Meet the E-board

Heyya, my name’s Alexandria Lanza – although the correct pronunciation is Alessandria (because there’s no “x” in the Italian language, hehe). Anyways, I’m a third year student at SUNY Stony Brook University – my safe haven away from home… loves it!!! I have a double major in Art History and Women’s Studies, along with three minors: Studio Art, Child & Family Studies, and Business Management… hectic, eh? I know it sounds like a lot of randomness, but it all comes together in my world :o) So, other than that, I’m a Student Ambassador, the Vice President of the distinguished and diverse sisterhood of Epsilon Sigma Phi Sorority Inc., and the Vice President of the Golden Key International Honor Society.  I’m one of the many Vagina Warriors of the V-DAY Movement; and am also an artist at heart – painter and photographer – poet, actress, etc. Oh, and I’m a wee bit obsessed with zodiac signs, mythology, and other -ish like that. In my spare time, I tend to act crazy – singing and dancing constantly with a huge smile on my face is the absolute norm for me. I’m extremely liberal – an advocate for women’s rights and equality – an animal lover and conservationist, and a Peer Diversity Educator. I re-founded “FOCUS: On Women & On Diversity” in Spring 2009, and am now the President and Chief Editor of the magazine – a responsibility that I pride myself on very highly… and I’m looking forward to helping it strive in the future.

Hey fabulous readers of FOCUS! My name is Malisa Ali. I am the Assistant Editor/Vice President of FOCUS Magazine! I am a Sophomore at Stony Brook University. I LOVE being a part of FOCUS! It is so empowering! I am very involved on campus. I am the Vice President of Community Service Club and the Co-Vice President of Bengalis Unite! My culture is very important to me. I can speak Bengali but I have a Long Island Bengali accent! I can also read Arabic because I had to learn how to read the Qur'an. I am a Bangladeshi-American Muslim Feminist (say that 5 times!). I am a humanitarian and activist as well. I have so many passions sometimes it is hard to keep track! I AM THE BIGGEST OPRAH FANATIC!! I LOVE OPRAH AND I WANT TO BE HER! She is my hero! On my spare time I like to hmmm...WATCH OPRAH! I also like to read articles from O Magazine! I also like to sing and dance ( I have been on 3 dance teams) and most importantly DREAM (of the day I meet Oprah. duh)! Carpe Diem! Live life to the fullest! That's my mantra! Enjoy the magazine! Muah! xoxo

 
P.S. Did I mention I like Oprah?

Hi, my name is Ancy Thomas and I am the Secretary of FOCUS magazine. I am a sophmore and majoring in Political Science with a minor in Journalism. I am part of several organizations in SBU such as Residence Hall Association, Academic Judiciary, Community Service Club, to name a few.

I love to dance in my spare time, and am part of a few dance teams in Stony Brook University, including SBU Bhangra.

I love Indian food, curly hair, high heels, sweet smiles, big hearts, and Victoria's Secret!

I believe that we should live each day of our life to the fullest and have no regrets. I respect humanitarians like Mother Teresa and Ghandhi, and try to live by their morals and values.

Hi! My name is Kimberly Persaud and I am the Treasurer of Focus Magazine at Stony Brook University. I am a Biochemistry and Women & Gender Studies double major and a senior in hopes of attending medical school. While being extremely devoted to the continuous learning of the disciplines of science and medicine, I am also as equally intrigued in learning about different perspectives on how sex and/or gender has played a part in historical and modern times. The battle between the sexes is the oldest known to mankind, and in case you haven’t figured it out by now… THAT MEANS SOMETHING! But before this becomes an endless rant about how important it is to understand the inner workings of how sex and/or gender affect every aspect of our society, I want you to get to know me a little better. I love to cook, bake, dance, shop, hang out with my brother, go camping, workout, eat delicious food and laugh. So with all that being said, my goals for Focus are simple.  In light of me being a senior, one of my personal goals for this magazine is to leave behind an imprint that will be both beneficial and meaningful to the hard earned reputation that Focus Magazine has achieved. I (along with the beautiful Focus staff) intend to work beyond my limits to make this magazine surpass the expectations of those who choose to read it. Everyone should be for Focus, because Focus is always for EVERYONE!

Helloooo!!!!! I’m Krystle DeSantos, the Website Assistant for FOCUS. I am a senior at Stony Brook University majoring in Women’s Studies and also a minor in Theatre Arts. It was my passion for both women’s issues and creativity that led me to FOCUS. I first participated in FOCUS in Spring 2009, when I submitted photos of a Domestic Violence themed vest I made in a costume class. I was so thrilled to be featured in the only feminist journal on SBU’s campus and also the production of the magazine was very impressive.  This Spring I was ecstatic, delighted, overjoyed (you get the point)  to find out that FOCUS was seeking new persons to fill positions on their E-board and was even more elated to find out that a Web Assistant position was available. Whooohooo!!!!!

Immediately I did some extra research on FOCUS and realized that their web content did not sufficiently reflect the wonderful magazine printed. I wanted to change that. The only previous experience I had with doing online productions was with that of my Blog, Crafty Habit and setting up my jewelry site, Krystyle.com (YES! if you haven’t guessed it as yet, I’m an indulger of the crafts!!!! ), so I was both anxious and excited about undertaking this position. I am somewhat sad that I’m only now taking part in this fabulous journal, especially since I will be graduating in May 2010. However, I plan to dedicate as much energy and time as I possibly can with Alessandria, Kim, Malisa and Ancy as we work diligently in the bringing you FOCUS’s first Web Magazine as well as this semester’s print edition of FOCUS.