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!
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.
Stephanie Guity (she/her/hers), Online Representative
Hi everyone! My name is Stephanie, and I am a first-year social work student from the Bronx, NY. I am excited to join GSG as the online representative.
I am currently interning at Partnership with Children at a middle school in the South Bronx, and I hope to continue this type of work during my second year through the FYT specialization. I value the opportunity to connect with and support the diverse students and families in my community.
I bring 10 years of experience working in social service programs, supporting individuals, families, and communities in a variety of settings. As I continue my social work education, I am excited to build on that experience through a clinical lens.
I am approachable and always willing to listen, but I am also outspoken and comfortable challenging the status quo when I believe change is needed. I value opportunities to advocate for others and ensure diverse perspectives are heard.
I look forward to working on behalf of all students, with a particular focus on advocating for distance-learning students. I hope to use my voice to help ensure that all graduate students feel heard, supported, connected, and represented.
Stephanie Jerome (she/her/hers), First-Year Representative
I’m Stephanie, a proud Brooklyn girl! I’m an MSW student in the Families, Youth, and Transition to Adulthood (FYT) specialization.
My passion for advocacy started at a young age through my church, where I learned the importance of serving others, giving back, speaking up, and being involved in my community. My advocacy journey was also shaped by the amazing academic advisors I’ve had throughout my education, from my undergraduate years at BMCC to graduate school.
Having advisors who encouraged me, listened to me, and helped me navigate college showed me how important it is for students to have someone in their corner. In graduate school, I’ve been fortunate to have an amazing advisor, Ms. Miller, who has helped me learn how to balance graduate school and navigate this new chapter of my journey.
I’m also the friend who loves to say, “Let me see what resources I can find for you!” Whether it’s connecting someone to helpful resources, bringing people together, or planning an event, I genuinely enjoy finding ways to support others. I’m excited to bring that same energy, along with my previous student leadership experience, to GSG.
As a student representative, I want to help students feel heard, supported, and empowered to advocate for themselves. I want students to understand that asking questions, seeking resources, and speaking up for what they need are all important parts of their academic journey. Sometimes having the right person or resource in your corner can make a huge difference.
Outside of academics and advocacy, I’m the self proclaimed Queen of Self Care! I enjoy making fresh juices, cooking, spending quality time with family and friends, especially my niece and nephew, and of course making time to recharge.
I’m excited to bring a little Brooklyn energy to GSG while building meaningful connections, planning engaging events, and helping create a graduate student community where everyone feels welcomed, supported, and represented.
