Name: Yasmin Marcelo
Year in School: Senior
Major/Minor: English Literature major, Theatre minor

1. What position are you running for?

Director of Arts and Humanities.

2. Why did you choose this position?

As a student who is immersed in numerous A&H courses and activities, I have first-hand knowledge of the academic experience and how to further enrich the department. I want to make a more inclusive and diverse environment for students of every background in the arts. I also want to amplify the voices of the new writers and artists of our generation, especially those who belong to groups that are often overlooked.

3. What made you interested in student government?

I want to be able to relay the students’ concerns to ASI. As a student who has a first-hand experience of the academic experience, I understand what it is to juggle extracurricular activities and a job with my education. I know that a lot of people can sympathize with that, so I want to be able to lend a hand to them in a position where I know I can make a difference. I also want to contribute to the betterment of the community by working with a group of like-minded individuals.

4. What qualifications or experience do you bring to the position?

I frequently perform in the university’s theatre program, I participated in publishing CSUB’s annual fictional literary journal, and I was a member of choir. Dancing with Kaibigan Paso, performing in Expression Nights, and being involved in community theatre also granted me insight into further promoting the arts in CSUB. Additionally, regularly volunteering in the Edible Garden, writing for The Runner, and working in the Student Union helped me become a more well-rounded student with skills that I can apply as ASI’s liaison with the A&H department.

5. What do you hope to contribute to ASI if elected?

I hope to create events to help generate appreciation for the arts and literature, especially in this pos-covid era. I look forward to helping garner more audiences for theatre productions, choir concerts, and band performances by giving them more opportunities to perform on campus. I also hope to create more opportunities for art students and creative writers through exhibits and the promotion of publications. Aside from that, I also come from a first-generation Filipino-American family, so I would like to help diversify the voices and perspectives within ASI. I want to represent the minorities and immigrant students in our community.

Name: Wefaq Saleh Alshami
Year in School: Second-year/Sophomore
Major/Minor: Biology

1. What position are you running for?

I am running for the position of Director of International Students Relations/Affairs.

2. Why did you choose this position?

I personally chose this position because it’s what I see myself doing at the moment because I came from a non-English speaking country a few years ago. I suffered extremely from the linguistic barriers and cultural shock. Everything was new to me, therefore, I never felt the same sense of belonging. I always thought that I am lost and everyone is more knowledgeable than me. Obviously, not all international students go through the same struggles and they are all unique, but I hope that I can be “that person” or the source they can seek help from. My goal is to provide them with some of their needs and get them involved on campus to feel a sense of community.

3. What made you interested in student government?

It has been an interest of mine to be involved in the student governing body since high school, but I never had the courage to overcome the linguistic insecurity, and I didn’t think that I could do it. In other words, I feared disappointing myself and others. Not only that, my biggest concern was to drag my parents in this with me, into this responsibility because money and time consumption will come along. They wouldn’t mind it for the sake of my success, but it always resulted in a sense of guilt. However, it’s a perfect opportunity to be in the service of my community and contribute to my university as an advocate for students.

4. What qualifications or experience do you bring to the position?

I have previously held roles and positions of leadership in high school such as a presidency position for clubs and organizing/hosting events. Currently, I am the Director of Community Engagement for Sensational Sophomores which is a leadership-driven program that evolves around developing professional and personal growth. I am also the Treasurer for the newly chartered Dancers United club that promotes cultural education and stands for inclusion in diversity. Not only that, but I am also a volunteer lead for the Edible Garden of CSUB; I proudly share the accomplishment of spending more than 100 hours of volunteer work and more is to come!

5. What do you hope to contribute to ASI if elected?

I have a high hope that I will be a great contributor to ASI by being a helpful member that is passionate about helping besides being a representative of the international students from all over the world.

Name: Sarah Alame
Year in School: First-year graduate student
Major/Minor: Biology

1. What position are you running for?

Director of Sustainability.

2. Why did you choose this position?

I am choosing to run for Director of Sustainability because I am committed to implementing environmental practices that will contribute to a more green and sustainable campus. As the Director of Sustainability, I will create a safe space where students can discuss their concerns regarding climate change and collaborate on ideas to mitigate the occurrence. Ultimately, this role will allow me to exercise my leadership skills and participate in the global environmental movement.

3. What made you interested in student government?

I am a natural-born leader. I have always enjoyed voicing my opinions and working with others to achieve a common goal. The student government is of particular interest to me because campus involvement encourages students to challenge their thoughts, think outside the box, and develop exemplary communication skills.

4. What qualifications or experience do you bring to the position?

I have worked as a student assistant in the Department of Sustainability and Energy Management since September 2021. Since beginning, I created the department’s website, have run its social media page, and played a key role in planning the 2022 CSUB Sustainability Symposium. Currently, I am the only student representative of the Faculty Sustainability Committee.

5. What do you hope to contribute to ASI if elected?

My personality and dedication will make me an excellent addition to ASI. If elected, I wish to raise campus awareness about the importance of environmental issues. I want to empower fellow students to speak up on topics of most interest to them; I will prioritize student concerns and facilitate solution-oriented dialogue.

Name: Nick Dobusch
Year in School: Junior Year
Major/Minor: Liberal Studies Major

1. What position are you running for?

The position I am running for is Director of Student Athletic Engagement.

2. Why did you choose this position?

This position has possibilities for my growth as a leader developing and putting into practice skills and strategies that address concerns of student-athletes and the enhancement of CSUB athletes and athletic events. Having watched the Winter Olympics, I felt sad that Covid had limited spectators to so few because I know as an athlete what it feels like to hear the crowds roaring with encouragement and excitement. As the Director, I want to see student-athletes celebrated for their skills, achievements, and dedication. I want cheering crowds and a shared sense of pride for the CSUB athletic program.

3. What made you interested in student government?

I became interested in student government as I learned about the value of personal responsibility in making worthwhile contributions to one’s team, organization, community, and society. Being on the CSUB men’s swim team has shown me the importance of having a voice and taking responsibility. Being a part of student government will give clarity to my voice as I interact with our athletes and athletic department in developing and promoting activities that have positive impacts within our university community. Additionally, these experiences will teach me more about team cohesion and leadership which are necessary components for success in the workplace.

4. What qualifications or experience do you bring to the position?

Through participation in sports and employment in house painting, lifeguarding, hiring and managing a work crew, etc., I have developed a strong work ethic and other qualities that will be assets in this position. Among the most important qualities are communication skills that facilitate easy exchanges of ideas. A second quality is the ability to help others achieve success by valuing their ideas and concerns. This is critical to team building as is leading by example. Finally, working hard and having the drive to succeed are areas of personal strength and qualifications which I will bring to this position.

5. What do you hope to contribute to ASI if elected?

I will contribute time, energy, and effort to developing innovative strategies for engaging CSUB athletes and our university community. I will be a tireless promoter of our athletic teams as well as serve as a reliable liaison between our teams and ASI. I’ll establish a link of information between SAAC members and our athletic department. I will be a director who will not only listen to others but will hear and act on others’ concerns and ideas. I’ll take initiative to make suggestions and changes to promote a sense of great pride for CSUB, its athletic department and its athletes.

Name: Kenlee Calvin-Stoll
Year in School: Sophomore
Major/Minor: Business Administration–Concentration: Healthcare Management.

1. What position are you running for?

I am running for Director of Clubs and Organizations Outreach.

2. Why did you choose this position?

I am running for this position because as a student involved with multiple clubs and organizations, I will be able to maintain connections and provide assistance to all clubs and organizations at CSUB.

3. What made you interested in student government?

I became interested in student government because I want to use my leadership skills to be an advocate for all students. I have the chance to be their voice on matters that I feel passionate about.

4. What qualifications or experience do you bring to the position?

The qualifications and experience I bring to this position are I am involved with multiple clubs and organizations at CSUB. I am the Financial Vice President of Gamma Phi Beta and the VP of Outreach for the Business Experience Association. From these positions, I have gained valuable leadership skills that will contribute to the position of director of clubs and organizations.

5. What do you hope to contribute to ASI if elected?

If elected, I will work to be a student advocate for all students. I will also create connections with all clubs and organizations and assist when needed.

Name: Kayla Medina
Year in school: Sophomore
Major/Minor: Human Biology

1. What position are you running for?

I am running for the position of the Director of ASI Outreach.

2. Why did you choose this position?

I chose the position of Director of ASI Outreach because it was the perfect opportunity to be an advocate for those whose voices are not heard, nonetheless spreading the message of inclusion to our Runner society with the leadership role that being director would grant me. I also would love to get students more involved with not only hosted activities but with one another.

3. What made you interested in student government?

Going into college, I always knew I wanted to be involved with the school, but being online made me doubt that I would ever get that opportunity. Now that we are back in person and on campus I want to make up for that absence and be an advocate for those students that are also feeling lost or unguided with these new experiences that we all know are faced in college. I had some guidance from some of the best mentors at CSUB during my freshman year and also would love to return the favor to others.

4. What qualifications or experience do you bring to the position?

I have always been a part of student leadership whether it was in clubs or student government throughout high school which definitely helped me create a foundation of responsibility, being vocal, and being a decision-maker. I was president of my 2020 class for two years straight along with being an officer of the clubs I had been a part of.

5. What do you hope to contribute to ASI if elected?

If I were elected I would hope to help ASI by incorporating inclusion and diversity with our fellow runners. I dislike seeing students having fear and doubt about participating in school activities and I want to try and re-establish the idea that participation brings great opportunities and making friends with people that were once known as strangers. Everyone should feel included and I will make sure that message gets spread.

Name: JaNell Gore
Year in School: Junior
Major/Minor: Psychology

1. What position are you running for?

Director of Diversity and Inclusion.

2. Why did you choose this position?

One of my passions is ensuring everyone has equitable recourses to succeed. I currently work in a position that allows me to strive for equity in my community and I would love the chance to transfer that work onto campus.

3. What made you interested in student government?

I really wanted to get involved on campus and meet other students. With my classes being mainly online this seemed like the perfect way to do that and help other students at the same time.

4. What qualifications or experience do you bring to the position?

I have been writing for Kern Sol News since I was 17 and our work is centered around uplifting issues in the community. Through this work, I have become well versed in the common experiences people face in different parts of Kern County. This has taught me how to speak up for myself, others, and how to encourage others to stand for themselves. As director of Diversity and Inclusion is will incorporate everything I’ve learned over the years into the school.

5. What do you hope to contribute to ASI if elected?

I hope to contribute a different perspective on how to achieve things on campus and be someone to whom other students can relate.

Name: Jacob Roper
Year in School: Senior
Major/Minor: Biochemistry and Human Biology

1. What position are you running for?

Director of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering.

2. Why did you choose this position?

In all my academic years in the STEM field, I found that I was also in the middle of advocating for students and ensuring they got the rights they deserve. After a year as the director of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering, I realized this role is the best way to advocate for students in STEM. From engineering to physics to human biology and all the other wonderful STEM majors, I can relate to them all. Running in similar shoes as they do, this position allows me to best serve students that I can relate to.

3. What made you interested in student government?

Student government is the voice of the students. I pride myself on listening to student concerns and the ideas they present to improve ASI. Student government is a privilege that the students allow us to contribute to their academic success.

4. What qualifications or experience do you bring to the position?

Serving as the previous director of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering, it exposed me to the demands of the position. I was engaged with student concerns, seeking change for the students, giving students resources so that they can succeed, advocating for students, and preparing events for students. This all together developed me into the leader I am today. Also with my double major, it gives me a wide variety of students to talk to.

5. What do you hope to contribute to ASI if elected?

If I was elected, I want to help improve ASI in general. I want to be involved with budget talks, scholarship talks, scholarship reviewal committees, sustainability committees, police committees, etc. I will make sure ASI is improving students’ lives in the NSME field in general. I want to have several meetings with Dr. Dong to improve students’ lives socially, economically, and academically in whatever way that ASI can provide.

Name: Garrisen Freeman
Year in School: Freshman
Major/Minor: Kinesiology with a concentration in allied health

1. What position are you running for?

Director of Athletic Engagement.

2. Why did you choose this position?

I chose this position because I am a student-athlete at CSUB and I want to represent the athletic department to the best of my ability. Making sure the athletes are heard and supported is what is most important to me. As a freshman, I want to make the most connections that I can throughout the school. I want to be an advocate for the athletes and be that person that if they need something or have ideas they can talk to me about it.

3. What made you interested in student government?

I am interested in student government because it allows students to have a voice and a say about what goes on and the future plans they have for their school, which I view as something very important. Student government allows different groups of students with different ideas to communicate with them and see how well they do within the school. Most importantly student government gets students ready for the real world because it is all about trial and error throughout the entire process.

4. What qualifications or experience do you bring to the position?

I am qualified for this position because I can connect to student-athletes, being that I am a student-athlete myself. Student-athletes have to balance a lot of things and I understand how difficult that may be which will make them feel more open to communicating with me. Anything that I do not have in experience I can gain by learning from the experienced members around me to be the best Director of Athletic Engagement I can be.

5. What do you hope to contribute to ASI if elected?

I hope to contribute my ideas and work collaboratively with the other members that are also elected to make CSUB the best and most well-represented school it has ever been. As an athlete of women’s basketball, following one of my past teammates Vanessa Austin, I hope to show the things she has taught me about being a leader in areas that are possible.

Name: Andrea Bautista
Year in School: third-year junior
Major/Minor: Business Administration student majoring in Finance

1. What position are you running for?

I am running for Director of Diversity and Inclusion.

2. Why did you choose this position?

I chose to run for this position because I want to be an advocate for the students at CSUB and create a more inclusive campus community by embracing diversity and welcoming students of diverse backgrounds with acceptance. I will advocate for and embrace all students of different ages, ethnicities, nationalities, gender identities, sexual orientations, religious beliefs, and cultural backgrounds among other things. I believe that having diverse groups of individuals brings varied experiences and viewpoints to campus and it is important to be involved with people who bring new perspectives into our lives. I am a big believer that it takes more than diversity to change the world, we must also be inclusive and embrace changes. Diversity is being invited to the party, inclusion is being asked to dance.

3. What made you interested in student government?

I am a transfer student from Bakersfield College, and I feel that in my two years there I did not hear much about student government. I felt that there was a lack of connection between students. When I arrived at CSUB, immediately I was astonished by the embodiment of ASI on campus, not only was ASI welcoming, they are also very accessible, and plan events like Runner Hour every Wednesday to socialize with students and connect more. I am so interested in student government because I want to be that voice for people of all different backgrounds.

4. What qualifications or experience do you bring to the position?

I come from a family of hard-working immigrants who came to this country in hopes of a better future not only for themselves but for their children. My parents left Mexico when I was only a year old and through the years I have witnessed and experienced the injustices and inequality my parents, family members, and immigrants, in general, have endured. I believe that I am qualified for this position because as a Hispanic woman in America I can relate to and empathize with individuals who feel left out for their race, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, and religious beliefs. I have advocated for equality in these past years by educating fellow friends and people who follow me on social media about important issues such as the Black Lives Matter movement. I am a person who is very sociable, accessible, and easy-going, I am very empathetic and understanding of people’s needs and I will welcome all students on campus with open arms.

5. What do you hope to contribute to ASI if elected?

The thing I most hope to contribute to ASI if I am elected is being a voice for students. I will be a director who is accessible and friendly to students and will protect student rights and enhance their lives. I will provide resources for them and plan events that not only celebrate diversity but also create a more inclusive campus environment. I will prioritize student needs above all and will work to create an inclusive environment here at CSUB. I hope that you will consider me, Andrea Bautista, as your new Director of Diversity and Inclusion.

Name: Alejandro Romero
Year in school: 2nd year of school
Major: Biology

1. What position are you running for?

I am running for the Director of Diversity and Inclusion.

2. Why did you choose this position?

I choose this position because I understand the feeling of being outcasted and not feeling like you are included in the school. I want to make all students feel like they are accepted and also make sure that they know that their voices matter. I also want students to feel like they are being included in important school events and just day-to-day activities that impact them. I have always been super passionate about diversity and know how important it is for the campus, and I feel like you can not truly have diversity without also making sure everyone is included.

3. What made you interested in student government?

I became interested in student government because I have always wanted to become more involved with campus. I also want to be able to voice all the opinions of those who might not feel like they are being heard or those who feel like they do not have someone who can voice their concerns.

4. What qualifications or experience do you bring to the position?

Working and having an internship at two different pharmacies has taught me a lot about how to communicate efficiently and how to properly work as a team. These are skills that are important and would help me tremendously in the position that I am running for.

5. What do you hope to contribute to ASI if elected?

I hope to bring new ideas for students to interact with each other more. I also hope to be able to shed light on those individuals who maybe feel like they are not being heard.