WSA Executive Board
WSA Executive Board
President - Maggie Jean Knight
Hello! My name is Maggie Jean Knight and I am a second-year MPA-PNP student at Wagner, specializing in public policy. I am passionate about environmental justice and renewable energy advancement, building community engagement, and creating organizational efficiency. While at Wagner, I have been Chair of the Wagner Management and Leadership Organization (WMLO), an Introduction to Public Policy Writing Consultant, a first year representative for the Wagner Review, a Peer Advisor for incoming students, and a Teaching Assistant. I am from Wyoming and love discussing all things mountain west, fiction, and dog-related! I look forward to meeting all of you over the course of the year.
Ombudsperson - Rachel Bhalla
Hi, y'all! I'm Rachel Bhalla an MPA-PNP student, specializing in Advocacy and Political Action, from Houston Texas. I am passionate about voting rights and progressive campaigns and currently serve as the Local Government Affairs Intern at Everytown for Gun Safety. In my free time, you can find me taking long walks throughout the city, watching documentaries, or searching for good Tex Mex in NYC. I am so excited to work alongside WSA and the Wagner student body to represent the needs of students as Ombudsperson!
Vice President of Events and Operations - Guillermo “Memo” Castillo
Hello, my name is Guillermo A. Castillo, and I am from sunny San Diego, California. If there is one thing you should know about me, it is that I enjoy cooking and experimenting with new recipes, which I am pleased to share with you as I get to know you all. As a proud Latino, gastronomy and cultural appreciation are integral to my mission at WSA, which is to relieve stress via immersive events and experiences that will instill pride in being a member of the Wagner family
Vice President of Communications - Ashna Gupta
Hey! I’m Ashna Gupta and I am a first year MPA-HPAM student specializing in health services management. I am passionate about health equity overall and eliminating stigma around mental health, especially within the South Asian community. While I am a Chicago girl at heart, NYC is definitely winning me over (yes, the pizza here is better)! When I’m not studying, you can find me trying new recipes, at a dance class, or drawing. I am so excited to meet you all this year.
Vice President of Student Groups - Spandana Suddapalli
Hello, I am Spandana Suddapalli, a second year MPA - PNP student specializing in International Development. My interests include Global Human Rights, Social Investment and Microfinance. Before joining Wagner, I worked as an HR professional for various startups. When not in class or work, I love to go on adventures with my DSLR or you might catch me at a ballet class.
Treasurer - Jen Curtis
Hi, my name is Jen Curtis, and I am from Buffalo, NY. Go Bills! For the past 6 years, she has led operations at the NYU Entrepreneurial Institute and helps students & faculty with their startups. She hopes to use all her years of wisdom at NYU to help WSA. Previous to working at NYU, she served in the Peace Corps in Benin, West Africa. When Jen is not working & studying at NYU, you can find her running in Central Park.
Secretary - Joe Lenczewski
Hello, my name is Joe Lenczewski! I'm a second-year student (policy specialization) who loves socialist economics, movement politics, being outdoors, and all things winter. I'm at my happiest wandering around my neighborhood at sunset or spending time catching up with some of my favorite people. I think our capacity to form communities and care for one another is one of the most beautiful parts of the human experience. If I can build a few more bridges between people and spread a bit more community vibes during my time as secretary, I'll have considered this year a success!!
Senator - D’Shandi Coombs
Hello all, my name is D’Shandi Coombs and I am a born and raised Brooklynite of Jamaican descent. When I am not studying or reading, you can find me dancing in studios and performances around NYC. As an urban planning student with an interest in environmental planning and climate change resiliency, it is my goal to advocate for sustainability throughout NYU Wagner, whether it be through academic programming, green initiatives, or sustaining a diverse student population.
First-Year Representative for Student Groups - Tavana Farzaneh
Hi! I'm Tavana Farzaneh (she/her). I'm a first-year MPA-PNP student specializing in Political Action and Advocacy. I'm a life-long Oklahoman and a recent graduate from the University of Oklahoma. As a newbie to NYC, I've been spending my free time exploring coffee shops and restaurants with the hope of finding my favorites (I have a few so far!). I'm always looking to learn more about our world, so you will likely find me listening to a podcast or audiobook focused on current issues, psychology, or history. I'm excited to be a member of WSA and I'm looking forward to the work that we will accomplish!