Meet the Candidates!

A Special Election for the 2025-2026 TUA Body to fill 2 open 3rd Year seats is underway! Meet your rising 3rd Year Candidates here (scroll below!)!

 

Voting will open via WaveSync on 4/17 at 8AM and close 4/18 at 8PM CST.

If you have any questions about the Elections and Selections process, please contact TUA@tulane.edu.

Rising 3rd Year Candidates

Click through the slides to learn more about the candidates running!

Ana Maria Cordero

She/Her

I want to serve in the Tulane Undergraduate Assembly for the class of 2027 because I believe in the power of representation and the importance of having student voices at the table. As someone who has always taken pride in building bridges between diverse communities, I want to be a delegate who truly listens, advocates, and acts. I care deeply about my classmates and want to ensure their needs and concerns are brought forward with empathy and action. My background has taught me the value of perseverance and community. Growing up between two cultures, Mexican and American, I’ve learned how important it is to be heard, supported, and seen. Whether it’s organizing inclusive events through my sorority or helping Latino students navigate financial aid through my internship at ECCO NOLA, I’ve seen how small actions can make a big difference. As a delegate, I aspire to collaborate on initiatives engage all students, regardless of their background, listen to their needs and act to help in any way I can. I want to continue building meaningful projects with lasting impact, like supporting sustainability efforts and increasing transparency in how decisions are made at Tulane. I’m ready to keep showing up for my class and working toward a more connected, equitable, and empowered student experience.

Andrew George Specter

He/Him

I would like to be a delegate because I’m passionate about fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment at Tulane. Whether it’s addressing academic concerns, enhancing student life, or advocating for necessary resources, I am committed to working diligently to bring about positive change. I’m not afraid to voice my opinions constructively and engage in thoughtful discussions to find the best solutions for our student body. Being a delegate isn’t just about holding a title; it’s about taking on the responsibility of leadership and service. I am prepared to dedicate my time and energy to this role, to listen attentively, and to act decisively on behalf of my peers. I see this as an invaluable opportunity to learn, grow, and make a tangible difference in the Tulane experience for everyone.

Leilani Landers

She/Her

As a first-generation college student and a recent transfer student to Tulane University, I am eager to make a positive impact at Tulane. I would like to serve as a delegate because I want to contribute to meaningful change within our community. My passion for leadership and advocacy drives me to work toward creating a more inclusive and supportive environment where every student feels heard and empowered. As a chemical engineering student, I understand the balance between rigorous academic studies and the need for strong support systems. I aim to represent the interests of Tulane students, particularly those who may feel underrepresented, by actively listening to their concerns and implementing meaningful changes. Being a transfer student has strengthened my desire to build connections and enhance student life. I am passionate about supporting student-led clubs, improving campus resources, and promoting both academic and mental wellness. Joining the Tulane Undergraduate Assembly would allow me to grow as a leader while ensuring that student needs are prioritized in university decisions. I am excited about the opportunity to serve and make a lasting impact on the Tulane community.

Gabriel SIlva Molina

He/Him

Hey y’all! I’m Gabriel, and I’m running to be your next delegate! A little bit about me: I’m a sophomore from Puerto Rico majoring in Biomedical Engineering. On campus, I serve as president of River Hall Community Government under the Residence Hall Association (RHA). Back home in Puerto Rico, I was captain of the central-east chapter of the American Cancer Society’s Student Relay for Life; I led fundraising efforts to secure over $6,000 for my chapter. I’ll also be serving as treasurer for Tulane’s Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) chapter in 2025! As a delegate, I will be committed to putting the student body first. Through RHA, I’ve gained valuable insight into organizing fun activities, while also ensuring high turnout. I’m excited to bring this experience I’ve obtained to a new table as a potential member of the Student Experience Committee. Additionally, coming from an island that has been deeply affected by climate change over the past few years, I’d like to educate students on the importance of safeguarding our environment and reducing waste. For this purpose, I would love to join the Sustainability & Divestment Committee. Know this: in my role, I will always ensure your voice is heard. I’d be honored to earn your support. Together, let’s keep TUA as strong as ever. ROLL WAVE!

Sophia Parigi

She/Her

I want to be a delegate because I’m a passionate and proven leader who profoundly cares about Tulane and the greater New Orleans community. As a New Orleans native, I understand the city beyond the “Tulane bubble” and want to help bridge that gap to make campus life more connected, inclusive, and rooted in the culture around us. On campus, I serve as a Resident Advisor, helping foster a safe and supportive student community. I’ve also held positions on the executive board of Tulane Toastmasters, a leader in campus religious life, WTUL 91.5 FM, and previously in Monroe Hall’s community government as director of community engagement. I’ve volunteered and fundraised off-campus for organizations across Louisiana, building strong skills in donor relations, communications, event planning, and organizing, and I am a creative entrepreneur who runs a New Orleans-based entertainment business whose mission is rooted in sharing and top-quality entertainment. I bring experience managing budgets, building community partnerships, and amplifying diverse voices. As a pre-law student committed to advocacy, I want to focus on tangible outcomes like increasing funding for student organizations, improving mental health resources, expanding cultural and civic engagement opportunities, and creating spaces where all students feel empowered. I’m a strong collaborator with a background in conflict resolution, and I genuinely enjoy helping people feel heard and supported. Tulane deserves delegates who deliver, and I’m ready to do that.

Michael Pontoriero

He/Him

I would like to be a delegate because serving with Tulane EMS has given me a unique perspective on this campus—one that not many students get to see. From responding to calls in dorms and on the quads to working with administrators and first responders, I’ve witnessed firsthand the gaps in communication, safety, and student support. It’s shown me how much potential we have to improve—and how important it is to have delegates who understand what’s actually going on behind the scenes. As a third-year student, I’ve been here long enough to recognize the patterns: when students don’t feel heard, when resources are unclear, or when things get lost in bureaucracy. Through leadership roles and high-stress fieldwork with Tulane EMS, I’ve learned how to stay calm under pressure, advocate clearly, and take initiative when it matters most. I’m not running to sit back—I’m running because I’ve already been on the ground seeing where change is needed, and I want to help make it happen. That means better transparency, stronger student outreach, and a more responsive campus culture. I care about this community, and I want to use my experience to push for real, lasting impact.

Max Rudman & Lucy John

He/Him & She/Her

We are committed to dedicating our time and effort to the betterment of the student body. We want to embody TUA’s values by empowering each individual on this campus and inspiring positive, student-driven change. Our goal is to ensure that Tulane allows everyone to become the best version of themselves; we recognize that good representation means accessibility and accountability. Internally, we seek to apply our skills in communication, collaboration, and problem-solving to our projects. As individuals, members of committees, and voices within the assembly, we seek to specialize in our work and adapt to the needs of a diverse student body. Our dual candidacy will allow for both of our perspectives and experiences in leadership to contribute to the Assembly’s overall goal of being a productive and representative body. It is our privilege to have the opportunity to run as your third-year dual candidates!

Meet Your Candidates

Ana Maria Cordero

She/Her

Rising 3rd Year

Max Rudman & Lucy John

He/Him & She/Her

Rising 3rd Years

(Dual-Candidates)

 

Andrew George Specter

He/Him

Rising 3rd Year

Michael Pontoriero

He/Him

Rising 3rd Year

Gabriel Silva Molina

He/Him

Rising 3rd Year

Sophia Parigi

She/Her

Rising 3rd Year

Leilani Landers

She/Her

Rising 3rd Year