Tess Straw
President
Class of 2028
As President of the Harvard College Union Society, Tess Straw champions civility and open, respectful dialogue on difficult issues. A Statistics and History of Science concentrator from Cape Elizabeth, Maine, she embodies her state’s motto, Dirigo (“I Lead”), guiding HCUS to demonstrate to the world that Harvard College remains a beacon of intellectual vitality. Her leadership is rooted in empathy and collaboration, skills honed through mentoring high school students at the HCUS Learn with Leaders Mentorship Camp, where she inspires young minds to engage constructively with diverse perspectives.
Tess’s passion for civil discourse was shaped by her high school experiences, including earning All-State honors in debate, moderating discussions between candidates for elected office in her hometown, serving as a Senator and Supreme Court Justice at ALA Girls Nation, and as being elected Speaker of the House at Dirigo State-- Maine’s coed Boys and Girls State--where she led her minority party to electoral success through inclusive leadership.
Outside of academics, Tess is also a writer, a bassist in various Harvard bands, and a member of Harvard's sailing team.
As President of the Harvard College Union Society, Tess Straw champions civility and open, respectful dialogue on difficult issues. A Statistics and History of Science concentrator from Cape Elizabeth, Maine, she embodies her state’s motto, Dirigo (“I Lead”), guiding HCUS to demonstrate to the world that Harvard College remains a beacon of intellectual vitality. Her leadership is rooted in empathy and collaboration, skills honed through mentoring high school students at the HCUS Learn with Leaders Mentorship Camp, where she inspires young minds to engage constructively with diverse perspectives.
Tess’s passion for civil discourse was shaped by her high school experiences, including earning All-State honors in debate, moderating discussions between candidates for elected office in her hometown, serving as a Senator and Supreme Court Justice at ALA Girls Nation, and as being elected Speaker of the House at Dirigo State-- Maine’s coed Boys and Girls State--where she led her minority party to electoral success through inclusive leadership.
Outside of academics, Tess is also a writer, a bassist in various Harvard bands, and a member of Harvard's sailing team.
