Meet our 2025-2026 State Chair, Em Hodge!

Why did you want to serve as State Chair? 

One thing I’ve learned about myself is that social injustice fuels the work I do. This is what led me to  Students United last year. I joined Students United as the Legislative Affairs Fellow under the Community Leader Fellowship (CLF) program.

Em at the Minnesota State Legislature with a fellow Minnesota State University - Mankato student

Through my experience with CLF, I expanded my knowledge on educational advocacy, relationship building, and my public speaking skills. I deepened my passion for student leadership and advocacy, which led me to run for the position of State Chair for the 2025-2026 academic year!  

Students United’s mission of amplifying student voices has empowered me to seek change and empower others through the work I do. Our mission and values are representative of the positive change I want to make in this world. As the 2025-2026 State Chair I hope to show up, build relations, and empower students across the MN system to speak on issues that affect them. 

Being State Chair is a large role – but I’m up to the task, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting the needs of Minnesota State University students. Students hold the power to change the world and higher education for the better. Together, we’re unstoppable.  

Tell us more about you! 

Em at her graduation

I graduated with my Bachelor of Social Work in Spring 2025 at Minnesota State University - Mankato. Now I'm staying in Mankato and pursuing my Masters of Social Work! I picked my major because I wanted to learn more from people, uplift them and their communities, and  support them as they create their own way in the world.n My passion has focused on community action where I want to combat injustices and fight for the basic rights of individuals. 

For my career goals, after I graduate with my Master of Social Work, I seek to gain hours for licensure. In the process of obtaining my licensure, I want to seek a job within a school, university, or nonprofit centered on doing community work. I want to practice activism skills and center the lived experiences of people in the community-practice I plan to do. 

A few of Em's plants

Lastly, I’ll leave some fun facts about myself! I am a plant-parent and own 10+ plants in my home with the openness for more adoption. I own almost every plant imaginable, but Bruce Bambino is my favorite. 

I also LOVE YouTube video essays or documentaries. They can be about any random niche, so if you have any good

ones, please reach out and we will talk! Thanks for reading about me! I look forward to working with you in the upcoming year! You can reach Em at StateChair@studentsunited.org, or fill out our contact form here.