Elections

1

Jayven Huang DASG President In high school, I was complacent-even lazy. I was okay with the status quo. I had opinions and a desire to help my community, but I preferred being a bystander. It was easier. I didn't have to deal with the wondering of what I could or couldn't accomplish. But things have changed. The person standing before you today is someone who is terrified of dying with regret. Dying with my last words being "What if" What if I had participated in that Hackathon? What if I had tried harder in high school? What if I had run for student council? What if I had done more? What if I walked the talk? Those simple words haunt me. I refuse to be the kind of person who stands by. I will be the type of person who follows through and will give ideas a chance. I'll throw a thousand darts at different ideas and see which one lands-because at the end of the day, everyone deserves to be heard. And I believe I do as well. DaHacks winner, Former Taekwondo instructor, and DASG intern are all of my relevant experiences, thank you.

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Audrey Tai DASG President Despite being called a "community college", there is not much of a community at De Anza. One of the reasons why I want to run for President is to help foster a more prosperous community and help voice the needs and concerns of the student body. Through my involvement in the Programs Committee I have gained logistical experience that gave me a more diverse perspective on how we can efficiently allocate the budget to each committee. I promise that every question, suggestion, and critique will be approached with an open mind. I understand that becoming President comes with many responsibilities like advocating for students. I will work cooperatively with the student body to achieve our goals in a timely manner. I will dedicate my best efforts to make DASG the best it can be.

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Teymur Khanlarov DASG President Ever since my arrival in the United States, I have not experienced anything more welcoming and helpful than the De Anza community. From the opportunities to services available, De Anza Community College truly puts the community into college. I aim to upkeep and optimize these processes to the best of my ability. With my five years of experience in student government, club leadership, and Model United Nations conferences (which I won awards in, chaired, and even hosted), I see this as a continuation of a vow I made to myself a while ago: to contribute to what I am a part of. As President, I can convey the many voices of our students through the DASG, ensuring that any and all concerns and suggestions are met with utmost consideration. One of the ways that I plan to accomplish this is by encouraging a higher standard of communication between different groups, clubs, and associations on campus - a change that will greatly enhance the experience for everyone. Additionally, there is no denying that for many students, their liberties, rights, and, for some, educational journeys are at risk. A risk I want to subdue because I believe in equality and education for all.

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Ella Yang DASG President I want to become DASG President because I want to help with the direction of the student government and have a positive impact on the student body. As a DASG presidential candidate, I want to introduce new programs that would benefit underrepresented students and impacted communities on campus! I want to be able to represent the student voices at De Anza and student government is the perfect opportunity. I have experience in student lead organizations as well as leadership positions in student government. I hope that with my experience I can use my knowledge to lead DASG in a positive direction and help all students feel comfortable and welcome as students at De Anza. Most importantly I want to support different perspectives and create new opportunities for the student body because we can never have enough of that! As an intern of the student rights and equity committee I hope to bring more representation into DASG and I want more perspectives to be heard. It is important to support each other and that is what I hope to bring to our student government!

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Suyash Jevaria DASG President I am thrilled to run to be YOUR DASG President to create a more inclusive, exciting, and empowering campus environment for every student. My leadership experience in organizing 2,000+ attendee international conferences have equipped me with the skills to foster collaboration and fight for every student's needs. If elected, I will prioritize enhancing access to resources, amplifying underrepresented voices, and leading events that help develop the student bodies' skills and leadership capability. My experience in strategic planning, public speaking, and digital communication, combined with community outreach makes me well-suited to represent you As a student who has often felt not at home and struggled with the feeling of being an imposter, I know firsthand how important it is to create a welcoming and supportive community where everyone feels valued and empowered. This understanding drives my passion to serve as YOUR DASG President, where I aim to ensure every student at De Anza has access to resources, opportunities, and a sense of belonging. Together, we can build a campus environment where everyone thrives! Suyash J - Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers.

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Aroush Fatima DASG President Hii! If elected, my first priority as President will be to ensure enough opportunities are present for all students regardless of their race, color or gender. As an international student myself, I have faced the difficulties that international students experience, and therefore, my primary focus will be to make the campus more inclusive, hospitable, and equal for all. I believe that my previous position of High School Clubs Council Founder and Director, has prepared me to implement my vision for the future, though my confidence mostly relies on the innate affection I have for formal procedural meetings. Most importantly, I will try my best to connect with all students of both De Anza and Foothill community colleges to make sure no student feels "alone" - socially, mentally, or emotionally. Looking forward to serving the student body as the President of De Anza Student Government!

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Bryan Hernandez-Cruz DASG President As a student of De Anza, I know there are gaps we want to fill, differences we want to make, and goals we want to reach. Goals that should be listened to, not forgotten. Goals that should be led, not only written. We all have feelings, we all have thoughts, and I'm here to share those feelings and thoughts that define your voice. A president who will uplift your voice in a diversified student government, representing all communities to center an equitable and approachable space for every student to succeed in their academics. In fact, no one knows the needs of a specific community better than the people in it. To establish these values I present confidence and leadership built from roles/positions I held on campus to foster an equitable environment where everyone's voice is valued and considered.

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Christian Dave Tiongson DASG Chair of Administration I am running for Chair of Administration because I believe DASG must be more organized, transparent, and student-driven. This committee executes a crucial role in structuring Student Government, yet inefficiencies persist due to a lack of holistic oversight, research, and communication. DASG should not assume what is beneficial to students; it must be based on real data and student needs. As a Secretary for more than six years, I have developed strong research, organizational, and governance skills. I know that assumptions have no place in decision-making-every policy must be well-informed, discussed thoroughly, and fully accessible to students. Transparency should not be limited to just a website update; information must be actively shared and easily available. That is why I propose creating a Special Standing Committee on Publication, dedicated to publicizing all Senate matters and ensuring student engagement. My advocacy is clear: empowering student voices in governance. Decisions should not be made solely by the Senate, but also reflect student input and votes. The current lack of transparency, organization, and information sharing is holding DASG back. As Chair of Administration, I will work to bridge these gaps, making DASG more accountable, efficient, and truly representative of the students we serve.

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Varshi Patcha DASG Chair of Administration Joining De Anza at just 16, I found myself lost around campus and I want to ensure students like me feel welcomed in a homely environment. Performing tasks that foster communication between students and the student government is what interests me. It's a great opportunity to work alongside DASG, promote policy, and make sure the student body runs smoothly. I have a strong interest in keeping and arranging documents to aid in DASG's expansion while offering creative and captivating suggestions. I'm excited to serve the many needs of our student body and have a good impact on campus life. As a team, we can keep helping one other out and bolstering the De Anza community. I have also developed the abilities required for this position during my internship with the Administration Committee.

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Eddie Naing DASG Chair of Administration As an international student from Myanmar, I would love to know more about college life in the US by being part of DASG. I believe I can make De Anza college an even better place than it already is and represent the students as a whole. I will bring lots of new ideas and perspectives and work together to achieve specific goals. I would love to make De Anza a more friendly and open community as we embrace cultures from around the world.

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James Nguyen DASG Chair of Administration Enacting meaningful changes to improve the lives of others is my life's purpose. As the chair of Administration, I will organize effective action plans to meet both the current and future needs of De Anza students. During my time as an intern of the Administration Committee, I have participated in all of the meetings to rewrite the new DASG Bylaws, the Administration Code, and the Elections Code. I also have experience collaborating on previous student projects such as Student Discounts, fixing the De Anza College Website, and a previous VTA FH-DA transit line. As the next Chair of Administration, I promise to put my hardest effort to leave a positive legacy for future generations.

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Noah Tijerina DASG Chair of Administration I am very passionate about fostering an Inclusive and well-organized DASG Senate that benefits every single student at De Anza. I want to become the DASG Chair of Administration to ensure all committees run optimally. My main goal with this leadership is to provide more opportunities to all interns so that when I leave, I have full faith in them to make De Anza College better than I left it. My background in leadership roles includes co-founding a 501(c)3 in three schools and a legit startup social media company that works with people in four different countries. With my experiences as a De Anza athlete and leader, I know I can make a difference in this role while helping De Anza College thrive.

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Alan Ma DASG Chair of Finance As your Chair of Finance, I am committed to funding programs that enable students to thrive, from the De Anza Flea Market to the Computer Donation Program. My priorities are to incorporate far more student input in financial decision-making and to secure stable funding for critical equity programs like HEFAS. In terms of student input, I'd like to expand upon the intern program familiarization project. On top of reaching out to administrative authorities of programs, I'd like for interns to interview students being served by the programs. Furthermore, I aim to streamline the budget request process so DASG can do more for everyone. I will fight to increase on-campus job opportunities, enabling students to support themselves while contributing to De Anza. Having grown up in Shanghai, I understand the unique challenges international students face, such as housing, and will advocate for support initiatives. As a Finance Committee Intern, I have hands-on experience in effective budgeting and improving our internal practices. Additionally, serving on the Resource Allocation and Program Planning committee has given me ample experience in leadership that benefits our community, as I helped oversee program improvements and resource allocation across campus. As event coordinator for the De Anza Music Volunteering Association, I [edited for length]

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Leo Huang DASG Chair of Finance I am running to represent you, to guarantee your needs and wants!!! I believe our priority is to increase our sources of revenue, instead of trying to save every penny. As the DASG Chair of Finance, I will work together and lead the finance committee to distribute our funds efficiently and effectively for the greatest benefit to our students. If funds are insufficient to meet all students' needs then I will try to apply for more. As Student Government president back in high school, I successfully applied for more funding and resources from the city government to even our school's parents' association. I will use my experiences from past leadership positions in high school combined with my present officer roles in our college's clubs to productively deliver the best solutions for you:)

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Jacob Kao DASG Chair of Finance I am running for the DASG Executive Officer position because finance is the foundation of a well-functioning student government. I am experienced in managing money and I want to serve all the De Anza students. I believe I am the best choice for the Chair of Finance because I have five years of work experience. I managed a private yacht's budget for two years and contributed to upgrading the accounting system of a public relations company. As a dedicated finance intern, I have never missed a meeting or budget deliberation, always paying close attention to the issues discussed. These experiences taught me to focus on the details, particularly in financial decision-making. Additionally, as an international student from Taiwan, I understand the challenges of accessing essential resources and support. I want to make sure that students from all backgrounds can have access to DASG resources, including on-campus job opportunities, scholarships, and financial support for events.

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Iker Amox Jimenez DASG Chair of Finance Funding is a cornerstone of the student experience at De Anza. It determines the programs we join, the events we attend, and the resources we rely on. Yet, financial decisions can seem distant to the students they impact. I want to change that. As a Finance Committee intern, I've seen firsthand how complex and important these decisions are, and that challenge is what draws me to the role of Chair of Finance. As Chair, I'll work to bridge the gap between programs and the Finance Committee, making sure student voices are heard and more students get involved in budget decisions. By setting stronger guidelines for communicating financial needs, and building upon intern and student involvement, I will ensure each student can make the most of the resources De Anza offers. With four years of leadership in UNICEF and debate-serving as treasurer and event coordinator-I've learned how to manage funds responsibly, advocate for financial priorities, and ensure that budgeting is driven by impact, not convenience. Money shouldn't be a barrier-it should be a tool to create better opportunities for all students, and I'm committed to making sure every dollar is spent in a way that truly benefits our community.

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Sheel Shah DASG Chair of Finance I aim to run for the DASG Chair of Finance because I have a strong belief in student-run associations as they impact the students directly. With my strong background in finance as an accounts manager previously and a place in my high school student government, my experience will be very important. My primary goal is to increase the importance and impact of the student government on each student's life. For any program to run efficiently, they need to have funds at their disposal and hence I want the Finance Committee to be an initiator of strategic financial planning that will help the programs meet their goals at De Anza. I will be committed to making the budget as near perfect as possible to support student programs and maximize the benefits a student has at De Anza. With a solution-oriented mindset, I will work to ensure that every dollar is spent effectively to create and improve opportunities at De Anza in turn enhancing the college experience of students at De Anza.

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Kyle Krawez DASG Chair of Finance Hello fellow De Anza Students! My name is Kyle Krawez, and I am excited to be running for Finance Chair for the 2025 school year! With my background as a business major, my experience running my own business, and my spending countless hours working with the current DASG finance committee and senate, I have developed a strong understanding of De Anza's financial landscape. If elected, my top priority is to enhance students' experiences and opportunities on campus. I also aim to increase student job opportunities, increase funding to the ICC to help new clubs thrive, and to enhance funding for student experiences. Additionally, I believe it is essential for students to have a voice in shaping their campus, and will fight to improve the livelihoods of fellow students and faculty. I look forward to implementing these initiatives while ensuring that De Anza's funds for existing services are efficiently allocated

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Kavi Kumaresan DASG Chair of Student Rights and Equity This is not the tale of a grand revolution, nor of someone with all the answers to offer. This is simply the Statement of a struggle, long overdue and finally coming into focus. I am not running for the Chair of Student Rights and Equity to claim a seat at the table, but to tear down the walls that silence us, where the voices of the marginalised, our international, low-income, undocumented students, have been drowned out. They don't need pity; they need justice. In these months, I have seen the weariness in the eyes of those fighting to stay afloat, whose dreams crumble with each tuition hike and every moment of fear. This is not just about policy; it is about lives, about dignity stolen and spaces denied. I will create a Free Speech Wall, where our ideas can meet and our dissent can grow. No longer will the administration speak over us, ignoring the truth we carry. I will bring them face-to-face with the voices they have long tried to silence. And I will create a platform for art, activism, and writings, a publication that will burn with the fire of truth, as we write the future we deserve.

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Chrissy Ho DASG Chair of Student Rights and Equity I am passionate about advocating for student voices and fostering a campus culture rooted in inclusivity, diversity, and equity. As Chair of Student Rights and Equity, I aim to serve as a bridge between the student body and De Anza Student Government, ensuring equitable representation and meaningful communication. My goal is to facilitate impactful events and initiatives that address student concerns and create tangible change to support a safe, welcoming, and thriving campus for all. With my background in community involvement and leadership, I bring the skills and dedication needed to oversee projects, amplify underrepresented voices, and promote collaboration among students.

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Nishita Mekala DASG Chair of Student Rights and Equity I applied for the position of DASG Chair of SRE because I believe that my passion for advocating, my outgoing personality, and my constant need to better myself will allow changes to be made on campus with the student body constantly in mind. Some of my goals include: being a safe space on campus for the student body, actively expanding student resources on campus, and creating events to increase student body and student government engagement. I do not have any previous experience specific to student government, but I have been in leadership positions in the past. I have been the captain of a swim team of more than 40 people; that experience taught me how to listen to people's needs, empathize, be a leader, and put together fundraisers and other plans. I am a swim instructor and I also tutored for elementary school kids which taught me how to be patient. More recently, I have been an intern for both the SRE and Admin committee for DASG.

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Virginia Fidanzi DASG Chair of Student Rights and Equity I am running for DASG Chair of Student Rights and Equity because I want to keep an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, international and local. I want to keep advocating for all centers and communities, making sure that all students, regardless their background, are being heard and have access to all the resources and opportunities they want in order to succeed. I plan to work on strategies that promote equity and create a safe space for open ideas on diversity and inclusion. As the Student Body President for two years at my high school in Italy, I gained experience in student leadership, organizing and advocacy. I bring confident, strong and polite communication, a willingness to listen and collaboration skills to the DASG Senate. If elected, I will prioritize clarity, active engagement with the student body, and meaningful policy changes that reflect the needs and concerns of all students. Together, we can build a more inclusive and welcoming campus for everyone.

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Chi Hsun Lee DASG Chair of Marketing Hi, I am Lee Chi Hsun, but you can call me Fun. I am applying for the position of Chair of Marketing. I am passionate about promoting events and programs. I aim to create more FIRE & VIRAL content to enhance visibility and exposure for DASG. One of my past experience that related which I have been working at a TV station in my high school and I am got at video editing and production, I am sure I am able effectively contribute to DASG's marketing efforts. I am confident that I can bring fresh ideas and handle the responsibilities of this position well.

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Fiona Chang DASG Chair of Marketing I am running for the Chair of Marketing position in DASG to ensure that all students feel included and informed about the events and resources available on campus. As an international student, I understand how access to campus resources can benefit the overall college experience. While my experience as an active intern in the marketing, programs, and environmental sustainability committees provided valuable insights and access to diverse opportunities at De Anza, I hope the resources can be known by students from any background. To implement my vision, I aim to strengthen collaboration among other organizations and programs on campus. By fostering greater outreach and cooperation, we can expand the reach of the information from DASG as well as guarantee that the information is accessible to all students. Additionally, I will ensure the methods of promotion are engaging and accessible for the majority of the student body in both online and offline strategies while incorporating suggestions and feedback from them. The objective is to deliver digestible and dynamic content. I believe that my strong problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and aptitude for deriving creative and fresh ideas from past experiences will help me effectively lead the committee.

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Hoang Anh Thu Tran DASG Chair of Marketing Hello everyone! I'm excited to run for DASG Chair of Marketing to help you discover the many opportunities available at De Anza. Many great resources, events, and experiences often go unnoticed simply because students don't know where to look for them. My goal is to change that by making information more accessible and ensuring students feel connected to everything our campus has to offer. Through my roles as a DASG Marketing Intern and Marketing Intern for Mentors at De Anza, I've worked on promoting events, creating outreach materials, and engaging with students to bring awareness to different activities and opportunities. My experience as a Program Intern and an Event Coordinator for a language club during high school has strengthened my ability to organize, collaborate, and communicate effectively with the student body. I understand how impactful clear communication and thoughtful marketing can be in bringing people together. If elected, I will strive hard to make sure students don't just pass through college but truly experience it. I want to help create an environment where we can take advantage of the opportunities around us and leave De Anza with a sense of fulfillment, knowing we made the most of our time here.

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Jacob Chen DASG Chair of Marketing Hello, my name is Jacob Chen! I am a full-time, first-year student with a passion for making a positive impact on De Anza's student body. Currently, I am an intern for both the Marketing and Programs committees. Through these roles, I have not only contributed to the productivity of De Anza's student government but also had the privilege of meeting many amazing individuals who also share my dedication to creating a vibrant campus community. Most importantly, I'm hoping to be the Chair of Marketing for DASG. I believe there is significant room to enhance De Anza's marketing strategies. Strong communication between students and the student body is essential. Not only to ensure that students stay informed about school updates and how we represent them, but also to promote events and opportunities that would engage and create memorable moments for our community. One idea I would like to implement, if elected, is a De Anza weekly newsletter sent via email. This newsletter would act as a central hub, providing students with the latest news and announcements from DASG, as well as updates from school clubs and organizations. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to possibly working with everybody.

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Tram Lieng DASG Chair of Marketing Hi everyone! I am determined to run as your DASG Chair of Marketing to ensure that students can comfortably connect with De Anza's Student Government and help further cultivate an engaged student body. Through personal experience as a current Marketing Intern and as well as an Editor for the marketing committee, I have grown and developed the skills required to be the Chair of Marketing. As a Marketing Intern I have had hands-on experience further promoting a social media presence for DASG. You may have seen flyers, posters, instagram posts, or reels put out by DASG. As an editor, I overlook all kinds of media projects produced and review different pieces of content, making sure that they are fit to be sent out or posted. I also Intern for Mentors at De Anza and as well as UNICEF as a Digital Marketing Intern Officer. These experiences have taught me how to connect to De Anza's diverse audience and further promote inclusivity. My goal is to create a college environment where all students can feel included. My goal as the future chair of marketing would be to focus on working hard to create a more inclusive and collaborative campus. Thank you for your vote!

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Martina Ng DASG Chair of Events (Programs) Arriving in July 2024, I am in my first year studying in the United States. Coming alone, I faced challenges like getting a driver's license, finding a new place to live, getting a car, and many more. Throughout this journey, I have met many outstanding individuals at De Anza College, especially as an intern at the DASG Programs Committee, where I discovered the power of community and support. I see college as a new chapter for everyone, and while many focus on transferring from community college, I believe it is equally important to embrace and shape our unique college experience together. Witnessing the joy during events I helped organize has shown me how impactful my contributions can be. These experiences inspired me to run for the DASG Chair of Programs because adapting to this new environment fuels my desire to help fellow students navigate our common challenges while ensuring everyone feels more connected to our diverse community. Ultimately, I want to grow with everyone, both academically and personally, as a student leader. Therefore, with my experiences as a student leader throughout my academic journey, I am eager to ensure every student feels valued and connected to our De Anza community.

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Lakshya Saini DASG Chair of Events (Programs) I want to become the Chair of Programs to lighten the mood of the De Anza Student Body by organizing fun and engaging events. With this responsibility in hand and to ensure smooth planning, I plan to involve the students of De Anza in event planning by asking for their opinions on future events and taking their feedback for past ones. For this position, I will utilize my experience in organizing and hosting national-level events and competitions for my club in high school. In addition to this, my experience of being part of the events planning team at the club Boundary.0 will also come in handy for this role. Through this responsibility, I want to express my ideas and sense of collaboration, and with this motive

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Joey Hua DASG Chair of Events (Programs) Hello everyone! I'm running for Chair of Programs to create meaningful events that enhance campus life. Knowing that many students have just graduated high school, I aim to provide a college environment similar to a four-year institution. I would like to do this by incorporating more clubs with school events; this includes competitions and collaboration between clubs. Currently, I am an intern for the DASG Programs Committee, and it's given me first-hand exposure to the time commitment and responsibilities needed to be Chair of Programs. One event I contributed to was the 2024-2025 Homecoming. As a lead volunteer, I coordinated event logistics, guided volunteers, and helped execute an event for over 400 students. Besides that, I have prior experience as my high school's Badminton Team Captain. By managing 60+ players, I learned how to coordinate teams and keep composure under pressure-skills that will help me lead as Chair of Programs. If you vote for me, I will be the reliable leader you are looking for, but most importantly, make sure that every event brings the best out of everyone! Thank you for voting!

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Lexie Wang DASG Chair of Events (Programs) I love being part of the De Anza community and want to make campus life more fun and engaging. I want to organize more creative, inclusive events that connect students and create great memories. Let's make the most of our time together!

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Ryan Yi DASG Chair of Events (Programs) My major motivation for running for Chair of programs is to provide an environment in which students are able to connect with one another over exciting and engaging events. As the chair, I would strive to open up more social opportunities for students, expand the family-like atmosphere, and ultimately encourage students to treasure their memories of De Anza. As a former activity planner & manager for SJNH(San Jose New Hope) and children's events & game coordinator for VBS(Vacation Bible School), I believe my experiences and skills will be suitable towards improving the DASG senate.

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Tristan Zhu DASG Chair of Events (Programs) I want to improve my leadership. I will bring some policies based on helping new De Anza students adopt campus careers quickly and helping old students achieve their college dreams.

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Inky Ganbold DASG Chair of Events (Programs) I see good chances to bring great opportunities to De Anza College. Since Spring 2023, I have studied here and seen good things, but from my 22 hackathons at top universities across the US, I think we can have more great things. When students transfer, they will be better prepared if we have similar experiences.

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VJ Lukka DASG Chair of Events (Programs) Hi I'm VJ, and I'd like to use the creative arts to enhance student life through engaging events and opportunities to showcase the diverse perspectives we have at De Anza. At my roots, I'm a musician and my high school really allowed me to take advantage of that. I want to further develop my skills in event planning, coordinating logistics, working with others, and most of all mentoring. I love bringing ideas to life and going all out, so my goals are for there to be more well-executed events, to bring together the unique minds of the students on campus, and to soar to higher heights with everything we do.

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Ethan Brignetti DASG Chair of Environmental Sustainability I am eager to run for chair of environmental sustainability because I am passionate about environmental studies. In taking this role, I hope to learn and help reduce De Anza's carbon footprint. Working in the restaurant industry for three years, I have developed communication and collaboration skills, preparing me for the teamwork involved in the Senate. As the chair of environmental sustainability, I will ensure that we prioritize our ecological impact. Additionally, I aim to encourage and incentivize students to utilize environmentally friendly methods of transportation (e.g., biking, skating, bus, or scootering). With our school's growing population, I hope to promote a sustainable community for generations of students to come.

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Myles Vongnakhone DASG Chair of Environmental Sustainability I am very passionate about protecting our planet and ensuring De Anza not only does its part by being environmentally sustainable, but also takes proactive initiative on environmental issues in both our community and the communities around us. As Chair of Environmental Sustainability, I will advocate for the student body and lead the Environmental Sustainability Committee in addressing issues on our campus and implementing impactful projects, such as improving our waste system with recycling and composting. My love for nature and the outdoors is a large driving factor for me to work toward preserving the beauty of our planet for future generations. My leadership experiences, such as teaching badminton to kids, serving as an officer for several clubs including the De Anza Badminton Club, and being varsity badminton team captain in high school, will allow me to effectively lead and collaborate with others and inspire change. Through my passion for outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, cycling, and camping, I deeply care about the environment and am committed to protecting it. I am excited to bring my skills and dedication to the DASG Senate to bring meaningful change.

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Julia Kuzniarz DASG Chair of Environmental Sustainability I want to become the DASG Chair of Environmental Sustainability because it creates a space to learn from my peers and develop integrity and student leadership. I believe that it'll allow me to use my voice for the student body to represent their concerns and needs. My goal is to create an environment in which every student can feel comfortable and all of their concerns will be heard. My participation and involvement with DASG and multiple clubs has taught me the importance of collaboration. I learned how to nurture a sense of belonging and advocacy among our student body. I realized that by working together, we can show people the impact of the E.S Committee and create a more sustainable campus. As The Chair of Environmental Sustainability, I intend to use those lessons as a tool to turn the ideas and challenges we face into programs that benefit both campus and students.

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Yoon Po Po Aung DASG Chair of Environmental Sustainability I am running for the DASG Chair of Environmental Sustainability position because I would like to spread out our community's awareness on environmental sustainability. My main goal is to represent our students' authentic voice and make students' life more convenient in a sustainable way. I want students to see environmental sustainability as a fun thing, not as a boring or tiring task. With the support of our students, I believe we could make a positive change together, not only in our campus, but also in our community. Since the time I have been at DASG, I see some students being not aware of the resources we provide such as free bike rental, and $1000 ecofund project. Additionally, I would like to promote these valuable resources to our students and create an inclusive environment. As a passionate leader, I want to become a bridge between our students and DASG to ensure that all our voices are considered and valued in decision-making. I am all set to bring you a sustainable environment where we all feel safe and valued. I really appreciate your support from the bottom of my heart!

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Atharva Salkar DASG Chair of Environmental Sustainability Hi! My name is Atharva, Ati for short. I'm a design major who's passionate about art, journalism, and environmental sustainability. I'm thrilled to run for the ES chair position as I truly believe in the incredible work of this committee. As chair, I hope to contribute by growing this committee through mobilizing our talented student community. I have various goals as chair: Many students care about sustainablity but dont always know how to get involved... I want to bridge this gap by making environmental education - and, by extension, activism - accessible to everyone through the ES committee. By providing volunteering opportunities, speaker events, and workshops, we can empower students to learn and contribute to sustainability efforts here at DA. One of my key goals is to revitalize the $1,000 EcoFund initiative, which is currently underutilized. To fix this, I plan to streamline the process by connecting experienced instructors to curious students - helping facilitate the exchange of ideas and research. My experience as a journalist has taught me the importance of representing every voice. If I can promise one thing, it is my commitment and eagerness to incorporate active feedback and ideas from the student body on subjects such [edited for length]

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Riwa Watanabe DASG Chair of Environmental Sustainability I'm an international student. I don't have my family or relatives here so I have been through a lot of issues since I got to the United States. However, many people here, including the school, have helped me a lot. That made me want to take action, and do good for somebody as people around me did to me. The reason why I want to become the DASG executive officer is that I want to make De Anza even better with students at De Anza. Since DASG has many students of amazing backgrounds, I thought it is the best place that I can realize that. Although gathering people from all over the world could be a complicated thing, I wish I can foster my skills of socializing and bridging people.

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Mia Lin DASG Chair of Environmental Sustainability 1) More Trash Cans: Promote more strategically placed bins to keep the campus clean 2) Fix Faulty Water Sensors: Advocate for better maintenance to stop water waste from malfunctioning sensors 3) Improve Recycling on Campus: Enhance the recycling method: Use battery collection 4) Introduce SDGs to Campus: Bring awareness to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and connect them to campus activities. Please vote for me to help make these changes happen!

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Yewon Kim DASG Chair of Environmental Sustainability I want to become the Chair of ES Committee because I see so much potential in it that I want to bring to life. I want to first, expand the committee, second, support the existing sustainability-related movements around campus, and third, create a more environmentally aware campus. I held many club officer positions in high school, and have hosted events and meetings with primary focus on being approachable and welcoming. I know that many students feel like student government would be too difficult or too complicated for them. I want to help promote DASG and ES committee in particular by planning fun, engaging events. I'd also love to get more involved in diverse collaborative movements with bodies like VIDA, Pride center, EMS, and more to support their efforts in bringing about tangible change towards sustainability. Lastly, I will also strive to create a more environmentally aware campus by connecting with different students across the campus. I am very communicative, hardworking, and passionate; I believe I can apply what I've learned from managing clubs and organizing hundreds of volunteers in Korean School to help more students at De Anza feel motivated and excited to partake in creating a more sustainable campus.

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Caitlin Lam DASG Chair of Environmental Sustainability I am very passionate about environmental sustainability. I have grown up trying to find better solutions to minimize waste and be more eco conscience. Ultimately, I want to leave tools and already implemented strategies for future generations at the campus with, to be eco-wise. I would love to see changes in the school's use of recycling. I wish to also incorporate long lasting ways to keep up the school sustainable. For example, adding a hydroponics system in the environmental science section of the campus. I would like to host more events that can all students to be involved on eco days. I hope to get more people outdoors, and host hiking events. Giving back to the community is a very active and meaningful way to promote wase-reducing. I plan to have the committee partner with charity for donating. My greatest goal is to share the importance of being eco-friendly with others and hope that in-turn we create a lasting impact.

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Zhiar Salimi DASG Chair of Inter Club Council (ICC) De Anza is famous for active club engagement. I have two proposals to achieve my goal. First, I try to improve new club establishment process smoother and clearer. Second, I put effort on reviewing and reassessing each club's engagement level through ICC meeting. The strength that I can bring is having a leadership and management skill that I have gained through my research projects and studies in many different countries in Europe from young age. So I am willing to apply my resilience and organization personality to provide our students more meaningful college life with ICC and student clubs.

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Maxwell Ou DASG Chair of Inter Club Council (ICC) As someone deeply involved with De Anza's clubs, I am eager to utilize my skills and experiences to create meaningful change as a DASG Executive Officer. In this role, I will boost student engagement, enhance collaboration between clubs and DASG, and advocate for student needs at a broader level. As Chair of the Inter-Club Council, I will ensure well-structured agendas for bi-weekly ICC Representative and Executive Meetings, promote open communication, and encourage club participation. My background includes serving on Octagon's Acts Committee, the largest volunteering club at my high school, where I helped organize the Cure Cancer Cotillion, an annual banquet supporting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Additionally, as treasurer of a nonprofit organization, I helped raise $5,000 for disaster relief efforts, demonstrating my ability to manage and lead initiatives. I also developed strong public speaking skills through my high school's speech club. Currently, I work as an Optometric Technician, where I have gained teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. These experiences prepare me to serve as a bridge between clubs, students, and DASG to foster a more connected campus community. With my leadership abilities and passion for student advocacy, I am confident in my ability to make a lasting impact at [edited for length]

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Naim Pichori DASG Chair of Inter Club Council (ICC) I want to become a DASG Executive Officer because I'm tired of watching people talk in circles about "vision" while nothing in the real world changes. My goal is brutally simple: make actual, tangible improvements for students, cheaper textbooks, better campus resources, and a system that serves people, not empty titles. I bring the practical skills to fight for material results and the blunt honesty to call out anything that wastes time or money. No speeches about values, no illusions of grandeur, just real work for real change. Vote for me if you want action, not ideals. If not, enjoy your meetings about meetings.

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Vincent Shao DASG Chair of Inter Club Council (ICC) Does De Anza Get the Leaders that We Deserve? Well Here Is What I Think the Students Deserve: A Leader that Speaks Through ACTION. A Leader that Speaks with Full Honesty, Sincerity while Protecting Integrity. A Leader that Guarantees Effective Communication between the Student Body (YOU), the DASG Senate, and the 80+ Clubs with the Proper Resources to Succeed... Not Crumble. I've Shown my Commitment to De Anza not Only by Maintaining Multiple Club Officer Positions, but ALSO being both a DASG & ICC Finance Intern; Attending, Participating in Fall and Winter Quarter Meetings. Thus, I've Learned the Strengths, Weaknesses of ICC's Way of Doing. With that in Mind, My Goals are Straightforward: 1. Improve Student Body's Involvement with Clubs by Resolving the Lack of Efficiency in Going Through Club Applications (as there's been Clubs waiting MONTHS to be Processed) 2. Holding ACCOUNTABILITY to Not Just Myself nor the ICC Committees, but also the Club Officers... (ICC Representatives) 3. REFORMATION of ICC Forms & Documents 4. Establishing Short Online Guides for New & Current-Existing Clubs on how to Navigate through ICC's Resources. So I Ask You Again, Does De Anza Get the Leaders that We Deserve? I Think the Students Deserve Vincent Shao.

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Bon Htike DASG Chair of Inter Club Council (ICC) Although De Anza is a diverse college, rarely do I see meaningful appreciation and interaction between those diverse groups. Walking through campus from one class to another, I'm always surrounded by individuals of rich and unique cultures, but more often than not, these interesting students shy away from those of different backgrounds and gravitate towards familiar social circles. This lack of interaction creates gaps within the student body, and my goal as the Chair of Inter Club Council will be to close these gaps that divide us. By creating more opportunities for us to connect through cultural appreciation events, club collaborations and social gatherings, I hope to help all of us become a community that is both diverse and harmonic. I can promise you to break down these barriers between us. I have what it takes to lead this long-overdue change but not without your help. With this position, I can help foster a community that isn't just diverse but actively celebrates it.

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Min Pyae DASG Chair of Inter Club Council (ICC) As a student at De Anza, like everyone else, I am committed to further create an already inclusive student body through clubs. As DASG Chair of Inter-Club Council (ICC), my goal is to strengthen the connection between the DASG Senate and campus organizations; I aim to do this by serving as a bridge for collaboration between clubs and the student government-whether through events with the DASG Events (formerly Programs) Committee or by helping advocate for clubs that amplify student voices alongside the DASG Student Rights and Equity Committee. Having spoken as a guest speaker in classes designed to help international students adjust to life at De Anza, I understand the importance of creating spaces where students can find community, whether they are new to campus or looking to build priceless connections. I also want to expand outreach for the ICC internship program by increasing engagement on platforms like Instagram and Discord which makes it easier for students to learn about opportunities with ICC and get involved. Above all, I am dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive environment where clubs thrive and student voices are heard.

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Salvador Pedroza DASG Chair of Inter Club Council (ICC) I want to become an executive officer because I feel that I can make a change that I wanted to see when in my clubs. I am in clubs on campus, and I have noticed that sometimes it's difficult to work with the ICC due to schedule conflicts and otherwise. The process can sometimes feel long and tedious. One of my goals as Chair of the ICC would be to try and streamline that process to make it more effective for all involved. Clubs are an integral part of student expression on campus, and I want to do whatever I can to help people express themselves.

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Shoon Tun DASG Chair of Inter Club Council (ICC) I'm excited to apply for the DASG Executive Officer position because I want to be more involved in shaping the De Anza community and creating a better campus experience that benefits everyone. I believe every student deserves to feel heard, and I'm committed to helping create an inclusive space where students can connect, share their ideas, and make a change together. My goal is to organize events that bring students together, promote diverse perspectives, and address the mandatory needs of our campus community. I also aim to work on making student resources more accessible, ensuring that everyone has the information and support they need to have. With the experiences I have learnt from campus activities, I've realised how important it is to collaborate with different groups, build a supportive network, and communicate effectively. I've also developed leadership skills through my involvement, and I'm excited to use those to empower other students and create a positive, supportive and inclusive environment. I am also passionate about advocating for students' voices and making our campus a place where everyone feels welcome, and I'm determined to bring my energy, dedication, and ideas to the DASG Senate to make that happen.

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Kaung Thet Zaw DASG Chair of Inter Club Council (ICC) I want to make a real difference on our campus by ensuring every student's voice is not only heard, but truly valued! This opportunity will be the gateway for me to advocate for meaningful improvements. I am deeply committed whether it be pushing for better mental health resources, creating welcoming spaces where students can connect, strengthening academic support services, advocating for more diverse dining options, expanding late-night study spaces, or developing career networking opportunities. What drives me is my passion for creating an environment where every student can thrive here and know that they matter.

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Ishan Mishra DASG Chair of Inter Club Council (ICC) I am running for the DASG Executive Officer position because I am deeply committed to serving the De Anza student body and ensuring that student voices are heard in decision-making. As an intern in the DASG Finance Club, I have actively contributed to budget allocations for campus clubs, gaining firsthand experience in financial management and organizational leadership. My goal is to enhance student engagement, advocate for increased funding for student initiatives, and promote financial transparency within DASG.

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Jared Salazar DASG Chair of Inter Club Council (ICC) Hello! My name is Jared Salazar. I want to become the DASG Executive Officer position because I want to help my community and gain some experiences as well! One of the goals that I want to accomplish is to ensure that school has very good clubs that would help the De Anza college as a whole, another goal is that I want gain some good experiences with my new friends, :D Some of the skills and experiences that I will bring to the DASG Senate is that I'm a good communicator, and willingly listen to my peers. I tend to make things organized. As everyone have good ideas in their back of their minds, and those ideas is something I want to spread to the whole school.

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Phoo Yamhon DASG Chair of Inter Club Council (ICC) I am running for the position of Chair of ICC because I truly believe in building a stronger, more connected student community at De Anza. I have been interested in running for this position ever since I became an intern for the ICC Administrative Committee. The chance to bring students together through clubs and create a more dynamic, inclusive campus community inspires me. Having volunteered at ICC events and regularly attending ICC executive meetings since last quarter, the experience that I have gained gave me a thorough understanding of how the ICC operates. I believe that I am ready to take on a bigger leadership role. Combining these experiences, my dedication towards ICC, and my natural leadership abilities, I am confident that I can effectively serve as ICC Chairperson and make a meaningful impact. I am highly adaptable and committed to overcoming challenges with perseverance and strategic thinking. If I am selected, I will create more opportunities for students from all backgrounds, enhance transparency in ICC decision-making, and ensure that clubs have the support they need to achieve their goals. I aim to become the kind of leader that students think of when they consider what the ICC stands for.

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Ishika Mallikarjun DASG Chair of Inter Club Council (ICC) I believe anything can be the first step. Applying for the ICC chair position is my first step towards not only taking action in my student life to be more involved with De Anza, but it is also my first step to making De Anza's resources and programs more accessible to all of our students regardless of their limitations. We have a wide range of demographics at our school, and many of our students juggle multiple commitments like working, other extracurriculars, and families. It can be incredibly difficult to have enough time to mingle with others and be aware of all that is available at De Anza. As ICC chair I would like to make our club activities easily accessible and welcoming to everyone. It is my goal to make it possible for every student to participate as much as they can in our programs and discover the amazing community we have here. Since I already have extensive experience with leading groups through previous executive positions at clubs like TBC and Interact, I have learned how to manage other leaders and be a better leader myself. Therefore, I understand how to cater to everyone while meeting our overall goals.

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Shreyas Menon DASG Chair of Inter Club Council (ICC) I am running for the DASG Executive Officer position because I am dedicated to fostering a more inclusive, supportive, and resourceful student community. With experience as a marketing officer in the Web Development Club and participation in the Brains and Motions business development externship, I have honed leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills that will allow me to advocate effectively for student needs. If elected, I will work to improve communication between students and DASG, expand access to academic and professional development opportunities, and create initiatives that support student well-being. Along with this, my experience in event planning, public speaking, and project management will help me organize impactful programs that brings engagement and collaboration. I am committed to making DASG more accessible and ensuring every student's voice is heard. With passion, innovation, and a strong work ethic, I will strive to enhance the student experience and drive meaningful change at De Anza College.

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Jordan Nguyen De Anza College Student Trustee As a first-year De Anza student with a background in student leadership, club / student involvement, and advocacy, I plan on carrying developed collaboration, communication, and organization experience and skills to the student government. My previous experience in student involvement and communication motivates me towards advocating for beneficial student / faculty needs and policies, amplifying voices of the community and bolstering the communication between the board of trustees & FHDA community. As Student Trustee, I aim to work as a liaison between students and faculty of De Anza to the board of trustees, reporting frequent agendas to keep De Anza's community well-informed. I also want to advocate for greater student expression in district decisions and deliberations to give student voices a bigger say in decisions directly affecting our future. With my strong commitment and dedication, I plan to strengthen student aid and involvement with district and trustee decisions and plans.

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Yan Shan De Anza College Student Trustee I'm running for Student Trustee to connect De Anza College students with the district board. My experience as a member of my high school student council taught me how to represent student interests and communicate with school administration. As captain of my robotics team, I led us to two world championships and a first-place world-class award. This role sharpened my skills in communication, leadership, and collaboration, as I coordinated schedules, meetings, and worked with diverse teams. Additionally, hosting international teams like Mexico and Benin during the FISU World Cup strengthened my ability to work under pressure and represent my community professionally. If elected, I'll make sure student voices are heard at the district board, and work towards a transparent, responsive dialogue between students and the board.

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Kunishka Mundada De Anza College Student Trustee My interest in student leadership has been shaped by nearly a decade of experience in student government and I'm eager to make De Anza a place where students can connect, express themselves openly and thrive. It would be an honor to strengthen these ideals within De Anza College. I've balanced academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities, driven by a commitment to leadership and growth. To me, student government is about making a positive, empowering, safe and supportive place where everyone is recognised and able to express themselves . I'm running for student trustee because I believe student voices must be taken into consideration at district level, having served as student representative in various positions throughout my high school years, I have learned that accountability, transparency and strong communication are key to effective governance. My aim is to uphold the connect between students and the board of trustees by advocating for policies that prioritize affordability, equity and campus resources. I will work to enhance student participation in decision making so that policies truly reflect the needs of our diverse student body. With my background in leadership and unwavering dedication, I will be a strong and reliable student trustee for all the students.

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Dali Guerrero Fernandez De Anza College Student Trustee As a Latina and first-generation student, I am committed to ensuring that De Anza's policies reflect the needs of all students. My experience working with San Jose City Council on policy initiatives has given me firsthand insight into governance, advocacy, and decision-making - skills I will bring to the DASG Senate and the Board of Trustees. If elected as Student Trustee, my goal is to bridge the gap between students and college leadership, ensuring that our voices are not just heard but more importantly shape the decisions that impact us the most. A majority of the time policies are made without considering the challenges students face, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. I want to change that by advocating for increased funding for student programs and services, ensuring that all students-regardless of background-have the resources they need to be successful. Additionally, I will work to expand resources for first-generation and undocumented as well as international students, including increasing access to legal services, scholarships, and mentorship programs. With my background in policy and governance, I am ready to create meaningful change and ensure that every student has the support they need to thrive at De Anza!

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Alona Agmon De Anza College Student Trustee Having previously worked as an executive board representative in student council, liaising between a student body and its parent organization is second nature to me. I represented my high school at meetings and national conferences, effectively relaying information between the two bodies to address concerns, solve conflicts, and advocate for student-led initiatives like cultural events and academic services. I am excited to apply this experience to represent De Anza students as Student Trustee. As the first in my family to attend college in America, I deeply value accessibility to education and transfer opportunities such as expanding career placement programs, and consistently incorporating student feedback in decision-making, ensuring more transparent communication between our campus and the district board. As the current president of the World Languages Club and a finance committee intern, I have experience with both DASG and general leadership, experience which I will use as Student Trustee to push for tangible policies that directly impact students' success such as expanding partnerships for internships and professional development opportunities. With 3+ years of leadership experience across clubs, research societies, and youth groups, I am committed to bringing a strong, student-centered voice to the district, ensuring our needs are heard and addressed.

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Elora Zhu De Anza College Student Trustee I am running for the student trustees because I want to gain a broader perspective and access to information beyond just the school level to improve De Anza and safeguard students' rights within the district. I am willing to put in the effort to enhance students' learning experience at De Anza. I promise to ensure De Anza Campus Programs operate well and facilitate school participate in more agreements (such as Transfer Students Network) to provide greater academic opportunities. I will also ensure students of all backgrounds receive fair treatment, encouraging communication and understanding, and promoting inclusivity and diversity on campus so that every student can receive the support they need to succeed. I pledge to voice students' concerns at Board of Trustees meetings and DASG Senate meetings, strengthening communication between students and management, providing timely updates and feedback on events developments.I will use platforms to keep students informed about campus events, enhancing students' engagement. I will maintain a humble and responsible attitude, always listening to students' suggestions and needs, be a helpful advocate for everyone.

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Madhav Shukla De Anza College Student Trustee My name is Madhav Shukla, and I am running for Student Trustee to be a strong, dedicated voice for every student at De Anza College. As Intra-District Council (IDC) Representative for Middle College at De Anza, I've represented Middle College students at the FUHSD level, advocated for equity initiatives, and served as a spokesperson for student needs. My roles as an intern on the DASG Finance Committee and a former intern in the Students Rights and Equity (SRE) committee have given me firsthand experience in budget deliberations, policy advocacy, and addressing systemic inequities. Additionally, as President of the Hardware Hackers Club and a Student Mentor in Mentors@De Anza, I've worked to foster collaboration, innovation, and peer support. These experiences have equipped me to advocate effectively, promote transparency, and ensure accountability in leadership. If elected, I will prioritize amplifying student voices by creating accessible feedback channels, improving campus resources by advocating for increased mental health services, academic support, and club funding, and advancing equity by supporting on-campus organizations to better serve their student groups. I am ready to fight for a De Anza that works for everyone, and I kindly ask for your support and vote in this election.

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Francesca Cacchione De Anza College Student Trustee Having served as student body president in both my Italian and U.S. high schools, being a national debate champion, and receiving a recognition from the Senate of the Italian Republic for empowering underrepresented students through tech, has equipped me with the skills to advocate effectively for students' needs and implement meaningful change. As your Student Trustee, I will fight to make sure international students, regardless of major, are finally able to legally get an internship during their F1 visa status, ensuring they have the same career prospects as local students. I will implement digital solutions to increase student participation in the decisions I have to make; I will collaborate with Foothill College and other CC to simplify the transfer process, offering important transfer classes that are not available at De Anza. I will work to fill a gap in our athletics program: restoring a cheer and dance team. I will advocate for equal opportunities for all students while ensuring consistent school funding and financial aid, no matter our current administration. As your future Student Trustee, I am committed to representing all students, making De Anza a more inclusive, dynamic, and opportunity-filled campus for everyone. Vote experience, vote Francesca.

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Maurice Growney De Anza College Student Trustee De Anza College is important to me, so I want to use my gifts and unique background to enhance the student experience. My metabolic disorder, PKU, made me not eat natural protein until I was 19. So, I know what it's like to not have access. I was born and raised in SF but began ranch work after high school. I have empathy for people with disabilities and know what it takes to live in diverse environments like the Bay Area. Though I have a disability and have been hungry for many days at a time, I am very privileged. I will use that to the advantage of our community. My varied life experience and abilities will equip me to successfully represent De Anza's students to the Board of Trustees. I am a good listener. We have two ears and only one mouth for a reason. My pragmatic mindset allows me to relay and understand information accurately. I am fluent in Russian and understand Spanish well, which has exposed me to many situations where transferring a message correctly is crucial. This all has made me an effective communicator, observer, and the best choice for this position.

Elections

Preview of Election

2025-2026 DASG Executive Officers

DASG President

DASG Chair of Administration

DASG Chair of Finance

DASG Chair of Student Rights and Equity

DASG Chair of Marketing

DASG Chair of Events (Programs)

DASG Chair of Environmental Sustainability

DASG Chair of Inter Club Council (ICC)

De Anza College Student Trustee