There are many ways to step into leadership at the School of Nursing. From joining our Student Leadership Board to getting involved in UW student government, you’ll find opportunities to connect, advocate, and make a difference in your community.
UW School of Nursing Leadership Board
Get involved in shaping the student experience at the UW School of Nursing by serving on the Student Leadership Board (SLB). Through advocacy, collaboration, and community-building, SLB members represent student voices, strengthen connections across programs, and help ensure that student needs are reflected in School of Nursing decision-making.
We aim for broad engagement of students across programs and cohorts. We have many opportunities for leadership and involvement.
To represent, advocate for, and build capacity and community for and among all students in the School of Nursing.
An inclusive, collaborative, and connected nursing student body that works together to support leadership development while advancing the student experience and improving the health and equity of our community and its best-in-class nurses.
- Represent undergraduate and graduate student voices to executive leadership at the School of Nursing, the main campus at the University of Washington, and the community at large. Through communication, representative governance, and advocacy SLB ensures student needs and priorities are reflected in decision-making that affects the student body in the School of Nursing.
- Connect and synergize Student Interest Groups through representation and resourcing.
- Build community among nursing students in different cohorts, programs, and departments.
- Facilitate career exploration and professional development experiences to enhance student preparation for future nurse leadership roles.
- President: Naveen Matharu, BSN 2026
- Vice President: Meshack Otewa, PhD3
- Records Officer: Kaitlyn Yoon, ABSN-S 2026
- Records Special Projects Officer: Hannah Zaini, ABSN-S 2026
- Financial Officer: Will Ho, BSN 2026
- Communications Officer: Safia Rakhshani, BSN 2026
- DEI Officer: Jessie Jimenez, DNP 2027
- President
- Leads the Student Leadership Board (SLB) and sets its overall strategy. Works closely with other officers, advocates to the Executive Dean and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, and represents students on the Shared Leadership Council.
Eligibility: Students with at least 5 quarters left in their program
Time commitment: ~15–20 hours/week (higher during orientation, lighter mid-year) - Vice President
- Oversees SLB operations, maintains communication with school leadership, and organizes the quarterly All School Meeting. Shares responsibility with the President for representing student voices.
Time commitment: ~3–10 hours/week (varies during the year and month) - DEI Officer
- Amplifies student voices and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. Serves as a bridge between students and the School’s Diversity Committee.
- Financial Officer
- Manages SLB funds, including tracking and deployment. Works with OSAA and FAS staff, ensuring accountability and clear communication. No finance background required; guidance is provided.
Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate student; minimum 1-year commitment
Time commitment: ~2–5 hours/week - Records Officer
- Maintains SLB documentation, meeting minutes, and records of progress toward strategic goals. Manages the SLB SharePoint and ensures accountability.
Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate student; minimum 1-year commitment
Time commitment: ~1–5 hours/week - Communications Officer
- Leads SLB communications with students, faculty, and staff through email, Teams, flyers, and social media. Promotes SLB and Student Interest Group activities and works with the School’s MarCom team.
Time commitment: ~1–2 hours/week
Background: No prior communications experience required - Cohort Representatives
- Serve as the voice of their cohort, bringing student concerns and ideas to the SLB Executive Team.
Elected: First quarter of program
Note: One vote per cohort/program; may not hold another Executive Team voting role - Curriculum Leaders
- Represent cohort interests in monthly or bi-monthly curriculum meetings with faculty and administration. Gather feedback and advocate for student needs.
Elected: First quarter of program - Mentorship Leaders
- Develop mentorship opportunities and represent cohort perspectives at quarterly mentorship meetings. Pair students with mentors/mentees to support transitions into the program and into practice.
- Event Leaders
- Organize events with Student Interest Groups and coordinate graduation ceremonies with SoN staff. Help build community and celebrate milestones.
Elected: First quarter of program
For more information on the various SLB positions, please see the SLB Constitution and Bylaws, or contact sonslb@uw.edu.
Contact the Student Leadership Board at sonslb@uw.edu.
UW Student Government
Associated Students of the University of Washington (ASUW)
The Associated Students of the University of Washington is the democratic voice of students that engages the campus community through programming, services, and advocacy. ASUW strives to enrich student life and develop future leaders. ASUW is composed of 25 units, including entities, enterprises, commissions, programs, and committees.
Graduate and Professional Student Senate
The Graduate & Professional Student Senate (GPSS) is the official student government for the approximately 10,000 graduate and professional students at the University of Washington.
To learn more about getting involved in Student Government at UW, please visit: https://hub.washington.edu/get-involved/asuw-gpss/