Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for VCCCD Student Trustee.

I am passionate about fostering an inclusive and empowering educational environment at Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD). As a student trustee, I aim to be the voice of the student body, ensuring their concerns, needs, and aspirations are heard and addressed. Having experienced the challenges and successes of student life, I am committed to advocating for policies that enhance academic resources, mental health support, and campus engagement.

I believe in the transformative power of education and want to contribute to shaping a positive and enriching college experience for my fellow students. As a trustee, I will work collaboratively with faculty, administrators, and fellow peers to promote transparency, accessibility, and equity within the VCCCD. By actively participating in decision-making processes, I aspire to influence policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating an environment where every student feels valued and supported.

My dedication to student success, combined with my ability to listen and communicate effectively, makes me a reliable advocate for the VCCCD community. I am eager to serve as the student trustee, ensuring that the educational journey of every student in the district is fulfilling, empowering, and sets them on a path to success.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement within the Ventura County Community College District?

If elected, my primary goal is to enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement within the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD). I aim to implement initiatives that foster a sense of community, such as organizing regular town hall meetings to provide students with a platform to voice their concerns and ideas. Additionally, I will advocate for increased mental health resources on campus, recognizing the importance of well-being in academic success.

To enhance engagement, I plan to collaborate with student organizations and create opportunities for extracurricular activities that align with diverse interests. This includes promoting cultural events, guest speakers, and workshops that contribute to a vibrant campus experience. I will also work towards improving communication channels between students and the administration, ensuring transparency in decision-making processes.

By addressing these key areas, I hope to create a more inclusive, supportive, and engaging environment at VCCCD, ultimately enriching the overall college experience for every student.

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for VCCCD Student Trustee.

We need a student representative at the district level who we can depend upon to advocate for our needs and voice our concerns to the Board of Trustees. I believe I have the capability and experience to fulfil that role.

Previously, I have held similar offices which have allowed me to represent my peers and let their voice be heard by higher leadership. In the Australian Air Force Cadets, I led the Cadet Reference Group as Deputy Chairman and conveyed the concerns and ideas of Squadrons throughout the state to guide Wing leadership on policy development. I was also a member of the Youth Parliament of Western Australia and brought the voice of young people from my district of Burns Beach to the attention of the State Government, specifically with the development of education standards.

Currently, I am a delegate on the Associated Student government at Moorpark College and continue my passion of advocating for students and bringing their opinions to the attention of the student and college leadership.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement within the Ventura County Community College District?

In my experience, the most successful students are those who are prepared to succeed. Whether success looks like an academic grade, passing a certain class, winning an important game or turning up to class and putting in the effort, the measure of success for each Ventura County student is different. However, what all students can benefit from in their journey is the help of multiple campus student services.

Whenever I talk to peers who do not take advantage of the services offered on campus, whether that be Financial Aid, Scholarships, Food and Housing assistance etc., often the reason is not associated with a stigma of using services nor a dislike of said service, many students are simply not aware of certain services and how they operate.

As Student Trustee, I will advocate for the increased use of on-campus student services throughout the district and help our students prepare for success.

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for VCCCD Student Trustee.

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for VCCCD Student Trustee.

Giovanni Aquila

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

I have leadership qualities and Moorpark College is about to become a 4-year degree granting institution. I also have a background in both of the proposed new degree offerings, having recently earned a biology degree and being certified as a Computer Security Expert. This makes me professionally qualified to help with the transition to degrees in Biomanufacturing and Cybersecurity.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

I have 5 main goals for the college:

The most important is to upgrade computers and IT infrastructure. Computers for student use are too old and obsolete to even run Windows 11 & the monitors contain toxic mercury. The Wi-Fi is spotty and unencrypted. There is a general lack of outlets throughout the campus where students study, such as the cafeteria. Transportation to the college is lacking in convenient scheduling. The college needs to rid itself of cancer-causing chemicals and gasoline & oil powered equipment. Loud leaf blowers are annoying. The college should be a carbon sink.

Adding more access points & encrypting the Wi-Fi is easy. The computers and monitors were obsolete when they were purchased. The college employs those that could easily make more outlets available for student use. Moorpark could ask the managers of the buses to offer better scheduling as one of the largest employers in the city. Most California colleges gave up on cancer causing glyphosate and gasoline powered equipment 10 years ago. Moorpark could plant Redwood trees on the campus instead of outside the campus to absorb carbon. As a leader I expose these issues with my journalism which changes the status quo.

Jackson Heybl (Elected)

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

I am interested in running for President of the Associated Students of Moorpark College because I have always been passionate about the issues that my fellow students and I struggle with. I now want to turn that passion into a genuine positive change for those around me. If put into this position, I will do absolutely everything in my power to secure a positive future for my fellow students by assuring the absolute highest degree of accessibility for all those currently attending and to be attending Moorpark College. It is my highest prerogative to assure that this campus remains inclusive and continues to improve on said inclusivity, so that every person feels welcome on this campus. I have a firm belief that a college campus should be a beacon of community not just for students but for all those in the community. Coming out of quarantine this is more important than ever, and I assure you that I have a vested interest in allowing students to find others that they share common interests with, as this will allow all students to be more successful in the long run.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

My ideas stem from the idea that any student, independent of learning style, culture, physical appearance, sexual orientation, or religion should feel not only welcome on this campus but also represented. I believe that my predecessors have done a fantastic job and made leaps and bounds in this direction, but there is still work to be done. Something that many students have communicated with me in interviews is that although they feel welcomed, they still feel this present sense of general loneliness. To be completely honest, I feel it too! It is clear to me that since quarantine there has been a lack of truly social events, and students are hurting because of it. There needs to be a push for bringing students into positions of comfortable socialization that was common before quarantine. I want to allow for events that attract students to meet with people who are similar to them, so they can create and hold onto long term friendships with their peers, who although they are within arms reach often feel just out of reach for most students. I also want to be able to allow for better accommodations for ACCESS students, because there is a lot of waiting involved in that process. Being an ACCESS student myself, I know all too well where there could be improvement in that system.

Kaaren Nakhaei

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

I believe in making a tangible difference in our college community. My motivation stems from a deep-seated commitment to enhancing student life, ensuring our voices are heard and our needs are met.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

As a prospective leader in the Associated Students, my vision is to revolutionize student engagement and academic excellence on our campus. A key initiative is the expansion of our academic offerings, particularly in Computer Science, aligning our curriculum with the demands of four-year institutions. This strategic move, coupled with a budget increase, will enable us to hire top-tier faculty, ensuring our students receive an education that is not only comprehensive but also competitive. Concurrently, I am dedicated to fostering a vibrant student community. By establishing more inclusive social platforms and mentorship programs, we will create a supportive environment that eases the transition for new students and strengthens the fabric of our campus life. My leadership will be marked by a steadfast commitment to these transformative goals, enhancing the overall college experience for every student at our institution.

Shredder Muzoglu

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

I'm interested in running for ASMC President because I want to give back to the Moorpark College community since they have provided me with so many opportunities during my time at Moorpark. It is my turn to give back to the Moorpark College community and being a voice and advocate for a student body that I deeply care about would be a perfect way of giving back to the Moorpark College community. Being a voice for the student body would mean that I would be able to advocate for issues that are significantly important to the student body. Since this position requires being a bridge between the student body and the administration, I would want to bring light to concerns and problems that are facing the student body to the campus administration so solutions to problems affecting the student body could be found. I believe I have the leadership experience needed for this position since I have had five years of previous leadership experience and have served in various roles such as Publicity Committee Chair in my high school's Renaissance leadership class, Class Activities Coordinator in my high school's student government and initiative leader in the Associated Students Sustainability Committee.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

If elected President, first, I would continue advocating for sustainable practices on Moorpark College's campus since my work with the Associated Students Sustainability Committee currently involves leading an environmental education initiative that educates students on local environmental issues and would like to expand my initiative to potentially a lecture series on campus. Secondly, as an ACCESS student myself, I would like to advocate for more opportunities for ACCESS students such as helping ACCESS students make the transition from community college to a four-year university and for incoming ACCESS students to adjust to community college life. Transitioning from a community college to a four-year university or adapting to community college life can be tough for ACCESS students, especially since their current conditions make it tougher for adjusting and adapting to new environments. I would work with the administration to develop a workshop series that helps ACCESS students to adjust to community college life and the college application process so it could be easier for them to transition. Lastly, as an athlete myself, I would like to advocate for more mental health and academic resources on campus for student-athletes and would work with the administration to create resources and workshops for student-athletes.

Penggao Tang

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

ASMCBOD is a responsibility I would like to allocate sufficient time and effort into. Therefore, I have considered my available time and my interests in what I would love to get out of this experience--if I were elected. The tasks of the Vice President position will hone my time management and leadership skills tremendously through its authority, e.g., Vice Chair, and coordination of others, respectively.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

I believe in/value progress, education, and empathy--in said order. In my best effort and attitude, I will bring about those values in my devotion as the Vice President. I will be charitable and open-minded to all perspectives, which will help me make the best choices.

Marianne Hope Vinas (Elected)

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

Running for a student body position is an unparalleled chance to actively shape your academic environment and contribute to the well-being of your peers. This leadership role develops crucial organizational and teamwork skills, fostering a sense of responsibility and community engagement. By advocating for positive changes, addressing concerns, and amplifying the student voice, you can make a meaningful impact on campus life.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

My goal is to enhance and improve the systems and resources we already have in place and to help fix the areas of the campus that may need extra attention. I would love our campus to also be even more involved with the City's events and resources, in a way that will enable even more students to be exposed to what is out there.

No Candidates; Appointment forthcoming

Bouchra Alioua (Elected)

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

I currently serve as the only first-year Director for the Associated Students, Director of Student Organizations, working with ~50 clubs to provide $130,000 in funds to support on/off campus events. My contribution to campus life is strengthened by my involvement in the Programming Committee, the primary committee awarding funds to clubs and departments. An key part of the Director of Budget and Finance role is chairing this committee, and during a time of vacancy when the position was left unfulfilled, I briefly assumed its responsibilities by facilitating voting amongst members and gaining familiarity with Roberts Rules of Order, the key guidelines for how the committee operates. Involving my concurrent role as Finance Intern at Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills, building an over one billion dollar budget across 27 locations, the responsibilities of the Director of Budget and Finance and my internship host a universal theme, responsibly allocating funds to who needs them most. Ultimately, I have gained familiarity with the logistical processes of ASMC and have enjoyed fostering personal relationships with clubs. This role serves as a culmination of the relevant skills I have developed in my first year, which has piqued my interest in running for this position.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

Prioritizing the enhancement of campus life through a focus on career readiness, I took the initiative this semester to organize efforts sending over 30 students to the UCLA Medical Technology Conference. This conference serves as a connecting point between career oriented students and professionals in the field of Medicine, Technology, and Finance. Drawing from my experiences in organizing career-based events such as the Med Tech Conference, and my position as student representative for the Career and Technical Education Workgroup, I authored a state-wide resolution encouraging student governments to actively engage in the coordination of on-campus career readiness events. Specific to this role, career readiness efforts can be supported by the Director of Budget and Finance in which clubs can approach the Programming Committee with funding requests to coordinate events that strengthen the connection between students and their future goals. Such ideas include funding field trips to employers, academic competitions/conferences, and inviting guest speakers in various fields. It is important to expose the resource of funding to students to ensure that they have the adequate resources to coordinate career-oriented activities, and through my continued efforts within the Associated Students, I plan to support other students' in advancing beyond the classroom.

Harmeet Singh

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

As my major is accounting i think being a finance path for this college will benifit me and my college

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

To be fair provide transparency and growth opportunities

Anjali Khashaki (Elected)

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

Hello Raiders! My name is Anjali and I am running for your Director of Campus Events. I’m a passionate learner, but I am even more eager to involve myself beyond the scope of classes. I have this exciting opportunity to give back to Moorpark College by enhancing the student quality of life. To me, this means advocating on behalf of my peers. It will be my responsibility to improve student involvement through fun campus-wide events, bringing awareness to programs and resources, and advocating the changes you want to see. My first step is ensuring students are informed of what events are on campus. Secondly, my priority is to listen and gain feedback from you. This is your time here, and it will be my job to make it fun and engaging. Lastly, I will represent the broad range of cultures and resources within activities to allow students to promote growth through others’ perspectives. As a Communications, Business, and Economics Major I am a driven to collaborate and administer the procedures necessary to have a gratifying school year.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

As Director of Campus Events, improving your experience on campus is my priority. I want to bring fun and engaging activities that reflect all students’ interests. Events I am most excited for are concerts, a drive-in movie, Therapy Dogs (or goats!), and activity tables. Most importantly, we are motivated by food. I am committed to explore and expand our accessibility of eating. This will be reflected in food trucks or vendors, and revamping the student store. Additionally, as a former barista, I have incentive to arrange a coffee cart. A latte anyone? I love this position because I can collaborate with the clubs, student resources, Performing Arts, and other programs to showcase the amazing capabilities we have here at Moorpark College.

No candidates; appointment forthcoming

Arabella Abutin (Elected)

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

Graphic design and social media have always been a 2 in 1 passion for me. In my past, I’ve held multiple public relation positions within different clubs and organizations in my high school, which have allowed me to understand how to use social media to the fullest. I’ve learned how to create different means of media outside of graphics to promote and boost engagement such as digital publications, animation, videos, Instagram filters, and email newsletters - some of which I would like to implement in my term if elected. Outside of my skill set, I have also hosted workshops and webinars in high school that focused on teaching students how to fulfill the role of a publicist as well as teaching them the basics of graphic design and branding. All and all, through my skill set and experiences, I believe I have what it takes to become your next Director of Public Relations!

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

I have many ideas that’ll help enhance student life on campus if elected, however, there are 3 main goals that I would like to prioritize: Branding, Student Engagement, and Notification. It’s important to establish graphic standards and brand guidelines because it helps establish professionalism and promote consistency. This upcoming term, I’d like to create a brand guide for ASMC as a whole to utilize throughout the year when creating graphics or any publication promoting ASMC or Moorpark Community College. This will not only help create consistency in our Instagram feed, but it will also give ASMC a brand identity via social media. To boost student engagement, our Instagram shouldn’t be limited to just promoting student events because what’s a student account without its students? I will make use of my digital experiences and creativity to showcase our students through fun reels, giveaways, photo recaps, student recognition, and more! Lastly, with notification, students should be aware of the many hidden resources found through Moorpark such as scholarships, workshops, etc. With that, I’d like to keep our linktree updated and create email newsletters for students to be notified of upcoming events and resources they may be interested in.

Sabrine Heilmann (Elected)

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

I am specifically interested in the position Director of Student Advocacy because I want to be the voice for the students here at Moorpark College. I want to champion their desires and wishes of my fellow students. I am confident that I am capable of representing ASMC at a variety of meetings. I am so excited at the prospect of spreading the word of Moorpark College so others can be exposed to this amazing school. In my opinion, the most important aspect of Moorpark College are the students. Without the students there would be no school. So, I believe the most worthwhile action I can do is advocate and represent these students. The moment I saw this position I knew that I would have to run for it. I would be honored to work closely with students and to represent them at the District Board of Trustees meetings.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

First, I am amazed by the resources we have on campus. However, I am disappointed by the lack of information given to students about these resources. So, I would focus on increasing awareness about dedicated spaces to students such as the Equity Hub. It is an incredible area for students, but is rarely utilized due to the lack of awareness about it. Also, very few students are made aware of the numerous resources in the library such as the wifi hotspots one can rent. So, I would focus on increasing awareness of resources through posters on campus, infographics, and posts on social media. Also, the student voter turnout for elections is extremely low and I would ensure that students are aware of upcoming elections. Moreover, I plan on working closely with the Moorpark College Outreach Office to visit high schools and inform them about Moorpark College as an option both after high school and during (dual enrollment).

Nora Barakat (Elected)

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

I am interested in this position because I contribute with a lot of clubs, examples are the MSA, Honors club, and Music club. I would love to help out all the other clubs with any of their needs.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

I would help out with what the students want to do on their club ideas and help them out with any of their needs. Club rush helps a lot with what students want to do. I don’t have that many ideas but I am a fast thinking and will love to be apart of this.

No candidates; appointment forthcoming

Maya Swarts

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

I am interested in running for Director of Sustainability at Moorpark College because I am passionate about environmental conservation and renewable resources. Throughout my academic journey and personal experiences, I have witnessed the pressing need for a comprehensive and proactive approach to sustainability. I have been heavily involved with campus compost and sustainability practices from elementary through high school. As president of my high school's Green Club, I started a campus garden with the help of my peers. We also started a composting and recycling program and gave bi-monthly presentations on environmental topics. I want to contribute to Moorpark College in the best way I know how, spreading awareness and implementing sustainable practices on campus.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

We all can contribute meaningfully to a sustainable future. If elected, my primary goal will be to collaborate with students and faculty/administration to implement initiatives that reduce our environmental impact. Over my fall semester, I noticed opportunities for improvement on Moorpark's campus. I was excited to see recycling bins next to most trash bins on campus but I noticed they are not being used properly. Having more clear signs to distinguish between the bins will help combat this issue. By organizing seminars and engaging events, I can encourage and empower the Moorpark community to take environmental issues more seriously. I want to provide them with the knowledge and skills to come to a collaborative solution. I am enthusiastic about the prospect of leading our campus towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.

Alec Khoboyan (Elected)

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

Hi everyone, my name is Alec Khoboyan and I am a student here at Moorpark College. I am interested in running for the office of Director of Sustainability because I believe there is a lot of potential for improvements regarding sustainability at Moorpark, such as increasing the number of shade trees and creating a community garden. I am a lifelong advocate for sustainable development especially here in southern California. For example, I volunteer at a community garden Friday morning near the Cal State University, Northridge campus (CSUN G.A.R.D.E.N.). Also, I have spoken at Los Angeles City Hall and advocated for sustainable development such as an improved bike network and an increased number of green spaces throughout the city. I believe that the fight for sustainability needs to be done at every level, especially at colleges where so many people gather. I think if we work together Moorpark College can set a positive example to the rest of the Ventura and Los Angeles County community colleges.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

My goals here at Moorpark College include planting a lot more trees on campus. This will provide much needed shade to the main campus and create a more inviting area for students to gather and rest between classes, as well as invite birds. Also, we could plant more flowers in order to attract pollinators and enhance biodiversity. Finally, the development of a community garden here on campus would be an amazing way to engage volunteers and provide students and faculty with fresh fruits and vegetables. We can collaborate with the botany classes as well as any related clubs and organizations to involve those interested in collaborating and volunteering.

Rigoberto Osorio (Elected)

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

My time at Oxnard College has been nothing short of memorable; At Oxnard College I have evolved from being a shy individual to someone who now has the ability to speak for others. This institution has served as the primary stepping stone from my transition of being a teenager to becoming an adult. My passion for the pursuit of higher education, in addition to my four years of prior student government experience, drives me to make Oxnard College the best it can possibly be. If given the opportunity to serve as your ASG President I vow to continue advocating for those whose voices aren't being heard, to push the use of school resources, to improve communication towards students, and to form a sense of community throughout the college. I am Rigoberto Osorio, and I'm running to be your ASG President.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

If elected, I plan on advocating for people who feel as if their voices aren’t being heard by: hosting frequent meetings with school groups & clubs, talking to individual students concerning their issues, and creating a direct line of communication between me and all individuals at Oxnard College. I will do everything possible to provide knowledge, through personal outreach efforts, about available resources that aid in general wellbeing. Additionally, I hope to improve timely communication between students and information aimed towards their pursuit of higher education. Finally, my main goal as your ASG President will be to form a strong sense of community throughout the college by eliminating all barriers currently present such as: general feelings of having no place, lack of safe spaces, time interferences, and a lack of college-wide, community oriented, events.

Oscar Man

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

This college is full of people who inspire me, from club presidents to adults who come in as returning students. All the people from the stem center and those who I've met throughout my education who aim high, and are barred only by the bureaucracy of the adult world spur me on to work for the success of all of us here in the ventura district.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

If elected i plan to work closely with clubs on campus, as i believe they are the unit which most closely works with students on campus. I hope to spur on more club activities and to prudently allocate the club funding for the greatest possible improvement of student skill through campus.

Trina Duong

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

I would like to learn how to run the ins and outs of club activities, and find ways to support student and club life. This opportunity would give me insight on what it takes to be a leader and foster community among students.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

I would like to see more Asian student representation, and of course as an engineering major I want to push for students to be more hands on and involved with school events. Networking is a valuable skill to foster in people.

Ashley Pyler (Elected)

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

I want to serve Oxnard College as the ASG Vice President because I feel like I can make a difference here. I not only have an adequate amount of transferable experience, as being a Club President for one term and Vice President for three terms for the Santa Rosa Valley 4-H Club, but I also feel I have a unique story and background that makes me stand out. As both a survivor of domestic violence and an EAC Student with a physical disability, I feel like I can relate to some of the students on a level that others may not be able to due to my past and current experiences. I feel that I have been through all that I have for a reason, and I strongly believe that reason is to help others feel less alone. I see no better way of fulfilling the obligation to help others than by running for ASG Vice President of Oxnard College.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

Due to my own past, I am very focused on helping those that have had less of a chance to succeed because of factors that are not within their control. For starters, I feel like our campus should be participating in domestic violence awareness month in October. The campus could have purple decorations up to spread awareness because people really don't understand how prevalent of an issue it is. 1 out of 3 women and 1 out of 4 men will be a victim at some point in their lives. This means that right now, many Oxnard College students are being abused and terrorized by someone close to them. They are hurting and afraid, and don't know where to turn for help. During October, it would be great if OC had a domestic violence seminar that's open for everyone to show those how to get help if they are in danger. It may not be able to make a difference for everyone, but I know it would have helped me. We need to keep talking about these issues that happen in silence to make a difference.

Additionally, I also think it would be good to treat EOPS and EAC as student clubs and have events and activities for these groups. This would make the members of these programs feel more connected and feel like they belong more. Even something simple like a game night could make a world of difference for these individuals.

No candidates

No candidates

Valerie Castellanos (Elected)

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

Hi everyone! My name is Valerie Castellanos and I'm excited to run for the Public Relations position in ASG. I believe this role aligns perfectly with my interests and skills. I'm passionate about making a positive impact in our community and I see social media as a perfect tool to achieve that. As PR Officer I’ll ensure that everyone is informed about campus events and community activities here in Oxnard. When I commit to something I give it my all and I'm dedicated to putting my best effort in this position. Thank you.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

If elected I have several ideas and goals aimed at enhancing student life, advocacy, and engagement. I'll regularly update bulletin boards around campus to ensure students are aware of ASG events. I will manage the ASG Instagram account effectively using engaging content, polls, and interactive stories to engage with students and gather feedback on their needs and preferences. I plan to organize collaborative events and services with the local community to benefit both students and residents of Oxnard. I will work to amplify student's voices whether it be for academic resources, or more mental health support. I will ensure ASG caters to the diverse interests of everyone on campus.

Elizabeth Taylor Sky Enad

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

Public relations has been a big part of me ever since I discovered my love in graphics design and photography back in middle school. In high school, I had the opportunity to become a Public Affairs Assistant for NJROTC then later on became a Cadet Lieutenant Commander Public Affairs Officer. That position is held dearly in my heart because I get to do what I love. Now, I’m no longer in high school but that passion continues to stick with me especially as an Illumineer for OC STEM and creating many different flyers for workshops being held.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

If elected, my goal is to improve student engagement. Learning about the many different research opportunities offered in the U.S. for community college students was quite difficult. It was difficult to find the needed information and I realized it was the same for others because it wasn’t actively mentioned. I then made it my goal to let everyone know right away about different things offered through our campus or even through different institutions that target community college students. Engagement would then lead to the enhancement of student life because the more engaged a student is, the more they’ll speak out and advocate for what they believe in.

Francisco Pedroza (Elected)

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

The main reason why I am applying for this position is because I have experience in advocating in the Oxnard community by holding workshops that’s bring people together. Second, by bringing information and wisdom that properly uplifts the students and faculty as a whole to see the benefits of we continue to hold ourselves accountable to creating a better student life and student outcome. Lastly, by me being part of the advocacy position it will bring peace, love and joy to the students and faculty alike to truly connect with their innate power and path to making Oxnard college a place where students can be successful at Oxnard college and out of college to ensure that all needs are met with respect to the hard work we all put into this school. Ps. The advocacy that I bring into any group always comes with true and genuine intentions for students.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

If elected , the goals I have for the students life is that all basic meets are met such as student housing, more money allocated to students with incentives and grants for basic commodities, grants, wellbeing support and extra sensory perception training and education on how to keep students in line for true success that is tangible. Next, would be the workshops put in for students to learn more about themselves , nutrition , wellness, law, wisdom, and full advocacy with real results that are geared toward students who sign up to have a better life. Lastly, for engagement at this campus would be going and meeting all faculty and any students and converse with them on how we can make this school suitable for them to continue education as long as they need with the adequate resources and support solely for the students as a whole. It’s time that we give the students the actual necessary resources for a joyous life.

Azul Castillo (Elected)

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

I am interested in pursuing a position in our student body because I have past involvement in this program. My journey from middle school all the way to high school has been characterized by actively participating in various student body initiatives. Additionally, my interests in the Associated Student Body Government —ASG— were sparked by witnessing multiple positive experiences here in Oxnard College. Not only have there been many individuals who have spoken very well about ASG but I've seen them myself here at OC. I am a firm believer that students possess the ability to shape and enhance the college experience for their peers. By running for a position in our student body, I am eager to seize the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing success and enrichment of our college community. Together, I am confident that we can create a dynamic and inclusive environment where every student from any background can thrive here.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

To be completely honest, I love how our school is currently being run. I love how our current officers have put out amazing events that are entertaining to go to. If I were to be elected for this position, a personal goal for me would be to be able to retain students on campus. Not too long ago I learned that a considerable number of students prefer to leave campus after classes, and I believe this issue can be addressed by creating more inviting spaces. Currently, we do have a student lounge which is intended for students to socialize between classes, but to be honest, it doesn't have the welcoming atmosphere we aspire to have. This might be why some students would rather go home instead of engaging with our on-campus facilities. In addition to the lounge, we have several sitting areas across campus, like the cafeteria, Condor Hall, and the Letters and Science building. However, these spaces might not be perceived as welcoming, another resolution to this would be to invest in colorful lawn chairs. These chairs would not only enhance our campus but also provide a comfortable environment for students to socialize outdoors while enjoying the sunshine.

Botros Saleb (Elected)

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

First, I will tell you a short story that English is my second language. I was afraid of failure because of the language barrier, but over time and through participating in activities, socializing, and attending events at Oxnard College, my language skills improved. The encouragement of teachers and staff has contributed to my continued success, enabling me to form relationships with fellow students and staff. I aspire to share my experience with you for your continued success and excellence. And to write together a history full of success and to be proud in front of yourself and your family, I nominate myself with love and sincerity, and I extend this credit to everyone who contributed to my achievements.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

Some ideas that can be used

1. Organizing a workshop for new first-year students, to introduce them to the college’s resources, systems, and success strategies throughout their academic journey.

2. Organizing a workshop to guide students in choosing their majors, in line with the college’s career center to provide comprehensive guidance.

3. Providing a workshop on procedures for applying for scholarships. A summer academy can be conducted prior to the fall 2024 semester, including various professional workshops, and we utilize resources such as the Career Center and the Transfer Center to enhance student success.

Alex Hernandez (Elected)

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

I myself have felt isolated and know the pain of not feeling acceped. So since this position aims to help people feel comfortable in their own skin,

I'd love to manage it.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

I put a lot of faith in my therapist, who so happens to be the person in charge of the Rainbow Cafe. The Rainbow Cafe is by far the most accepting place I've been on campus, therefore I will host events with the Rainbow Cafe too promote equality via awareness events and movie nights. I aim to make the campus feel like a safer place for everyone.

Ariana Villalobos-Castillo (Elected)

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

I am interested in running for Director of Athletics because as a retired athlete I understand what support athletes need and I would like to advocate for them. I enjoy being involved with campus events because I believe campuses are for students and students should have a say on campus. I feel that it is more difficult to connect with community college student life because many students just go for class and leave but being part of student government makes me feel more connected to campus as a community college student. And I would like for many other students to feel connected to campus and be able to take advantage of the resources we have on campus.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

If elected I would like to increase student engagement by educating students the importance of being involved with student life. Studies have shown that if a student is involved on campus they will succeed better in class. For the position of athletics my goals will be to: (1) have a tabling per sport, (2) a field trip per semester, (3) collaborate with both sister schools per sport, (4) plan a sophomore night that shows we appreciate those athletes, (5) plan an event for the athletes to give back to the community and (6) increase student participation at sporting events. These are my goals if elected director of athletics.

Marcos Garcia (Elected)

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

Serving in the DEA position has given me unique opportunities and has shown me different ways to advocate for students on campus. During my term, I have already spent time writing resolutions to highlight issues on campus and have worked hard to bring student life and advocacy to our campus already. By being President I will spend more time in the meetings that matter and help make active change at Ventura College.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

Serving as DEA has allowed me to not only understand how ASVC functions but also showed me the behind the scenes of how our school runs. I am also the current Regional Affairs Director for Region VI meaning I represent VCCCD as well as six other colleges through writing legislation and advocacy on a statewide level. I have worked hard with ASVC in the past and you may have seen my face at events or in faculty meetings where I work relentlessly to understand the student population and figure out ways to make our community college more inclusive and encouraging for us students.

Jerry OToole 

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

To Learn news things

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

Help out with support

Julissa Olivas

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

I am interested in running for the Associated Student position in order to better the campus life of Ventura College students. To create a safe, secure, clean and welcoming environment for continuous students and faculty. Through out my early education, I volunteered my time to leadership programs, programs that helped out the community and worked on better ways to improve not only campus life for fellow classmates but also off campus life for struggling students.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

The goals I seek to better campus life for students would be advocacy for mental heath especially for first gen students like myself. Ways in which they don’t feel understood and unwelcome when visiting Ventura college. Thus, the advancement of their education having higher rates.

Natalia Jimenez

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

I am motivated to run for this student position with a strong commitment to providing more opportunities for individuals who may have been overlooked or neglected in the past. My primary concerns revolve around not only current VC students but also those who are uncertain about attending or may consider it in the future. While I acknowledge that these issues extend beyond the boundaries of the VC community, it is crucial to recognize that the VC community encompasses the entire Ventura County area. I firmly believe that our student government has not adequately addressed the needs of these individuals, and I aim to be their voice. It is my goal to ensure that their concerns and aspirations are heard and acted upon. By actively advocating for their interests, I aspire to create a more inclusive and supportive environment that uplifts every member of our community, leaving no one feeling forgotten.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

At VC, the vast majority of students have already obtained their high school diploma and/or GEDs. However, a determined minority is still striving to achieve this milestone, facing challenges in finding the most effective path towards obtaining their diploma. I would propose an online course zoom call where students, teachers, and counselors discuss when to go; how to apply; and where to start. It took me a while to get back on track after I had to drop out of high school to work full time to support my family during Covid-19. It wasn’t until I heard that Ventura College had an open enrollment policy or something of that sort. In light of this, I propose the implementation of a comprehensive outreach program that targets not only incoming high school students but also those who have dropped out and are contemplating their next steps. This program aims to address their doubts and uncertainties, helping them recognize their own worth and the immense value of pursuing further education. By providing support and guidance, we can empower these individuals to make informed decisions about their educational journeys. Lastly, I know this one may only have affected my home town of Santa Paula but in the last 4 years they’ve become a soccer city. Like we’ve completely eliminated football, basketball, cheerleading, and in 2 years baseball. I have witnessed a similar trend in Santa Barbara and Port Hueneme, where children have become accustomed to indoor activities and show less interest in participating in sports. Growing up in economically challenged neighborhoods, my parents were determined to provide my brother and me with opportunities to escape this environment. They enrolled us in sports, prioritizing our physical and mental well-being. However, I have been disheartened to witness a decline in such programs over the past four years. To address this issue, I propose the establishment of a summer activities camp that goes beyond traditional sports. This camp would cater to children of all ages, offering not only physical fitness programs but also courses in home economics. Given my aspiration to become a home economics teacher, I strongly believe that students would greatly benefit from this camp, which could even provide them with college credits through active learning opportunities. Additionally, organizing a high school tournament for our athletic scouts would further enhance student engagement. I have numerous ideas to enhance student life at Ventura College and improve our community. By selecting me as Vice President, we can ensure that no potential students perceive themselves as unworthy, but rather encourage their involvement and active participation in these enriching initiatives

Natalie Rivera 

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

I'm interested in running for this associate student position because I have always been interested in leadership. In elementary school, I ran twice and lost both times. So, I want to give it one last go.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

If elected I would want to focus on mental health by having more discussions surrounding it, more events for it, and having speakers for it. I think it is especially important in college because of the stress that comes with it and most students like myself are first-gen. I would also like to advocate more for women in STEM or first-gens in STEM because I feel like it doesn't get enough support or discussion and it is a topic close to my heart as a first-gen woman in STEM.

Angel Ayala (Elected)

Candidate Platform Statement Coming Soon

No Candidates

Adilene Reyes (Elected)

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

I am interested because I would like to help others.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

Customize a bus uniquely for our Ventura College

No candidates

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Jasmine Perez (Elected)

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

As previous ASVC President/ Vice President/ Director of Public Relations I understand the impact programming and leadership opportunities have on the student experience. I want to bring a focus on promoting diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible opportunities for students to experience. As a 1st Generation Latina pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering I want to bring light to various groups on campus to provide those students with the needed support and guidance to be able to succeed regardless of the systematic barriers that have been ingrained in social institutions. This role would allow me to tackle these issues on a campus level through professional development, leadership, and representative programming. As Founder and President of Womxn In STEM, just as we have intentionally identified the title of Womxn I want to use my platform to ensure inclusivity for underrepresented groups such as POC, LGBTQ+, and to highlight Disability Visibility. I hope to expand the idea of the work of DEI to include those marginalized experiences in various spaces and majors not only within this academic institution but beyond in their pursuit of their career journey.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

If elected my main focus is to promote awareness and opportunity to underrepresented groups on campus through professional development, leadership, civic engagement, and event programming to showcase diverse experiences and promote a more inclusive student life at Ventura College. I intend to do this by partnering with identity groups on campus and in the community to bring resources and support services to Ventura College Students. In my role as President of Womxn In STEM I understand the importance of awareness, mentorship, and sense community in being to find a empowering space on campus. I hope to partner with the Ventura College Campus to create physical spaces that help promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. My main focus will be to listen to our student body and get feed back on how they want to mold their Ventura College student experience to not only retain their feedback and to intentionally implement it in to our campus life.

Nikhil Chandrashaker

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

I have worked as a Director of Student Outreach for SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers) and helped them grow into the biggest Engineering club at Ventura College. The main problem they were experiencing was due to their name, people were deterred from joining as they were not Hispanic.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

I would get more people from Universities (advisors from more majors). I would also like to include more job help whether it's finding internships, finding positions, or even Cover Letter/Resume help as the Career Center has a few people.

Wanda Medina (Elected)

Candidate Platform Statement

Please share why you are interested in running for this Associated Student position.

I am interested in running for director of East Campus for the reason that I like being involved in school related projects/activities and giving students a voice in major decisions that will affect their day to day life in school.Also I like making new experiences that can follow me throughout my life and maybe even guide me for future guidance in my life.In addition to creating those experiences I would like create relationships that will better direct me to providing a sane and welcoming environment.

If elected, what ideas or goals do you have that would enhance student life, advocacy, and engagement at your campus?

Being elected for director of East Campus comes with great responsibility not just for myself but for creating a healthy environment for others.I would like to create fun and engaging activities for students to want to get work done for any class they may be taking.

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