Brandeis Stories

By Julian Cardillo ’14
September 11, 2025

Ria Escamilla-Gil ’27 didn’t arrive at Brandeis planning to join student government — but within a year she was vice president of the Student Union, and now, as a junior, she’s beginning her term as president.

A history and international and global studies double major from Queens, New York, Escamilla-Gil is also active in the Femme of Color Alliance, the Language Empowering Action Project and VoteDeis.

Brandeis Stories caught up with her as she steps into her new leadership role to talk about her path to campus, her priorities as president and her hopes for the future.

How did Brandeis show up on your radar? What made you want to apply?

Brandeis was always my dream school. It was my number one choice, and I was ecstatic when I got in.

I first heard about it through a pre-college program. Brandeis professor Rosalind Kabrhel led some of the online teaching, and even though it was asynchronous, watching her videos and hearing her passion for the subject made me really interested. It made me think, ‘wow, if professors here are like this, Brandeis must be a wonderful school.’

Then, in junior year of high school, I found out that my AP U.S. history teacher’s daughter attended Brandeis. I got to hear about her experience, and after doing more research I fell in love with the school. My teacher Dr. Greenwald actually ended up writing my recommendation letter.

Did you visit campus before applying?

No, I didn’t. I applied to 25 schools — I got a little paranoid about getting in — so I didn’t have time to visit any of them.

But I came to Admitted Students Day in April. It was surreal. Everything was new, and my mom and I got to experience it together for the first time. We realized the campus was really hilly!

I met other incoming students, Roosevelt Fellows, and even the Student Union president at the time, Noah Risley ’24. They talked about their experience, and that was actually the first time Student Union came on my radar.

What has your involvement in the Brandeis Student Union been like? What inspired you to run for president?

Honestly, I didn’t come in planning any of this. I wasn’t in student government in high school, but I regretted not being more involved. So when I got here, Student Union felt like the best way to dive in.

I started as a Class of 2027 senator. In the spring I became executive senator, which meant helping the vice president with meeting agendas and supervising committees.

During freshman spring, Rani Balakrishna ’25, who was then director of DEI and later became president — asked me to run as her vice president. I was shocked since I had only been in Student Union for a year, but I eagerly accepted. I served as VP my sophomore year, and then I decided to run for president this year, my junior year.

As I got more involved, I became passionate about student advocacy — meeting people I wouldn’t have met otherwise, working with student groups, administration, and faculty. By sophomore year as VP, I knew I wanted to become president to keep doing that work.

I also felt the importance of representing the Hispanic and First-Generation communities, something I always aspire to do throughout my contribution to Brandeis, whether in the classroom or outside of campus.

What priorities or an agenda are you advancing?

My vice president Daniel Shin ’27 and I have made mental health our top priority, because it connects to everything — academics, student life and campus climate. We want students to feel welcome and heard, and to address mental health through collaboration with administration and faculty, stress-relief events and support structures.

We also want to continue improving representation. Last year, as VP, I helped bring multicultural hair products into the C-store and bookstore. This year, we want to expand multicultural food options and other seemingly small but impactful changes that really matter to student life.

Students are only here for a few years, but presidents like you have an impact that lasts beyond graduation. How does that feel?

It makes me really happy, especially to see the impact on other students.

For example, I don’t have kinky or curly hair myself, but seeing students’ joy when we brought in multicultural hair products was really meaningful. I know some changes take years, but even laying the foundation feels important.

I also gave feedback on the design for the new residence hall being built. I’ll never live there, but knowing I advocated for future students makes me proud.

Do you have a favorite spot on campus?

I love the Peace Room. I like the yoga pillows and the calm vibe. It's a great place to take a break from a chaotic day.

Have you thought about what you want to do after graduation?

Definitely public service. I want to support communities, maybe through law or legislation.

I’m still exploring, but ideally I’d like to work in the U.S. government as a judge, or as an immigration lawyer. Either way, I want to use my career to support people who need help.

If a high school student were deciding whether to come to Brandeis, what would you tell them?

I’d say Brandeis has an incredibly welcoming community. The people here care. I remember moving into my room when I first arrived, and I was struggling to carry a microwave up the stairs. A completely random student offered to help. Everyone is caring here.

The faculty are also amazing. They genuinely support your goals and check in on your progress.

That sense of belonging and encouragement is something special about Brandeis.