Why are you running to be SU President?

As the current Executive VP, I am experienced in all the internal and external responsibilities of SU. I am excited to run for President and have the opportunity to represent and serve our diverse student community. My platform is to BUILD TRUST with the student body. I will recenter our mission around serving the students. This means uplifting cultural, and affinity student groups and distributing funds in an equitable and fiscally responsible manner. Advocacy efforts will be focused on improving mental and disability resources, redefining space equity, and streamlining the way SU engages in advocacy with the University. Student Union will be structured to work together as a unified organization to serve the students and improve the undergraduate experience for everyone.

I am passionate and committed to SU and its mission. It is an organization that has given me so much in regards to both personal growth and a community of supportive friends and advisors. Serving in SU as a representative of the students and being able to help others is the most rewarding part of the job. I am running because I care. The job is not easy and it comes with a lot of responsibility and pressure, but I am prepared and committed it. SU is the first student group I joined when I came to WashU and I am ready and excited to wrap up my undergraduate time in SU. 

What unique perspectives would you bring to Student Union?

If you ask anyone, they would say that I am a very logic and evidence based person. It makes sense as I am a Biomedical Engineering major. In addition to being BME, I am also premed. By combining those two facts about me, it forms: a logical person who is passionate about helping other people. 

I bring to SU, objective decision-making, adaptability, and attention to detail. I believe in equitable support for all students. This includes advocacy and funding. While I have established personal focuses, I will always be open to new ideas and opinions. I believe everyone has a reason for their perspective and feelings on different problems. Everyone comes from their own unique background and experiences. As president of the student body, I am representing everyone and I want everyone to feel comfortable being open and honest with me. 

Are you currently serving, or have you previously served, on Student Union?

Yes

What is/was your position? What have you specifically accomplished?

2 years in Treasury – 1 as the Activities Committee Chair

• I revamped the new group recognition process to make it more efficient for student groups and Treasury Representatives
• I put on the first in-person Activities Fair since Covid — there was a lot of information and resources lost but I was able to work through everything with our advisor
• I cleaned out and reorganized student group storage — last time it was done was nearly 4 years ago… 
• I actually did student group de-registration — again a responsibility that was forgotten for multiple years

2 months as acting VP Finance

• with the resignation of the VPF last winter break, I took on the responsibilities
• I reviewed <$1000 appeals with the other members of Financial Leadership
• I prepared and ran General Budget FY23 — arguably the most important part of SU 

1 year on Exec – Executive Vice President

• Updated SU Constitution and Statutes — this had not been done since 2020
• Merged Art and Architecture School Councils into Sam Fox School Council to increase funding equity
• Space Equity Committee – Student Group Sub-committee where I provide my experience and knowledge to provide space equity recommendations to the university.
• I maintained internal documentation of everything and currently working on submitting it to University Library Archives
• I designed and posted all SU recruitment PR materials 

What experience do you have that prepares you for the role and responsibilities of SU President?

I served in SU Treasury for 2 years, 1 of which as the Activities Committee Chair where I was the primary organizer and manager of 400+ student groups. Through my time as AC chair I worked with countless of student groups and built a strong understand the entire financial branch from how to become a student group to how to spend money. Then, this past year I served as the Executive Vice President and did a lot of work on SU internal reform and organization. These roles in SU have built my knowledge base an understanding both internally and externally of SU. In addition, I served as the President of the Chinese Students Association, one of the largest cultural organizations on campus. All of these experiences allow me to understand the student group side and SU perspective of every situation. 

All of my roles have placed me under a lot of pressure and difficult situations. I have successfully come out of all of them stronger and better. While telling people no and working with peers will always be hard, I thrive under pressure and I stand strong for what I believe. I am confident in my abilities to delegate tasks and organize people in a manner that ensures follow through on tasks and projects. I am prepared for the time commitment required by this role and the pressure of representing all WashU undergraduates. 

How would you improve Student Union internally?

This past semester, I led the Constitutional Task Force and finally updated the SU Constitution and Statutes since 2020. Most notably, we updated the equality clause to an equity clause. Additionally, I worked with all the school councils and initiated the merge of the Art and Architecture councils to increase equity across our funding for each undergraduate school council. If elected, the first thing I will implement is a SU wide Slack so all communication can be centralized. These are all structural and organizational changes. While these are great steps forward for our organization’s overall goal of representing and serving students more equitably, I also want to focus a lot of energy on the internal community of SU. Being in SU can be overwhelming and exhausting. We have to endure large workloads on top of our academic work while also balancing difficult relationships with our peers. Representatives often experience angry feedback and even aggressive yelling from their fellow students. It adds even more stress to the hard work we already do. The internal culture of SU is broken. I stayed for 3 years and want to continue because through all of the long hours, I was able to find an incredible community of reliable friends. I want to bring that community to all of SU and make sure every individual in SU feels like they are supported. 

Under what circumstances, if any, would you consider vetoing legislation passed by Senate or Treasury?

The veto power of the President as stated in the SU Constitution allows the President to veto any legislation passed by Senate or Treasury within 3 days. However, Senate or Treasury can overrule the veto if 2/3rds of the body votes against the veto. I would considering vetoing legislation if the original voting decision is already heavily split in the body. Otherwise, vetoing would not serve any useful purpose as the body would immediatly revote and pass it the way they originally intended. I am constitutionally expected to consistently attend Senate and Treasury sessions so I will know when more difficult decision will come up and attend meetings accordingly. During discussion, I can share my perspective, but ultimately there is a reason that legislative bodies with 20+ members each are able to overrule a single executive member. 

As president, you will have a bully pulpit to the entire university — how will you use this power?  What will you advocate for?

I will use my power to address all undergraduate students and work with administrators to advocate for the priorities of students. Based on past surveys and my personal experience, I will focus on advocating for improving mental and disability resources, redefining space equity, and underserved and underrepresented communities on campus. I will always be an open resource that any student can reach out to discuss new advocacy focuses. It is a privilege to have such an ability. I will respect the power and maintain transparency and bridge the communication between students and administration. Overall, I am interested in serving the student body and pushing for their priorities. As long as there is a strong interest I will work with my team to help research and put together reports and presentations to take to administrators. 

Why are you running to be SU President?

I am running to be SU President to spearhead top-down change that ensures students feel sufficiently represented by SU and that equity is the foundation of every funding and advocacy decision. I recognize the immense opportunity that SU members have to make a positive impact; however, this privilege is wasted through inaction, and causes immense harm through inequitable or misinformed decisions. Additionally, I am running for President because I believe it is essential for the SU President to have a strong background and commitment to advocacy, and to put student needs above all else. While strong relationships with the administration are incredibly important to SU, I believe that our relationship with students must always take precedence. Lastly, while compromise is essential, I will never ask SU officers to compromise their values and morals for the sake of compromise alone or to move on to the next agenda item more quickly.

What unique perspectives would you bring to Student Union?

Unity among SU is important, but unlike others, I do not believe that unity should be prioritized above all else, or that unity is essential for SU to take responsibility for harm an SU body or member causes. Throughout my time in SU I’ve been encouraged and even pressured to prioritize unity and cohesion before my morals and values. For example, I was repeatedly discouraged by my fellow Exec members to utilize my platform in SU to speak out and take action regarding perpetrators being elected to SU (#MeToo WashU called SU out last Spring), or regarding Treasury’s decision to fund Amala Ekpunobi in the Fall. To me, each SU body’s ability to make autonomous decisions does not automatically mean that Exec Board must blindly support all decisions each body makes, nor should the bodies be expected to blindly support our decisions.

Are you currently serving, or have you previously served, on Student Union?

Yes

What is/was your position? What have you specifically accomplished?

I am currently serving as the Vice President of Engagement, and was previously the Senate Diversity and Inclusion Committee Chair. As VPE I revived the Student Union Public Relations Team. Additionally, I’ve spearheaded successful advocacy projects in collaboration with SU entities, school councils, and student groups. For example, S.A.R.A.H., LIVE, T.R.U.T.H., SafeZones, and I mandated DEI and RSV prevention and response facilitations for all student leaders for the Fall Student Group Leader Training, and facilitated SU and student groups this semester in these topics. I’ve also worked closely with Active Minds, the school councils, CS40, and Senate to create academic leniency policies rooted in academic compassion. Lastly, as Senate DI chair I grew constituent involvement exponentially and successfully led a committee wide university crisis response project through which Senators and constituents met with Student Affairs leadership to address their concerns.

What experience do you have that prepares you for the role and responsibilities of SU President?

This past summer I was the Assistant Jewish Life Coordinator at a sleepaway camp. In this role I coordinated weekly programming for over 400 campers. Because of this experience I feel confident in my ability to delegate and coordinate large scale events. Through this role I also mentored and supported over 60 staff members to create and execute their own programming as well; similarly, as President, I will invest in, support, and empower SU officers and the student body to plan and execute initiatives that are important to them. Additionally, as Vice President of Engagement this past year I’ve formed relationships with over 40 university administrators. This experience improved my ability to communicate effectively and negotiate with administrators, with students’ needs always at the forefront of all decisions. With these skills and connections I believe I am the best candidate to represent the student body as SU President.

How would you improve Student Union internally?

1. I will improve the culture among SU leadership by ensuring that Exec sets term goals early on with SU-wide input. This framework will ground us in our collective mission to advocate, allocate, and program in a way that is representative of the student body.
2. I will also strengthen the relationship between SU branches, school councils, and entities. All SU leaders should broaden the  scope of who “SU” is. I will lead by example: continuing to collaborate with school councils and entities on projects, and encouraging Senate, Treasury, and Exec to do the same.
3. Lastly, I will hold monthly SU wide programming focused on a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion related topic. It is not enough to say we will center DEI in our work; we must actively engage with DEI topics to truly frame our funding, advocacy, and programming through the lens of equity and social justice.

Under what circumstances, if any, would you consider vetoing legislation passed by Senate or Treasury?

Vetoing is a unique Presidential power and should be used sparingly. However, I would veto any decision that I believe contradicts SU’s mission to advocate, allocate, and program and the equity amendment (proposed amendment that is being voted on in this election). SU should never be complicit in allowing hatred or discrimination of any kind to occur at this university. While the President does not have the power to veto funding decisions, I would veto statute changes or Senate resolutions that are not equitable. Additionally, even if Senate or Treasury would have enough votes to overturn a Presidential veto (two-thirds), I would still veto legislation as a symbolic demonstration of the SU President standing alongside and in solidarity with student body members who would be harmed by the legislation. 

As president, you will have a bully pulpit to the entire university — how will you use this power?  What will you advocate for?

In many instances the University fails to support its students. As President I will not stand by and allow SU to do the same. For example, when the University fails to address an incident of bias or hatred that impacts our community, I will partner with SU leadership to respond to the crisis in a student wide email, advocacy items, and through direct support of impacted communities. Also, the University has failed survivors of sexual violence through its confusing procedures and has even discouraged survivors from reporting. As President I will advocate for an audit of all university relationship and sexual violence processes and procedures. Overall, as President I promise to listen to student needs, speak out when students fall through the cracks of University support systems, and serve the WashU community to the best of my ability. I will always strive to make WashU a better campus for all.

Why are you running to be SU Executive Vice President?

I’m running to be SU Executive Vice President because I truly believe in the power that SU has to be a force for change for so many people on campus. A force for change for first-generation, low-income, students of color, LGBTQIA+, and students with disabilities. A force for change for cultural & affinity groups who put up some of the best student events on campus and produce amazing turnouts, but constantly need more funding. We live in data-driven world. As EVP, I will work with the Executive Board to focus our efforts on tangible and realistically achievable projects that maximize impact. This includes publicizing existing resources and recommending more support for other resources like increasing the staff in the Office of Student Success. Again, we live in data-driven world, and I know from my time in SU that administrators love numbers. Due to this, I hope to work with my colleague to pursue progressive policies put data at the forefront of my mission to raise awareness around the need for more support and resources for under-served students on campus and push for a more equitable environment for all students.

What unique perspectives would you bring to Student Union?

I’ve been a member of the SU Senate for over a year and a half now. And over the period of time that I’ve been here, I’ve greatly tried to tackle issues concerning the First-Generation, Low-Income (FG-LI) experience at WashU. This is an issue due to the fact that WashU hosts a large number of students from high income family, and often the voices of low-income students and their experience are not spoke upon much. For me, this is my unique perspective. Last year, I served as the Diversity & Inclusion Committee Chair. As a committee, my team and I have been working extremely hard on a project that looks to extend the First-Year Start-Up Grant for an extra year to ease financial burden on low-income students. 

Are you currently serving, or have you previously served, on Student Union?

Yes

What is/was your position? What have you specifically accomplished?

Currently serving as the Speaker of the Student Union Senate

Accomplishments: 

• Hosted a campus-wide Town Hall in the wake of the Michigan State University mass shootings with WUPD and leaders of the Student Affairs Division to talk about mental health and student safety.
• Revamped the Student Union Senate Instagram Account
• Preside over General Budget Fiscal Year 2024
• Passed an SU Constitutional Statute that made student conduct background check mandatory for people being appointed to SU positions.
• Co-wrote the First Year Strat-Up Grant Extension Report 

What experience do you have that prepares you for the role and responsibilities of SU Executive Vice President?

During my time in the Student Union, I’ve had the honor of serving as the SU Senate Diversity & Inclusion Committee Chair and the Speaker of the Senate. Through my position as the Speaker of the Senate this term, I’ve committed 220+ hours to SU, overseeing and supervising a legislative body of 20+ Senators and four committees.

Through this role, I’ve also had the honor of interacting with 30+ administrators to advocate on behalf of WashU students by hosting a campus-wide Town Hall with WUPD and Student Affairs leaders in the wake of the MSU mass shooting, working with the Provost Office to provide academic accommodations to students in the wake of the death of Tyre Nichols at the hands Memphis police officers, and worked greatly to revamp SU Senate Instagram account.

What do you believe the job of Executive Vice President entails?

The position of Executive Vice President entails working extensively to serve the student body and all of the unique student groups on campus. To me this means being accessible to the student body and the only way to do so effectively is to be present. As a current officer, I understand the time commitment for our roles and I see the Executive Vice President position being a position in which I’m constantly interacting with the community and hearing people concerns. This means consistent office hours for students to ask questions and meet with any constituent that needs help or wants to share a concern. But I also see the role of EVP as partnership-based. I want to partner with various groups on campus tap into their networks and identify the needs of different communities. Additionally, we will identify and reach out to student groups that do not understand SU processes. I will work  closely with my colleagues to hold town halls in the bridging the gap between students, SU, and administrators.

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Why are you running to be SU Vice President of Engagement?

Student Union was originally founded as a bail-fund for students protesting the Vietnam War. Today, it is disconnected from student life, and rarely plays a role outside of occasional funding. With the resources and proximity to administrators, I believe that Student Union can be more than an intermediary body, even more than a student government. To truly become a Union by and for Students, I am running for Vice President of Engagement. 

If elected, I could actually commit to transparency through the SUPR team. I want to rebuild relationships with the student body. Every year, candidates assure us of change, but Student Union stays the same. For our relationship to change, Student Union must radically change its approach. But trust goes two ways. That’s why I want to hear from you at town halls, office hours, and panels with administrators. I’m here to work for you and with you.

What unique perspectives would you bring to Student Union?

As a biracial Filipino American, I have been deeply involved in Asian student life, both politically and culturally. However through my courses and involvement on campus, I have come to recognize the importance of solidarity. Working with different people and organizations is mutually beneficial for us all, and the core of true engagement. Through my involvement, I have built relationships with student leaders and created a network that I can draw on to quickly assess the needs of the student body. With these connections, I can advance what matters to students, from mental health to spatial equity. Approaching Student Union as more than a funding body, but as a site of change is essential if we want to elevate student life — especially for minoritized students.

As VP Engagement, I will bring a spirit of advocacy to Student Union that aims to redistribute power back to us, the students. 

Are you currently serving, or have you previously served, on Student Union?

Yes

What is/was your position? What have you specifically accomplished?

Constitutional Council, Associate Justice. During my time, I authored an opinion on candidate qualifications regrading seniors and study abroad. For the three other requests that the council saw during my tenure, I helped interview, note-take, and deliberate the facts of the case. 

What experience do you have that prepares you for the role and responsibilities of SU Vice President of Engagement?

In two years, I have accumulated the necessary administrative, organizational, and programming skills to act as a strong VPE. SU can be nebulous to outsiders, but after serving as a justice, I have the constitutional knowledge to navigate the different branches and regulations. 

However, I believe the most valuable experience for VPE comes from outside SU. As co-president of Asian Multicultural Council, I oversaw seven events that reached over 650+ participants, and the creation of an Asian/American LLC. This role requires a passion for the change — something I’ve developed organizing workshops for Asians Demanding Justice and fundraising for Black Student Mutual Aid. But you can count on me to be involved off-campus. As a St. Louis Fellow, I helped lead voter engagement that reached 10,000 households for the midterm elections. Regardless of the spaces I enter, I am confident in my ability to lead, advocate, and organize effectively. 

How do you plan to improve communications between the University administration, your constituents, and Student Union?

As VP Engagement, one of my primary responsibilities is ensuring a consistent line of communication between the student body and SU. In my role, I hope to go beyond the constitutional requirement of an annual update and work with Campus Life to reinstate monthly student-body emails. While it is simple, I plan to include updates on funding, advocacy projects, mental health resources, and a link to a student programming calendar. 

Additionally, I plan to hold a minimum of two town halls per semester. I hope for this space to act as both an accountability check for SU and make administrators more accessible to the student body. At the end of the first semester, I plan to relaunch a student-needs survey that builds off the results of the town halls. With the data and student testimonials, SU would increase its legitimacy, bolster Senate advocacy, and make community-informed arguments to administrators. 

Why are you running to be SU Vice President of Engagement?

SU has done a horrible job at reaching out to students and student groups while providing clear and transparent ways for them to both understand SU policies/rules and ways for them to directly affect such policies/rules

What unique perspectives would you bring to Student Union?

I have nearly 6 semesters of SU Treasury experience and have worked outside of SU in transportation and urban planning advocacy to bring about change around WashU and in St. Louis. All of our work centers around accessibility and transparency- whether it be attending meetings and providing input to having all information we use available and easily found

Are you currently serving, or have you previously served, on Student Union?

Yes

What is/was your position? What have you specifically accomplished?

Treasury Rep- I have served on both Activities and Budget committees for the past 5 semesters. I worked to update the constitution so that it better reflects a more transparent SU that is focused on providing equity to campus. Furthermore, I repeatedly pressured SU towards being more transparent regarding funding policy and Treasury rationale for student groups

What experience do you have that prepares you for the role and responsibilities of SU Vice President of Engagement?

Having worked in advocacy, I know the importance of understanding the ins and outs SU in order to bring about change that makes a meaningful impact on all of us. For example, I have worked with local leaders and university administration to improve the campus shuttle system so that it runs more reliably and better fits students’ needs. Furthermore, I have always maintained that all meetings, decision rationale, and resources be published and easily accessible for anyone who wants to engage and bring about change. 

How do you plan to improve communications between the University administration, your constituents, and Student Union?

Building open channels of communication is absolutely essential. I will meet with every single student group on campus on my own time to ask about their needs from SU and from the university while seeing what we can do to further their goals. I will also have office hours that can be accessible to all students so that there is always someone on SU that you can talk to and get advice on how to have your voice heard by the university. 

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Why are you running to be in the Senate?

I’m running to give a voice to students and tackle issues facing them such as inclusivity in campus spaces, infrastructure problems with flooding, and improving relations with campus administration. I want to my bring drive and passion to SU so that we can make students successful. When our students succeed, WashU succeeds. 

What unique perspectives would you bring to Student Union?

I’m a first-generation, low-income student and also a Questbridge Scholar from southeast Louisiana, so you could say that I have a little different than most students at WashU. I will bring my take on life to SU, “Do what works, fix what doesn’t”. We’re going to take inventory of SU and work with my fellow Senators to improve life for students.

Are you currently serving, or have you previously served, on Student Union?

No

As a senator, what are the top three priorities you plan to advocate for?

Inclusive Environments for Political Expression on Campus, Fix Infrastructure Issues such as flooding, and Improve the relationship between the campus administration and students.

Why are you running to be in the Senate?

As a first-year Latin American student, I noticed a need for more initiatives that served our community. Through my work as a Senator, I aim to address the need for affinity programming that serves Latines and members of other underrepresented groups, as well as other initiatives such as creating a Racial Justice subcommittee within the Diversity and Inclusion committee and the establishment of caste protection. In addition to racial justice, I am passionate about advocating for students’ mental health and improving relationship and sexual violence response and prevention. Finally, I wish to improve the transparency and visibility of Senate’s successful projects to increase student trust and support. By doing so, I hope to nurture a Senate that is responsive and representative of the diverse student body. 

What unique perspectives would you bring to Student Union?

As a Latin American student and John B. Ervin scholar, I can provide insight into the challenges faced by underrepresented groups on campus. Thus, by providing this nuanced understanding, I can advocate for policies that promote equity and inclusion. Additionally, as an action-taker, I will promote a Senate culture of advocacy that not only recognizes problems on campus but rather truly attends to them.

Are you currently serving, or have you previously served, on Student Union?

Yes

What is/was your position? What have you specifically accomplished?

I was appointed as a Senator. Within the Diversity and Inclusion committee, I have supported a project aimed at establishing federal election days as campus-wide paid holidays and increasing voter registration, as well as contributed to the creation of a survey inquiring about students’ needs. 

As a senator, what are the top three priorities you plan to advocate for?

Support programming for underrepresented and marginalized groups, improve relationship and sexual violence response and prevention, and promote the accessibility of mental health resources 

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Why are you running to be in the Senate?

WashU has a myriad of systems in place to tackle different mental health stressors and social dilemmas (such as financial aid for low income students, healthier food, and further LGBTQ+ support), but they require reform and have considerable need for improvement. I feel confident in my ability to advocate for the improvement needed due to my personal experience with these issues and past leadership experience. 

What unique perspectives would you bring to Student Union?

As a low-income student, I feel that I have a very unique perspective at WashU. There is a degree of empathy and general know-all in relation to low-income issues that the larger student body greatly lacks, even if a large percentage of the First-Year class, for instance, is Pell eligible. WashU needs advocates for students of all social classes and income backgrounds.

Are you currently serving, or have you previously served, on Student Union?

No

As a senator, what are the top three priorities you plan to advocate for?

Financial assistance for low income students such as improved communication and ease of use through the Student Success Fund; proactive mental health support (i.e. de-stress events around midterms) in order to prevent mental health/emotional crises and promote wellbeing; improved communication between administration and the student body, as well as communication from SU to the student body. 

Why are you running to be in the Senate?

I am running to be in the Senate in order to have an impactful contribution to the WashU community. It is my home for the next 4 years, and I want to do my best to leave it as a better place. My goal as a member of the Senate is to understand the issues that students face on our campus and work with administration to take actions that result in tangible changes that improves the lives of the students.

What unique perspectives would you bring to Student Union?

As a younger member of the Senate, I can bring the perspective of the freshman on campus and take actions against problems that some of us may face. For example, creating programs that allow students to transition smoothly from high school courses to collegiate level classes or making changes to orientation week events that allow students to socialize more often and become more comfortable with other members of their class. 

Are you currently serving, or have you previously served, on Student Union?

No

As a senator, what are the top three priorities you plan to advocate for?

My first priority is to try and implement at least one 24/7 service on campus. I hope to speak with administration and try to find a way to have a 24/7 gym, dining hall, or library for students to use. My second priority would be to create more academic support for students either through extended add/drop deadlines, creating more support programs, and other solutions that can support students. My third priority is to try and increase school spirit through increased participation in various school events. As of right now, only WILD and Vertigo are the only universal events that students tend to attend; however, I would try to advocate for more events that are equally as appealing to students so that the “community feeling” of WashU grows stronger. 

Why are you running to be in the Treasury?

My high school didn’t have a lot of extracurriculars due to a lack of funding from the school district. I feel that SU Treasury is important to students on campus, as it is the main way student groups can receive money to host events that can better campus life or the St. Louis community. However, I feel that in the past semester, there have been some issues with treasury that are interfering with the goal of making a safe campus environment. My main issue deals with bringing the speaker Amala Ekpunobi to campus. Not only is she supported by questionable groups, but I feel that many of her views insult or belittle the identities of students. I am running for treasury because I feel that this is the most effective way to protect students on campus and give them the resources to express themselves.

What unique perspectives would you bring to Student Union?

As a treasurer, I would make sure to support groups, especially affinity groups, on campus. As someone who came from a multiracial and religiously diverse household, I understand the importance of needing to celebrate one’s culture and identity. As of right now, I know that many affinity groups feel underrepresented by SU funding, and I feel that I would be able to help support these groups as a member of Treasury. I am also not affiliated with Greek life, powerful student groups, or anything business-related. I feel that because of this, the decisions I make in Treasury will be unbiased and voters would not have to worry about me supporting another group’s interest while in Treasury.

Are you currently serving, or have you previously served, on Student Union?

Yes

What is/was your position? What have you specifically accomplished?

I was an appointee for Treasury. This meant that I could attend activity committee meetings and meet with student groups to discuss category changes, but I was not able to go to the weekly treasury meetings or meetings dealing with appeals or the budget committee. I think given my time in SU, I was introduced to many student groups that I didn’t know of previously and was exposed to how diverse this campus is and the wide array of interest SU must accommodate for. While I was not in charge of any specific decision or event, I believe that my time in SU allowed me to better understand what WashU’s student groups need in the future. 

Given the recent debates on Treasury about funding speakers like Amala Ekpunobi and Art Laffer, how would you determine whether to fund future speaker requests?  Under what circumstances would you consider not funding a speaker?

The main problem I have with funding controversial speakers is that the money for funding them comes straight from students’ tuition. Because of this, if a speaker is very expensive and will threaten the identities of people on campus, I believe that the Treasury should be very careful when giving arguments as to why to bring them to campus. While I understand that all students are given the freedom of speech and are allowed to see speakers who appeal to them, I believe that when the speaker goes against the beliefs of so many WashU students and involves their tuitions, the speaker should not be brought to campus. As a WashU treasurer, my main goal is to help students and through financial resources, give student groups the opportunity to better campus and the community, so I am strongly against bringing speakers who go against this philosophy. 

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Why are you running to be in the Treasury?

With the huge impact Treasury has on the WashU community, I want to help ensure student funds are allocated effectively. Student group appeals money comes FROM students, so it should act FOR students.

What unique perspectives would you bring to Student Union?

As a first-gen student in the Deneb STARS program, I’m aware of the financial hardships and concerns FGLI students have about their extracurriculars. I see the importance in funding events and ensuring everyone receives an awesome experience with their Student Activities Fee. In addition, with many friends and acquaintances who are on the appealing side as student group representatives, I take their feedback into account constantly. They help me understand the appealing side’s perspective more deeply and adjust my thinking/rationale accordingly.

Are you currently serving, or have you previously served, on Student Union?

Yes

What is/was your position? What have you specifically accomplished?

Treasury Representative (was appointed) for the past 2 semesters. On Activities Committee, where I voted for category changes and new group recognitions. As Co-Communications Chair with Meris, I’ve worked to improve processes internally and externally- internally by acting as the minutes taker each meeting to keep them consistent and detailed, and externally with Meris’ work on Treasury’s social media to improve transparency.

Given the recent debates on Treasury about funding speakers like Amala Ekpunobi and Art Lafffer, how would you determine whether to fund future speaker requests?  Under what circumstances would you consider not funding a speaker?

If an event does not complement the student experience and would actively be opposed by students, I don’t think it’s responsible to use student-paid money to fund it. Each rep represents hundreds of constituents/students (21 reps, ~8k undergrad students). Every rep needs to make their own judgment about funding speakers. I approach funding speaker events with my constituents in mind, because ultimately, Treasury serves the entire student body.

Why are you running to be in the Treasury?

I am running to be in Treasury because I want to improve the transparency and communication SU Treasury currently has with the student body. I believe that they can be more engaged together and that students can hold a greater voice to the Treasury. Specifically, I would like to work on increasing funding for cultural, affinity, and volunteering groups because of the impact they serve as communities for the students of WashU. I also want to make sure that funding is very equitable and all clubs are assessed without bias to receive adequate funding and they have all of the information necessary to achieve this. I also want to eliminate any barriers preventing new clubs from starting and clubs trying to change their category. 

What unique perspectives would you bring to Student Union?

I distinguish myself from other candidates running for Treasury because I will advocate for the causes that I believe need change. During highschool, I co-founded a nonprofit called SheHelpsHer which advocates for women’s health and period poverty, while also creating care packages for local shelters. I worked specifically on raising funding by writing grants, allocating money towards each of our projects, maintaining a budgeting sheet, and spearheading our merchline. When given an objective and a purpose, I will put in all of my effort towards making the goal happen, and I will be active in advocating for causes benefiting the student body. I will also bring my perspectives from being in a variety of clubs, such as – Chinese Student Association (cultural), Women in Finance (professional), Moneythink (volunteering) – and also, last semester, WashU BNVB (instrumental). Having experienced how several different categories of clubs function, I believe that I can provide unique perspectives on funding for clubs. 

Are you currently serving, or have you previously served, on Student Union?

Yes

What is/was your position? What have you specifically accomplished?

I have just been appointed into the Olin Business Council for their Academic Advisory Board. As I was appointed not too long ago, there hasn’t been anything specific I have accomplished, but I am excited to work on the board! Additionally, I am currently a general board member of SPB and I have mainly engaged in volunteering to help out at SPB events – such as most recently, Senior Prom. 

Given the recent debates on Treasury about funding speakers like Amala Ekpunobi and Art Laffer, how would you determine whether to fund future speaker requests?  Under what circumstances would you consider not funding a speaker?

I thought that the Fall 2022 Treasury decision to fund Amala Ekpunobi was disappointing. One of the biggest reasons I believe that is because it hurts members of the student body. SU should make decisions made in the best interest of the student body. Given that the talk was going to initiate hate towards already marginalized groups in the school and accelerate harm and unsafety to these people hurts WashU’s own mission of being inclusive. I believe that actual constructive discourse is essential to campus, but hate speech that directly targets groups of WashU students is not. In the future, for similar speakers, as a Treasury Representative, I believe it is very important to do research on the speakers and decide whether or not this talk will allow for debate or if it is simply a means to demean others. 

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Why are you running to be in the Treasury?

As a candidate for WashU student treasury, I believe that this position plays a crucial role in determining the direction of the WashU student body. Funding, in my opinion, determines an organization’s potential and impact on campus. So, if we are not to give enough funding for such clubs, we won’t be able to progress our campus toward improving and advancing the campus community. Due to this, I aim to make a positive and tangible impact on the WashU community by supporting groups that intend to do so as well by upholding equitable funding for all organizations. I am committed to working closely with student groups to understand their needs and goals, and to support them in turning their ideas into reality. Through collaboration and effective communication, I am confident that we can work together to achieve the best outcomes for our students.

What unique perspectives would you bring to Student Union?

In the past, I have gained valuable leadership experience through various positions I have held, particularly during challenging situations. As a sophomore, I founded a student-led non-profit called TreeSquare, which aimed to plant trees. However, when the pandemic hit, the organization faced difficulties in funding. I was able to construct a new budget based on these circumstances and prevent the organization from collapsing. I also collaborated with high schools and state officials, expanding TreeSquare’s reach.

Additionally, with limited funding, I successfully raised money through door-to-door fundraising, and used it to organize blood drives, promote disease prevention and hygiene, and provide vaccines/aid to lower-income countries through the Joplin Red Cross Club. 

Overall, my experiences have honed my adaptability skills and equipped me with a better understanding of the challenges that student groups face. As a result, I believe I am well-positioned to guide and provide appropriate funding to student groups.

Are you currently serving, or have you previously served, on Student Union?

No

Given the recent debates on Treasury about funding speakers like Amala Ekpunobi and Art Laffer, how would you determine whether to fund future speaker requests?  Under what circumstances would you consider not funding a speaker?

WashU is a place filled with students who carry various ideologies and opinions. While the school may be predominantly liberal, it’s important not to suppress the ideas of the minority. I believe that it’s appropriate for the Treasury to fund speakers that have differing views from the majority. Living in a social bubble where we are constantly reinforced by people who think alike continues to increase the polarization in our student body.

That said, I believe the primary factor in funding a speaker would be their credentials. If they possess credibility in an idea, whether it aligns with student views or not, then I believe the Treasury should certainly fund them. Likewise, if they are not credible in their ideas and promote false information, I strongly urge the treasury to not fund such speakers. This will ensure that students have access to diverse perspectives that are beneficial to their personal and intellectual growth.

Why are you running to be in the Treasury?

I chose to run for Treasury because I have a strong interest in financial management through previous clubs and organizations. I aim to use my skills to connect students with WashU to manage finances effectively, making impactful and wise decisions. I feel it is the best way to make a meaningful impact on the WashU community, as it allows me to help students find their niche on campus. Being in the Treasury will allow me to contribute to the student body in a little way, something I hold much pride in.

What unique perspectives would you bring to Student Union?

As a person of color who often struggled to expresses myself and my identity, I understand that college can be an overbearing place where people try to discover themselves and their interests. However, my background has also given me an idea of the importance community holds in such a process. As a result, I believe I have a unique perspective on how student groups and one’s environment can impact their life. I want to help students discover this by facilitating and streamlining student groups, all so students can feel more at home on this campus, a place where all are free to explore themselves. 

Are you currently serving, or have you previously served, on Student Union?

No

Given the recent debates on Treasury about funding speakers like Amala Ekpunobi and Art Laffer, how would you determine whether to fund future speaker requests?  Under what circumstances would you consider not funding a speaker?

While it is always important to hear both sides of on argument, it’s even more important to evaluate where these arguments are coming from. In the case of Ms. Ekpunobi, the opposing views were coming from a hateful perspective, one that attacked members of our community, which is never acceptable. Her history of trans issues was directly attacking the people rather than the issue, which is unacceptable. Given a similar appeal, I would consider approving conservative viewpoints, but none that attacked groups or people, but rather discussed ideas and offered a discourse rather than an assault. I would reject appeals for talks from people who are not interesting in conversation and discussion, but rather impressing their views on others. After all, the best course of action always requires discussion and lies in the middle of both extremes, and conversation is necessary in society.

Why are you running to be in the Treasury?

I’m running to create better channels of communication between Treasury and the larger student body. An organization as powerful as SU Treasury, which disburses thousands of dollars of funds across student groups and clubs, is obligated to be held accountable by the student body at-large. That’s impossible when decisions are made by Treasury in a black box that keeps key information regarding funding decisions out and away from most students directly affected by those decisions. It’s vital that everyone on our campus community be consulted more ahead of tough decision-making calls. If I were to be elected, I’d be more receptive of public opinion, consulting key stakeholders of student organizations as well as a diverse array of peers, and emphasize input I fielded at decision-making tables.

What unique perspectives would you bring to Student Union?

I would bring a fresh, outsider perspective to Student Union. I’m a Freshman and prior to this semester, I did not consider running for Student Union. My previous leadership experiences, including as Treasurer of my College Council and serving in club leadership roles both in college and at high school, exist almost completely outside Student Union. As a newcomer, I understand the frustrating lack of transparency that often accompanies key Treasury decisions and I’d work to create more open channels of communication. In my previous roles, I’ve improved transparency by discussing club/organization-wide finances with other members of leadership. Similarly, I’d demystify the process of handing down and agreeing to club budgets and expenditures. Because I’d be so new to Student Union, I also wouldn’t have any loyalties/ties that lead me to inject my own bias in decisions that should really be from a neutral perspective.

Are you currently serving, or have you previously served, on Student Union?

No

Given the recent debates on Treasury about funding speakers like Amala Ekpunobi and Art Laffer, how would you determine whether to fund future speaker requests?  Under what circumstances would you consider not funding a speaker?

Opinion polling is key when funding controversial speakers. If a speaker’s presence is deemed problematic by a majority of survey respondents, I would represent their opinion by denying SU-funding to said speaker. We can avoid similar controversies through better communication and consultation with surveys and conversations with leaders of important clubs on campus to see how best to respond. If leaders of key campus organizations, especially those fostering diversity and inclusion, indicate that the presence of a certain speaker on campus is hostile, I’d deny the speaker funding. When Ekpunobi or Lafffer held their respective events, I felt that while the majority of the student body and key campus leaders were against their presence on campus, people in charge failed to take that into account. I’d represent a change: if public opinion and campus leadership says “No,” I’d listen.

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Why are you running to be in the Treasury?

It’s nice to have some actual power for once as a student politician. I was class VP in high school and we did nothing but wake up early in the morning to plan events I did not care about and had to pay a ticket to enter even though I planned the event. It’s nice that students have a say now for a change, but I’m using that fully for my benefit. I also just don’t trust the people who want to be student politicians honestly, but I trust myself.

What unique perspectives would you bring to Student Union?

I’m the only candidate who will fight for every club. As per my pledge, I will always vote to approve club requests, appeals, etc (except for the small caveat of political speakers). This is primarily motivated by politically expedient reasons, but I walk the walk, so I’ll always try to make it sound as if I actually agree with the votes I’m taking and also try to convince other colleagues to vote the same as well. I’m not proud of being a debater, but it did get me used to defending whatever side passionately, regardless of my actual beliefs. No matter what, I will always be on your side.

Are you currently serving, or have you previously served, on Student Union?

Yes

What is/was your position? What have you specifically accomplished?

I was allowed to serve on the Budget Committee during the appointment process, but I never got to do that and instead got put into the Activities Committee just so we could have a quorum for that meeting. I got to vote and learn the lingo though so that was nice I guess.

Given the recent debates on Treasury about funding speakers like Amala Ekpunobi and Art Laffer, how would you determine whether to fund future speaker requests?  Under what circumstances would you consider not funding a speaker?

I’m not gonna fund ANY speakers who come to speak for political reasons. That’s just too dangerous a can of worms for me to touch politically speaking, so I’d rather have people be sad that they didn’t get to have their speaker come, than angry at me for funding to allow a bad speaker they didn’t like to come. It’s not like we were getting Trump (especially Trump now) or Bernie to come, so the speakers would’ve been B-list anyways.

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