2026-2027 ASUCR Candidates
2026-2027 ASUCR Candidates
Candidate information for spring 2026 will be updated here on Monday April 6 at 8am.
- President
- Executive Vice President
- Vice President of Internal Affairs
- Vice President of External Affairs
- Vice President of Finance
- VP of Sustainability
- VP of Marketing & Promotions
- VP of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
- International Student Director
- CHASS Senator
- CNAS Senator
- BCOE Senator
- SOE Senator
- SOB Senator
- Special Elections
Bruce RiaziUCR for US My name is Bruce, and I am running for ASUCR President because UCR has settled for the status quo for far too long. It is time we demand a university that works relentlessly for us. My mission is bold but simple: Students first. I will bulldoze the barriers between our campus and industry leaders, forging direct pipelines to elite jobs and internships. You deserve the absolute best foundation for your career, and I will ensure UCR delivers. But college is more than just a stepping stone, it’s where we live and thrive. I will fiercely support and fund the student organizations that are the lifeblood of our culture. And we will launch massive, unforgettable events that ignite and build our collective Highlander spirit. We all know UCR’s true potential. No more waiting. Let’s claim it. Let’s build the powerhouse campus we know we can have!" |
|
Mia Rose TuifuaLeadership you trust.
Hey Highlanders! |
Chloe WangEvery Voice Present!
Highlanders! |
|
Rohan VigTransparency Accountability Impact As your CNAS Senator and a first generation student, I serve on the Legislative Advocacy Committee and the Green Campus Action Plan. I have drafted resolutions addressing housing insecurity and environmental issues, hosted town halls, and connected undergrads with research opportunities. These experiences have shown me that student government is most impactful when the Senate takes thoughtful, effective stances on the issues that matter most to highlanders. |
Kaelyn PaparistoUnity. Community. Responsibility.
Hi Highlanders! My name is Kaelyn Paparisto, and I’m running for Vice President of Campus Internal Affairs because I believe student voices should help shape the future of our campus. As a neuroscience major and someone who has spent time volunteering and working closely with others, I’ve learned how important listening, collaboration, and advocacy are in building strong communities. |
|
Lily IlousAccessibility. Accountability. Action.
Hello Highlanders, |
|
Pia PrashanthOpportunity. Resources. Accessibility.
From one Highlander to another, we deserve student leaders who actively create equitable pathways to opportunity. With our students facing food insecurity, financial hardship, and barriers to access essential resources, advocating for changes that address these needs and support our student body is imperative. |
Joseph AnastacioAdvocacy, Action, Resistance
Change starts with community. At a time when powerful forces seek to divide us and hate remains embedded in our systems, collective action is more important than ever. Too often, the institutions meant to serve us—the UC system, government officials, and university administrators—fail to advance policies that meaningfully support students. When students fall through the cracks, our institutions must be held accountable. |
An Quoc Thu Nguyen withdrew their candidacy on 4/8/2026.
Emmy TsaoEquity Starts Here.
Hi Highlanders! My name is Emmy Tsao and I’m running to be your ASUCR VP of Finance. Currently, I am one of your CHASS Senators, sitting on the Finance, Basic Needs, Executive, and Legislative Review Committees. I also served as the student representative interview panelist for the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer under the Office of Student Affairs, and I am a member of the Recreation Governing Board, which oversees financial operations of the SRC. Representing students on financial matters has strengthened my passion for financial advocacy. |
Rahma AhmedInclusive | Accessible | Decolonized Hello Everyone! My name is Rahma and I am passionate about building a culture of decolonized environmentalism that is inclusive, accessible, and rooted in community. In my current role as Vice Chair/Initiatives Director of Green Campus Action Plan, I help manage grants for student-led sustainability projects, lead team meetings focused on developing GCAP’s initiatives, and collaborate with administrators to implement our ideas on campus. Previously, as Programming Intern, I organized major campus events such as Earth Day Festival, co-founding our quarterly Farmers Market, and supporting programs such as Scotty Eats that reduce food waste while improving food access. As VP of Sustainability, I want to focus on creating engaging, welcoming, and fun ways for the entire community to integrate environmentally-conscious practices. I will aim to create greater accessibility to resources on campus, and strengthen community building through interactive initiatives, collaborations, and programming that makes going green easy for everyone! |
Angela Michelle TanCommitted, Collaborate, Engage
Hi, I’m Angela Tan and I'm running for ASUCR VP of Marketing and Promotions. |
|
Dominic Romero HerreraDeliver More, Together
Marketing guides stories to the people who need them, so they can feel informed, included, and ready to act. As your next Vice President of Marketing and Promotions, I want to bridge the gap between student government and our campus by reshaping the ways we connect and creating an environment where Highlanders shape the conversation. |
|
Ka Chung Keith LeungAmplify, Motivate, Promote Hello, my name is Keith Leung, and I am a second-year, first-generation Business major running for Vice President of Marketing and Promotions. Coming to college as a first-generation student taught me how important communication and visibility are on campus. Many students miss opportunities simply because they never hear about them, and I believe marketing should make those opportunities easier to find and more exciting to engage with. My campaign platform, HIT — Highlight, Inform, Together, reflects my goal to highlight student voices and events, inform students about resources and opportunities, and bring the campus community together through creative outreach. With my background in business and experience working with campus organizations, I understand how strong promotion and collaboration can increase student engagement. If I am elected, I will focus on creative marketing strategies, stronger communication, and making sure student initiatives truly reach and represent the community they are meant to serve. |
|
Rosie LiuCreative, Committed, Connected Hey Highlanders! My name is Rosie Liu and I am excited to be running for your next Marketing and Promotions VP! As a third-year Business Administration student in accounting, I am always excited for opportunities to connect with students and utilize my precision for the cause My experience as a Marketing Specialist and Assistant allowed me to master both digital and physical platforms to drive student engagement. From coming up with promotional video ideas to designing campus stickers, I have a proven track record of creative content that students value. I am committed to bridging the gap between the university and the students through creative strategies that do more than just inform students. I believe by working together to build connections and hosting engaging events, we can let all students be heard. My goal is to ensure our campus presence is as vibrant as the students we represent! Go Highlanders! |
Tobi LatinwoOur Stories Matter My name is Tobi Latinwo, and I have always been about fighting for the underdog. I have a background in advocacy work, whether that is going to protests regarding the targeting of Brown, Black, and undocumented individuals or having a poetry open mic at the encampments, reading the poetry of those who passed away in Gaza. As the Chair of The Black Student Affairs Team, I approached the position with my beliefs. I've met with the chancellor, vice-chancellors, and directors, advocated on behalf of issues black students are facing, and received a positive reception and a willingness to work with me on those issues. As the VP of DEI, I don't aim to stand alone to fight, but I will stand next to you. I will hear your voices, be embedded in the community, and ensure you feel best represented in cases when the people cannot be in the room. |
Himanshu RaoBridge. Build. Belong. Hello Highlanders! My name is Himanshu Rao, and I am running to be your International Student Director. Studying in a new country is both exciting and challenging; it means adapting to a new education system, navigating visa regulations, overcoming cultural barriers, and finding a sense of home thousands of miles away. I understand how important strong representation and accessible support systems are. In this role, I will work to amplify international student voices and ensure our concerns are heard. My priorities include expanding access to career and internship resources, strengthening peer mentorship programs to help new international students transition, and encouraging campus spaces that reflect and celebrate the many cultures represented in our community. I am committed to helping bridge the gap between international students and the student government, so our unique needs are understood. Let's work together to build a campus where every global voice is heard and valued! | |
Victoria ZhouConnect, Conduct, Commit Hi Highlanders! This is Victoria Zhou, a Political Science student who wants to be a friend, a guide, and your representative. I am running as the International Student Director for the furtherance and change of the International Student community for 2026-27. As of Fall 2023, 2370 International Students were enrolled at UCR. These could be your classmates, your TAs, or your friends who came from another part of the globe. When I look at our international students, I see a community that can be stronger, safer, and livelier. My experience in Advocacy Advising under the International Student Committee and Event Planning for the past two years has prepared me on Why, What, and How to care for the student body. Thus, I am Committed to a change in organizing and representing our international students by Conducting more efficient, consistent actions, advocacy, and, most importantly, by Connecting within the student body. |
Eddie JezberaTransparency, Unity, Determined
Hello Highlanders! My name is Eddie Jezbera, and I am running to be your CHASS senator! I believe the student government should prioritize aiding in your day-to-day struggles as students, and making those resolutions clear. Through my time in academic affairs, I’ve seen how little we as students know about the resources our school provides, and that’s a problem. This transparency between the school and students is of my utmost priority. If elected, I want to ensure these resources are made clear and available to everyone, along with advocating for stronger and clearer improvements. Such as, greater access to career development programs, increasing funding for CHASS organizations, and making sure student voices are heard in decision-making. Let’s work together to bridge the gap between administration and students, ensuring your concerns turn into real solutions. |
|
Evan WeiRepresentation. Transparency. Results.
Hello! My name is Evan Wei, and I am running for CHASS Senator to represent the voices and interests of students in the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. As a student in CHASS, I understand the importance of ensuring that every student's academic needs are heard and addressed. I believe that it is a senator’s responsibility to ensure that students' concerns are represented. My goal as a senator is to strengthen the connection between students and campus leadership by promoting student growth, well-being, and success within CHASS. In my opinion, closing the gap between students and leadership is essential for student satisfaction and quality of life. Having individual voices reach executives is the easiest way to see improvement. Through collaborative effort and open communication, I hope to contribute many positive changes that enhance the overall student experience and support the diverse community that makes up CHASS! |
|
Gaby VasquezUnity, Creativity, Representation Hey Highlanders!! My name is Gaby Vasquez, and I’m ready to serve as one of your next CHASS Senators. I’m a third-year Music Industry major and a proud first-generation Salvadorian student. As the current Music Undergraduate Student Association President, I’ve helped bridge the gap between undergraduate music students and faculty members while offering concert opportunities for students to express themselves through their own music. As a Senator, I want to expand the Arts & Entertainment Career Fair by bringing in more employers and graduate programs for students pursuing a career in the arts. If elected, I’ll be your voice in the CHASS community and strengthen student relationships with college administration. R’ campus deserves a place where YOU have a clear path to success, unity, representation, and creativity! |
|
Geng Yang LinSafety, Service, Solidarity Hello, my name is Geng Yang Lin and I am running for ASUCR CHASS Senator. My reason for running is to see changes on campus that promotes a safe and convenient environment for students here at UCR. Recently, I have noticed harms students face on campus involving scooters and bicycles. My goals are to increase safe transportation in and out of the campus, provide underprivileged students with clear and easier access to resources, and foster a community that prioritizes the safety of students while also providing them with the convenience they deserve. My experience includes work experience involving a secretarial role for a small business, helping the Academic Affairs committee with distributing resources, and volunteering in libraries and environmental activists groups. These experiences allowed me to learn organizational skills, logistics, working under high stress situations, working long hours, working under bureaucratic regulations, and handling legal documents. |
|
Lauren MendozaListen, Lead, Represent
Hello! I’m Lauren Mendoza, and I currently serve as a CHASS Senator in our student government. I’m a second-year Economics major who is passionate about contributing to UCR’s growth and development. I was born in Riverside and watched my three older sisters attend UCR, which has given me a unique perspective and strengthened my commitment to representing the CHASS undergraduate community. Through my involvement with the Legal Minds Society, my time as a Senate Intern, and now as a CHASS Senator, I’ve learned the value of transparency, advocacy, and representation. As a commuter student and member of the Commuter Transportation Committee, I’m especially dedicated to advocating for commuter needs and improving accessibility. My goals are to ensure every student’s voice is heard, expand access to resources, support student organizations, and strengthen communication between students and campus leadership. I’m excited to continue serving and representing you! |
|
Natalie Adel EbeidStronger Bolder Together Hi Highlanders! My name is Natalie Ebeid, a second-year Political Science International Affairs student. I’m running to be your CHASS senator next year. As a first-generation Egyptian American, I understand the many challenges that may arise. The connection between students and UCR as a whole is my top priority, ensuring that students better understand important resources, including financial aid and research options. I hope to make these opportunities more accessible to everyone. Through my experience navigating college life as a dedicated student leader and active community advocate, I’ve gained direct experience prioritizing representation, inclusivity, and direct action in my work. I strongly believe that when we support and uplift one another, we create a community where every student has the opportunity to succeed. Join me in creating a UCR where the expectation is that all students feel safe, valued, and empowered to be themselves and excel to their fullest potential. |
|
Nathan Boylan-BoisvertFight, Win, Represent
Throughout my two years as a student at UCR, the Senate has been criticised for being too disconnected from its constituents and for not actually getting much done. In a time when UCR students face such important issues as rising tuition costs and cuts to financial aid, higher costs of basic needs, harassment by ICE, and attacks on free speech, such inaction is especially unacceptable. |
Arfah ShaukatHighlander Rise Higher Hi Highlanders! I work under the Office of the Executive Vice President, where I’ve collaborated with elected officials to support student‑government initiatives and legislative efforts to expand access to academic and personal support programs for all UCR undergraduates. I’m committed to improving CNAS by connecting students to mentorship opportunities that subsequently open doors to academic, research, and wellness‑related resources. As Vice Chair of the Commuter and Transportation Committee, and a commuter myself, I’ve also focused on improving campus mobility and advocating for students who balance demanding off‑campus responsibilities. If elected to represent CNAS, I will continue turning student needs into action by expanding accessible research pathways and advocating for solutions that enhance opportunities for all Highlanders. |
|
Ernesto Mora GarciaExpanding UC "Research" Hey guys! My name is Ernesto Mora Garcia and I am currently running for ASUCR CNAS Senator! My main goal is to popularize/publicize methods, benefits, and the general process when trying to get involved in research. I have first hand experience in the research application, participation, and presentation area, such as participating in UCR's RISE 2025 Summer Research Program as a first year, really putting the "R" in "Research" at UCR! Additionally, I think the idea of research is often overstated with little to no action actually being taken to pursue directly participating in research. I hope to change this as CNAS senator, as well as address the large gap in scientific funding currently within our school. Primarily I will try to find a way for our voice as students, scientists, and researchers to be undeniably heard by the school. |
|
Jacob FernandezVoice for CNAS "Hello Highlanders! I am Jacob Karl Fernandez, a pre-med Biology major running to be your next CNAS Senator! My goal for next year is to better connect students with lab and research opportunities while promoting projects that strengthen our community. |
|
Lydia FanoosReach, Connect, Build Hello, Highlanders! My name is Lydia Fanoos, running as a returning CNAS senator. I am a long term advocate for community, going against the grain of the competitive attitude of STEM environments. As an overworked student, I understand the frustrations of finding communities that raise each other up in academia and also trained in the skills to effectively support our needs, especially in developing extracurriculars and career. Even so, we continue to push through to serve those around us through research, public advocacy, and founding organizations. As CNAS senator, I believe giving accessibility of resources to those organizations, clubs, and students will allow us to further act on ambition and empathy in a space where students historically suffer from burnout. I will consistently uphold genuine supportive events including the Research Match and CNAS townhalls. We will reach for others, connect with each other's aspirations, and build our paths together. |
|
William NguyenProgress Through Representation.
Hello Highlanders! |
Charles RussellVote 4 Me Hi Highlanders! My name is Charles Russell, and I'm running to serve as your next BCOE Senator. As a Computer Science & Business Applications major and active member of the Undergraduate Business Club and HCG, I've witnessed both the incredible talent within BCOE and the gaps that hold us back. BCOE houses the brightest and most driven students at UCR, yet too many graduate without the certifications and industry experience needed to compete in today's job market. My goal as BCOE Senator is to close that gap. I aim to expand certificate programs and build stronger internship pipelines, ensuring students leave UCR with tangible, career-ready experience. I am committed to bringing every opportunity to our college, whether that means forging industry partnerships or inviting military recruiters to broaden professional pathways. My focus is on maximizing the value of a BCOE education, ensuring every student receives a return on their investments. |
|
Hamza AbdallahInnovate, Advocate, Elevate Hello Highlanders! I’m Hamza Abdallah, and I’m running to be your next BCOE Senator! As an electrical engineering student and an active member of Highlander Space Program, I know the late nights and hard work required of UCR engineering students in and out of the classroom. Beyond technical projects, I am deeply committed to advocacy. Last year, serving as a First Year Executive Fellow for our student government’s Office of External Affairs taught me how to effectively navigate campus policies and fight for our needs. If elected, my goals are to expand networking and internship pipelines with industry leaders and alumni, secure more funding and accessible workspaces for our technical organizations, improve critical campus infrastructure, and expand access to research opportunities for all engineering students. Your voice matters, and I will work tirelessly to ensure it is heard. Together, let’s engineer a better future for BCOE and for UCR! |
|
Sarah ZoharyStrong, Secure, Sustainable As a returning BCOE Senator, I’ve remained committed to creating opportunities for students to thrive. This past term, I helped launch a hydroponics garden in collaboration with R’Garden, organized an Industry Night with UCR’s AIChE Chapter, and served on our GCAP committee, where I successfully helped pass green grants to reduce single-use containers. Through my continued involvement in air quality research at CE-CERT, the UC LEADS, and Growing Our Own program, I bring a well-rounded approach to student advocacy. I’ve gone above and beyond to fulfill every initiative I promised, and I’m ready to build on this legacy. If re-elected, I will continue the hydroponics project, allowing students to apply and gain hands-on engineering projects with their peers. In addition, I will aid the upcoming Dean of Engineering in supporting BCOE student life at UCR. I’m excited to continue strengthening career opportunities, sustainability, and a secure future for all students! |
|
Veda VikramImplement-Innovate-Impact Hello! My name is Veda Vikram and I am running for BCOE Senator. I currently serve as an Executive Fellow under the VP of Sustainability, where I work on initiatives that promote sustainability and student engagement on campus. I am also an active member of the GCAP Committee, where I have contributed to coordinating events such as the GCAP Farmer's Market and the GCAP Climate cafe. Through my fellowship, I have gained valuable leadership and organizational skills that have helped me lan my own GCAP program; focused on sustainability and community involvement. In addition, I am involved in the Biomedical Engineering Society and stay active within the engineering community at UCR. Through these experiences, I have developed a strong interest in advocacy, collaboration, and creating meaningful opportunities for students. As BCOE senator, I hope to represent engineering students, support sustainability initiatives, and strengthen engagement within the BCOE community. |
Dulce Maria Ruiz HernandezPrepare, Support, Experience
Hey highlanders! My name is Dulce Maria Ruiz Hernandez and I am excited to run for Senator for the School of Education. As an Education, Society, and Human Development major and a teacher's assistant for kindergarteners, I care deeply about supporting future educators. Working with young students has shown me how important it is for future educators to feel confident, supported, and prepared to shape the next generation! |
Sebastian ZavalaSuccess, Exposure, Business Hello highlanders! My name is Sebastian Zavala, and I am a first year, Actuarial Science major in the School of Business. Many students across our program work to build social capital, develop meaningful connections, and grow into professional opportunities. As a business student, I focus on building my future while helping classmates build lasting professional connections and meaningful opportunities that shape their careers. |
The following positions will be filled via special elections after the spring 2026 elections.
- Personnel Director
- Transfer Student Director
- Non-Traditional Student Director
- First-Time College Student Director
- Two (2) CHASS Senators
- School of Public Policy Senator