Spring 2026 Election: Candidates for HUA Team Officer Positions

Jordan McCloughan

Jordan's Platform

Hi, I’m Jordan! I’m probably not in the top 20%, which means I’m in the majority of students here. I come from a small town in rural Kentucky; my high school had fewer than 300 students, and it didn’t even offer AP or honors classes. My transition here has been difficult, but worthwhile. I have seen the tremendous impact that a Harvard education can have, even in my first two semesters.

I am running to be the next HUA Academic Team Officer because I want to meaningfully serve the student body, not be a puppet for an administration. Policies like the current proposed grading cap on A’s only serve to make our competitive lives more competitive, damage our mental health, and weaken our trust in each other and the administration. I ask that you vote for me to be your advocate and make your concerns known.

Maritella Petsa

Maritella's Platform 

Hey! My name is Maritella Petsa and I am member of the class of 2029, planning to concentrate in MCB on the pre-med track. After having served as the social media manager of the HUA Academic Team for the past year, I realized how our Undergraduate Association is able to have a tangible impact on all of our lives, even if we do not realize it. Being a member of the Academic Team gave me opportunities I never thought I would have access to, and introduced me to people that I will cherish forever. That said, it would be my utmost honor to be able to give back to my own community and ensure that we will all continue to have the same, no, an even better Harvard experience!

Fruszina Roka

Hey everyone! I’m Fruzsina Roka, the current HUA Academic Team Secretary.

Remember all those surveys and emails you got spammed with? That was me—sorry. I’ve pubbed events, represented the student body at CUE meetings, and kept the Academic Team on schedule. And now, I want to continue championing your voices.

Item number one: the new grading policy. Our team has put in the hours, advocating for you and collecting valuable student data to show during faculty meetings. I will gladly pull another all-nighter drafting Qualtrics surveys if it makes students’ voices heard.

My vision doesn’t stop there. I will expand the textbook subsidy program, so the 20 textbooks your Gov teacher assigns won’t break the bank. My biggest goal, however, is to celebrate YOU. Expanding Concentration Declaration Day celebrations and CA employment are only the beginning. When Harvard feels against you, count on me to be in your corner.

Adam Han

Adam's Platform

Like many of you, my academic journey has been characterized by deep involvement in extracurriculars.

We cannot deny that extracurricular activities at Harvard face changing circumstances in light of shifting academic expectations. I’m running for the position of extracurriculars team officer precisely because I am certain of the importance the role will hold in shaping the future of this college.

Having spent the previous year as a member of the extracurricular team, I’ve familiarized myself with the needs of students and organizations. My mission is to use this knowledge to construct an ever-more-robust extracurricular system.

I will use the full force of the resources at the disposal of the HUA to protect Harvard’s thriving extracurricular landscape, securing growing offerings to the student body. Endorsed by the current officer, my platform explores my approach to this goal while keeping in mind a realistic understanding of the powers granted to the position.

Finn Berard

Finn's Platform

Smar Dayoub
Smar's Platform

Hi everyone, my name is Smar Dayoub (you might also know me as “Summer,” like the season). I’m a sophomore in the best house #Quincy studying Neuroscience and Economics on the pre-med track. I’m from Syria, and coming to Harvard has been both an exciting and challenging transition that has shaped how I think about community and belonging. I speak Arabic, along with some French and some ASL knowledge, because connecting across cultures and languages has always been an important part of who I am.

Since arriving, I’ve been deeply involved in student life: as Co-President of the Woodbridge International Society, on the board of Harvard UNICEF, and as a Peer Advising Fellow mentoring first-year students and many other roles centered around bringing people together and building meaningful connections. Through these experiences, I’ve seen firsthand how much the
spaces we create outside the classroom matter.

Some of the most meaningful parts of my time here have come from moments
of connection, where people feel comfortable, included, and genuinely part of something. Those experiences are what drive me, and they’re the reason I care so much about building a stronger, more connected social life on campus.

Meley Ghermay 
Meley's Platform

Hi everyone! I’m Meley Ghermay, current Co-Chair of the HUA First-Year Team, and I’m excited to be running for Social Life Officer.

This year, I’ve worked closely on and with the Social Life team to plan events like the Super Bowl Watch Party, Brain Breaks, and Trivia Nights, experiences that showed me how intentional and well-executed events can bring people together on a campus as busy as Harvard. Beyond HUA, I’m involved across student organizations and serve on the Dean of Students Survey Advisory Group, giving me direct insight into what students want and what’s missing.

I’ve spent years in student leadership, serving as Class President for three years in HS and leading community-focused initiatives, and I bring that same energy, creativity, and follow-through here. I’m excited to scale what works, introduce new ideas like multicultural events, and build a more connected, inclusive, and genuinely fun social experience for everyone.

Asante Kiio

Ella McRitchie

Ella's Platform

Jack Smith

Jack's Platform

Polina Krumkachev

Polina's Platform

Jake Marino

Jake's Platform

Hello everyone! My name is Jake Marino. I am a freshman from CT and a Project Leader for the HUA Finance Team. Outside of the HUA, I am involved in the Harvard Boxing Club, the Harvard Men’s Volleyball Club, and the Y2Y youth homeless shelter.

As part of the HUA Finance Team for the past two semesters, I have worked on funding initiatives and helped organize large-scale events like Echoes of Crimson, supporting underfunded student organizations. I am running for HUA Co-Treasurer with two goals in mind.

First, to be a representative for the students at Harvard and ensure their voices are heard. The past few months have shown that the concerns of students are taken in vain. We have asked for increased security, we have asked for non-implementation of the new grading, and yet our voices are still unheard.

Second, the HUA Finance Team, and ultimately the HUA as a whole, needs massive overhauls to combat inefficiencies, bureaucracy, and limited budgets. I will bring about these changes upon being elected.
 

Maanya Arora

Tess Sumner