Leadership Highlight: Wiley University’s Student Government President Jean-Marie Farinha

In an effort to highlight the people who are leading colleges and universities across the nation, we at Watch The Yard reached out to Wiley University and did an interview with Jean-Marie Farinha, the 2025–2026 Student Government Association president.

The position of student government president is a highly respected role and there is a special pride that one takes in being elected by their peers to lead. Farinha, who is majoring in Biology and minor in computer information systems, is from Trinidad and Tobago.

She is a proud Fall 2024 initiate of Zeta Phi Beta.

We interviewed Jean-Marie Farinha and talked to her about her position, goals, future and what it means to hold this type of leadership position in 2025–2026.

Read the full interview below.

What is the biggest thing you’ve learned as a student government president so far?

“The biggest thing I’ve learned as SGA President is that leadership is really about listening. When you take the time to hear what students actually need—beyond the surface—you make better decisions and build more trust. I’ve also learned how important collaboration is. Nothing gets done alone, so learning to communicate clearly, delegate, and bring different groups together has been key. And honestly, time management and patience have become some of my closest friends

What made you decide to attend Wiley University for undergrad?

“I decided to attend Wiley university because I wanted an HBCU that truly values academic excellence, community, and leadership. Wiley’s legacy, small class sizes, and strong support system made it the perfect place for me to grow as a scholar and a leader. From the moment I learned about the culture of pride and purpose here, I knew it was where I belonged.”

How has Wiley University molded you into the person you are today?

Wiley University has molded me into the person I am today by pushing me to grow academically, professionally, and personally. The support from faculty, the tight-knit community, and the culture of excellence taught me how to lead with purpose and integrity. Wiley challenged me to step into leadership roles, speak up, and represent not just myself but my campus community. It helped me build confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of who I am and what I want to contribute to the world.”

What specific initiatives have you headed up this year (or are planning) and how do you think they will improve the school and surrounding community?

This year I’ve focused on building long-term improvements for Wiley students. One of my biggest initiatives was creating an avenue for graduate students to be included in SGA, ensuring their voices and needs are represented at the leadership level for the first time. I also established a student activity fee to help fund more consistent programming, resources, and campus events.

I’ve been working to increase student engagement by creating more opportunities for involvement and building stronger connections between students and campus leadership. Academically, I’ve pushed for more support systems to help students succeed inside and outside the classroom. And throughout the year, I’ve consistently advocated for improvements to student quality of life—especially in areas like food services, housing conditions, campus security, and technology. Each of these initiatives is designed to strengthen both the student experience and the overall growth of Wiley university .”

How is your student government administration/school currently working on attending to the mental health of students?

Our SGA administration is working to support student mental health by creating more accessible resources and building a culture that prioritizes wellness. We’ve been partnering with campus leadership to bring more consistent mental-health programming, including wellness workshops, stress-relief events, and informational sessions that help students understand where and how to seek support.

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership means creating positive change. It’s the ability to identify what needs improvement, bring people together, and work toward solutions with consistency and transparency. A leader doesn’t just direct—they inspire progress 

We now live in a digital world, what do you think schools need to do to represent themselves online in 2025–2026?

In a digital world, schools need to represent themselves online with the same excellence they show on campus. In 2025–2026, that means having a strong, consistent digital presence—through updated websites, active social media, and clear communication channels that actually meet students where they are. Schools should highlight student life, achievements, and campus culture in a way that feels authentic, not just promotional.

Why do you think Watch The Yard is important to Black students and college culture?

Watch The Yard is important to Black students and college culture because it preserves and amplifies our stories. It’s one of the few platforms dedicated to showcasing the excellence, tradition, and achievements of Black student life—especially at HBCUs and among the Divine Nine. For many of us, it’s a space where our leadership, our creativity, and our campus culture are seen, celebrated, and documented in real time.

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

After graduating with my Bachelor of Science, I plan to attend medical school to begin my journey toward becoming a pediatrician. Coming from humble beginnings, I’m driven not only by a passion for medicine but also by a desire to help others and make a meaningful impact in underserved communities. I want to combine my love for science, service, and leadership to improve the health and well-being of children.

We at Watch The Yard would like to commend Jean-Marie Farinha for her work as the student government president of Wiley University .

Photo Credits for this article: Jamia Rusk and Antonia Sellers