A.S. ELECTION CANDIDATES
Meet the candidates for each position, alphabetical by first name.
Hey everyone! I’m David Duncan, and I’m running to be your next A.S. President. I want to be your advocate at SMC – helping our students succeed by removing barriers to success and providing support to those in need. As a low-income student born and raised in LA, I understand what it’s like to struggle with all my responsibilities. In addition to my studies, I’ve worked two part-time jobs, lead environmental justice campaigns, volunteered in my community, and cared for my elderly grandparents. These experiences have taught me resilience – and how to advocate for what matters.
I’m passionate about improving access to housing, enhancing our transit system, and creating new opportunities for our student body. In my free time, I’m an organizer for environmental justice and climate causes – I love hiking and foraging, so protecting nature is my personal priority.
This year I’ve been honored to serve as your Director of Budget Management – and I’ve made it my priority to go beyond the spreadsheets and the numbers. I will do whatever it takes to support you. This year, I traveled to Sacramento and Washington D.C. to advocate for our students – such as increasing federal work study jobs and ensuring that the FAFSA is accessible for undocumented students.
Above all, I want to make sure every student on our campus has their voice heard. I want an open-door policy – being open and accessible to anyone who wants to contribute their voice to SMC. Let’s build a more inclusive and supportive community together!
A.S. CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS: ARTICLE II: A.S. BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
SECTION 6: VACANCIES & APPOINTMENTS
- In the event if any position(s) is vacant during the general election, a special election
can be held to fill the position(s).
- The student trustee position must be completed through a special election process and cannot be appointed by A.S
- In the event of a vacancy of any position during the academic year, the A.S. Board must open an application process to fill the vacancy......
Every student’s voice, no matter big or small, has the potential to ignite great change within our educational institutions. In the words of William Butler Yeats, “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” My name is Tiffany Lee, and I am thrilled to be running for your next A.S Secretary.
Currently serving as President Commissioner, along with secretary roles in student government and clubs in high school has equipped me with the ability to create my own effective system in the safekeeping of records, effective communication between different academic departments, and most of all maintain a standard of transparency. I am confident in my ability to serve as not only a reliable conduit of information between Board members but contribute to a healthy communicative environment of diverse opinions and perspectives.
As A.S Secretary, I will use my strengths of time management skills and a strongly motivated work ethic in order to facilitate a smooth flow of communication between the various functions of A.S. By serving on the Grade Appeals and DPAC Human Resources Committees as a part of my expected responsibilities, I will also make it my duty to advocate for all your individual voices, no matter how distinct, big or small, should you have me as your representative.
A.S. CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS: ARTICLE II: A.S. BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
SECTION 6: VACANCIES & APPOINTMENTS
- In the event if any position(s) is vacant during the general election, a special election
can be held to fill the position(s).
- The student trustee position must be completed through a special election process and cannot be appointed by A.S
- In the event of a vacancy of any position during the academic year, the A.S. Board must open an application process to fill the vacancy......
When I boarded a flight from Colombia to start a new life in L.A, I promised my mother that all her efforts would be worth it. Thus, a few weeks after starting, I applied to the Judicial Board in A.S, but was denied as I was only in my first semester. I come back now, two years later, knowing I am equipped with the necessary experience to take on a responsibility like this one. I remember falling in love with the International Student Forum as it gave me some of my closest friends to date. After being a general member, I soon applied for the board and was appointed as the meeting organizer.
I worked with incredible individuals in creating events within the international community and eventually, was elected as President due to the success of the meetings I helped organize. As club president, I continue to build a space that bridges local and international students in our school. Simultaneously, I worked at the International Education Center and Peer Navigators providing students with resources such as workshops and events, and assisting behind the scenes in organizing some of the biggest events at SMC. I believe that I am suitable for this position because I have prior experience and knowledge I can utilize to help our students. As the Director of Activities, I will persist in making this community a safe space, where everyone is welcome to express themselves in all the different formats through social and academic events.
My name is Javier Rodriguez and I am running for A.S. Director of Activities. I first enrolled into SMC during the Fall of 2021. I went on Hiatus for two years, due to the Coronavirus-19 pandemic. Upon my return to school in the Fall of 2023, I began getting involved in school clubs and with the Associated Students. Currently, as a Commissioner of Activities, my duties are to assist the Director of Activities in planning and implementing events and activities. SMC has been, and will continue to be, a welcoming and inclusive community in which students can get involved and get to know each other.
Hello, my name is Louisiane, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for the Director of Student Outreach position at SMC.
As someone who is deeply passionate about fostering a sense of community and belonging among people, I believe I have the dedication and vision required to make a meaningful impact in this role.
When I moved to America a few years ago, I struggled with integration and mental health, similar to what many students experience. I know how challenging it can be to feel like you don’t belong in your community, and I am committed to positively impacting SMC students so that everyone feels welcome.
I am currently Commissioner for the A.S President, and I’ve been working on projects to address issues and implement solutions to improve student life.
If elected as your Director of Student Outreach, I pledge to strengthen communication, ensuring your voices are heard, and your ideas are valued. I will strive to create more inclusive spaces and opportunities for students from all backgrounds to engage and connect with one another.
I am committed to serving as a bridge between the student body and administration, ensuring that your needs and aspirations are at the forefront of our collective efforts to enhance our college experience.
Together, we can build a more connected, inclusive, and vibrant community. I humbly ask for your vote and support in the upcoming election. Let’s work together to make a difference at SMC.
Sincerely,
Louisiane Marie-Tardon
Hi my name is Nora! I am Sudanese, born and raised in Qatar and I am running for Director of Equity & Diversity.
As a Black woman at SMC, I am aware of the urgent need to challenge the status quo and center the voices of those marginalized. Our struggles are interconnected, and in that spirit, I approach this candidacy; I intend to address the institutional barriers that perpetuate inequality within our community.
I would like to foster a culture of inclusivity that celebrates the richness of diversity in all its forms at Santa Monica College. I pledge to amplify marginalized voices, advocate for inclusive policies and environmental initiatives, and cultivate spaces where diversity is not only acknowledged but celebrated as a source of strength!
Hi Everyone!
My name is Semia and I am running for the Director of External Affairs position. I am originally from Poland and Tunisia, and I am majoring in engineering. I have always been passionate about student advocacy, in fact, I was the President of the Student Government at my high school. I want to make a positive impact and serve as your liaison between the Associated Students and our Corsair community.
Advocacy lies at the heart of my candidacy and I will work tirelessly to ensure that your voices are heard by the local legislators. I understand the importance of effective communication and collaboration in representing our interests, therefore, through my candidacy, I will ensure that these processes are made more efficient for all.
A.S. CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS: ARTICLE II: A.S. BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
SECTION 6: VACANCIES & APPOINTMENTS
- In the event if any position(s) is vacant during the general election, a special election
can be held to fill the position(s).
- The student trustee position must be completed through a special election process and cannot be appointed by A.S
- In the event of a vacancy of any position during the academic year, the A.S. Board must open an application process to fill the vacancy......
A.S. CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS: ARTICLE II: A.S. BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
SECTION 6: VACANCIES & APPOINTMENTS
- In the event if any position(s) is vacant during the general election, a special election
can be held to fill the position(s).
- The student trustee position must be completed through a special election process and cannot be appointed by A.S
- In the event of a vacancy of any position during the academic year, the A.S. Board must open an application process to fill the vacancy......
My name is Julia Kowalski and I am running for A.S. Director of Sustainability! I am a motivated environmental advocate, and I get things done. Before coming to SMC, I worked for a venture capital firm that invests in sustainable food innovation. There, I promoted plant-based food startups like Good Catch and Meati, and connected them to grants and other funding opportunities. After arriving at SMC last year, I worked with “Students For Safer Streets” to promote the “Healthy Streets LA” measure, which makes transportation more sustainable by mandating the construction of protected bicycle lanes and infrastructure that reduces traffic. This bill just passed in the March 2024 primary, thanks to the coalition of university support we helped to build! As the current primary commissioner of sustainability, I am working to implement the installation of 10 solar umbrellas on campus!
I believe there is much more that we can do to improve environmental sustainability
at SMC. Some of the projects I plan to push for include:
-adding 12 more water bottle refilling stations on campus to lessen the purchase of
bottled water,
-increasing plant-based options in the cafeteria to encourage healthy, low CO2-footprint
eating on campus,
-increasing access to recycling and composting bins, including placing bins in the
quad where students eat and where flyers are often distributed.
These are not just vague possibilities – these are things we can put into place by January 1, 2025, and I am eager to get started. Thanks for your vote!
I am running for Director of Sustainability because I believe I can promote a more sustainable campus for students and faculty alike. I believe that having knowledge about sustainability is not only beneficial for a large scale place like our campus, it can also be a good opportunity to introduce into a person's everyday life.
Growing up in the most polluted city in the world has inspired me to look for sustainability in all ways. This has been a big motivator into my career path in Environmental Science, as I would like to be a part of change. That is why I know, with my firm beliefs that I can promote a better environment at SMC.
I have confidence in my abilities for this position, as I have always been involved with environmental sustainability. I have experiences being a part of my high school's Student Government working with the Eco Action Club, and also supporting the charter of the first BSA Boy Scouts troop in Mongolia, as well as leading the troop as its Senior Patrol Leader.
I look forward to promoting sustainability on our campus as the Director of Sustainability.
Thank you for your vote.
My name is Esmeralda Hernandez, and I’m running to be your student trustee!
As SMC’s student trustee, I would be your voice on the Board of Trustees, who are the top decision-makers at our college. My main goal is to advocate for you - bringing the board and students closer together and making sure that they understand your needs and your voices.
Over the past two years I’ve served as your Director of Equity and Diversity and then as your Director of External Affairs. Throughout my time as a director, I’ve come to understand the struggles that our students face. I am a first-generation student - my parents immigrated to the US from Oaxaca, Mexico, where they were unable to access higher education. For me, Santa Monica College is more than just a school - it’s an opportunity to learn and grow as a person while getting an affordable education. My experiences have allowed me to understand the struggles that our students face and the opportunities that community college provides.
The California Community College system serves 2.1 million students - more than the CSUs, UCs, and privates put together. I understand why students like me come to SMC. My journey has given me a second chance in my academic journey - and it reflects the experiences of so many others.
This is why I’m running for student trustee. Representation matters, and I will make our students a priority - embracing the diversity on our campus and ensuring that all students have a voice at SMC.
Hey Corsairs! My name is Francis Yang and I’ve been so grateful to be a part of the SMC community for the past 3 years. My SMC journey began during the pandemic where I witnessed a lack of student engagement and craved a sense of community. Taking action in rebuilding our community, I initially joined the Associated Students as the Directory of Activity to lead these efforts. Most recently, I served as the Interim Director of External Affairs this past semester.
Throughout my time here, I have witnessed the diverse needs and aspirations of our student body. From ensuring access to quality education to promoting inclusivity and diversity on campus, I am determined to address the issues that matter most to you.
Moreover, I am committed to advocating for policies and initiatives that enhance student success, from academic support services to mental health resources. Together, we will create a campus environment that nurtures growth, learning, and personal development.
As student trustee, I strive to bridge the gap between students and the college administration, fostering open communication channels to amplify our collective concerns and ideas as a student body.
A.S. events I was directly responsible for or played a significant role in: Boba Study-A-Thons, APIDA Cultural Night Market, Cultural Snack, CWW Mental Health Wellness Awareness, APIDA Cultural Night Market, Cultural Snack Exchange, AS Open House, and Homecoming.
We know that we need interdisciplinary solutions to fix some systems, and interdisciplinary solutions need interdisciplinary teams. My mission to be elected as a student member of Santa Monica College is to serve the collective interests of all students in order to improve student life on a campus and at system wide level through dialogue, action, and activities between students, faculty, and staff.
I have been a student at SMC for a year, during which I have participated at several Board of Trustees meetings, and interacted with many departments on campus to have an understanding of how the institution runs. This semester I founded the first SMC Neuroscience Society this semester.
My name is Zoë Muntaner, I am a sophomore at SMC with the goal that by the end of this year, every student has at least one friend, staff, or faculty member at school they can call in times of need. To be this close to so many future leaders and not take advantage of our shared time here would be a shame. Building community, trust amongst all stakeholders, and getting to know each other will even be fun.
Hi everyone! My name is Jinxi Zhang. I'm currently studying Political Science here. And now, I've decided to run for a position on our school's Judicial Board. My journey through Political Science has taught me the importance of fairness and justice, not just in theory, but in everyday life.
I’m all about making our school a place where everyone feels respected and heard. As a potential Judicial Board member, I promise to approach every issue with empathy and fairness. Whether it’s resolving conflicts or reviewing policies, I’ll always strive to ensure every decision is made with integrity and understanding.
I believe in a community where every voice matters. That’s why I want to be there for you, not just as a rule enforcer, but as a listener and a problem-solver. I’m confident in my ability to bring positive changes to our board and our community, thanks to my strong communication skills and team spirit honed through both my studies and personal experiences.
Support me in making our campus a fairer, more inclusive place. Let’s work together to uphold the highest standards of justice and respect for all. Thank you.
A.S. CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS: ARTICLE V: JUDICIAL BOARD,
SECTION 3: COMPOSITION
- The Judicial Board consists of five (5) Justices.
- The positions are a part of the general student election. In the event of a vacancy, the I.C.C. delegation shall appoint any vacant student justice positions via an application process during an ICC meeting, who has applied for the position of Justice, to serve on the Judicial Board.....
A.S. CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS: ARTICLE V: JUDICIAL BOARD,
SECTION 3: COMPOSITION
- The Judicial Board consists of five (5) Justices.
- The positions are a part of the general student election. In the event of a vacancy, the I.C.C. delegation shall appoint any vacant student justice positions via an application process during an ICC meeting, who has applied for the position of Justice, to serve on the Judicial Board.....
A.S. CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS: ARTICLE V: JUDICIAL BOARD,
SECTION 3: COMPOSITION
- The Judicial Board consists of five (5) Justices.
- The positions are a part of the general student election. In the event of a vacancy, the I.C.C. delegation shall appoint any vacant student justice positions via an application process during an ICC meeting, who has applied for the position of Justice, to serve on the Judicial Board.....