The University of Cincinnati’s current student body president is making history as the first black woman in the school’s 199-year history to hold the position.
UC senior Megdelawit Habteselassie, a Dayton native, says she credits a strong network of women encouraging her to run for office. WCPO-TV reports the 22-year-old double major in neuroscience and organizational leadership says she hopes to pursue international law as a career after graduation.
Habteselassie says studies show that women need to be asked several times before they will consider running for elected office. She campaigned on a platform centered on improving student mental health.
Student Affairs Vice President Debra Merchant says Habteselassie has a knack for connecting with every student.
Habteselassie says she hopes her election opens doors for women after her.