By Elisabeth Costanzo Stewart

When President Hawkins needs a pulse on the campus’s student voice, he knows just who to call: the College’s Student Assembly President, Yulissa Vega. The Communications and Media Arts: A.S. student proudly represents SUNY Broome’s more than 6,000 students – a role that’s a perfect fit for the natural leader with a heart for civic engagement. 

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM), Madam President served as a student representative in a HHM panel discussion. The proud daughter of a Guatemalan mother and a Puerto Rican father, Vega shared her unique cultural traditions and highlighted the enriching power of a diverse campus community.

Growing up in the Town of Dickinson, Vega was driven by a unique range of interests, dabbling in everything from fine arts to robotics. She found her calling at Johnson City High School, when she enrolled in Citizens in Action, a class centered on community service. She threw herself into bringing attention to issues facing her fellow students, advocating for positive changes, and problem-solving practical solutions. Regardless of the cause, Vega was game to bring boots-on-the-ground support. 

A tried-and-true Broome County resident, Vega confined her college search to her two local SUNYs: Binghamton University and SUNY Broome. While her what and where to study were still unknown, she was confident in one thing: she was meant to be in the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), where she could benefit from additional access, academic support, and financial assistance. After meeting with SUNY Broome’s EOP team, Vega excitedly chose her community’s college and counted down the days until the program’s four-week Summer Advancement Academy.

“The EOP Summer Advancement Academy fundamentally changed me as a person,” Vega beamed. “The program offers so much more than just a stipend – it gives you a community that you keep throughout your entire academic journey.” 

President Hawkins and President Vega meet regularly to create positive, student-center initiatives on campus. Photo Credit: Matt Ebbers

Vega first began in the Business Administration: International Business A.S. program, where she thrived in her marketing and management classes, but struggled with the mandatory statistics and financial accounting courses. Hearing her EOP peer mentor, Ethan Roselle, gush about his Communications and Media Arts: A.S. classes piqued her interest to pursue a new path.  

After a quick program change, Vega felt truly at home in her communications classes. Equally comfortable in front of and behind the camera, she was energized by the vast opportunities connected with communications, public relations, and media arts.

With her academic plans settled, Vega fully immersed herself in campus life, performing in the A-Z Players’ fall production of “She Kills Monsters,” joining the women’s empowerment club LYLAS (Love You Like a Sister), and becoming a Resident Assistant in the Student Village. An advocate to her core, Vega didn’t just join the College’s student government, Student Assembly – she was elected president. 

“As President, my job is to govern over the Student Assembly meetings and meet with President Hawkins to share the needs and concerns of the student population,” Vega explained. “It’s my responsibility to uplift our students’ voices so that we can make positive changes across campus. I have a goal to meet and connect with 75% of our campus community this year.”  

Between her classes, office hours, rehearsals, committee meetings, EOP mentorship sessions, on-call shifts in the Student Village, and exploring her four-year transfer options, Vega’s free time is in limited supply. She keeps a tight schedule and masterfully balances it all.

“I love being part of so many things on campus, but I also know that you can’t pour from an empty cup,” Vega said. “I do my best to take care of myself and always remember that first and foremost, I am a student. At the end of the day, that’s what I’m here for.” 

Yulissa’s Advice for Hispanic Heritage Month: “Spanish is the most beautiful language. I speak Spanish with my family daily and consider it to be part of my core. A great way to connect to the language is through music. Start by listening to “Corazón Sin Cara” by Romero Santos. I know you’ll be hooked!” 

Yulissa’s Advice for Future SUNY Broome Students: “Visit the Swarm online and explore all of the clubs and organizations that you find interesting! It’s the best way to get connected to new experiences.”

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