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When Stephanie Ahorro ‘26 steps into a room, she brings more than a title with her. As president of Mount Saint Mary’s University’s Student Government Association (SGA), she is a familiar and welcoming presence on campus — someone quick to smile, wave hello, and stop for a conversation in the hallway. But behind that warmth is a disciplined, deeply intentional leader who believes preparation, accountability and community are the foundations of meaningful change.

A senior double majoring in Nursing and Healthcare Policy, Stephanie has emerged as one of the University’s most visible student leaders during a milestone year, representing the Mount at different events as the University celebrates its 100^th anniversary. She recently spoke before the Los Angeles City Council during a special ceremony honoring the Mount’s centennial. During her remarks, she reflected on how the University shaped her academic journey, leadership development and commitment to service in Los Angeles.

“I came to the Mount for nursing,” she shared in her remarks, “but what ultimately drew me here was the opportunity to explore both the clinical side of healthcare and the policy decisions that shape access and quality of care.” That dual perspective has guided both her studies and her leadership on campus.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Stephanie grew up moving between neighborhoods, including Chinatown, Eagle Rock, and the San Fernando Valley. That constant change meant she often had to rebuild her sense of community from scratch. “I didn’t really have a consistent friendship community growing up,” she says. “I was always challenged to meet new people.” Over time, that challenge became a strength, helping her grow more confident, more outgoing, and more willing to speak up.

Before transferring to the Mount in fall 2022, Stephanie attended College of the Canyons, where she completed her prerequisites as a pre-nursing student. As a transfer student, she arrived determined to make the most of her time. She signed up for leadership opportunities, attended conferences, and quickly found her way into student government. She was encouraged by peers who saw her potential and urged her to step forward.

That step proved transformative. Early in her time with SGA, Stephanie discovered a passion for professional development and student empowerment. One of the first events she ever organized was a business card–making workshop for students preparing for conferences. “I didn’t know if people were going to show up,” she recalls. They did. The room was full, and the experience confirmed something she now carries into every leadership role: students are eager to grow when they are given the tools and the confidence to do so.

Today, as SGA president, Stephanie sees her role not as the face of every initiative, but as the support system behind them. Under her leadership, SGA is launching approximately ten student-led initiatives this spring alone, each developed and led by individual student senators. “My job is to make sure every senator feels confident and supported enough to bring their ideas to life,” she explains. “These are their ideas, I just help make them possible.”

Between early-morning clinicals at Glendale Memorial Hospital, a fellowship with California Assemblymember Sade Elhawary (District 57), executive meetings, University committees, and senate sessions, Stephanie balances demanding commitments with care and intention. She is also mindful of modeling healthy leadership habits, encouraging her team to protect time for rest and personal well-being.

One initiative she is particularly proud of is the creation of commuter boards on both campuses, designed to centralize information and resources for commuter students. As a commuter herself, Stephanie understands how easy it can be to feel disconnected. The boards are a tangible step toward building stronger community and visibility for a large portion of the student body.

Reflecting on her time at the Mount, Stephanie credits the University with strengthening her confidence and sense of purpose. "The Mount taught me to believe in myself, to pursue opportunities without fear,” she says. As a student of healthcare policy and political science, she remains hopeful about the future, focused on how her generation can lead with empathy, accountability and action.

As she prepares to graduate this May, Stephanie hopes her legacy within SGA is one of opportunity: more seats at the table for students, more invitations to lead, and greater confidence among students to step into public spaces and speak with authority. “We are more than just students,” she says. “When we show up prepared and accountable, we can deliver.”

Her advice to students who want to make an impact is simple: start somewhere. Join one club. Attend one meeting. Ask one question. “If you try something and don’t like it, you still learned something,” she says. “And eventually, you will find what fits for you.”