Bronx Community College (BCC) Student Government Association (SGA) President Bryan Gomez is on a mission to build community, promote mental health awareness, and ensure every student feels seen and supported.

This year, Gomez and the SGA are focused on creating a more vibrant, student-centered campus culture. “I want to create a campus where social interaction and engagement are encouraged,” Gomez said. “Many students are afraid to speak up because they’ve had doors closed on them in the past. I want to change that.”

A first-generation college student and only the second in his 80-member family of Puerto Rican descent to attend college, Gomez understands the pressures BCC students face. “Things can get overwhelming, and students don’t always know where to turn,” he said. “BCC offers so many great resources. Part of SGA’s role is making sure students know about them.”

Originally from New Rochelle, NY, Gomez’s path to leadership wasn’t straightforward. After leaving college at 17 (he attended FIT for a semester), he enrolled at BCC at 25 to pursue Human Services – and found purpose through involvement with the Get Psyched program, the First-Year Program, and eventually, the SGA.

“Once I got involved, I realized how much of a community there is here,” he said.

His passion for mental health advocacy is personal. “Growing up in a Hispanic household, we didn’t talk about mental health,” Gomez shared. “If you said you were feeling down, people would just tell you to go outside. I don’t want anyone to feel dismissed like that.”

Music has also been a key outlet. “Music has always been my therapy – it helped me through difficult times as a kid,” he said. “I’d love to help strengthen music programs here at BCC. Creative outlets are another form of mental health support.”

Gomez’s journey has included overcoming personal challenges – dropping out of college, confronting unhealthy habits, and losing 75 pounds through lifestyle changes and therapy. “I’ve done the work, and that’s why I’m so passionate about helping others find strength too.”

As SGA president, Gomez aims to create more outdoor events, improve communication about student services, and establish wellness spaces like a meditation room. He’s also exploring a student-led podcast to share student stories.

He credits BCC leadership for fostering a more student-focused environment. “The in-person New Student Orientation and Student Convocation on the quad were great steps toward building community,” he said.

Looking ahead, Gomez plans to complete his fieldwork next semester and transfer to Hunter or Lehman College to pursue a degree in social work. His biggest inspiration is his family—especially his mother, who’s now considering enrolling at BCC herself.

“For me, leadership isn’t about titles – it’s about impact,” Gomez said. “Everything I do is centered around helping and empowering others. My goal is to leave BCC better than I found it.”