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Meet the GSO Officers

Current GSO Officers

President

Cherise Edwards

Hello!!! I am a first-year doctoral student in the College of Nursing, and second-term GSO president. I have enjoyed connecting graduate students to strengthen and build our community at Marquette. The GSO has been successful with increasing stipends for assistantships, offering engaging programming that supports graduate student health and wellness, and being a platform to voice and address graduate student concerns. Our plan is to continue to advance the graduate community as a strong, close network of individuals who have a positive impact on Marquette University, the Jesuit community, and each other.

I am a member of the American Nurses Association, the Wisconsin Nurse Association, National Student Nurse Association, the American College of Nurse Midwifes, the National Black Nurses association and the United States Tennis Association. I’m originally from New Orleans and I grew up in Atlanta. In my free time, I love to play tennis, video games, sew, puzzle, diamond art, and read novels (suspense thrillers, lately)! I have 3 human children: 16 yrs, 14yrs, 12 yrs; and 2 fur goldendoodle babies. I really dislike chocolate but love candy corn, talking, laughing, and hugs!

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Vice President

Eileen Carr

As a first-generation Afro-Latina graduate student, I am honored to serve as Vice President of the Graduate Student Organization! This opportunity will allow me to advocate for those who are learning how to navigate college, finding resources, and opportunities. With the collaboration of my colleagues, we will strive to make innovative changes as well as improvements to overall graduate student life because we are aware of its critical impact to the success of graduate students.

When I am not studying my nursing material I enjoy cooking, baking, exploring the city, solo-dates, self-care, creating music playlist (send me recommendations), recording my podcast, and creating content on social media.

I look forward to serving this year and please do not hesitate to reach out to the Graduate Student Organization.

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Communications Officer

Christian Otchere

Hola, my name is Christian Otchere, and I am from Ghana, West Africa, where I was born and raised. I hold an undergraduate degree in Information Technology, and I moved to the United States to pursue a master’s degree in Communication.

In this role, my primary focus will be to create an interconnected network of departmental bodies synchronized with the GSO, ensuring that the graduate student population receives real-time updates and stays engaged and connected.

Additionally, with the collaboration of my colleagues, I aim to devise communication strategies that revamp and bolster the presence of the GSO. My goal is to enhance our organization's visibility and effectiveness in serving the needs of graduate students.

I have a strong passion for research. In my free time, you will find me at Johnston Hall working on my research projects or sitting out in the open enjoying the natural breeze. Oh, and I have a comical sense of humor and I smile a lot!

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Logistics Chair

Adam Kershek

I am honored to serve as the Logistics Officer for the Graduate Student Organization (GSO) at Marquette University. With a strong background in finance and logistics, I am committed to ensuring smooth operations within the GSO and making a positive and significant impact on our community.

Originally from Brookfield, Wisconsin, I am pursuing my MBA at Marquette University with a concentration in finance, where I have maintained a high GPA, leading to my membership in Beta Gamma Sigma. This distinction is the highest honor the College of Business Administration and Graduate School of Management can bestow upon a student, extended only to the most outstanding students at AACSB-accredited business schools.

My journey began at Marquette University with a passion for making a difference. The profound impact Marquette has had on me, both personally and professionally, inspired me to give back to the community by volunteering in an area I am passionate about - finance and logistics. I am eager to use my skills to improve operational effectiveness and serve not only the Graduate Student Organization but the Milwaukee community as well.

Currently, I work in finance at Saputo, where I am fortunate to be surrounded by incredible colleagues and to pursue work that I am passionate about. This role has deepened my understanding of financial management and operations, reinforcing my commitment to achieving excellence in my field.

Outside of academics and work, I have a deep passion for soccer, football (yes, I love both the one with the round ball and the one with touchdowns), traveling, music, fitness, and spending time with friends and family. At age 12, I had the privilege of joining the Olympic Development Program for soccer, allowing me to travel and compete across the United States for four years. As for football, I am a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan and try never to miss a game. Traveling is another passion of mine, and as a fun fact, I am a dual citizen of the United States and Luxembourg. When it comes to music, I listen to just about everything, so feel free to send me your favorite songs - I will forever appreciate you. I am extremely family-oriented and love meeting new friends while growing closer to the ones I already have. I believe that the relationships we build and the happiness they bring are what life is all about.

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Community Engagement Officer

Julie Shlyakhetko

Julie Shlyakhetko is currently an MBA student focused on finance and leadership. She obtained her undergraduate degree at Marquette University, graduating from the Commercial Banking Program with a B.S. in Finance and Information Technology in 2019 and since then has spent five years in the banking industry, holding several titles in credit and relationship management. She is currently at Bank of America and is involved in several employee network groups, focusing on women in business and career and professional development. She is also on the Wisconsin Bank of America Volunteer Board and enjoys engaging with the community to connect organizations with resources and volunteers. Some of her favorite organizations she has volunteered with before have been the Sojourner Family Peace Center, Junior Achievement, Kinship, and Habitat for Humanity. In her free time, Julie enjoys exploring new restaurants with her partner and spending time with their dog, Cade, and their 7-year-old gangly Thoroughbred, Caruso.

Contact Julie