From SUNY Sullivan Student to Communications Content Creator
Dayanara Olan’s journey with SUNY Sullivan began as a Fallsburg High School graduate who wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye to home. Through the Sullivan Promise Scholarship, she enrolled at SUNY Sullivan, a decision she now calls one of the best of her life.
During her time on campus, Dayanara became a fixture of student life. She served as president of the Art Club and was active in the Latin Student Union, Black Student Union, Nutrition Club, Gender and Sexuality Alliance, Performing Arts Club, Faculty Student Association, and Online Advisory Committee.
Her leadership found its fullest expression in the Student Government Association, where she began as social media manager and rose to president, leading a team of student representatives in advocating for student needs and designing community engagement initiatives. She also performed in two theater productions, building confidence and lasting friendships along the way.
“SUNY Sullivan quickly became much more than a college, it became a second home to me,” Dayanara reflects. “Through my involvement on campus and in the community, I developed leadership skills, discovered my passion for public service, and grew not just professionally, but as a woman. I learned how to advocate for myself, step outside my comfort zone, and take on leadership roles.”
In May 2024, Dayanara graduated from SUNY Sullivan with honors, earning her Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement with a 3.2 GPA. She transferred to the University at Albany, where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Management with a minor in Criminal Justice, a path that built directly on the foundation she gained at SUNY Sullivan.
At UAlbany, Dayanara鈥檚 leadership continued to grow. She was elected executive director of public relations and chief communications officer for the SUNY Student Assembly, overseeing digital strategy and communications for SUNY students across the state.
She was also selected for the New York State Senate Legislative Internship Program, serving in the office of State Senator Pete Harckham first as a session assistant and later as a legislative aide. In those roles, she gained hands-on experience monitoring legislation, drafting bill introductions, and supporting constituent engagement. During this time, she also drafted and presented a student-led bill on active shooter preparedness.
Beyond academics and government work, Dayanara remained committed to community service, volunteering with IGNITE at the University at Albany and participating in the Student Philanthropy Fund, where she helped allocate a $10,000 grant to support food security initiatives.
In May 2026, Dayanara participated in UAlbany鈥檚 commencement activities as a member of the Class of 2026. She is expected to complete her Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Management in August 2026. She also brought her story full circle by returning to SUNY Sullivan as the communications content creator for the Office of Communications, where she now helps tell the stories of the campus that shaped her own journey.
Looking ahead, Dayanara hopes to one day serve in elected office and make a meaningful impact through public service. 鈥淣o matter where life takes me, SUNY Sullivan will always be my second home,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t gave me the confidence, opportunities, and the overall support system that helped me become the person I am today 鈥� and for that, I will always be grateful to be a General.鈥�
