Meet the Candidates
Student Trustee
Responsibilities: Student member on Board of Trustees; provides student perspective and represents students across the entire District.
Ahmed Ahmed
Candidate Statement:
I am interested in running for Student Trustee because I want to be a strong, informed voice for students at the district level. As a veteran, I understand the unique challenges faced by non traditional students, including balancing academics with work, family, and the transition from military to civilian life. I am passionate about advocating for veterans, first generation students, and those who may feel unheard in institutional decision making. Serving as Student Trustee would allow me to ensure student perspectives are meaningfully represented and that district decisions support their needs and long term goals.
Eric Shin
Candidate Statement:
Hello, my name is Eric Shin, I am a first-year political science major hoping to one day reach graduate/law school after I transfer. On campus, I've served as an ASIVC Senator, debated with our Speech and Debate Team, delegated with Model United Nations, and studied in the library cubicles until they asked me to leave. Overall, I hope to continue to empower the students of IVC with my past experiences while learning and applying the perspectives of you, my fellow students!
Mahba Ahmad
Candidate Statement:
I am interested in running for Student Trustee because I already actively engage in district-level governance as ASIVC President, including attending monthly Board of Trustees meetings and advocating for IVC’s 17,000 students. Through two years in student government, I have developed a strong understanding of governance systems and how district decisions directly impact students. As Student Trustee, I want to continue amplifying student voices while ensuring student perspectives are meaningfully included in district-wide decision-making. I am especially committed to advocating for equity, access, and student well-being across both colleges. My goal is to help drive informed, transparent decisions that create lasting, positive change for current and future students.
President
Responsibilities: Leads ASIVC in college shared governance; presides over ASIVC Senate; attends monthly district board meetings and provides ASIVC report; serves as the student speaker for the annual commencement ceremony; and serves as a link to California community college student organizations.
David Diao
Candidate Statement:
Stressed about college applications? Wish you had more impressive things to put on your resume? You are not alone. I'm here to help! I’ll work closely with every one of our 72 clubs here at IVC to expand leadership roles in every club so YOU get the resume experience UCs demand. More titles = higher acceptance rates for everyone. Boost your UC app! Let's get transferred.
Dylan Herman
Candidate Statement:
My name is Dylan Herman, I am first year at Irvine Valley College pursuing an Associate of Science degree with plans to major in Aerospace Engineering. As someone who mentors a lot of kids, taking there first steps on the ice as a hockey player, to mentoring young ice hockey officials (as a tenured official myself), I know what it takes to advocate for students and creating an environment where everyone feels they belong. My passion for leadership, mentoring, and creating a place that feels positive and upbeat, is unmatched. Through being admitted recently to a UCI lab, I've learned the real importance of communication, accountability, and collaboration. As ASIVC president, this passion will increase exponentially through the strengthening of resources both academic and student support, along with giving students and amplified say via connectivity and inclusion on campus.
Luka Krezovic
Candidate Statement:
IVC let’s face it;
From the start, community college has always been presented to us as a place to pass through, a setting where our individual goals, challenges and aspirations propel us into a state of focus, leaving no room for a community. I believe that the IVC experience doesn’t need to feel disconnected, and I am running to prove that.
As a candidate that has served over 9 years in student government, I'm a seasoned veteran on translating my passions into results with my experience. I am a firm believer that the best parts about life are the connections we make with each other, and I’m excited by the potential to enhance that in the position of ASIVC president. As president, I intend on making IVC so much more than a stepping stone for our success, but a chapter in our lives where the memories we make will be remembered for a lifetime.
I’m Luka Krezovic, a candidate who in his free time loves to go on way too low budget backpacking trips, real good house music, and watching Basketball and Soccer and trying my best to play them. I’m a civil engineering major and currently serving as an ASIVC Senator. 7 times out of 10 you’ll find me on the bottom floor in the library talking too loudly or if I’m really locked in, on the second floor trying to study.
Executive Vice President
Responsibilities: Assists president with shared governance; coordinates shared governance representation of student leaders on college and district committees and task force groups.
Cindy Phan
Candidate Statement:
Community college students frequently face limited access to meaningful career‑growth opportunities, which is why I am running to firmly advocate for increased resources to help all students succeed academically, professionally, and socially at IVC.
Leeyan Rahmani
Candidate Statement:
Hi Lasers! My name is Leeyan Rahmani and I am a second-year student majoring in Financial Actuarial Mathematics. Growing up as a first generation student navigating with complex education systems has taught me the importance of transparency and having someone with the willingness to speak up when systems feel confusing or out of reach. These experiences have motivated me to become involved at IVC in order to give back to the community by advocating for accessible and easy access. My experience serving as a Justice within ASIVC has provided me direct hands-on experience working with shared governance, student advocacy, institutional policy, and campus wide engagement. Outside of student government, I am also highly engaged on campus through clubs, including Circle K International, where I have participated in volunteer work with partners such as Second Harvest Food Bank. My academic career in IVC has allowed me to be actively involved in both leadership and service based roles which has resulted in me witnessing first hand how student leadership and service can create impact beyond just the campus as it also strengthens connection and community within students. I am passionate about establishing structures that support campus engagement and students from diverse backgrounds, while also valuing strong leadership rooted in accountability, reliability, and empathy. These values are what inspire me to continue working toward campus inclusivity and accessibility.
Vice President of Budget and Finance
Responsibilities: Provides leadership in matters related to ASIVC finances and budgets. Presents budget to SOCCCD Board of Trustees and ASIVC during the academic year.
Louis Gaigneux
Candidate Statement:
My name is Louis Gaigneux, and I often get the same question: "Wait, how do you pronounce that exactly?" My goal as your ASIVC Vice President of Budget and Finance is to make sure that ASIVC’s finances are clearly defined and easily understood. My name may be hard to say, but my budget is easy to read. As a current member of the ASIVC Judicial Court and the Bylaw Committee, I’ve seen firsthand where our systems can improve. Currently, I am revising ASIVC’s governing documents for simplicity and effectiveness, in response to students’ feedback. I promise to make ASIVC’s budget transparent and reflective of the student body’s needs. The budget is just numbers, but those numbers are important. It funds everything from OCTA bus passes, our student clubs (such as the Applied Science and Engineering Club and the International Student Club), to award-winning programs like Model United Nations and Speech & Debate. Let’s make our finances one thing you don’t have to worry about. Budget Wisely. Budget Easy.
Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility
Responsibilities: Lead committee meetings which serve to connect clubs, official IVC organizations, and ASIVC members alike. Facilitate academic opportunities for minorities and marginalized groups.
Zhuoyi (Zoe) Guo
Candidate Statement:
"Zoe is a second-year Neuroscience and Psychology major who is a current ASIVC Senator. She has recently worked with Stanford professors on leadership development for neurodivergent students, collaborated with IVC faculty to integrate UDL principles into curricula, and advocated for transparency in faculty use of AI. In addition, she advocated extensively for equitable access to education and co-founded/presides over IVC's first disability focused student organization, DisCo (Disability Community)!
In the next few months, she plans to: push for more comfortable and accessible communal spaces; support healthier, more transparent food options on campus; promote student experiences to improve online courses; improve ASIVC transparency and engagement; increase the diversity of voices in student government, as well as advocate for community college students on a federal level at the Federal Advocacy Academy in D.C..
In her free time, she enjoys napping, conducting research, working at Northwood High School, and taking on side quests (such as being a cast member in a theater production!). She hopes to continue her impact for universal accessibility and belonging as the VP of DEIA!"
Vice President of External Affairs
Responsibilities: ASIVC liaison regarding local, regional, and state legislative issues.
Ethan Liang
Candidate Statement:
As a community leader deeply involved in OC, I hope to elevate IVC and bring new opportunities to students on campus. I bring experience as an ASIVC Senator, Executive Assistant to the Mayor of Irvine, and co-president of my own nonprofit.
Vice President of Inter-Club Council (ICC)
Responsibilities: ASIVC liaison to campus clubs.
Evan Garcia
Candidate Statement:
Whats up guys! Im Evan and im currently a second-year aerospace engineering major here at IVC! I am running for VP of ICC because I want to help provide more clarity and resources during ICC meetings. I also want to start up a better communication system for ICC reminders so all members are evenly informed on what's happening. I'd strongly appreciate if you voted for me and if you have any questions feel free to reach out to me whenever!
Vice President of Public Relations
Responsibilities: Publicizes ASIVC events; coordinates and serves as production team leader for all ASIVC-sponsored publications such as flyers, posters, brochures, newsletters, and/or magazines.
Ethan Garcia
Candidate Statement:
Hey Lasers! I’m Ethan Garcia, nice to meet you! I’ve been making independent films and publicity videos with ASIVC, and I would love to pursue my love for content creation with you all next year! I envision my role to harness the beauty of each student by getting more students involved in PR for ASIVC—both in front and behind the screen. Let’s head into an amazing year together, and vote Ethan Garcia for Vice President of Public Relations!
Trina Truong
Candidate Statement:
Hey Lasers! My name is Trina Truong, and I am genuinely excited to continue serving and getting to know the IVC community. Through my experience in the Public Relations Committee and managing publicity for multiple clubs, I discovered my passion! If you asked me, I’d say I know a thing or two about social media: what’s trending, how to grab attention, boost engagement, and get the message out there. That’s why I’m running for Vice President of Public Relations! This role allows me to bring my ideas to life and turn them into energy that fuels our campus. Through creative and strategic publicity, I want to build strong connections, amplify student voices, and make ASIVC exciting, visible, and impossible to miss. Most importantly, I want students to feel genuinely hyped to attend ASIVC events and be involved in campus life.
Senator
Responsibilities: Primary voting body for ASIVC; represents student concerns to the Academic Senate; works in the development and implementation of major ASIVC-sponsored programs and events throughout the academic year.
(10 positions available)
Aaron De Ruyter
Candidate Statement:
My name is Aaron De Ruyter. I am a first-year chemical engineering student here at IVC. I’m excited to run with my fellow senator elects and to help decide the future of the college.
Adriana Lee
Candidate Statement:
As a student leader, ASIVC offers a platform to reach out and contribute to the campus culture. I value effective representation and I believe that begins with approachability, and I strive to create a space where students feel heard and valued.
Aidan Lee
Candidate Statement:
My name is Aidan Lee, and I am currently a first-year Business Administration major at IVC. Having moved from Seattle to Irvine, I understand the importance of having a strong, welcoming community to be a part of. ASIVC has played a significant role in creating this environment for me, and I would like to help do the same for others. I am running for the ASIVC Senator position to listen to and advocate for student voices, support their ideas, and help turn them into actions that uplift our school community.
Alec Mendez
Candidate Statement:
As somebody who for their whole life has felt like they have never fit in with most people, I have always appreciated people in my life who have gone out of their way to make me feel included, and with this position I will do the same.
Angela Rodriguez
Candidate Statement:
Hi lasers! My name is Angela Rodriguez and I'm a first-year Communications major, member of the Honors program, and vice president of Mabuhay IVC Filipino Club. To tell you a little about myself, I am extremely passionate about music, current events, and community involvement/service. As senator, my main focuses would be ACCESSIBILITY of resources, INCLUSIVITY on campus, fostering COMMUNITY, and, last but certainly not least, having FUN! As part of ASIVC Senate, I would be committed to making your voice heard. I love meeting new people and would be happy to chat if you ever want or need someone to talk to. Together, we can transform IVC into an even greater place to be!
Anh Pham
Candidate Statement:
As a first-semester transfer student, I am running for ASIVC Senator to help make every student’s experience at IVC as meaningful and positive as my own
Anjani Shaw
Candidate Statement:
Hey Lasers! My name is Anjani Shaw and I am a first-year computer science major. In my free time I love doing creative hobbies like drawing and scrapbooking. My previous leadership skills at my high school include being vice president of the Visual Arts Board, an event planner for the California Youth Stem Project, and a member of the National Art Honors Society. As senator I aim to work alongside IVC’s resource center to ensure all majors are given the opportunity to explore their career path as well as bring new creative events to campus. If you see me on campus don’t hesitate to say hi!
Bechr Sawas
Candidate Statement:
Political Science + Paralegal Studies. I love people. I'll listen to your problems, and I won't charge you for it (Unlike your therapist). Anything you need, I probably know someone who can help you with it. Just talk to me, and I'd be more than happy to help :))
My main platform: To fight for reforms in the ICC. Make ratification and management processes less bureaucratic. I'm working on networking with everyone that could contribute to the reform process. I'm ready to negotiate with the ICC and the rest of the ASIVC to rally support for reforms.
If I'm going into public service, be it here at IVC or in public politics, I need to know about the public that I'm trying to represent. I'm not gonna run for an ASIVC position just to tell people about it on my LinkedIn profile.
The bottom line: Set our clubs free, reform the ICC!
Catherine Chang
Candidate Statement:
Hi everyone! I'm Catherine Chang, a passionate first-year Biology major and outgoing student volunteer who loves staying involved. In my free time, I bake, binge-watch rom-coms, and swim at Laguna Beach. From interning in labs to DIY-ing cupcakes at home, I'm all about commitment to any task and following through. As a goal-oriented and teamwork-based person, I believe making student voices heard is the key to making school life engaging and inclusive for everyone. I'm ready to put in the work and represent you as your ASB Senator.
Frank Divis
Candidate Statement:
My name is Frank Divis, and I’m running for ASIVC Senator to better represent the student voices here on campus! I believe there is a basic set of life skills everyone will need at some point, and college is the perfect place to learn them. Many of these skills aren’t commonly taught, including self-defense, CPR training, and understanding how credit cards and credit scores work. I’m committed to promoting these skills on campus while strengthening engagement and transparency within ASIVC, and I’d be honored to earn your support and represent the IVC community!
Ilya Chepelyuk
Candidate Statement:
My name is Ilya Chepelyuk and I have served as one of your ASIVC Senators for the 2025 Fall Semester, during which I have worked with the entire legislative body of ASIVC to encourage more student engagement, sustainability awareness, and student success around campus! I have remained passionate about the very same things I advocated for during my election last semester, that being first and foremost the success of all IVC students unimpeded by issues outside of students' control. If I am re-elected as a Senator of ASIVC I promise to continue advocating for more quality resources toward student success pathways for all students, increased funding for clubs and co-curriculars, and more agency in doing everything we can to mitigate the changes brought forth with Banner.
Isaac Osborb
Candidate Statement:
I'm running for IVC Senator to be a voice for students, ensure concerns are heard, and help create programs and events that bring our community together. I aim to make IVC a place where every student feels represented and supported.
Isabella Castillo
Candidate Statement:
Hi everyone! My name is Isabella Castillo, and I'm a first-year Communications major. I love being creative and getting involved on campus as much as possible. My hobbies include doing yoga, trying new coffee shops, knitting, and painting. Running my own banner-making business has helped me learn how to stay organized, work hard, and connect with others through creativity. As a bilingual student, I’m excited to represent student voices and help build a strong campus community. Let’s go Lasers!
Isabella Santiago
Candidate Statement:
Hi, my name is Isabella Santiago, and I am a first-year sociology major running to be your next ASIVC senator. I want to make a real impact on our campus by listening to students and working with others to create positive change. One issue I want to address is the lack of awareness about campus resources and events, especially for first-year and commuter students. If elected, I will advocate for better communication so all students feel informed, supported, and included.
Jennilyn Badua
Candidate Statement:
guys just trust me guys
John Asfour
Candidate Statement:
Hello, I am John Asfour, and I'm a first-year Mechanical Engineering Major at IVC! I’m a first-generation Middle Eastern student who values hard work, consistency, and showing up for the people around me. Outside of class, I am a sporty person who enjoys staying active, playing all kinds of sports, and working as part of a team, something that shaped how I communicate and support others. I am a very outgoing person, and I am always looking forward to meeting new people and strengthening connections. I value being someone people feel comfortable talking to, whether it's about a concern or just about their day. I’m running for ASIVC Senate because I want to contribute positively to our campus community and represent students with honesty and effort.
Kate Lay
Candidate Statement:
Hi, I'm a first-year Computer Engineering major here at IVC. My goals include transferring to UCI and also majoring in music and dance. I enjoy presenting my work at research symposiums and coding. I like rolling down hills and eating fruit.
Kina Yan
Candidate Statement:
Hi! My name is Kina Yan and I am currently a Philosophy major student at IVC. Having only moved to the U.S six months ago, I found my passion in socialising with college classmates as well as sharing my experience with acclimating into college. In my first few months, I found it difficult to adapt to a completely new environment both in learning and in culture. So, if elected, I aim to curate a more inclusive, welcoming and productive environment connecting both native and non-native students through implementing more academic and leisure events such as multilingual study sessions and multicultural gatherings. I hope to aid everyone, including international students, in succeeding in their college journey!
Lojine Aljaal
Candidate Statement:
"Hi! My name is Lojine, and I am a public health major who plans to go into the medical field. I love trying new things and getting involved in my community. I am running for senator because I want to help bridge the gap between student feedback and the change that actually happens.
As a senator, I want to amplify my peers’ voices and create events that students genuinely want to attend - events that are engaging, welcoming, and give students opportunities to socialize. I also want to help clubs stand out by supporting their efforts and increasing visibility, so more students are encouraged to get involved. I understand how challenging it can be, especially in college, to make friends and find your people. That’s why I am passionate about creating a sense of community within a community college by making spaces where students can connect, whether through shared majors, interests, or experiences.
I am also passionate about advocating for inclusivity and supporting those who feel unheard. Irvine Valley College is an incredibly diverse campus, and that diversity allows students to connect with and learn from each other. I would be honored to represent your voices and work toward student-driven change."
Sasha Aghili
Candidate Statement:
I am a first-generation American and college student. I am majoring in sociology, and I carry a passion for advocacy, community building, and student representation. As someone on the pre-law track, I am deeply interested in how institutions serve people, especially how student voices can shape more equitable, inclusive environments. My academic journey has been shaped by perseverance and growth. Coming from a background where navigating higher education was unfamiliar, I have learned to advocate not only for myself but for others who may feel unheard or overlooked. I am especially passionate about mental health awareness, access to resources, and creating spaces where students from diverse backgrounds feel supported and empowered.
Through my coursework and involvement on campus, I have developed strong communication, leadership, and critical-thinking skills that I hope to bring to student government. I am committed to listening to students, collaborating with peers and faculty, and working toward meaningful change that improves the student experience for everyone.
Steven Ortiz
Candidate Statement:
Hello IVC! My name is Steven Ortiz and I am a second semester political science major here at IVC. I am currently involved in clubs such as Mock Trial and Irvine Valley College Democrats where I've developed my social and leadership skills. Being involved around campus has shown me that representing student voices and engagement plays a huge role in creating a strong community here at IVC, which is why I am running for Senator. I hope to represent multiple student voices across campus and make the following 2026-27 academic year a memorable one.
Tamar Figotin
Candidate Statement:
I’m a second-year Computer Science and Math major at IVC who cares about making campus feel like more than just a place to attend classes. I’m passionate about building a stronger, more connected student community, where everyone feels heard, supported, and included. As an ASIVC Senator, I want to advocate for student voices, help create meaningful events and opportunities, and make IVC a place students are excited to be a part of!
Tiffany Kieu
Candidate Statement:
My name is Tiffany Kieu, and I am running for ASIVC Senator. As an AAPI student, I value representation and inclusion. Every student at IVC deserves strong leadership and attentiveness, someone who shows up and follows through. I want to advocate for inclusivity for all students through programs and events. As a Senator, I will advocate for all voices and bring student concerns to light.