating Student Government’s budget process, and understanding how financial decisions affect student organizations. As the current Vice President and a member of the Budgets Committee, I have gained an understanding of Student Government’s internal operations and the responsibilities involved in allocating student funds. Before joining the Budgets Committee, I became the Treasurer of The Women’s Network. Although we are a smaller club, this experience gave me a valuable perspective on the challenges clubs face when requesting funding. I experienced firsthand what it meant to submit a budget application and not receive funding. Having since joined the committee reviewing these requests, I understand the importance of clear guidelines and the responsibility of ensuring they are consistently followed. Outside of Student Government, I founded a nonprofit organization whose finances I managed independently. I was responsible for fundraising, overseeing our budget, paying bills, and tracking incoming and outgoing funds. To manage these responsibilities effectively, I developed my own system for organizing expenses, monitoring transactions, and ensuring deadlines were met. This experience taught me the importance of accountability and establishing reliable processes. As Student Government Treasurer, I will bring practical financial experience, institutional knowledge, and an understanding of both sides of the budgeting process.