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.
