The Cabinet
The Cabinet is a part of the GPSG Executive Branch that enables exceptionally motivated graduate and professional students to serve as chairs or co-chairs of particular areas of campus and community life that require our participation in policy-making and programming. The Cabinet, alongside The Executive Board, design, implement, and engage new initiatives in collaboration with the graduate and professional student community. All students and members of the public are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Cabinet Members Director of Academic Affairs (DAA) Neil Sharma Biography Neil Sharma is a Master of Public Policy student studying higher-education access and AI policy, from Jamestown, NC. A former college dropout, Neil worked in the restaurant industry for 7 years before returning to education. Today, he is grateful for the affordability of the community college pathway that gave him opportunities to study policy research despite being older. Empowered, Neil’s career passion is to revitalize similar college pathways as the foundation of higher-ed accessibility and professional mobility for all North Carolinians, regardless of age or background. Drawing from his journey back to college, as DAA, Neil will prioritize advocating for increased stipends to reduce the cost of living, and improving TA/RA working conditions to ensure that the professional and academic environments at Carolina remain conducive to graduate Tar Heel wellbeing. He will also rely on relationships developed during his previous role as undergraduate DAA to deepen collaboration with University Career Services and support post graduate success via increased access to career scaffolding resources and professional development. Neil believes ensuring learning accessibility, whether via increased grad experience affordability, or resources for students with young families, is the first step to a fulfilling career at Carolina. He also plans to support programs that foster early career success for new UNC alumni, and develop grad-undergrad student connections. Neil is thankful for opportunities that developed his quantitative and qualitative research skills, and provided experiences in both K-12 and higher-ed spheres, which he will incorporate within his GPSG advocacy roles. These include interning with the Department of Public Instruction, analyzing Japanese laws in Tokyo as a Gilman Scholar, and conducting research for the UNC-System and NCCCF via surveys and focus groups. Outside school, Neil likes to spend time as a proud uncle to his nephews and niece and go on hikes across North Carolina. Director of Health and Wellness (DHW) Sam Schild Biography In Progress Director of Employment Affairs (DEA) Vacant Biography In progress Director of Local Relations (DLR) Elizabeth Seagroves The Director of Local Relations shall advise the Executive Board on issues affecting graduate and professional students and oversee initiatives and advocacy efforts within Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Orange County, and Durham County. Biography Elizabeth is currently pursuing her PhD in the Department of Political Science. Her concentration is in American Politics, where she focuses on the intersection between racial and partisan politics and education policy. In her free time, she loves to read, dance, and spend time with her friends and family. Director of State and Federal Relations (DSFR) Nevaeh Haddock The Director of State and Federal Relations shall advise the Executive Board on issues related to state and federal laws, regulations, and policies affecting graduate and professional education at UNC Chapel Hill. Biography Nevaeh Haddock is a second-year law student at the UNC School of Law. She received her B.A. in political science from Appalachian State University and is focusing on Media Law, Intellectual Property Law, and Government Relations. In this role, Nevaeh hopes to help advocate for, and actualize, the policy changes important to UNC’s graduate and professional student population. Nevaeh grew up in Raleigh, NC, and ran track in college. She is an avid sports fan and is very excited to serve on the GPSG’s cabinet this year. Director of Advocacy (DA) Adwoa Tweneboa-Koduah Biography My name is Adwoa Tweneboa Koduah. I’m a 3rd year pharmacy student as the Eshelman School of Pharmacy, and the 2024-2025 GPSG Director of Advocacy. A lot of my extracurricular activities are centered around advocacy work, whether it’s helping patients access medications for free, or working on DEI initiatives at the school of pharmacy. Outside of school, I am a foodie, and love to cook random elaborate meals for friends, and try new restaurants. I also love to read and host wine nights, hike in the fall, and travel. Biography Winston is a second-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Political Science at UNC studying social mobilization and state response with a particular focus on grassroots activism regarding policing and public security. In his role as Director of Community Engagement, he aims to help make UNC feel like home for all graduate and professional students through exciting events and opportunities. He grew up in Southern Louisiana before going on to receive a B.S. In Foreign Service from Georgetown University and a M.A. In Human Rights Studies from Columbia University. Outside of campus, Winston enjoys taking advantage of the Triangle’s delicious food scene and traveling to just about wherever whenever he gets the chance. Director of Environmental Affairs (DEA) Leah Nelson Biography Leah Nelson is a second-year PhD student in the Environment, Ecology, and Energy (E3P) Program where she studies the ecological impacts of invasive macroalgal species. She holds a B.A. From UNC in Environmental Studies with a focus on Society and Ecology. She is passionate about environmental resiliency and the effects of anthropogenic change on aquatic ecosystems. In her free time, she enjoys kayaking, hiking, baking, and reading. Director of Data Collection and Assessment (DDCA) Bryn Haden The Director of Data Collection and Assessment shall assist in designing robust and statistically sound survey tools for collecting quantitative and qualitative input from graduate and professional students. Biography I am a second-year graduate student getting my MPH in Applied Epidemiology from the Gillings School of Global Public Health. I am currently involved in projects with the NCDHHS as well as the UNC Street Drug Analysis Lab throughout the summer before I begin working on a CDC project throughout the school year. I spend a majority of my free time working out in the gym or outside training for my triathlons. When I’m not working out, I’m usually hanging out with my cat June or with friends listening to live music! Director of Communications (DC) Sam Ardery The Director of Communications shall assist the Vice President for Communications with the communication and public relations activities for GPSG, including maintaining social media platforms and publishing the bi-monthly GPSG Newsletter. Biography Sam is a 3rd year graduate student in the Genetics and Molecular Biology PhD program in the School of Medicine. She grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana and received her BA in Biology and Computer Science from Carthage College. She is working in the field of mouse genetics to improve upon the baseline genomic references utilized in mouse research. Outside of research, Sam enjoys crafting, reading, and playing volleyball. All minutes can be found at the GPSG archives.
The Director of Academic Affairs shall advise the Executive Board on issues related to University academic policies, graduate and professional degree requirements, and educational resources.
The Director of Health and Wellness shall advise the Executive Board on issues related to personal health and wellbeing of graduate and professional students and their dependents.
The Director of Employment Affairs shall advise the Executive Board on issues related to graduate and professional student employment as Research Assistants, Teaching Assistants, Graduate Assistants, and other university positions.
The Director of Advocacy shall advise the Executive Board on issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and advocacy on behalf of currently and historically marginalized student populations.
The Director of Environmental Affairs shall advise the Executive Board on issues affecting graduate and professional students and oversee initiatives and advocacy efforts in the areas of sustainability and environmental consciousness.
Minutes and Documents