I am Neha Bhartia, a student of College of Management doing my MBA in Healthcare Management and Marketing. I have recently been appointed as a Graduate Assistant, and this is my second semester. I am applying for the position of Contract Coordinator.

Being fairly new to the system, I lately found out about the redundancies existing within UMass Boston system. This is when I came across GEO flyer and when was unable to understand the need of a Students Union fee being added to my GA pay. We as Graduate Assistant are not given ample information about how our GA contract works and what it entails. Due to my recent conversation with one of the GEO members I came to know about similar problems that have been faced by many other GA’s I look forward to working with GEO and bring issue such as difference in health insurance, reduction in student working hours and student payments between various branches of UMass. My own experience with UMass has motivated me to work for the causes that have been raised by GEO. Furthermore, there is need that UMass provides all GA’s with an information brochure that would give ample information about the benefits and requirement from a GA.

During my Undergraduate in UK, I have closely worked with the students’ body to create awareness about the health related issues and represent the students in front of the college to enhancing various curriculums for better value for money. Furthermore, I had successfully negotiated with the college to increase the basic wage for the students working on campus. I think with the prior experience I will form an effective part of GEO and work together with other member to bring forward issues and motivate others to join our cause.

Naina Luthra ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )

Hi, I am Naina Luthra and I am running for the position of Contract Coordinator in Graduate Employee Organization (GEO) Board at UMass Boston.

I am an international student pursuing my full-time Masters in Business Administration (MBA). I’ll be specializing in Corporate Finance and International Management. I have my undergraduate degree in Bachelors’ in Business Administration (Honors). Professionally, I have marketing and finance background along with experience in different industries. Presently at UMass, I am a Research Assistant at Management Science & Information System (MSIS) department. I was also a representative (a treasurer) and a board member of the Graduate Indian Student Association (GISA) from 2008-2009.

From my high school days, I have been developing leadership and problem solving skills. Being the captain of my team, I have organized various activities and events for my fellow members. I have also played a vital role in organizing team building exercises in my first company. Additionally, I have also actively participated in many NGO programs such as HELP AGE INDIA to help the needy and aged, Clean up the environment etc.

I believe that my leadership, analytical and result-orientated skills would allow me to show immediate results in the selected position. This is why I realized the importance of holding this position at the GEO. If I am elected for this position, I would consider it to be my vital responsibility to represent the needs of all its members and strive for its fulfillment. Also, as an International Graduate Student I realize the issues that they face and as a GEO committee member I would like to voice all our opinions to make every graduate student’s life at UMass Boston memorable. Lastly, I would like to say that I certainly assure you that if selected, I will definitely prove my worth and ensure that the committee doesn’t in any case regrets its decision.

Jenny Pessolano ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )

Hello fellow graduate employees! I am Jenny Pessolano, a second semester research assistant in the Dispute Resolution Program. I am excited about the opportunity to be a GEO committee member, and am confident I will successfully fulfill ALL of the responsibilities of the contract coordinator.

GEO is making great strides as a legitimate representation on campus. With my contribution, I am certain that GEO will continue to experience achievement on a variety of fronts.

My strong academic background, combined with my work experience, ensures that I will make an immediate impact as our contract coordinator. I am certain of my ability to negotiate solid employee contracts as I am state certified in conflict resolution. This certification dictates my ability to negotiate with integrity while ensuring that the diverse needs of a diverse workforce are met. In addition, I bring state legislative experience, which reveals my understanding of the lobbying process as well as the need for a clear set of goals. My extensive corporate experience also provides me with the skills to be firm when necessary. My strong writing ability, as evident by my articles already published in the Mass Media, is an asset for dictating a commanding and unified GEO voice. I have proven myself to be a determined, organized, and passionate worker – qualities that will carry over into this position.

I will help to raise GEO's visibility on campus in order to make sure our needs are spoken for and recognized. With me as a committee member, GEO will continue to grow as a legitimate representation of UMB graduate employees.

Karen Powell ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )

My name is Karen Powell, and I am interested in serving the GEO members as the Contracts Coordinator. I believe that my professional and educational background would support the GEO’s valuable representation of graduate student employees. I am a second semester student in Dispute Resolution and serve as a research assistant for that department. I hope to apply the negotiation skills I am gaining and refining to the position of Contracts Coordinator in order to secure equivalent pay and benefits for UMass Boston graduate student employees and to effectively manage grievances.

I am also a practicing attorney in the Boston area with a part-time practice heavily involved in contract negotiation. While my practice involves real estate contracts, the principles involved are certainly applicable to the Coordinator’s responsibilities.

Prior to becoming an attorney, I was a college administrator (after having earned a MA in Public Administration) and union member in a public college. This experience has given me a unique insight into the interaction between a public educational institution and a union (especially with budgetary concerns) that would support negotiation efforts on the behalf of graduate student employees and GEO members.

The basic interest of fairness that has driven me to devote my professional life to public service and the law would also drive my actions as the Contracts Coordinator.

Sunny Sharma ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )

Hi, I am Sunny Sharma and I am a full time international MBA Student at UMass Boston. I am running for the post of Contract Coordinator with Graduate Employee Organization.

I am specializing in Finance and Operations and this is my second semester in the University. I have been working as a Graduate Assistant since my first semester here. I have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering and before joining MBA I was working as a Business/Financial Analyst with Headstrong LLC in India Operations. The company has its operations in Financial Services industry. The clients include the top Investment Banks. I was working for Morgan Stanley as a client and gained valuable experience in terms of client interaction, sticking to deadlines and maintaining client relationships. While I was working with Headstrong, I had an opportunity to serve the orphan children. I am also a member of Graduate India Student Association.

I understand the importance of the position at GEO. This position at GEO will give me opportunities to help my fellow Graduate Students at the university. If I am elected for this position I would consider it as an important responsibility to represent the needs of the members and work towards fulfilling them. I love challenges and I would consider it as a challenge I would like to complete.

I go by the Tag Line: Never Aspire to work, but Work for what you aspire.

Treasurer/Secretary Nominees

Ruchir Dave ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )

I am RUCHIR DAVE, 2nd semester MBA student with finance and international management as a major. I am a Graduate Assistant to ASST. DIRECTOR of College of Management. I am running for the position of Treasurer/Secretary for GEO and I am really excited about this opportunity.

I have been serving the Graduate Indian Students Association (GISA) at UMass-Boston as a Treasurer. I have been doing this because of my interest in undertaking tasks that require leadership skills and spearheading a team. I have worked as a General Secretary (PRESIDENT) at an undergraduate level. Since my first year was the inceptive year of the college as well, we had to shoulder more responsibilities and take part proactively in serving the needs of students and staff members. For instance I helped the college authorities in starting bus facility. I have also helped to successfully organize "National level technical symposium" during undergraduate studies by working as the chief Treasurer for 2 consecutive years. I have been the GROUP LEADER for an NGO called Ahmedabad Nature Lovers’ Association, which deals with the environmental awareness throughout India, for 3 years and organized various events small and large for the same.

Being the son of an Asst. Labor Commissioner has given me a thorough understanding of importance of Employee Organization, its objectives and duties. Winter allowances and change in working hours for graduate employees motivated me to take an active part in GEO. GEO is also addressing various issues like difference in health benefits and different percentage of fee waiver for different hiring unit and I would really like to contribute in solving such issues.

I assure my fellow Graduate Employees of my best efforts in availing funds and arranging finances and resolving the problems they face and reaching an amicable solution if I get elected as the treasurer/secretary. I am counting your vote.

Viren Khatri ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )

No statement.

Richa Madan ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )

Hi, I am Richa Madan and I am running for the position of Treasurer/Secretary at Graduate Employee Organization (GEO). I am an international student pursuing Masters of Science in Information Technology (MSIT). I have a bachelor’s degree in Electronics & Communications engineering. I have worked as a software developer in Infosys, India. At present, I am a Research Assistant for three professors in the Curriculum & Instruction (C&I) department at UMASS Boston.

While doing my under graduation degree, I used to be a part of an organization that negotiated with the college authorities regarding addressing the issues raised by the resident students. I introduced new students to the various programs of the college. I participated in various workshops and presentations conducted in my college. I was also a part of training and placement officer’s assistance team which is responsible for arranging industrial trainings and placements for the students of the college. While undergoing on job training at Infosys, I was a part of Self Governance Team (SGT) which voiced the issues faced by the employees undergoing training. I have also worked with an NGO for handicapped children in India. My main responsibilities revolved around getting funding from the state government and other private institutions.

I think that GEO is doing a great job and has attained big achievements recently. The reduction in the working hours of the graduate assistants without any affect on the associated benefits has been commendable. But I still feel that we are lagging behind UMASS Amherst in terms of benefits received by the graduate assistants there. For example, UMASS Amherst’s full-time graduate assistants receive full health insurance waiver while this is still not prevalent in UMASS Boston. I want to be a part of GEO and serve the interest of the organization and its members better. Please vote for me to help me serve this cause. Thanks!

Raj Rathi ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )

I am Raj Rathi, a first year MBA candidate from the College of Management. I work as a Graduate Assistant under Professor Mine Ertugrul, assisting her research on Merger trends in Corporate America. I look forward to the opportunity to work in the GEO committee, and help create more awareness about its functionality. I strongly believe that an active involvement from a larger pool of informed members can help us earn equal benefits as provided to the Assistants from other Umass Colleges. During conversations with other GEO committee members, I have discovered the challenges faced by our organization, and I pledge to work towards overcoming them.

I believe that I have the zeal and qualification to effectively contribute towards my responsibility as a Treasurer/ Secretary. During my undergraduate days at Rochester Institute of Technology, I worked as a Treasurer in the Student Government. Part of my responsibility included active negotiations for increased funding for student and campus activities. Also, I was involved in educating the Freshmen and Sophomores about the functionality of Student body and their potential involvement in the same.

Thus, I hope to leverage my negotiating, networking and mediating skills to help achieve the objectives of our association.

Abhishek Singla ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )

Hello Graduate Employees, Myself Abhishek Singla, a student in the college of Management doing a Master’s in IT. I am really delightful about this opportunity so that I can be part of your committee of Graduate Employees (GEO) which is working hard for our Graduate employees to get the right benefits and equal rights respective to other MA state universities.

I view this position as one of great responsibility and I need your support towards me to put this opportunity on my shoulders. I am working as a graduate assistant at the Center for Survey Research. My individual experience as the member of the GEO helped me to understand what GEO is doing for the Graduate employees since past many years. Therefore I strongly take the stand for further improving the benefits of this assembly. I really appreciate the previous work done by the GEO in recent years and this encouraged me to participate in the battle of GEO. The recent pay, benefits increases and reduction in work load bring laurels to the GEO, but still there is lot more to do like Dental, Eye Vision, Parking Benefits etc. I especially advocate equality in employee benefits among all State university campuses.

I think my previous work experience with the NGO as a grants fund writer and grants Treasurer will help GEO for achieving more success with the University. I would be committed in taking the GEO Contract negotiation to the next level, which will help graduate employees to make the best out of it. I am sure that you guys will find better candidate in me as your GEO Treasurer than others and promise you in getting better pay, better fees and better health benefits. SO please do count for your vote, I assure you that I will perform my duty responsibly and efficiently.

Golnaz Tabatabai ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )

Entering my second-year at UMass Boston this past fall, I obtained a quarter-assistantship with Professor Jalal Alamgir in the McCormack School of Policy Studies. It was through this position that I was introduced to the GEO and informed about its commitment to benefits and equality among graduate employees. This commitment inspired me to seek office this spring for the position of Secretary/Treasurer.

My work experience will enable me to be an effective secretary and treasurer for the GEO. From May 2008-January 2009, I worked as a Research Assistant for the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Harvard University. In this position, I conducted online research collecting data and translating Persian texts for an online webtool. The research and advocate positions that I have held demanded strong organization and note-taking skills, which will both be extremely useful serving as secretary for GEO.

Additionally, as a single mother, graduate student, and professional worker, budgeting is a crucial aspect of my daily life. This adeptness in financial management will prove relevant as I serve the GEO as Treasurer. Also, because my son and I don’t have any family in the U.S., this job would not only benefit us financially, but emotionally as well. Working on the university campus with fellow students would give me peace of mind and make me feel a part of a community.

For these reasons, I submit my candidacy for Secretary-Treasurer. I feel confident that I can contribute a high level of dedication to support the GEO in its important mission to serve graduate students across different disciplines and nationalities and foster a place where we can work together toward not only a higher education but increased collaboration as well.

Chandervesh Yadav ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )

Hello graduate employees. My name is Chandervesh Yadav. I am a fourth semester graduate research assistant in the Management department. I am in the college of Management, majoring in Finance. I am excited about the opportunity to be a GEO committee member and am confident that I can help to increase GEO visibility on campus. I got an opportunity during first semester to be the part of GEO. I attended the first meeting of GEO and I came to know that they are working for us and for our rights. The Students of Umass Amherst are getting more advantages than the students of Umass Boston. By this election I can get a chance to work for GEO and for our rights.

In my life, people have helped me in the academic setting, now it is my turn to give back.  I have the necessary skills to work with individuals that I gained through my own trial and error as well as education from learning resources centers. I come to this election with a strong academic background; I have excelled in my studies of Science and am now doing graduate work in Finance. With the tools I have learned, I would be able to help others using my full potential.

I have worked with individuals and coordinated with activist groups in the past during my undergraduate. I have also worked in the IT Lab of our University and currently am working in the Media Services department. I wish to build on my knowledge and gain new skills to continue working with individuals and schools officials. GEO can give me the opportunity to work with students and employees, and further my goal of giving back to the community that helped me to achieve my educational goals. As a member of GEO and being an international student, I can understand deeply the financial needs, rights, and problems they face in the University. I do count on your votes to be able to help to fulfill this cause. Thank you!