Hey Penn State! My name is Kailei Hickey, and I am running for an At-Large Representative position in the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) because I believe every student’s voice deserves to be heard.

I’m from Barnegat, New Jersey, and I spend my summers lifeguarding on Long Beach Island. As a freshman majoring in Management with a minor in Political Science, I’m passionate about service and advocacy. My current involvement in UPUA’s First-Year Council and Lion Caucus has allowed me to dedicate my time to addressing student challenges and fostering meaningful change on campus.

Student government should be deeply connected to the student body, ensuring that ideas, concerns, and solutions are shared openly. During my time in UPUA’s First-Year Council, I’ve successfully:
– Passed an initiative with Days for Girls and the Association of Residence Hall Students (ARHS) to increase access to menstrual products in residence halls and high-traffic areas.
– Collaborated on an initiative to implement an A+ in the grading scale, supporting students aiming for competitive graduate or law schools.
– Worked with UPUA’s Government and Community Relations Committee to advocate for the rezoning of the Urban Village District, a move that could lead to increased housing availability and affordability for students in the future.

When students don’t have to worry about obstacles like accessing basic necessities or dealing with financial strain, they can focus on academics and personal growth. My goal is to ensure that every student at Penn State feels empowered to share their thoughts and ideas. Currently, every student has the opportunity to attend UPUA General Assembly meetings and express their concerns during the open student forum. However, this valuable tool is underutilized. I aim to raise awareness of opportunities for civic engagement, making sure UPUA remains accessible, collaborative, and responsive to student needs.

Penn State is strongest when every student’s voice is heard. I hope to earn your support so we can build a more connected and engaged campus together!