a.s. candidate profiles

A.S. ELECTIONS SPRING 2020

A.S. President Candidates

Slate: We Are Here SMC

Tafari Alan

“My name is Tafari Alan, and I’m running for AS President. I’m beginning my third year at SMC, and in my time I have grown to love this place. I was an unconventional student, who didn’t know where I belonged. And then, I found AS. I ran last year for Director of Outreach, and it changed my life. Having that experience provided me the knowledge to run for President. I feel I’m the most qualified for this position, not only because of my prior experience in AS, but because I care. I care about this school, its students and bringing resources on campus that serve the student body. There are so many programs in place that are here to service students, and I plan to maintain and better them. Programs that supply a basic need, such as food, health care, and transportation are instrumental in students’ success, and I plan on expanding these core benefits. I plan to advocate for more OER classes to provide students who cannot afford the cost of textbooks to have another affordable option. SMC is like a bus stop; some stay for a little while and then depart. Others have to look at the map before they can find their way to their destination. I believe that AS has a duty to make that stop as accessible as possible. I’m here to make sure that you have a solid platform to stand on while you figure out where your future takes you. I am here.”

A.S. Vice President Candidates

Slate: We Are Here SMC

Kelsey Mollé

“Hello, my name is Kelsey Mollé and I am ecstatic to be running for your AS Vice President. Years ago, reminiscing upon days where my mother and I were struggling to put food on the table, we both didn’t believe university would be possible for me. Extremely low-income, diagnosed with a learning disability, and a depression that made it difficult for me to get out of bed… my future seemed bleak and uncertain. Thankfully, today because of SMC’s amazing services, clubs, and programs I have been able to both find my passions and realize my dream of pursuing higher education so that I can attain the degree, career, and future that I deserve. As your vice president, I vow to prioritize advocacy, equity, and outreach for all SMC students so they too will have the tools to create the future that they deserve. I will advocate and vote for financial aid grants and waivers, the Ombuds Office, EOPS, Black Collegians, Adelante, tutoring services, DSPS, the Blue Bus, the FLVR program, the Scholars program, counseling services, clubs on campus, etc. A long-time SMC Debate Team member, treasurer of the Pre-Law Society, and SMC volleyball teammate to many – I have seen the versatility and skills of many students on campus. Especially in times of adversity amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, SMC needs strong leaders to get to know more bright SMC students, carefully listen to their individual input, and advocate for an inclusive community to help all students reach their goals.”

A.S Secretary Candidates

Slate: your voice heard SMC

Sunjin Im

“Hello! I hope everyone is doing well and safe in this chaotic situation. I am Sunjin Im, and I am running for A.S. Secretary. No one can know history without a record. As such, the position of secretary is important and I am confident to take the responsibility for it. First of all, I have been working as an embedded tutor and as a note taker. These positions have allowed me to develop proficiently the skills needed to organize conversations neatly in a short time. If given an opportunity to be part of student government, I will be glad to contribute my time and effort. I promise you that I will do my best to hear your voice and assist students. Do not hesitate to speak up, if elected, I will be there to listen to you.”

INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE

Yareni Lopez

“As a proud student of Santa Monica College, it’s important for me to acknowledge all student voices. Campus throughout my time here has become my second home, due to the endless amount of support being given by other students and staff members. I am fortunately in the position to run for Secretary, and be able to contribute back to the school and community that continue to encourage students to achieve a higher education. Not only will I do all in my power to leave this campus better than how it was when I entered, but also to influence all students to reach their full potential. As Secretary, I will dedicate myself to oversee all decisions being made are in the best intentions for us all to further succeed.”

INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE

Daniella Martinez-Samayoa​​

“I love being busy. It makes me feel like I’m accomplishing things. Having been a secretary for two years at my high school for my tenth and eleventh grade years allowed me to develop a sense of discipline, ability to run and manage successful meeting schedules, social activities, and fundraising activities. During my time of participation in the club I assisted the President with conducting roll and maintaining attendance. As a secretary I also did my monthly MRF’s, which are Monthly Return Forms, specific to Division 16 South Secretaries. I was punctual with returning these forms every month. Some of the best things I learned about having a role as an officer were that I gained professional communication skills to cope with deadlines and time-restrictive pressures. I constantly kept track of people’s attendance, and printed their service hours out. I made multiple friendships when I was a secretary, as well as historian in American Red Cross. As a first-year student at SMC I was especially amazed at the abundance of student services, public awareness and the organized coordination of communicating with students to develop their innate leadership abilities. I, as a multiracial female, live in the San Fernando Valley traveling almost thirty minutes to school everyday; I am punctual with my time, and will make necessary changes to attend all meetings and duties necessary to my position. Because of my strong character and ability to abide by rules, I strongly believe that I fit the position of secretary the best.”

INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE

Ezra Sheldon

“Hello all, I’m Ezra Sheldon and I’m running for the position of Secretary of Associated Students. I am in my fourth semester here, and I am so glad that I’ve gotten to experience the many facets of Santa Monica College. Before I came here, I attended another community college, while it provided the necessary components of a good education, it was only when I arrived here that I realized how muted it felt in comparison. The vibrancy of SMC is not something I take for granted, but it does not reach all corners of the campus. Not everyone that comes here gets to experience it in full. The people that come to this school are what bring it to life, they come here because they know Santa Monica is worth the extra effort. As Secretary, I would be an unyielding foundation upon which our Associated Students would be built, as well as a conduit through which all corners of SMC can be heard. I would be a steadfast force in our student government, upon which this entire school could rely. I love this school and I hope to stand as your representative on our Board of Directors.”

independent candidate

Hope Ullman

It is my sincere belief that student participation on the local, state, federal, and collegiate level is an indispensible right. The only way to affect meaningful change is to actively involve oneself to the full extent of their abilities. My name is Hope Ullman, and I am running to be your next A.S. Secretary.

Having served as the current A.S. Vice President's primary commissioner, I have gained meaningful experience that allows me to easily navigate the A.S. system and its functions. Furthermore, I have a strong background in governmental proceedings from holding office as the S.S.C.C.C. Region VII Regional Affairs Director. I bring an organized and dedicated work ethic to the table that allows me to effectively execute and complete initiatives and legislation. My main goal is to ensure the preservation of the student voice in all A.S. and SMC functions. I will strive to maintain transparency and effective communication infrastructure that fosters student involvement and participation. Moreover, I sit as a voting member of both the Student Affairs Committee and the Constitution Committee. Sitting on these committees has allowed me to gain full comprehension of A.S. governing documents and fundamentals. This gives me the opportunity to, gladly, jump headfirst into my duties and responsibilities.

As the A.S. Secretary, I will guide the A.S. board to pursue policy and programs that benefit the SMC student body as a whole. I am extremely excited for the prospects the future holds.

A.S. Director of Budget Management Candidates

Slate: Your Voice Heard SMC

Mohamed Najar

“Salem Alaikum (greetings in Arabic). My Name is Mohamed Oussama Najar. I'm originally from Tunisia in North Africa. I came a long way to the USA to fulfill my dreams. Being able to come to SMC was a blessing for me as it opened up a lot of opportunities. I'm majoring in Mechanical Engineering. In my free time, I am the Vice-President of Fellowship for Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society. Being an international student, I suffered from not being able to fit in. However, my alienation has stopped when I stumbled upon PTK and that's why I made it my primary duty as a PTK board member to organize different fellowship events, allowing members to bond and find their ropes. In the past, I helped adjusting the budget in order to organize the PTK yacht party despite our bad financial stand. After classes, I love spending hours in the math lab tutoring and guiding students through their difficulties in mathematics. While being part of the SMC community, I realized that there are some issues that need to be addressed. My future plans are: to improve the existing Student Health Services Center so that the nurses can have better equipment to assist students, make the fitness lab available for all students without any requirements to be in a class, and most importantly, strive for more diversity and activities by improving events and promoting all programs. My aim is to help students be more engaged in making SMC a while unified diverse community, no matter what their paths and origins are.”

A.S. Director of Student Assistance Candidates

Slate: We Are Here SMC

Divina Davidds-Garrido

“My name is Divina Davidds-Garrido and I am running for Director of Student Assistance. I am an International Relations major, pursuing a career in International Human Rights Law.When I first started at SMC, I felt confused with my lack of knowledge on the resources offered to students and felt overwhelmed with how to go about attaining them. In my search for a more viable way of getting involved on campus I was introduced to the amazing community of Associated Students and other clubs that were devoted to bettering student life in a sustainable, inclusive and accessible way. During my time at SMC, I have been both the Chair of Electoral Politics of the Democratic Socialist Club and a board member of Students for Justice in Palestine. My experience with these positions, has led me to aid in advocating for progressive reform on and off campus as well as educating students on their options for getting the most out of their time at SMC.

I feel that I am the most qualified for this position because of my history with advocacy regarding accessibility for all and my passion for making people feel seen, validated and included. It is in my nature to be of service to others and I will make it my responsibility to educate the student body on what resources are available and how they can enrich their overall experience at Santa Monica College.”

Slate: Your Voice Heard SMC

Biraj Gurung

“Hello there! My name is Biraj Gurung and I am running for A.S. Director of Student Assistance for the third time! They say the third time's the charm.

I wouldn’t be where I am now without the help of my friends, professors, and especially our SMC counselors. SMC provides so many resources for all types of issues affecting students whether it's writing your personal statements, getting a recommendation letter, succeeding in class, or mental health. My role as a Student Ambassador in helping students find counseling resources, as an AS Representative for AGS Honor Society in creating a social and inclusive environment for our members, and engagement in various counseling programs has trained me with the experience and confidence necessary to succeed as the next Director of Student Assistance. If elected as the next Director of Student Assistance, I have 3 main goals 1. Increase awareness of the various counseling programs (Scholars, Black Collegians, Adelante, EOPS, STEM research, etc) and their benefits such as priority enrollment, free textbooks and study materials, meal vouchers, letters of recommendation, paid internships, extra scholarships $$$, etc (Most accept everyone including international students!) 2. Advocate for promoting student services workshops in classrooms through extra credit opportunities (personal statements, FAFSA application, job or internship workshops) 3. Reduce the stigma around mental health. (Most of us stress about classes, have test anxiety, and other issues and I want SMC to be a place where students aren’t afraid of getting the help they need) Thank you for your support and please don’t hesitate to recommend how the Associated Students can make a better experience for you at SMC! If you have any questions please reach out to me at our instagram @yourvoiceheard.smc.”

Independent Candidate

Lucas Regules-Antonio​

“Hi, my name is Lucas Regules and I am running for Director of Student Assistance. I have been at SMC since the fall of 2018 and I am a Sociology major. I was previously a political science but I changed it to sociology in the Winter of 2019 when I took my first sociology course at SMC. Moreover, I am running for this position because I want to make a difference at Smc for the current students and new students at SMC. Also, I would like to represent the students' interests to the best of my ability. Furthermore, I would like to be an approachable individual that students can approach if they have a concern or question that they can attempt to solve to the best of my abilities Besides this I am willing to have the courage to promote ideas that are unpopular even though there is backlash, criticism, and blame as long as I am serving the students at SMC best interest. Also, I am willing to improve the skills that I have not yet mastered. Along with this, I am willing to acquire a certain set of skills to better fulfill my responsibilities in this position in a better manner. Moreover, I have emotional control and I can calm myself down very quickly. Apart from this, I am willing to listen to an individual perspective then speak. Besides all of this, I have respect for all people.”

A.S. Director of Instructional Support Candidates

Independent Candidate

Omzee Pitchford Martinez​

“My name’s Omzee Pitchford and I’ll be running for Director of Instructional Support. This is a position that will require thorough knowledge of the student services and how to improve them. Throughout my time here at SMC I’ve utilized many of the resources here such as the computer lab in the Cayton, counseling services such as the EOPS (shoutout to Pico Promise!), The Student Disabilities Center, Tutoring labs, and much more. These programs helped me immensely and I cannot stress enough that everyone should be using these.These programs helped me so I want to help them, I’m enrolled the Interactive Design program here at SMC where finding the problems and brainstorming solutions is what defines the major. I’ll no doubt be using the skills I’ve learned to assure these programs not only run smoothly but improve further!”

A.S. Director of Outreach Candidates

SLATE: YOUR VOICE HEARD SMC

Luis Florensio

“Greetings, my name is Luis Diego Florensio and I am running for Director of Outreach. I came to SMC in Fall 2017 and it is currently my third year at this amazing campus! As a Mexican-American student, I struggled greatly in my first year due to economic and mental issues, however, quitting college has never been an option for me. Like countless other students at SMC, I've been hard at work doing my best to work multiple jobs while studying and being involved in clubs. I owe everything to the Adelante Program, the Adelante Club, and of course, A.S. which allows all club related activities to happen. As former ICC Delegate, Social Chair, and Adelante Club President, I now want to hold a position in Associated Students for the benefit of all students regardless of gender, ethnicity, or religious background. I believe everyone should feel supported/empowered at Santa Monica College through A.S. benefits such as rides with BigBlueBus, the Glasses for Classes Program, and free exam materials to name a few! My main goals include seeking new discounts for A.S members at local restaurants (emphasis on vegan and vegetarian restaurants!), implementing new dietary options for meals on campus, and forming agreements with local businesses for use by our student clubs and their activities. If elected as the new Director of Outreach, I will work towards the proper maintenance and improvement of current A.S. Benefits as well as seeking new resources for the benefit of all students at Santa Monica College.”

SLATE: FRIENDS FOR cHANGE

Ariyana Tavakoli​

“Hello, my name is Ariyana Tavakoli and I’m running to be the next Director of Student Outreach at Santa Monica College. The main reason this position stood out to me is that I love the idea of dedicating my time to SMC students and their overall experience. From the beginning of high school to now my second semester at SMC, creating a safe workspace in which every student has the ability to learn, adapt, and succeed in whatever they choose is an idea I have always and will continue to advocate for.

SMC taught me that no matter where you’re from or what your goals are, anything is possible and that is the idea that made me fall in love with this campus. Being apart of A.S. will enable me to prioritize student involvement in monthly cultural events, dances, benefits, etc. and to mend the relationship between the students, faculty, security, and professors through monthly forums that will be open to student comments in an effort to unite the SMC community one step at ta time.

We’re fighting the societal stigma surrounding community college and making SMC a place where we should all feel proud of ourselves for accomplishing this, because, at the end of the day, we’re all friends here.”

A.S. Director of Diversity and Equity Candidates

INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE

Karla Bellot

“I will make sure everyone in the SMC community has the opportunity to have their voice heard and be represented. The diversity of our school needs to be embraced. With this, I will work with and for our latinex students, black students, international students, veteran students, disable students, LGBTG+ students and all our other diverse groups on campus to ensure they are treated with equality and dignity. I plan to not to separate or divide the students at SMC but to create a space where equity, diversity and inclusion is crucial.;a space where students of different backgrounds are represented. I’m committed to create awareness of our school’s diversity by coordinating events where students of those communities and all the rest of the students at the school are able to learn from.”

SLATE: FRIENDS FOR CHANGE

Muskan Jawanda

“Hello, my name is Muskan Jawanda and I’m running for Director of Diverstiy and Equity. I am currently a political science major and this is my second semester at Santa Monica College. I am an international student from Canada and I’m excited to be running for a position within AS so I can represent the large international community at SMC. Equity and Diversity are two significant areas that I believe I would excel at promoting.

As a director, I want to ensure that the rights of students are protected and I plan on utilizing different resources to act as a liason between different groups on campus. I plan to advocate passionately for human rights across our campus and fight against any wrongdoings. As a woman, a student of color, and an immigrant, I understand the struggles our students face and plan to make SMC a safe space for everyone. You should vote for me, and my slate, Friends For Change, because we have a vision of SMC being a place where this divide between students who are apart of leadership positions and Associated Students, and students who are simply here to get a degree, all feel like they’re a part of something bigger.”

A.S. Director of Student Advocacy Candidates

INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE

​Chern Xun Gan​

“My promise is simple: I'm GAN'na listen to you — talk to me at gan_chern_xun@student.smc.edu.

Some time ago, SMC blocked the Director of Student Advocacy from testifying on legislation at the State Capitol. Thanks to connections they forged, legislative offices pressured SMC to reverse their position, before the Director was allowed to testify.

This past year, as a Legislative Affairs Director in the statewide student senate and the Primary Commissioner for Student Advocacy at SMC, I’ve been building connections and experience to serve you better as your next Director of Student Advocacy. Not beholden to any slate, my agenda has and will continue to be informed by conversations I have with each of you, and I’ll advance them through careful analysis and consideration that makes sure all positions I take are for our students’ benefit.

It was through these conversations that I advocated for legislation that allows students to advance quicker in Math and English, while protecting remedial classes that nontraditional students and others need. Conversations informed me of housing insecurity here and Compton College's plan to address it through on-campus housing, which I’ll advocate for at SMC using the Director of Student Advocacy’s seat on the District Planning Committee, especially now with vacant bungalows on Pearl.

With campus now closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I have taken even more time to talk with students affected by them. Apart from answering your questions, I have brought the concerns presented to me to the statewide level by making recommendations of action, including asking protection for student workers who lost their jobs, especially international students who are legally barred from seeking alternate employment, in addition to requesting from the Chancellor’s Office systemwide guidelines on accommodations for students with disabilities and authorization for students to withdraw without showing a record on transcripts, among others.

Although I can’t be in Sacramento now, I’m continuing my advocacy and asking legislators to fund the full cost of college: reforming financial aid to cover more than tuition, increasing opportunities for veterans as well as currently and formerly incarcerated students, funding mental health facilities at all community colleges... I continue to discuss with others to find the best ways to advocate for our most vulnerable students in light of the campus closure.

In the meantime, I look forward to listening to more of you!”

A.S. Director of Activities Candidates

independent candidate

Adella Anggraeni

Many reasons have shaped my interest in organizations, the most important being the year I served as President of Student Representatives in SMAN 28 Jakarta, a high school in Indonesia, in 2016-2017. Spending most of my time coordinating events, leading a team and working hand-in-hand together, I have never felt so fulfilled. I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic of being part of an organization and discovered my passion in this field. 

In respect of my role as president, I was able to dismantle the patriarchal system that had persisted for decades in my school by being the first democratically elected female president. It was an honor and a privilege for me to represent my community. I used the platform and the position I was given to empower women and spread a powerful message as a tribute to Kartini, a woman emancipation figure in Indonesia.

Furthermore, coming from a country with myriad of cultures and ethnicities, I appreciate the beauty in diversity and acknowledge the important ability to relate well to all types of people in the workplace in order to create a harmonious working environment. It is an essential leadership skill given that California is the most diverse state in the United States.  I am excited by the possibilities to connect with students through Associated Students and would like to help them find their comfort in campus by providing a variety of activities which promote diversity and inclusivity. 

SLATE: FRIENDS FOR cHANGE

Daniel Jimenez

“I want to continue making A.S. inclusive to all students, current and new. SMC has given me so many opportunities, friends, and a future I never thought were possible. I feel like I belong here, and I want everyone to feel that way about SMC. I want to have A.S. events that promote this and make sure all students feel welcome.

I work for an SMC counselor at SAMOHI, and I always tell the, seniors there to join at least,one club, and one program in their first semester. Because there is such an abundance of students of campus who don’t get involved and end up failing because they don’t have a support system, or feel like belong. By directly collaborating with programs/clubs I will continue promoting community, academic, financial, and mental health services while increasing student involvement.

SMC has one of the most diverse student bodies from all around the world. However, I noticed that it hasn’t been as commemorated as much as it could be. If elected I will directly reach out to all student clubs and support services, and collaborate on events, to celebrate all the diversity we have on this campus.”

Independent Candidate

Yin Tun (Rachel) Lam

“I am Rachel, a film major student in SMC and the former publicist of the International Student Forum. I’m raised up in Hong Kong my whole life until I’ve decided to study aboard in Los Angeles to pursue my dream of being a filmmaker. I’ve been actively involving the international student community for three semesters, serving as a part of ISF club which is the longest running social club in SMC.

The most important characteristics of being a director of activities is ‘diversity’- accepting diverse ideas, diverse in interests and accepting ethnic diversity which means coordinating activities for all. I would like to strive for the director of activities to contribute to the school by commuting as a student leader, organizing innovative activities for students. I believe that I’d make a change in the campus. If you believe in changes, vote for me to make a change in the campus.”

A.S. Director of Publicity Candidates

SLATE: YOUR VOICE HEARD SMC

Alexis Gosselin Escamilla

“Hello! I'm Alexis Gosselin, and I'm running for Director of Publicity.

As your current, new Director of Instructional Support, I have been familiarizing myself with A.S; and as a first-year LGBTQ Latinx immigrant student, I wish to bring a new face to Student Government. I have worked in the marketing department for my High School and now for Santa Monica College. I have also overseen advertising for local Film Festivals, Award Shows, and NGOs. In addition to my experience in publicity, I have taught Human Rights Workshops, and I have led different clubs in the pursuit of student wellbeing. If I become your Director of Publicity, I will ensure the maximum degree of transparency, inclusion, and engagement. Not only will I sustainably advertise A.S. events, but I'll use these channels to inform you about decisions made by our leaders, and issues affecting us. I will also create opportunities where students can participate in defining our community's image. Likewise, I will make sure non-English speakers and students with disabilities can access our content.

Overall, I will strive to build a safe space where all voices are heard. I encourage you to vote for me and other Your Voice Heard candidates online at Corsair Connect through the week of March 23 – March 26. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please visit our Instagram @yourvoiceheard.smc”

Independent Candidate

Vadim Kuznetsov​

“Hello fellow students, 

My name is Vadim Kuznetsov. I am very excited to run for the Director of Publicity position at Santa Monica College, as I enjoyed serving my high school as the Director of Communications.

As a Digital Marketing Specialist for multiple 7-figure businesses, I guarantee college media to involve every single SMC student into all events, activities, and programs, while making the content translated into multiple languages.

Please, visit SMC.edu and get your voice heard during the election’s week March 23-26.

I ensure that every single student stays informed about the ideas discussed and decisions made during the Associated Students Board meetings in order to continue maintaining the inclusive and transparent student environment at Santa Monica College.

Moreover, as an immigrant and first-generation student, I know how sometimes tough it is to find a way to socialize with fellow students and stay up-to-date with transfer- and career-related events. 

Therefore, I wish to improve the SMC student life and raise the awareness of every off- and on-campus activity via all media channels, including Corsair newspaper, Associated Students social media channels, and the SMC website.

Please, visit SMC.edu and select your candidate during the election’s week March 23-26.

Furthermore, I’m calling each and every SMC artist and content creator to help raise awareness of all campus student services, such as instructional support, mental, health, and financial aid.

Together, we are the power to hear and to serve people.

Meanwhile, I am looking forward to the day I can raise an awareness to the highest extent and contribute even more of my energy and passion to the SMC student environment and beyond so we all could continue making the world a better place together.

Please, visit SMC.edu and vote for your candidate during the election’s week March 23-26.

Thank you and have a wonderful day!

Sincerely yours,

Vadim.”

A.S. Director of Sustainability Candidates

SLATE: wE aRE hERE smc

Carla Claure

“My name is Carla Tatiana Claure and I am running for A.S. Director of Sustainability. As an Environmental Engineering major, I feel that to bring positive change, one must bring progressive ideas and follow through. I am the current AS Director of Activities; I know what it takes to lead and serve. I am extremely caring, dedicated, inspired and pay close attention to detail, while focusing on a community building agenda, and have great passion for protecting our planet.

During my time at SMC, I have been Vice President and President of Eco-Action Club and of Plastic-Free SMC, where I produced two week-long major events: Earth Week and Sustainability Week. I also worked to eliminate plastic straws from Eat Street and brought awareness to the fact that SMC needs compost bins, not just a Vermi-Tech for pre-consumer food.

My passion goes further than my education, delving deep into the environmental field, with a job as a Visual Inspector in a pilot program called Curb Your Food Waste LA, which entails the collection of data from 18,000+ residential trash/yard waste bins in order to prove the reduction of misplaced waste after the implementation of compost bins. After witnessing the detrimental impacts of environmental racism, I have learned that education is a key solution.

I volunteer at many environmental organizations and have even been elbow-deep in garbage to properly separate it. I am that dedicated, which is why I would make a great Director of Sustainability. We need system change, not climate change. And WE need it now.”

Independent Candidate

Gicela Galvez

“Hello. My name is Gicela Galvez, and I am a Psychology and Environmental Studies major. For the past two years I have been a proud volunteer of the Corsair Market, and other food justice programs on campus. Being a part of these programs solidified my passion to serve others. I am running for Director of Sustainability because I want to serve a larger community on the basis of green initiatives. I believe it is important to bridge the gap students have with environmentalism through eco-friendly workshops, events, awareness, gardening, and more. I hope to build relationships with the student body on campus and inspire stewardship of the environment. I am optimistic that Santa Monica College can foster a greener campus for us.”

Student Trustee Candidates

sLATE: fRIENDS FOR cHANGE

Dexter Cypress

“Hello, my name is Dexter Cypress, and I am so excited to be running for Student Trustee of Santa Monica College. I grew up in Flatbush, Brooklyn, where I worked for community organizations and government systems across New York City, including Brooklyn’s only LGBTQ nonprofit, and running a city council office, among many other political jobs advocating for underrepresented New Yorkers. At 17, when I moved to Los Angeles, I worked as an educator in South Central. Now, at Santa Monica College, I serve as Captain of the decorated Speech & Debate Team, and Commissioner to the current Student Trustee. I have the background required to properly serve SMC students and advocate for the needs of students.

But, this is not all that’s important, and this is not why you should vote for me. You should vote for me, and my slate, Friends for Change, because we have a vision of SMC being a place where all people feel like they’re apart of something bigger. We’ve all ended up at Santa Monica College because we’ve been through something along the way that has put us here. And there’s nothing wrong with that. We’re fighting the societal stigma arround surrounding community college and making SMC an accomplishment we should all feel proud of ourselves for, because, at the end of the day, we’re all friends here. You should vote for me, and my slate because we’re putting the “community” in community college, ,and promoting a system of kindness and friendship.”

SLATE: YOUR vOICE hEARD

Joshua Elizondo

“As a first-generation college student of color & a foster youth who has experienced homelessness; I have a unique opportunity to represent a large cross section of the student body. While I’ve had my share of challenges, including returning to school after taking several years off & also discovering I have a learning disability… nothing has stopped me from continuing to advocate for the students at SMC. Over the past two years, I’ve met & learned from students across all majors in the college by taking classes across a wide range of studies & from being involved first hand with the equity changes happening on campus through Guided Pathways (new “Areas of Interest” & changes to math/English requirement).

At this time, I am running for the position of Student Trustee because I want to ensure that all voices & that everyone is being heard. I believe it’s important for students to be represented & to have their concerns at any given time brought to the table so changes can be made for the college with the interests of students at the forefront. This school has given so much to me, & it is my goal to give even a fraction of that back to this community including current/future students. If elected, I promise to do my best in making sure your voices are heard when making decisions on the Board of Trustees. Thank you for consideration & I hope that I can count on your support. Proud to be SMC!”

INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE

Vincent Marcel

“Ever since I started SMC, I’ve always enjoyed going on the school’s website and finding obscure information. From the salary of the president, the costs of all the new buildings, the amount of money contributed by city bonds, and even looked into the teacher union handbook and learning about overtime hours. My point being, many of the logistical things happening at our school which is otherwise unknown or uneventful to the average student, I find fascinating.

What I hope to do with this position if elected is the bring awareness to these documents and rally support or opposition via public comments among other methods of activism.

I want to encourage students who cannot attend the public comments section at student government or board of directors meetings to send me their questions so I inquire on their behalf.

As trustee I would love to create some exciting events across the campuses, an art festival with the help of creative clubs, and Art Department, a student teacher relay race on the track, maybe have a quiz bowl to see which major will win and claim bragging rights. Of course any ideas the students have for fun events I’ll pass on to the board and bring them to life.

I wish to become a trusted pillar of the SMC community if you will have me.”