What is your role in ASUWB? 

As the Director of Senate, I am an elected official of the ASUWB Board of Directors. I collaborate with the other board of directors to productively vote on campus policy during executive board meetings. My main role is to deal with all things Senate-related. I am the Speaker of the ASUWB Senate, and I facilitate senate meetings. This year, I spearheaded the hiring and onboarding of 18 different student senators, which is our largest student senate post-COVID. Whether it be one-on-one meetings or group check-ins, I also ensure that senators feel supported and confident enough to serve the UWB community. Additionally, I connect senators with relevant personnel and aid them in legislative matters and initiatives, making sure that the legislation being introduced has a positive impact on the various constituencies that make up the student body. I work closely with the Vice President, Miyuki Sandoval, who serves as the Vice Speaker for the Senate. I also work closely with Dagim Woldermichael, who is the Internal Affairs Coordinator and serves as the Clerk for the Senate. Together, we make up the Senate team! My biggest goal for this year is for students to feel represented by their senators and provide plenty of opportunities for senator and student collaboration. 

For those who are not familiar with student government, how would you describe the Senate and the responsibilities within it? How can students get involved? 

There are two branches of student government. One is the executive branch, made up of the board of directors, and the other is the legislative branch, comprised of the senators. In that regard, the Senate acts as a check for the Board of Directors. If the Board of Directors wants to make any changes to the ASUWB Bylaws, Constitution, or pass legislation, it must be passed through the Senate First. The Senate is also responsible for drafting its legislation and voting on policy. The ASUWB Senate also holds bi-weekly meetings on Fridays from 10 am-12 pm. These meetings are public! I encourage students to come to senate meetings and observe what is going on. Students can additionally request to speak at senate meetings if they wish by contacting me at least 48 hours before the senate meeting. Students can also engage with their senators by emailing them, attending their office hours, and engaging with their outreach. In terms of becoming a senator, hiring for the 2025-2026 senate is mostly completed. However, ASUWB is still looking for a Senator representing Forest Hall! If becoming a senator sounds interesting, hiring for the 2026-2027 senate will likely open fall of next year! 

How many Senators are there at UW Bothell, and what different things do they advocate for? 

There are currently 18 senator spots at UW Bothell, with one spot still vacant for Forest Hall. There is at least one senator per academic school, three senators representing commuting students, three senators per residential hall, and specialty senators that include the Transfer/Dual Credit senators, Veteran Senator, Graduate student senator, International student senator, and Club Senator. The senators first and foremost responsibility is to advocate for their community. For example, a senator for the school of IAS is responsible for listening to the students of IAS and hearing their concerns, feedback, comments, and acting accordingly. The senators are also encouraged to write additional legislation that still positively impacts the UWB Community. One example of additional legislation that I used during Senate Orientation is a senator passing legislation that will add paper towels to the bathrooms. Right now, senators are conducting outreach with their communities and learning what support they need. The senators will then advocate for changes that directly uplift the community that they are representing. 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? 

I love to read, my favorite book is the 7 Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. I also like to write, and I write for the Husky Herald! Check out my article in this issue about Climate Change’s Impact on Washington. I also love to go on walks, go to the gym, and watch 90s/early 2000s tv shows! I also enjoy being engaged on campus whether that be attending events or serving as an officer for various clubs.