Meet the ​2025-2026
Nominations and Elections Committee

​NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS CO-CHAIR,​​ Avary Kwai​
Avary Kwai is a junior at the Stony Brook University School of Nursing, on track to graduate in May 2026. With a strong passion for delivering high-quality, compassionate care, she aspires to specialize in critical care nursing with a career in the ICU. Beyond her academic and clinical commitments, Avary serves as the Secretary of the Stony Brook Student Nurses’ Association, where she plays a key role in overseeing communication and engagement for more than 100 members. She has gained hands-on clinical experience through rotations at Stony Brook University Hospital and as a Nurse Intern at the Long Island State Veterans Home, where she assisted with advanced procedures and direct patient care. Avary has also been actively involved with NSANYS for two years, where she has developed strong leadership and organizational skills. She looks forward to applying these experiences as the Co-Nominations and Elections Chair, where she is eager to support future nursing leaders and collaborate with her peers. Her dedication to public health advocacy is reflected in her work as a Substance Abuse Prevention and Recovery Peer Educator with the Stony Brook University Center for Prevention and Outreach (CPO), where she has led Narcan administration workshops and educated students on the risks of study drug misuse. Outside of nursing, Avary enjoys exploring new cuisines, thrifting in the city, and spending time with friends. ​

NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS CO-CHAIR, Rafia Tasnim​
Rafia Tasnim is a junior at Stony Brook University majoring in Health Science, currently applying to the School of Nursing with dreams of becoming a compassionate and impactful nurse. With a heart for healthcare, advocacy, and creating meaningful change, Rafia is driven by the belief that nursing is not just a career — it’s a calling.

Throughout her journey, Rafia has embraced every opportunity to grow and serve. She volunteered in Peru, educating young girls on health and wellness, and currently works as both a Residential Fitness Center Monitor and at the Stony Brook Child Care Center, where she helps create a nurturing environment for children. On campus, she serves as the Treasurer of Project Sunshine, planning events and fundraisers that brighten the days of pediatric patients and their families. She is also deeply involved in cultural organizations like the Muslim Students Association and Bengalis Unite, where she builds community and advocates for representation.

Rafia previously served as the Western Regional Director for the National Student Nurses’ Association of New York State (NSANYS), where she connected with nursing students across the state and fostered collaboration between chapters. Now, as the Co-Regional Chair for Awards and Scholarships, she looks forward to continuing that work — uplifting fellow students and connecting them with opportunities that celebrate their hard work and potential.
​
With career interests in public health and pediatric nursing, Rafia hopes to use her experiences to advocate for underserved communities. Outside of academics, you can find her exploring new cities, experimenting in the kitchen, crocheting — always striving to grow, give back, and leave every space better than she found it.

METROPOLITAN REGIONAL DIRECTOR, Madaline Bishop
Madaline Bishop is a dynamic and community-driven student leader pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Health Science on the Pre-Nursing track at Stony Brook University. With a diverse background in public service, crisis response, and community outreach, she brings a compassionate and proactive approach to leadership.

Madaline currently volunteers with Crisis Text Line, offering empathetic, confidential support to individuals in crisis while applying her training in suicide prevention and intervention. She has served as a Counselor with the Summer Youth Employment Program for three consecutive summers, where she coordinated wellness-based programs for youth and fostered a safe, engaging environment for campers.

Her commitment to community advocacy is further reflected through her work with Midnight Run, where she helped distribute essentials to individuals experiencing homelessness, and through her active involvement in campus organizations such as the Pre-Nursing and Community Service Clubs.

​Known for her empathy, adaptability, and leadership, Madaline is ready to bring her collaborative spirit and strong organizational skills to the Metropolitan Regional Director role, where she aims to uplift communities, amplify voices, and lead with purpose.

LONG ISLAND REGIONAL DIRECTOR​, Elizabeth Nemirovsky
​Elizabeth Nemirovsky is a junior nursing major at Adelphi University, pursuing a minor in public health while also being a dedicated member of the Honors College. Passionate about leadership and advocacy in nursing, she is honored to serve as the Long Island Regional Director on the 2025-2026 NSANYS Board of Directors. In this role, she aims to strengthen connections among nursing schools across Long Island and increase her involvement with NSNA at a national level.

At Adelphi, Elizabeth is an active leader in student organizations and is set to become
Co-President of the Adelphi University Student Nursing Association (AUSNA) for 2025-2026.

Her passion for nursing began at a young age when her premature baby sister was cared for by compassionate NICU nurses. Witnessing their kindness and dedication inspired her to pursue a career where she could provide the same level of care and support to patients and their families.

Elizabeth has earned Phlebotomy and EKG certifications and currently works in a private
pediatric practice, caring for patients from infancy to young adulthood (ages 0-21). This
hands-on experience has been invaluable in shaping her clinical skills and deepening her
understanding of patient care.

She also had the opportunity to be a BRAINtern at Northwell Health’s neurology department, where she shadowed nurse practitioners and worked under exceptional doctors. During this experience, she observed live surgeries and gained insight into both inpatient and outpatient neurological practices. This exposure further fueled her passion for acute and critical care.

Elizabeth is set to graduate in May 2026 and hopes to begin her career as an RN in the NICU, PICU, or ER. Looking ahead, she aspires to further her education by obtaining a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Family Health.

Beyond nursing, Elizabeth is actively involved in campus life as a Resident Assistant and a
Senior Admissions Ambassador, mentoring students and helping prospective students discover Adelphi. Through her leadership roles, clinical experience, and unwavering dedication to patient care, she is committed to making a meaningful impact in the field of nursing.

NORTHEAST REGIONAL DIRECTOR​, Jason Samuel
Jason Samuel is excited to serve as the Northeast Regional director for the 2025-2026 term. He is a freshman at Long Island University in the BSN program, with an expected graduation date of May, 2028. Jason was formerly the class of 2028 cohort representative at his school chapter, and recently he was promoted to the membership director. During his senior year of high school, Jason obtained his EMT license and his experience during the rotations taught him the importance of healthcare in the life of those in need. Jason has aspired to be a nurse because he grew up watching his mom work as a nurse, and especially during Covid-19 he realized how rewarding a career in nursing can be. Jason hopes to work in the ICU after graduating, and hopes to become a CRNA in the future. In his free time, Jason enjoys boxing and playing basketball. He is grateful for this position and hopes to help engage more students across the state within the nursing association. It is an honor for him to serve alongside the rest of the board as a part of NSANYS.

WESTERN REGIONAL DIRECTOR, Riya Binu
Riya Binu serves as the Western Regional Director for the 2025-2026 term. She is currently a sophomore at Long Island University Post’s School of Nursing, with an expected graduation date of May 2027.

Riya is actively involved in leadership and service within the nursing community. She serves as the Co-Vice President of the LIU Post Student Nurses’ Association, where she helps coordinate events, mentors fellow students, and promotes professional development. Additionally, she volunteers at Mercy Hospital, where she rotates through various departments, assisting staff and gaining valuable hands-on experience.

​Outside of nursing, Riya has a strong background in education and mentorship. She has worked as a tutor at the Kumon Math and Reading Center and as an assistant at TestTakers, where she proctored SAT practice exams and guided students in their academic journeys. She is also a proud recipient of the Long Island University Dean’s List honor, recognizing her dedication to academic excellence.
​
Passionate about patient-centered care and clinical excellence, Riya aspires to work in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after graduation, where she hopes to make a meaningful impact on critically ill patients. She is drawn to the ICU for its dynamic environment, the complexity of care, and the opportunity to advocate for patients in their most vulnerable moments.

Riya is thrilled to work alongside her fellow NSANYS board members and looks forward to connecting with nursing students across the state. She hopes to use this opportunity to grow as a leader, support her peers, and contribute to the future of nursing.

CENTRAL REGIONAL DIRECTOR, Arturas Sakalauskas
Arturas Sakalauskas is a senior in the advanced standing program at Farmingdale State College. He has previously held the position of treasurer and currently serves as Co-President of the SUNY Farmingdale Student Nurses Association. He is set to graduate in December 2025 and aspires to become an emergency room or critical care nurse. Later in his career, he hopes to pursue a position as a flight nurse or a nurse practitioner in emergency medicine or critical care. Juggling life, work, and school, he enjoys spending time with family and friends and travels whenever he can. Over the years, he has visited various places both in the U.S. and around the world. Arturas is honored and grateful to serve as the Central Regional Director for the NSANYS board and strives to expand communication and involvement between the local chapters and the state chapter. He is excited to serve on the NSANYS board for the 2025-2026 term and looks forward to using his skill set to fulfill his duties!

MIDHUDSON REGIONAL DIRECTOR, Katie Murtagh
Katie Murtagh is a sophomore at Stony Brook University, pursuing a Health Science major on the Pre-Nursing Track with plans to apply to Stony Brook’s nursing program. As an aspiring nurse, Katie is passionate about advocating for others and providing compassionate care.
She is involved in extracurriculars like club volleyball, running, and lifting, and serves as a Peer Assistance Leader (PAL) in the PALS program, working one-on-one with a partner with Down Syndrome. Katie has volunteered over 50 hours with LUVMichael and assisted 300+ patients in Cusco, Peru, through Volunteers Around the World. She has also gained hands-on experience volunteering at Valley Hospital in Paramus, NJ, and currently works at Stony Brook Student Health Services.
As 2025-2026 NSANYS Mid-Hudson Regional Director, Katie looks forward to engaging with nursing students, advocating for her peers, and supporting the growth of nursing education.

GENESEE VALLEY REGIONAL DIRECTOR, Hawa Diarra
​Hawa Diarra is a nursing student in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Molloy University, expected to graduate in December 2026. She previously earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a concentration in Emergency and Critical Care from Stony Brook University.

A dedicated leader and advocate, Hawa serves as the Genesee Valley Regional Director for the Nursing Students Association of New York State (NSANYS), bringing a unique perspective as a first-generation college student. She is passionate about critical care nursing and aspires to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

As a member of the Molloy Nursing Students Association, Hawa has gained valuable insight and support, which has strengthened her commitment to fostering a sense of community and collaboration among her peers.

Her dedication to service extends beyond leadership; she has volunteered at a local hospital and gained valuable hands-on experience working in a nursing facility, where she provides compassionate patient care.

Fluent in four languages, Hawa's ability to connect with diverse patient populations strengthens her commitment to culturally competent care. Outside of nursing, she enjoys cooking, exploring new recipes, reading, and playing tennis. With her dedication, experience, and passion, Hawa strives to make a meaningful impact in both her community and the field of nursing.