2025 - 2026 Candidates
Presidential Ticket
Djuan McCraney & Karena B. Payden
Position: President & Executive Vice President
Slogan: YourVoiceOurAction
Instagram: @yourvoiceouraction
Candidate Statement:
We, Djuan and Karena, are excited to announce that we are running for President and Executive Vice President of ASI for the 2025-2026 school year.
We believe in uplifting and supporting students to their fullest potential. As active members of ASI, serving on multiple committees and as the current Arts and Letters Director, we have witnessed firsthand the incredible ways ASI and Sac State can transform lives while also identifying ways to strengthen our community.
Leadership means showing up, not just in presence but in action. If elected, we promise to show up for you– the students, this organization, and for the school.
As President and Executive Vice President, we will lead by example. Our focus will be on expanding professional development opportunities, streamlining transparency of resources, and fighting for the diverse communities that reside on our campus.
We are confident that our joint experience, dedication, and passion makes us the ideal candidates. “Your Voice, Our Action” is not just a campaign, it’s a promise built on listening, understanding, and delivering results. We are committed to making real, meaningful change for our community, driven by the collective power of your voice. On April 16th and 17th, your vote will influence change. Together, we can turn ideas into action. Thank you for your support, and let’s make our voices heard!
Namrata Choudhary & Akhil Raj
Position: President & Executive Vice President
Slogan: One Hive, One Family
Instagram: @
Candidate Statement:
Our fellow Hornets,
We know what it’s like to struggle with rising costs and to feel like student voices are ignored. We have seen the consequences of inaction and the damage it has done to our student body. We are students who have been directly affected by increasing fees and the divisive actions taken by student leaders over the past year. However, we have led a movement dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable communities on our campus. As board members of the Sunrise Movement, we have worked to support students’ mental health and advocated for undocumented students by pushing to end the discriminatory Social Security rule for Associated Students, Inc. recall elections. Akhil, a student senator, has fought to put money back in students’ pockets securing textbook refunds as an ASI Student Senator and standing up for undocumented students. As the COO of College Democrats, he has also been a dedicated civil rights activist, fighting for the LGBTQIA+ community. We’re not here to play politics we’re here to fight for you. We are One family. One Hive. And together, we shall strive!
Aranjot Kaur & Richard Angulo
Position: President & Executive Vice President
Slogan: Fight for the Hive!
Instagram: @fightforthehive
Candidate Statement:
Greetings Hornet Hive,
We, Aranjot Kaur and Richard Angulo, have the privilege of announcing our candidacy for President and Executive Vice President of ASI.
Our journey as a team began at the Fall 2023 Sac Start-Up Challenge at the Carlsen Center, where we collaborated, refined ideas, and discovered our shared passion for creating opportunities, fostering engagement, and advocating for students. Through this experience, our entrepreneurial mindset has empowered us to look for a silver lining in every circumstance, in and out of the classroom. Though our roots have spanned different parts of the world, our shared passion for leadership, innovation, and creating new opportunities has brought us together.
I, Aranjot Kaur, have always believed in turning my visions into reality by identifying and deploying resources. My enthusiasm and advocacy for better opportunities helped bridge the gap between Mixed Martial Arts and academic success. However, navigating this endeavor from my home in India presented what seemed to be an insurmountable obstacle. Before even stepping on campus, I worked on ideas to make a difference, a vision coupled with the mantra, “Don’t give me a no; give me a pathway to a yes.” That persistence led to CombatU, the first-of-its-kind program at Sac State. This exemplifies my commitment to leadership, innovation, and creating new opportunities, which will funnel into strategies that tackle issues facing our students and how the ASI Student Government can help alleviate those circumstances.
As an ambassador for Combat U and the “Way of the Hornet” campaign, I have proudly represented Sac State to regional and international stakeholders while contributing to our local Hornet Community. Serving as the President of Combat U MMA and Jiu-Jitsu clubs has allowed me to build community, foster campus involvement, and empower students to follow their passion.
I, Richard Angulo, am driven to bridge business acumen with civic engagement for meaningful changes. This has led me to many opportunities to reshape what service, leadership, and commitment to ensuring students have the necessary resources to succeed meant to me. Working with California Volunteers and being appointed as an Ambassador for Sacramento State College Corps strengthened my passion for public service and student advocacy. Just as College Corps connected students with service opportunities, ASI has the power to shape policies that directly impact student life.
I am a hard-of-hearing student who utilizes the Disability Access Center (DAC) to ensure equal access to education. I was a Resident Assistant at Hornet Commons, ensuring students had a safe and supportive living environment. I am part of the Sac State Rowing Club, an alumnus of Delta Lambda Phi, and a former staff member at the Pride Center, where I helped foster inclusivity on campus. As a Marketing and Outreach Specialist at Sacramento State College Corps, I connected students with opportunities to reduce their college debt while giving back to their community.
We have been “sparring” in our collegiate endeavors, but now we are ready to perform our best at the center stage of the ASI Student Government. Through ASI, we will advocate for increased scholarships, enhanced campus safety, and better student engagement with resources. We are here to serve, listen, and act. Your voice, your ideas, your concerns- they all matter. With your vote, we can create an inclusive, engaged, and empowered campus community where every Hornet can find their home at the Hive.
Join Us—Vote on April 16 and 17. We are running for you, with you.
Sincerely,
Aranjot Kaur and Richard Angulo
Raden Kayla Zilvia (Kayze) & Matthew Graviet
Position: President & Executive Vice President
Slogan: With Hive, We Thrive!
Instagram: @withhivewethrive
Candidate Statement:
Hey Hornets! Kayze and Matthew here! We are running for the position of ASI President and Executive Vice President for the year of 2025-2026. We believe that good leadership is the foundation of a strong and secure community.
I, Raden Kayla Zilvia/ Kayze, am a 3rd year student, currently serving as the President and chapter founder of Future Business Leaders of America. Throughout my leadership journey with one of the biggest clubs in the nation, it’s been an honor and grace to have served, provided resources, and supported Sac State members to participate in state events, winning competitive events, and recently qualified for representing Sac State at a national level. I, Matthew Graviet, am a 3rd year student. My leadership journey began years ago in Boy Scouts where I strove to grow and help others achieve goals. Currently, I actively manage small teams of 4-6 people, promoting problem-solving, creative thinking, and cooperation with a decades old gaming platform.
We are committed to supporting YOU throughout YOUR college journey. This upcoming academic year will be a fresh start for the Sacramento State community as we will be focusing on prioritizing our community’s safety and inclusivity. With the diverse population on campus, we understand many different obstacles and concerns that students, faculty, and staff may face which include but not limited to access to basic needs, classroom and campus facility concerns, discrimination, sexual harassment, mental health, and financial hardships. With that being said, we are committed to serving as the representative of YOUR VOICE at regional, state, and national levels.
Our priority is to ensure that YOUR VOICE IS HEARD. We will ensure the student government gives the best to provide the right resources based on our community’s needs and to address concerns that affect the safety of students, faculty, and staff. We will fully support and encourage students’ involvement on campus such as students clubs, sports, and academic-related activities through grants and scholarships to achieve success. We are committed to advocating for success, safety, and equality for the Sacramento State community.
Armando Julian Perez & Chaaya Vikash
Position: President & Executive Vice President
Slogan: HornetPRIDE
Instagram: @votehornetpride
Candidate Statement:
Fellow Hornets, We, Armando J. Perez and Chaaya Vikash, are privileged to stand as candidates for the positions of ASI President and Executive Vice President. As veteran advocates, leaders, and runners among students, we are dedicated to building ASI into a stronger, more transparent, and student-centered organization. We want to make student government work for you, with you, and through you. I, Armando, am a first-generation Mexican American student and child of an immigrant parent. I have direct understanding of the difficulties of navigating college without prior assistance, and I am dedicated to making sure that every student has the services and resources they require to be successful. I, Chaaya, am a first-generation Indian Pacific Islander student who was raised by immigrant parents. I recognize the special issues inherent in working in the higher education environment, and I am committed to making college life more inclusive, supportive, and accessible for all students. Through my work as Director of Undeclared Students and former CSSA Liaison for ASI, I have endeavored to make student concerns heard at both the campus and systemwide levels. I, Chaaya, as Lobby Corps Chair and Legislative Affairs Coordinator, have represented the interests of students in integral decision-making areas, fighting for policy initiatives and changes that directly affect the Hornet community. We have seen firsthand how effective student leadership can be, and our goal is simple: to improve student life, make student voices heard, and maintain transparency and accountability within the Associated Students Inc. and Sacramento State. HornetPRIDE is at the core of our campaign and represents a dedication to creating an active, educated, and prosperous student body. Enhancing student life, empowering student voices, and ensuring transparency and accountability within ASI and the university are our top priorities. Life in college is not all about academics! It is about memories, building relationships, and creating opportunities. Each student must be represented, and we will advocate for students, for policies that will include all students, and ensure that ASI is a responsible student government. Transparency and accountability are its foundations; therefore, we will attempt to create those channels for communication, give updates on initiatives monthly by the creation of an ASI Monthly Newsletter and hold ASI accountable to those whom we represent. Actual change happens through collaboration among students, staff, and administration. Therefore, we will create avenues for student input, build connections with student groups, and ensure that these issues lead to meaningful change. We’re running because we believe in the power of student leadership and the impact of our voice together. Our experience, passion, and dedication drive us to make ASI work for every student. Let’s move forward with HornetPRIDE and build a campus where every student feels connected, heard, and empowered.
Vice President of Finance
Sergio Antonio Maciel Montoya
Position: Vice President of Finance
Slogan: Be the + in the hive
Instagram: @
Candidate Statement
Hello, my name is Sergio Antonio Maciel Montoya, and I am running for Vice President of Finance. (VPF)
Over the past year, I’ve served in the College Corps, where I developed a strong sense of serving local and supporting community needs. Additionally, my work with ASI Student Engagement and Outreach has focused on creating an inclusive environment where incoming and current students feel like they are genuinely part of the hive. My experience in Student Academic Affairs has given me insight into the struggles faced by both students and faculty, allowing me to advocate for marginalized individuals and ensure that all voices are heard and represented in key decisions.
Beyond campus, I’ve had the opportunity to work with non-profits during a financial downturn, helping make decisive choices to maintain programs, facilities, and swimmer support while also preserving scholarships for low-income individuals. I also strengthened fundraising efforts by expanding the partnership with the City of Roseville, creating a foundation of community support that sustained the non-profit’s and my city’s mission of providing exceptional experiences.
If elected, I will bring this experience to my role as Vice President for Finance by ensuring we manage the university’s financial resources effectively. A key part of this role is understanding the budgeting process and ensuring funds are allocated to areas that directly support student success. I will work to create a transparent, well-planned budget that prioritizes scholarships, enhances student life, and builds lasting partnerships.
Now, more than ever, students need financial support, a stable environment, and future opportunities that their college will offer them when they come to our Hive. With your vote on April 16 and 17, together, we can be “The + in the Hive” and ensure a thriving campus and a brighter future for all students.
Vice President of University Affairs
Saleem
Position: Vice President of University Affairs
Slogan: Your voice,our hive!
Instagram: @
Candidate Statement:
As Vice President of University Affairs, I will advocate for stronger academic resources, student support, and career opportunities to ensure every hornet has the ability to thrive independently.
I would push for expanded study spaces, safe parking spaces, more options for dining,
extended library hours, and better access to tutoring and mentorship programs. I’ll work with faculty to improve class availability, curriculum transparency, and student-faculty communication processes so your concerns are heard and addressed. Having been a student myself I fully understand the struggles of dealing with all of the issues of present as well as the future. I’ve served campus in many different ways and Iam deeply involved in the CEC center at sac state as well as 2 separate financial committees for the union and well. So I can advocate for you with actual experience and data. Beyond academics, I’ll advocate for better mental health support, stress-relief programs, and academic flexibility to ensure student well-being. Additionally, I’ll push for more internships, networking events, and career fairs to prepare students for success beyond graduation. I will be your liason between administration staff and your guide throughout your journey at sac state while serving as your leader and voice.
Emmanuel Fadollone
Position: Vice President of University Affairs
Slogan: Advocacy in Action
Instagram: @
Candidate Statement:
My name is Emmanuel Fadollone, and I am pleased to announce my candidacy for the position of Vice President of University Affairs at Sacramento State. As a dedicated and passionate advocate for student success, I am committed to empowering every student voice and ensuring that our university remains a place where all students can thrive and achieve their academic goals. I am currently a graduate student on campus and I value how passionate students are about what they believe in. I am passionate about creating an inclusive and welcoming environment on our campus, where all students feel valued and supported. During my time as a student at Sacramento State, I believe our diverse student body is a cornerstone for all that we do on campus. I believe that our campus has the potential to be a hub of learning and growth, where students can acquire knowledge but also develop essential professional skills. As your Vice President for University Affairs, my top priority is to empower student representation, champion student voices, promote inclusivity and diversity, foster a supportive community, and drive positive change. To achieve this, I am committed to preparing and supporting ASI representatives, recruiting student involvement, advocating for diverse policies, recognizing what needs improvement, and collaborating with university committees. By implementing these strategies, I am dedicated to creating a thriving and inclusive campus environment that benefits all students. I’m excited to collaborate with campus administration, student organizations, and external stakeholders to ensure Sacramento State remains an institution that provides high-quality education and fosters student success and involvement. I am committed to making Sacramento State a place where every student can succeed and feel empowered. Together, we can create a brighter future for our university and our community. I gratefully ask for your support and vote in this election.
Our Hive Our Home!
Amaka
Position: Vice President of University Affairs
Slogan: Campus Life Elevated
Instagram:
Candidate Statement:
Hello, Hornets!
My name is Amaka Okam, and I am running for Vice President of University Affairs. I have had the amazing privilege of serving on the Committee of Academic Senate while also being a proud member of the Division I Women’s Rowing Team.
Through firsthand experience, I have seen the importance of having a campus that is respectful, inclusive, and truly representative of its student body. I recognize how vital it is to foster a space where people from all walks of life feel encouraged to participate and engage in campus life. Additionally, I am committed to providing a campus environment that fosters belonging and increases services to better support student health and wellness.
If elected, I will work to increase student representation on university committees, ensuring that students have a direct voice in the decisions that shape our campus. I am committed to advocating for more student-centered policies, stronger support systems, and an improved campus experience for all students.
On April 16 and 17, I ask for your vote. Together, we can create a more inclusive, engaged, and student-focused campus.
Thank you, and I hope to earn your support!
Best,
Amaka Okam
Vice President of Academic Affairs
Jenn Galinato
Position: Vice President of Academic Affairs
Slogan: Students Lead First!
Instagram: @
Candidate Statement:
Mabuhay Hornets! My name is Jenn Galinato, and I am excited to run for re-election as your Vice President of Academic Affairs for the 2025–2026 academic year. Serving as your current VPAA has been an incredible opportunity to advocate for the academic needs of Sacramento State’s 31,500 students through innovative strategies and meaningful legislative efforts. I’ve worked closely with the Division of Academic Affairs, Faculty Senate, and campus stakeholders to ensure student voices remain central to decisions shaping our academic experience. Higher education is at a crossroads, facing challenges like rising tuition, shifting state and federal policies, and uncertainty caused by potential college mergers and the proposed 8% CSU budget cut. My key accomplishments include collaborating with the VPF to reinstate an internship program, co-authoring a resolution supporting Discovery Pathways, and advocating against budget cuts to protect the accessibility and equity of higher education. I am committed to legislative advocacy and mobilizing students to speak directly with legislators, ensuring our concerns are heard. If re-elected, I will continue to prioritize advocating for investment in higher education to safeguard affordability and opportunity, enhance the experiences of transfer and first-year students with tailored support services, strengthen enrollment and retention strategies, promote equitable graduation and transfer rates, and ensure students are educated about processes like the grade appeal process for confident academic navigation. By leveraging curriculum to celebrate Sac State’s diverse communities, we can strengthen the bonds between culture and academics. As your VPAA, I will keep the Board of Directors informed about concerns students are facing in their academic journey to drive impactful, student-centered decisions. Sac State students deserve leadership that prioritizes their academic success and well-being. Together, we’ll create a stronger, brighter future for all Hornets. On April 16th and 17th, vote Jenny G for VPAA—because when students are empowered, they lead the way forward first!
Iris Palencia
Position: Vice President of Academic Affairs
Slogan: Equity within Unity
Instagram: @
Candidate Statement:
Hi, my name is Iris Palencia, and I am running for Vice President of Academic Affairs. Following my first year in Sacramento State I’ve come out with an understanding that Sac State Students are the epitome of diversity, resilience, and kindness. I have been able to meet and work alongside a variety of students who want to see our school progress and give back to our community within Sac State.
My time volunteering with ASI and participating in our schools events has given me the ability to see through the different perspectives of all students and the needs of students here at Sacramento State. I want to bring to light the idea that education should be available to anyone who wants to pursue it. And I vow to be a voice and helping hand and be able to guide our students through their Academic journeys.
Overall, my main goals are to be a voice for our students wants and needs. Actively encourage Sac State students to listen in on Board Meetings and ASI events. Create opportunities and action plans to improve academic performance and have a variety of workshops to provide students with any help they might need/require. But most importantly advocate for our rights as students.
On April 16-17, I ask for your time and support. I have confidence that I will hear what students need, and create even more impactful ways to lead to students to academic success. I will do this through my willingness to be dedicated, resilient, and have a strong voice for all students. Thank you and I hope to have your vote!