Graduate Student Senate Voter Guide

Jacqueline (Jackie) Azavedo
Major: Higher Education and Student Affairs

Statement: At USF, we’re told to ‘change the world from here’, but are we supporting grad students right here? Hi Dons! My name is Jacqueline Azevedo and I am running to be your GSS President. As a first generation graduate student at the University of San Francisco, I serve as an Assistant Resident Director, participate on the club women’s water polo team, and stay actively engaged with community service on and off campus. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to leadership, service, and belonging. 

As President of the Graduate Student Senate, I plan on building strong relationships with our graduate students and university leadership to ensure our voices shape decision making. I will advocate for commuter support, whether that looks like public transportation or parking discounts, and expand awareness of campus resources.

I plan to create intentional programming– such as mixers connecting all campuses and satellite campuses– to foster community and celebrate student success. With integrity and dedication, I am ready to represent and uplift our graduate community at USF. Vote Jacqueline Azevedo as your 26/27 GSS President. “Leading with Purpose and Advocating for you!”
 

María Dolores Castillo
Major: Higher Education and Student Affairs

Statement: As a Latina, first-gen, commuter grad student and full time professional, facing current challenges – while acknowledging countless other barriers our graduate student body faces – I invite you to share your stories and join me in uplifting our various comunidades. USF and GSS must show their care by:
● C - Centering Student Voices in Decision-Making & Increasing Representation
● A - Addressing Basic Needs - i.e, Food, Mental Health, Housing, Accessibility, etc
● R - Reimagining Spaces in & outside the Classroom
● E - Enacting Change by Decolonizing Oppressive Structures & Building Collective Liberation

I'll utilize my platform as President to advocate for others, create spaces for us to thrive, and cultivate transformative connections with our fellow faculty, staff, and administrators so that we receive the educational opportunities we deserve. ¡En comunidad todo es posible!
 

Sophia Scipi
Major: Accounting

Statement: Hi everyone! I am running for Vice President of Treasury for the graduate student body with the priority of ensuring our student funds are used thoughtfully, transparently, and in ways that directly benefit students. As the current School of Management Senator, I have experience working with the intention of student concerns and understand the importance of advocating for what our community actually needs. I am also pursuing my Master’s in Accounting and work as a Senior Account Operations Coordinator, where I help manage high-volume budgets. I bring both student leadership and financial experience, and I’d be honored to serve our graduate community. 

Emilio Sánchez
Major: Higher Education & Student Affairs

Statement: My name is Emilio Sánchez, I’m a first year Higher Education and Student Affairs
graduate student at the School of Education. I currently work as a part-time graduate assistant for the Office of Community Living as an Assistant Residence Director that co-supervises a team of student leaders and supports a community of first year undergraduate students. I’m drawn to the prospect of serving our Graduate Student Senate as the VP of Mission because of its commitment to our institution’s expansive mission statement that serves our diverse student population. I aim to ensure that the concerns–academic, professional, or social–of graduate students are acknowledged and collaboratively addressed in a manner that is productive
and impactful.

Lesley Estrada
Major: Higher Education & Student Affairs

Statement: My name is Lesley Estrada, I am a first year graduate student in the Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) program at the School of Education.  As a proud first generation student and full time professional, I aim to challenge the exclusivity of students who are often overlooked and pushed to the side and disrupt the lack of community building outside of professional and academic spaces. My mission is to foster change rooted in deeper understanding, belonging, and meaningful policy action through programming, advocacy, and community. As the Graduate Student Senate representative for the School of Education, I am dedicated to advocating for every first generation student and others who often feel underrepresented. I am committed to building a supportive and inclusive graduate community where all students feel seen, connected and empowered.

Maomao (Julie) Wang
Major: Organization and Leadership, Ed.D.

Statement: This is Julie/Maomao Wang, a doctoral student in the EdD Organization and Leadership program. I am also a Montessorian and hold an MBA degree. As a candidate for Graduate Student Senator for the School of Education, 

• I aim to strengthen our community, improve transparency, and expand support for students balancing rigorous academic work with professional and personal responsibilities. 
• I will elevate student voices and collaborate across programs to build a more inclusive, responsive, and student‑centered environment. 
• I am committed to listening, working together, and ensuring our needs help shape the direction of the School of Education at USF.

Edvina Bahar
Major: Business Administration

Statement: My name is Edvina Bahar, and I’m a graduate student in the USF School of Management running for re-election as your Graduate Student Senate Senator. Having served as a Senator this year, I’ve gained firsthand experience navigating student governance, advocating for graduate student needs, and driving meaningful change from within. I know how the Senate works and more importantly, how to make it work for you. I’m committed to amplifying the SOM student voice, especially those that are international and improve graduate student resources, and fostering a stronger, more connected community within SOM. Every student deserves responsive representation, and their needs to be addressed, and I’m looking forward to delivering it!

Taeya Paolella
Major: Public Health

I am a Master of Public Health student running for Graduate Student Senate as the School of Nursing and Health Professions Representative. Being part of this community has shown me how dedicated and diverse our students are, and how important it is that we feel heard and supported. I am committed to advocating for student needs, strengthening communication between students and administration, and fostering a more inclusive and connected environment across all programs. I genuinely care about representing your voice and ensuring your experiences are reflected in the decisions that impact our community. I would be honored to serve and support our school.
 

Mahdi Fugfugosh
Major: Law

Dashmond (Dash) Sylvester
Major: Law

Statement: My name is Dash Sylvester, and I am very excited to be running for the School of Law Graduate Student Senator at USF. I am running for this position because I believe that our opinions and ideas matter. Every student deserves a zealous advocate that will not only listen, but take action. Law school is a very demanding program. We all attempt to navigate complex coursework and maintain a high level of professionalism, all while trying to plan our futures. In this kind of environment, it is essential that student concerns are not only heard but meaningfully addressed.My values are rooted in transparency and community which I wholeheartedly believe are the keys to making our law school experience that much better. If elected, I will focus on three core priorities: (1) amplifying student voices, (2) improving transparency and communication, and (3) strengthening community and professional development. I would be honored to have your support and vote!

Valeria Ramos
Major: Sport Management

Statement: I’m Valeria Ramos, and I’m running to be your OC Representative. I’ve helped plan events like Campus Connect and networking sessions that bring real energy to campus, but I know we can do more. I want to create more fun, meaningful events, mixers, and industry panels, strengthen connections across cohorts, and increase internship and career opportunities for students. Most importantly, I want to hear you, your ideas, your needs, and what you actually want to see on campus. OC shouldn't just be where we go to class, it should be a community where we vibe, collaborate, and grow together. Flexibility on networking events? More fun after class? Let’s make it happen. I’m here to represent your voice, let’s elevate campus life.