Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship

This year, Central Michigan University’s Student Government Association leadership team was unlike any other in the 104-year history of the SGA with three women from various backgrounds – including two international students – making up the executive board.

“I grew up my entire life in Spain, and when I was 14, 15 years old my whole dream was to go to the US,” said Carolina Hernandez Ruiz, CMU student body president. “I actually learned English by myself in a year, watching movies and taking notes.”

Hernandez Ruiz came to the United States in 2020 as an exchange student. After graduating from high school in the Grand Rapids area, she decided to continue her education stateside at CMU.

A member of the CMU Honors Program double-majoring in neuroscience and finance, Hernandez Ruiz quickly found her footing by getting involved in SGA. Three years later, she felt the need to take her involvement one step further.

“Over time I wanted to take a leadership role…because I saw some issues across campus and also within SGA that I'm like, ‘I think this has to be improved,’” she said.

Hernandez Ruiz enlisted two underclassmen to run alongside her: Aashka Barot, an international student from India, as vice president. And as treasurer, Akua Acheampong, who came to CMU from Cincinnati.

“In my high school, the way that school was structured was not as vibrant as it is in Central Michigan in terms of involvement and the many opportunities of gaining real-world experience,” Acheampong said.

A political science major minoring in intergroup relations and public law, Acheampong was drawn to an SGA leadership role to help ensure student voices are heard on important university decisions.

“You have the power to change things you want to see changed,” she said. “It’s also about leaving your legacy of effectiveness, transparency and being accountable for students.”

An institutionalized SGA Scholarship Fair, planning CMU’s second TEDx event and partnering with administrators to help students receive food during holiday breaks are among the executive board’s most successful initiatives over the past year.

Looking ahead to the 2025-2026 academic school year, Hernandez Ruiz and Acheampong are now on opposite sides of the ballot – both vying for SGA president. Hernandez Ruiz is once again running with Barot as her vice president. Acheampong is teaming up with SGA Sustainability Committee Chair Kathryn House as her VP pick.