2020 - 2021 Candidates
Vice President of Finance
IULIA TARASOVA
Position: Vice President of Finance
Slogan: Make your vote count
Instagram: @
Candidate Statement:
My name is Iulia Tarasova and I’m thrilled to announce my
candidacy for Vice President of Finance. You may recognize me as
a fellow transfer student. I am currently serving on the Student
Academic Affairs committee and I also have statewide experience
in advocacy for student needs and overseeing the budgets in my
roles of Board of Governor’s Student Member and Student
Trustee.
As someone who’s deeply committed to making a difference on
campus, I understand how important it is to manage our budget
effectively. That’s why, if elected, I’ll make it my mission to
ensure that every dollar is put to good use. But don’t worry, I
won’t do it alone! I’ll actively seek out students to join me on
Committees, so that we can work together to make informed
decisions that benefit everyone.
I’m passionate about giving students a voice in the
decision-making process, and I’ll make sure that your opinions
and concerns are heard loud and clear. Whether it’s through
active engagement or providing the tools and support you need to
succeed, I’m committed to helping you make a difference on
campus.
So, if you’re looking for a Vice President who’s dedicated to
managing our budget effectively and empowering students to make a
difference, then look no further! Vote for me, and together we
can ensure a bright future for our university.
EJ SHINH
Position: Vice President of Finance
Slogan: Grow your Dreams
Instagram: @
Candidate Statement:
Stingers up, everyone!
My name is Ekjyot (Ej) Shinh, and I am running
for the position of Vice President of Finance for the ASI Board
2023-24. I joined Sac State in the Fall of 2021 as an
international student, pursuing my dream of getting a quality
education.
Since last year, I have been working as a Peer
Mentor, a Math Mentor, and an Orientation Leader, which has given
me a unique perspective on how to support and assist students in
their academic journey. Furthermore, I am part of the Leadership
Initiative program at CSUS and am working on my Green
Certificate.
My experiences have equipped me with the
skills and knowledge necessary to excel as the Vice President of
Finance. I am confident that I can manage the finances of our
student body efficiently and effectively. I am well-versed in
budgeting and financial planning and understand the importance of
using our resources wisely. I am committed to ensuring that the
finances of our student body are managed responsibly and
transparently, and that every student’s needs are taken into
account.
As an international student, I have faced
several challenges, such as adapting to a new culture and
environment. These experiences have taught me the significance of
perseverance and determination, qualities that I will bring to
this role. I am thrilled about the opportunity to serve as your
Vice President of Finance and to work with all of you to make
Sacramento State the best.
VASILIY DEREBENSKIY
Position: Vice President of Finance
Slogan: Sercurity in finance
Instagram: @vasiliy4vpf
Candidate Statement:
My name is Vasiliy Derebenskiy, and I am running for Vice President of Finance on the Associated Students Inc. (ASI) board of directors. I am a junior, Mechanical Engineering major with an emphasis on project management.
I currently serve as the recording secretary for Tau Beta Pi and work as a PAL Facilitator tutoring Engineering courses for students on campus. I am currently serving on the following committees: the University Intercollegiate Athletics Advisory Committee (IACC), the ASI Green Team, and I am the Vice Chair of the ASI Finance and Budget Committee.
During the past year, I have developed and worked on a lot of projects over the past year. I am particularly proud of the work I have completed on the Green Team specifically the Don’t Litter Our River campaign. As part of the ASI Finance and Budget Committee I was an integral part of policy making.
If elected, I will work to promoting the basic need resources offered on campus by collaborating with the many programs on-campus. Additionally, I will ensure that a diverse group of students are appointed in the right committees and there is a fair and equitable allocation of the ASI budget.
As someone who is experienced and active in matters involving the ASI board, I believe I will be the best fit to represent your as your ASI Vice President of Finance. Polls open on Wednesday April 12th and close Thursday April 13th so please vote for me to get your voice heard. Sac State is number 1. Stingers up!
SHACHEE BARAIYA
Position: Vice President of Finance
Slogan: Lead with Integrity
Instagram: @shacheeforvpf
Candidate Statement:
My name is Shachee Baraiya, and I am running for Vice President of Finance. I am a junior, majoring in Business Administration with concentration in Management Information Systems and Business Analytics. I currently serve as ASI Director of Undeclared Students and work as an Instructional Student Assistant for the College of Business and Student Assistant in Human Resources Department. I serve on committees like Friends of Library and ASI Finance & Budget Committee where I have been working closely on approving over 50 campus programs for student employment grants and reviewing and approving six ASI department budgets of $10 million budget for two years now. I am currently the chair of the Union WELL Inc. Audit Committee, where we examine audit reports. During the past year, I have worked on different strategic priorities while serving on the Board and I wish to continue it forward. One of my major accomplishments this year was collaborating with CARES to hold Basic Needs Resource Fair. If elected, I will make sure that I will appoint students to the right committees based on their interests. From the experience, I’ve gained from these opportunities – student representation and working with community partners – I believe I would excel as Vice President of Finance for the upcoming academic year. As someone who is currently on the board and has experience in student government, I believe I will be the best fit for this position, so please vote for me on April 12 and 13 and let’s Lead with Integrity.
GARIMA SHARMA
Position: Vice President of Finance
Slogan: Empower Club Finance
Instagram: @garima4vpfinance
Candidate Statement:
My name is Garima Sharma, and I am running for the position of Vice President of Finance for our student government. As a student who has been involved in student government before, served on several committees, and is actively involved in various clubs on campus, I understand the importance of effective financial management and transparency in the student government.
If elected, my primary goal is to work with the student government and university administration to create a more user-friendly and efficient reimbursement process that meets the needs of all clubs on campus. I know firsthand how frustrating and time-consuming it can be for clubs to navigate the reimbursement process, and I want to work towards streamlining it.
I also recognize that different clubs have different financial needs, and I want to increase the flexibility of the documentation required for reimbursement. Additionally, I plan to investigate the possibility of providing prepaid cards or pro-cards to clubs for certain expenses. This would reduce the burden on clubs to pay for expenses out of pocket and wait for reimbursement.
Finally, I am committed to creating a more accessible breakdown of expenditures for all Sac State students. I believe that students have the right to know how their money is being spent.
I am excited about the possibility of serving our student community and making a positive impact on campus. I am counting on your vote for GARIMA SHARMA as the Vice President Of Finance.
Vice President of Academic Affairs
BERTHA CASTELLANOS
Position: Vice President of Academic Affairs
Slogan: Build Your Path
Instagram: @berthateresa_VPAA23
Candidate Statement:
My name is Bertha Castellanos, and I am running for Vice President of Academic Affairs. I have been a part of many clubs in community colleges including the Honors society and help my local community with donations and community events. I also have over 6 years of business-related experience. Through my experience, I know how important it is to get involved and find a path to make your own. I also know how important it is to pave the way for your family as I am a first-generation student. Many decisions are made every day that directly affect students so, I want to ensure that students from many backgrounds have a voice on as many university committees as possible. My first step will be to actively engage with students to build confidence that they have my support and the tools they need to get involved to find a path they can make their own. Finally, I will ensure that the ASI Board is fully informed about issues on campus that are being discussed in University committees so that ASI can be proactive in addressing student concerns. So, on April 15 and 16, Please vote. I hope you will vote for me because I firmly believe I am the most qualified candidate.
LESLEE CHOATE
Position: Vice President of Academic Affairs
Slogan: Vote for me!
Instagram: @
Candidate Statement:
My name is Leslee Choate, and I am running for Vice President of Academic Affairs. I have been in the Green Leadership program here at Sacramento State and involved in serval clubs and committees. As a member of the student body, I have seen and experienced what campus life is like. Through my experiences on campus, I know it is important to get involved and stay involved with what is going on every day. Many decisions are made every day that directly affect students, so I want to ensure that students will have a voice on as many University committees as possible. In addition to serving on the is Board of Directors I want to make sure that each student is heard, and student concerns are being addressed. So please vote for me Leslee Choate for Vice President of Academic Affairs because I am here for the students.
HEAMANDEEP KAUR KAHLON
Position: Vice President of Academic Affairs
Slogan: Achieve as a team
Instagram: @
Candidate Statement:
My name is Heamandeep Kaur and I am excited to announce my candidacy for the position of ASI Vice President of Academic Affairs. As a Computer Science major at Sacramento State, I understand the importance of academic excellence and student engagement in shaping the future of our university. If elected, I will work closely with the academic departments and students to develop and implement new and innovative advocacy strategies that elevate the education experience for all. I will strive to create an environment where students can thrive academically and personally, and where they feel more valued and heard.
Moreover, I believe in ideal representation and transparency. As Vice President, I will ensure that students are well-informed about academic policies and procedures, and that they have a voice in shaping the decisions that affect their academic lives. I will work to ensure that the ASI Board is fully informed about the issues on campus that are being discussed in academic committees so that ASI can be proactive in addressing student concerns.I am approachable, and I enjoy listening to people and having conversations with them. As your Vice President of Academic Affairs, I want everyone to feel free to contact me about anything that they would like to see altered or improved, and I will make sure that the change takes place.
Finally, I will work tirelessly to improve the quality of life on and off-campus for all Sacramento State students. Thank you.