Meet the Undergraduate Student Government president—and find out what she has in store this year

When Zelene Desiré first ran for student government in high school, she didn’t win. Undeterred, she kept running, and during her junior year, she secured a representative position and went on to become the class vice president her senior year.

Her leadership promise was evident to Case Western Reserve University’s admissions team, who included a note in her acceptance letter that she should consider participating in Undergraduate Student Government (USG). Now in her fourth year at CWRU, she will be USG president this year.

“I’ve always wanted to be the voice for those who are afraid to speak for themselves, and I’m not afraid to be bold and speak up for injustice,” said Desiré, a fourth-year student majoring in medical anthropology. “USG has defined my experience here at CWRU.”

She ran uncontested last spring after serving as a first-year representative, an arts and sciences representative as a second-year, and the vice president of student life in her third year. She has had experience on the student life committee and the food and sustainability committee.

After three years in USG, Desiré said she has a “clear vision” of the organization’s strengths and deficits and ran on a platform of improved interactions with constituents and peers.

As president, Desiré wants to hear from her peers and hope they will see her as accessible. 

Outside of USG, she’s connected across campus in several other ways. 

Desiré has been part of the Black Student Union for two years, conducted research for the Adolescent Sleep, Fatigue, and Functioning Study, served as a democracy fellow with the Center for Civic Engagement and Learning, volunteered as a Civic Engagement Scholar for three years and served on the Students of Caribbean Ancestry board at CWRU.

“I like to keep busy, so I have done a lot here,” she said.

Find out more about her experiences at CWRU and learn about what Desiré hopes to accomplish as USG president.

Answers have been lightly edited for clarity and length.

1. What initially drew you to CWRU?

I never really had a dream school. When I applied to college as an aspiring physician, I was drawn to Case Western Reserve University's pre-med program and the plethora of opportunities I could have as a student. 

But what I think drew me to CWRU the most is that I felt that out of all the other schools I had gotten into, I felt CWRU wanted me as much as I wanted to attend the university. I felt that through the personalized note I got at the end of my acceptance, which urged me to join USG (talk about manifestation), and the opportunity to fly me and my mother out to visit. These two moments really made me feel like I was wanted at this institution from the moment I turned in my application. 

As a Black woman, this was critical in my decision to attend a school, that sense of belonging. So that’s what made me decide to choose CWRU, an easy one.

2. Why did you choose your area of study?

I chose to study medical anthropology because, as much as I love science and all things biomedicine, I just couldn’t see myself majoring in biology or chemistry. I think medical anthropology stood out to me because of the study of culture. I am a part of two cultures, both Sierra Leonean and Haitian, and all my life I’ve been dancing in between those two identities, but the study of culture that surrounds anthropology made me feel as if I didn’t have to do that, and learning more about my culture and other cultures just made sense to me. 

Initially, I wanted to major in public health, but CWRU only offered a minor, which I have. I’m honestly grateful for the chance to study anthropology because it’s truly something I love, and I love being able to assess cultures' medical practices, and I think this perspective would give me an advantage as a physician, so that I can make culturally sound decisions for my patients

3. Have there been any particularly special or rewarding moments in your studies?

I think one of my most rewarding moments was my two internships at the National Institutes of Health, where I was able to combine my passion, biomedicine, advocacy, and cultural competence in medicine in my two research projects.

4. What has been your favorite moment as a CWRU student so far?

I think my favorite moments here at CWRU were defined by the friends I’ve made here. I’ve met some of my best friends at the school, and first year, especially, was fun. I think specifically, I've loved Springfest, my favorite was my first year, when 2 Chainz came.

5. What are your biggest priorities this year?

My biggest priority is to interact with the student body more. We plan to have more events catered toward meeting students where they are, such as having town halls so they can share their experiences and also even having “office hours” when people can come in and talk about their concerns to me or even other exec members. 

I also think our social media presence needs some revamping, so that is something I want to get on. I want to come out of this year having a list of concrete improvements we have made to the student experience and gaining the trust of CWRU students.

6. What would you like students to know about you as you head into this year as president?

I’ve been told that I am intimidating, but I really am not. I do enjoy talking to people, and I hope people use me as a resource. You can stop me on the street, you can email me, and even text me. I want people to feel that I am there for them. I will always advocate for what’s right. I know how it feels to feel as if your voice is not heard or respected, and I would never want to have people feel that way. 

So please, please, please reach out to me if you have any concerns about how the university is functioning. I know what people to ask to get things done!