Meet the Candidates
Student Trustee
Responsibilities: Student member on Board of Trustees; provides student perspective and represents students across the entire District.
Candidate Statement:
As a member of ASIVC I adhered to many levels of leadership, one included a new position as VP of DEIA . Being in such a diversified environment helped me to gain leadership skills needed to be a part of having a voice in an academic setting. Although I'm grateful for all the opportunities, my journey doesn’t stop here. I want to share the same experiences IVC has created for me with others. Representing IVC as a student trustee, foster/ guardian scholar , mother, and big sister will help to carry on the legacy of making this place a home for many including myself.
Candidate Bio:
Your “Big Sis”, safe space and home! Former Foster youth and foster parent, Rape/Sex trafficking victim-advocate/ mentor , EOPS/ Guardian scholar, Philosophy major looking to specialize in child and family law to represent underserved children whom shared similar life experiences in the foster care system. Let’s impact and inspire together!
Candidate Statement:
I am interested in running for this position as it is a great place for me to exercise my commitment to meaningful change and student representation. Having spoken and listened to classmates and students, I understand there are various needs and concerns for each student. As a Student Trustee, I aim to be the link between ASIVC and the board to advocate for policies that help students reach their goals inside and outside of the classroom. With experience in leadership and goals to contribute to the growth of the district and IVC, I am confident I can ensure the voices of the student body are heard in the decision-making process of the board.
Candidate Bio:
I am a first-year student majoring in political science and planning on double majoring in business administration. Outside of campus, I am the administrative assistant to a consulting firm managing education projects which has taught me the processes and function between education boards and businesses to enhance the learning environment.
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.
Candidate Statement:
I'm running for ASIVC President because I'm passionate about advocating for my peers and I want to foster an environment where the student voice is the priority; I am capable of representing the interests of every student with my keen understanding of the diverse needs and concerns of our student body. I’ve been dedicated to serving my community from the beginning as I served as class president and ASB president all four years of high school and I want to continue my leadership at Irvine Valley College. Continuing with ASIVC will give me an outlet to use my innate ability to take initiative and create change for the benefit of the student body. As a Latin-American STEM student who came from immigrant parents that had to navigate through the community college and university process with no support, I understand the struggle disadvantage students face while seeking higher education and I will aim to provide and publicize equitable resources for student success to make navigating through college and difficult classes easier for all students.
Candidate Bio:
Current ASIVC Justice Clarice Encarnacion is a first-year biochemistry student passionate about student advocacy and prioritizes serving her peers. She aims to provide equitable resources by implementing on-campus opportunities for student success and basic needs by holding the district accountable for hiring a cafeteria vendor at IVC.
Candidate Statement:
Adequate leadership of the President is crucial for ASIVC to excel in supporting the student body’s initiatives and efforts, from which so much life can flow into the campus and the student body. That is exactly what I am committed to doing. I am committed to running for this position to continue my work of fulfilling all that the IVC student body needs, from a vibrant student social life, to abundant resources, to an inclusive and comforting environment. Most importantly, I understand the meaning of leadership and communication; leadership is not just a position or a pretty title and communication is not just speaking. Leadership is a duty to uphold to the students a leader represents and communication is actively listening to those students.
Candidate Bio:
What’s up, guys! My name is David and I’m a Philosophy major. I’m a Justice in ASIVC. I was raised in Brazil and lived in Taiwan for three years. I love playing guitar, soccer, eating, reading books, and eating.
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.
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.
Candidate Statement:
To be able to efficiently allocate resources and manage our funds in the most cost-effective way possible is something I am dedicated to accomplish. My goal is to ensure every dollar and cent spent is used to it fullest in optimizing and enriching student's educational journey in IVC. By financially supporting various student programs, clubs, and initiatives that makes IVC such an inclusive and vibrant community, I am eager to help the community grow and flourish in any way that I can. With teamwork and collaboration, I hope to contribute to the financial stance and success of our school, IVC.
Candidate Bio:
Hello!! My name is Fiona Wangsawidjaja and I am currently a student majoring in data science. I love the bright and lively community at IVC and wish to support it to the best of my ability. I am very open and enjoy listening to any concerns and ideas that could be solved to aid the growth and enrichment of your educational journey at IVC.
Candidate Statement:
With experience on ASIVC’s Budget Committee, I am aware of the positive effects that funding has had on student success at IVC: from scholarships that offer financial support to funding for clubs and co-curricular programs that foster communities where students can develop their passions. Understanding this, I am running for Vice President of Budget and Finance to preserve and continue the work of my predecessors, ensuring that student activities on-campus have access to the necessary funds. Furthermore, I will maintain full transparency in all budget allocations and regularly update the student body on financial decisions. My goal is to serve the student body, which means I will regularly seek student opinions on budget priorities and advocate for a budget that prioritizes student experiences.
Candidate Bio:
Hi Lasers! I’m Minh Vo, a current ASIVC Senator. As senator, I serve on many committees, including the Budget Committee where I organize scholarships and allocate resources for the upcoming fiscal years. I understand that funding is crucial to student success and will ensure that student organizations and events will have the resources to blossom.
Candidate Statement:
Being on the Budget and Finance committee as well as an ASIVC Senator this year has made me increasingly ambitious to make wide-range improvements by providing more money for students, clubs, and faculty and creating a system in which students can provide greater feedback on fund allocation. What this means is getting engagement and putting funds back into important programs and student organizations that are essential to it. Among the contributions within the Budget Committee, I took the initiative in finding new ways to gain passive income, amid a decreasing budget, to give back to co-curriculars, scholarships, and resources on our campus. As a result of these contributions, there has been an increase in key opportunities for students and programs to engage in. Adept with giving back and finding feasible ways to gain revenue for our school, I also intend to increase additional benefits such as student discounts for sticker fees and make it easier for clubs to put in funding requests by streamlining the funding request process in addition to creating larger access to affordable food on campus.
Candidate Bio:
Hi I'm Sohrab and I am a first-year Business/Econ major. I have learned a lot this year and have cherished so much from one semester on our campus. From meeting new people to implementing contributions to our campus has been an unique experience for me. I love to strive and engage in our campus from more opportunities provided.
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.
Candidate Statement:
As a first-generation Latina, I have experienced firsthand some of the challenges that students like me often face, including financial hardships and the need for better support systems. My passion for public speaking and my ability to connect with people has stemmed from hardships like homelessness, thus it has driven me to become a voice for those who are too embarrassed or ashamed to talk about. This position will give me the platform to address these issues effectively and work towards implementing positive changes. I am dedicated to listening to the concerns of my fellow students, understanding their needs, and collaborating with my colleagues to create policies and initiatives that enhance the overall college experience for students.
Candidate Bio:
Hello Lasers! My name is Candy Velazquez. Fun fact I received my name after my brother was craving candy. I'm a first-generation Latina with a passion for public speaking and connecting with people. My goal is to become a travel nurse, combining my love for healthcare with my desire to help those in need.
Candidate Statement:
I am interested in running for the Vice President of Diversity Equity Inclusion and Accessibility position because I can contribute a diverse perspective as a first-generation Latino to the IVC community of academically talented and highly motivated students. Being a child of an immigrant has instilled in me the instinct of wanting to be successful because I want to live a life my parents, their parents, etc. never got the possibility of achieving. Thus, as a first-generation college student my goal is to succeed in higher education as I believe this pathway will open up opportunities that someone from my background would never deem possible. However, my efforts in closing the education gap among minority students are not only for myself, but for my classmates as well because I believe I can use this instinct to inspire them as I facilitate academic opportunities for minorities and marginalized groups. If I were to be elected, I would want my fellow peers to see themselves represented in a position of power as I lead committee meetings which serve to connect clubs, official IVC organizations, and ASIVC members alike and reassure themselves that they too can achieve success.
Candidate Bio:
My name is Daniel, and I’m currently a first-year majoring in psych. I’m involved in the Honors Program, Puente Program, and College Corp. I work at Big Canyon as a Recreation Attendant and Kids Night Out Counselor and I volunteer at Guin Foss's YMCA-ELOP. My career goals include a PhD in clinical psych and opening up my own practice for children!
Candidate Statement:
I am interested in becoming the Vice President of Diversity Equity Inclusion and Accessibility for ASIVC because I am determined to ensure that all students and individuals who attend IVC are treated consistently with respect, graduate, and with value. Though I may not know all or even the majority of students attending IVC on a personal level, I truly believe that each individual deserves a healthy, equal, and supportive campus life environment. I am eager to see that through and hopefully create a more diverse and inclusive environment for students, that they feel comfortable and excited to be a part of. No student is, we all hold our own unique needs, opinions, and morals, and come from a cluster of different places, but it is our differences that make us stronger as a community and as individuals. I am eager to potentially become VP of Diversity Equity Inclusion and Accessibility to work to protect and continue the intuition’s encouraging, progressive, and wholesome nature that is within IVC.
Candidate Bio:
My name is Danielle Najera, I am a first year at IVC, majoring in social work. I'm a very independent and strong-minded individual, who loves to keep busy. If I'm not at school, I'm either working or at a cafe drinking some sort of latte :). I would be honored and so happy to be a part of ASIVC, and have the ability to make an impact for my peers.
Vice President of External Affairs
Responsibilities: ASIVC liaison regarding local, regional, and state legislative issues.
Candidate Statement:
My experience within ASIVC and as an active student on campus has prepared me for the role of VP of External Affairs. Next year I aim to work at the state legislative level to designate IVC as a zero-cost textbook school. I also aspire to pass a resolution that advocates for equitable research, fellowships, and career advancement opportunities specifically tailored for two-year institutions. Finally, my objective is to establish a program that standardizes transfer requirements and mandates further training for counselors. This initiative aims to ensure students are well-informed about the precise criteria for transfer, mitigating misinformation and ensuring they take the right classes.
Candidate Bio:
Howdy-do! My name is Varsha and this past year through my role as an ASIVC Justice and as a Co-Chair of the Civic Engagement Committee I have implemented an Anti-Discrimination Pledge and am in the process of creating an anonymous feedback program. I truly hope through this election I genuinely connect with each of you and address your grievances.
Vice President of Inter-Club Council (ICC)
Responsibilities: ASIVC liaison to campus clubs.
Candidate Statement:
As a current ASIVC Senator, engaging with students and the IVC community has been immensely fulfilling and fun. From voting on proposals to planning events, representing the student voice and garnering energy on campus has been my mission from the start. As a first-year, I know what it’s like to feel disconnected and how challenging it is to get involved when you feel campus culture is otherwise. As VP of ICC, I aim to foster a club community that amplifies student voices and ultimately brings us all together. Clubs are the center of student life; through them, we get to hear your stories, what drives you, and who you are as individuals, so if you’d let me, I’d love to be a representative of the community you all work hard to create and see it thrive.
Candidate Bio:
Hi, I’m Amelia and I’m majoring in political science! I aspire to work in a law firm and be financially stable for my parents (and my dad’s dream car) and to destigmatize law as a male-dominated career. I love movies, beach drives, and finding new music through others. If you see me on campus, you can always stop me for a chat, I’d love to say hi!
Candidate Statement:
As a student, I have witnessed the impactful work of the ASVIC at Irvine Valley College, and I have been inspired to be part of it. One of the primary reasons I am interested in running for a position in the ASIVC is my passion for serving others. By serving others, I would love to contribute to helping and working closely with the administration and faculty and bridge the gap between them and students at IVC. I believe that open and transparent communication is crucial in making a functioning institution, and I am committed to fostering a solid relationship between all stakeholders at IVC. I believe that by being part of the ASVIC, I can use my skills and experience to benefit the student body and contribute to the growth and development of our college.
Candidate Bio:
Hello! My name is Ana Hernandez; I am a first-year student at IVC, majoring in Psychology. I plan on transferring to a four-year institution after two years at IVC and continuing my long-awaited education to pursue a career as a Psychiatrist.
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.
Candidate Statement:
Having served as a Senator in the student body last semester, I am thrilled to run for the position of Vice President of Public Relations (VPPR) for the Associated Students of Irvine Valley College (ASIVC). My previous experience has provided me with valuable insights into the inner workings of student government and a deeper understanding of the needs and aspirations of our diverse student community. I will continue to amplify the voices of our students, ensuring their concerns and accomplishments are communicated transparently through various channels, including social media. I am eager to bring my passion for effective communication and my dedication to the betterment of our campus to the role of VPPR.
Candidate Bio:
Andy Nguyen, a dedicated student leader, served as a senator in fall 2023, enhancing the student experience at Irvine Valley College. Andy cares about inclusivity, he actively promotes unity by publicizing events. Andy strives for a thriving college environment, becoming a catalyst for change and contributing to growth at Irvine Valley College.
Candidate Statement:
I'm interested in running for Vice President of Public Relations with ASIVC because I greatly care about effective communication and bringing people together. If I had this role, I could improve the college experience for every student. I have experience with public relations, such as managing social media and planning promotions, and a long history of doing many media editing projects (video & photo), which worked well. I want to use these skills to help more people know about ASIVC, create a feeling of togetherness among students, and spread the word about programs and events at IVC. In addition, I want to stand up for students and make sure their opinions are heard, and this position would let me support students, which is essential to me.
Candidate Bio:
I am currently studying Computer Science and 3D Animation in hopes of working in the film industry. I am part of CNH Circle K International, serving as the Kiwanis Family Foundation Visual Media Director and DCON Committee Technology. I am an Iranian-American and learned many helpful, good qualities from my loving, chai-enthusiast family.
Candidate Statement:
I am eager to apply for ASIVC, driven by my outgoing nature and genuine enjoyment of connecting with others. My creativity fuels my desire to contribute to the Irvine Valley College community, along with my easily made connection with my peers. I bring vision and innovative ideas to foster inclusivity and enhance our diverse campus. With that being said, I inspire to be a positive figure at IVC.
Candidate Bio:
Hello! I'm Monique, thrilled to apply for ASIVC. In my first year at IVC, I am pursuing a major in criminology. My goal is to lead in public affairs, bringing inclusivity, creativity, and positivity, to enrich our community. With strong ties to the Latinx community, though programs like Puente, I aim to contribute to the campus's diversity.
Candidate Statement:
I’m running for ASIVC because I’m interested in learning about different student perspectives and incorporating what everyone wants into future events. I look forward to making the events more stimulating and interactive by using my creative side, and I will often look out for new perspectives as that is what keeps things different and exciting. By becoming a part of ASIVC, I will use my voice to create a positive, fun, and inclusive environment for everyone. By being outgoing, encouraging, and friendly—and through being a part of ASIVC—I know my personality can create a helpful impact and lean others toward a motivated attitude about being a student here at Irvine Valley College. By voting for Zoe Navarro, YOU would be making a difference and the right decision!
Candidate Bio:
By having 1 year of experience in child care and by being a psychology major, Zoe Navarro knows exactly how to engage with just about anyone! Zoe also played varsity golf for 4 years in high school and was part of a team that won state, and she had many podium finishes throughout her competitive timeline. She LOVES to win for herself and others.
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)
Candidate Statement:
Ever since I was in middle school, I've consistently and passionately served my peers and my community as an elected representative. Despite being my first year at IVC, I've grown attuned to the community and wish to use my relevant skills to improve the academic and social experience of my peers. As a senator, I will do my absolute best to consider diverse viewpoints and compromise with my colleagues to achieve the best possible result. I will also diligently work with the greater student body to raise awareness for ASIVC events.
Candidate Bio:
I am a first-year student at IVC. Feel free to reach out to me for any questions or concerns!
Candidate Statement:
Throughout high school, I wasn't involved with the school because of personal issues I was dealing with. While in high school, I didn't feel represented by the student government, especially being Latino. However, now, it is my time to step up to the plate and be of service to the students who need to be represented. Additionally, I am very cooperative and want to be a part of a team that leads and voices those who feel unheard. Just like many other Irvine Valley College students, I have explored various majors and have settled on Sociology.
Candidate Bio:
Howdy Lasers, Brendan here! I am a 19-year-old Mexican-American in the second semester of my first year at IVC. I am a person who loves helping others, and it is my natural ability to uplift others and help them reach their full potential. Being part of Puente, I understand the importance of community!
Candidate Statement:
I believe that with my previous experiences in leadership positions both within and beyond my school community, I am confident that I have the skills and capacity needed to become a representative for IVC students. At the same time, I hope to give back through serving in the best interests of and furthering helping to build up the connection that students feel with our school. As an international student that has just recently moved to the U.S., I also hope to be a voice for students like myself who are having to navigate and adjust to college life in an new and unfamiliar environment. By proposing events, gathering resources and more, I would like to achieve the goal of increasing student awareness of all the opportunities that IVC has to offer to ensure that students can have the most fruitful and beneficial experience possible.
Candidate Bio:
I am a first-year Honors Program student at IVC majoring in Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics. My current leadership positions include social media manager of Diversified Doctors and staff writer for the Honors Tribune, and my goal is to transfer to UCLA as a pre-med student.
Candidate Statement:
The four years of college make up the prime of our youth. College allows us to contact with the diversification of cultures, values, and people; it allows us to have failures in the preparation for success. And finally, it allows us to subside and conceive the goals of life. Recognizing the inherent challenges when adapting to a new environment, I am acutely aware of the vital role advocacy, student support, and voices play in our closely-knit yet diverse community. Through the Senate, I will have the opportunity to address the issues that matter to our classmates, whether it's improving campus life, advocating for academic enhancements, or promoting diversity and inclusivity. Together, let’s craft a future that we can all be proud of and make our college experience and memories truly remarkable!!
Candidate Bio:
Hi guys! I am Daren So, a first-year Business major at IVC from Hong Kong. I cherish connecting across cultures, shooting hoops on the basketball court and engaging in enlightening discussions with friends. As a trilingual international student, I'm eager to represent our interests in the Senate, enhance our community. Let's go Lasers:)
Candidate Statement:
Hi! I’m Darlene Yazan and I’m a first-year Biology major. In my free time, I love biking down nature trails, rollerblading to ABBA songs, and planting fruits and vegetables in my backyard. As Vice President of the Green Team club, I value collaboration, creativity, and sustainability. As a senator, I will work with various faculty and student organizations to encourage public transportation by making the bus station welcoming and safe, support cheaper and healthier food options, and reduce single-use plastics on campus.
Candidate Bio:
Hi! I’m Darlene Yazan and I’m a first-year Biology major. In my free time, I love to bike down Hicks Canyon Trail, rollerblade to ABBA songs, and embroider while watching my favorite film: Hidden Figures.
Candidate Statement:
I want to become a senator to help students succeed by connecting them to peers who hold similar interests and by creating a more connected campus. Through friend groups that can share valuable resources, motivation, and support, students will become more involved and build a stronger community that will inspire excellence. Great communities can be found within clubs at IVC as I have personally experienced great encouragement to further my career after joining various clubs. Also, I have gained a lot of knowledge by interacting with counselors, college representatives, and other students who have helped me feel confident in my classes, decisions, and future.
Candidate Bio:
Hi Lasers! I am David Doberstein and leadership has always been a big part of my life, from clubs in high school to being an Eagle Scout, I was able to work closely with peers to encourage others to pursue their passion. Being connected maximizes student potential, so I will advocate for more events that will foster a stronger sense of community.
Candidate Statement:
I am driven to run for a position in ASIVC because of my profound passion for student advocacy and a dedicated commitment to fostering positive change. I hope to implement initiatives that enhance student life while addressing specific issues, including the needs of both students and faculty. Through active participation in campus activities as the current Pre-Nursing Students Club President, I have gained valuable insights into the diverse needs of our student community. With this role I aim to work collectively towards a common goal alongside the other members of ASIVC and this role perfectly aligns with my person and professional development aspirations, providing the opportunity to contribute to greater changes for IVC while growing as a leader and student. I am eager to represent and serve as a senator for ASIVC.
Candidate Bio:
Pre-nursing major committed to becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner. High school graduate with 8 APs, 3 honors, active in 10+ clubs, highly involved in community service and leadership. My goal as President of the Pre-Nursing Students club is to foster a supportive community for healthcare majors and make a positive impact.
Candidate Statement:
I am passionate about addressing student concerns, advocating for the necessary changes, and bringing up initiatives that promote inclusivity around campus. I hope to bring positive impact and implement important solutions on ways to make our resources more readily available. I am committed to being a leader on campus and strive to be a voice on campus. Being an ASIVC senator would be a perfect role that allow me to serve my peers in meaningful way.
Candidate Bio:
Hi guys! My name is Ian Chow and I am currently a first year Business Administration student at IVC. Besides school, my hobbies include playing with my dogs and cooking new foods. I am currently involved in the UNICEF and Economics club as a board member. I hope to be leader in the IVC community to make our campus more accessible and engaging.
Candidate Statement:
As an ASIVC senator, I will be representing IVC students' voices in all meetings and events. I plan on improving community at IVC; to make a comfortable and better experience overall socially and academically. Spending the time to meet new people in and out of class has helped me create new study groups which improved my overall experience. I am looking forward to spend time working with everyone and create good memories that we will all remember.
Candidate Bio:
Hello Lasers! My name is Kareem Estwani, I am currently in my second year at IVC majoring in Mechanical Engineering. I enjoy spending time outdoors, going mountain biking, hiking, and even going for walks in the cool California breeze. I also love trying new things. Without risk there is no growth.
Candidate Statement:
My educational and personal journey has been long and endearing, but IVC has provided me with an undeniable sense of support and reassurance. Throughout my time here, I've come to realize the community that our school has built and I aim to further enhance this by providing more diversity and knowledge. By being a voice that can be heard, I can advocate for the necessities that our school environment needs to thrive. I plan to run as an ASIVC senator not only to represent the student body but also to put in the work to further strengthen the spirit that makes our school the one it is.
Candidate Bio:
As a rising Sophomore majoring in Business Administration, I aim to further my education, gain real-world experience, and build meaningful connections with other ambitious individuals. I am also deeply passionate about education and advocating for it. Serving as a student body senator will enable me to continue promoting positive changes on campus.
Candidate Statement:
My goal is to show leadership at IVC and prove that even international students can be successful in the U.S. Ultimately, I would like to create an environment that many international students can participate in IVC activities with a positive attitude. To make this happen, as a Senator, I promise to listen to the opinions of many international students and reflect them throughout the school. I am confident that I can make these goals a reality by becoming a Senator!
Candidate Bio:
Hello everyone! My name is Masayuki Oe and I am a freshman majoring in Computer Computer Science. I am an international student who moved to the U.S. from Japan last year. I am someone who can create a diverse discussion within the ASIVC by expressing my views from a different perspective than others based on my experiences in Japan.
Candidate Statement:
I am interested in running for a position for ASIVC because I want to connect with the community more at IVC. I believe that this would also help me expand on abilities to grow as a person and a student. It is my first year at IVC and I want to make my time here as memorable as possible. A position for ASIVC would be a great step in my education and future years as a student.
Candidate Bio:
My name is Maya Dalati, and I am planning on running for a position for ASIVC. I am currently in my first year at IVC and I am a psychology major. I want to connect more with the community of IVC, and I intend on doing that by running for senate. It will help me be more involved, and participate in more activities for the school.
Candidate Statement:
Hello my name is Mengchen, I am a first-year math major at IVC, I am interested in running for a senator position in the Associated Students of our college because it presents an opportunity for me to actively engage with my peers, advocate for student needs, and contribute to the overall improvement of our campus environment. By taking on a leadership role, I aim to not only enhance my own skills but also hopefully make positive changes within our college community. I have not had any leadership experience before but I believe that my passion for making a difference and my willingness to learn and grow will equip me well for this role. As a first-year math major at IVC, I hope to use my academic background to support fellow math/STEM majors. Additionally, I plan to collaborate with faculty to address any concerns or challenges within the math department and advocate for initiatives that promote academic success and engagement among math students.
Candidate Bio:
Hello my name is Mengchen, I am a first-year math major at IVC, I am running for a position in the Associated Students of our college, I plan to collaborate with school faculty to address any concerns or challenges within the math department and advocate for initiatives that promote academic success and engagement among math students.
Candidate Statement:
Having participated in various exciting ASIC-organized events, and activities during my first semester at IVC, I was inspired to become part of ASIVC as a Senator. I am always convinced that to lead is to serve; it is to advocate for students' interests, and foster an environment that caters to everyone's needs. I aim to enrich the school's spirit and students' college experience through more engaging and exciting activities. I believe that it would be a fruitful experience to learn many useful skills while working alongside with my peers.
Candidate Bio:
My name is Nhi Pham, and I am a first-year student majoring in Mathematics. Through my high school year in Singapore, I had taken on multiple leadership roles, facilitating various events such as Sport Carnival, Orientation Camp for freshmen, and Blood Donation Drive. Outside of school, my hobbies are listening to music, and visiting cute cafes.
Candidate Statement:
I am interested in running for IVC Senator because I want to make IVC a better place for all students disregarding their backgrounds and giving them the best opportunities possible. As an immigrant from Spain, I can relate to many international students with their struggles and differences and I want to let them know that there are resources to help them and that they should not be afraid to reach for help. As a senator, I will work with my peers to make and add changes to IVC in order for students to achieve their best academic and personal self. I am dedicated to hearing student voices, addressing their concerns, and implementing initiatives that promote a sense of community and collaboration where everyone can feel like they fit in.
Candidate Bio:
Hello, my name is Rodrigo Marconell and I am a first year at IVC. I am originally from Spain and I came to California 7 years ago. As a Hispanic student and a past high school representative, integrating with a new school community is an important factor for me and becoming senator would be the perfect opportunity for me to do so.
Candidate Statement:
In high school, I never took part in any form of student government and for the most part did not even feel obligated to attend most school events. After my first semester at IVC, I feel far more connected to the school than I did in high school and I feel like there are members of the student body that are able to make a difference in how others experience the school and I would like to be a part of that. I want to create a sort of culture where students can connect with other students rather than simply coming to campus to go to class then immediately going home. I aspire to do this by aiding in planning events that many people want to attend so that students are more inclined to stay on campus and create more meaningful connections than they could inside a classroom.
Candidate Bio:
Hi, I am a first year CS major here at IVC and am hoping to transfer to UCLA. After graduating, I hope to enter back end software development at some small tech start up company. I grew up around here and have attended school in Irvine since elementary but most of my family is in Australia where I happen to also have citizenship.
Candidate Statement:
I am interested in running for a Senator position at ASIVC because I am deeply committed to representing and addressing the concerns of my students at Irvine Valley College. As a senator, one should be able to first understand the problems of students and then act to solve and meet the needs of students. I am eager to facilitate effective communication between the student body and the Academic Senate to enhance students' academic environment at IVC. For instance, because of the budget cut we will be experiencing, we need to ask for students' input on where it is their priority to spend the majority of the funds, in order to prevent any unnecessary squandering. My passion for student advocacy along with my determination to implement concentrated and impactful programs and events aligns ideally with the responsibilities of a senator.
Candidate Bio:
I am Sana Vosoughi, a Biochemistry student in the Honors program. I have always had a keen interest in making positive changes within my academic community. Since high school, I was the secretary of many clubs and now I am on the board of the Diversified Doctors and Math clubs. I am eager to share my experience to enhance IVC's status for students.
Candidate Statement:
In high school, I was the kind of student that wasn't particularly involved in the school events being offered, having trouble taking on roles that required leadership capabilities. But since starting in IVC in fall 2022, I've been surrounded by ambitious people that have motivated me to step out of my comfort zone, in a sense starting to "write my own story". Finishing off my second year in IVC this spring, I've been consistently striving for self-improvement, growth and challenging myself with new and uncomfortable scenarios, such as coaching for my alma mater swim team, swimming for Saddleback college, helping run the Badminton club, as well as challenging myself with tough course material, which I had typically avoided before college. I believe that ASIVC is my next step in further "writing my story" and taking a risk here in IVC.
Candidate Bio:
My name is Will. I'm a second year here at IVC studying math and data science. I moved to America about 4 years ago and I've been enjoying it ever since. I also swim for Saddleback College's swim team!