Graduate Student Senate Executive Board

GSS President

Kojo Ocran
Degree: School of Education
Program: Higher Education and Student Affairs
Hometown: Accra, Ghana/ Paris, France
Email: Kofoforiocran@dons.usfca.edu

Officer Bio:

Kojo Ofori Ocran serves as the President of the Graduate Student Senate at the University of San Francisco. He is a graduate student in the Higher Education & Student Affairs program and a Graduate Intern for Student Engagement at USF, where he leads and supports programs such as orientation, Weeks of Welcome, and Family Weekend. Kojo brings years of experience in student affairs, event coordination, and student development. Kojo also served as Marketing Chair for the Black Graduate Students Association of USF, where he helped strengthen communication and visibility for the Black Graduate Students community.  His work centers on amplifying graduate student voices, fostering meaningful connections across programs, and advocating for resources that support diverse student populations. Beyond academics, he enjoys cooking, jogging, and exploring cultures through language and travel.

Vice President of Internal Affairs

Ana De Castro Maquiz
Degree: School of Education
Program: Ed.D Organization and Leadership
Hometown: Hollister and Sacramento, CA 
Email: agdecastromaquiz@dons.usfca.edu

Officer Bio:

Ana De Castro Maquiz is a Doctoral Candidate in the Organization and Leadership Program in the School of Education. A native of Veracruz, Mexico, raised in Hollister, California, Ana holds undergraduate degrees in Communication Studies and Sociology from California State University, Sacramento, and a master's in management from Colorado State University Global. Inspired by a commitment to public service, Ana is currently the Chief Deputy Clerk-Recorder-Elections for a small/medium sized California county. Her previous roles include as a Public Information Officer for a school district and leading community educational programs. Passionate about student success, Ana is actively involved in the Graduate Student Senate (GSS), dedicated to sharing resources and opportunities with the student body.

Vice President of Treasury

Alvin Tang
Degree: School of Education
Program: School: Higher Education & Student Affairs
Hometown: Oakland, CA
Email: aqtang@dons.usfca.edu

Officer Bio: 
Alvin He majored in Economics and specialized in Data Analytics and Economic Analysis at the University of California, Davis. He grew up in Oakland, CA, and has returned to the Bay Area to pursue his Master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of San Francisco. I’m driven by the belief that we all deserve the resources and support we need for individual professional growth. I want to ensure that you have the financial assistance needed for your professional development. 

Vice President of External Affairs

Shivani Gandhi
Program: School of Nursing and Health Professions
School: Master's in Public Health, Community and Public Health Practice Concentration
Hometown: Mumbai, India
Email: sdgandhi@dons.usfca.ed

Officer Bio: 
Shivani Gandhi brings energy, and curiosity to her role as Vice President of External Affairs. Whether she’s connecting with new partners, sparking collaborations, or brainstorming big-picture ideas, Shivani thrives on building bridges that expand opportunities for students. She believes in turning conversations into action and is always ready to represent her peers with authenticity. Outside of her official duties, you’ll probably find her exploring new coffee shops, hiking, or finding new restaurants.

Vice President of Mission

Mrigank Mittal
Degree: School of Nursing and Health Professions
Program: Master's in Public Health, Community and Public Health Practice Concentration
Hometown:Etawah, India
Email: mmittal3@dons.usfca.ed

Officer Bio: 

A writer by passion and a dentist by profession, either way I can put a smile on your face. I am a graduate student pursuing my Master of Public Health and a foreign-trained dentist with a deep commitment to service, advocacy, and community well-being. Passionate about building bridges between students and leadership, I am dedicated to ensuring every graduate student voice is heard, valued, and uplifted. My focus is on creating inclusive spaces where advocacy turns into action, whether it is advancing resolutions that reflect student needs, strengthening community engagement, or championing equity in decision-making. As VP of Mission, I am excited to collaborate with fellow students, amplify diverse perspectives, and help shape a stronger, more connected USF community.