The second day of the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) Student Government Association (SGA) candidate forum intensified on April 15, as the spotlight shifted to the high-stakes races for the Executive Vice Presidency and the Presidential tickets. While Day 1 focused on specialized administrative roles, Day 2 centered on the “big picture” of campus governance: financial accountability, long-term facility infrastructure, and continuing to maintain the constitutional integrity of the SGA. With polls opening on April 16, 2026, here are the defining moments from the final round of debates.
Presidential Candidates
The presidential race features two experienced leaders with distinct philosophies on student advocacy. Yailine Cano, the incumbent president, anchored her platform on the “record-breaking” successes of the past year and the importance of continuity. Fatimah Amer, current Vice President of Student Life (VPSL), presented a vision rooted in research-driven solutions and personal, grassroots outreach.
In the wake of the restructuring and subsequent removal of the President Student Advisory Council (PSAC) both candidates addressed the challenge of ensuring student concerns reach the university’s top decision-makers. Cano highlighted her established weekly meetings with administration and her existing connections to Career Services as a proven pathway for resolving student issues. Amer argued that the SGA must lead with data, stating that “thorough research” is the only way to secure tangible, long-term results rather than temporary fixes.
Addressing the recent budget reallocation that affected various campus organizations, the candidates offered different strategies for financial support. Cano revealed she has been working since last semester to secure $25,000 in initial funding for a new SGA scholarship. Amer proposed a collaborative model where organizations with overlapping interests share budgets to maximize impact. She also pledged to use her personal network to connect with alumni, encouraging them to donate to Illinois Tech specifically for student scholarships.
A major floor question concerned the aging equipment and facilities at the Keating Sports Center. Cano reported that she has already sat down with coaches and athletes to identify needs, but noted the university currently lacks the $5 million required for a full renovation. Amer cautioned against rushing a renovation that could take years, proposing a “strategic approach” that includes partnering with local gyms to provide discounted programs for students in the interim.
Executive Vice President
The candidate for Executive Vice President (EVP), Erick Armando Silva Jr., faced a student body concerned about past instances where SGA bylaws and the constitution were reportedly ignored.
Silva Jr. pledged a systemic overhaul of SGA’s internal culture, focusing on “trust in the student body.” He proposed working with the Chief of Staff to implement policy advisors who would ensure the Executive Board strictly adheres to the Constitution and Bylaws. Silva Jr. also discussed reviving the abandoned 24/7 student feedback platform, suggesting that it be moderated by policy advisors to ensure ongoing communication between the SGA and its constituents. To break down barriers, he advocated for a return to a system in which any student can walk into a Senate meeting and address their issues without emailing ahead of time.
Silva Jr. emphasized the need for trust between the student body and their representatives, noting that a stronger SGA starts with a more engaged campus. “Whoever you choose to vote for, you need to have confidence in the system and how it works,” Silva Jr. stated. He underscored that when students have confidence that their leaders will keep their word, they are more likely to stay involved and ask the tough questions that make the Senate better. As an executive board member, he pledged to push for the initiatives students actually want, expressing his excitement for the future of the organization.
VP of Student Life
The race for Vice President of Student Life (VPSL) saw Syed Qadri, who’s the current DEI Hawkeye, address the perception that campus life has become stagnant.
Qadri’s priorities center on the practicalities of the student experience. He emphasized a “follow-up” culture to ensure that issues like broken elevators and residence hall maintenance do not get lost in communication. As a member of Greek life himself, Qadri noted that these organizations are often left out of the broader campus narrative. He plans to make Greek life more visible and integrated into standard campus activities. To combat student burnout, he proposed limiting the number of General Body Meetings (GBMs) that can occur on a single day, preventing organizations from competing for the same audience.
As the forum drew to a close, the recurring theme from every candidate was the necessity of student participation. The debate made it clear that while the SGA handles the logistics of budgets and bylaws, its true power is derived from the engagement of the people it represents.
Voting starts tomorrow, April 16, 2026, at 8:00 a.m., and goes until midnight. All Illinois Tech students, including those at the main campus and the Chicago-Kent campus downtown, are encouraged to vote. This is your opportunity to select the leaders who will navigate the upcoming year; make sure your voice is part of that decision. The form can also be found on 312 on SGA’s Forms section and in your Hawk email inbox from the Dean of Students.