Emerging Leaders Program Student Executive Board

Renata Meiram
Yahya Khan
A'Rayna Bassue
Sienna Donoian
Nolan Borders
Hannah Sung
Dreama Manganiello

Follow us on Instagram: @Marist_ELP
 

Renata Meiram, '27 (Abroad in Spring 2026) 
President

Major: Communications with a concentration in Public Relations and Advertising and a minor in Graphic Design

Why I joined ELP/NSLS: I joined NSLS and ELP to enhance my leadership skills and learn how to lead in a way that values everyone’s input. I wanted to surround myself with driven individuals and gain new perspectives, all while creating a supportive environment where everyone can succeed. But most importantly, I wanted to join a program where I could create lasting and memorable experiences.

Additional on/off campus leadership and involvement: My campus involvement includes Students Today Alumni Tomorrow, where I serve as the Media Chair. I'm also a member of the Marist College Orchestra, Red Ink, and Red Fox Films. I actively participate in many events hosted by Marist SPC, and in my free time, I enjoy staying active with fun workouts like yoga and pilates.

Why Marist students should get involved with ELP/NSLS: Marist students should consider joining ELP/NSLS for its diverse and enriching workshops and events, which not only encourage leadership skills but also personal growth. Through this program, students can gain valuable lessons such as effective communication, management, and other essential real-world skills from remarkable individuals. During my first year in NSLS/ELP, I’ve learned that this program thrives as a community-driven environment, where collaboration and inclusivity is at the heart of everything.

Fun Fact: My favorite show is Modern Family.

Yahya Khan, '28 
President, Spring 2026

Major: BS in Business administration with a concentration in Marketing 

Why I joined ELP/NSLS: I joined the ELP and NSLS to strengthen my leadership skills and connect with like-minded individuals who value collaboration and teamwork to achieve meaningful goals.

Additional on/off campus leadership and involvement: I have been involved with the Marist Singers, The business club, and the Beta Alpha Psi honor society.

I am also a seasonal retail associate at Bath and Body Works as well as the Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of CoinUp; a digital platform that lets you instantly receive spare change via QR code into your wallet, where you can save, invest, donate, or transfer it to your bank.

Why Marist students should get involved with ELP/NSLS: Marist students should get involved with the ELP and NSLS to develop their leadership and teamwork skills, step outside their comfort zones, and grow both professionally and personally

Fun Fact: I grew up in four countries across two continents and love building friendships with people from around the world during my travels!

A'Rayna Bassue, '26
SNT Coordinator, Fall 2025

Major: Psychology/ Childhood education w/Special Education

Why I joined ELP/NSLS: I joined ELP because I believed that it would help develop my leadership skill, and bring out the leader in me. Also, it allowed me to not only be involved with Marist but also to explore new aspect of what it means to be part of the Marist community and what it offers. I also knew that by joining ELP/NSLS it would allow me to gain valuable knowledge from the speakers invited and to continue my philosophy of why not? and why not me?

Additional on/off campus leadership and involvement: On campus, I am involved with the Marist Department of Spiritual Life and Serivices, where I am a leader for the ARISE group. As a part of this group, we hold bible studies and various activities. As for off campus,  at my church as a teacher and I also volunteer my time at my previous elementary school in the Bronx. 

Why Marist students should get involved with ELP/NSLS: Marist students should get involved with ELP/NSLS because it is a great opportunity to get involved on campus but to also get valuable information from speakers and how you can impact your community.  As a sophomore coming into the program, I gained a lot of knowledge and how I can be a leader and take such role can allow me to impact my community and the people around me. What can be learned from this program can benefit you and journey here at Marist. 

Fun Fact: I love a good joke!

Sienna Donoian, '27
SNT Coordinator, Spring 2026

Major: Business Administration with a concentration in Finance
Minors: Economics and Data Science and Analytics

Why I joined ELP/NSLS: I joined ELP as a way to find my footing on campus and connect with other people. Not only did ELP introduce me to some amazing mentors and peers, but it also taught me invaluable leadership skills such as decision-making, adaptability, and delegation.

Additional on/off campus leadership and involvement: Aside from being on the ELP board, I also enjoy being an ambassador for the School of Management, where I continue to communicate with prospective and current students. I am also a member of multiple business clubs such as Beta Alpha Psi and Women in Business, which also allow me to enhance my leadership skills.

Why Marist students should get involved with ELP/NSLS: I think the NSLS/ELP is a great choice for students who are looking to expand their perspective, meet new people, and work on important life skills. The skills that are taught through ELP workshops can help students throughout not just their college career, but also their personal life. This program taught me how to connect with employers and mentors while also teaching me how to make time for myself and stay connected with friends and family.

Fun Fact: I love watching nature documentaries!

Nolan Borders, '27 (Abroad in Spring 2026)
Social Media/Publicity Chair

Major: Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing

Why I joined ELP/NSLS: I joined ELP and NSLS because of the opportunity to grow as a leader. With exposure to teachers, community leaders, and many other guest speakers, I can enhance my skill set.

Additional on/off campus leadership and involvement: Aside from ELP and NSLS, I am Vice President of the Students, Alumni Tomorrow Club. I am also a member of the American Marketing Association, Consulting Club, Business Club, and Red Ink Club.

Why Marist students should get involved with ELP/NSLS: Marist students should get involved with the ELP/NSLS because it is a great opportunity to build your skills, learn about qualities that great leaders possess, and constantly educate yourself by asking questions. Also, hearing from other students or experienced professionals through workshops is something everyone can benefit from. 

Fun Fact: I love to travel! My favorite place I’ve visited so far is France.

Hannah Sung, '28
Social Media/Publicity Chair, Spring 2026

Major: Psychology/Childhood and Special Education 1-6 
Minor: Communications

Why I joined ELP/NSLS: I love gaining new experiences. When I first saw the wide variety of topics that ELP workshops offered, I knew they would be worthwhile. As someone who is big on making connections, meeting new people, and discovering new things, I stayed consistent with ELP because ELP exposed me to so many knowledgeable speakers, building bridges that I'd never discovered before. ELP offers me a great opportunity to grow as a leader and to expand what it means to be a leader.

Additional on/off campus leadership and involvement: At Marist, I work as a student mentor through the Liberty Partnerships Program at the Poughkeepsie middle school, and I tutor other students on campus. Club-wise, I'm involved in Teachers of Tomorrow, Marist Theater Guild, Asian Alliance, SPC, the Mosaic, and Red Ink. I also love the yoga classes here at Marist.

Why Marist students should get involved with ELP/NSLS: ELP/NSLS opens endless possibilities. Every webcast and workshop introduces new strategies, ideologies, and networking opportunities for Marist students to take advantage of. Especially in a time of growing into independence, learning about leadership helps students take leadership in their own lives. Plus, as a little side benefit, there are usually lovely treats to snack on upon attendance!  

Fun Fact: I named my little brother!

Dreama Manganiello, '26
General Board Member

Major: Mathematics, in the 5-year Master's in Education Program

Why I joined ELP/NSLS: I joined ELP/NSLS to build upon my leadership skills, all while collaborating and learning from some of the best leaders on the Marist campus. I hope to gain some valuable skills and ideas to serve me in my future as an educator. 

Additional on/off campus leadership and involvement: I think Marist students should get involved with ELP/NSLS because it is a free way for Marist students to develop their leadership skills through a variety of workshop topics. Through this program, students can make connections with other student leaders in attendance and with the workshop presenters. 

Why Marist students should get involved with ELP/NSLS: I am the Captain and President of Marist Women's Club Volleyball, President of the Math Honors Society, Vice President of Math Club, the Assistant Resident Director (ARD) of the Gartland Housing Complex, and a substitute teacher in the Hudson Valley area. 

Fun Fact: I think Brooklyn 99 is one of the best TV shows ever made.