Student Leadership - Meet Student Advocacy Council
The Student Advocacy Council (SAC) is composed of students from all degree programs and serves as the governing body for all students enrolled at the Institute, acting as a voice for students in communication with faculty and staff. Elections are held every semester, for the positons of president, vice president communications officer and historian. Graduate assistants which represent programs and key offices are also invited to join the SAC.
The following information will be updated semesterly, following the SAC retreat at the start of the semester:
SAC Spring 25 - Our Mission, Our Vision, Our Values
Purpose: The purpose of the Student Advocacy Council is to represent and address the needs and interests of the student body at the Middlebury Institute. It shall strive to facilitate communications and interaction between the Middlebury Institute students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community, and shall sponsor various educational and social activities that will further this purpose.
Mission: To coordinate educational and social events and activities that connect all students to MIIS and the Monterey community while advocating for students’ needs and fostering a culture of collaboration, equity, and inclusivity.
Vision: A well-integrated learning and social environment where all students, regardless of where they are, can build meaningful connections with MIIS faculty and staff, Middlebury College, other students, field experts, and the entire Monterey community in order to advance their professional and academic ambitions.
Values:
- We aim to be honest with each other and with the community to build trust and confidence in the Student Council.
- We strive to be transparent in all our actions as Student Council members through constant communication with members of the MIIS community and by encouraging honest, constructive feedback.
- We do not withhold information through facilitating and maintaining open communication with the MIIS community, ensuring that the community has consistent access to Student Council activity.
- We seek to provide an open-mindedenvironment where everyone feels empowered to share their thoughts without fear of repercussion or judgment.
- We value diversity and seek to create an inclusive environment that respects and honors all our differences.
- We treat others with respect and professional courtesy by honoring and valuing their words, actions, and beliefs. We respect each other’s boundaries and honor the sacrifices of time and energy that every member makes.
- We create a safe space for members of Student Council and our constituents through open, respectful dialogue and providing a non-judgmental environment.
- We seek to be unitedas a team by communicating with one another and coming to compromises and agreements to form a unified front.
For a full description of responsibilities and roles, please visit the Student Council Constitution.
Ola Pozor, President
International Policy and Development
Ola grew up mostly on the East Coast of the United States (Virginia), as well as her home country, Poland, where she loved learning languages, cultures, and ways of understanding/communicating with people with different perspectives and backgrounds. Through her education and global travels, she learned Polish, Spanish, Russian, a little bit of Galician & Ukrainian, and expanded her horizons in her education and international policy career. These interests brought her to study at MIIS, and her previous experiences in Higher Education administration and leadership fuel her interest in Student Leadership at MIIS!
Her Purpose behind the Presidency: she has always gravitated toward leadership positions due to her deep care for people’s wellbeing & flourishing, and her ability to empathize, advocate for others, and connect them to each other and to key resources. She also has significant experience in event-planning, leading meetings, representing groups, communicating to large audiences, and gathering diverse ideas and opinions. She has done so in previous roles such as the President of acapella group, lead Research Assistant of International Policy group, Choreographer of a theatre company, campus tour guide, English teacher - and now more recently at MIIS as a GA at Admissions, VP of the Slavic Culture Club, Fitness Instructor, and Student Constituent to the Board of Advisors. She has also loved getting to know so many students from different programs through teaching Zumba, taking classes in different departments, going on an Experiential Learning trip, serving on Sustainability Council, and just sparking conversations with folks around campus. It has been a joy to serve various communities in these positions and bring them closer to each other and to their goals, which she would strive to do as SAC President.
Neshae Johnson, Vice President
International Policy and Development
Neshae is a first-year IPD/MPA joint degree student from Jamaica. She believes there is a need for student voices and student representation on the different boards that govern the Institute. She had experience in serving on student boards in the past at both the secondary and tertiary levels, where she served at the Senior Deputy Head Girl at her high school and as a researcher on the task force of her university’s Student Guild. She also brings a multifaceted international perspective that allows her to effectively represent the diverse combination of students. She sees this position as a great starting point to ensure inclusiveness of student perspectives in the operations of the Institute.
Neshae’s aim is to represent the voices of campus students at the Executive level and to ensure that decisions regarding the institute and our education is made within us and not only for us. As the first Vice President on the redefined Student Advocacy Council, she hopes to contribute her knowledge of program evaluations and system thinking to create a Student Advocacy Council that is impactful and contribute to an impactful model of student engagement.
Judy Dong, Communication Officer
Translation and Localization Management
Judy is in her first year of the TLM program at the Middlebury Institute. Before coming to MIIS, she lived in Massachusetts for two years, where she received a Christian education in a Christian college by living with a local American family. This was a precious opportunity for her to immerse herself in American culture and learn local communication practices. Prior to that, she worked as an English guide and interpreter for international visitors coming to China for business, travel, or residency. These life experiences have deepened her insights into and understanding of cross-cultural communication.
In her spare time, Judy is also an avid world traveler, having experienced many different cultures. She has a strong empathy for underrepresented communities. As she often says, “When we measure the quality of life in a culture, we should look at its weakest members, not its strongest, in order to draw a conclusion.” She believes that “how a culture treats its most vulnerable members is a true measure of its benevolence toward its people.”
Judy is drawn to MIIS because of its diversity, inclusiveness, and open-minded atmosphere. She would be a great advocate for students, especially international students, serving as a voice for them in the school administration. Her goal is to empower the unheard voices on campus and encourage them to speak out. She believes her life experiences and the qualities she has developed will enable her to be a humble listener and an effective communicator between students and faculty.
Marley Uyemura, Historian
Translation and Localization Management
Marley is a first-year TLM student from Los Angeles, California. She enjoys learning, collaborating with others and creating welcoming spaces wherever she goes! As a part of the SAC, she will ensure that meetings flow smoothly and that MIIS community members remain informed about the latest SAC news and decisions. With her keen attention to detail and enthusiasm for community engagement, she is well-prepared to serve on MIIS’ first ever Student Advocacy Council.
Irina Gonzalez Marquez, GA Representative
IPD Program
Irina Gonzalez Marquez was born and raised in Argentina. She moved to the United States in 2018, when she became an au pair through a cultural exchange program that allowed her to immerse in a world of diverse cultures and travel across the states with people from all over the world. After the program, she began her undergraduate education in global studies, where she became interested in research and writing about global issues, and where she participated in the Model United Nations. Through this experience, she became determined to build a career path through which she can leave a positive mark in the world, by helping others. Now, as a first semester IPD student, she is enjoying the mountains and beach of Monterey while she continues to grow international development competency, build a community at MIIS, and continue honing her personal and professional skills. She is excited to represent CACS in the SAC and help foster an engaged and collaborative community.
Teagan Klinkner, GA Representative
NPTS Program
Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies Graduate Student at MIIS
Abby Rogers, GA Representative
Office of Admission
Abby is from New Hampshire; But she has been loving her life on the West Coast so much! Before arriving at Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, she had worked as an English language assistant in France for two years. As a cross-cultural communicator, she would like to work abroad again after graduating from MIIS. When she is not studying, she has been taking advantage of the beautiful scenery around Monterey by going on hikes and beach walks. As a GA in the Admissions Office, she is often in contact with new and prospective students, so she is excited to help shape what the MIIS experience will be like for future members of our community.
Edwin Xi, GA Representative
TI Program
Edwin Xi is the Program GA of TI Department
Passionate, driven, and always eager to learn, he takes pride in dedicating himself to his academic pursuits. Throughout his studies, he has strived for excellence, and he is committed to expanding his knowledge and exploring new possibilities. Being raised in the coastal city of Shenzhen, China’s Silicon Valley, has shaped his perspective, instilling the values of optimism and modesty he carries today. His interests are diverse and fulfilling, from hiking and table tennis to photography and making Cantonese cuisine. He is always seeking new challenges and opportunities to grow. For him, building strong relationships with others is of the utmost importance. He looks forward to meeting everyone and forming lasting connections. Kindness, respect, and open communication are values that he holds dear, and he is eager to share his experiences and support his fellow university peers.
Jingyuan Yin, GA Representative
IPD/MPA/TED Program
Jingyuan Yin, a graduate student in the International Trade and Economic Diplomacy program at MIIS, holds a Master of Laws from City University of Hong Kong. In 2024, she completed a six-month internship at the International Criminal Court’s Archives Management Department under a national scholarship program. Jingyuan has also interned at the Shandong Provincial High Court, a Guangdong law firm, and the Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration. Currently, she serves as a Graduate Assistant for the IPD/MPA/ITED programs.
Julie Montedoro, GA Representative
Office of the Library
Julie is a second-year TLM student from France. Her background is in Communication and Human Resources, and she was also a yoga teacher (here on campus too!). She has always been looking for ways to bring mindfulness into her daily lives, whether at a personal level or in the community. This can be as easy as stopping to admire the sunset, and going for a hike, or practicing yoga, and organizing events that serve people and the planet. Being involved in student advocacy council is a great opportunity for her to support each other and bring positive change for each student at MIIS, and for all the incoming students in the future.
JiaKai Deng, GA Representative
Office of Marketing and Communications
JiaKai is a first-year International Policy and Development (IPD) student originally from China. He works as a Graduate Assistant in marketing and communication office at MIIS. His passion lies in international policy and development, and he has had the opportunity to work with world organizations such as the United Nations World Food Program and the World Economic Forum, contributing to initiatives that promote global development and sustainability. Outside of his academic and professional pursuits, he loves traveling, exploring different cultures, and spending time outdoors. As a representative from the Marketing and Communications Office in Student Advocacy Council, he wishes to serve the student body and ensures students’ ideas and concerns are well communicated and delivered to faculty. He is very excited to hear students’ feedback and willing to collaborate to strengthen the collaboration in MIIS community.
Jiahui Lin, GA Representative
Office of International Student and Scholar Services
Jiahui Lin is a second year Conference Interpretation student from China. She works as a graduate assistant in International Student and Scholar Services Office. She is excited to serve MIIS community as a SAC representative.
Sydney Low, GA Representative
IEM Online Program
Sydney is an IEM online program student. Having had the privilege to engage in study abroad and international programs herself, her goal is to make invaluable global experiences accessible to all students seeking enrichment and immersion, with the firm belief that the world is a classroom. Because they provide such a unique learning opportunity, her love of and appreciation for study abroad and international programs only continues to grow.
Sue Su, GA Representative
TLM Program
Sue Su is in her last semester in TLM program. She is originally from Taiwan and she loves reading, yoga and pilates. she speaks multiple languages, fluent English, Mandarin and Japanese. She is looking forward to collaborating with Student Advocacy Council on behalf of Translation and Localization Management Program.
Lelani Leszkay, GA Representative
EPM Program
Leilani Leszkay is in her final semester of the Environmental Policy & Management program and she was born in Hawaii and raised in California. Her passion for improving our food system through corporate engagement, behavior design, and sustainability management drives her. She has a deep love for all life on this planet and doing all she can to protect and restore it. Previous to coming to MIIS she worked as a plant-based nutritionist guiding companies, individuals, and organizations in adopting plant-forward, climate-friendly menus and hope to expand this work. Her focus is on the vital intersection of climate, sustainability, and food where she is working to scale innovative solutions to drive lasting change in our food system. She hopes to represent the student body of EPM and bring attention to any issues and pain points there might be while working with the Student Advocacy Council to find solutions. When not working on class projects, you’ll find her hiking and running outdoors, going to the movies, baking vegan desserts, sewing, and generally geeking out on local flora and fauna.
Nat Garza, GA Representative
NPTS
Nat Garza is a NPTS student representing the conflict transformation office.
She is interested into Federal Indian law and policy, and she is a nuclear security researcher.
Sydnie Miller, GA Representative
Sustainability Council
Sydnie Miller is from Montreal, Canada. She is currently in the Enviromental Policy and Management program, where she studies Natural Resources management. Her passion for the environment has grown up alongside her! She has always loved hiking, camping, climbing, canoeing, truly any activity that allows her to be outside. This has translated to a desire to tackle sustainability issues, to make sure that these activities and spaces are protected. She wants to ensure that personal behaviors and institutional actions are representative of positive environmental action, which is why she is overjoyed to represent the Sustainability Council for SAC.
Habiba Mickdad, GA Representative
Students of Student Services
Habiba is originally from Tanzania. She is currently pursuing a degree in Non-Proliferation and Terrorism Studies at MIIS. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, cooking, exploring diverse cultures, and participating in meaningful dialogue. She is deeply passionate about conflict transformation and empowering young people through dialogue and community-building.
As a council member, she aims to bring a collaborative and inclusive approach to addressing student needs. Her leadership and peacebuilding experience has shown her the value of active listening and creating spaces where all voices are heard and respected. She is excited to work alongside her peers to build a more connected and supportive student community here at MIIS.
She looks forward to engaging with all the students and helping make this year a fantastic one for the entire student body.
Sonam Lhaki, GA Representative
Office of Reslife
Sonam is from Bhutan. She loves learning languages, meeting people from different cultures, reading, taking walks on the recreational trail and watching the cute otters! she hopes that she can contribute by representing the residents living in Munras Residence Hall and by also sharing her experiences as a student at MIIS.