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 students in the program feel supported, connected, and empowered. I am dedicated to improving awareness of resources, fostering peer collaboration, and advocating for student needs to create a stronger sense of belonging within our program.
