Tyra Lawley, Senate President of the Associated Student Government (ASG) at San Diego City College, has transformed her experiences as a college student into a powerful platform for student advocacy. Though her path to leadership wasn’t always easy, Lawley is now at the forefront of efforts to address homelessness, improve accessibility, and amplify the voices of underrepresented students.

Looking back at her early academic struggles, Lawley was quick to admit that she wasn’t always a model student. “I wasn’t a good student in high school,” she said candidly. “I didn’t really know how to navigate school. It was only when I got to college that I began to understand how much support and resources I actually needed to succeed.”

This realization has fueled her passion for supporting other students facing similar challenges. As Senate President, Lawley’s primary focus has been advocating for those who are often overlooked, including students experiencing homelessness. She has worked tirelessly with her senate team to increase awareness of resources for students in need, from emergency housing and food programs to mental health services. “It’s tough to be in school and focus on your studies when you’re worried about where you’ll sleep or how you’ll eat,” Lawley explained. “I’ve seen how important these resources are for students, and I’m proud to have helped bring more awareness to this issue.”

Her efforts have brought light to more funding for essential programs, but Lawley’s drive doesn’t stop there. She also works on improving accessibility around the campus. As someone with an invisible disability, Lawley is deeply committed to ensuring that every student has equal access to education and campus facilities. She has advocated for more accessible pathways, better signage, and enhanced support for students with varying needs during ASG meetings with the Dean of Student Affairs. “Accessibility is about more than just physical spaces. It’s about making sure that every student, no matter their challenges, has the same opportunities to succeed,” Lawley said.

In addition to her advocacy work, Lawley’s role as Senate President has involved navigating complex relationships and conflicts within ASG. She noted that learning how to manage conflict has been a crucial part of her leadership development. “Patience has been key for me,” Lawley explained. “I’ve had to learn how to listen to everyone’s concerns and take a step back before reacting. Conflict resolution is a huge part of leadership, and I’ve worked hard to make sure that we approach challenges as a team.”

Her patience and ability to collaborate with diverse viewpoints have made her an effective leader within ASG.  Lawley takes pride in creating an environment where all voices are heard, and where students feel empowered to share their concerns. “Student government is not just about the loudest voices or the most popular people,” she said. “It’s about listening to all students, especially those who are sometimes overlooked, and making sure that their issues are being addressed.”

One of Lawley’s strategies has been holding regular senate meetings, where students can directly share their feedback. She believes these open forums have been a valuable tool in ensuring that ASG remains connected with the student body. “We’ve made it a point to make ourselves accessible to students. It’s crucial that we stay in touch with the issues that matter most to them,” she said.

Her leadership style also emphasizes the importance of teamwork.  Lawley sees ASG as a collective effort and encourages her colleagues to work together toward common goals. “Leadership is about service, not about having a title,” she said. “I want to make sure that my team is working together and that we’re all focused on what’s best for the student body.”

In her time as Senate President, Lawley has seen her leadership evolve through the challenges and triumphs she’s encountered. Her personal growth has not only made her a more effective advocate but also a more empathic leader. “I’ve learned a lot about myself through this role,” she said. “I’ve learned the importance of patience, listening, and working collaboratively.”

 Lawley has ambitious plans for her future — both during her time at San Diego City College and beyond. She aims to continue working on policy reform that affects students on a larger scale, drawing from her experiences on campus to advocate for meaningful change in the broader educational system.

“I know that we can make a real impact here, and I want to take that experience with me as I work to help students everywhere,” she said. I share the progress of pressing initiatives with my senate peers to empower them for when I transfer. I'm pleased they will continue what I started.

As she reflects on her journey, Lawley remains focused on her mission: to create a college environment where every student feels valued, heard, and supported. “At the end of the day, it’s about making sure that every student has the opportunity to succeed. I’m here to help make that happen.”

Tyra Lawley’s leadership continues to inspire those around her. Through her advocacy for student resources, focus on accessibility and dedication to inclusive leadership, she is leaving an indelible mark on San Diego City College. With her patient and empathic approach, Lawley is shaping the future of student advocacy on campus and beyond.