Graduate Student Senate Voter Guide

Benson Adomako

Major: International and Development Economics

My name is Benson Adomako. I am a graduate student in the International and Development Economics program, and I am honored to run for President of the Graduate Student Senate. I am passionate about building a thriving, inclusive, and empowered graduate student community. As the current senate representative for the College of Arts and Sciences and the administrative chair of the Black Graduate Student Association, I have worked to promote community, engagement, and advocacy among students. I am running to enhance the graduate school experience beyond the classroom by advocating for career development opportunities tailored for graduate students, through internships and job placements, and creating opportunities for graduate student involvement. If elected, I will strive to ensure that every graduate student has the resources and support necessary to thrive.

Kojo Ocran

Major: Higher Education and Student Affairs

I’m Kojo Ocran, a Master’s student in Higher Education and Student Affairs, and a passionate advocate for student success, community, and equity. As a graduate intern for Student Engagement and Marketing Chair of the Black Graduate Students Association, I’ve worked to foster belonging and amplify student voices. With my experience  in student affairs, I’ve seen the power of advocacy and collaboration. I’m running for Graduate Student Senate President to push for real support, stronger connections, and a Senate that truly represents us. Let’s build a graduate experience where every voice matters. Vote Kojo for leadership that listens, leads, and delivers!  #KojoForGSSPresident

Shivani Gandhi

Major: Public Health

I am running for the VP of Internal Affairs for Graduate Student Senate because I believe every student deserves a voice in shaping our academic and professional experience. I’m committed to fostering a stronger, more connected student body. My goal is to ensure open communication, create inclusive spaces for student concerns, and improve transparency within our graduate community.

Ana De Castro Maquiz

Major: Educational Doctorate

Empower, Connect, Thrive! As your 2025-2026 VPIA, I'll build on 2 years of serving GSS as a School of Ed Senator into action. I'll guide and build each School Senator Pair so that they may actively respond to student needs; additionally I will lead the GSS internal development with the rest of the Executive team to promote steadfast leadership. I’ll advocate for transparency, engagement, resources, and interaction across graduate students while keeping student needs at the forefront. Your voice matters: all feedback and suggestions will be encouraged. I'll encourage collaboration and prioritize student needs continuously. I look forward to creating a dynamic community empowering all graduate students to excel as your VP of Internal Affairs.

Alvin Tang

Major: Higher Education

Hello fellow graduate students!

As someone who deeply cares about your success, I’m driven by the belief that we all deserve the resources and support we need for individual professional growth. With my experience on the GSS finance committee and my background in Economics, I’m prepared to lead the GSS’s financial efforts and strategic planning. I want to ensure that you have the financial assistance needed for your professional development, advocate for transparency, and work closely with our leadership to make sure every penny is used effectively for our collective growth. This role is about YOU – your needs, your goals, and your future. I would be honored to have your vote and serve as your VP of Treasury.

liz shaheen

Major: International & Multicultural Education

Hi My name is Liz Shaheen and I am running for School of Education Senator. As a Queer Non-Binary Woman of Color I have experience representing constituents that are usually underrepresented and I have held a number of leadership positions that have trained me to do this in a positive and co-creative way. As an Educator, I have experience in different types of pedagogical settings including grassroots organizations, and embodied experience workshops. I’ve seen Education on a variety of levels and would love to represent the USF Student Body of the School of Education. Thank you so much for your time!

Dede Adote

Major: International & Multicultural Education

As a woman of color, I understand the unique challenges graduate students face, especially the feelings of isolation and disconnection. The Graduate Senate Representative role is essential for creating a supportive and inclusive community within the School of Education. Many of us, including international students, often experience loneliness and a lack of adequate support. I will work to establish regular check-ins, create more inclusive social events, and advocate for resources that address the diverse needs of our student body. My goal is to build spaces where all students can connect, reflect our shared experiences, and ensure our well-being is prioritized. Together, we can foster a stronger, more inclusive graduate community.

Paul David Terry

Major: International and Multicultural Education

As a graduate student senator for the School of Education, I, Paul David Terry, have focused on enhancing connectivity among campus staff, leadership, and students. My efforts include promoting awareness of conference and certificate funding and developing a model for student leaders to access group funding effectively.

In the 2025-2026 academic year, I aim to expand access to funding and increase awareness of available resources within our community. My commitment is to boost graduate student understanding of these opportunities, ensuring that we can support students across all programs and foster a more connected and informed graduate student community.

Jaylene Dizon-Gomez

Major: Master of Science in Nursing, Clinical Nurse Leader

Hello, my fellow Dons! Let me inspire you! I’m Jaylene and I was born and raised here in LA, est. 1995. A millennial at your service! I received my B.S. in Exercise Science and Biology from CSULA and am working on my Masters of Nursing and Clinical Nurse Leader certification at the Orange County campus. I value what you have to say and I promise you, I will make an effort to create a memorable student experience for you! I truly love to make things special and lively for each student, ask everyone I meet! I believe when a student feels valued, they can thrive and grow into the person they are meant to be! I know I can create this environment for you as the OC student representative. Eventually, I hope to inspire change and create meaningful environments in our future healthcare system!