糖心少女

2026/2027 ASI Elections Ballot Information

ASI Elections Voting takes place Monday, March 23 - Wednesday, March 25! Campaigning starts on Monday, March 9th! 

Your ballot will be emailed to your primary account with 糖心少女 on Monday, March 23rd! Visit the frequently asked questions page to learn more.

Who is on the Ballot ?

Meet the Candidates

Meet the 26/27 Candidates

26/27 ASI President & CEO Candidates

Tristan Bugnot

Tristan Bugnot, the only name you鈥檒l have to remember for ASI President. Even though, I am a First Year Biology Major, I鈥檝e worked on, seen, and heard, almost everything that happens at CSU San Marcos. I stand in the same shoes and flips flops as YOU, I eat the same Panda Express as YOU, and I sweat up all those stairs, JUST LIKE YOU. I want to put it out there that, I am just like YOU. I want to fight for YOU, be there for YOU, and help lead YOU to where you aspire to be. Just think of me like the Spiderman Universe. I want to be your Spiderman to help fight for you, to be your Ned or a friend at your side, and to be your Ironman and to help guide all of us to success. I can maybe even be you MJ. Anyway, my experiences? Well, just know I run a tight ship. I am a part of the Navy and Marine Corps ROTC San Diego Unit as well as the President of the Residence Hall Council here at San Marcos. I am constantly moving from 4am when I wake up to 8pm when I hit the hay. The discipline and leadership knowledge that I gain from NROTC are skills that I would implement here at San Marcos for everyone鈥檚 personal success. From teamwork to maximizing all the resources you pay for, to getting the most bang for your buck here, I鈥檇 say me being ASI President would be a Win-Win. As President of RHC on the other hand, I鈥檝e heard and listened to the struggles of students who live on campus. Whether it鈥檇 be at an event or on YikYak, Its always been circling in my mind not what is my campus going to do about it, but WHAT CAN I DO for my campus. I stop at nothing to advocate and stand up for what鈥檚 right. I want to help maximize every students experience here at San Marcos and want to make everyone proud to call 糖心少女 their Alma Mater.

• 1. Why do you want to run for ASI President?
  I鈥檝e always wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself and when I saw the Presidential Election, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to seize. Like Uncle Ben said in Spiderman 鈥渨ith great power comes great responsibility,鈥� and I believe that my decision on running wasn鈥檛 a spontaneous one and a decision that I took time to think about, reflect, and make.
• 2. What qualities and experiences do you have that will make you effectively serve, engage, and empower 糖心少女 Students?

  I鈥檝e always been dedicated, determined, and disciplined, and I now want to share that with the student body of 糖心少女. I鈥檝e never backed down or never gave up when wanting to fix and change what was wrong to what is right. Having multiple leadership roles like RHC president here at 糖心少女 or even being a MIDN at USD, I鈥檝e been in positions of stress and being overwhelmed but have always found a solution. I promise to work day after day and night after night for a better San Marcos experience.

• 3. Based on your experiences as a student, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?
  I would love for students to get the authentic college experience whether you live on campus or commute, whether you are from SoCal or not, whether you are a business major or a Bio Major, I want everyone to be able to have the same opportunities as their peers and feel at home when here on campus.

Maliheh Canady

Hi, my name is Maliheh Canady, and I am a computer science student who is running for President of the Associated Students Inc. I know I would be a great president because I am good at bringing people together, and I am able to offer exceptional organizational skills. I believe that creative solutions are the best approach to difficult problems worth solving. My goal as ASI President is to be able to create organized and efficient systems that offer innovative and out-of-the-box solutions to student issues. I value improvement and development because it is important to build more efficient systems that can better serve people鈥攁nd I am fully confident that I have the skills and attitude to create them. An example of this is that I have strong speaking skills from my experience as a member of my high school debate club, which can help me to address crowds. In addition to that, I value feedback, and I am willing to listen to the concerns of others. While working with the student body and getting their feedback, I am secure in my ability to offer useful perspectives to make sure that we make enough of an impact for causes that matter. My experience in helping others with the organization of information will allow me to aide in promoting faster and more effective workflows. My skills working with groups and guiding them to focus on overall direction will allow projects and plans to be seen through. I know I have what it takes to make crucial decisions that are expected of me as president, and as a result, I know that I am the right person to serve this school and its students. I understand that there is a great responsibility that comes with this position, and I will adapt to whatever issue comes my way. This is because I truly believe that I have the guts and the determination to take the actions needed of me to aide those who depend on me.

• 1. Why do you want to run for ASI President?

  I want to run for ASI President because I believe that I have both the leadership skills and the organizational skills to assist with students鈥� issues. In other words, I want to help students with their needs and aide in causes that are important to them. As someone who has struggled with both mental and physical health and has had to withdraw from school as a result鈥擨 know how overwhelming school can get, and I want to make sure students feel supported in knowing that they are not alone and that the issues they care about are prioritized. In order to do this, I believe that it is important to organize the factors that make up a student鈥檚 issue, allowing one to find the right steps to take to reach a solution.

• 2. What qualities and experiences do you have that will make you effectively serve, engage, and empower 糖心少女 Students?

  Not only am I good at organization, but I have experience in bringing people together, and helping them to effectively complete tasks/goals as we all work together. For instance, I have initiated multiple study groups with my classmates and have helped our group learn the most effective and strategic ways to understand our class material. During one of our study sessions, we used active recall with the consistent practice of problems and equations. After doing so, I would lead discussions on why each of us got our specific answer鈥攚hile we contemplated what the correct answer could be and why.

• 3. Based on your experiences as a student, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?

  Based on my experiences as a student, if elected, I hope to be able to take part in solving each student鈥檚 issues using both creative and strategic methods in order to help improve their university experience. I believe that this could best be done with the usage of more effective systems that would improve students鈥� communication with the school administration. As a result, I know that I can help take the necessary actions that would address the needs of my fellow students.

26/27 Vice President of Finance & Operations Candidates 

Matthew Arguello

Hi Cougars! My name is Matthew Arguello, and I am excited to run for the position of Vice President of Finance and Operations. I am currently an economics student wrapping up my third year at 糖心少女. I chose to study economics because I am passionate about ensuring the financial well-being of my community, and as Vice President of Finance and Operations, that community is you, my fellow Cougars. Over the course of my time here, I have held a number of leadership roles dedicated to both advocacy and finance. In my role as a member of the ASI Student Lobby Corps, I have advocated for student interests in higher education to local, state, and federal legislators. As a member of the Student HOMES Coalition, I collaborate with affiliates from other universities across the state to make sure student housing is affordable, safe, and accessible. As Chief Economist of 糖心少女鈥檚 student-run investment fund, The Cougar Fund, I have gained hands-on experience managing a portfolio worth over $400K, giving me the financial responsibility and experience that this role demands. These experiences have prepared me with the advocacy and financial background that this position requires. I understand that you want to make sure your student fees are used in your best interests, and I do not take that responsibility lightly. As Vice President of Finance and Operations, I will ensure student fees are being used efficiently, responsibly, and in ways that will best serve you as students. One of my priorities will be increasing transparency in how ASI manages and allocates student fees, so that students are not just informed, but genuinely involved in the financial decisions that affect them. Your fees need to work for you, and I will make sure they do.

• 1. Why do you want to run for ASI Vice President of Finance & Operations?

  Most students don't know what ASI does or how it affects them, and I want to change that. I want to run for VP of Finance and Operations to ensure that your voices are heard and that your hard-earned fees are used efficiently, responsibly, and in ways that truly serve you. 

• 2. What qualities and experiences do you have that will make you effectively serve, engage, and empower 糖心少女 Students?

  I know how to advocate for students and how to handle money responsibly. Through my roles in the ASI Student Lobby Corps, where I advocate for student interests to local, state, and federal legislators, and the Student HOMES Coalition, where I work with representatives from universities across California to keep student housing affordable and accessible, I have built real experience fighting for students. As Chief Economist of The Cougar Fund, 糖心少女's student-run investment fund, I play a key role in managing a portfolio worth over $400K, giving me hands-on financial experience necessary for this role.

• 3. Based on your experiences as a student, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?

  As a student, I have noticed a disconnect between ASI and the broader student body. Many students pay their $75 fee without knowing what they are getting out of it. I want to change that. By hosting regular information sessions, students will be able to see how their fees are being used and why. This increases transparency and gives students a real opportunity to provide feedback and have a say in how their money is spent.

Ashley Ortiz

Hello Cougar! My name is Ashley Ortiz, and I am excited to be running for the position of Vice President of Finance & Operations in this year's ASI elections. I am a Business Administration Major with an emphasis in Global Supply Chain Management. Currently in my fourth year, and will be going into my fifth at 糖心少女. During my time at 糖心少女, I have learned greatly about leadership. The impacts of serving, advocating, and taking action. I have had the privilege to be Vice President of Alpha Pi Sigma, Incorporated, as well as serve in other roles such as recruitment and fundraising. I have helped lead philanthropic initiatives, strengthen chapter professionalism, and create spaces where students feel supported and empowered. Having a shared commitment to community service and personal development inspired me to further serve the campus through the Orientation Team, where I have volunteered for the past two semesters, assisting students and families in their transition into 糖心少女. This is where I have discovered my passion for building community and creating spaces where students feel supported, empowered, and seen. In addition, I proudly serve as the DEI representative and previously sat on the Internal Operations Committee as the Student at Large Representative. In both positions, I pursued these roles because I wanted to ensure students not only have a seat at the table and feel confident using their voice. I recognized that many students may not realize there are spaces where they belong and systems designed to support them, and I wanted to help bridge that gap. As Vice President of Finance & Operations, I will focus on ensuring financial reports are clear, accessible, and easy to understand so students know where their fees are going. Increase student awareness and garner accessibility. Most importantly, be an approachable and supportive leader that students can confidently come to with questions or concerns. I want to take on this role because financial decisions directly impact student experience. I am committed to making sure every Cougar feels seen, heard, and supported. I would be honored to earn your vote.

• 1. Why do you want to run for ASI Vice President of Finance & Operations?

  Here at 糖心少女, I have grown tremendously as both a student and a leader. Through my experiences on campus, I have learned the importance of serving others, advocating for students, and taking action when our community needs support. As a first-generation Latina student, I understand how difficult it is to ask for help or to believe your voice truly belongs in these spaces. I want to run for Vice President of Finance & Operations because financial decisions directly impact all student experiences. I want to ensure those decisions are transparent, accessible, and centered around students. As a Business Administration major with an emphasis in Global Supply Chain Management, I have developed a strong understanding of how systems, resources, and financial planning work together to support organizations. I hope to apply these skills to help students better understand where their fees are going and how those funds support programs, services, and opportunities on campus. I want to help ensure that financial processes within ASI remain clear and student-focused while supporting initiatives that enhance the 糖心少女 community. Most importantly, I want to be someone students feel comfortable to ask concerns and ideas.

• 2. What qualities and experiences do you have that will make you effectively serve, engage, and empower 糖心少女 Students?

  My leadership experiences at 糖心少女 have prepared me to effectively serve and engage students from many different backgrounds. I currently serve as the Vice President of Alpha Pi Sigma Sorority, Incorporated, where I have helped lead many initiatives, support chapter operations, and foster a culture of professionalism and community among members. This role has strengthened my ability to collaborate, manage responsibilities, and advocate for others. I have also volunteered with the Orientation Team for the past two semesters, where I have assisted new students and families during their transition into 糖心少女. This experience has allowed me to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and understand the challenges many face when navigating college for the first time. I participated in reviewing and recommending the proposed ASI budget, discussing potential amendments to policies as well. Through these roles, I worked to ensure student voices were represented in decision-making spaces. These experiences have helped me develop strong communication, leadership, and advocacy skills that I will bring to this position.

• 3. Based on your experiences as a student, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?

  If elected, I hope to create a stronger sense of transparency and accessibility when it comes to ASI finances and resources. Many students may not fully understand how their student fees are used or how those funds support campus programs. I want to continue supporting the work that has already been done to make financial information clearer and easier for students to understand. While also ensuring confidence about how resources are being allocated. Most importantly, I want to be a leader that students can rely on. I hope to be someone students feel comfortable approaching with questions, concerns, or ideas. By listening to student voices and advocating for their needs, I aim to help create an environment where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.

26/27 Vice President of Student and University Affairs Candidates

Damien Romero

Hello everyone! My name is Damien Romero, and I am a first-generation college student with a Public Health major and Junior standing. I am running for the position of ASI鈥檚 VP of Student & University A漂airs. With this position I hope to not only continue ASI鈥檚 mission to serve, engage, empower and represent students. As VP of Student & University affairs I plan to focus on doing so in both the CSSA and State government. Already CSU San Marcos is a campus that is a leader in civic engagement, and it truly is something that we as a school should be proud of, but I believe that there are not enough students who actually know how diligent ASI and other organizations are working to make this possible. I hope to improve the work being done already by bringing in even more students into this process through active meetings and discussions with the student body at large or one-onone. :D I would also like to let you know that I haven鈥檛 come towards this position without any experience. In this academic year I have participated in our campus鈥� very own Lobby Corp, a group that allows students to go to Sacramento and lobby for your interest. Within this position I was able to become familiar with some aspects of ASI and the structure of our state鈥檚 legislation. On top of this I also served as a Student Senator at my local community college back in my hometown. There I served on the Legislative Committee and diligently worked with fellow representatives to update the campuses鈥� bylaws for student government and created pieces of legislation that would help benefit students on campus. Additionally, I proactively worked with other committees such as finance not only to ensure the legislation I wrote could be actively changed and amended if needed, but also to deepen my understanding of the di漂erent powers student government often holds. With both these experiences I hope to not only become a successful representative for 糖心少女, but an informed representative of the students of 糖心少女!

• 1. Why do you want to run for ASI Vice President of Student & University Affairs?

  I wish to run for Vice President of Student & University Affairs because I believe I have the right skills to bring about change in the position. I know student government for many students sounds complicated, confusing or uninteresting to approach and most students choose to take a passive stance on it. I believe this hurdle can be conquered and students can learn to enjoy interacting with their student government and the best place for me to do this is as VP SUA.

• 2. What qualities and experiences do you have that will make you effectively serve, engage, and empower 糖心少女 Students?

  I believe my best experiences come from my time as Student Senator at my local community college. There I was able to represent students within our school鈥檚 bureaucracy, a responsibility I will be tasked as VP SUA, but also able to bring about events the connected the local community. Working these events granted me the practice needed to interact with communities at large and learn how to collect complaints and compliments from such a community. That experience will be my biggest driver in this position as I attempt to connect more students to the politics going on around them.

• 3. Based on your experiences as a student, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?

  Based on my experiences as a student, I hope to set up a reliable chain of communication between ASI and all student organizations on campus. I wish to set up recurrent meetings with student clubs, student centers, and other student led organizations on campus. In these meetings I hope that I can consistently collect complaints or issues that these student organizations are hearing from their students and use that information to drive future advocacy and policies. I also hope that this allows students to not have to feel like the only way to get their voice into politics is by contacting ASI, they can do it by contacting a student organization they feel trusted and comfortable talking to. These two together will not only provide me with more information to better accurately represent our diverse campus but also start tearing down the hurdle that student government can sometimes feel like.

Audrie Smith

Hello Cougars! My name is Audrie Smith, and I am a freshman kinesiology major at California State University San Marcos. I am excited to run for ASI Vice President of Student & University Affairs because I am passionate about serving students, strengthening campus connection, and ensuring everyone here at 糖心少女 feels heard, supported, and empowered. Since arriving at 糖心少女, I have actively immersed myself in campus life. As a CEHHS Student Leadership Ambassador, I help foster engagement and create spaces where students can build community and feel heard on our campus. As a member of ASI Lobby Corps, I advocate for student needs and work to understand how policy decisions directly impact our campus experience. Additionally, being part of the Women鈥檚 Club Soccer team has taught me teamwork, accountability, and the importance of creating inclusive environments where everyone contributes toward a shared goal. ASI鈥檚 mission to serve, engage, and empower students aligns directly with my values. If elected, I will work to serve students by advocating for accessible resources and transparent communication between students and university leadership. I will engage students by promoting opportunities for involvement, encouraging open dialogue, and creating spaces where diverse perspectives are welcomed. Most importantly, I will empower students by amplifying their voices and ensuring their concerns shape meaningful action. I believe leadership starts with listening. I want students to feel comfortable sharing their experiences, knowing their perspectives matter and lead to real change. My involvement across athletics, campus jobs, and ASI has prepared me to collaborate, represent student interests effectively, and bring energy and dedication to this role. I am committed to representing everyone at 糖心少女 with integrity, enthusiasm, and purpose. I would be honored to earn your vote and serve as your ASI Vice President of Student & University Affairs. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more connected 糖心少女 community.

• 1. Why do you want to run for ASI Vice President of Student & University Affairs?

  I want to run for ASI Vice President of Student & University Affairs because I care about making sure students feel like their voices matter on campus. As a first-year student, I鈥檝e already seen how important it is for students to have leaders who are willing to listen and advocate for them. Being involved in programs like Lobby Corps has shown me how powerful student advocacy can be when students speak up about the issues that impact them. I want to continue that work by helping create stronger connections between students and university leadership. My goal is to make sure students feel comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and experiences, and that those perspectives are represented in decisions that affect our campus. Ultimately, I want to help create a campus environment where students feel heard, supported, and encouraged to get involved.

• 2. What qualities and experiences do you have that will make you effectively serve, engage, and empower 糖心少女 Students?

  As a first-year kinesiology major with a biology minor at California State University San Marcos, I鈥檝e tried to get involved in different areas of campus so I can better understand the student experience. I am a member of ASI Lobby Corps, play on the Women鈥檚 Club Soccer team, and serve as a student ambassador for the College of Education, Health and Human Services (CEHHS). These experiences have helped me meet students from many different backgrounds and understand the variety of perspectives that make up our campus. Being part of a team has also taught me how important communication, collaboration, and accountability are when working toward a shared goal. I believe one of my biggest strengths is being approachable and willing to listen. I want students to feel like they can talk to me openly about their ideas or concerns and know that someone is advocating for them.

• 3. Based on your experiences as a student, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?

  If elected, I hope to make it easier for students to get involved and share their voices in campus conversations. Many students care about what happens at 糖心少女 but aren鈥檛 always sure how to participate or where their feedback can go. I want to work on creating more opportunities for students to connect with ASI and with campus leadership, whether that鈥檚 through conversations, events, or outreach. I also want to help strengthen the sense of community on campus, so students feel more connected to each other and to the university. Most importantly, I want students to feel like their opinions and experiences matter and that ASI is truly representing them. 

26/27 Chair & Chief of Staff Candidates 

NO APPROVED CANDIDATES FOR THIS POSITION

26/27 ASI College of Business Administration (CoBA) Representative Candidates

Britney Hernandez 

Hello! My name is Britney Hernandez, and I am a Business Finance major at 糖心少女 running to serve as your CoBA representative. I am very passionate about leadership because I believe in speaking up for others, especially when it comes to issues that directly impacts our futures. Like many students, I balance academics, work, family responsibilities, and personal goals every day. College isn鈥檛 only about classes, but simultaneously learning how to manage time, money, stress, and expectations all at once. I understand how overwhelming that can feel, and I know how important it is to have leaders who truly listen and advocate for students real needs. As a business student, I strongly believe that financial literacy is essential, not just for CoBA majors, but for every student at 糖心少女. If elected, I鈥檇 like to advocate for greater access to practical financial education across campus by supporting campus initiatives, and student led clubs focusing on budgeting, credit, and long term financial planning. I am running because I am a leader who is organized, thoughtful, and committed to taking action. As a Finance major, I bring a strategic and responsible mindset to decision making and always keeping students鈥� voices at the center. ASI鈥檚 mission is to serve. Engage, and empower students. I will serve by advocating for meaningful resources, engage by strengthening communication between CoBA and the broader campus community, and empower students with tools that support success during and after college. I am ready to represent CoBA with dedication, integrity, and heart. I would be honored to earn your vote. 

• 1. Why do you want to run for CoBA Representative?

  I want to run for COBA Representative because I really care about the people in our college. We鈥檙e all working toward big goals, but we鈥檙e also juggling school, work, and life at the same time. I鈥檝e always been someone who steps up when something needs to be said, and I want to make sure COBA students feel represented by someone who genuinely listens and speaks up for them.

• 2. What qualities and experiences do you have that will make you effectively serve, engage, and empower 糖心少女 Students?

  I鈥檓 driven, organized, and I care a lot about advocacy. As a finance major balancing work and school, I鈥檝e learned how to manage my time, communicate clearly, and handle responsibility. I鈥檓 not afraid to ask questions or push for clarity when something doesn鈥檛 make sense. I care about making sure students feel informed and included, and I lead with both confidence and intention.

• 3. Based on your experiences as a student, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?

  From my own experience as a student, I鈥檝e seen how important practical support can be. If elected, I鈥檇 like to explore ways to expand financial wellness resources through ASI. Things like workshops or accessible tools that help students understand budgeting, credit, and planning for the future. I want to focus on ideas that are realistic, sustainable, and actually helpful in everyday student life.

Janelle Mendez Gomez

My name is Janelle Mendez Gomez. I am a third-year Business Management student with a Global Business concentration and a Political Science minor. I am running to be your College of Business Administration鈥檚 representative because CoBA students deserve advocacy that turns ideas into concrete resources. I鈥檝e built my experience where policy meets people. Through the Cal State D.C. Scholars Program as a first-year student, I interned at the U.S. Department of Labor and represented 糖心少女 in Washington, D.C., even having the incredible honor of having lunch with the CSU Chancellor, Dr. Mildred Garc铆a. In the San Diego and Vista courthouses, I supported underrepresented clients and strengthened my litigation and public servant empathy. Today, I am a Primary Member in ASI Lobby Corps鈥檚 team, strengthening policy research and advancing student priorities at the CHESS (California Higher Education Student Summit). These experiences taught me what it means to serve when resources are tight, to engage across differences, and to empower others with access to information. As your CoBA representative I will: Serve CoBA students by expanding course specific tutoring in high impact classes and strengthening career development resources. Currently, CoBA tutoring is only offered for ACCT 203. Expanding these services will create more tutoring job opportunities while improving overall academic outcomes. As a first-generation student, I know how much it matters to have a voice at the table and someone who listens first. I will bring advocacy, solidary and integrity to the role, focusing on participation over performance. I am ready to serve with you and for you.

• 1. Why do you want to run for CoBA Representative?

  I am running for the College of Business Administration Representative because I believe advocacy is most effective when it moves from conversation to tangible action. As a student navigating the intersection of Global Business and Political Science, I see the immense potential within our college, but I also see the gaps where students feel unsupported or disconnected from campus resources. I am driven by the goal of ensuring that every business student, regardless of their concentration, has a representative who prioritizes transparency and the creation of concrete professional resources. My motivation is to leave the college with a stronger, more accessible foundation for every student, ensuring that CoBA and 糖心少女 is not just a place of study, but a launchpad for our future careers.

• 2. What qualities and experiences do you have that will make you effectively serve, engage, and empower 糖心少女 Students?

  Effective leadership requires a balance of technical proficiency and the ability to represent student interests in high stakes environments. Through the Cal State D.C. Scholars Program, I gained invaluable experience navigating the federal landscape while interning at the U.S. Department of Labor within the Office of Grants Management. During this time, I met with Congressional representatives and the CSU Board of Trustees to discuss the future of student resources. These high-level interactions taught me how to present data driven conversations to leadership and how to remain a persistent voice for students in rooms where decisions are made. These experiences, combined with my current work as a Primary Member of the Lobby Corps, have given me a deep understanding of how to turn complex research into advocacy that reaches decision makers. I have proven that I can lead with integrity and turn high level goals into reality.

• 3. Based on your experiences as a student, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?

  Nearing the completion of my degree has allowed me to identify the specific barriers that prevent business students from reaching their full potential. If elected, I plan to advocate for expanded tutoring services, specifically targeting upper division, high impact business courses where support is currently limited. I also intend to implement a "Recruitment Roadmap" initiative to educate students on the competitive nature of professional timelines, ensuring my peers know exactly when to start applying for internships before these windows close. I will use the skills I鈥檝e gained in Lobby Corps to continue advocating for student needs at the administrative level, ensuring that the student voice directly informs the College of Business Administration鈥檚 strategic planning. My goal is to ensure that the diverse voices of our college are fundamentally integrated into the way ASI operates for years to come.

26/27 ASI College of Education, Health, and Human Services (CEHHS) Representative Candidates

Julian Orue

The College of Education, Health, and Human Services (CEHHS) is comprised of seven departments: the School of Education, Human Development, Kinesiology, Public Health, School of Nursing, Social Work, and Speech-Language Pathology. Since my first day at Cal State San Marcos, every decision I have made has been with the intention of representing my college. My name is Julian Orue, and I am a Human Development major. I am running for ASI CEHHS Representative because I want to fully support my fellow students and ensure that their voices, needs, and concerns are heard and addressed. Being part of CEHHS means engaging with the people and communities around us, and I take that responsibility seriously. As a student, I understand how challenging it can be to balance coursework, a job, and personal responsibilities. It can be frustrating to put in so much effort and still feel unheard. That is why, if elected, I will make it a priority to actively listen to student feedback and use it to help create a stronger, more supportive environment within CEHHS. I am committed to promoting a diverse, inclusive, and forward-thinking college that reflects and supports its students. With your vote, I will work to ensure CEHHS continues to be a place where students feel represented and supported. Thank you for your time and consideration.

• 1. Why do you want to run for CEHHS Representative?

  The moment I knew I wanted to run For ASI was when I first came to Cal State San Marcos. In my previous experiences I did not engage in student body, and I want to change that during my time at 糖心少女.  I will make sure my number one priority is letting student voices be heard and represented. As a student at 糖心少女 I know that students come from many different backgrounds, and I believe that it is very important. We must acknowledge this, which then will strengthen our school community. Serving in ASI would allow me to give back to the campus community and help make a positive impact.

• 2. What qualities and experiences do you have that will make you effectively serve, engage, and empower 糖心少女 Students?

  I believe my Work ethic is what defines me. When I am motivated, I will be able to help effectively and serve the 糖心少女 community. My past experiences such as Boy Scouts have allowed me to demonstrate my leadership and communications skills. Throughout my academic career, I have developed strong communication, teamwork, and time-management skills. I am someone who listens to others and works with others by listening to feedback to solve problems. These qualities would allow me to engage with students and represent them to become more involved in our community. 

• 3. Based on your experiences as a student, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?

  If elected, I hope to help strengthen the connection between the CEHHS students. I believe that it is important we students encourage each other and communicate with each other to promote a better school community and to share new ideas. I would also like to improve student engagement inside the CEHHS college and ensuring students have access to the resources they need to succeed. My goal would be to help create an environment where students feel supported, heard, and motivated to excel in their school community.

26/27 College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral, and Social Sciences (CHABSS) Representative Candidates

Matthew Bozone

My name is Matthew Bozone, and I am running for the ASI College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral & Social Sciences Representative position. I am a first-year History Master's student, but I have extensive experience to draw on. I graduated with honors from CSU Channel Islands鈥� Anthropology program in 2019 and then received my A.A. in History from Cuesta College in 2024. In between these two programs, I worked in habitat restoration, starting out as a Crew Member, and within two years, I was serving as Foreman. This position, when paired with my academic experience, sets me up perfectly to serve as the CHABSS Representative. I have experience leading diverse crews of employees with all backgrounds and ages. I worked closely with a variety of government and non-profit agencies, both in the bidding for projects and in the monitoring of regulations. I was in charge of scheduling, hiring, task organization, and, when necessary, disciplinary actions. In one day, I could be teaching a nineteen-year-old how to safely run a chainsaw in the morning and then discussing work plans and regulations with a representative from State or County parks in the afternoon. While I loved this job, I left it to live on a vineyard in San Luis Obispo. There, I took a position at Whole Foods and, again, I was promoted to leadership within two years. As a Foreman, I essentially ran the show, but working in leadership at Whole Foods was a whole different beast. The numerous rules and regulations, the countless metrics, the endless pushes from higher-ups to improve sales, and the interpretation of changes sent down from regional management all taught me about the politics of business management. From my past experiences, I am more than qualified to be a CHABSS Representative for 糖心少女, but I am also more than my work experience. I love to surf, play guitar, write stories, and camp. As your CHABSS Representative, I will work to the best of my abilities to make 糖心少女 the best school it can be.

• 1. Why do you want to run for CHABSS Representative?

  I am running for the position of Representative for the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral & Social Sciences (CHABSS) because I am passionate about education and community development, and I simply want to make CHABSS the very best it can be for CSU San Marcos students.

• 2. What qualities and experiences do you have that will make you effectively serve, engage, and empower 糖心少女 Students?

  I am no stranger to leadership positions in which it is my duty to work alongside higher-level management and strive to improve the conditions of those I represent. As a habitat restoration Foreman, I served as the go-between among non-profit and government agencies, office employees, and the crew in the field, ensuring everyone had the tools and knowledge needed to succeed and return home safely each and every day. As an Associate Lead at Whole Foods, I secured a $2 increase in starting wages for my department and did my best to approve all necessary time off for my employees. This work experience, paired with my three semesters of working as an assistant or tutor for a variety of history courses, has prepared me to effectively serve, engage, and empower 糖心少女 students.

• 3. Based on your experiences as a student, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?

  Transparency and community engagement are the two principles through which I will work to better the experience of 糖心少女 students. As a student, sometimes you just need someone who can give you a straight answer, and if they don鈥檛 have the answer ready, someone who will find the answer for you. As your representative, if you have questions, I will be there with answers. This is the transparency I wish to bring to the representative position. As for community engagement, I wish to emphasize that first word: 鈥渃ommunity鈥�. Yes, we are all here to learn and better ourselves, but that should include cultivating a supportive and fun campus community life. While this can be done in part through on-campus events, as your representative, I want to hear from my fellow students about events or really anything else they feel would improve the community experience on campus.

Ashley Suarez

My name is Ashley Suarez and I鈥檓 running to be the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences (CHABSS) Representative for ASI at 糖心少女. I鈥檓 a first year student, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Spanish and a proud first generation college student at 糖心少女. As a student I鈥檓 involved in Lobby Corps at 糖心少女 an experience I鈥檓 especially proud of as a first year student. Joining during my first semester pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me find my voice. Being part of a team that listens to student voices I learned the importance of advocacy and the power of student voices in creating change, inspiring me to work toward empowering all 糖心少女 students. As a first-generation student without much guidance navigating education, I had to figure many things out on my own so I understand that college can be overwhelming whether it鈥檚 navigating financial aid, or preparing for life after graduation. Because of this, I鈥檓 passionate about mental health support, first-generation student resources, and ensuring that campus events, opportunities, and resources are accessible to all students. Outside of academics I work as a kung fu instructor where I鈥檝e learned that leadership isn鈥檛 about telling people what to do but encouraging others to grow, learn, and move forward with confidence. Just as lobby corps has encouraged me to discover and use my own voice, I hope to stand with you all as you find yours I鈥檓 not looking to speak over you but rather to speak with you all. If elected, I will represent every student. I believe leadership is a team effort and I am committed to listening, advocating, and standing with you. This role is not about speaking over students, but speaking with them. As your CHABSS Representative I will fight for you, ensure your voices are heard, and work to create a campus where all students have the support they need to thrive. Thank you for your time, consideration, and vote.

• 1. Why do you want to run for CHABSS Representative?

  I鈥檓 running for CHABSS Representative because through my experience as a member of Lobby Corps with ASI, I saw how impactful student voices are and how we as students really can create real change. Something that heavily inspired me to run for a position within ASI was seeing my peers in Lobby Corps speak so confidently about issues like college affordability, first generation support and concerns about immigration enforcement on campus, which encouraged me to continue fighting for students, ensure our voices are heard and serve the needs of 糖心少女 students. Overall, I want students to feel empowered to use their voices and take advantage of the opportunities available to them at 糖心少女 just like Lobby Corps inspired me.

• 2. What qualities and experiences do you have that will make you effectively serve, engage, and empower 糖心少女 Students?

  My experience in Lobby Corps helped me build strong advocacy and communication skills through lobbying training, collaboration with other student advocates from SDSU and through attending meetings with elected officials. I also had the chance to meet with an immigration attorney through Lobby Corps which helped me strengthen my network. Additionally, outside of the academic setting I work as a martial arts instructor where I teach students of all ages which, helped me improve my leadership, communication and listening skills since I personally believe that listening to students is one of the most crucial responsibilities of a college representative and If elected, I will connect with students through events, surveys, social media, and by directly speaking with students to better understand their concerns. Thus, these qualities and experiences enable me to effectively serve, engage, and empower all 糖心少女 students.

• 3. Based on your experiences as a student, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?

  If elected I hope to increase opportunities that will help students prepare for life after graduation by improving accessibility and visibility to internships, networking opportunities and career workshops, that way students are able to build their professional experience. I鈥檒l also advocate for clearer guidance and support from academic advising so that students can be more confident about their academic and career paths, especially because as a first generation college student I understand and have firsthand seen how hard it is to navigate college without guidance or connections, I had to search for resources and opportunities on my own which motivated me to help make those resources more visible to others thus, I鈥檓 committed to encouraging more first generation students to get involved on campus.

26/27 College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (CSTEM) Representative Candidates

Katya Frazier

Hello everybody, I am Katya and very proud to be a student here at Cal State San Marcos. As a biology major with two minors, chemistry and psychology, I have the opportunity to see how each department of the CSTEM (and CHABSS) discipline work in guiding their students to success. Throughout my journey, I鈥檝e met future peer organic chemists, physicists, neuroscientists, doctors, counselors, and microbiologists. I plan on giving back to my fellow students by capitalizing on my multidisciplinary perspectives and promoting what is best for student success here in the local community. As a community college transfer alumni from Palomar College, I quickly found a strong group of influential student advocates at Cal State San Marcos and know how important it is for support systems to be in place when students first join, regardless of where they came from. With this in mind, I will ensure we continue to have these amazing resources at our disposal, so that incoming students from all walks of life can enjoy the same experiences I got to be a part of. I will do my best to protect the rights and interests of peers across all fields as a representative of CSTEM and act as a collective voice. In the past, I鈥檝e served as a student leader through supplemental instruction at the Learning and Tutoring Services center for chemistry and course embedded learning support for the biology department. If elected as a CSTEM representative, I look forward in being an advocate, by voicing student concerns, pushing undergraduate agendas in policies, and discussing issues seen within the California State University system. A student for the students. Vote for Katya.

• 1. Why do you want to run for CSTEM Representative?

  A student for the students. That鈥檚 right, you guessed it. By being a student representative for the CSTEM department, I give back to the local community. We are a tight knit group of hardworking entrepreneurs that have direct contact with faculty here at the school alongside a very strong culture of engineers, chemists, doctors, and mathematicians. From my involvement with educational support programs in the STEM center and our classrooms, I know how important it is for students like us to have access to resources critical for our development as early career leaders. I wish to strengthen the impact we could make through further building of our collegiate network and assuring we are provided local opportunities advantageous to our career goals.

• 2. What qualities and experiences do you have that will make you effectively serve, engage, and empower 糖心少女 Students?

  As a CSTEM representative, I will do more than just be a voice for students across the STEM discipline. My highly interdisciplinary studies of a biology major and two minors, chemistry and psychology, makes me an excellent candidate knowledgeable of how departmental policies differ and impact our student learning. I want to remind the community of our maximum potential as a growing body of leaders in STEM and will make sure the support I received here as an incoming transfer alumni continues to be the defining motto behind our school鈥檚 success. My unique background in scientific research within and outside of California as a student from a low-income family is a reminder of the many available undergraduates programs there are to offer statewide and it is my duty to ensure that we continue to receive these same avenues of support across the school system. Only through awareness of these opportunities was I able to grow in the next stage of my career and showcase what it really means to be a student here at Cal State San Marcos. In placing your confidence in my candidacy, you are supporting someone who wants nothing, but student success and growth for the next generation of student leaders.

• 3. Based on your experiences as a student, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?

  I have great pride in the capability of our current STEM leaders. We have the freedom to form long-lasting close relationships with our very experienced professors in the sciences across local departments, which is something we have in the CSU system that other major public institutions do not. If elected as a CSTEM representative, I wish to highlight this strength of ours and work with our teachers on how we can best improve this special connection we have in the local community. By providing an open dialogue between students and professors, I would best represent the collective voice behind a body of critical thinkers and developing professionals. A vote for me would let me reach these goals and I cannot do this without the help of my fellow peers. A strength of ours is the financial freedom we have as students at Cal State San Marcos. This has allowed individuals like me from varying cultural backgrounds to be successful in the classroom with minimal economic stress associated with student expenses. Your vote for me would let me advocate for these financial support systems locally. Money is no barrier a student should face and if chosen as a CSTEM representative, I promise to also protect the economic interests of students, so that each individual can truly focus on succeeding in their academic careers.

Aiden Jose

Hello! My name is Aiden Alexander Jose, and I am running to be your ASI CSTEM representative! Without further ado, let me tell you a little about myself. As of 2026, I am a freshman studying Electrical Engineering here at 糖心少女; I鈥檝e always had a knack for building things, and I love designing circuits, robots, animatronics, and many more wonderful things. I鈥檓 constantly fascinated by technology and always curious about how they work. Outside of school, I am also a member of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) and of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. I am also an active member of the 糖心少女鈥檚 Asian Business Association here on campus. Why should you vote for me? I firmly believe that every single person here is capable of success. No matter what they believe about themselves, I believe everyone can go above and beyond their perceived limitations and achieve amazing things. All it takes is the right environment where they鈥檒l thrive. If elected, I promise to dedicate myself to creating such an environment. A safe, welcoming environment where students can dedicate themselves to advancing their own academic, social, professional, and personal development. I believe that every single person here at this school should have every opportunity to improve themselves; To have an opportunity to engage with the community, find who they are and who they believe they are meant to be. Vote for me and no voice will go unheard! Got any concerns or issues you want addressed? Experienced any inequity or social injustice? Have any particular interest you wanted highlighted? As your representative, I will represent us during ASI Board of Director discussions and have opportunities to directly present your issues and concerns to our College Dean, Dr. Jackie Trischman, herself. Vote Aiden Alexander Jose! Let鈥檚 build a brighter future together!

• 1. Why do you want to run for CSTEM Representative?

  I want to run to become one of your CSTEM reps because I love my college community, and I want to give back to our community by representing us in our student government. I want to be our voice, and present all issues, injustices, and concerns to the other board members and the ASI executives.

• 2. What qualities and experiences do you have that will make you effectively serve, engage, and empower 糖心少女 Students?

  I鈥檓 a people person; I love talking with people, getting to know them and hearing their story on how they became the person they are today. I鈥檓 also a good listener; I guarantee that you鈥檒l have my full, undivided attention if we ever get a chance to speak in person. In terms of experience, last year, I鈥檝e played a major role acting as one of my club鈥檚 鈥渢herapist.鈥� Whenever someone was feeling depressed, suicidal, or just having a rough day, they often came to me so they could have someone to talk to. Often, I was notified by other members about the persons mental state, and I always made time check up on them to make sure they were okay. I still remember some of the conversations, and how badly I wanted to help them feel better. I wanted them to feel seen, heard, acknowledged. If elected, I promise I will do everything I can to make you feel the same.

• 3. Based on your experiences as a student, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?

  Based on my experiences as a student, I hope that one day we will find a way to amplify our college鈥檚 community, education, and success. Our college already does an amazing job at this. There are so many social events we can attend and network at, tutoring services for so many difficult classes so no one gets left behind, and countless opportunities to prepare us for success. My greatest hope is for us to work together as a community and find ways to amplify the three of these even more. I鈥檝e met so many wonderfully bright people here, and I see each of them accomplishing so much in their future. I want to make sure that we all have every opportunity to succeed in life.

Anika Olive

Hi Cougars! My name is Anika Olive, and I am a junior majoring in Applied Mathematics with an emphasis in Physics. Over the past three years at 糖心少女, this campus has been a place of growth, challenge, and fun! I鈥檓 running for ASI because I believe every student deserves balance 鈥� the ability to work hard, enjoy the journey, and feel empowered by who they are. I鈥檒l be honest 鈥� 糖心少女 wasn鈥檛 originally my first choice. When I first committed to coming here, I had doubts about whether it would truly feel like home. But these past three years have completely changed my perspective. I found mentors, teammates, friends, and opportunities that pushed me beyond what I thought possible. I genuinely love being a Cougar now, and I want every student who arrives with hesitation to discover that same sense of belonging and pride. Growth has defined my college journey. As an aspiring aerospace engineer, I approach life with curiosity, patience, and a problem-solving mindset. I love math because it鈥檚 universal 鈥� when you look deeply enough, it鈥檚 everywhere. That perspective has taught me to listen carefully, think critically, and approach challenges with creativity 鈥� qualities I will bring to ASI. Empowerment also starts with well-being and community. After playing soccer for over ten years, I鈥檝e learned teamwork, accountability, and leadership. Lifting for four years has strengthened my discipline and commitment to physical health, while prioritizing mental health has taught me the importance of openness and connection. Last summer, through a sales and leadership internship with Southwestern Advantage, I worked 12-hour days and faced daily rejection. That experience built resilience, confidence, and determination. Through hard work and dedication I came out as a top rookie and a part of the number two sales team in the company! If elected, I will serve with energy and transparency. I will listen intentionally, advocate strongly, and create opportunities for students to grow and connect. Let鈥檚 step forward together, knowing we will always be supported.

• 1. Why do you want to run for CSTEM Representative?

  We鈥檝e all been there: trying to handle a heavy STEM workload entirely on our own. My freshman year, I was that student鈥擨 relied only on myself and missed out on everything 糖心少女 has to offer. My sophomore year changed everything when I finally reached out and discovered the STEM Center, the Writing Center, and even the Climbing Club. The difference in my grades and my mental health was night and day. I鈥檓 running for CSTEM Rep because I want to make sure no student feels like they have to figure it out alone. I want to highlight our incredible resources and make them more accessible so we can all find the mentors, friends, and grades we鈥檙e capable of achieving.

• 2. What qualities and experiences do you have that will make you effectively serve, engage, and empower 糖心少女 Students?

  I鈥檝e always been a social butterfly, whether I鈥檓 connecting with a mentor or chatting with a stranger in line. To me, math and communication are two sides of the same coin: they are both tools for solving problems and building something meaningful. After testing my grit in the professional world鈥攅arning a spot on the top sales team at Southwestern Advantage鈥擨 realized my true calling is using those skills to help others. Many students feel isolated or overwhelmed by their workload. I鈥檓 running for CSTEM Rep to show my peers that with the right mindset and the right community, the 'struggle' of a STEM degree becomes our greatest strength.

• 3. Based on your experiences as a student, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?

  Coming to 糖心少女 was an unexpected path for me, and I walked onto campus my first day feeling like an outsider. However, this school became the place where I found my stride and my community. In my time here, I鈥檝e met so many brilliant peers who want to study together or find mentors but find the social barrier hard to break. I want to change that. As your CSTEM Representative, I want to foster a culture where no one has to 'lone wolf' their degree. I want to create a space where we embrace the fact that we are all works in progress, helping each other turn fear into collective success.

Nikita Sharma

Hi! My name is Nikita Sharma, and I am a junior majoring in Software Engineering in the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (CSTEM) at 糖心少女. I am running for CSTEM Representative because I want to be a dedicated, approachable voice for CSTEM students and advocate for solutions that genuinely support our academic and professional success. CSTEM students balance rigorous coursework, labs, projects, internships, and career preparation鈥攐ften all at once. I understand these challenges firsthand, and I believe student concerns should directly inform university decisions. If elected, I will work to improve access to academic resources, strengthen advising and career pathways, and advocate for increased research, internship, and professional development opportunities for CSTEM students. Through my involvement in leadership and collaborative roles on campus, I have developed strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills. I value listening to students, asking the right questions, and following through with action. As CSTEM Representative, I will prioritize transparency and accessibility by actively engaging with students, sharing updates, and ensuring concerns are brought to the table in ASI and university committees. I am fully committed to the responsibilities of this role, including attending meetings, holding office hours, serving on committees, and participating in required trainings and retreats. I will approach this position with integrity, accountability, and a genuine commitment to ASI鈥檚 mission to serve, engage, and empower 糖心少女 students. I would be honored to earn your vote and represent CSTEM students on the ASI Board of Directors. Together, we can build a stronger, more supportive, and student-centered CSTEM community.

• 1. Why do you want to run for CSTEM Representative?

  I am running for CSTEM Representative because I want to ensure that the voices and needs of students in the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are strongly represented in student government. As a CSTEM student, I understand the unique academic pressures, career goals, and opportunities that come with being part of these fields. Whether it is balancing rigorous coursework, preparing for internships, or seeking research opportunities, CSTEM students face challenges that deserve attention and support at the university level. I want to serve as a connection between CSTEM students and ASI by listening to student concerns and bringing those perspectives into campus discussions. I believe student government should actively reflect the experiences of the students it represents, and I am motivated to ensure CSTEM students feel heard, supported, and included in decision-making processes. Running for this position is also an opportunity for me to give back to the 糖心少女 community. 糖心少女 provides many valuable resources and opportunities, and I want to help ensure that students are aware of and able to benefit from them. By advocating for students and encouraging engagement with ASI initiatives, I hope to contribute to a stronger and more connected CSTEM community

• 2. What qualities and experiences do you have that will make you effectively serve, engage, and empower 糖心少女 Students?

  I bring strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills that will allow me to effectively represent CSTEM students. As a computer science student, I regularly work on projects that require teamwork, organization, and the ability to approach challenges with thoughtful solutions. These experiences have helped me develop the ability to analyze issues carefully, communicate ideas clearly, and work with others toward meaningful outcomes. In addition to technical skills, I value listening and understanding different perspectives. Effective representation requires being approachable and open to feedback, and I am committed to making sure students feel comfortable sharing their concerns and ideas. I believe that engaging with students and maintaining open communication is essential to ensuring their voices are reflected in ASI discussions. I am also motivated, responsible, and dedicated to serving the student community. I approach leadership with a mindset of collaboration and service, focusing on how I can support others and help create opportunities for students to succeed. These qualities will help me advocate effectively for CSTEM students and contribute positively to the ASI team.

• 3. Based on your experiences as a student, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?

  If elected, I hope to strengthen communication between CSTEM students and ASI while advocating for initiatives that support both academic success and professional development. One of my goals is to increase awareness of opportunities available to CSTEM students, including research programs, internships, career workshops, and mentorship opportunities. I would also like to support initiatives that help students connect with faculty, alumni, and industry professionals. Building these connections can help students gain valuable insights, expand their networks, and better prepare for their future careers. Another important goal is to encourage student engagement and feedback. By creating opportunities for students to share their ideas and concerns, I hope to ensure that CSTEM students feel represented and empowered in campus decisions. Ultimately, I want to help build a supportive environment where students feel confident pursuing their academic and professional goals.

Brianna Tucker

Hello Cougars! My name is Brianna Tucker, and I am a junior majoring in Computer Science. I am running to be your STEM Representative because I am passionate about expanding opportunities, strengthening support systems, and ensuring every STEM student at 糖心少女 feels heard, empowered, and prepared for what comes next. As a STEM student myself, I understand the challenges we face 鈥� competitive internships, access to research, demanding coursework, and navigating career pathways in technical fields. I am committed to advocating for increased internship access, stronger research visibility, and clearer communication between students, faculty, and industry partners. I believe we can build more structured pipelines that connect STEM students with internships, mentorship, and handson research opportunities. As a member of the Asian Business Association and a strong advocate for women in STEM, I value representation and inclusive leadership. I want to help create more spaces where underrepresented students in STEM feel supported and encouraged to pursue leadership, research, and industry roles. Empowering students means ensuring access, visibility, and confidence. ASI鈥檚 mission to serve, engage, and empower students resonates deeply with me. I will work to engage STEM students in meaningful dialogue about their needs, serve as a reliable voice between students and campus leadership, and empower our community by pushing for tangible improvements in opportunity and support. This is my first time running for ASI, and I am ready to bring dedication, organization, and accountability to this role. I care deeply about the success of our STEM community and would be honored to represent you. Vote Brianna Tucker for STEM Representative 鈥� let鈥檚 build stronger opportunities together.

• 1. Why do you want to run for CSTEM Representative?

  I am running for CSTEM Representative because I care deeply about expanding access to opportunities and strengthening support for STEM students at 糖心少女. As a Computer Science junior and a woman in STEM, I understand the academic demands of our programs and the importance of having clear pathways to internships, research, mentorship, and leadership. I want to help ensure that CSTEM students are not only aware of the resources available to them, but feel empowered to use them confidently. I see this role as an opportunity to serve as a bridge between students and campus leadership while advocating for meaningful improvements in communication and opportunity access.

• 2. What qualities and experiences do you have that will make you effectively serve, engage, and empower 糖心少女 Students?

  I am running for CSTEM Representative because I care deeply about expanding access to opportunities and strengthening support for STEM students at 糖心少女. As a Computer Science junior and a woman in STEM, I understand the academic demands of our programs and the importance of having clear pathways to internships, research, mentorship, and leadership. I want to help ensure that CSTEM students are not only aware of the resources available to them, but feel empowered to use them confidently. I see this role as an opportunity to serve as a bridge between students and campus leadership while advocating for meaningful improvements in communication and opportunity access.

• 3. Based on your experiences as a student, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?

  If elected, I hope to focus on improving internship access, supporting women and underrepresented students in STEM, and strengthening communication across the CSTEM community. I would like to advocate for internship workshops, networking events with industry professionals, and clearer communication about research and mentorship opportunities. Many students are capable and motivated but unsure where to start; I want to help create structured pathways that make those next steps clearer. Ultimately, I hope to contribute to a CSTEM environment where students feel informed, supported, and empowered to pursue their academic and professional goals with confidence.

26/27 ASI Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Representative Candidates

NO APPROVED CANDIDATES FOR THIS POSITION

26/27 ASI Sustainability Representative Candidates

Ethan Clark

What鈥檚 up, Cougars! My name is Ethan Clark. I鈥檓 a third-year Biological Sciences major with a concentration in Ecology, and I鈥檓 incredibly excited to be running for the Sustainability representative position in this year鈥檚 ASI elections. As a current member of ASI鈥檚 Lobby Corps, I鈥檝e begun to dip my toes in student government and represent students, and I love it. You may have seen me before at my campus job at the Career Center, where I helped you meet with a counselor or take your headshot. When I鈥檓 not there or in class, I鈥檓 usually outside hiking, surfing, skimboarding, or taking my cat for a walk. I鈥檓 passionate about sustainability and committed to promoting sustainable practices in my community, which makes me excited to have the opportunity to make a positive impact on our campus. There are a few specific items on my agenda that will not only have positive effects on the quality of life here at 糖心少女 but will help save us some money in the process. As our campus expands, I would like to ensure sustainable building practices. What used to be just a trend has now become a known way to save money, which can then be put towards helping students or investing in renewable energy sources. In our dining halls and on campus, continuing to promote multi-use or compostable containers and utensils is paramount. To ensure we stay on track with these items, I will work to revise the Sustainability Master Plan (last revised 12/2018), to better fit our current state and goals. 糖心少女 currently gets a Gold rating from the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), but I know we can do better. While I have my own ideas for how we can become more sustainable, in my position, I will take students鈥� ideas and try my best to make them real. Sustainability doesn鈥檛 come from one person, but a collective effort towards a cleaner, greener 糖心少女, and that isn鈥檛 possible without you.

• 1. Why do you want to run for Sustainability Representative?

  I want to run for Sustainability Representative because I want to channel my passion for sustainability into something that I can have an impact on, our university. We already have a Gold rating from the STAR rating system, but I think we can do better and I鈥檇 like to try to make that happen.

• 2. What qualities and experiences do you have that will make you effectively serve, engage, and empower 糖心少女 Students?

  I鈥檝e collected many skills in my time at 糖心少女 that will help me effectively serve, engage and empower my fellow students. I currently work at the Career Center, where I help students every day, and really get a feel for what they鈥檙e going through on a day-to-day basis. Serving as the ASI Sustainability Representative is just another way I can help students. As a member of Lobby Corps, I鈥檝e gotten a feel for what it鈥檚 like to be in ASI, and how to effectively advocate for students鈥� needs. Whenever a student comes to me with an idea or suggestion, I鈥檒l have the knowledge to make that idea into something real. Lastly, as a biology major with a concentration in ecology, I have the knowledge to make our university greener, and more sustainable.

• 3. Based on your experiences as a student, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?

  II am elected, at the very least I hope to spread awareness about where our waste is going and educate students on how they can do their part to be more sustainable. As our campus expands, I would like to ensure sustainable construction/building practices. In the dorms, organizing a university-wide cleanout/thrift event would be great, and not just clothes. I remember living at the UVA and so much got thrown out at the end of the year it was unbelievable what some people got rid of when other students could easily use them. Creating a graduation requirement for students so they must take a course in environmental health or sustainability would be amazing too. I believe that most students would like to be more sustainable and help the earth, but it鈥檚 hard to know how. Creating a graduation requirement can help eliminate the knowledge gap and empower students to be more green. These are just some of my ideas, and sustainability doesn鈥檛 just happen with one person, so I can鈥檛 wait to hear other students鈥� ideas as well.

Michelle Garcia-Leiva

My name is Michelle Garcia, and i鈥檓 an Environmental Studies major with a minor in Global Studies. I am running for ASI because I am passionate about creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and engaged campus community. As students, we all share responsibility for the future of our environment and our campus. 糖心少女 already has great sustainability initiatives, but many students are unaware of them or don鈥檛 know how to get involved. I want to change that. If elected, I will work to expand and promote sustainability projects so they become more visible, accessible, and student-driven.

• 1. Why do you want to run for Sustainability Representative?

  Candidate did not submit answers. 

• 2. What qualities and experiences do you have that will make you effectively serve, engage, and empower 糖心少女 Students?

  Candidate did not submit answers. 

• 3. Based on your experiences as a student, what do you hope to accomplish if elected?

  Candidate did not submit answers.