Brendan White:
Hi, my name is Brendan White, and I am a junior studying Mathematics and Data Science with an interest in public policy, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity! I currently serve as the Academic Affairs Chair for the Student Government Board with additional interests in how student government can address food insecurity, housing access, and the value of students’ academic experience. I am also involved in Heinz Chapel Choir, the Lutheran Campus Ministry, and Triangle Fraternity. I am a diehard Pittsburgh sports fan and love trying new foods, listening to and making music, and playing and watching sports.
Lauren Lenhard:
Hello everyone! My name is Lauren Lenhard, and I’m excited to apply for the Student Government Board. As President of the Autistic Student Union, I’ve dedicated my time to building community and amplifying student voices, and I’d love to bring that same energy to SGB. Outside of class, you’ll usually find me on a power walk or studying at the library. I’m running because I care deeply about inclusivity, creating a vibrant campus life, and making sure every student feels represented.
George Abbato:
Hi! My name is George Abbato, and I am a second-year student in the Frederick Honors College and Swanson School of Engineering. I am an electrical engineering major, with a minor in economics. I was on SGB last year as an allocations liaison, where I helped student clubs get funding from the student activities fee. Around campus, I am involved with IEEE, OCF, and FRH. In my free time, you can find me practicing piano, playing pickleball, finding new restaurants, or watching Pittsburgh sports!
Hanya Yang:
Hi! My name is Hanya Yang, I’m a sophomore currently undecided with a minor in studio art! I'm from a little town outside of Boston, Massachusetts. I’m fascinated about the healthcare system, especially in the psychiatric area, as well as being interested in research regarding biodegradable materials. Out of class I’m working on research regarding transplant surgery, getting my CMA certificate and volunteering at assisted living facilities. Beyond academics, you can always find me thrifting in thriftsburgh or in the understudy of Cathy doing art or singing.
Audrey Wang:
My name is Audrey Wang, a junior majoring in political science and psychology at Pitt. I first got involved with SGB as a sophomore; I served on the Community and Government Relations Committee and helped organize events such as the Women in Politics Panel and the Global Food Market. As a campus with a student population of 20,000 undergraduates, it is impossible for eight members to represent so many distinct voices. It is my responsibility to advocate for all students. Every student has the voice to advocate for themselves; I want to invest my voice and platform into making yours heard!
Zoë Fontecchio:
My name is Zoë Fontecchio, and I am a rising senior majoring in Political Science (BA) and minoring in Studio Arts. I am also completing a certificate in Global Health. I am planning on pursuing a career in interdisciplinary work that would combine art, politics, and public health. I have a chronic illness that has created limitations in my academic career, but also inspired me to pursue advocacy work and build support systems for other disabled students. Diversity, equity, and inclusion, as a result, are a vital part of who I am and what I stand for. I am extremely open-minded and always ready to solve a new problem, learn a new fact, or just have a conversation. I believe creating community connections and uplifting our student body is one of the most important aspects of SGB, and I would love to be a part of it.
Patrick Ryan:
Hello! I am Patrick Ryan, a junior here at Pitt with a passion for storytelling, collaboration, and building community. I serve as the Vice President of the Rollplayers TTRPG Club, work as a fiction editor for Collision Literary Magazine, and have served on the admissions committee for the Undergraduate Literature Conference. I love bringing people together through shared ideas and creativity, whether at the gaming table or in the classroom. My goal after college is to work as an editor at a major publishing house. I am eager to use my experience to help make Pitt’s student community even stronger.