Sasha Freeman’s goal is to be the first female African American governor in the United States. And her experiences at UM-Dearborn are helping her build her political foundation.

Freeman started the campus’ DECA chapter and serves as the president. She also won first place in a statewide DECA competition.

“Sasha exudes every trait that advisers try to encourage of students,” said Lynn Grimley, academic adviser and DECA adviser. “She is highly involved both on campus and within her community, she is humble and kind, and she is a high achiever in her co-curricular activities.”

Alongside her role in DECA, Freeman also plays an active role in Student Government. She has served for the past two years, most recently as the speaker of the senate.

“Being the speaker has helped shape me into the student and leader I am now. It really helped me to grow even further in my pursuit to be a leader on this campus,” she said. “It showed me that I should continue on the path that I am on because it's obviously working and propelling me further on campus.”

With her interest in political activism, Freeman actively participates in College Democrats and is the vice president for the student organization She’s the First, which raises money to sponsor girls’ education in developing countries. She also is a charter member for the campus’ Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. chapter and serves as Student Organization Advisory Council’s academic and professional chairwoman.

“I have strived to always make an impact and a difference on this campus,” she said. “I have worked very hard to improve UM-Dearborn because I love and care about this campus and the people on it. UM-Dearborn is my home.”