National Leadership Council

The National Leadership Council is a select group of students and recent alumni who provide insight, guidance, and support to the national Secular Student Alliance.

Shakkthipratha

(she/her)

Texas A&M University

Biography

Shakkthipratha is an undergraduate student at Texas A&M University studying political science, with interests in public policy, racial and gender-based equity, and strategic communications. She has extensive experience in digital communications, nonprofit advocacy, and youth leadership through her work with organizations including the Brazos Valley Pride Community Center, the Young Democratic Socialists of America, and Period Project, where she has led campaigns, created advocacy-driven digital content, and supported fundraising efforts.

Most recently, she was involved with the Young Women’s Project in Washington, D.C., contributing to youth-led policy advocacy and organizing focused on mental health reform as part of Texas A&M University’s Public Policy Scholars Program. She has also supported academic research through the Bush School of Government and Public Service, producing data-driven analyses on political and social equity. Passionate about expanding access to education and amplifying underrepresented voices, she is excited to bring her research, storytelling, and organizing experience to the NLC.

Soren

(she/her)

Indiana High School

Biography

Soren is a junior in high school in a small, rural, predominantly Christian town in Indiana. Growing up atheist in Indiana inspired her to seek out atheist communities and support secular organizations. Soren is passionate about activism and politics. Christian nationalist efforts to erode the separation of church and state have motivated her to pursue leadership in organizations that work to preserve church-state separation. Her experiences traveling and participating in an exchange year in Germany have shown her the importance of acceptance and tolerance. She is excited to work with the SSA to organize a space for secular students to engage in political, philosophical, and religious discussions, find community, and make a difference.

Andrew

(he/him)

Rice University

Biography

Andrew is a first-year student at Rice University studying political science. He is especially interested in civic engagement, law, and the ways religion impacts politics. He also writes for the Rice Thresher as an opinions columnist and is passionate about engaging with campus in this way. He enjoys reading in his free time. In his home state of Michigan, he has worked in advocacy by canvassing for local campaigns and leading students to get involved with politics. He is looking forward to engaging with secular advocates on a nationwide level to learn from other leaders and strengthen the secular community for students across the country.

Juliette

(she/her)

Florida High School

Biography

Juliette is a junior in high school looking forward to studying chemistry in college. She is an active member of her school’s Key Club, NHS, student government, Model UN, and trivia team. Her accomplishments include induction into the LOMY Class of 37, a Best Delegate award in Model UN, and first place in the Fine Arts for Ocala student art showcase. Excited to bring a creative perspective to the NLC, Juliette looks forward to a new year of leadership and growth with the SSA.

Mary

(she/her)

Shepherd University

Biography

Mary is a junior Biology major, Art minor, pre-medical student, and campus advocate at Shepherd University. Serving as president of the Secular Student Alliance at Shepherd University (SSAS), Mary leads a welcoming space on campus for students to push for inclusivity and progress.

Throughout time as president of SSAS, Mary has collaborated with a dedicated team of students and faculty to foster a growing community of atheists, agnostics, and allies who support the separation of church and state. Mary has helped organize events that spark conversations about religious freedom, science, personal autonomy, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and more.

As a student living and advocating in West Virginia, one of the most conservative states in America, Mary looks forward to bringing that perspective to the National Leadership Council and contributing organizing and leadership skills alongside a team of driven student leaders.

Josh

(he/him)

Shippensburg University, PhD

Biography

Jeremy

(he/him)

Georgetown, PhD

Biography

Get Involved!

Interested in becoming a Board Member or part of the National Leadership Council?

Email us at organizer@secularstudents.org for information regarding upcoming board vacancies.