Nilima Mow, Candidate for President
Graduate Degree Program: Doctoral student, Linguistics, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (full-time student)
Expected date of graduation: May 2027
At what campus is your academic department located?
Fairfax
At what campus(es) do you attend classes, work, and/or reside?
Fairfax
Biography and Candidate Statement
My name is Nilima Hakim Mow, and I am honored to announce my candidacy for President of the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GAPSA) at George Mason University for the 2025-2026 Office Election. As an international Ph.D. student in Linguistics and the current graduate representative at GAPSA for the Linguistics doctoral program, I bring firsthand experience in advocating effectively for graduate student interests. As a former Vice President of the English Department Graduate Student Association at Ball State University, I developed strong leadership skills in community engagement, advocacy, and student support. My current role as a member of the International Student Advisory Board has further strengthened my ability to collaborate across diverse student populations and communities, deeply enriching my understanding of the challenges faced by international graduate students. Throughout my academic journey, I have actively engaged in student advocacy. As a member of different student organizations, I have listened to and amplified the voices of students from different cultural and academic backgrounds. My experience working alongside various departments and student organizations has equipped me to advocate effectively for meaningful change, fairness, and equal opportunities. I am dedicated to creating a welcoming, supportive, and empowering environment for every student at Mason. If elected GAPSA president, my priorities will include: 1. Enhancing support structures and services for all graduate students by advocating for accessible mental health resources, increased financial aid opportunities and comprehensive academic and career support. I aim to ensure that every student regardless of their background feels supported in adapting to the demands of graduate education and thriving within our diverse academic community. 2. Expanding professional and academic growth opportunities through targeted workshops, networking events, mentorship programs, collaborative research initiatives, designated workspace arrangements for Graduate Research, Teaching and Professional Assistants (GRA/GTA/GPA) and hosting career fairs tailored to the unique requirements of graduate students. 3. Advocating for enhanced graduate student resources, including affordable housing options, expanded childcare services, improved transportation and parking facilities, increased accessibility to comprehensive health services, and effective resource-sharing strategies to enhance their overall academic and personal development. 4. Advocating for international students by promoting clear guidance on immigration policies, increasing financial aid, offering tailored academic and career support, and ensuring a smoother transition to academia in the U.S. I will actively listen to their needs and communicate these concerns to university leadership, helping students adapt to the new educational system and culture. 5. Promoting interdisciplinary research and interdepartmental engagement to create broader academic and professional opportunities for graduate students. 6. Building a sense of community by organizing events celebrating different cultures, fostering dialogue between students, faculty, and administration, and continuously improving transparent communication channels to ensure all student voices are heard and valued. My experience in student leadership, coupled with my passion for fostering inclusive and supportive environments, uniquely positions me to advocate for and represent all graduate students at George Mason University effectively. I humbly ask for your support and vote to build a vibrant, inclusive, and empowering graduate student community together.
Will you be able to meet the time commitments and expectations of the position? Describe your probable availability for the 2025-2026 academic year, as well as other on-going time commitments (e.g., classes, work, organizational involvement).
Yes, I will be able to meet the time commitments and expectations of the position. As a Research Assistant, I have a 20-hour work commitment per week, and I do not have any other job responsibilities planned for the 2025–2026 academic year. With my prior experience in leadership roles and strong time management skills, I am confident in my ability to balance responsibilities and serve effectively as GAPSA President.