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.

Francis Xavier Monari

Having served as the Admin Officer, I have actively participated in Funding Board meetings, gaining valuable experience in the financial approval process and understanding how funds are allocated to support student initiatives.
With my background in biostatistics and data analysis, I bring strong analytical and financial management skills to ensure transparency, efficiency, and strategic resource allocation. My experience with GSA finances gives me the insight needed to advocate for responsible budgeting and ensure that funding decisions align with the needs of our graduate student community.
I will work to enhance financial accountability, improve accessibility to funding for student organizations, and streamline processes to make financial decisions more transparent and effective. My goal is to maximize GSA’s resources to support professional development, networking, and student success.
I would be honored to serve as your Finance Officer and contribute to strengthening GSA’s financial impact. I appreciate your support and look forward to the opportunity to represent you!

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!

Lucy Groothuis

Hi! My name is Lucy and I am a second-year Biomedical Sciences graduate student excited to serve on the GSA’s E-board this academic year.

I was born and raised in West Michigan but went across the lake to attend the University of Chicago where I graduated cum laude with a degree in Biological Sciences and a minor in Spanish Language, Literature, and Culture. As an All-American cross-country student-athlete, I honed my time management, team-building, and leadership skills that I will undoubtedly extend to my role as an E-board member.

During my first year at GVSU, I got involved with the Biomedical Sciences department by becoming a Graduate Assistant for the Anatomy and Physiology laboratories, which has deepened my passion for interdisciplinary learning experiences. As I finish my Master’s degree I will be working in an immunology laboratory with Dr. Kristin Renkema to develop and publish an open-access lab manual for an undergraduate immunology laboratory course.

The graduate student community here at GVSU has had such a positive impact on me both personally and academically. As Administrative Officer, my goal is to foster a connected graduate community where all students feel heard, supported, and empowered, and I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with fellow board members to further enhance the graduate student experience.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the GSA or the graduate student experience at GVSU!

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.