Newly elected SGA leaders German Nolivos, Janese Fayson seek ‘unified’ student body
German Nolivos was elected to a second term as Student Government Association President. Janese Fayson will serve as SGA's Vice President, and said her close relationship with Nolivos will help them when making decisions. Solange Jain | Photo Edtior
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After a year of leadership in Syracuse University’s Student Government Association, German Nolivos and Janese Fayson, the newly elected executives, are stepping into their new term with renewed purpose — and another opportunity to further implement their goals.
Their campaign slogan, “Vision for All,” emboldens their belief that all SU students deserve to be seen, heard and valued. To extend community under their administration, both candidates said they believe in empowering student spaces and giving undergraduates a place to grow and thrive.
As an incumbent, Nolivos said his return to office offers the association an unusual opportunity for continuity.
“It has been so impressive and impactful (t0 watch),” said Reed Granger, SGA’s outgoing vice president. “There’s a form of unity that I haven’t seen in my previous two years as a member of the Student (Government) Association.”
Nolivos, the first Latino and international student to be SGA’s president, said his background as a Venezuelan immigrant has helped shape his leadership approach. His perspective drives him to be a voice for those who normally feel underrepresented, he said.
Granger said Nolivos’ collaborative leadership style has allowed members to feel more comfortable and engaged in the association, which they said has changed how students view SGA. They said they were happy to see Nolivos ready to serve a second term as the association’s president, as his ability to sway a room and bring joy makes him “unequivocally the guy for the job.”
“I’m passionate about inspiring others to understand that these spaces are open to us and welcome us,” Nolivos said. “I feel that inclusivity starts with representation.”
He also emphasized his new administration’s commitment to strengthening students’ sense of belonging on campus.
Fayson, SGA’s current vice president of diversity and inclusion, is finishing her first year with the association. She said she felt inspired to join because of the strong community she watched Nolivos and Granger create over the past year.
In her current role, Fayson meets bi-weekly with Mary Grace Almandrez, SU’s vice president for diversity and inclusion, to discuss university and association “core values” as SU reviews its diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives for federal policy compliance.
She hopes to be a better resource for students in her new role, she said. Her experience serving as president of the Caribbean Students Association this year has prepared her to work with student organizations, improving her skills in fiscal processes, budget submissions and overall organization skills.
As a newer member, Fayson sees herself as a fresh perspective in her partnership with the incumbent president. Alexis Leach, SGA’s comptroller, said the executives have “a great dynamic.”
“We will continue to bridge this gap between students, and make sure that everyone feels safe and unified,” Fayson said. “This campus is theirs, because this campus is the student’s campus.”
Leach, now also serving her second consecutive term, described Fayson as someone with a “bubbly and vibrant personality” but said she “works in silence” and knows how to complete tasks effectively.
Leach also attested to Fayson’s determination to uplift the student body and said she often puts together events — despite a limited budget. As a leader recognized for her initiative, Leach said Fayson often comes to her office asking questions as she prepares for her new role.
“I don’t know how she does it, but everything I’ve seen Janese do has been amazing,” Leach said. “She just brings radiance to this organization.”
Fayson credited the Posse Foundation scholarship, which she and Nolivos both received, for shaping their leadership abilities. The nonprofit offers programs to grow leadership potential to succeed in college and beyond, providing both students with about six weeks of training to hone their leadership skills and help them acclimate to college governing environments.
The lessons Fayson learned with Posse will translate well into running the association, she said.
“I will not tell you that I’m passionate about politics, but I am passionate about results. I am passionate about people,” Fayson said. “Being in this role, I think that’s exactly what I get out of it.”
While reflecting on SGA’s accomplishments during his year as president, Nolivos echoed Fayson and expressed confidence in the new leadership duo’s ability to further foster a sense of belonging on campus and increase transparency in their processes. He emphasized the association’s most recent achievement — passing a constitutional referendum — as evidence of their success.
SGA has tried to pass the referendum multiple times in the past two years, but never received approval by 10% of the student body, until Saturday. Granger attributed the increase in participation to the leadership of Nolivos and his efforts to expand SGA’s influence in campus affairs.
“I believe (our) legacy is going to continue, especially with German and Janese and the plans that they have for the future of this association,” Granger said. “This culture that we’ve built up, the campus now knows who we are.”
Fayson said her close relationship with Nolivos allows the two to be direct with each other when communicating, which she believes will make them more effective decision-makers.
Describing Nolivos as a “powerhouse,” she said both leaders regularly learn from one another.
“He is literally my best friend, and I’m really, really excited to lead this work with him,” Fayson said.
