Questions by Esteban Ramirez/Editor-in-Chief

Tell us who you are. Include age, major, year in school and any other clubs or organizations you are on at CSUB.

My name is Alana Lim. I am 21 years old and a junior human resources major. I currently serve as the treasurer and event coordinator in the Financial Management Association, a member of the Society of Human Resources Management, the Geology Club and Nu Phi Chi Sorority.

Why are you running for executive vice president?

I see this position as a platform that will allow me to make a meaningful impact on students to lead as part of the collective interest and help build a more sustainable student-oriented student government. As a purpose-driven advocate for student development I look forward to pursuing this endeavor.

What are your goals and your vision for the position?

My goals include fostering a more inclusive culture within ASI, improving student outreach and maintaining strong and healthy relationships with clubs and organizations on campus. It is important to have an environment within an organization where students feel welcomed and confident enough to approach their student leaders and inquire about any issues that they deem important.

Other goals include increasing congressional advocacy efforts with the California State Student Association, implementing “Get to Know Us” events that foster a deeper connection between the university and fellow students in order to advance campus life, and initiating professional development events that enable students to gain better perspectives on potential career tracks. My vision is to help cultivate leaders not just within ASI but amongst our student population.

There are various vacancies in director positions. What do you plan to do to recruit students for those positions? 

I understand through my current involvements that many students do in fact want to join ASI and contribute toward our university’s advancement. Students want to be involved in a way that positively impacts their peers and their community; however, ASI is currently disengaged with a majority of the student body.

I want to work on bringing more opportunities to students to where they can learn more about ASI, what they can gain from taking on a position and how they can join. One of my initiatives are quarterly “Get To Know Us” seminars where students, clubs and organizations can meet with their ASI representatives and enjoy lunch and friendly conversation with one another. Additionally, both me and Alex Dominguez plan to work together with next year’s ASI board of directors to host bi-weekly town halls where students can not only engage in active discussion at a time convenient to them but also address student issues.

Through these sort of interactive events we hope to address position vacancies. Furthermore, as a student representative, I view it as my responsibility to seek out other student leaders by engaging in face-to-face conversations with our campus community.

I believe that every student has the potential to become active leaders on campus, we must first give them the resources to do so.

How important is it to you to be transparent with all the students? 

Like my running mate, Alex Dominguez, transparency is of the utmost importance. Sadly, a lack of transparency is abundant under the current and past ASI administrations.

As a student representative, it is not only necessary to allow for transparency in order to facilitate effective communication but also mindful of our student’s rights to ensure proper representation in higher education through inclusive operations.

Inclusivity through transparency would allow students to contribute to discussions regarding a few of my initiatives. Apart from enabling a channel of fluid communication, greater transparency correlates with my personal mission of making student government a student- friendly and success driven organization where leaders are placed to support our student’s development.

What do you want to do when you graduate?

I would like to move to New York to continue my career as a human resources professional and eventually further my education by going to graduate school for an MBA. I also would like to dedicate my time and volunteer for a non-profit that advocates for anti-human trafficking on a global level.

What television show do you enjoy watching and why?

I enjoy watching Modern Family. Sometimes you just need a good laugh and I can always rely on this show to give me one. I also love puns and Phil Dunphy never fails to deliver.

Why should we vote for you?

By developing professional career events and contributing to projects through student organizations such as Nu Phi Chi Sorority, the Financial Management Association, the Geology Club and the Society of Human Resources Management, I have experienced the diligence, drive and innovation essential to implement meaningful change into individual student experiences. Dedication to community engagement through volunteer service is something I value and in like manner I plan to commit myself to the mission of our university: enhancing the personal development of our students.