New SGA President Manuela Rodés ‘26 On The Role of Student Government

Sara Zahoor ’26

Features Editor

The Student Government Association (SGA) has elected Manuela Rodés ‘26, a senior economics and mathematics double major from Barcelona, as student body president for the 2025-26 academic year. Rodés, who first joined SGA as a sophomore senator and later served as vice president of communications during her junior year, will now lead the organization through her final year at Trinity. 

Rodés initially joined SGA because of friends, but soon found herself invested in its mission and community. After seeing significant turnover due to graduating members, she decided to step in as president to provide continuity and leadership. “I was unsure because of the workload,” she said in an interview with the Tripod, “but I decided it was worth it. I’ve always loved working with this team.” 

One of her main priorities is maintaining open and constructive communication between students and administration. Rodés noted that SGA has developed a stronger working relationship with campus leadership in recent years, and she sees it as crucial to preserve that trust. “It’s important for that line to stay open,” she explained.

Looking to the year ahead, Rodés acknowledged that issues often emerge unexpectedly, pointing to last year’s student focus on protest guidelines as an example. She emphasized that SGA must remain ready to respond to whatever concerns become most urgent for students. In particular, she highlighted the experiences of international students, who she said are facing unique challenges. She hopes to create programming and resources that will help them better understand their rights and navigate campus life. 

Rodés also noted the broader climate of uncertainty many students feel. “There is shocking news every day,” she said. “Students don’t always know how it impacts them directly or how to deal with it.” She stressed that SGA’s role is to show students that their concerns are valid and that their safety and protection remain central priorities. 

While long-term goals are difficult to predict given the rapidly shifting political and social context, Rodés emphasized adaptability as a key theme for her administration. She said she plans to focus on addressing short-term student needs where change can be made more quickly, while also working on internal updates to SGA’s constitution. 

Among her specific initiatives, Rodés hopes to bring more guest speakers to campus on topics relevant to student wellbeing, including mental health and self-care. She also plans to introduce new opportunities for engagement, such as an interclass soccer tournament, a field day and other recreational activities designed to strengthen school spirit.

To ensure representation, Rodés pointed to class senators as important liaisons between SGA and the student body. She acknowledged that general SGA meetings can feel intimidating, but emphasized that senators are approachable and eager to meet with peers. She also highlighted the role of cultural and identity-based organizations, noting their importance in campus life and affirming they will be represented within SGA.

Reflecting on her leadership goals, Rodés said she hopes students come away with the understanding that SGA is open to everyone, regardless of academic background. “People from different fields bring different thought processes,” she said. “SGA doesn’t have to correlate with your major or life goals.” 

With a focus on trust, adaptability and student engagement, Rodés enters her presidency prepared to guide SGA through a year of both challenges and opportunities.