Meet Your 2025-2026 SGA
(left to right: Maryam Abdurrahman, Nadia Bayiga, Christione Johnson, and Ayanna King-Smith)
There was a specific energy in the Student Life conference room, radiating confidence, independence, and empowerment. It was a safe and supportive environment, filled with strength. It motivated and filled the air with hope, inspiring belief, and the encouraging achievement of the four women who now lead Howard Community College's (HCC) 2025-2026 Student Government Association (SGA).
What are you studying at HCC?
Christione Johnson, SGA President: I'm studying business administration and accounting. This is a transition for me because I used to be a dance major. I also did a lot of administrative work before I came here. My goal is to work in human resources or obtain my certified public accounting license.
Maryam Abdurrahman, SGA Vice President (the former SGA Club Liaison for 2024-2025): I am studying liberal arts with a focus on languages. I am considering studying diplomacy. I truly enjoy working with people, and I believe everyone has a unique story to share.
Ayanna King-Smith, SGA Club Liaison: I am a double major in life sciences and nursing. I hope to attend medical school to become a forensic pathologist, studying neurodegenerative diseases as they pertain to people of color.
Nadia Bayiga, SGA Secretary: I am studying cybersecurity. I chose this major because it is a male-dominated field, and I want to change that. Whatever a man can do, a woman can do.
What do you like most about HCC?
Ayanna: I like the people. The relationships I have developed have made me a better person. The people here helped me come out of my shell. I recommend that new students get involved by participating in Student Life, clubs and events.
What inspired you to run for the SGA president?
Christione: I had no intentions of running for this role; however, I spent a lot of time with the SGA last year. I saw the connections they helped to build and the work they put in to ensure students had the opportunity to put their clubs into action.
Why did you return for another round of the SGA, this time as the vice president?
Maryam: How could I leave? If you spend five minutes in the Student Life offices, you will meet at least three people who genuinely take an interest in you and make you feel heard. It's also important that the people serving in the SGA act as a bridge between HCC students and college leadership.
What are some of your goals in your SGA leadership position?
Christione: I want to focus on academic achievement within the student body. During finals, I want to ensure that we have a variety of stress-reduction events and activities, as well as designated study time. I also hope to offer some life skills competency workshops.
How will you measure success?
Christione: We are always open to one-on-one conversations with students. Our door is always open. We will have surveys for events such as Homecoming, as well as town halls and student body meetings.
What are you most looking forward to this semester/year?
Maryam: How do you pick just one? Our president has an idea for an international day or month where we highlight our diverse community at HCC. I am super excited about Homecoming, and I am also looking forward to graduating in May 2026.
Is there anything else you would like to tell the student body?
Nadia: This is a team of amazing women. The fact that we always work together and assist each other makes us a winning team. Teamwork makes the dream work.
For 2024-2025, there were three men and Maryam. What will be a major difference with four women running the SGA?
Ayanna: It’s nice that we are all in male-dominated majors. The difference is compassion. Men have compassion, but it differs from the way women express theirs. I think we have a really great viewpoint coming from an all-female team.
HCC students: Connect with your SGA at SGA@howardcc.edu or follow @HCCStudentLife!