A.S. Elections

More than a title, more than a student. What's most important is that this campus allows every individual to receive the education they need to maximize their potential and achieve their goals. 

Many of us are taking the next steps into adulthood while others are still trying to figure it out. Let this campus be a safe space where you can eat, live, learn, and work freely. Not only will I ensure you have fun on campus, but you have complete access to classes, food, transportation, community, and financial stability. With experience in activism, public health nonprofits, and leadership as Vice President of the Indigenous Scholars’ Club, I understand what it’s like to navigate SMC’s resources. I’ve actually used the Career Center, Latino Center, Math Center, STEM Lab, Equity Center, along with other resources firsthand, and have had to wait in the Financial Aid office line, confused. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the systems at play and how to advocate for improvements.

Your experience at SMC is finely engineered by the student government, allow me to embed your story into our decisions so that you leave SMC with more than what you ever expected.

Hey everyone, 

My name is Ike and I am running for Vice President. 

In my first year, I served as the Primary Commissioner for the AS President, and in my second year, I now have privilege of being the ICC Chair. With two years of experience in Associated Students, I’ve seen firsthand how decisions are made and how student voices can shape our campus.

As Vice President, my goal is to ensure that every student has a chance to be represented in the decisions that shape Santa Monica College. I want to bridge the gap between students and leadership, making it easier for everyone to be involved in the conversations happening behind the scenes.

With my experience and commitment, I believe I’m well-prepared to take on this role and advocate for you.

There’s a common misconception that community colleges lack the vibrant student life seen at universities. At Santa Monica College, we know that isn’t true. As A.S. Secretary, I aim to support our student body by creating a more organized, accessible, and inclusive meeting structure because communication is at the heart of strong leadership and student engagement. My main priority with this role is ensuring I provide students with a clear and consistent format for our meetings. From drafting agendas to recording minutes and maintaining transparency, I want every student to feel confident navigating our decision-making process. I believe that when students understand how things work, they’re more likely to participate and participation is how we grow as a community. My past experience as Director of Publicity gave me the tools to communicate effectively with a wide and diverse student audience. Now, I want to take that communication a step further by ensuring our meetings are not only informative, but also welcoming and inclusive. This means creating space for all voices whether you’re an international student, a parent, returning to school, or navigating personal challenges. Meetings should never feel exclusive or hard to follow. They should reflect the diverse needs and energy of our student body. By offering structure, clarity, and a welcoming environment, I hope to bridge gaps in communication and foster deeper student involvement. Community colleges may be underestimated socially, but at SMC, we know that “community” is more than just a name, it’s our foundation.

When I moved from London five years ago, I never imagined the level of student involvement that exists here at Santa Monica College. Now in my second year at SMC, I am continually inspired by the remarkable sense of community and the opportunities available to students here.
My name is Sebastian, and I am running for the position of Director of Budget Management because I am committed to making a tangible, positive impact on campus. Drawing on my experience as the primary commissioner for the I.C.C. Chair and before that as Treasurer of the Model United Nations club, I have developed a strong foundation in financial oversight and collaborative leadership.
Elected as Director of Budget Management, I would ensure that every financial decision reflects our shared values of transparency and accessibility. I am dedicated to overseeing the allocation of Associated Students’ resources fairly and equitably, with a special focus on supporting students in financial need. It would be an honor to advocate for our community and help empower students to thrive at SMC.

Hello SMC!

My name is Nahomy, and I’m excited to be running for your AS Director of Activities.

Have you ever felt like SMC can feel a little too lonely and quite. Like it’s just a place to go to class and head straight home? I want to change that. With my experience in event planning and student outreach right here on campus through Adelante Club and Crochet Critters. I’m ready to bring energy, connection, and fun back to our student life.Let’s build a vibrant, active community together and fill your social calendar with events that make you proud to be SMC.

Connect with me on Instagram @rooted.in.actionSMC

Hey everyone!

I’m Iman Ali, and I’m running for Director of Outreach because I want to make sure every student at SMC knows about the awesome resources, discounts, and opportunities that A.S. offers.

A lot of students don’t realize how much A.S. can actually help—from local business discounts to campus events and support services. My goal is to make sure you’re in the loop and that A.S. is more accessible and visible across campus. I’ll also work on improving student benefits and making it easier for you to take advantage of everything available.

If you want someone who’s here to keep you informed and make student life better, vote Iman Ali for Director of Outreach!

Thanks, and see you out there!

Hi everyone, I am Gabriel Hernandez. I am running to be your “Director of Equity and Diversity”. Our campus is full of diversity, where we are;  Hispanic or Latino: 41.6% White: 25.6% Asian: 8.91% Black or African American: 8.85% Two or More Races: 5.38% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders: 0.13% American Indian or Alaska Native: 0.125% Unreported: 9.8%. As a Hispanic, I fully understand the importance of representation and inclusion. But this role isn’t just about me, it's about YOU, it’s about all of US. I am here to advocate for every race, gender, sex, legal status, and voice that deserves to be heard. This campaign is about us, our stories, our struggles, and our dreams. Together, we can build a campus where diversity is not just celebrated but empowered. I am here to be your voice, your advocate, and your ally. Let’s make SMC a place where everyone belongs. I’m here to be your voice.

My name is Liz, and I am currently a psychology major student with a strong interest in law and public policy. Through my studies, I have developed a deep understanding of human behavior and communication, which I believe will be valuable when working with diverse groups, such as lawmakers, campus leaders, and advocacy organizations. These skills are essential for advocating for students and addressing their concerns, as they enable me to listen actively, empathize, and foster meaningful dialogue.

My passion for law stems from my desire to understand how legal systems impact student life, particularly in education and student rights. The insights I've gained from my psychology courses have also equipped me with research and analytical skills, allowing me to stay informed on legislation that affects students and communicate these matters effectively to a broader audience. As the Director of External Affairs, I want to be a strong advocate for students and ensure their voices are heard at local and state levels.

In addition to my academic pursuits, I currently serve as a board member for two campus clubs, which has provided me with valuable leadership experience. These roles have taught me responsibility, teamwork, and the importance of community engagement.

With my unique blend of psychology and law, combined with my dedication to serving my peers, I am confident that I can contribute to positive change and help create a more informed and engaged student body. I look forward to the opportunity to advocate for student rights and encourage civic participation on campus.

My name is Martin Orea, and I’m excited to be running to be YOUR Director of Basic Needs. SMC is home to such a diverse group of students — we all come from different backgrounds, and I know that can mean facing different challenges too. If elected, I’ll work hard to make sure every student feels supported, regardless of their situation.
Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to work and advocate for statewide legislation to improve access to improve basic needs in California. That, combined with my experience being a student representative at SMC’s Equity and Diversity committee and being a student worker for SMC’s Public Policy Institute taught me how powerful student voices can be, and I’m committed to bringing that same energy to this role.
If elected, I’ll push to expand CalFresh/Food resources, build stronger partnerships with local food banks, and make sure students know exactly where to turn for support. I’ll also work to improve access to transportation programs and connect students with affordable housing options. My goal is simple: to make sure no student at SMC has to struggle to meet their basic needs.
I know what it's like to juggle school/work while worrying about things like food and housing, and I’m committed to making SMC a place where no one has to face that alone. I’d be honored to have your vote, so let’s make sure every student at SMC has what they need to succeed.

Hey Corsairs! 
My name is Bryan Hartanto and I’m running for the Director of Student Instructional Support position. 
I am a 2nd year engineering student and I am originally from Indonesia. 
Every semester, many of us Corsairs rely on tutoring centers as well as counseling services along our journey to academic success. 
Currently, I am part of the Supplemental Instruction team and the Science Learning Resource Center.
I see first-hand the benefits of academic support for our fellow students on a daily basis.
My mission is to ensure that instructional and academic support services are continuously provided and improved, so that no student is left behind.
I believe the value of these services deliver a chance for all students to succeed, regardless of their educational background. 
Success for all students relies on all of our voices, or as they say, “All for one, and one for all”.

Hello Corsairs,
My name is Aylen Gutierrez, and I am running to be your next Director of Publicity because I believe in creating a college experience that is more supportive and impactful for all students. As an SMC student, I understand how difficult it can be to stay informed and involved while managing our busy schedules. It’s a challenge to ensure our voices are heard, keep track of various events on campus, or stay updated on valuable internship opportunities that shape our futures.
I am passionate about representing our student body and committed to making real changes that reflect our needs and aspirations. As Director of Publicity, my goal is to establish a strong communication system that keeps everyone connected and engaged. I will work to provide frequent updates on important events, valuable resources, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
One of my main priorities is ensuring students have access to key opportunities—whether it's an internship, career fair, campus event, or networking session. I will use all available platforms to ensure announcements are timely, clear, and easy to access. Whether through social media, newsletters, posters, or campus bulletins, I will make sure no one misses out on opportunities that could impact their success.
With a dedicated approach to consistent and transparent communication, I am confident that we can build a campus where every student feels supported, informed, and empowered to thrive throughout their time here.

Hi everyone! My name is Leila Kashani, running for Sustainability Director. If elected, I will wholeheartedly commit myself to ensuring SMC’s track record of sustainability continues. 

As an aspiring environmental lawyer, I understand the importance of sustainability, as well as the nuances and challenges that may be faced when pushing for sustainability. Sustainability is greatly intertwined with environmental justice, land restoration, rewilding, preservation of Indigenous culture, and I will ensure to highlight this. 

I will advocate for increased native plants on our campus, as these plants are crucial to a healthy ecosystem. Many of these plants attract butterflies and hummingbirds, aiding in beautifying our campus and strengthening our local ecosystem.  

To improve waste management on our campus, I will champion increased waste separation bins. Around campus, waste options are mostly limited to either recycling or landfill-bound bins. I will advocate for more food waste bins to be placed in common areas, as the pollutants emitted by food waste in landfills are much more effective at warming the planet than CO2. I will also champion the cause of more recycling bins in classrooms.  

I will promote sustainability in materials by advocating for a decrease in plastic waste generated by the cafeteria and offering the option to use recycled paper when printing on campus. 

I will work closely with clubs and organizations associated with sustainability, environmental causes, and gardening to bring the most sustainable version of SMC to life. 

Connect with me on Instagram: @rooted.in.actionSMC.

Hello SMC students! My name is Sophia Manavi, and I am running to be your Student Trustee. As your representative on the Santa Monica College Board of Trustees, I will ensure that student voices are heard at the highest level of decision-making.

I have dedicated my time at SMC to student advocacy and leadership. As an elementary communications intern for BHUSD, I managed outreach for three schools, working closely with administration to address community needs. My experience in student leadership, communications, and policy has prepared me to effectively advocate for you.

If elected, I will focus on:
Expanding mental health resources for students
Improving campus accessibility and student services
Ensuring transparency between students and administration

I believe that every student deserves a voice in the decisions that impact us. With your vote, I will work hard to represent your needs and concerns. Let’s make SMC better together!

As the sun dipped below the dunes on departure day, I stood there waiting with my boots planted in the sand; the weight of my helmet reminding me of a year filled with relentless challenges. This very moment marked the end of my military service and the turn of a new page. Joining the brilliant corsairs has re-ignited my passion to serve a thriving community. As a member of our judicial board, I am committed to ensuring that every voice in our community is heard and valued.

During my time on the judicial board of the military, I held the rank of a platoon sergeant. This experience was marked by many peaks and valleys, giving me the resilience needed to push through all adversities. In addition to this, my role taught me the sheer importance of upholding justice and integrity; this was reflected in my ability to conduct fair proceedings and skillful mediation—responsibilities that lay at the heart of our Judicial Board’s mission.

Before the military, I attended computer science courses at Harvard University and NYU; working with peers from diverse backgrounds taught me the value of perspective, which I am eager to embrace as a member of the judicial board at SMC. I enjoy spending time researching and developing cybersecurity infrastructure to combat AI-related cybercrime—a growing threat in today’s world. As part of the Judicial Board, I’ll bring this analytical mindset and commitment to fairness to ensure that our community’s standards are upheld with integrity.

Fairness isn’t complicated, it just takes people willing to stay sharp, stay honest, and step up when it matters.

I’m Nathan Norman, and I’m running for the A.S. Student Judicial Board because every student at Santa Monica College deserves a system they can trust. One that is clear, consistent, and built on real standards. That’s what I believe in, and that’s what I’ll bring to the Board.

Studying pre-med has trained me to think critically, stay composed under pressure, and make decisions that hold up, not just in the moment, but when it counts most. I approach every challenge with focus, fairness, and a commitment to doing things the right way.

Good leadership isn’t about making noise, it’s about cutting through it. On the Judicial Board, I’ll bring steady judgment, real accountability, and a mindset built on action, not excuses.

If you’re looking for someone who brings clear thinking, real integrity, and no ego, I’m your candidate and I'm ready to serve. Let’s raise the standard, together.

This vacancy will be filled Fall 2025. For more information, email Office of Student Life at osl@smc.edu