Meet the 2023-2024 ASI candidates: Executive positions

The Runner

ASI Presidential candidate, Daisy Alamillo

Name: Daisy Alamillo 

Major/minor: Business Administration concentration Accounting 

Year in school: Junior 

Which ASI position are you running for? 

President 

What are your qualifications for the position you are running for? 

For the position of President I am qualified because I have in Associated Students, Inc,, advocating for students since my beginning time at CSUB. In my past three years, I have advocated for students at a campus and systemwide level. In ASI, I have served as Vice President of University Affairs and Vice President of Legislative Affairs. On campus I currently serve as the President of the Pre-Law Society where I lead meetings and organize events for my club.  

Why are you running for this position? 

I have running for ASI President, because I want to continue my journey of being a student leader on campus. I want to advocate for students and ensure students have quality resources to succeed at CSUB.  

How will you make a change in your position? 

I will create change as President by uplifting and empowering students at CSUB to become student leaders. I will innovate our campus by advocating for quality resources such as improved food options. I hope to create a welcoming community for all CSUB students to feel welcomed.  

 

ASI Presidential candidate, Jacob Roper

Name: Jacob Roper 

Major/minor: Biology and Biochemistry 

Year in school: Senior 

Which ASI position are you running for? 

ASI President  

What are your qualifications for the position you are running for? 

I have been in ASI for two years and have served as the Director of NSME during those terms. In the two years I have served in ASI, I have been a part of the University Affairs Committee, Finance Committee, Sustainability Committee, Alcohol and Addiction Committee, Academic Affairs Assembly, Police Advisory Council and others. These committees helped me understand the intricacies of how change happens at the school. It has also allowed me to express the student voices directly and helped me understand how I can create change for the students. I have also familiarized myself with the individuals apart of our administration on campus to help me know where to navigate the student concerns and who to express these concerns to. My time in ASI has not only been advocating for students but also creating events and talking directly to students on campus. I have organized many events to touch base with all the majors and populations in NSME. I also have tutored on campus for three years and have been directly involved with various student concerns. This has allowed me the privilege to fight for student rights and always inquire about student input and progressive ideas.  

Why are you running for this position? 

I want to improve and overhaul the culture of ASI while bringing the voice of the students back to ASI. Based on my experiences, on the past two boards I feel that it is crucial for ASI to represent all the voices that are on campus and to ask the difficult questions to administration of the school. The students are my number one priority and I want to represent them. I also want to focus on the development of the leaders serving on the board of directors in allowing them to have more of a say in the operations of ASI.  

How will you make a change in your position? 

To create change, you must identify the issues at hand and the individuals that are affected by it. I want to organize meetings with all the student leaders on campus and of ASI. I want to make detailed reports of what change they would like and then connect with the campus to make changes. Sometimes not all change can happen but the idea of meeting in the middle and creating compromise is so undervalued today. Listening to student voices and asking for input and their ideas is the best way to create change for our Runners. 

 

Executive Vice Presidential candidate, Christian Burgara

Name: Christian Burgara 

Major/minor: Single Subject Credential (Social Science) 

Year in school: Graduate 

Which ASI position are you running for? 

Executive Vice President 

What are your qualifications for the position you are running for? 

In terms of experience, I am currently a substitute teacher with LUSD. Which has prepared me with experience in management. As you need to be able to manage a classroom to be an effective substitute teacher. Otherwise, the classroom will become chaotic and few students will finish their work. As such I am more than capable of applying management techniques to create a positive environment and ensure success. This fits in perfectly with the responsibilities of the executive vice president. As the EVP is responsible for the internal management and coordination of ASI. I am also currently an ASI justice which has provided me with insight into how the organization works. That experience has also sharpened my impartiality skills. Allowing me to put aside preconceived notions and take in both sides of an issue. In terms of awards that show my academic capability I have earned: my AA in History while on the presidents list at PC (2020), I also earned the medal of distinction for history at PC (2020), and my BA in History Cum Laude at CSUB (2022). I am also a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and Alpha Chi honor societies. I am also a member of the Phi Alpha Theta history honor society. 

Why are you running for this position? 

I am running for the position of Executive Vice President because I wish to have a greater part in advocating for students. I also want to ensure that students get the representation and support that they need. 

How will you make a change in your position? 

As the executive in charge of the internal management of ASI, I will focus on creating a more positive atmosphere in the ASI office. I will do this by using the skills I have developed as a substitute teacher to create an effective and positive working environment. If an issue arises I will use my experience as an ASI justice to approach the issue with impartiality. As a justice, I have learned to put my own biases aside and to take in all sides of an issue. 

 

Executive Vice Presidential candidate, Ignasio Castillo

Name: Ignasio Castillo 

Major/minor: Political Science with a minor in Criminal Justice 

Year in school: Senior 

Which ASI position are you running for? 

Executive Vice President 

What are your qualifications for the position you are running for? 

Having been in ASI for the past 3 years having started with Lobby Corps and advocated on issues such as ethnic studies, fixing financial aid and basic needs, I knew I wanted to be a voice for students. Through this journey, I have had the pleasure of serving as Vice President of Legislative Affairs for 2 years and took our student voices to Sacramento and Washington D.C.. I advocated for our International Students who faced deportation from ICE during the pandemic if they didn’t attend in-person classes, we spoke with our members of Congress to revoke this and change was made, I advocated to the state legislature to invest in CSUB’s energy innovation center last year and we were able to receive $80 million for this new center. I advocated as a student representative to multiple administrative committees and being the sole voice for students who brought upon invaluable insight to these committees about how we bring about the student perspective in the Academic Affairs committee, the Academic Integrity committee and the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Committee. I am the most qualified with my proven track record to continue this work to fight for our CSUB students and continuously support them so they can rise! 

Why are you running for this position? 

I’m running to be your next executive Vice Presidents for ASI. I’m running on a campaign on R.I.S.E. for our Runners, Innovation, Support and Experience. I’m running for our runner family that come from different walks of life and who step into our university to invest in a degree. For our first-generation students, our student parents, our veterans who formerly served our country and our BIPOC and LGBTQ students, being a queer first generation Latinx student myself, I stand with them. I’m running on innovation to further progress our students on their educational journey and meeting their needs, no student should ever go hungry or not have a roof over their head, I will ensure to continue to be their advocate. I’m running to support our students to address their concerns and be a student representative on many administrative committees such as the President’s Latino/a advisory council, the Academic Integrity committee and academic affairs. Lastly, my experience speaks for itself, being the only candidate with over 4 years of experience in student government having served as the VP of legislative affairs for 2 years and University affairs for one year, I have the experience as being fearless advocate for our 10,000 students on campus both to our administration and staff but also to our local, state and federal representatives. 

How will you make a change in your position? 

I will make changes by continuing my work to serve our students and work with ASI with internal management to best ensure that our organization runs in the best way possible. I want our organization to make sure that they have the tools necessary and empower them to make the change they see for their positions and for the betterment of our student organization. 

 

Vice President of Finance candidate, Simranjeet Kaur

Name: Simranjeet Kaur 

Major/minor: Business Administration with a concentration in finance  

Year in school: Sophomore  

Which ASI position are you running for? 

Vice President of Finance 

What are your qualifications for the position you are running for? 

I am currently pursuing a degree in Finance, and I completed some accounting classes, which show I have expertise that makes me qualified for this position. 

Why are you running for this position? 

I want to run for vice president of finance because I have a genuine enthusiasm for finance and accounting; as a finance student, I have the expertise to influence the ASI organization’s financial operations favorably. My problem-solving abilities will aid the organization’s financial operations; I am also qualified for this position because I have expertise in various accounting and financial accounting subjects and have demonstrated outstanding academic performance in particular accounting subjects. I am also involved in two campus organizations, the University of accounting association and the Institute of Management Accountants. In addition, due to my excellent academic record, I am a member of the national society of leadership and success. In addition, this is a wonderful chance for me to grow and advance in my career since this work allows me to develop my talents. I am shy but want to overcome my timidity and become a leader. As an international student, I have the opportunity to demonstrate that I can exceed my potential. I need CSUB Family support. Please support me in attaining my first accomplishment as an international student. 

How will you make a change in your position? 

If I become the Vice President of finance, I will ensure that funds should be distributed equally to all the clubs. Moreover, I will ensure that the financial position of the ASI (Associated Students Inc.) remains favorable. By becoming the president of finance, I will become an example for those who struggle in their life and are too shy to come out of their comfort zone, and I want to represent every student of my ROADRUNNER BY DOING GREAT WORK. 

 

Vice President of Finance candidate, Kayla Medina

Name: Kayla Medina 

Major/minor: Human Biology 

Year in school: 3rd Year 

Which ASI position are you running for? 

Vice President of Finance  

What are your qualifications for the position you are running for? 

As part of the managing team at a fast food restaurant, I have obtained a variety set of skills that I believe are essential for this position. Having to constantly deal with confrontational situations has taught me how to deescalate intense situations and has enhanced my patience as well. Part of my duties also include handling the profits that are being made on a daily basis. Over all, I have gained leadership skills not only in running a store, but also having a background in ASI. I am the current director of ASI outreach and take charge in making sure that everyone is aware of what ASI and Lead really are. Being a director has also helped me get students involved with events that take place on campus. I am familiar with the time management and dedication that needs to be given for ASI and already have experience in creating and hosting my own events that have been through ASI.  

Why are you running for this position? 

I am running for the Vice President of Finance because I have interests of getting more involved with the future events that will be approved and hosted by CSUB. With the plentiful amount of funds that CSUB has to offer, many events can be created that will in return give back to the students such as job opportunities. With the prior knowledge of planning and creating my own events with ASI, I want to guide and answer any questions that associate with the organizing of future events.  

How will you make a change in your position? 

I strive to achieve a better personal connection with all the clubs and organizations that we have here at CSUB. Whether it is attending club meetings for moral support or approving of any funding requests, I want our students to know that I am a student just like everybody else that just wants to give back to our CSUB community by approving beneficial events. We need more essential events that will give our students great network connections and opportunities that you can count on me to approve. 

 

Vice President of Finance candidate, Coby Nguyen

Name: Coby Nguyen 

Major/minor: Political Science 

Year in school: Junior 

Which ASI position are you running for? 

Vice President of Finance 

What are your qualifications for the position you are running for? 

The current Chair for ASI, and am committed to an executive position. 

Why are you running for this position? 

Currently work for a Fortune 500 Retail Establishment, and have been for the past three years. Here I am employed with the Walmart Stores money center where I have hands-on experience with money management. 

How will you make a change in your position? 

My experience in money services will allow me to analyze and manage the ASI financials in detail, and with accuracy.  

 

Vice President of Legislative Affairs candidate, Taylor Thomas

Name: Taylor Thomas 

Major/minor: Criminal Justice  

Year in school: Junior 

Which ASI position are you running for? 

Vice President of Legislative Affairs 

What are your qualifications for the position you are running for? 

Year long lobby corps member, programming officer pre-law society, and fellowships focusing in communications 

Why are you running for this position? 

Student advocacy has always been a topic that felt close to my heart. Through lobby corps, I advocated for students externally for a year. I saw all of the positive changes we were making and wanted to take it a step further by applying for the position I am. I want to be a powerful voice for our students.  

How will you make a change in your position? 

I will further student advocacy efforts. I plan on having very interactive workshops to gauge student needs and testimonies. I will use this information to advocate on the university level as well as the state government level. 

 

Vice President of University Affairs candidate, Larry Gonzales

Name: Larry Gonzales 

Major/minor: Double major, Soc/Comm 

Year in school: Junior 

Which ASI position are you running for? 

VP of University Affairs 

What are your qualifications for the position you are running for? 

I am the president of Club RISE and the veterans club, I am the treasurer of the chess club. I am the current director of veterans affairs. I am double majoring in sociology and communications, with an emphasis on public relations. I have put myself in a position to whole heartedly be able to not only be attentive, but understanding of the needs of the students of the university. 

Why are you running for this position? 

I feel that the students at CSUB deserve a voice that is actively seeking to improve their experience at this university. I see that the graduation rate is around half of the acceptance rate, I intend to find out why and find a solution that benefits the school and the students.  

How will you make a change in your position? 

I will actively seek and find solutions for all visible issues pertaining to university affairs. If it affects the students, I want to help it become better. I believe in inclusion, equality, respect for all and love for all. We can make great changes in the world just by being understanding to other individuals lives and ways of thinking. I intend to be open and understanding to all. I first want to have an open door policy, ensuring that every student from every department knows, that I am here for them.