Meet the Nursing Students' Association of New York's (NSANYS)
2026-2027
Board of Directors
Welcome to our new board!
Meet the 2026-2027 Board of Directors!
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Jason Samuel is honored to serve as the NSANYS President for the 2026–2027 term, and is committed to strengthening nursing student leadership across New York State. He is currently a sophomore in the traditional BSN program at Long Island University–Brooklyn, with an anticipated graduation date of May 2028. This is his second year involved with NSANYS, as he previously served as the Northeast Regional Director during the 2025–2026 term. At the local level, Jason serves as the Secretary of his Student Nurses Association and is also a member of the Indian Nurses Association of New York.
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Stephanie Rampersaud is enthusiastic to serve as Co-Vice President for the 2026-2027 term! She is currently a sophomore attending Long Island University Brooklyn campus, in a traditional Bachelors of Science in Nursing program, with an expected graduation date of May 2028. Prior to this, Stephanie served as Secretary for the 2025-2026 term for NSANYS.
Stephanie currently serves as Social Media Director in her school's SNA chapter, where she manages her chapters' social media pages and promotes events through flyers, posts, and stories towards the nursing students in her school. She previously served as Community Outreach Director, where she communicated between SNA and outside organizations, promoting events, increase engagement of members in her chapter. Stephanie plans to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), specializing as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Stephanie’s biggest inspiration is her aunt, who she has watched since she was young, graduate with different degrees in the nursing field, and hopes to do the same! In her free time, Stephanie enjoys playing softball, baking, and finding different places to go to with friends and family. Stephanie is excited for this opportunity, and looks forward to actively supporting the organization's mission, and what it stands for! |
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Angelina Rubiano is a junior nursing student at Adelphi University who is passionate about both patient care and leadership within the nursing community. Her journey into nursing began at a young age after watching her mother recover from thyroid cancer. While her siblings were hesitant around the drains and bandages that came with recovery, Angelina was curious rather than afraid. She often sat with her mother giving her facials and watching movies together to help her feel comfortable and confident during the healing process. Those moments sparked her interest in healthcare and ultimately inspired her to pursue nursing, with her mother encouraging her to follow that path as she grew older.
At Adelphi University, Angelina actively contributes to the nursing community through several roles. She serves as the Event Coordinator for her local chapter of the National Student Nurses Association (NSA) and is the Co–Vice President of the New York State NSNA, where she works to support and connect nursing students across the state. She is also a peer tutor at the Center for Academic Support and Enrichment (CASE), helping fellow students build confidence and strengthen their academic skills. Angelina thrives in environments that challenge her. She believes that stepping into situations where you may not feel fully confident is one of the best ways to grow, identify weaknesses, and develop stronger clinical skills through hands-on learning. In addition to her academic and leadership roles, she works as a nursing assistant on a medical-surgical oncology floor, where she continues to build meaningful patient connections and clinical experience. Angelina hopes to work in the Intensive Care Unit after graduation. She is drawn to the intensity of critical care but equally values the emotional presence nurses provide for patients during their most vulnerable moments. She believes that while medical treatment is essential, patients also need reassurance, compassion, and someone who is consistently there for them. Looking ahead, Angelina plans to continue advancing her education with the long-term goal of becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). |
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Rafia Tasnim is a junior nursing student at the Stony Brook University School of Nursing. She currently serves as the Secretary on the New York State Association of Nursing Students (NSANYS) Board of Directors. Prior to this role, Rafia served as the Nominations and Elections Committee (NEC) Co-Chair and as the Western Regional Director, where she supported nursing student chapters, encouraged student engagement across the region, and helped strengthen connections between nursing students throughout New York State.
At Stony Brook University, Rafia is the Vice President of the Pre-Nursing Club, where she works closely with aspiring nursing students by providing guidance on the nursing school application process, organizing informational sessions, and helping students navigate the transition into nursing programs. She is passionate about mentoring and empowering future nurses, especially students who are beginning their journey into the profession. Rafia is also actively involved in Project Sunshine, a national organization dedicated to bringing joy and play to pediatric patients through volunteer service. Through this involvement, she has contributed to organizing events and initiatives that support children and families facing medical challenges. In addition to her leadership and service roles, Rafia has gained valuable experience through clinical training and volunteer opportunities that have strengthened her commitment to patient-centered care. She has a particular interest in neonatal nursing and hopes to pursue a career in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where she can care for the most vulnerable patients and support families during critical moments. As a first-generation college student and the daughter of Bengali immigrant parents, Rafia is deeply committed to advocating for equity, cultural humility, and compassionate care within the healthcare system. She hopes to continue growing as a leader in nursing while making a meaningful impact on the communities she serves. |
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Juwan Chee is a sophomore nursing student proudly attending Molloy University in Rockville Centre, Long Island, with an anticipated graduation in May 2027. A driven and passionate leader, Juwan serves as the President of Molloy University’s Men in Nursing (AAMN) chapter, where he is dedicated to fostering a supportive and empowering environment for men in the nursing profession.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Juwan is deeply committed to service and community leadership. He actively volunteers and spearheads initiatives, working alongside local politicians to organize community service events that give back and uplift his community. Juwan also volunteers at local food pantries, including participating in the Anti-Racism Project, where he helps provide essential resources to underserved populations. As an integral member of Molloy University’s Campus Ministries, he participates in outreach programs that further support those in need. A strong believer in mentorship, he dedicates time to guiding and inspiring young men to pursue nursing as a fulfilling and rewarding career. Juwan is honored and excited to serve as the Treasurer of the Nursing Students’ Association of New York State (NSANYS) for the 2026-2027 term. He is eager to hone his leadership skills, collaborate with fellow student leaders, and contribute to the organization’s mission of empowering the next generation of nurses. Having been inspired by NSANYS himself, Juwan is committed to making a meaningful impact and ensuring the association continues to uplift and motivate others in their nursing journeys. In addition to his leadership roles and academic commitments, Juwan works part-time for the NYC Board of Elections, further demonstrating his dedication to civic engagement and service. When he is not immersed in his studies or community work, Juwan enjoys reading, working out, exploring new experiences, and practicing philanthropy. He aspires to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), blending his passion for patient care with advanced clinical expertise. With unwavering enthusiasm and a steadfast commitment to excellence, Juwan continues to lead, inspire, and make a lasting impact on the nursing community and beyond. |
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Allison Shurak is excited to serve as the Communications Director for the 2026-2027 term. She attends Pace University with an expected graduation date of May 2027. On campus, she is involved in her SNA chapter as treasurer, research assistant, front desk associate at the University Health Care office, and a teaching assistant for Canines Assisting in Health.
Outside of nursing, Allison enjoys traveling, exploring new restaurants and cafes, going to the gym, and watching TV shows with family and friends (Her favorite ones currently are The Pitt and The Rookie). Within the role, Allison looks forward to engaging school SNA chapters within NSANYS. She looks forward to utilizing her creativity to promote engagement through social media posts and email blasts and looks forward to collaborating with fellow board members. Looking ahead, Allison intends to specialize in pediatrics. In addition, Allison aspires to become a Family Nurse Practitioner and to earn her Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP). |
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Woodney is a passionate and driven nursing student at Molloy University, expected to graduate in May 2027. Committed to making a meaningful impact on the nursing profession, he is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of healthcare leaders. With a deep desire to create positive change, Woodney is motivated to lead, mentor, and empower youth, encouraging them to pursue careers in nursing and healthcare.
As an active leader in the Molloy University Men in Nursing chapter, Woodney collaborates with his peers to foster a supportive community, advocate for diversity, and highlight the importance of male representation in the nursing field. Through his leadership, he works to break down barriers and inspire others to explore the many rewarding opportunities that nursing offers. In addition to his leadership role, Woodney has been involved in various community service projects aimed at promoting health awareness and supporting underserved populations. His dedication to service and addressing healthcare disparities drives his commitment to giving back to the community. Woodney aspires to become a Nurse Practitioner, where he can blend his passion for patient care with his desire to provide comprehensive, holistic healthcare solutions. With his strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, he is committed to shaping the future of healthcare and advancing the nursing profession. Outside of his academic and professional endeavors, Woodney enjoys staying active, learning new things, and engaging in activities that support his personal growth. His dedication to leadership, service, and mentorship continues to inspire his journey as he works toward becoming a compassionate and skilled Nurse Practitioner. |
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Pareesha Shroff serves as the Breakthrough to Nursing Director for the 2026-2027 term. She is currently a junior at Long Island University Post School of Nursing and will be graduating in May of 2027.
Pareesha plays an active role in leadership, currently serving as the Co-Vice President at her schools Student Nurses’ Association. Being in that position, she has helped to organize several student centered events such as trivias, making care packages, and even bringing in guest speakers for professional development. She will continue to serve on the board throughout the remainder of her years at LIU. Since her freshman year, she has been serving as the clinical work study in her school’s nursing department. She has learned several lessons about leadership, relationships, and nursing through her experience. She gets to provide direct feedback and communicate with her professors anything that would help the students reach their best potential. Through her job, she was able to learn things she may never have known about such as refilling medication vials, installing sharp containers, setting up mannequins and so much more. She loves to learn new things and hopes to continue working in the lab until she graduates. In the future, Pareesha aspires to either serve as an RN in a pediatrics or labor and delivery position. She hopes to continue to pursue her education by becoming an NP, DNP, or even an MD. Her dream is to help others in any way that she can and even hopes to visit underdeveloped countries to provide humanitarian aid. She switched to nursing after being a biology major, because of her desire to make a difference. |
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Christina Tram is a nursing student attending PACE University with an expected graduation date of May 2027. Her goal as Policy and Education Director is to find more unity across the student nurses’ associations across NYS and to facilitate space where nursing students can be supported in their leadership efforts. Christina’s experience as the vice president of PACE University NSA, student nurse educator, and peer mentor have made her increasingly passionate about supporting and elevating the voices of nursing students. This term will be her second term as Policy and Education director.
With a commitment to alleviating health disparities and expanding cultural humility, she is interested in pursuing women’s health with a focus on reproductive pathology and menopause and promoting a healthcare culture that values preventive and primary care over treatments. Currently she is participating in a research project at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. In addition to her academics, Christina is a Queens native and loves spending her leisure time exploring fabric stores around the city that inspire her sewing projects. She also enjoys going on runs, watching romcoms (top two favorites: How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days, My Big Fat Greek Wedding), and eating noodles! |
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Grace Iehle is a Junior in the Nursing Program at Farmingdale State College, expected to graduate in May 2027. She currently serves as Co-President of the Student Nurses’ Association (SNA) at Farmingdale and is actively involved as a Peer Mentor, supporting fellow students throughout their academic journey.
Grace views nursing as a profession grounded in both clinical excellence and meaningful human connection. Through her leadership and mentorship roles, she is committed to fostering collaboration, encouraging student engagement, and contributing to a supportive learning environment. Her involvement in SNA and peer mentoring reflects her dedication to professional growth, advocacy, and the development of strong future nurses. Grace values opportunities that promote leadership, communication, and service, recognizing their importance in shaping well-rounded healthcare professionals. Her advice to nursing students is to stay engaged, seek out experiences beyond the classroom, and remain open to learning. Building confidence, resilience, and balance during nursing school lays the foundation for long-term success in the profession. |
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Riya Binu is a junior at Long Island University Post School of Nursing, where she is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is expected to graduate in May 2027. She currently serves as the NSANYS Nominations and Elections Co-Chair for the 2026–2027 term, following her previous service as Western Regional Director.
In her state leadership role, Riya oversees and mentors Regional Directors, chairs the Nominations and Elections Committee, and manages the full election cycle in accordance with organizational bylaws and parliamentary procedure. She plays an active role at the Annual Convention, directing election operations and supporting scholarship distribution to ensure transparency and equity. At the campus level, she serves as Co-Vice President of the LIU Post Student Nurses’ Association, where she helps coordinate programs, strengthen member engagement, and mentor emerging student leaders. She is also a member of the National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA). Clinically, Riya completed a Summer Nurse Externship in the Emergency Department at Mercy Hospital, where she supported high-acuity patient care, performed EKGs and blood draws, monitored vital signs, and collaborated closely with interdisciplinary teams. Her clinical rotations in medical–surgical, psychiatric, and public health nursing have strengthened her clinical judgment and commitment to patient advocacy. Beyond nursing, Riya has a strong foundation in mentorship and community service. She has worked as a tutor at Kumon and as an assistant at TestTakers, guiding students academically while developing communication and leadership skills. Passionate about patient-centered, high-acuity care, Riya aspires to pursue a career in neonatal or pediatric intensive care nursing, where she hopes to advocate for critically ill infants and children while supporting families during their most vulnerable moments. |
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Katie Murtagh is a junior at Stony Brook University, planning to apply to the School of Nursing. She serves as the NSANYS Nominations and Elections Co-Chair for the 2026–2027 term, following her previous role as Mid-Hudson Regional Director. In her state leadership position, she oversees Regional Directors, chairs the Nominations and Elections Committee, and manages the election cycle in accordance with organizational bylaws and parliamentary procedure, ensuring transparency and professionalism at the Annual Convention.
On campus, Katie works as a Phlebotomist at Student Health Services, where she performs venipuncture and prioritizes patient-centered care. She also serves as Club Liaison for the Student Blood Donor Committee, supporting campus blood drives and student engagement. Katie is passionate about nursing as a blend of clinical excellence and meaningful human connection. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Katie enjoys staying active, exploring new interests, and engaging in activities that support her personal growth, including running, weightlifting, hiking, and discovering local coffee shops. |
