Class of 2027

My priorities for the Board of Trustees:

Hello everyone! My name is Keten Abebe and I hope to be a representative voice for all Cornell students and bring a fresh, student-centered vision to the table. My initiatives include: lowering the cost and improving access to healthcare and financial aid services, leading by listening, and embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion to truly live out Cornell’s motto of “Any Person, Any Study.” As someone who has personally felt the weight of healthcare and financial costs here at Cornell, I know how important it is for students to be able to focus on their academics, passions, and well-being without facing overwhelming barriers. I will work tirelessly to reinstate programs like SHP+, expand financial aid for both domestic & international students, reduce gym membership fees, and make mental health resources more accessible on campus. By truly listening to our students, I’ll serve as a bridge between students, communities, and the administration, working to amplify all of our voices and make communication more transparent. I will host monthly town halls, hold one-on-one chats with students, and partner with student organizations to ensure that our ideas, concerns, and visions are not just heard, but acted upon. I am committed to embracing our diversity of identity and thought, creating equitable spaces where the concerns of various communities are heard, and uniting around shared causes to advocate for initiatives that improve student life and create positive lasting impacts.

My experience:

Currently, I represent and advocate for Brooks students as a Brooks School Student Ambassador, serving as a liaison between students and the administration. I work to uplift student voices, ideas, and visions to ensure they are reflected in school decision-making. As a Policy Analyst for the Cornell Policy Group, I use research and advocacy to address social issues impacting marginalized communities both locally and globally. Most recently, through our Advocacy Project, I successfully advocated for increasing healthcare access for immigrants in NYS. I also manage CPG’s budget allocation to ensure that all of our students’ needs are met and create inclusive spaces where students are able to share their views on social and policy issues.

I’ve held roles at Cornell that have allowed me to engage with, and represent, various communities including: Black Ivy Pre-Law Society, Diversity Admissions Ambassadors, Cornell Mock Trial, and Cornell Traditions Fellowship dedicated to public service.

My interests:

As a public policy student, I have a deep passion and interest for public service and advocating for others. Whether I’m volunteering at campus events, engaging in “Know Your Rights” workshops, or supporting immigration reform and rights, I genuinely enjoy learning from others and helping people feel seen and heard. I’m especially committed to using policy to uplift underrepresented groups, protect student rights, and create equal opportunity initiatives. In the past, I’ve worked to increase student funding at my high school, promote sustainability within diverse communities, and expand access to educational and professional opportunities for students of all backgrounds. I plan to bring this same drive and experience to the Board of Trustees to advocate for student voices and push for lasting, student-centered change. Outside of academics and advocacy, I love learning new languages, exploring different music genres, trying new food spots, and meeting new people.