Save the date to vote in the ASG Elections! Voting on Engage opens at 9 am on 4/23 and closes at 9 am on 4/25!
ASG Elections April 23, 9:00AM - April 25, 9:00AM
Meet your 2024-25 Candidates for ASG Elected Office!
Gabriella Clara - Student Trustee
I know as a community college student, your story is unique. Your hopes for the time
you’ll spend here at MiraCosta are unique.
As your student trustee, I would be a listening ear to your individual wants and needs and champion policies that fulfill them.
My experience in advocacy began long before college. While I was the president or officer of student activist organizations in high school, what uniquely qualifies me to become student trustee is my work beyond the confines of a school campus–in real-world politics.
For years, I served as an officer for the Youth v.s. Oil campaign, which led the fight to protect children from oil drilling sites poisoning the air and water near their homes.
I co-authored a resolution to the California Governor demanding an end to this abuse, and successfully advocated for its passage at the school, county and state level. I testified before the San Diego Unified School District, and I was sent as a representative to school boards and the San Diego County Board of Education.
I even met with a California State Assembly Member to personally advocate our cause. All of these governing bodies and more passed our resolution unanimously.
I am also experienced in a wide range of other advocacy strategies. I worked as a media correspondent, drafting press releases and briefing reporters, I was a speaker and representative at the campaign launch of a partner organization, and I spearheaded coalition-building with other campaigns.
My long history as a representative means that I know how to stand up for your
interests.
Vote for me and I will apply my years of experience to make your time in college more enjoyable and our campus community more vibrant!
Rahime Demirci - Student Trustee
Greetings Spartans! My name is Rahime Demirci, and I am your current ASG Director
of Legislative Affairs running for Student Trustee at MiraCosta College! Let me begin
by introducing myself. I am a first-year student aspiring to go to law school and
play rugby on our women’s rugby team. I am fluent in four languages (Turkish, English,
Hungarian, and Kazakh), and connecting with varying perspectives through language
has diversified my understanding of my surroundings and inspired me to break down
barriers to reach valuable opinions. Throughout my first year, I have focused on supporting
diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts on both campus and within our region. I’ve
represented the voices of all MiraCosta College students in the Student Student Senate
for California Community Colleges and approved resolutions to guarantee that YOUR
success. In addition, I’ve also advocated and pushed for safe pedestrian and bike
infrastructure around San Elijo Campus to increase accessibility and safety within
our community. As a Student Trustee, I would like to address students' concerns and
advocate for equity by working alongside the Board of Trustees and external organizations
like the SSCCC. I am deeply dedicated to representing EVERY voice, advocating for
students' needs, and boosting the student experience. I believe that an effective
candidate has to hold themselves and others accountable for ALL decisions that impact
our community and must have a comprehensive knowledge of legislative decision-making
processes that directly impact our student body. Spartans, if you are with me, elect
Demirci to serve as your voice and Student Trustee! Together, let’s empower our voices
on the Board of Trustees!
Brandon Quandt - Student Trustee
Hello, my name is Brandon Quandt and I am running for Student Trustee. I want to
serve in this role because I want to listen to and advocate for all students. I want
to ensure that the needs and concerns of the student body are met, and that their
diverse interests are represented. I will serve my peers by promoting and fostering
a welcoming and inclusive environment. I believe that I can bring my key skills of
active listening and advocacy to improve the college experience for all students.
I want all of my peers to receive a solid foundation for academic opportunity and
success. I have served in ASG for two years and I am the current ASG Vice President
of San Elijo. In this role, I have advocated for MiraCosta students at the Encinitas
City Council for safer and more convenient methods of transportation to campus. I
also have been a proponent for having student-centered activities on campus.If elected
MiraCosta ASG Student Trustee, I will support and uphold access to beneficial resources
for all students. I will help empower my fellow students to be successful in their
journey. Additionally, I will firmly ensure that intercampus collaboration continues
and that we will have events to benefit all students. I hope to serve to champion
the needs of every single MiraCosta student. I have a strong and motivated vision
that we can strengthen MiraCosta’s campus community by building and fostering meaningful
relationships with each other. Remember, a vote for me is a vote for a better MCC!
Edrei Padilla - ASG President
I'm running for President of ASG with one clear objective: to make student advocacy
a reality rather than an ideal. So many of the changes we want to make in our government,
at local, state, and federal levels, are often abandoned by our fear of failing in
the process. We leave them in hopes that they'll be dealt with by others, hopefully
more qualified than us. I believe that a community with the drive to take action can
make an impact anywhere, even if it is small at first. As a member of the ASG for
two years now, I know that when we enable our potential, as a collective, we can bring
solutions to the issues we see on our campus and in our community. As President I
want to help everyone act on their passion as advocates for the issues they want to
see resolved. My hope is that in a year from now we will look back on the solutions
we created to the problems on our campus, and use them as momentum as we look forward
into the end result of our advocacy. Reach out to me anytime if you're curious about
the issues I'm particular about :)
Jack Tarman - ASG President
Jack Tarman, a dedicated full-time student, presents himself as a formidable candidate for the presidency of the Associated Student Government (ASG). Having pursued an extensive academic journey encompassing various disciplines at MiraCosta College's esteemed Oceanside campus since 2016, Jack has developed a profound admiration for the institution's commitment to advancing higher education in the San Diego North County region. Following a brief residency in Los Angeles spanning a year, Jack has returned to North County with a profound aspiration to enhance his community and foster stronger bonds among its residents. Throughout his tenure as ASG president, Jack aims to cultivate a heightened awareness among the student body regarding the unique opportunities facilitated by the college, encouraging students to venture beyond campus confines and actively contribute to the betterment of their community. Central to his vision is the establishment of a cohesive coalition among student organizations within the ASG, fostering an environment conducive to collaborative endeavors aimed at achieving academic objectives and igniting newfound passions. Moreover, Jack pledges to serve as a diligent intermediary between the student body and faculty, tirelessly endeavoring to address and mitigate any obstacles hindering students' academic pursuits. In pursuit of enhanced transparency and accessibility, Jack commits to hosting weekly public forums, inviting both students and members of the broader community to engage in open dialogue concerning matters pertinent to the college and its services. Through these proactive initiatives, Jack is confident in his ability to establish enduring precedents that will significantly benefit both MiraCosta College and its vibrant student body. Post his tenure as ASG President, Jack remains resolute in his dedication to civic service, aspiring to contribute to nonprofit organizations dedicated to sustainability initiatives within the Greater San Diego area, thereby effecting positive change within his cherished community.
Kathryn Hope Wilken - VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Hello. My name is Kathryn Hope Wilken and I am running for Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. MiraCosta’s greatest strength is ability to include all age creeds and people respective their individual differences while celebrating the connections that bind us together. I will expand of what has been done and strive for Inclusion in all aspects of MiraCosta life. As an Oceanside campus representative, I can envision Oceanside being a place where community can build into something that lasts a lifetime. Please vote for me. I will listen to the students and implement the changes that create and inclusive community for everyone.
Arash Nawaey - VP of San Elijo
Hello staff and students of MCC, my name is Arash Nawaey and I am excited to announce
my candidacy for Vice President of the San Elijo Campus! Throughout my time at MCC,
I have been privileged to experience incredible hospitality and talent within our
student body. As a proud member of this community, I am committed to advocating for
student needs and representing student voices. However, I do recognize challenges
we face as a community and for that reason I am stepping up to lead with integrity.
Although I may represent myself as an excelling candidate, I certainly do not consider
myself the perfect candidate. My willingness to adapt and grow will surely enable
progression through tough moments. What I value the most is the support given within
members of this community. I certainly cannot take on tasks alone, together we can
push forward and leave a lasting impact. Together, let's form a legacy of perseverance
and unity. I thank you all for considering me as your next Vice President. I look
forward to working with you all and earning your trust!
Jinhui (Penny) Wang - VP of Community Learning Center (CLC)
Hello, my name is Jinhui (Penny) Wang and I am running for Vice President of the Community
Learning Center. I want to serve in this role because I graduated from CLC and benefit
from CLC. I have passion in helping new immigrants to integrate into the community.
I have ever faced the same difficulties when I was a newcomer. Fortunately, CLC helped
me overcome the language and other barriers, and encouraged me to go to college. As
new immigrants, it is not just to survive, but should engage with the community to
thrive. Second, I have had the serving experience for students under the training
of ASG. I am so proud of being an ASG member to serve our students. I have learned
how to get involved in various activities on campus, how to voice my opinions and
how to work with team members to accomplish tasks. Working in ASG is very rewarding.
Last but not least, I will continue studying at MCC and have time to undertake the
meaningful task. I will commit to this role.
The Inter-Club Council Chair is also considered an elected position, however they are elected by the Inter-Club Council.
- Appointed ASG Positions include:
- Executive Vice President
- Director of Finance
- Director of Legislative Affairs
- Director of Public Relations
- Inter-Club Council Vice Chair
All applications received for APPOINTED POSITIONS will be reviewed for eligibility, with interviews beginning after the newly elected members begin their term on June 1st.
The application will remain open until all positions are filled.
2024 ASG Election Timeline: Save The Dates!
All election voting is through Engage for all currently enrolled students
- Election Opens: April 23, 9am
- Election Closes: April 25, 9am
- Vote Count & Results Announced: April 25: 9 - 10am
- Last Day for Appeals: April 26, 10am (24 hours after results post)
- Appeals Decision Announced: Monday, April 29 - Tuesday, April 30
- Elected members assume office June 1 and begin interviews for appointed position candidates
More Information
2024 Election Commission (EC)
These are currently enrolled and non-ASG students who will help to oversee the election process:
- Mikala Hutchinson
- Matthew Mercado
- Lara Soraggi Lobato
Note: These EC members were approved by the Student Senate in their February 23 meeting.
Election Commissioners/ ASG Advisors: If you have any election-related questions, please reach out to Terrence Shaw or Jared Rodrigues.
