SBA Spring Elections 2023
Results
Executive Council
President: Nikki Johnson
Vice President: Elliot Culp
Secretary: Sophia Mazullo
Treasurer: Rachel Bakke
At-Large Rep: Braxton Thomas
ABA Rep: Rhonda Bryant
Student Class/Section Representatives
4L Representatives
BAM Rep: TBD – Special Election
Blended: Tori Collins
3L Representatives
BAM Rep: Raya Esmaeli
Blended Sec 1: Kirsten Buscher
Blended Sec 2: Carinne Murphy
Blended Sec 3: Evbu Osawaru
2L Representatives
BAM Rep: Madeline Hertaus
Blended Sec 1: Laurence O’Donnel
Blended Sec 2: Erika Weisdorfer
Blended Sec 3: Craig Alderton
1L Representatives
BAM Sec. 1: Sigrid Jewett
BAM Sec 2: Aaron Roessler
BAM Sec 3: Alexander Moe
Blended Sec 1: Wendy Jeter
Blended Sec 2: Hannah Allhands
Blended Sec 3: Day Woods
Judicial Council
Seat 1: Amber Miller
Seat 2: Jaycee Hass
Seat 3: Joseph Catron
Candidate Statements
President/Vice President
Nikki Johnson & Elliot Culp | Reen Reinhardt & Rudy Schoenecker |
We are Nikki Johnson and Elliot Culp. We are 2Ls, running for SBA President and Vice President, respectively.
Paul Wellstone said it best, “We do better when we all do better.” We, all of us, have made it to law school. Through determination and grit we move forward, however, none of us could continue this way without our support networks. Staying true to the message of Mitchell Hamline, these words are, “Great in theory. Even better in practice.” We want to make sure every student has the support they need to grow and succeed in the ways that they want. We promise to listen to and advocate on your behalf. To do that we want to make the SBA, and by extension Mitchell Hamline, transparent and open to dialogue with all students. We know we are all destined for great work. We want to see us all get to the end. By working together, we will all do better. |
To our fellow Mitchell Hamline students:
My name is Reen Reinhardt, and I am running to be your Student Bar Association President. As the current SBA Secretary, I have the experience necessary to effectively care for the general business of a governing board. As your SBA President, I will ensure that our Board of Governors fulfills its responsibilities not only by running monthly meetings to stay in touch with the student body in its entirety, but also by thoughtfully overseeing the Board’s raising and spending of Treasury funds and general SBA committee activities. I will also serve as the liaison between students and the MHSL faculty, administration, and staff by attending faculty and Board of Trustee meetings throughout the year, guaranteeing an active and open line of communication for students to communicate with our institution and get the resources they need. Through all this, I will address the needs of students through capital improvements to our institution, support of our student organizations, and overall zealous advocacy for the sake of our student body. I hope you’ll consider voting for me, along with my exceptional running mate, Rudy, in our campaign for SBA President and Vice President. My name is Rudy Schoenecker, and I am running to be your Student Bar Association Vice President. It is the Vice President’s job to be a vehicle of communication between the SBA Board and committees and all other MHSL student organizations through the Leadership Council. In that role, I will strive to make sure that organization representatives feel heard by the SBA governing board, and will do what I can to encourage improvements that will benefit our student organizations and the community members they serve and represent. |
Treasurer
Rachel Bakke |
Hey everyone, I am applying for the Treasurer position with the SBA because I’ve served on the SBA as Class Representative for two years now and in both years served on the Ways and Means committee. I wanted to be able to grow a little more in the committee and with the current treasurer not returning, thought it was time to step up. I want to use this next year to be more proactive in getting student organizations ready to submit their budget requests so they don’t miss the deadline and have to do extra work to get their funding, and I want to make sure to prepare someone to take over this role after I graduate.
I hope to get your support and look forward to working for you next year as SBA Treasurer! |
Secretary
Sophia Mazullo |
Hello Mitchell Hamline students!
My name is Sophia Mazullo and I hope to be your SBA Secretary this coming Fall. Prior to attending Mitchell Hamline, I was a teacher in a local preschool, where I learned many valuable skills. Organization, record keeping, and thoughtful listening were key parts of my daily work, and I have carried these practices into my career thus far at MHSL. I believe this experience would serve me well as a secretary and mediator of our SBA Board. As a rising 2L, I am seeking opportunities for growth and would love to have the chance to learn alongside our other student representatives. |
ABA Representative
Rhonda Bryant |
Hello Colleagues,
My name is Rhonda M. Bryant, and I am a 3L in the Blended Learning Cohort 2. Like many of you, I began my law school journey just before the pandemic in 2020. This experience has proven rewarding and challenging, particularly given the demands of online learning and a full plate outside law school. For context, I am a non-traditional student who has had a career as a therapist and educator in K-12 schools and higher education. Demonstrating patience, finding consensus, working through conflicts, and moving projects forward have been the hallmarks of my career and success in law school. Treating others respectfully, actively listening, and understanding group dynamics – even during difficult conversations – characterize my values and personhood. In addition to these qualities, which are integral to creating a climate of cooperation and achieving mission, I have extensive experience leading and serving on professional boards and associations. For example, I have served as the chair of a national non-profit organization committed to reducing health disparities for persons living with mental health concerns. I have also served on local boards with missions to eliminate family and gender-based violence. This work emphasized community-based programming and fundraising. Further, my commitment to our student body and Mitchell Hamline are essential to this role. I have been an active member of the ABA since September 2020 and its Dispute Resolution and Health Law Sections. I understand the importance of representing our interests as students and emerging lawyers. My professional and school experiences have prepared me to advance our interests with emerging trends in lawyering and challenges to familiar ABA traditions in ways that benefit us, Mitchell Hamline, and the profession at large. I appreciate your support and hope to serve as your SBA ABA representative for 2023-2024. Warm Regards, Rhonda M. Bryant |
At Large Rep
Abigail Gerstle | Brooke Riley |
My name is Abigail Gerstle and I would like to represent you as the Student Bar Association At-Large Representative!
I am finishing my 1L year in the Blended program and would love to be involved with Mitchell Hamline’s Student Bar Association. As the At-Large Representative I would listen to the challenges and ideas that Mitchell Hamline students bring and be the connecting voice to the decision makers. Your ideas are great in theory- but even better in practice! I would love to hear your input on relevant issues and amplify them to get them heard! |
Hi everyone! My name is Brooke Riley and I am running for SBA At Large Rep. I’m a 2L in the BAM program.
I enjoy going to Mitchell Hamline because of the welcoming community and available opportunities. As a student and member of two student organization boards, I have seen that much of our community and opportunities within it are supported by SBA. I have experience seeing the support SBA provides to the MH community and I would love to become more involved in that process. One of the objectives of SBA is to “listen to the problems and concerns accompanying each student and advocate the pertinent issues to crucial decision makers.” I regularly talk with and work alongside 1Ls, 2Ls, and 3Ls as a student and through involvement with campus organizations. Thus, I have formed connections with and am able to understand each level of the student body. Additionally, I have a strong interest in connecting with additional students to further understand concerns and challenges facing students. I believe my connection with various levels of the student body and interest in further connecting with the student body will allow me to advocate for and understand problems facing students if elected SBA At-Large Rep. Additionally, one of the primary duties of the At-Large Rep is to organize the student org fair that takes place in the fall. I believe that my connections to student organizations, organization skills, attention to detail, and communication skills will allow me to plan a successful student org fair, if elected. Thank you for considering voting for me! Brooke Riley |
Braxton Wheeler Thomas | Greetings, everyone!
My name is Braxton Wheeler Thomas, and I would like to represent the Mitchell Hamline student body as At-Large Representative for the Student Bar Association (SBA). I’ve had the pleasure of serving as the 1L representative for BAM, Section 3 and would love to continue serving and representing the entire student body. I’ve had the opportunity to connect with many of you virtually and in-person, but for those I haven’t met, I look forward to doing so! I am a native Mississippian with a Bachelor of Arts in History from Millsaps College and a Master of Arts in Southern Studies from the University of Mississippi. While at Millsaps, I was a four-year student-athlete on the Women’s Basketball team. During my tenure at the University of Mississippi I served as a graduate assistant for the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement and a Senator for the Graduate Student Council. I’m a firm believer that students thrive in collaborative environments with peer and administrative support. As a candidate for At-Large Representative, my priority is to ensure each and every student has the opportunity to voice their concerns. With law school’s rigorous demands, I am committed to fostering a stronger community for BAM and Blended students, inside and outside of the classroom. I will work to make sure students from ALL backgrounds are represented and have access to resources at Mitchell Hamline School of Law. We are in this together! My goal is to help strengthen student initiatives and programs, increase active membership in student organizations, and help bridge the gap between blended students and the Mitchell Hamline BAM community. Additionally, I would like to implement networking events for 1L students and the entire student body, to promote friendship, community building, and professional relationships. In order to enhance our legal journeys and build a stronger community, mentorship is vital. As law students, we have the ability to mentor others while also receiving mentorship. We can collectively use our acquired knowledge to help those embarking on their legal journeys. Not one of us made it to law school without the help of someone else. As advocates, it is our duty to pay it forward and lift as we climb. During my growth years between undergrad and grad school, I worked on Capitol Hill as a staff assistant serving the constituents of Mississippi’s second congressional district. In that role, I communicated with constituents daily regarding their concerns and relayed messages to senior staff as well as the member of congress. I am passionate about people and problem solving. If you have any questions, or simply want to talk, do not hesitate to reach out. I would be honored to represent the Mitchell Hamline student body at-large for SBA! Thank you for your support! |
Section Reps
2L BAM – Madeline Hertaus | Hello! My name is Madeline Hertaus and I am currently a 1L in BAM Section 1 (Part-Time Evening). During my 1L year, I had the opportunity to serve my section as their section 1L rep and I had a wonderful time holding that position. I feel that I am able to help serve my classmates by representing their interests at SBA to the best of my ability. Since I represented the evening section this past year, I know how important it is to make sure the concerns and questions of students are addressed at these meeting since we often get so busy between working full time and going to school that things sometimes fall between the cracks and can extra stress to our lives when we don’t feel that we are heard or don’t have the information we need to make decisions. As your 2L section rep, I will continue to ensure that the questions and concerns of students are heard and that everyone receives the answers they need to navigate through this collective journey of law school. I want to serve as the 2L BAM Class Representative to continue to support my fellow students and ensure that we can succeed together through our time at Mitchell Hamline while working with others to make Mitchell Hamline the best place for everyone to explore their passion for law. |
2L B2 – Erika Weisdorfer | Dear Blended Section 2 Students,
It has been an absolute pleasure representing our class section as your SBA Class Representative this past year and I would be honored if you would consider voting for me to serve our class for another term. During the 2022-2023 school year, I have had the opportunity to work on various initiatives to serve our class and improve our student experience, including:
I am always willing to help my peers and truly want to see our class succeed. I also believe that we can always learn from one another. If there is anything I can do to make a positive impact on your student experience, I encourage you to reach out. Thank you for taking the time to read my candidate statement and for your consideration of me as your class representative. Respectfully, Erika Weisdorfer |
2L B3 – Craig James Alderton | I would love the opportunity to serve and represent our section, BL3. Emma has done such an outstanding job representing us thus far. I plan on maintaining that legacy through vigilant and vigorous representation. |
3L BAM – Raya Esmaeili | My name is Raya and I currently am a 2L in BAM, as a part-time student. I come to Mitchell Hamline from both a previous graduate degree, as well as several years of professional planning experience. Through these past experiences and my personal background as an immigrant, I have learned the value of a strong community and equitable representation with the decision-making bodies. As a candidate for 3L Class Representative, I am committed to advocating for the needs and concerns of my classmates. If elected, I will work towards fostering a welcoming learning environment. I believe in open communications and will prioritize listening to my classmates. I am confident that I can effectively represent our class and make a positive impact on your school experience. |
4L B2 – Tori Collins | It has been an absolute honor serving as Blended Section 2 for the past two years. I would be thrilled to serve as the section representative one last time as we finish out our law school careers. |
Elections Packets
Spring Election Timeline:
Announcement | Monday, February 27 |
Petitions Due | Saturday, March 11 |
Voting Opens | Tuesday, March 14 |
Voting Closes | Friday, March 24 |
Results Announced | Tuesday, March 28 |
Runoffs (if needed):
Voting Opens | Tuesday, March 28 |
Voting Closes | Friday, April 7 |
Results Announced | Sunday, April 9 |