The Graduate Student Government (GSG) is a university-recognized organization open to all students, faculty, and staff. The objective of the GSG is to meet the unique needs of School of Social Welfare (SSW) students, foster intrapersonal understanding, build upon cooperation in practicum education, and facilitate problem-solving between the SSW administration, faculty, and students.
This organization functions as the propelling force of the SSW by advocating for students, advancing interests, and fostering activities. It stresses the importance of the values of the profession of social work and is a collaboration of faculty and students to achieve these goals.
Feel free to attend a meeting and check the SSW Update for upcoming events!
E-mail us: ssw_gsg@stonybrook.edu
Meet your Government Board Representatives for 2026-27!
Shirley Guenfoud (she/her/hers), President
My name is Shirley, and I’m from Lindenhurst, NY. I’m a second-year full-time MSW student with a specialization in Integrated Health (IH). My first-year placement was at Pal-O-Mine Equestrian in Islandia, NY, where I worked with a vocational rehabilitation program for adults with disabilities, facilitated a women’s empowerment group, and, of course, worked with the horses and other animals! My second-year placement is at Stony Brook University Hospital, and I look forward to continuing to grow my social work skills in a hospital setting.
My passion for social work stems from my undergraduate leadership experiences at Hofstra University. I led large-scale fundraising events for my sorority’s philanthropy and held various executive board positions focused on social awareness and campus advocacy. Through student government, both at Hofstra and as last year’s GSG secretary, I am committed to empowering students and advocating for positive change.
Outside of school, I serve as a board member for the non-profit organization ThirdEyeInsight, which provides fitness for the blind and visually impaired, and work as a mental health in-home specialist for youth across Long Island. I am also a licensed Zumba instructor and teach aquatic dance classes!
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to any member of the GSG to advocate for yourself, others, and the student body. We are here to empower YOU!
Amanda Esperanza Riobo (she/her/hers), Vice President
My name is Amanda Esperanza Riobo, and I am so excited to serve as vice president of the GSG this year!
I’m from Bellmore, NY, and I am a second-year MSW student specializing in Families, Youth and Transition to Adulthood (FYT). During my first year in the program, I was placed at an elementary school in Wyandanch, NY, and had an amazing experience interning as a school social worker, where I primarily worked with students and families from marginalized backgrounds.
For the past few years, I have been working as a bilingual behaviorist, serving low-income families in BIPOC communities. My professional and personal experiences have led me to the field of social work so that I can uplift my community and other communities that have historically faced challenges due to social injustices.
I look forward to bringing a new perspective to the GSG this year. I intend to encourage the SSW to celebrate multiculturalism while advocating for social change. I am confident we will accomplish our goals through collaboration and cultural humility. Kindly reach out to me via email if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas about how the GSG can improve your student experience here at SBU!
Kaylee Pappas (she/her/hers), Secretary
My name is Kaylee, and I’m from Selden, NY. I am a second-year full-time MSW student in the Family, Youth, and Transition (FYT) specialization.
My first-year internship was at Bethany House, where I had the opportunity to work with women and children experiencing homelessness. This experience was incredibly impactful, and I hold this special place and the valuable lessons learned from it close to my heart. This year, I am interning at an elementary school in the Three Village Central School District, and I am so excited to gain experience working with this age group!
In my free time, I enjoy getting involved in volunteer opportunities, exploring local coffee shops, and spending time outside. I work as the graduate coordinator for Fraternity and Sorority Life at Stony Brook, which has given me a great perspective into the intersection between social work and higher education, something I have an interest in. Additionally, I have always been passionate about supporting children and families and advocating for equal opportunity.
As secretary, I hope to help students feel connected and supported during their time in the School of Social Welfare. I am excited to serve alongside the GSG team and help create opportunities for students to connect, build community, and make lasting memories throughout the year.
Aditiya Rashid (she/her/hers), Treasurer
My name is Aditiya, and I’m from Queens, NY. I’m a second-year full-time student in the MSW program with a specialization in Community, Policy and Political Social Action (CPPSA). My first-year internship was at the office of Entrateca Robinson, MPA, LMSW, where I got to explore the world of forensic social work. This year, I am interning at the office of Councilwoman Shahana Hanif, who represents the New York City Council’s 39th district.
I completed two undergraduate degrees at Stony Brook University in health science with a concentration in public health and psychology, so I guess you can say I know my way around campus! I’m here to help with any questions you may have about getting around and activities to do.
Justice has always been a part of who I am, and it is crucial to me to ensure justice is being practiced in everyday life to allow us to step towards a brighter future. As treasurer, I will continue to not only advocate for justice and call attention to what needs to be addressed, but I will also ensure we as a whole are empowered to pursue justice ourselves by recognizing injustice in our lives and environments.
Victoria Krammer (she/her/hers), Second-Year Representative
Hey! My name is Victoria, and I’m a native Long Islander located in Moriches, NY. I am a full-time second-year MSW student whose specialization is in FYT.
My first-year internship was at the Association for Mental Health and Wellness as a care manager. My second-year internship will be located at Seneca Middle School. I'm very excited to be getting a view on all the different stages of people’s lives. As every life is important, I would like to be able to understand how, at certain ages, I can be of support in the best way possible.
I was previously a student at Stony Brook for my undergraduate degree in psychology with a concentration in sociology. I have always been interested in helping others, and it is that very passion of mine that led me to want to be a part of GSG. My goal is to be able to work with fellow students and truly support our classes, and hopefully leave a lasting impact on our future social work classes/colleagues as well!
What I bring to the table is advocating for everyone to feel seen and heard. To know that just because we are out there serving the community and people in need, it does not mean that we are alone with our needs as well. I am hoping to bring communication and fun ideas that the whole social work community could get involved in here at SBU — especially that winter formal I so can’t wait to get started on!
I am truly excited and appreciative to be a part of this journey with everyone! I can’t wait to see what this year has in store for all of us amazing social work students
Mario Bencivenga (he/him/his), GSO Representative
I'm from Babylon, NY, and I'm a second-year CASAC MSW student specializing in IH. Last year, my internship was with the Association of Mental Health and Wellness, and this coming year, I'll be at Seafield Outpatient Rehab in Amityville, NY.
My ambitions as a social worker include working with the substance abuse population at either an inpatient or outpatient facility. I’ve had experience in this area and want to give back, helping others achieve a strong and resilient recovery.
What I bring to GSG is leadership, communication, and creative ideas to engage with the class. Whether it's a live music concert, a class BBQ, or a movie night, I'm excited to serve as senator and make the upcoming year incredible.
