CSUN Students: Choose the Next Generation of Campus Leaders!

USU Board of Directors & Associated Students Elections

Vote on Monday, April 10 – Wednesday, April 12

Make your voice heard by electing the next generation of leaders dedicated to enacting change for every Matador!

The University Student Union (USU) Board of Directors (BOD) is a student-led, action-orientated team that makes the decisions that directly improve campus life. Campus resources like the Oasis Wellness Center and Student Recreation Center, cultural centers like the Pride Center, DREAM Center and Veterans Resource Center and engaging events like Matador Fun Fest, USU Night Market and Carnaval are all brought to you by the BOD!

Don’t miss your chance to cast your vote for a new generation of leadership and change at the University Student Union… Where Matadors Belong!

For more information about AS Student Leadership, please visit www.csun.edu/as/elections

2023 USU Board of Directors Candidate Statements

All statements were provided by the candidates and are unedited by the University Student Union.

• Melissa Baghoumian

  Melissa serves as a chair of Finance for the USU Board of Directors, is a Matador Alumni of the Nazarian Business School, and is now a current master’s student at the College of Education pursuing Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Melissa hopes for an inclusive campus for its parent scholars and transfers student population. She would like to continue representing the voices of adult learners by providing different perspectives on what helps to improve nontraditional lived experiences and how it moves the University Student Union closer to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Junicarl Ferido 

  Junicarl (Juni) Ferido is a first generation Filipino-American majoring in Accounting and Business Honors at CSUN. She currently serves as the Director for Student Development for the Accounting Association, Vice President/Chair of Fundraising for the professional business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi, and on the Board of Directors Finance Committee. Being raised as the eldest daughter of immigrants, Juni is currently navigating through her second year of college by trying to reconcile and heal from childhood generational differences, proactively making efforts to better herself and her community. Using her ability to empathize, reflect, and adapt to demanding situations, she’s currently involved in the process to reimagine the New Heart of Campus project and hopes to find a solution to how the project can be redesigned to satisfy the needs of the current CSUN student population. A heavy advocate for transparency and active communication, she hopes to boost student awareness and involvement with BOD activities by enhancing the Board’s social media presence and community engagement.

• Ashley Godinez  
  

  Ashley Godinez has been a public health major on the Dean’s List for the past five semesters at CSUN. Ashley is running for the Board to promote campus health equity by expanding food and sexual health services for all CSUN students. She seeks to raise funding for student health and well-being services by advocating for more fundraising and reducing expenditures. Ashley aspires to improve the USU by encouraging student participation in their events and providing services that promote inclusivity. As a BOD member, Ashley strives to serve her campus community, represent her peers,  and promote health equity and wellness for all CSUN students.

• Daniel Lopez  
  

  Daniel Lopez, is a third-year student majoring in Public Health with a minor in Human Sexuality. Aside from being a full-time student he is also a leader, advocate, and mentor to others. Daniel has been involved as a Resident Advisor, Orientation Leader, and currently a Diversity and Inclusion Committee member for the USU’s Board of Directors. Daniel has been involved within the D&I Committee for the USU’s BOD since the Fall of 2021. During his tenure on the committee, he has contributed greatly to constructing the USU’s Mission Statement and Land Acknowledgement. Daniel strives to run for the BOD to continue to foster a community of inclusivity and honor the diverse cultures and backgrounds our Matadors hold. With his leadership and organizational skills, he hopes to make a difference within the CSUN community and expand the accessibility of all USU resources for Matadors.

• Krish Mangukiya

  That's me, Krish Mangukiya. Besides, computer science is my major. Because I am passionate about enhancing the student experience, I want to give back to the university community, and I am driven to bring about positive change on campus, I want to serve as a member of the USU BOD. In the event that I am chosen to serve on the USU Board of Directors, my goals include promoting better mental health resources and support services for students, advocating for better funding and support for student organizations and clubs, and increasing transparency and communication between the Board and students. Encourage the development of improved student mental health resources and assistance programs Aim to increase stud's funding and support. In my view, the existing USU BOD should Respect the Board's efforts to enhance campus life, but think there is still space for improvement, especially in the areas of mental health and funding for student organizations. I hope to work together with other Board members to solve these concerns. enhanced leadership abilities and the capacity to collaborate successfully with others, a better grasp of the operations of the university, the difficulties it faces, and the potential to significantly improve students' lives This is my attempt to benefit from and learn from your BOD member experience

• Marilyn Orantes 

  Marilyn is a first-generation, Latina parent scholar pursuing a degree in Child and Adolescent Development with a minor in Psychology. She currently serves as Fundraising Chair for Parent Scholars United and hopes to use her leadership experience to serve on the board and emphasize the significance of student involvement on campus as she believes leads to student success. She hopes to continue to create an environment that welcomes students from all walks of life.

• Nawshin Sabah

  Nawshin Sabah is an international student from Bangladesh and is serving as a co-chair of the Diversity and Inclusion committee at the University Student Union Board of Directors for Spring 2023. She understands the importance of diversity and inclusion on campus and will work to create a more inclusive environment by promoting dialogue, advocating for policies that support diversity and inclusion, and supporting student-led organizations. Nawshin is committed to ensuring that all students feel valued and included on campus.

  Nawshin Sabah
  Sophomore
  Psychology

• Ciera Sherod

  Ciera currently works as a USU Programs Student Events Assistant and has been on the Dean's List for 4 semesters. Ciera would like to show students how to get involved at the University Student Union (USU) and fully bring awareness to what it has to offer. She would like to give more opportunity for student growth, alleviate unnecessary student expenditures and show students how to take advantage of the USU resources. 

  Ciera Sherod
  Junior
  CTVA Entertainment and Media Management

• Jasmin Zesati

  Jasmin Zesati is a candidate that has shown her care for everyone in the CSUN community. She has been a part of the Diversity and Inclusion committee since the Fall of 2022. Her major in Health Administration shows she does not shy away from leadership roles and is here to advocate for students because she feels everyone should be taken into consideration when making decisions that impact all of campus. She is ready to advocate for transparency in the decisions being made.