2025 Board of Directors Candidates

Hey, Huskies! My name is Brandon Pelen, and I’m so hyped to be running for your Director of Community Relations! I’m a Junior studying Communications and Business Administration. As a die-hard Swiftie, loyal Dutch Bros customer, and movie fanatic, I bring creativity, passion, and a deep love for building connections.  

As a first-generation student and the son of immigrants, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to find a sense of belonging in an unfamiliar environment. Navigating college wasn’t an easy experience, but I made it my mission to seek out every resource and opportunity to build my community and now, I want to do the same for you. I’m committed to creating inclusive spaces where every student feels supported, valued, and heard.  

I will prioritize:  

• Working with the Resident Hall Student Association and commuter student organizations to create dedicated spaces and programs that foster engagement.   
• Working with all campus safety organizations and the Director of Campus Partnerships to address student concerns by advocating for improved safety measures and accessible safety resources.  
• Strengthening Greek council relations to foster inclusivity and enhance collaboration with RSOs, RHSA, and the Student Senate for a more unified campus and to amplify student voices.   

QUALIFICATIONS

1. ASUW Elections Administration Web Content Intern (April 2024 – February 2025)  
2. Institute for Sustainable Diversity & Inclusion Marketing Intern (January 2025 – March 2025)  
3. UW Mesh Fashion Magazine Writer (April 2024 – February 2025)  
4. Harris – Walz Presidential Campaign Volunteer (October 2024)  

Hi! I’m Tanya Bhandari (she/her), a student pursuing a double degree in computer and political science. I’ve made it my mission in each leadership role to share our unique, individual stories and weave each one of them into something bigger than ourselves. The Director of Community Relations should take initiative to foster unity and invite all students to share their stories. I’m currently working to restore Parnassus café, implement a “pay-by-part” tuition program, and offer portable laptop power banks at Odegaard.  

As I continue serving you, I’m committed to building meaningful relationships in our local community to:  

❀ Strengthen campus security for students living on and off campus, but especially on Greek Row – alarming experiences like mine demonstrate the need for a non-emergency crime reporting system and campus lighting in collaboration with the Residential Community Student Association and HFS;  

❀ Recognize the needs of international students, despite marginalizing federal policies, by encouraging diverse meal options, ensuring access to an inclusive legal support system, and increasing the role of organizations like CIRCLE in policy decisions; and  

❀ Aid commuter students through secure, affordable parking and increased access to public transit with summer U-Pass access.  

Thank you for your vote!  

QUALIFICATIONS  

1. ASUW Student Senate General Affairs Committee Chair and Senate Steering Board Member (2024 -Present)  
2. ASUW Office of Government Relations Policy Intern (2024 – Present)  
3. Student Body President for 2 Consecutive Years (2022 – 2024), North Creek High School  
4. Foster Business School Student Assistant (2025 – Present)  
5. Youth Attorney at the Bothell Youth Court (2023 – 2024)  

ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIP

1. League of Women Voters Member  
2. Recruitment Committee Member for UW GenAction, a Planned Parenthood-affiliated RSO
3. Precinct Committee Officer in Snohomish County, 1st LD Democrats  

Hey Huskies! I’m Jessica Phan (she/her), and currently, I’m a first-year student studying Political Science and Economics. I am thrilled to run for Director of Community Relations and showcase my passion for leadership and equity at UW!
Coming into UW, I felt intimidated by the large environment, unsure if I could make an impact. And now, I am running for DoCR because, if not for the communities and relationships on campus, I’d still feel lost. I want to seize the opportunity to empower
communities and bridge the gap between each sector of interest at UW – because together, we’re stronger.

I endeavor to amplify student voices and highlight their potential, my priorities include:
● Extending the coordinates of UW Alerts to reach NE 55th St (Ravenna area) and providing substance test kits for students to promote safety in the Greek community.
● Work with First-Year Programs to restructure and ensure a comfortable transition into UW that is helpful and impactful for new students.
● Collaborate with student leaders in different sectors (like Panhel/IFC, HFS, RCSA, various RSOs, etc.) by hosting quarterly summits to become informed on
how ASUW could better serve their needs.
You belong at UW, and you should truly feel that.

Qualifications  

1. ASUW Internal Policy Intern (2024-Present)
2. The ACCESS Project Peer Mediation Trainer (2024-Present)
3. Merchandise Specialist at Alpha Delta Pi (2024-Present)
4. Lynnwood High School Executive Student Body President (2022-2024, consecutive terms)
5. Superintendent Student Advisory Committee for the Edmonds School District (2022-2023)

Organizational Membership  

1. Interdisciplinary Honors Program
2. Member of Alpha Delta Pi
3. Associated Students of the University of Washington 

Hey Huskies! My name is Grace Clarke and I’m so excited to run for the Director of Programming! I’m a third-year double-majoring in Law, Societies, & Justice and Disability Studies. When I’m not in class, I’m working at the Student Disability Commission, the Experimental Education Unit Inclusive Preschool, and singing with Furmata Acappella! As the liaison for RSOs, I will support and collaborate with students to strengthen our connection to UW and each other. My greatest memories and connections have come from RSOs and on-campus events, so I believe all students should be able to access and enjoy these opportunities.  

As your Director of Programming, I will:  

• Develop resources to increase the accessibility and transparency of ASUW funding opportunities to promote RSO success.  

• Expand the RSO Leadership Summit by developing curriculum that provides information, opportunities for creativity, and collaboration between RSOs and the broader UW community.  

• Collaborate with the Directors of Diversity Efforts and Campus Partnerships to integrate commissions and RSOs into Town Halls to increase engagement in ASUW policy.  

It is my mission to uplift the voices of our diverse student body and work to make our Dawg Pack the best it can be, so remember huskies, Bark for Clarke! 

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Internal Relations/Member of Furmata A Cappella RSO (2022-Present) 
2. Intern at ASUW Student Disability Commission (2024-Present) 
3. Assistant Teacher at EEU Inclusive Preschool (2023-Present) 
4. Junior Counselor at AWSL Leadership Camp (2022-2023) 

Hey Dawgs! I’m Rhiannon, a junior in Human Centered Design & Engineering, with a minor in American Sign Language. The highlights of my time here are the programs that I’ve been a part of, including events in my freshman Living Learning Community, a Rome study abroad program, and a weekly Waffle Wednesday for my friends, three years running. I’d love to elevate the sense of community I’ve found to a wider audience and encourage students to explore new passions and make new friends.  

In addition to promoting inclusivity and accessibility in campus events, I plan to host: 

❀ Quarterly RSO fairs and leadership mixers to connect students and dispel the notion that you can only join new clubs at the start of the year, ensuring that our RSOs thrive year-round; 

❀ A campus improvement competition where interdisciplinary teams of students are connected to propose bold new ideas for the evolution of our university and our campus community, which ASUW would work to implement; and 

❀ A Cherry Blossom Festival with student vendors, food trucks, and RSO tabling to create a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere for the start of spring quarter and showcase the creativity and achievements of our fellow Huskies. 

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Lead Engineering Ambassador (2024 – Present) 
2. HCDE Undergraduate Peer Adviser (2024 – Present) 
3. Research Assistant for KidsTeam UW (2023 – 2025) 
4. Tech Adviser for WSHS Alumni Association (2022 – Present) 
5. Theater Camp Assistant Director (2022 – 2024) 

ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIP

1. Engineering Ambassadors, within Emerging Leaders in Engineering (2023 – Present) 
2. KidsTeam UW, within the iSchool (2023 – 2024) 
3. Engineers without Borders (2022 – Present) 
4. WSHS Alumni Association (2022 – Present) 

Hi Huskies! I’m Owen Rivera, a first-year Political Science major from Everett, Washington, and I’m excited to run for Director of Programming! I’m passionate about bringing people together through sports and shared activities—and that’s exactly what I want to do in this role. As Director of Programming, I’ll focus on making ASUW events more inclusive, engaging, and accessible for all students. Coming from a diverse background, I know how intimidating it can feel to find your place on campus, so I’m committed to ensuring every student feels welcomed and involved. By strengthening ASUW’s outreach and collaboration with RSOs, I’ll create meaningful events and opportunities that truly reflect our diverse student body. 

If elected, I plan to: 

• Collaborate with ASUW entities and RSOs to create fun and engaging events every quarter such as student led concerts, diversity fairs, and fashion exhibitions. 
• Host RSO leadership summits to encourage collaboration, provide funding and mentorship to RSO leaders. 
• Work closely with OCOMM to include UW students in what events they want to see on campus using online polls and advertisements. 

If elected, I’ll dedicate myself to connecting more students than ever before and making ASUW more collaborative and accessible for you! Vote Huskies Unbound! 

QUALIFICATIONS 

1. ASUW Internal Policy Intern  
2. UW Annual Dean’s List Recipient (2024 – Present)
3. Cascade High School 2023-2024 Spring Scholar Athlete  

As a candidate for Director of Programming at UW, my experience in leadership, event coordination, and relationship-building positions me to excel in this role. My collaborative approach and organizational skills will ensure successful programming that benefits the entire UW community. 

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Head of Recruitment, Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity (2022-2023): Led a team to successfully recruit and onboard new members, increasing membership by 20%. 
2. Executive Social Chair, Tau Kappa Epsilon (2021-2022): Organized and executed over 15 large-scale social events, fostering community engagement and collaboration. 
3. Collaborator with Peyton Sax, Former Director of Programming (2023): Worked closely with last year’s Director of Programming to gain insight into event planning and leadership strategies. 
4. Strong Interpersonal and Organizational Skills: Proven ability to connect with diverse groups, manage teams, and coordinate complex projects efficiently. 
5. People-Oriented Leader: Known for being approachable, sociable, and effective in building relationships to achieve shared goals. 

ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIP

1. Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity (2021-Present): Held leadership roles as Head of Recruitment and Executive Social Chair. Recognized for outstanding contributions to member engagement and event planning. 
2. Awards: Received “Most Valuable Member” award in 2022 for dedication and impact within the fraternity. 

Greetings UW! My name is Remi Martin and it would be anHonor to be your Director of Programming for ASUW. I enjoy walking my dogs, arts and crafts, listening to and playing music, Brawl Stars, and the Oxford comma. While my love for these hobbies has always been an integral part of my life, they all remind me of one thing: If I’m going to do something, do it right. I would approach this position no differently; optimizing the benefits that I can provide. 

As Director of Programming, I intend to… 

1. Emphasize student physical and mental health. Every student should feel prepared to handle their own wellbeing, whether that be through therapy or STD testing and treatment. 
2. Emphasize inclusion. This position has the privilege to provide events that cater to all students. Music is diverse and widespread, and I want our events to reflect that. 
3. Emphasize collaboration. Whether that be between students and directors, or directors and directors, the value of multiple perspectives should never be diminished. 

I’m passionate about providing students with unforgettable events, but I’m equally passionate about the detail orientation and organization aspects of this position. I am a hard-working, detail-oriented, and conscientious student ready to contribute, grow, and exercise my curiosity, responsibility, and versatility.  

QUALIFICATIONS

1. National Charity League Class President, VP of Philanthropy, Cultural Events Coordinator (2020 – 2023) 
2. UW CELE Volunteer Tutor (2024) 
3. Published Medical Journal Illustrator (2020) 
4. ASUW and CHO (Community Health Outreach) Volunteer (2023 – Present) 
5. Head Lifeguard (2021 -Present) 

Hi UW! My name is Kate Lawson, and I am a sophomore majoring in Political Science: Economy and minoring in LSJ and Dance. I am beyond excited to be running for your Director of University Affairs! This role is primarily responsible for getting your voice heard by faculty and state representatives, so that the UW is able to understand and meet the needs of the student body. With experience working both inside and outside of the UW in legislative, communications, and advocacy, I feel that I bring a multifaceted and well rounded set of experiences to this position. I am dedicated to listening to YOUR VOICE, and bringing that perspective to the UW with honesty and integrity.  

As Director of University Affairs, I will:  

• Make myself available to students on a regular basis, including holding office hours for RSO leaders and advocacy partners on campus.  
• Increase transparency in decision making processes by faculty and university staff. 
• Coordinate with OGR to protect eligibility for the Washington State College Grant.  
• Synthesize feedback from UW HFS and RCSA to bring effective programs to our on-campus communities, including decreasing on-campus food pricing. 
• Increase awareness of RSO HUB Fund, and provide assistance with funding applications.  

QUALIFICATIONS

1. ASUW Student Signature Senator
2. Communications Director: Nu Chapter- Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honors Society 
3. Founding Staff- Editor: The Journal of Political Science at UW 
4. Congressional Intern- Constituent Services: US House of Representatives (Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland WA-10, Fall/Winter 2024)  
5. Political Campaign Intern: US Senator Ruben Gallego (Summer 2024) 

ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIP

1. Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity (PAD)
2. Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honors Society, Nu Chapter (PSA) 
3. Bricolage Literary and Visual Arts Journal  
4. Dance Student Association (DSA)  
5. UW Interdisciplinary Honors Program  

Hi! My name is Towa Nakano-Harris. I’m studying Law, Societies, and Justice with minors in Public Policy and International Studies, and I hope to be your next Director of University Affairs! The DUA is responsible for representing student interests to university faculty and administration, as well as helping to shape our messaging to state legislators. I have a background in both on-the-ground activism and institutional reform, and I want to use that experience to bring ASUW into closer alignment with the priorities of the student body and ensure that those priorities are reflected in university and state policy. 

As your Director of University Affairs, I would: 

❀ Alleviate financial burdens for students by expanding access to Open Educational Resources and instituting a textbook buyback program and providing vital childcare services to students with dependents; 

❀ Create peer guidance and mentor programs designed for low income, first generation, and/or rural students like myself – as well as international students – who navigate their college experience with fewer resources for support; and 

❀ Uphold UW’s stated commitment to accessibility through demystifying class registration systems and increasing compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, which remains unenforced on a large scale. 

QUALIFICATIONS  

1. ASUW Senator (2024-Present) 
2. Robert Lee Ellis Civic Fellow (2024-Present) 
3. Landesa Stand 4 Her Land Intern (2024)  
4. Tsuru for Solidarity member & Community Organizer (2024-present) 
5. Enumclaw High School Board of Control (2022-23) 

ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIP

1. NextGen Civic Leader Corps 
2. Huskies 4 Reproductive Freedom 
3. First Generation Leaders in Law 
4. Japanese Student Association  
5. Institutional Climate Action 

Hi Huskies! My name is Alice Zborovskiy and I’m thrilled to be running for Director of University Affairs. I am a junior majoring in Public Health and minoring in Public Policy. As DUA, I will serve as the liaison between students and faculty administration while advancing campus legislative priorities at the state level. With experience on a university president-appointed student safety committee and as ASUW’s Co-Director of the Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence Activists entity, I have dedicated myself to centering student voices in administrative processes. 

As Director of University Affairs, I will:  

• Centralize student wellbeing resources on one easily navigable platform, ensuring they are accessible through all student Canvas pages. 

• Work alongside the Office of Government Relations and both graduate and undergraduate student senates to develop and advance legislative priorities addressing student needs. 

• Serve as the student body’s liaison to administrative task forces, organizing recurring listening sessions in partnership with RSOs and the Director of Campus Partnerships. These sessions will provide an open forum for students to raise concerns, which I will constructively channel to the administration.  

• Empower students with the tools to lobby state policy, opening opportunities for individuals and communities to advocate their interests in legislative decision-making. 

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Co-Director of the ASUW Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence Activists entity for 2024-2025 
2. Undergraduate Representative for the university president-appointed Antisemitism Committee 2023-2024 
3. Policy Intern for the ASUW Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence Activists entity for 2022-2024 
4. Academic Director for Alpha Xi Delta 2023-2024 

Hi Huskies! 

I’m Nebiat Markos – a Sagittarius who loves live music, vanilla lattes, and UW! I’m majoring in  Informatics: Information & Society with a Minor in Diversity. Throughout college, I’ve focused on my passion of leveraging and enhancing student experiences to address adversity and disparities. As your Director of Diversity Efforts, I plan on focusing on three pillars: 

1. Belonging for All: Enforce Senate Bill 5227 calling for the implementation of DEI&B training for UW employees and students by emphasizing its distinction. 
2. Student Wellness: Partner with the ASUW Office of Student Health Relations to expand on Wellness Week, providing mental health programming and fostering holistic well-being. 
3. Inclusion & Leadership Development: Work with the Director of Campus Partnerships and the Director of Programming to increase student engagement by connecting ASUW-liaised entities and RSOs to host community-strengthened  Forums and Town Halls. Address gaps in leadership transitions and instill student confidence by directing onboarding assistance to RSOs and ASUW commissions. 

Navigating campus as a first-generation Ethiopian-American woman has taught me that community connection defines your UW experience. Cultivating spaces where underrepresented students can enjoy themselves is what I do best, and I will continue to do so as your next Director of Diversity Efforts. 

QUALIFICATIONS

1. ASUW Black Student Commission Director (Present) 
2. UW Diversity/DEI Council, Student & Student Facing Entities Coordinating Council Representative and Co-Chair (Present) 
3. SB 5227 DEI&B Training Advisory Committee Member (Present) 
4. UW Black Graduation & Kente Ceremony Planning Committee Chair (Present) 
5. ASUW Office of International Student Advocacy Assistant Director (2023-24) 

ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIP

1. UW Pure Gold Step Team (2023 – Present) 
2. ASUW BSC x UW BSU Black Excellence Gala – RSO Leader of the Year Award (2024) 
3. East African Student Association – Founder, Membership Coordinator, & President (2022-2024) 
4. RETRO Revolutionary Poets – Social Media Coordinator & Vice President (2022-2024) 
5. ASUW BSC x UW BSU Black Excellence Gala – Emerging Leader of the Year Award (2023) 

Hey Huskies! My name is Taylor Arredondo (she/her), and I am excited to run for the Director of Diversity Efforts. I am a second-year student studying Political Science and minoring in Human Rights and Latin American and Caribbean Studies. As a first-generation college student and Mexican-American, uplifting diverse voices and ensuring an intersectional learning experience for students on campus is of the utmost importance to me. I am committed to continuing to make an accessible and equitable campus that allows students and faculty to thrive in a community that values diversity and the inclusion of all! 

My top priorities include: 

❀ Resist attempts to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in the University by promoting the UW Diversity Blueprint, a plan for thorough DEI integration to increase cultural competency and empower marginalized students at UW; 

❀ Fight for undocumented students, transgender students, students with disabilities, and other communities that are under attack by the federal government by bolstering resources and working to ensure their safety through direct communication with those impacted 

❀ Involve diversity-based RSOs more in the decision-making processes of the lobbying office of ASUW through the organization of RSO town halls. 

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Disability Inclusive Development Initiative Fellow (2024) 
2. A representative for Lotus Center for Rights Research to the UN COSP 17 (2024) 
3. Editor of the Jackson School Journal of International Studies (2024-Present) 
4. Honors Peer Mentoring Program Committee Member and Peer Mentor (2024-Present) 

Organizational Memberships: 

1. The Jackson School Journal of International Studies (2024 – Present) 
2. Honors Peer Mentoring Program (2024 – Present) 
3. Huskies for Opportunities in Prison Education (H.O.P.E) (2024 – Present) 

Hello UW! 

My name is Ashwin Anand, and I am excited to be running for ASUW Director of Internal Policy! I’m a freshman majoring in Economics and Finance, and UW has quickly become my home after moving from California to Seattle. I’m also a huge foodie (seriously, send me your best restaurant recommendations!). 

As Director of Internal Policy, I will ensure ASUW operates efficiently, transparently, and in the best interest of students. My role will involve maintaining records, overseeing constitutional procedures, and chairing the Judicial Committee. But beyond that, I am committed to enacting real change that makes ASUW more accessible, and accountable. 

If elected, I will: 

• Ensure ASUW’s record management aligns with Washington’s Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) to enhance transparency and accountability. 

• Continue fostering ASUW’s historic Partnerships with the UW Bookstore and UW Athletics to enhance student engagement and support. 

• Streamline ASUW’s Bureaucracy by making it easier for senators, board members, and students to navigate ASUW’s processes. 

• Implement regular progress reports to keep students informed and ensure ASUW representatives remain accountable to the student body. 

If elected, I will work to make ASUW more efficient, more inclusive, and truly representative of you! Vote Huskies Unbound! 

QUALIFICATIONS

1. ASUW Student Senator, ASUW Student Senate (2024-present) 
2. Legislative Affairs Intern, ASUW Office of Governmental Relations (2024-present) 
3. Fundraising Coordinator, Debate Society at the University of Washington (2024-present) 
4. Lead Student Representative, San Ramon Valley Unified Local Control and Accountability Plan (2022-2024) 

ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIP

1. Business Consultant, University of Washington Consulting Association (2024-present) 
2. Equity Analyst, University of Washington Investment Group (2024-present)  
3. Student Member, University of Washington Delta Sigma Pi: Sigma Upsilon Chapter (2024-present) 
4. Peer Wellness Mentor, Dougherty Valley High School (2022-2024) 
5. International Project and Fundraising Coordinator, Sarada Sakthi Peetam Orphanage 501(c) (2022-2024)  

Hey Huskies! I’m Simon Thompson, a freshman majoring in Political Science with planned minors in Leadership and Spanish. I’m ecstatic to be running for Director of Internal Policy.

Originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan, I now love calling the PNW home. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, skiing, running, and spending time at the Great Lakes. As the ASUW Director of Internal Policy, I will serve as the ASUW historian while overseeing and revising bylaws and policies. Moreover, I will be responsible for knowing our constitution inside and out.

Some of my top priorities as Director of Internal Policy include:

• Strengthening Accountability & Oversight in ASUW: Working with the VP to ensure ASUW operates with integrity through oversight mechanisms and proactive enforcement of policies.
• Making ASUW Policies More Transparent & Accessible: Among other solutions, I will create a portal within the website with simplified explanations of ASUW policies, bylaws, and meeting minutes.
•  Increasing Internal Engagement with Bylaws: Working with programs to include diverse voices in ASUW policy revision, such as by collaborating with the Elections Administration Committee directors to review and edit the EPP.

I’d be honored to bring my drive and grit to this role to build an ASUW that serves you.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Michigan’s Youth Governor. 2023-2024
2. University of Washington Undergraduate Learning Outcomes Task Force. 2025-Present
3. ASUW Student Senator. 2024-Present
4. Students Demand Action Organizer. 2023-2024
5. Michigan’s Youth Speaker of the House. 2022-2023

ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIP

1. Michigan Interscholastic Forensics Association States Qualifier, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
2. NowKalamazoo “Beyond Bullets” Featured Activist. 2023
3. YMCA’s Michigan State Alliance Leaders Conference Keynote Speaker. 2023