2025 - 2026 Candidates
Presidential Ticket
Zeeshan Ali (Right) & Joshua Jara (Left)
Position: President (Zeeshan Ali) & Executive Vice President (Joshua Jara)
Slogan: Make the Hive Thrive
Instagram: @makethehivethrive
Candidate Statement:
Hello Hornets! We, Zeshaan Ali and Joshua Jara, are excited to announce our candidacy for President and Executive Vice President of ASI!
Sometimes the idea of making a difference begins with a simple question: What will it take to see real change?
Like many of you, we balance classes, responsibilities, and the financial pressures that come with being college students. From our time at sac state, we kept hearing the same concerns, rising tuition, expensive parking permits and students feeling disconnected from the choices being made about their education and campus experience. That realization pushed us to step forward and become the voice the Hive needs, putting HORNETS first!
As candidates with diverse backgrounds, our lived experiences heavily influenced our goal to bridge the gap between students and university leadership. We understand the challenges many encounter, coming from underserved communities and navigating higher education as first-generation college students. We also recognize the value of fostering environments that allow students to feel safe, validated, and most importantly, adequately represented. Our background in Public Health and involvement with student organizations such as the Public Health Club and the Film Club have allowed us to work closely with students from many different backgrounds, strengthening our commitment to leadership that prioritizes student wellness, advocacy, and access to resources.
As your ASI President and EVP, we are committed to working tirelessly for students in order to create beneficial opportunities, advocate for student resources, and work with campus departments to address real issues, so that students can focus on learning, not worrying. One of the most pressing concerns we hear from students is the rising cost of tuition and parking permits. We will work to ensure that student voices are heard in conversations surrounding rising tuition costs, pushing for transparency and accountability when decisions impact students financially. We will also advocate for fairer parking policies by addressing the high cost of parking permits and explore cost mitigating opportunities like a parking forgiveness program, for students who face financial hardship. Additionally, we want to build upon the resources on campus to further empower first-gen college students, support the mental health needs of our peers, and offer high-quality career opportunities to every hornet.
But, real change does not happen alone; it happens when a community comes together with a shared vision. Your vote has the power to turn that vision into a reality. By supporting us, you are choosing leadership that listens, advocates, and works for every student. We encourage you to vote for us and be part of the change our campus deserves. Together, we can create a future where every student feels seen, heard, and supported. Change is certain, but more importantly Change is necessary, and that change starts now.
Thank you for all the support.
Zeeshan and Joshua
Sergio Antonio Maciel Montoya (Right) & Jenn Galinato (Left)
Position: President (Sergio Antonio Maciel Montoya) & Executive Vice President (Jenn Galinato)
Slogan: Push the Boundaries
Instagram: @studentsleadfirst
Candidate Statement:
¡Hola avispones and mabuhay hornets! We’re Sergio Antonio Maciel Montoya and Jenn Galinato: first-generation, low-income students who understand the challenges facing Sacramento State’s diverse student body because we live them every day. Sergio is a DACA recipient, commuter, Mexican/Hispanic student leader with experience in Student Engagement, College Corps, and nonprofit financial management through his role as Vice President of Finance. Jenn is a transfer student, higher ed advocate, researcher, and Asian Pacific Islander leader who has served as your Vice President of Academic Affairs. Together, we reflect the makeup of Sac State’s campus and are committed to leadership that puts students first.
Over the past year, we’ve delivered tangible results for students. We strengthened the recently reinstated CapRadio internship program, creating paid opportunities for students to gain realworld experience. We launched “Plan Your Registration” events, helping students navigate course enrollment and academic planning. We streamlined club funding processes, helping student organizations access funds faster and closing communication gaps between club advisors and their clubs. We increased awareness of ASI scholarships so more students can access financial support. We championed legislative efforts, including co-authoring resolutions supporting Sac State’s WSCUC accreditation. We educated students about critical academic policies like the grade appeals process and student evaluation teaching scores. We passed strong resolutions supporting undocumented, DACA, and international students, and expanded efforts to address food insecurity on campus.
Higher education is under attack. Sacramento State faces a budget deficit that has already cut library services, with rising costs continuing to threaten student access and success. At this very moment, students need leaders who understand fiscal realities, advocate fearlessly at the state level, and demand transparent financial management that protects scholarships, student services, and academic resources. For the thousands of students who call Sac State their home away from home, we will build a campus that represents your voice and refuses to compromise on your future.
If elected President and Executive Vice President, we will fight for investment in higher education to protect affordability and opportunity. We will strengthen support for transfer students, first-year students, commuters, and underrepresented communities through tailored programming and advocacy. We will improve enrollment strategies and promote equitable graduation rates by addressing systemic barriers. We will ensure transparent, student-centered budgeting that prioritizes scholarships, basic needs support, mental health services, and academic resources and infrastructure. We will mobilize students to speak directly with legislators so our voices drive policy decisions. We will leverage curriculum and campus programming to celebrate Sac State’s cultural diversity and strengthen bonds between identity and academic success. We will maintain open communication between the student body and the Board of Directors to ensure decisions reflect real student needs and voices.
Sacramento State students deserve leaders who look like them, understand their struggles, and have proven they can deliver results. We are not politicians making empty promises; we are students who have already done the work. From reinstating internships to fighting budget cuts, from supporting undocumented students to addressing food insecurity, we’ve shown that when students are empowered, they lead the way forward first.
On April 22nd and 23rd, vote MACIEL MONTOYA & GALINATO. Together, we’ll ensure Students Lead First.
Vice President of Finance
Jerry Kennedy
Position: Vice President of Finance
Slogan: Accountable to You!
Instagram:
Candidate Statement
My name is Jerry Kennedy, and I am running for ASI Vice President of Finance. I am a first generation college student who knows what it’s like to struggle for your dreams, and I am living proof that it’s never too late to achieve your education goals. I want to use my lived experience as a member of both the LGBTQIA and disability communities to advance justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, transparency, and accountability on our campus. As a student of both History and Anthropology, I recognize the impact that the times we are living in have on our students’ everyday lives, and I want to help build a student government that meets student needs.
My priority as Vice President of Finance will be to engage with, listen to, and represent the interests of all student constituents at Sac State. I bring extensive experience to this role. In addition to serving as a student senator and Director of Finance at American River College, I have had the privilege to serve as Director of Arts & Letters for ASI and as president of both the History Club and Phi Alpha Theta History Honors Society at Sac State this past year. These experiences have helped me to develop a collaborative leadership style, working with my peers and constituents to build something together that none of us could have accomplished on our own. I have co-authored and sponsored several significant pieces of legislation that offer specific, measurable support to many marginalized groups on campus, and that is an experience I hope to repeat in the coming year.
It is my sincere hope to meet you, to hear your concerns, and to earn your vote on April 22 and 23. Please reach out to me so that we can make time to chat. I want to hear what’s on your mind!
Kenni Diaz Lopez
Position: Vice President of Finance
Slogan: Buzz Up Your Voice!
Instagram: @buzzupyourvoice.csus &
@kennidiaz_vpf
Website: https://sbrar07.github.io/buzz-up-your-voice/index.html
Candidate Statement
Hello Hornets! My name is Kenni Diaz Lopez. I am a senior Business Administration major concentrating in International Business, and I am running to be your next ASI Vice President of Finance. As an Orientation Leader, I’ve guided new students through GE advising and their transition to Sacramento State. These conversations taught me that active involvement is the only way to truly understand student concerns. My community service experience has shown me that advocating for others is a powerful tool for change, and real leadership happens when we work as a team. The Vice President of Finance is the Chief Financial Officer of ASI. If elected, I will oversee the fiscal affairs of our multimillion-dollar non-profit organization, managing the annual budget that funds our clubs, programs, and student services.As a firstgeneration Latina, I know it can be hard to raise your voice when you don’t know who to turn to. My priority is to be an approachable VP of Finance, someone you are never afraid to come to with a question or an idea. I will lead with Transparency, Diversity, and Integrity. I will advocate for fiscal clarity to ensure understanding how our budget is allocated, strategic reasoning providing clear justifications for every dollar spent to ensure a direct, positive impact on students, and accountable oversight by using my business background to manage our finances with the professional discipline our student fees deserve. I am running to serve you. Remember when it is your vision, it equals my hustle. Thank you!
Harpreet Kaur Bahia
Position: Vice President of Finance
Slogan: Your Money Matters.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harpreetbahiavpf?igsh=MWszdmVnMW8xcTdlOQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Candidate Statement
Hello Hornets! My name is Harpreet Bahia, and I am running to serve as your next Vice President of Finance. Student funds come directly from students, which means our money matters, and it is important that someone with real financial experience helps manage it responsibly. For the past five years, I have been involved in operating my family business, where I have gained practical experience working with budgets, expenses, and financial planning. I also work as a licensed realtor, where financial responsibility, negotiation, and attention to detail are essential every day. These experiences have helped me develop strong financial judgment and a clear understanding of responsible decision-making. As Vice President of Finance, I want to help ensure student funds are managed thoughtfully while supporting student organizations, campus programs, and initiatives that strengthen the Sac State community. I also believe it is important that students’ voices are heard and that meaningful action follows, so that decisions made truly reflect the needs and priorities of our student body. Being involved in a family business and growing up around leadership has taught me the value of hard work, responsibility, and commitment to the community. I am ready to bring that experience and perspective to serving the students of Sac State. Allow me to represent you and help ensure that your voice matters. Thank you for your support.
Vice President of University Affairs
Naman Gusain
Position: Vice President of University Affairs
Slogan: Here to Hear You!
Instagram: @namanforvpua
Candidate Statement:
Sacramento State is more than a campus, it’s a community . Hey there Hornets! my name is Naman Gusain and I am running for Vice President of University Affairs. As a current Basic Needs Resource Center (BNRC) Student Assistant and former Student Ambassador at Sac City, I’ve worked directly with hundreds of students to ensure they feel supported, heard, and connected. At the Basic Needs Resource Center, I manage front desk operations, coordinate food pantry logistics, and assist students with CalFresh and essential resources provided by our CARES team. Every day, I see first hand the challenges students face, from food insecurity to navigating campus services and I understand how critical strong university advocacy is .
In my role as a Student Ambassador, I engaged over 500 students through outreach campaigns, events, and digital communication to promote academic opportunities and campus involvement along with mental health resources . I’ve collaborated with faculty, staff, and student organizations to create inclusive, welcoming spaces where every students feels they belong. My background in Business Administration has helped strengthen my skills in organization, data driven decision making, and strategic planning allowing me to turn student feedback into measurable action .
Given the chance my main focus would be to advocate for expanded access to student resources. Strengthening communication between students and administration. Promoting inclusive, community centered campus engagement and ensure every Hornet’s voice is heard and represented .
I don’t just want to lead. I want to listen, act, and build a stronger Sac State together.
Here to Hear You
Aadil Bhat
Position: Vice President of University Affairs
Slogan: Buzz Up Your Voice!
Instagram: @buzzupyourvoice.csus & @aadilbhat_vpua
Website: https://sbrar07.github.io/buzz-up-your-voice/index.html
Candidate Statement:
Hello Hornet, my name is Aadil Bhat, and I am running for ASI Vice President of University Affairs. I am an international student from Punjab, India, and I currently serve as the ASI Director for the College of Engineering and Computer Science, where I work to represent student voices and strengthen communication between students and university leadership.
During my term, I supported initiatives that promote innovation, student engagement, and community impact. I helped secure funding for Hornet Hacks, a campus hackathon that encourages student innovation and entrepreneurship. I also helped revive the long-standing Turkey Bowl tradition between the Colleges of Engineering & Computer Science and Natural Sciences & Mathematics, turning it into a friendly tournament and food drive supporting the campus food pantry. In addition, I supported the ECS Expo, where students showcase projects and innovations to prospective students and the community.
A major focus of my work has been increasing transparency around mandatory student tuition and fees.
Many students pay these fees without knowing how they are used. I worked on increasing awareness of student fee utilization and advocating for clearer breakdowns so students can better understand where their money goes and how these resources support programs and services across campus.
I also advocated for stronger communication between students and university leadership. This led to initiatives such as Donuts with the Dean, where students could directly share concerns with college leadership, and the Honor Roll and Camera Roll event recognizing students on the Dean’s Honors List.
In addition, I represent students on several university committees where important decisions about our campus are made.
As Vice President of University Affairs, I will continue advocating for transparency, strong student representation in university level, and better communication between students and campus leadership.
Thank you for your support.
Jacinta Brown
Position: Vice President of University Affairs
Slogan: Action Is The Answer
Instagram: @jacintab4vpua
Candidate Statement:
Hey Hornets! My name is Jacinta Brown, and I am a third-year Political Science major with a minor in Leadership at Sacramento State. I am running to serve as your next ASI Vice President of University Affairs because I believe student voices deserve meaningful representation in every space where decisions are made.
Throughout my time on campus, I have intentionally immersed myself in communities that reflect the depth and diversity of our campus. I serve as Chapter President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., represent students on the ASI Greek Life Committee, and mentor foster youth through California College Corps. These roles have strengthened my ability to lead with accountability, collaborate across perspectives, and advocate with purpose.
As Vice President of University Affairs, I will represent students in shared governance and academic policy discussions. I firmly believe that no decision about students should be made without students. We deserve to be informed, heard, and not only considered, but actively involved in decisions that shape our academic experience.
Leadership requires more than awareness; it demands engagement and accountability. I will remain accessible, proactive, and intentional in turning student concerns into measurable change. Listening is essential, but leadership is proven through action.
My focus is the entire student body. Sacramento State is not one story, one background, or one path. It is a collection of lived experiences, ambitions, and perspectives that all deserve respect and representation. Every student should know their voice carries weight, not just in theory, but in practice.
I am not running to occupy a position. I am running to uphold a responsibility — to listen with intention, advocate with courage, and lead with integrity. Our voices belong in every room where decisions are made, and I will not allow them to go unheard.
Daniel Smith
Position: Vice President of University Affairs
Slogan: Our Voice, Our Power
Instagram: @daniel4vpua
Candidate Statement:
Hello fellow Hornets, My name is Daniel Smith and I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for the Vice President of University Affairs. I am a Sacramento area native and a second year political science major here at Sac State. During my time here I have met with local leaders about campus impact, and spoke against policies that would hurt us students. I’ve met with leaders across the CSU system as I advocated for legislation that actually helps our students. I’ve protested against university policy that refuses to acknowledge students, like the cuts to the library, class cuttings, and the new dorm requirement. As a former employee of North Village and Sac State Athletics, a former resident of the dorms, and being active in ASI means I know how this campus works.
I’ve been vocal about the class cuttings, the new university housing policy and the wider lack of student input taken in regarding campus issues. We need to expand programs that put students before profit; such as the cultural resource centers, the food pantry, and academics. The university is run because of us, and we deserve to be heard. I will expand the student impact in ASI and the University, ensuring we have the ability to speak to the issues that actually matter, and breaking down the barrier between us students and admin. I believe in a campus that works for everyone, and that starts by listening to students like you and I. Our voice is our power, and we must use that voice to create change. I hope I can count on your vote on April 22nd and 23rd. Stingers Up!!
Namrata Chaudhary
Position: Vice President of University Affairs
Slogan: Better Starts Now
Instagram: @vote.namrata4vpua
Candidate Statement:
Hello Hornets, My name is Namrata Chaudhary, and I am a junior majoring in Political Science. I am running for Vice President of University Affairs because students deserve a stronger voice in the decisions that impact our campus. As your VPUA, I will advocate for a campus where every student feels represented, safe, and supported.
My leadership experiences on campus have focused on advocating for student resources, wellness, and representation. As a Co-Chair of the Presidential IPGE Ad Hoc Committee, I helped relocate part of the IPGE office to a more accessible campus location. I advocated for the reinstatement of scholarships for international students. This experience strengthened my ability to collaborate with administrators and advocate for student needs.
As a Peer Wellness Advocate at SHCWS, I worked with students to promote mental health through support sessions and workshops on self-care and reducing stigma. I also helped organize campus events such as Out of the Darkness Walk and Take Back the Night with community partners, including WEAVE and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Currently, I serve as a Peer Health Educator at SHCWS, where I provide training on opioid overdose prevention and sexual health awareness. This role reinforced my belief that student safety and wellness begin with access to information and supportive resources.
As Vice President of University Affairs, I will advocate for policies that center student voices and strengthen support systems.
My top priorities include:
• Strengthening student representation in university committees
• Promoting transparency between students and university leadership
• Increasing awareness of campus and community wellness resources
• Advocating for expanded safety escort services
• Advocating for improvements in sexual harassment reporting systems
I am committed to listening to students and advocating for meaningful change. On April 22nd and 23rd, I ask for your support and your vote.
Thank you,
Namrata Chaudhary
ZUHAIB
Position: Vice President of University Affairs
Slogan: FOR THE HIVE
Instagram:
Candidate Statement:
My name is saleem zuhaib, and I am running to represent students and help make Sacramento State is a better place for everyone. I believe student government should listen to students and focus on real issues that affect our daily lives on campus.
If elected, I will work to improve communication between students and the university, support student organizations, and advocate for resources that help students succeed academically and personally. Every student deserves to feel heard and supported.
I am committed to being accessible, responsible, and focused on solutions. My goal is to make sure student voices are represented in important decisions and that ASI works for all Hornets.
Together we can strengthen our campus community and create more opportunities for students now and into the future.
Vice President of Academic Affairs
Omar Azizi
Position: Vice President of Academic Affairs
Slogan: Classes Over Stadium
Instagram: @omar.vpaa
Candidate Statement:
I know the feeling of refreshing the class registration page at midnight, watching the last open seat disappear. I know what it’s like to email professors begging for an add code and hear nothing back. My name is Omar, and I’m done pretending these problems are acceptable.
Sac State is enrolling record numbers of students while cutting class sections. Hundreds of students fight over a handful of seats every semester. Transfer students arrive on campus only to find the classes they need don’t exist. Faculty are being laid off.
And while all of this is happening, we’re funding new sports facilities and mandatory housing programs nobody asked for. Students deserve straight answers and real action, not committees, not statements, not another year of the same promises.
As your VP of Academic Affairs, I will fight to increase class availability, push for transparent enrollment policies, make the grade appeal process actually accessible, reduce financial barriers blocking students from scholarships and graduation, and ensure the Board of Directors hears what is really happening in our classrooms, not a sanitized version of it.
I’m not a politician. I’m a student who is tired of being an afterthought.
If you’re tired of being an afterthought too — vote Omar for VPAA.
Sara Besaiso
Position: Vice President of Academic Affairs
Slogan: Buzz Up Your Voice!
Instagram: @buzzupyourvoice.csus & @sarabesaiso4vpaa
Website: https://sbrar07.github.io/buzz-up-your-voice/index.html
Candidate Statement:
Hello Hornets! My name is Sara Besaiso, I am an international student studying biological sciences and I am running to be your next Vice President of Academic Affairs. I’m running as a fellow student who understands the challenges we face navigating our academic system today.
Many of us chose Sac State for its affordability and academic success. However, over time this focus has shifted away from some of its core values. In my two years here, I’ve seen the same challenges across majors: impacted classes, difficulty enrolling in required courses, and rising academic costs that defeat the purpose of Sac State’s affordability.
These struggles affect students across departments, and many are unaware of their academic rights or the ability to appeal certain policies. One of my priorities is to increase awareness of grade appeals and academic rights so students understand the options available to them.
As Vice President of Academic Affairs, I would not only fight for policy change, I would also try to advocate for structural shifts to meet your needs. First I will work towards opening more summer and winter courses that satisfy GE and major requirements, work with departments to increase sections for high demand classes and support policies that prioritize enrollment for students approaching graduation. In addition, reforming existing courses in order to make them count towards multiple requirements to create more flexible graduation paths. While graduation is still ahead for me, many of my peers have shared concerns about the $145 graduation application fee. Which is why I will work to explore programs to help students cover these graduation related costs.
Real change requires us to be informed, involved and united. Together we can reform our academic system from within. I ask for your support to ensure Sac State continues to prioritize student success, accessibility and fairness.
Jonathan Poston
Position: Vice President of Academic Affairs
Slogan: Change Starts Now!
Instagram: @jonathanposton_4_vpaa
Candidate Statement:
Hello Hornets, My name is Jonathan Poston, and I am running to serve as your next Vice President of Academic Affairs because I believe the time you spend here should be empowering and built for your success.
I currently serve as the Director of Social Sciences & Interdisciplinary Studies, where I’ve had the opportunity to gain firsthand insight into how our student government operates and how decisions impacting our academics are made. Serving on the board has helped my understanding of the responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities within ASI, and it has prepared me to take on this leadership role focused specifically on academic affairs.
As students, we face real challenges from navigating, advising and accessing academic resources. Our university should not only educate us, but actively support and invest in our futures.
Through my involvement in campus organizations, I have worked to build communities centered around professional development and meaningful student engagement. These experiences have cemented my commitment to collaboration, accountability, and ensuring that student voices are showing meaningful results.
If elected, I will work to strengthen academic support systems, improve communication between students and administration, and expand pre-professional opportunities. I am committed to promoting greater transparency in academic decision-making and ensuring that students are informed and involved in the policies that shape their education.
My goal is to help create a campus culture where every student feels supported, heard, and fully prepared to succeed beyond the classroom. I am ready to build on my experience, and step into this role with students in mind, and deliver meaningful progress for our academic community. I would be honored to earn your vote.
— Jonathan Poston
Prisha Singh
Position: Vice President of Academic Affairs
Slogan: PAVE the Future. Lead the Change.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prishas4vp_academic_affairs?igsh=bmZyY2k2N3p1YmU3
Candidate Statement:
Hi everyone!
My name is Prisha Singh, and I am currently running for the Vice President of Academic Affairs to advocate for students and to make sure students’ perspectives are taken into consideration in academic decisions that directly affect them and their experience during their time here at Sacramento State.
I previously transferred from American River College and during my time there I was able to get involved with higher student leadership. I served as a Senator within the Student Senate, and in this role, I represented student perspectives. I was also able to participate in hiring committees as a student representative and helped organize and plan campus events that strengthened student engagement and community. These experiences taught me the importance of transparency, collaboration, and ensuring that student voices are included in institutional decisions.
After transferring to Sac State, I have continued to be involved on campus. As treasurer for both the Crochet Club and Hearts of Voices for Children, I’ve learned how to manage budgets, support planning events, and help our organizations create welcoming communities for students.
Now, in the role of Vice President of Academic Affairs, I will work to strengthen communication between students, faculty, and administration while advocating for policies and resources that support student success. My goal is to help create an academic environment where students feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout their time at Sac State.
I am committed to turning student perspectives into meaningful action. Vote on April 22 or April 23 and join me in shaping the future of academics at Sac State.
Thank you,
Prisha Singh
Baynes Acosta JR
Position: Vice President of Academic Affairs
Slogan: All in for Academics
Instagram:
Candidate Statement:
Hello Hornets, I am pleased to announce my candidacy for Vice President of Academic Affairs. As a FirstGeneration, Low-Income Student, I have seen many of our Sac State students, especially first-generation students, transfer students, student-parents are juggling rigorous coursework alongside working part-time or full-time, family responsibilities, and navigating increasing financial pressures. Rising tuition cost, housing cost, and the cost of attendance force students to take on additional jobs, subsequently impacting their academic performances and sometimes even delay their graduation date. These challenges are further intensified by shifts in state and federal policies that affect financial aid and college affordability. Thus our academic policies must respond with the same urgency, as we students feel the impact immediately when these policies shift, especially our students in vulnerable populations. As Vice President of Academic Affairs, I will advocate for intentional, and student-centered policies that recognize the financial realities students face.
Recent administrative decisions have shown the impact of policies being enacted without sufficient student input or clear communication, burdening students academically and financially. If elected, I will commit to prioritize advocating for sustained investment in higher education to protect affordability and expand access for all Sac State Students. I am committed to addressing these challenges with actionable plans. I will actively address course bottlenecks by actively working with the Faculty Senate to advocate for expanded course sections in-high demand classes. I will work with academic departments and advising centers to expand proactive outreach to guide students through degree planning, and academic policies to reduce uncertainty and prevent unnecessary delays in graduation to strengthen our enrollment, retention, and graduation rates and to better support our students in fulfilling the Four Year Promise at Sacramento State. I will ensure student voices and concerns are prioritized and included.
All in for Academics!
Vote Baynes Acosta Jr for VPAA on April 22-23!
