Student Government Association

Meet the SGA Executive Board

Student Trustee, Melissa Horne

My name is Melissa Horne and I am the current Student Trustee for NECC. I am a full time Human Services major who returned to college after 28 years. I have spent those years being a mother to my 6 children, some who are also NECC students as well as being a small business owner in both Haverhill and Lawrence. I have spent my time at NECC, connecting with our student body and advocating for student issues at both the state and national levels like the Pell Grant, MassReconnect, and everything in between. Being a part of the NECC community has been life shifting for me and I have built some of the most amazing friendships on both campuses. I spend most of my time doing classwork but I enjoy cooking, creating, and being of help to anyone who needs it. SGA is one of most favorite parts of being a Student Trustee as I get to go from a formal setting in the board room to staying connected to the community that keeps Northern Essex Community College up and running. I plan on continuing my education while also continuing to do advocacy and political work in the future. If you see me around campus, please feel free to chat with me!! 

 
President, Stacy Zappala

I’m Stacy Zappala, a dedicated student leader, published author, and Certified Peer Educator passionate about building an inclusive, connected community at Northern Essex Community College. Having served as Vice President of the Lawrence Campus last semester, I bring strong leadership, clear communication, and proven experience to the Executive Board. On campus, I supervise the Digital Media Lab and serve on the judging committee for the Parnassus Literary Journal. Beyond NECC, I actively volunteer with The Haverhill Clubhouse, supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. As President, I am committed to advocating for marginalized groups, supporting students with learning differences, bridging gaps across our campuses, and ensuring every student leaves a positive impact.

 
Vice President, Jonas Tejada

Within NECC, I serve as a Peer Tutor and am heavily involved with the SOAR program as an Ambassador and marketing volunteer. I am Co-Treasurer of the Alpha Beta Gamma (ABG) Honor Society and a member of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Commonwealth Honors Program, and I recently earned my NAPSA Certified Peer Tutor certification.

I am deeply involved in legal and policy work in Lawrence, and I want to redirect that experience toward SGA and NECC to create lasting impact. I believe my background gives me both the flexibility and the qualifications to lead the SGA effectively. ooking ahead, I plan to complete my bachelor’s degree in economics or finance and then continue on to law school.

As Vice President, my immediate goal is to enhance the student experience across both campuses by advocating for the student body and expanding opportunities and accessibility for every student. I want SGA to be visible and reachable on both campuses, not just one, and I want to strengthen the connection between student organizations and the resources available to them. Drawing on my experience as a Peer Tutor, I also hope to push for stronger academic support for the students who need it most. In the long term, I want to revamp the honor decorations awarded to graduating students, so that their academic achievements are properly recognized as they move on to further education.

 
Community Impact Chair, Kisleiny Abreu

I believe real change starts within. The way we think, the way we respond and the way we see ourselves shapes how we show up in the world. Because of that, my approach to social issues is not only focused on external solutions, but also on self-awareness and helping people reconnect with themselves. In my experience, many of the struggles we see in communities come from disconnection, from people feeling unheard, unseen or stuck in patterns they don’t understand. I focus on creating spaces for reflection and also sharing from my own experiences, allowing others to feel seen and understood. When someone gains clarity within, their actions naturally begin to change. I believe in leading by example, not by telling people what to do, but by embodying the work myself. Through my involvement in student leadership and my personal projects, I aim to bring awareness, encourage reflection and create meaningful conversations. To me, collaboration means meeting people where they are and building from a place of awareness. Change doesn’t happen by force; it begins with self-awareness and grows through connection, understanding and consistency. My goal is to contribute to communities by helping others reconnect with their inner clarity, because from that place, real and lasting change begins.

 
Student Advocacy Chair, Chelsey Dume

As Student Advocacy Chair for SGA, my goal is to advocate for all students at NECC regardless of anything other than being a student, without preference. I am here for you.

I am a returning student who has finally come out at a pivotal moment in my life. I am in a defining position to align myself in the direction to show up, voice the concerns of, and really listen to my peers. Remember, I’m here for you. I have been there too—navigating through all aspects of life and figuring it out along the way.

After graduation, I plan to transfer and receive a Liberal Arts degree in Journalism and Communications. I am especially interested in broadcasting and hope to start my own podcast. 

Student Engagement Chair – Lawrence Campus, Kiandra Peralta

My name is Kiandra Peralta. I am currently majoring in Biology with hopes in becoming a dietitian. I am committed to providing the campus with fun and engaging events that every student can attend and come out of with new information or just a new experience added to your side quests list. I intend to join a 4-year college after NECC to help adolescents with complex medical issues with their nutrition and wellness to be able to live fulfilling lives outside of their illnesses. I am excited to be a part of the SGA and make your college life an enjoyable experience. 

Student Engagement Chair – Haverhill Campus, Andrea Wall-Sanchez

Vacancies: Secretary, Treasurer, Marketing Chair, Parliamentarian