On September 4, 2025, we had the honor of meeting with Talladega’s new SGA President, Rakeb “Raki” Tilahun, to discuss her vision for the school year and her personal journey at Talladega.
Raki, an international student originally from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, first came to the United States to complete high school at Piney Woods Boarding School in Mississippi. She says she chose Talladega after visiting campus: “I visited the campus and realized it was the best financial decision for me.”
No stranger to leadership, Raki previously served as Campus Activities Board (CAB) president and is a student in the Dr. Jewel Plummer Cobb Honors Program. She explained that her decision to run for SGA came after consistently pointing out issues on campus and being encouraged to step up. But she also had a deeper motivation: “I wanted to challenge the stereotype that international students don’t contribute. I wanted to show our value and bridge that gap.”
When asked about her main goal for SGA this year, Raki was clear: “I want SGA to return to its true purpose—governing the student body.” She emphasized the importance of separating SGA and CAB responsibilities so that each organization can thrive independently: “SGA should focus on being the voice for students.”
She also shared new initiatives she plans to launch, including a mentorship program connecting students with alumni called C2C (Campus to Corporate): “Mentorship doesn’t stop after college. C2C will give students long-term connections with Talladega alumni.”
For students interested in leadership, Raki offered a thoughtful message:
“Leadership is not an easy task. It teaches you about the real world at a young age. Students who feel called to lead should run for positions, but they need to come in with realistic expectations of the institution.”
Already, Raki has made an impact. She recently addressed the limited food options at the BRB, where students were only able to get chicken tenders despite rising dining costs. After bringing her concerns directly to President Todd, the issue was swiftly resolved. Students now enjoy a wider variety of meals.
As for the legacy she hopes to leave: “I want students to feel empowered and heard, and to always advocate for better for themselves. Students have a voice and the power to do a lot together—if they speak up, change can happen.”
We look forward to seeing the programs and progress Raki will bring to Talladega this year.
