Afua Asante

Hi there! I’m Afua Asantewaa Asante, a Cybersecurity graduate student at GVSU . My leadership journey with GSA started in Fall 2024, and since then, I’ve been all about making things run smoother, communication clearer, and student voices louder. From building document systems to leading professional development initiatives, I love turning good ideas into real results.

With a background in managing information systems, I bring a detail-oriented mindset to everything I do—but I also believe student life should be vibrant, inclusive, and fun. I’m especially passionate about supporting international students, creating opportunities for professional growth, and helping grad students feel empowered on and off campus.

When I’m not studying cybersecurity or planning the next GSA initiative, you can usually find me designing something creative (Canva is my happy place ), binge-watching documentaries or courtroom dramas, listening to Afrobeats or soul music. Oh and I love cooking!

Fun fact: I’ve written and edited school newsletters,  mentored students with learning challenges, and once managed a whole media center! Let’s connect, collaborate, and make grad school the best it can be—for all of us.

Ranjith Kumar Patil

I am committed to making the graduate student experience at GVSU more enriching, inclusive, and impactful. As an international student, Teaching Assistant, and Mental Health Ambassador, I understand the academic, professional, and personal challenges we face. If elected to the GSA e-board, I will work to ensure every graduate student feels supported, connected, and empowered.

With my leadership experience as a Quality Assurance Engineer Team Leader, I have successfully collaborated with diverse teams, improved processes, and organized knowledge-sharing sessions. These skills will help me advocate for student needs, facilitate better communication between the administration and students, and drive meaningful initiatives.

One of my key goals is to enhance career development opportunities by organizing networking events with industry professionals and alumni, ensuring students have access to valuable mentorship and job prospects. Additionally, I will focus on fostering a more inclusive community by creating spaces where students from all backgrounds feel welcomed, heard, and supported—just as I have done by actively challenging stereotypes and making new students feel at home.

I am also passionate about mental health advocacy and will work to improve resources and awareness initiatives to ensure students can balance their academic and personal well-being.

To me, leadership is about fostering a culture where people feel valued, ensuring that decisions are made with integrity, and having the confidence to take risks while considering their impact on others. It’s about listening, learning, and creating opportunities for growth. These values guide my leadership, and I am ready to serve, support, and represent you. Let’s build a stronger, more connected graduate community together!

Sai Ruthvik Uppala

Hi, I’m Sai Ruthvik Uppala, a Master’s student in Applied Computer Science at GVSU. As the Finance Officer for the Graduate Student Association(GSA), I focus on managing resources responsibly, strengthening financial transparency, and supporting initiatives that make graduate life better for students.

I believe that “alone we can do so little, but together we can do so much more,” and that “powerful people don’t come from powerful places-powerful people make places powerful.” These beliefs shape the way I lead and collaborate, reminding me that real impact comes from teamwork, shared vision, and lifting others up.

Outside of GSA, I also serve as a Graduate Student Representative in the Student Senate and am a Fellow at the Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy. Back in India, I co-founded Mind-Kind, a student-led mental health initiative, and I’ve worked on projects in digital literacy, artificial intelligence, and financial education. I’ve also organized innovation expos and hackathons that brought together thousands of students, experiences that taught me the value of community, planning, and inclusive leadership.

Through my role at GSA, I want to make sure every student feels their voice is heard and their ideas have the power to shape our community

Kwaku Boamah

Kwaku is a dynamic, multifaceted leader passionate about bridging technology, creativity, and community engagement. As Communication Officer for GVSU’s Graduate Student Association (GSA), he leverages his expertise in digital media, strategic communication, and risk management to strengthen graduate student connections and engagement.

Currently pursuing a Master’s in Cybersecurity, Kwaku uniquely blends technical acumen with creative vision. His professional background includes nearly a decade in business continuity & crisis management, audit, risk management and information security at a multinational telecommunication corporation and a Big Four accounting firm. There, he led teams, optimized processes, implemented governance frameworks, and ensured compliance with international standards.

Beyond his technical expertise, Kwaku is an accomplished photographer, videographer, and digital media strategist. As founder of Inphynite Images, he leads a creative team delivering high-quality visual storytelling while mentoring emerging digital artists. His volunteer work with nonprofits and faith-based organizations showcases his ability to craft compelling narratives using cutting-edge tools, amplify voices, and foster community through innovative communication strategies.

As GSA Communication Officer, Kwaku is dedicated to:

• Effectively promoting GSA initiatives and events
• Streamlining graduate student communications
• Elevating the association’s digital presence
• Ensuring every student’s story is heard

Rooted in collaboration and service, Kwaku thrives on transforming ideas into impact - whether behind the camera, in the boardroom, or at campus events.

Cynthia Mutua

Hi! I'm Cynthia, a graduate student in Data Science and Analytics, and I'm excited to serve as your GSA Administrative Officer this academic year. I believe great administration happens when systems work seamlessly behind the scenes, allowing students to focus on what truly matters; their research, growth, and success. My approach is simple. I would like to listen to what students need, smooth out processes that aren't working, and create solutions that actually make sense.

During my time at GVSU, I've seen firsthand how the right support systems can make or break a graduate student's experience. As Administrative Officer, my goal is to ensure every graduate student feels supported, heard, and empowered to succeed. I want to create an environment where administrative processes enhance your academic journey. 

I'm committed to improving communication between students and administration, making GSA operations more transparent and accessible, and ensuring that every student's voice is valued in our decision-making processes. The graduate student community at GVSU has been incredibly welcoming, and I'm excited to give back by serving in this role.

Beyond academics and career progress, I'm passionate about culture. I also love to travel, cook Kenyan food, try out adrenaline activities, and watch anime (Gintama when feeling particularly overwhelmed). So, let's make your graduate experience even better!