This semester’s Associated Students Inc. (ASI) elections are fast approaching with a record number of candidates. The Collegian reached out to all 32 candidates and while most responded, some were unavailable to comment. The Collegian does not endorse any specific candidate.
Presidential candidates:
Carlie Hall
Carlie Hall is running for ASI president in the upcoming elections. In an interview with The Collegian, she discussed her priorities in the event that she is elected.
Hall currently serves as ASI senator of veteran and transfer affairs.
Her top three policy priorities are fighting the $495 student fee increase, increasing parking accessibility and heightening transparency in both ASI and campus administration.
“My slate and I have been focused primarily on fighting the student fee increase,” Hall said.
Hall’s goal is to potentially lower the fee increase or reallocate the funds.
Her “slate,” also known as running mates, are Ava Tingey, a candidate for vice president of external affairs, and Seth Borba, a candidate for vice president of finance.
“Those are our top priorities; the student fees and parking, but we also think it’s extremely important that we increase transparency, especially with money on campus,” she said.
As senator, Hall has been working on memorandums of parking, building quality of student life on campus and air-conditioning and heating.
She explained that these things are done for the purpose of serving the student body.
Hall also spoke about the importance of campus diversity from a leadership perspective. She believes that diversity makes up the “Pride of the Valley.”
“I’m a huge advocate for all views and all positions… it’s not worth it to try to silence anyone, even if you might disagree with them,” she said.
Hall has been involved in organizations including Greek Life, Fi Alpha Delta, Moot Court and served as the president of the Turning Point USA club at Fresno State.
“I’ve been in quite a few executive positions for different clubs and organizations on campus, just trying to stay as involved as possible,” she said.
Hall’s decision to choose Fresno State is rooted in her love for the Valley and the culture revolving around the campus.
“I chose Fresno State because I grew up in the Valley and both my parents went to Fresno State,” she said. “I just felt like it embodied all the things I was looking for [in] a school.”
Camalah Saleh
Camalah Saleh is running for ASI president in the upcoming elections. In an interview with The Collegian, she discussed her priorities in the event that she is elected.
Saleh’s three main priorities are food insecurity, parking and infrastructure.
“Over 43% of students at Fresno State face food insecurity,” Saleh said.
To fight food insecurity, she aims to give more funding to the Amendola Student Cupboard through the ASI budget and community partnerships, instate free vending machines around campus and offer free food vouchers.
As for parking and parking tickets, Saleh discussed that it is inaccessible and unaffordable for students.
“Our tickets are almost twice of what the city of Fresno charges, and our parking passes are far too expensive,” she said.
Saleh also wants to bring back physical parking passes, instead of the mandatory digital passes that were recently installed.
Implementing more buildings like the Resnick Student Union and keeping the existing buildings updated is also important for Saleh.
She explained that ASI representatives are able to advocate on California State University and legislative levels for better funding for infrastructural purposes.
“There’s certain necessities at school that need [to be addressed] and that’s what our goal would be with our infrastructure point,” she said.
Saleh discussed her value of being an open door for the student body, where they can feel comfortable coming to her with various concerns.
“As student-body president, my main goal and my main role is to listen to every single student, regardless of if my beliefs align or not; I’m not here to push an agenda,” she said.
Saleh is the founder of Students for Palestinian Liberation, the former president of the League for Women Voters, is involved with the Maddy Institute and is on the president’s Muslim advisory council.
“I hold various leadership positions in [these organizations], but through that experience, I’ve gotten the hang of being able to balance them,” she said. “ASI president is going to be my priority and it will be the biggest job.”
Saleh chose Fresno State because she feels that she resonates with the community and enjoys the diverse atmosphere.
“Something I really wanted when I left high school was a community where I could thrive, where I could focus on public service and leadership,” she said.
Guadalupe Zamudio Telles
Guadalupe Zamudio Telles is running for ASI president in the upcoming elections. In an interview with The Collegian, she discussed her priorities in the event that she is elected.
She currently serves as the ASI vice president of finance.
Zamudio Telles is focusing on building partnerships with the community, making the campus secure and accessible and providing basic student needs; something that she feels very passionately about.
“I’m a low income student myself; I’m first generation, so when it comes to basic needs, students are often wondering about what’s coming next, whether they’re going to have a meal,” she said. “The main focus should be their education.”
Zamudio Telles explained that facilitating relationships between Fresno State and the Central Valley community is important because the valley is home to great resources that Fresno State should utilize.
“It’s now time to use those resources to build upon what we already have because students are already paying for things on campus,” she said.
The Fresno State campus has seen a crisis in scooter theft and theft in general– problems that Zamudio Telles believes need to be addressed.
“We see it all the time, scooters are being stolen, things are being stolen, so by implementing more cameras here on campus, we’re able to push that pressure of [visibility],” she said.
Zamudio Telles reflected on her current ASI position and accomplishments.
“Everything that I have promised, I’ve acted on,” she said.
Zamudio Telles was born and raised in Fresno, and, like other candidates, loves the community and was drawn to Fresno State.
“We have such a beautiful culture and community here on campus and that’s what drove me [to choose Fresno State],” she said.
Zamudio Telles is prepared to put in time for her presidency.
She discussed that she has experienced 14 hour days as vice president of finance, and knows that serving as ASI president would reap similar, if not more, results.
“As ASI president, I would give that and so much more,” she said. “We’re serving the students here on campus, their issues never stop and our advocacy never stops, either.”
Outside of ASI, Zamudio Telles is a Craig School of Business honors scholar, part of Off-Campus Student Life (OCSL), involved with the Fresno State ambassador outreach program and the National Association of Home Builders.
“I like to stay informed and look into all the other clubs and organizations because, at the end of the day, the more you know, the more you’re able to serve,” she said.
Vice president of finance candidate:
There is only one candidate for this position, Seth Borba.
Seth Borba
Seth Borba is running for ASI vice president of finance in the upcoming elections. In an interview with The Collegian, he discussed his priorities in the event that he is elected.
Borba’s main issues are allocating student fees wisely, providing full financial transparency and making sure that budgets prioritize student needs.
He emphasized that he feels ready for this role due to his previous experience in financial planning and student advocacy.
The Fresno State campus is a vastly diverse accumulation of approximately 25,000 students. Borba discussed his value of giving equal opportunity to each perspective.
“I understand each individual has unique beliefs,” he said. “That’s why I am committed to giving all a seat at the table of conversation, listening to students because they are fellow Bulldogs, nothing else.”
Borba spoke about his schedule’s availability, which will allow him to be consistently ready for the student body’s concerns.
“I serve at the pleasure of the student body and I know the time needed to address concerns is variable,” he said. “Fortunately, my schedule is flexible enough to always be available to listen, collaborate and produce results.”
Borba is heavily involved with his fraternity, Alpha Gamma Rho, and has been working at Starbucks since his first year at Fresno State.
“Last year I served on the executive committee as the commissary [of the fraternity],” he said. “That involved cooking dinners Monday through Thursday for all the brothers in the house.”
Borba holds appreciation for what Fresno State has to offer, from financial benefits to the student body itself.
“Like many students, I decided to attend Fresno State because of its affordability and convenience,” he said. “The campus’ culture is dynamic, just like the Central Valley, and I am proud to attend with no regrets.”
Vice president of external affairs candidates:
Ava Tingey
Ava Tingey is running for ASI vice president of external affairs in the upcoming elections. In an interview with The Collegian, she discussed her priorities in the event that she is elected.
Tingey is honing in on student advocacy beyond the confines of the Fresno State campus, full transparency and parking accessibility.
“It is my plan to advocate to all necessary external entities to ensure that improvements are made for the students,” she said. “I believe that these three initiatives can make lasting impacts at Fresno State.”
Like her running mates, Borba and Hall, Tingey values diverse perspectives.
“I believe the best leaders are those who can set aside their own beliefs and genuinely listen to others,” she said. “The purpose of the position I am running for is to advocate for students, and that is my commitment, regardless of whether our beliefs align.”
Tingey serves as team captain of the Fresno State softball team, and she discussed her intentions toward student athletes.
“As team captain, I see it as my duty to advocate for my teammates on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met,” she said.
Though some of her time is occupied by softball, Tingey explained that that will not stop her devotion toward her potential position.
“I understand the importance of staying engaged, and I will prioritize my responsibilities, ensuring I’m available to listen to students, advocate for their needs and work toward positive change,” she said.
Aside from her campaign, Tingey is involved with the Moot Court team on campus and hikes in her free time.
Hoping to resemble that of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Tingey says she is dedicated to being a good leader.
“Like R.B.G, I believe in working tirelessly to create positive change,” she said. “I would aim to bring that same determination and passion to the role.”
Tingey chose Fresno State because of the community-wide support that the campus fosters, she explained.
Danielle Vu
Danielle Vu is running for ASI vice president of external affairs in the upcoming elections. In an interview with The Collegian, she discussed her priorities in the event that she is elected.
Vu and her running mate, Saleh, have similar policy interests. Vu’s priorities are fighting food insecurity, addressing infrastructure and increasing parking accessibility.
“I would be working with local organizations [and] with outside networks to try to get this funding and to try to advocate for students,” she said.
Vu explained that she wants to make EBT payment more available on campus, as well as implement healthier food options.
“Fresno State is not just lacking more free food options for students, which is what we want to get for students, but also healthy food options,” she said. “We have a lot of on-campus food establishments, but they’re also really expensive.”
Vu’s primary intention concerning infrastructure is to make campus buildings more available for students’ needs, including various club uses.
“It’s not just advocating for [building improvement], which is what we want, but also thinking about how we can utilize our existing spaces to better accommodate students,” she said.
Making green parking areas more accessible for students is also crucial because Fresno State has a large commuter population, Vu discussed.
“It’s not that we don’t have enough space, it’s that a lot of the spaces are just too far,” she said.
Vu emphasized that regardless of her potential position in ASI, she is a student first and will approach student issues unbiased.
“I see [the students’] problems on campus first, regardless of any political ideology, regardless of any personal beliefs,” she said.
On campus, Vu is a student assistant, a student mentor for the College of Social Sciences and is involved in Camp Kesem. She says that each of these occupations have prepared her for her possible role.
“All of these activities really make me understand how to work with administration and how to work with students,” she said.
Vu’s love for Fresno State stems from the opportunities in, primarily, research that were offered to her. In return, she wants all students to have this same experience.
“I want students to get involved in research, I want students to know that no matter what field [they] want to go into in the future, research can change your life,” she said. “Fresno State is really great because of the opportunities that are here, even though they’re not always as advertised as they should be.”
Eight college senator candidates:
Joseph Aquino – College of Social Sciences
Born and raised in Fresno, Aquino is a home-grown student looking to become the senator for the College of Social Sciences.
He is a political science major and also a former Fresno Unified School District student board member. He even ran for board member in 2024 which made him the youngest person on the ballot that year.
“My dedication to student advocacy has always been a priority, and my experiences have prepared me to fight for the needs of my peers in higher education,” Aquino said.
Aquino is very adamant on staying in Fresno and becoming a leader in the community. He believes his background in student advocacy can help him encourage others to see Fresno as a beacon of opportunity and a place worth investing in.
The position of college senator is important to him because he believes in the importance of the student body.
“It’s a position that will allow me to uplift student voices, fight for our needs and ensure that our university provides the best possible opportunities for us to thrive,” Aquino said.
Ultimately he wants to set a new standard in ASI; one that not only acknowledges student concerns and affairs, but also addresses them head on.
This is further supported by his absolute support of diversity, equity and inclusion.
“I will continue to champion DEI initiatives, ensuring that every student—regardless of their background—has the resources, representation and opportunities to succeed,” Aquino said. “DEI has my full support because when we uplift every student, our entire campus community thrives.”
Aquino also mentioned that he is not running for the sake of having a title, but that he wants to lead students while being passionate and taking action similarly to their former tenures in student leadership.
Evelyn Ornelas – College of Social Sciences
Evelyn Ornelas, a third-year double major in political science and philosophy at Fresno State, is running for College of Social Sciences Senator. She chose Fresno State for its proximity to home and affordability, influenced by her family’s immigration experiences.
When she was younger, Ornelas’ mother was deported; all she had was her father and sisters. This heavily swayed her decision to attend Fresno State, not only so she can remain close to her family, but to be able to afford a quality education.
“This is why I chose Fresno State,” Ornelas said. “I’ve always wanted to become a lawyer, specifically an immigration lawyer, because of the situation that happened with my family.”
Ornelas aims to improve communication between colleges and enhance resource transparency. She supports policies on improving parking for students, food waivers, food security and free resources for students in need. She believes these changes will alleviate some of the daily challenges students face, making education more accessible to all.
“I want to do what’s best for the students, rather than what’s best for the college,” Ornelas said. “I think anything that just helps the students get something I completely agree [with].”
As a first-generation student, she values diversity for its perspective-broadening benefits. Ornelas sees diversity as both ASI and Fresno State’s strength, believing that it fosters a more inclusive, well-rounded student body.
Ornelas believes that diversity goes beyond race, ethnicity and politics; it brings values from all walks of life to the forefront of issues, allowing all to have a voice and a say when it comes to decisions. She stresses that diverse representation is key to addressing the needs of all students.
“It’s really important to have [diversity] in ASI, because we might not know what’s going on with one community or another community,” Ornelas said. “Diversity is really important because you get to see different perspectives and different points of view. Our culture really represents something that’s very important. We all have our own values, we have different things we’re going through.”
Sarah Sevy – College of Arts and Humanities
Sarah Sevy is a graduate student majoring in communication and is seeking a position as senator for the College of Arts and Humanities (CAH).
This is Sevy’s first time running for a spot on the ASI senate and she says her goal is to bridge the gap between faculty and students.
“I think nobody’s talking to each other,” Sevy said. “Everybody’s just thinking about their own positions and not thinking about the other players, we’re all on the same game board. There’s just a big lack of communication.”
With the CAH, Sevy plans to further bolster its student diversity while encouraging individuality.
“More club involvement,” Sevy said. “A lot of inter-department cooperation. Everybody’s disconnected from each other.”
She also said she’d like to encourage more showcases like we’ve seen with art.
“What about the philosophy majors? What about the linguistics majors? What about the comm majors?” Sevy said. “How do we showcase [them]?”
Sevy says she doesn’t want anyone to feel left out.
When asked about who she’s inspired by politically, Sevy said she doesn’t subscribe to the traditional left or right mentalities.
“I just don’t, in principle, idolize politicians,” Sevy said.
When it comes to dealing with people who may disagree with her, Sevy says her goal is always to listen and aim for conflict-resolution.
“I literally crave feedback and constructive criticism,” Sevy said. “I want people to tell me what I’m missing in my plans.”
As a grad student she’s also been able to teach some classes of her own, where she says she always welcomes dad jokes.
Jaselle Camiling – Kremen School of Education
Jaselle Camiling, a second-year sophomore majoring in liberal studies, is running for reelection for senator of the Kremen School of Education. She highlighted her dedication to establishing the Kremen Leadership Council, which aims to bridge the gap between students and faculty, foster a stronger sense of community and organize engaging events.
“There’s a need for community within Kremen,” Camiling said. “There’s not really one place that all Kremen students hang out, or one thing that all Kremen students go to.”
Camiling stressed the need for better student involvement and engagement within Kremen, highlighting ongoing initiatives like the future teacher supply drive.
Additionally, she addressed broader campus-wide concerns, including student fee increases and ongoing parking challenges. She strongly advocated for diversity, equity and inclusion within ASI, ensuring that all students, including those with disabilities, feel represented.
“I know [parking] is not always easily accessible to students, as you know, anybody could have, like, medical or health issues going on,” Camiling said.
In high school, Camiling worked with students with special needs and young kids. It inspired her to want to become a teacher, either for young kids or students with disabilities. The same drive for wanting to teach, drives her to want to be a senator.
“I want to be able to be that role model, or that impact for students,” Camiling said.
Camiling also encouraged students to get involved in ASI through various committees and leadership opportunities.
“Fresno State does a good job of having something for everybody here,” she said. “If you’re wanting to get involved, there’s something for you.”
Since joining ASI, Camiling has been dedicated to fixing issues for all students while still representing students in Kremen. According to Camiling, ASI has been a big step for her; it has allowed her to grow as a student and leader.
“ASI pushes students to be the best that they can be, and there’s so much growth that has happened from me joining ASI,” Camiling said.
Kirsten Martinez – Craig School of Business
Kirsten Martinez is a marketing major, pursuing her minor in ad and public relations. She’s looking to serve as senator for the Craig School of Business.
Growing up, she knew that Fresno State was the school for her.
“Growing up so close to Fresno State, I just saw the Bulldogs, I saw the impact of the Red Wave,” Martinez said. “You’d always hear about valley grown, valley born, valley blood and all the cool slogans. All my love for Fresno State started there.”
Martinez said the diversity at Fresno State is a valuable asset she wants to protect.
“I’m always meeting transfer students, from India to Korea, international students,” she said. “It’s really cool to see the community here. I love it.”
Since high school, Martinez has had a deep passion for marketing, one that she has had fun using for her ASI campaign.
“I live and breathe marketing,” she said.
After graduating, Martinez plans to work for an advertising agency and continue to refine her skills to bring communities together.
This unity is one she wants to maintain in her role as senator.
“I want to encourage the Craig School of Business and its students to get involved,” Martinez said. “I want to create more networking and networking opportunities.”
She says the problem she wants to get to the bottom of is outreach.
“Even though we do have quite a few clubs and orgs (organizations), many students aren’t aware of them,” Martinez said. “And I don’t blame that on the students. We’re just a very big commuter populated school.”
As senator, she wants to make sure she implements events that ensure business students are leaving prepared to enter their respective fields.
“I just want to see every student graduate with a leadership position, at least one, under their belt,” Martinez said.
Sydney Pierce – Jordan College of Science, Agriculture and Technology
Sydney Pierce is a freshman at Fresno State majoring in agriculture education with a specialization in ag business who’s running for Jordan College of Agriculture Sciences and Technology (JCAST) Senator.
One of the main concerns for JCAST is the failing infrastructure. With old buildings and roofs falling apart, Pierce aims to improve Fresno State’s aging agricultural facilities through corporate sponsorships.
“Our buildings are 100 years old and we’re one of the top ag schools and our facilities are just kind of falling apart,” Pierce said. “There’s a hole in the ceiling in our mechanic shop. We can’t exactly teach students the best of our abilities. Our teachers are so great, and they just don’t have the material and the facilities to teach super effectively.”
Pierce has a deep connection with Fresno State and the ag program that spans generations. She is a fifth generation student, her grandmother was one of the first women to graduate from the university.
Her mom is a leadership and ag teacher for a low income school in Sacramento. Pierce connected with her mom’s students whenever they would come over to their house to see the livestock and interact with them.
One of Pierce’s mom’s former students attended Brown University and majored in biology, but after getting exposed to agriculture and livestock he changed his major to agriculture; which inspired Pierce to get into agriculture.
“I could bring agriculture to kids that don’t have it, or work at an inner city school or whatever, and bring agriculture to those kids…it is encouraging and fulfilling to be able to help with that,” Pierce said.
She highlights the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in agriculture and plans to partner with current JCAST Senator Maris Prado to enhance student facilities.
“Our entire agriculture industry is built, like the backbone of it is diversity, equity and inclusion,” Pierce said. “Everyone thinks that agriculture is just like a white man on a tractor, but there’s so many different things that go into it.”
Raheem Saeed – College of Science and Mathematics
Raheem Saeed, a senior computer science major, is running for ASI senator for the College of Science and Mathematics with a mission to connect students across different majors. He hopes to foster open communication and address student concerns directly.
“I want to be an open book and allow all issues to be heard,” Saeed said. “Understanding exactly what our students need is my priority.”
If elected, he plans to uphold diversity, equity and inclusion at Fresno State. He emphasized the importance of serving students from all backgrounds and ensuring they feel represented.
“Fresno State features a vast array of people from different backgrounds, and it’s my responsibility to cater to their needs,” he said.
Saeed’s connection to Fresno State runs deep, as all his siblings attended the university. He described the campus as a home away from home and takes pride in its welcoming culture.
Inspired by his father’s work as an electrical engineer, he pursued computer science for its growing market and financial stability. Saeed aspires to become a senior software engineer and believes ASI will help him develop essential skills.
“Leading a team and functioning in a fast-paced environment is crucial for both ASI and software engineering,” Saeed said.
One of his main goals is to strengthen the leadership council to help students feel more connected. He said students in different majors don’t interact enough, and he wants to change that.
Outside of academics, Saeed serves as vice president of the Muslim Student Association and sits on the President’s Muslim Advisory Council. He also volunteers at mosques across Fresno, dedicating his time to community service.
“Giving back is my passion,” he said. “I want to bridge the gap between students and create more activity within our college.”
Allison Vang – College of Science and Mathematics
Allison Vang, a third-year psychology major at Fresno State, is running for ASI senator for the College of Math and Sciences.
She chose to attend Fresno City College after attending University High School, not wanting to spend another four years in the same spot, but then was accepted into Smittcamp, an opportunity she couldn’t pass on.
“I think it was kind of a full circle moment and it’s kind of meant to be that I’m here,” Vang said.
Allison’s interest in psychology stems from her mother, a psychologist, and her desire to understand and communicate better.
“I wanted to understand myself and other people and be able to communicate better,” Vang said. “What better way to learn how to communicate to people than learn how their brain works and why they feel a certain way.”
Like other candidates, Vang aims to enhance student resources, improve communication within the college and foster community involvement through faculty and community-based organizations.
“We’re all one cohesive college, and so we ought to know what’s going on between every major department,” Vang said. “It really takes a special person to really listen to what people want and really do the work so that people can have the resources that they need…I think I could be that person.”
Despite her lack of political experience, she is passionate about advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion on the Fresno State campus. She not only sees the value of diversity but the necessity it brings to Fresno State and ASI.
Vang sees diversity as a way to connect and offer change to the campus community.
“As a Hmong female, I do take a lot of passion and pride in being so, and I think that that helps me a lot in connecting with other students as well,” Vang said. “If you want there to be [change], you have to be an advocate for it.”
Vikranth Singh – Lyles College of Engineering
Freshman and international student from India, Vikranth Singh, is running for senator of the Lyles College of Engineering. He highlighted the need for better collaboration among students and administration, advocated for fostering industry partnerships and increasing internship opportunities.
“I don’t see much collaboration between students in the Lyle School of Engineering,” Singh said. “So I thought I could help in creating events that could promote collaboration between students and sort of create one big family of engineers.”
He also stressed the importance of creating a more resourceful and collaborative environment at Fresno State, citing recent budget cuts affecting various colleges.
“I’ve seen professors and kids with brilliant ideas when it comes to research, but they’re not able to get funding,” Singh said. “Even right now, I am part of a project… and it is so hard for us to get funding.”
If elected, Singh wants to foster industry partnerships to increase the number of internships, and financial support for student innovations. He hopes these efforts will create a stronger support system within the college.
“If I do get the position, I hope to create a more resourceful environment for your students there,” Singh said.
One thing that Singh has that differs his campaign that others don’t is his international status. According to Singh, he can come in with a unique way of seeing things and when it comes to voting and decision making he has a special voice in tough situations.
“I believe making tough decisions is something which you really need to have to be in a position like this,” Singh said. “I have the ability to look at things from a different perspective.”
He visited cities like New York when looking for potential schools meaning Fresno State wasn’t the only one on his radar.
When he went to New York he saw people from all walks of life but not interacting or engaging with each other. Singh says that Fresno State offered a place of inclusion saying he felt the “Bulldog spirit.”
After talking with friends of his who also studied here, Singh felt that he could have a voice here.
“I’ve also had a lot of friends who study here…this university basically gave them a family,” Singh said. “It just helped them be a part of a bigger family. I’ve made a lot of friends here, and those friends are like brothers to me.”
Senators at large:
Jeffrey Armstrong
Jeffrey Armstrong is running for a senator at large position. His goal, if elected, is to make sure all Fresno State students are heard at all levels.
“I believe in an open communication system [and] creating inclusive spaces where diverse perspectives can thrive,” Armstrong said. “By prioritizing student needs and advocating for equitable resources, I will work to bridge divides and advocate for policies that benefit the entire student body.”
Armstrong says he grew up seeing how Fresno State commits to their academics, diversity and how they engage with the community, leading to his decision to pursue an education at Fresno State.
When asked about what political figure he most closely wants to resemble, he chose Fred Hampton.
“I admire Fred Hampton for his dedication to uplifting communities, fighting for economic and social justice and uniting people across different backgrounds,” Armstrong said.
Armstrong says he will work with student groups to ensure that concerns regarding different communities are heard and dealt with. He wishes to embrace the diversity on campus by advocating for multiple groups and cultural organizations.
Experience in leadership roles, community engagement and upholding policy are things that Armstrong says makes him qualified for the senator at large position. He emphasizes that he will be an advocate for students and make sure they have access to multiple resources.
Armstrong says he brings good communication skills and commitment to equity to the table, and that his ability to communicate efficiently is good for the role he wants to take on.
“Students should vote for me because I am dedicated to making Fresno State a more inclusive, supportive and opportunity-rich environment for everyone,” Armstrong said. “With the values Fresno State embedded into my heart and mind I will ensure that student voices are not only heard but acted upon.”
Miyah Carrillo
Miyah Carrillo, an agricultural business major, is running for a senator at-large position. If elected, she will advocate for policies that are beneficial for students.
“As a candidate for the senator position, my primary focus will be to serve all Fresno State students, regardless of beliefs,” Carrillo said. “Representation and inclusivity are key to fostering a supportive campus environment. I will advocate for policies that create a safe, respectful and accessible environment for everyone.”
Carrillo was born and raised in Fresno and pursued an education at Fresno State because she wanted to stay close to her family and get involved in Fresno State’s agriculture program.
“The university’s commitment to hands-on learning and research aligns with my goals,” Carillo said. “Fresno State allows me to grow both academically and personally, surrounded by the people and values I care about the most which is why I chose to stay in Fresno.”
Diversity, equity and inclusion is important to Carillo, and she intends to be a voice that can represent people of all different backgrounds.
“A quality that makes me qualified for this position is my experience volunteering at various non-profit organizations,” Carillo said. “Doing this has allowed me to gain valuable skills in leadership, teamwork and community engagement. This experience has taught me the importance of representation, inclusivity and advocacy, all of which are essential qualities for a senator.”
Lastly, Carrillo says she will approach the position with an “open mind and a strong work ethic.” She also says she appreciates the experience she’s had at Fresno State.
“My time at Fresno State has been incredibly rewarding, and it has equipped me with the skills to thrive in various environments,” Carrillo said. “I am confident in my ability to work well with individuals from all backgrounds and I am quick to adapt to new challenges and opportunities.”
Parker Hill
Parker Hill is running for a senator at-large position. He is studying engineering at Fresno State and has priorities, if elected, to tackle parking issues on campus, improve infrastructure on campus and implement more resources and events that serve students.
“If elected, my goal is to take a critical look at what’s happening here at Fresno State and keep what works,” Hill said. “What doesn’t work, should go. For starters, we should be able to feel safe on campus, have sidewalks and buildings that aren’t dilapidated and we should be able to park.”
Hill’s experience in studying engineering has led him to a goal of solving problems. He works well independently and in groups, even leading to award-winning robotic designs.
One political figure that Hill wants to resemble is Benjamin Franklin because he appreciates innovations and how they can work to improve people’s lives.
“It’s important to actively listen to everybody,” Hill said. “People have a variety of opinions and experiences. Learning to sympathize with them is the first step in making their lives better.”
Hill has experiences in many different backgrounds, like working on a dairy farm in his hometown and running clubs at Fresno State as the president or the vice president.
“[It] has taught me what it’s like to not just understand a variety of perspectives, but also do real work as a leader,” Hill said.
Cindy Jauregui
Cindy Jauregui was born and raised in Madera County and is aiming to be a senator at large. She is a transfer student from Madera Community College and plans to be a social worker in the future and eventually a professor at Fresno State.
She currently serves as the senator for the College of Social Sciences and mentioned how she has interacted and engaged with students via organized events.
Additionally, she is also currently helping rebuild the leadership council for the College of Social Sciences.
“I have always prioritized putting students first, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are addressed,” Jauregui said. “I am dedicated to ensuring that every student feels valued and supported within our campus community.”
This sense of community was one of the reasons Jauregui chose to attend Fresno State in the first place. She described the diversity and desire for student success that the campus fosters.
“Our campus is a reflection of the Central Valley itself rich in culture, experiences and perspectives,” Jauregui said. “Being surrounded by such a dynamic student body has allowed me to learn from others, broaden my understanding of different communities and grow as both a student and a leader.”
Jauregui is inspired by César Chávez. Her grandfather came from Zacatecas, Mexico for the Bracero program.
“My grandfather’s experiences exposed me to the harsh realities of labor inequality and the struggles that farm workers continue to face today,” Jauregui said.
She looks up to Chávez because of the work he did for farm laborers and his willingness to help the harmed communities.
Jauregui has given her full support of diversity, equity and inclusion. She credits the campus’ diversity as a reason that the university’s education is rich with different real-world perspectives.
She has proven this by helping the Dogs for Diversity event get funded through ASI.
“My passion for social justice and equity fuels my desire to address the issues that matter most to our community,” Jauregui said. “ I am dedicated to advocating for policies and initiatives that enhance the student experience.”
Emmanuel Morcos
Emmanuel Morcos is a Visalia native who is running for senator at large. He is a large advocate for expanding the role of Greek Life on campus in order to help out the community.
Morcos serves as the scholastic chairman for Lambda Chi Alpha and is a member of their executive board. He handles the scholarships and the grades within the fraternity.
He talked about his experience in helping fellow fraternity members regarding academics when some might not be putting academics first; he often helps them with class registration.
“Getting them to see the bigger picture of their life here at school has really shaped me and I think I can take that to a broader stance,” Morcos said.
One of the main messages Morcos wants to portray is that he believes in Greek Life working side by side which would benefit everyone on campus.
He credits current senator at large for Greek Life, Brayden Blodgett’s effort of introducing a tree planting day. This saw volunteers, specifically from Lambda Chi Alpha, come in during the weekend and plant trees around the campus.
“I want to see that become a consistent thing,” Morcos said. “Frats do love community service. They do love philanthropy. Its a big pillar of what they’re about.”
Morcos’ first-hand experience with fraternities and understanding how to get people to care about academics and community is something prevalent with his background and dedication to the Central Valley.
“I understand the kind of community that the Central Valley does have,” Morcos said. “Its appreciation for sports, appreciation for agriculture and I really do admire that.”
Maris Prado
Maris Prado is running for a senator at-large position. She values equity and the importance of free expression.
Prado is currently serving as the senator for Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. She says her experience as a senator has helped her with knowing what it’s like to be in a leadership position.
“Equity is a core value for me…it’s something I actively discuss and practice,” Prado said. “As both a future educator and a leader in this position, I recognize the importance of remaining unbiased and open-minded.”
Prado describes Fresno State as a home away from home and credits her mother for her passion to serve in ASI.
“My mom attended this university over 30 years ago, balancing work and school because that was all she could afford,” Prado said. “Her story has deeply resonated with me throughout my time in ASI, and it has fueled my passion for creating opportunities for students…”
“Fresno State is home to an incredibly diverse student body,” Prado said. “We have incredible programs….as ASI leaders, our role is to ensure every student feels represented and supported.”
Organizing events and leading projects is part of the experiences that Prado says she brings to the table. She also notes that her commitment to serving the students at Fresno State is what makes her qualified for the position.
Lastly, Prado shares how her father’s experiences have inspired how she will lead as an ASI senator.
“I draw inspiration from my father, who was a migrant field laborer in his adolescence,” Prado said. “He worked tirelessly…he didn’t wait for things to change–he changed them. That same drive and determination fuel my leadership.”
Sean Roberts
Sean Roberts is a freshman candidate running for one of the 10 senators at-large positions. He is running for office because he is an advocate for honesty and understands that everyone has different beliefs.
“I will represent what I believe is best for our student body as a whole,” Roberts said. “I want to represent the entirety of our student body and that means being able to represent people of differing beliefs.”
Roberts has family ties to Fresno State, as both his mom and brother attended. His mom was a business major and his brother was a civil engineer major. He praises the school and has full faith that this was the right choice for him.
“Both of them had great experiences and came out of school very prepared for their careers and I’m confident my experience will be just as great,” Roberts said.
One of his main campaign points is that he comes from a diverse background and wants to treat everyone like human beings. He credits his upbringing and the people who surrounded him growing up for the person he is now.
Because of this, civic duty is something that has always been interesting to him.
“I have been enriched by people of many different socioeconomic backgrounds and I believe it would be my duty as a senator to serve all students as people; and not by their ethnicities or economic backgrounds,” Roberts said.
His main priority at Fresno State is to bridge the gap between faculty and students to ensure fair communication between the two. He says he recognizes that there are things that could be improved on campus, his priority is just helping students have the best college experience possible.
“This is my community, there’s nowhere I’d rather be and there’s no one I’d rather serve,” Roberts said.
ASI candidates who didn’t respond
The Collegian reached out to the following candidates and didn’t receive a response:
- Aidan Boyles – College of Arts and Humanities
- Alexandra Durham – Senator at-large
- Dayanara Guzman – VP of Finance
- Alya Hassan – Health and Human Services
- Sarai Hernandez – Senator at-large
- Faith Jordan – Senator at-large
- Rawan Kiran – Senator at-large
- Guadalupe Lopez Trejo – Craig School of Business
- Wendy Renteria – Senator at-large
- Robert Rivera – Senator at-large
The ASI elections will be open on April 1-3. The results will be announced on April 3 with a live vote count in RSU 207. All Fresno State students are encouraged to vote for accurate representation.
