The University Student Union Board of Directors appointed two student representatives during its February meeting. Both representatives were instated on Feb. 14, and their terms will run until June 2023.
The first appointee, Mishell De Leon, is a graduate student of the Masters in Business Administration (MBA) program who received her bachelor’s degree from CSUN in Health Administration. She said that her background can help her reach out to students in a meaningful and impactful way.
“I want to be part of the USU Board of Directors mostly because I do believe I can make a change,” said De Leon.
“When I was an undergrad, I worked for the Outreach Program at CSUN. I went to Van Nuys high schools and talked to students about college and a lot of students who didn’t believe they could go to college. I’m very excited to join your teams and be supportive of one another.”
De Leon will serve as the co-chair of the BOD’s Finance Committee that recommends fiscal policies, financial statements, annual operating and capital outlay budgets and more.
The Board also appointed Ana Zapata as a student representative to serve a term through June 2023. Zapata is a Sociology major who said her lived experience will assist the BOD in understanding the difficulties that first-generation students face while navigating higher education.
“Through my experience attending different programs at CSUN, I learned to find helpful ways to gain resources by being involved in the community which made my experience easier and more rewarding as a student,” said Zapata.
“My goal is to welcome students in the upcoming school programs and help to inform them of any resources that can help them to achieve their educational goals. Most importantly, offering an inviting and welcoming place for all students to be engaged on a university that’s known for its diversity.”
Zapata will serve as co-chair of the Personnel Committee that recommends personnel policies and employee handbooks while assisting the USU Executive Director with hiring full-time staff.
The next USU Board of Directors meeting will be held on Monday, March 7 via Zoom. For more information about the USU Board of Directors, visit www.csun.edu/usu/boardofdirectors.