PCCC SGA Takes on D.C.! — A Journey of Leadership and Growth

Written by Marceline Wilkinson, Student Government Treasurer

What happens when passionate student leaders from across the country come together in one place? Inspiration, teamwork, and a whole lot of new ideas — that’s exactly what the Passaic County Community College Student Government Association (SGA) experienced at the National Student Government Summit, hosted by the American Student Government Association (ASGA) in Washington, D.C. from October 9th to October 12th.

The National Student Government Summit is designed to train, support, and strengthen Student Governments, helping student leaders enhance their leadership abilities and become stronger advocates for their peers. For PCCC’s SGA, the goal was clear — to learn innovative leadership strategies and discover new ways to better serve and represent the PCCC’s student body.

Throughout the summit, each SGA officer participated in multiple workshops, roundtable discussions, and leadership sessions focused on problem-solving, advocacy, communication, and student engagement.

The team had the opportunity to connect with other Student Governments from across the country, exchange ideas, and gather insight on how to improve the PCCC student experience back home. Officers discussed best practices for promoting inclusion, increasing student participation, managing budgets, and strengthening collaboration between students and administration.

Outside of the conference, SGA members explored the heart of Washington, D.C., visiting some of the most historic landmarks in the nation’s capital. The group toured the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial. The members also visited the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, then ventured on to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

“Being surrounded by so many passionate student leaders reminded us why we do what we do,” said Jazmin Cortes Sandoval, SGA President. “We learned how to strengthen our teamwork, improve communication, and build events that truly make an impact on our campus.”

Another highlight of the summit was the opportunity for officers to participate in networking sessions with advisors and other SGA teams, where they shared experiences and discovered new ways to address student needs more effectively. The conference not only helped PCCC’s SGA build valuable leadership skills but also deepened their understanding of what it means to represent every student’s voice.

The SGA extends to our dedicated SGA Advisors, Ms. Gina Oriolo and Ms. Jenny Hernandez, for their continuous guidance and support. A special thank-you also goes to the incredible staff at the Center for Student Engagement — Ms. Iris Miolan — for their hard work in organizing and coordinating this unforgettable experience.

With new skills, stronger connections, and a renewed sense of purpose, the PCCC Student Government Association is ready to continue advocating, leading, and creating meaningful changes for every student. The lessons learned in Washington will inspire their work throughout the year — strengthening the bond between student leaders and the community they proudly serve.