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 2025-26!
GiAnna Biondi, President
Hello everyone! My name is GiAnna Biondi, and I use she/her pronouns.
I am ecstatic to be your GSG President for the 2025-26 academic year. I am enrolled in my final year of the full-time Master of Social Work (MSW) program, where I specialize in families, youth, and transition to adulthood (FYT). I received my Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Stony Brook University and am ecstatic to continue and finalize my journey here.
I have always been an advocate for students within the Stony Brook community, where I have taught various seminars to get individuals acclimated and comfortable in this environment. My first placement was in the university’s own Student-Athlete Development Center, and I am excited to continue inclusivity advocacy in education at Wyandanch Memorial High School (Wyandanch Union Free School District) for my second placement. Education is the backbone of a person; it is a significant resource that holds the power to change the future. Thus, I want to make that effort within my studies as well, turning the perspective onto our very own SSW.
My ultimate goal is to build a foundation for the future for ALL within the SSW. My biggest accomplishment as a student is being able to spend my time delegating to the strengthening of our program. Social work is (and always will be) a power, and I am honored to serve as a resource for you all to use that power to your full potential.
My mission as president is to stress the importance of making every single voice heard and valid, as our graduate students are our future. As such, I want to ensure these voices are valued and strive to advocate for the SSW. I wish for nothing but the best for its students, faculty, staff, and others who are involved with the program. I promise to shed light and represent the SSW, bringing opportunity, experience, inclusion, and validation for every single individual involved.
If you have any issues, questions, suggestions, or anything you'd like to discuss, feel free to email me at ssw_gsg@stonybrook.edu. If it’s a bit more personal, do not be afraid to contact me personally at gianna.biondi@stonybrook.edu. I am excited to set forth with everyone and strive for the utmost potential for all.
Michael Mennella, Vice President
Hello! My name is Michael Mennella, and I am honored to serve as GSG Vice President for the 2025–26 academic year. I am in my final year of the MSW program, pursuing the families, youth, and transition to adulthood (FYT) specialization.
I am placed at Family Service League’s Mental Health Clinic in Mastic for my second-year practicum. I hope to gain new experiences that will strengthen my clinical skills and enhance my ability to support others.
As vice president, my mission is to ensure that all program students feel supported, connected, and empowered. I am dedicated to improving resource awareness, fostering peer collaboration, and advocating for student needs to create a stronger sense of belonging within our program.
Shirley Guenfoud, Secretary
Hi everyone! My name is Shirley Guenfoud, and I am looking forward to being the GSG secretary for the 2025-26 academic year!
I am in my first year as a full-time MSW student with a placement at Pal-O-Mine Equestrian in Islandia. Prior to Stony Brook, I studied at Hofstra University and received my Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy with minors in creative writing, criminology, and philosophy of law. I was a member of various organizations, ranging from pre-professional, multicultural, social, and student government.
Please never hesitate to email or catch me on campus with any questions, concerns, or ideas you may have!
Aditiya Rashid, Treasurer
Hi everyone! My name is Aditiya Rashid, and I use she/her pronouns. I am so excited to be the GSG treasurer for the 2025-2026 academic year, and I look forward to what's to come.
I am a first-year Master of Social Work (MSW) student, and I completed my Bachelor of Science in Health Science and my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Stony Brook University, so don't hesitate to ask me for help getting around campus!
Justice has always been a part of who I am, and I am always willing to stand up for those values and advocate for what benefits us all. Though I may be the treasurer, I promise to use my position to shed light on student concerns and push for any needed change, with the help of my fellow representatives.
Amanda Esperanza Riobo, GSO Senator
Hi everyone! My name is Amanda Esperanza Riobo, and I am honored to serve as GSO senator for the 2025–26 academic year.
I am a first-year Master of Social Work (MSW) student. My background is in behavioral health and youth mental health services, where I’ve supported children and families through individualized interventions and parent training. I currently work for Frontier Behavioral Services, providing both school and home-based behavior intervention and parent counseling, and my practicum placement is in school social work at an elementary school in Wyandanch.
These experiences have deepened my passion for advocacy, mental health, and social justice. As a GSO senator, my goal is to serve as a bridge between the Graduate Student Organization (GSO) and the School of Social Welfare. I will ensure that our students’ voices are represented, valued, and heard.
I look forward to fostering collaboration, increasing engagement, and promoting initiatives that enhance the graduate student experience across programs. I am excited to work alongside my peers to continue building a community that empowers future social workers to create meaningful change. If you ever want to connect, share ideas, or discuss how GSG can better support our students, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at amanda.riobo@stonybrook.edu.
