2015-2016 Tenants' Association Board Election Candidates
Candidates for President:
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| Stephanie Hong |
Hi! I’m Stephanie Hong, ready for my 3rd productive year of Board service.
As Treasurer(2013-14), I updated our accounting systems, and audited so thoroughly that I caught & corrected several UCSB errors, saving us >$1,000. As a Board & with great community support, we successfully worked with Housing in reducing rental increase rates and compensating residents for West Campus construction impacts. I organized our FSH-wide Day of Caring; my husband & I were your BBQ-grillers/food-servers.
As StorkeVP(2014-15), I worked with Housing and fellow residents to ensure completion of several projects that benefit all residents, including: converting Storke center planter boxes into edible gardens; making an “online Swap Shop” to supplement our physical locations; providing residents with free laundry weeks; guaranteeing residents receive tuition waivers for SBCC parenting classes held at Storke CC; and maintaining the DVD swap.
As President(2015-16), I’ll provide strong direction to our Board, making us immediately effective & continuing progress to: improve West Campus (WC) internet connectivity; revamp WC playground with resident input; expand planting of plentiful fruit trees and herbs into different areas of Storke and WC; manage many construction projects with satisfactory communication and minimal disruption; add outdoor exercise structures in common spaces; and establish a new paradigm of soliciting resident input, e.g via surveys, on impactful decisions that Housing makes (e.g. laundry system or common amenities changes).
This is an amazing community of smart, active, interesting, diverse people – it’s my honor to be of service, & I appreciate your vote. Thank you, Stephanie Hong
Candidates for Vice President at Storke:
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| Liz Zeffiro |
Hello! My name is Liz Zeffiro and I'm running for the position of Vice President of Storke. My boyfriend Will (Ph.D. Candidate, Materials Science) and I have lived in Storke since May 2013. Every day when we see our neighbors out and about, hear kids playing outside, tend to our garden, and pick herbs from the new community garden, we are thankful to be a part of this wonderful community!
I have a strong background in academic administrative work (both as a student and an employee), loads of experience planning and coordinating events, and a passion for community service. I have attended each Storke TA meeting since moving into FSH and have worked to be a contributing participant. I have a good grip on the issues facing residents and am very willing to work with Housing & Residential Services on these and any new projects residents feel are important.
I already have some ideas (both practical and fun) for the next year and would love to hear your ideas as well! I am eager to work with all of you to make FSH an even better place to live, and thank you for the opportunity to serve this community!
Candidates for Vice President at West Campus:
Marie Regalado:
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| Marie Regalado |
Hello, my name is Marie Regalado and I am
interested in the VP position because I bring an interesting set of
qualifications to the table. I grew up raising money for varying organizations
such as, "The March of dimes", "Habitat for Humanity", and
local schools.
In addition to my extensive knowledge of
community groups, I have lived closest to the construction at the front
entrance for nearly two years. I contributed to the meetings with housing to
bring about change to benefit all west campus residents. I began a constant
dialog with housing regarding enforcement of working hours, as in starting at
7am and no earlier, as well as general enforcement of construction worker
conduct. Although we have still had problems with proper clean up and parking,
my dialogue with housing has encourage a quicker response then was previously
available.
I have many connections now within the
housing staff who readily communicate with me when there is an issue to
address. We may not always like the answers we are given but I can promise you
information quicker than what we have experienced over the last couple years. I
continue to serve on the relief committee which negotiates rebates to all west
campus residents. I have been working as an advocate for WC residence and now
wish to serve the community on the TA board. You can contact me with any
questions at maliffacent@gmail.com I look forward to working with all of you.
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| Jackie Briggs |
Hello! My name is Jackie Briggs and I am running for Vice President of West Campus. I live here with my boyfriend Joshua, who is starting his 3rd year of the Mathematics PhD program. Last year I served as secretary for the Tenant's Association and would like to continue my involvement on the board. I feel like we have a lot of work ahead of us this year with the increasing disruptions at West Campus.
If elected my main priorities are tackling the remaining issues with construction and renovation projects coming in the future as well as looking for ways to improve our complex. Doing my part to ensure that residents have a say in the changes that are being made to their community and its policies is important to me. I feel that constructive communication between residents and housing is vital and would love the opportunity to play a role in making sure your concerns and comments are heard.
Candidates for Secretary:
Silke Werth:
Hello! My name is Silke Werth and I am running for the position of Tenants’ Association secretary. I am a Ph.D. candidate in the Department for East Asian Languages and Cultural Studies and divide my time between writing my thesis and spending quality (outside!) time with family and friends.
We have been living in West Campus Family housing for many years now and I could not imagine a better place to raise my rambunctious boys Raphael and Luca - which does not mean there is not ample ways for improvement (think CONSTRUCTION, complex safety, rent freeze, laundry issues, playground, critters and more)
I belief that active cooperation and dialogue within the community and with housing representatives is key to ensure that our rights as residents get respected and to increases the chance that our concerns get heard. As secretary I would make sure that all relevant information and details of TA meetings are accurate and readily available to everyone.
After attending most TA meetings since we moved to FSH and actively participating in the discussions, I feel it is my turn to give back and step up to help keep communication flowing, our community strong and ensure that everyone is happy. I am looking forward to working with all of you!
Candidates for Treasurer:
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| Stephanie Griffith |
Hello! My name is Stephanie Griffith and I am running for the position of Tenants’ Association Treasurer. I have previously served on the board as Vice President of West Campus, which has afforded me with great experience and understanding of the position and responsibilities of the Treasurer. I really enjoy crunching numbers and working within a budget. FSH funds are limited and precious, and I intend to help insure that they are used in the most efficient and beneficial way for all residents. With my background in management and community outreach, I am well equipped to represent all of Family Student Housing, and to advocate on your behalf in negotiations and communications with Housing & Residential Services. I am passionate about affordable housing for student families and will continue in my efforts to make this burden lighter for our residents. I would also like to see better communication from H&RS as it relates to issues that directly affect our resident community. It is important to me that we maintain FSH as an affordable, safe, and supportive living environment for UCSB students and their families. I live in West Campus with my husband, Brian (PhD, History), and our little boy, Matteo. We love to garden and spend time outdoors, soaking up our beautiful Santa Barbara sunshine! Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have: stephanieggriffith{at}gmail{dot}com or 805.801.5590.
Email: Amelia.keith.leonard@gmail.com Phone: (510) 387-8787 Reason for Running: As a full-time, stay-at-home mom, I spend most of my days with my sons at the Storke Family park, community center, and gardens. I have experienced how wonderful it is to live in such a nice community and want to make it better. One of the assets I bring to the table that many other candidates may not is that I am the homeowner of a condo in similar style community, so I have experience on both sides of the landlord/tenant relationship. I also have extensive experience working for large corporations and a background in the military working directly for our Wing Commander who oversees more than 3500 Reservists. One of the first things I would like to implement is collaboration between the local non-profit organization SproutUp and our community gardens coordinator and community. SproutUp goes to local schools and children’s events to teach kids about gardening, composting, and all things relating to the future of our planet. I recently talked to a representative from the organization and she thought it sounded like a good idea. I believe we could utilize the community center and use a vacant plot in the community gardens to teach our next generation of students. This is just one of many ideas I have to bring our community together. I have also included my resume and several recommendation letters from my military supervisors speaking to my excellent work ethic and character.
Hello! My name is Stephanie Griffith and I am running for the position of Tenants’ Association President. I currently serve on the board as Vice President of West Campus, which has afforded me with great experience and understanding of the position and responsibilities of the President. With my background in management and community outreach, I am well equipped to represent all of Family Student Housing, and to advocate on your behalf in negotiations and communications with Housing & Residential Services. I am passionate about affordable housing for student families and will continue in my efforts to make this burden lighter for our residents. I would also like to see better communication from H&RS as it relates to issues that directly affect our resident community. It is important to me that we maintain FSH as an affordable, safe, and supportive living environment for UCSB students and their families. I live in West Campus with my husband, Brian (PhD, History), and our little boy, Matteo. We love to garden and spend time outdoors, soaking up our beautiful Santa Barbara sunshine! Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have: stephanieggriffith@gmail.com or 805.801.5590.
Hi. I'm Yan Tang, I come from China, I've lived in storke family house for five months, and I will be here for more than one year. I have plenty of time and I want to do something for Family Student Housing, and I know some residents come from China, so if they have problems with our family housing, we can communicate very well. my desired position is Vice President-Storke. I want to try my best to make UC Santa Barbara Family House a better place.
Hello! My name is Jackie Briggs and I am running for Vice President of West Campus. I live here with my boyfriend Joshua, who is starting his 3rd year of the Mathematics PhD program. Last year I served as secretary for the Tenant's Association and would like to continue my involvement on the board. I feel like we have a lot of work ahead of us this year with the increasing disruptions at West Campus. If elected my main priorities are tackling the remaining issues with construction and renovation projects coming in the future as well as looking for ways to improve our complex. Doing my part to ensure that residents have a say in the changes that are being made to their community and its policies is important to me. I feel that constructive communication between residents and housing is vital and would love the opportunity to play a role in making sure your concerns and comments are heard.
Hi! I’m Stephanie Hong, excited to serve a 2nd year as your Treasurer. I love organizing data, number-crunching, and being thorough, conscientious,& diligent. I will continue & build upon my proven work as Treasurer: keeping us right on track with our budget, handling numerous check requests, improving & maintaining up-to-date financial records, and working closely with our accountant in UCSB’s Office of Student Life, so I can effectively navigate their bureaucratic systems. Last year, I learned the systems & combed reports so thoroughly that I found & corrected several coding errors… saving us ~$1,000! My husband & I both left high-tech careers to transplant here & live aligned with our values. It’ll be our 3rd year at FSH, & we love it! I helped organize our FSH-wide Day of Caring; you may recognize us as your BBQ-grillers/food-servers. I volunteer regularly at Storke’s Swap Shop (it’s great, come by!); we have extensive volunteer & community building experience. I’m easy to work with, I welcome collaboration and suggestions: email me at ucsbtaTreasurer@gmail.com or shong at alum.mit.edu. This is an amazing community of smart, active, interesting, diverse people – it’s my honor to be of service, & I appreciate your vote. Thank you.
Hi, my name is David Copp, and I am a PhD student in Mechanical Engineering. I am running for the TA board position of Treasurer. I have been living in Family Student Housing for the last two years with my wife, Stacy, who is also a PhD student. We greatly enjoy living here and love the sense of community that these apartments provide. I am running for a TA board position in order to serve this diverse community and to help make our home a better place. I am specifically running for Treasurer because I realize that many great changes start with money and, more importantly, with effectively using that money. As students, we are not strangers to living on a tight budget. I want to make sure that the money coming out of our pockets is directly used to better serve you and your family.
2013-2014 Candidate Information
Braxton Lethco
Running position: President
For a
short time, Family Student Housing is our home; a home that some residents
waited more than year to get in to. Kids are playing outside, vegetables
are growing in the garden, and neighbors are talking about their various
endeavors. Family Student Housing is a wonderful place, but we are not exempt
from issues. While preserving much of the current environment is important,
problems of parking, Internet, mold, safety and others persist. As TA
President I will work closely with fellow residents and University
representatives to make our home a better place. With my background in
community service, business management and team leadership I will focus on
task-centered meetings, increased efforts to hear residents’ concerns and
continued follow-up with University representatives. As I continue my
studies at UCSB I hope to best represent residents as we preserve and improve
this wonderful home.
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Mary Karlee Mullen
Running position: Vice president- Storke
Hello, I'm Mary Karlee Mullen and I am running for Storke VP. I've lived in Family Student Housing for four years and served last year on the Tenant's Association Board as the Storke II Representative. I have enjoyed getting to know many of you and moving our community forward. As the only returning board member, I will bring experience and familiarity of procedures for the upcoming year.
I currently work at home raising my three kids and teaching piano lessons. I look forward to another year on the board, hearing your concerns, and taking action to make FSH better for everyone.
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Jason Schultz
Running position: Vice president- Storke
Hi, my name is Jason Schultz and I am running for Vice President representing Storke. My wife Alexandra and I have been living here for only a year, but have already grown to love the community. I am a Southern California native, back home after several years away. Alex is working hard towards her Ph.D in the History of Art and Architecture program and I am a part-time attorney. I have worked with several academic organizations, both as a student and post-graduation. I can also bring my experience working on behalf of my clients to bear in representing our shared interests. As your vice president, I would use my management experience to help some of the ongoing projects, including the pending upgrade to the residential internet, and to keep all our neighbors informed as they work towards completion. I would also seek to offer more covered bike racks and ensure that the maintenance stands remain stocked and in good condition. I am excited to represent you!
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Andres Contreras
Running position: Vice president- West Campus
My name is Andres Contreras and I am seeking a position with the Tenant’s Association Board as Vice President of West Campus for 2013-2014. As a resident of this beautiful community, I am very motivated to maintain and improve the living conditions for West Campus residents. Having worked as a media president of a Silicon Valley Startup Company has enabled me to acquire the necessary skills to lead and represent others. My current schedule consists of working from home which will ultimately allow me the flexibility of working around the clock to address any issues, if elected vice president. It is my biggest desire to give back to this amazing community that has welcomed me and my wife with open arms since the day we moved in. If elected president I plan to work closely with all the residents to assure that the community’s needs are being met as wells as bring new ideas to the TA Board. With your help we can make next year, the best year! For any questions I can be reached at info@meetandres.com or 408.393.7496. Thank You.
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Jackie Briggs
Running position: Secretary
Hello! My name is Jackie Briggs and I am running for the position of Secretary. I moved to the West Campus complex last July with my boyfriend Joshua, who is working on a Ph.D in Mathematics. We both come from small towns and I was always very involved in improving the local community and am looking forward to being able to do the same here.I have held many positions in volunteer groups over the years. I was the secretary for a volunteer organization called 4-H for 2 years and feel that I will be able to apply that experience to this position. Doing my part to ensure that residents have a say in the changes that are being made to their community and its policies is important to me. I feel that constructive communication between residents and housing is vital and would love the opportunity to play a role in making sure your concerns and comments are heard. If you would like to speak with me I can be reached at briggsjackie@gmail.com or (661) 618-1437. Otherwise, feel free to stop by West Campus building 701 apartment 102.
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Sarah Steinman
Running position: Secretary
Running position: Secretary
My name is Sarah Steinman, and I am running for Secretary of the TA Board. You might recognize me from my shifts at the Swap Shop, the various FSH events that I have attended, or from my workplace, the UCSB library! My partner and I have been living in Storke I since the beginning of this school year, and I am looking for even more ways to become involved in the community. My qualifications include two years of prior experience as the secretary for the UC San Diego Pep Band. Many of my duties were the same as those needed for the TA Board: I recorded the minutes for weekly meetings, kept a contact list for all members, and wrote articles for our quarterly newsletter. I love living in Family Student Housing and I will do everything in my power to make our community even better.
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Stephanie Hong
Running position: Treasurer
Hi! I’m Stephanie Hong, excited to serve as your Treasurer. Please vote for me! I’m conscientious, diligent, and have oodles of experience carefully managing organizational finances. I’ve established a non-profit’s entire financial system that received Unconditional Approval from an Ernst & Young audit. I’ve been Treasurer for a 700+ member university organization with non-stop projects & heavy cash flow; I served so actively that the next year, I was elected President even though I didn’t run for office (I then served another 2 years).
My fiancé & I both left high-tech careers to move here & live aligned with our values; Patrick is a 1st-year PhD at Bren (Environmental Science & Management). We love it here. Since we arrived last fall, I’ve volunteered weekly shifts at the Swap Shop (it’s great, come by!). We both have extensive volunteer & community building experience: he on Ski Patrol and Search/Rescue; me in animal shelters, nursing homes, & health centers. I’m easy to work with; I welcome collaboration and suggestions. This is an amazing community of smart, active, interesting, diverse people – it’s my honor to be of service.
Email shong at alum.mit.edu, or find me working at the Swap Shop! Thank you.
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Monica Jayne Reed
Running position: Treasurer
For the TA to provide the Board and services it promises, we need sufficient funding and a qualified Treasurer to proactively attend to and report on cash flow. I have a BS in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting and have been Chapter Treasurer for the nation’s foremost business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi, for which the duties mirror the TA Treasurer. I have six years experience using a thorough, elaborate cash flow tracking excel file, which I created to monitor the relationship between my income and expenses (fixed and variable). It helps me budget to contribute to savings and always be in the black. I have implemented this tool for many others and can offer it to successfully monitor and audit the TA budget.
2012 Candidate Information
Kaitlin DeMartini
Running Position - President
Hi, my name is Kaitlin DeMartini. I am the current Tenants’ Association President and am running for re-election this year. My husband is in his final year of his PhD program in Biochemistry. We started here in 2006 with a baby and now we have 4 crazy kids: Gio, Zeke, Lilikoi and Iris. I love our community and love being a part of making it a better place to live. The TA has had a busy and productive year working to ensure that residents have a great experience here in FSH. The TA has worked hard this year to get Housing to update our internet so that it is fast and reliable. Thanks to the TA, Housing is currently in the beginning stages of installing Ethernet here. We will continue to hold Housing accountable to their timelines and promises regarding the internet project. This year the TA Board helped to get the entrance to WC repaved, the parking lots repaved, and has supported Housing in their efforts to build community through social events. I feel strongly that communication between Housing and residents needs to be better and will work this year to facilitate that.
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Esther Hulme
Running Position - Vice President
I am Esther Hulme and I have lived in West Campus Student Family Housing for almost 2 years. My husband Jared is working on his Phd in Electrical Engineering and I am finishing up my BA in history. Our son Joseph is almost 2 and is majoring in trucks, buses, cars, airplanes, and dogs. I love living in Santa Barbara and the family housing community. Most mornings Joseph and I can be spotted going for a jog, anywhere between 8 and 11. We love being outside and enjoying the great place we live in. My husband loves to garden and we have a flourishing garden plot. I have worked to be an active participant of the Tenants’ Association this year and I am running for Vice President because I want to be more involved and make a greater contribution to this community. Some contributions I would like to work towards are: longer recess, continued work towards better internet connections, better publicity of Swap Shop hours, bubblegum blowing contests, increased communication between housing and the TA board and the residents, and a myriad of other brilliant insights that come to me.
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Andy Pattison
Running Position - Vice President
Hello, my name is Andy Pattison, and I live here in Storke with my partner, Chandra. She is working on her PhD in Sociology at UCSB while I finish up my PhD in Environmental Policy from the University of Colorado. I am running for Vice President of the Tenants’ Association Board so that I may further the sustainability of our housing complex as well as ensure the clear and timely distribution of information. This year, I know many have been frustrated by internet connectivity (or lack thereof) and the threat of eliminated bus routes. Before moving here I was the sustainability director for a 45,000-person university campus and thus my work experience prepares me well to navigate bureaucracy and communicate with you effectively and efficiently. Some of my priorities as Vice President would include: working with the garden coordinator to improve the garden & compost programs; working with the housing staff to ensure the grounds and landscaping protocols are efficient; and making sure that we as a community know what our rent and fees are paying for. I ask for your vote for Vice President of the TA Board, and I hope I can spend the year working for you.
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Kristen Moncayo
Running Position- Treasurer
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My name is Kristen
Moncayo and I am running for the position of Treasurer. My husband
is a PhD student in Economics and we have an energetic 1 ½ year old
son. We have lived at West Campus since September 2010. We really
love living here and enjoy all that Family Student Housing has to
offer.
I have experience
working with financial statements and accounting. I currently work
part time for an accounting firm and have worked in the accounting
field for the past 4 years.
As the current
treasurer of the TA Board, I am well qualified and I have learned a
lot about what the Tenants’ Association does and what needs to be
accomplished. During my term as the treasurer, I was able to
recognize important flaws in the budget that had been passed along
from the previous board. I corrected the budget to account for
inflation and projected expenditures, and trimmed unnecessary
expenses.
There
are a lot of details that sometimes get lost during the transition
when there are yearly changes to the board; I am proficient at
fulfilling my responsibilities, and I would like to continue using
that experience to serve our community. I would be honored to be
elected again this year!
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Ashley(Ying-Chin) Tseng
Running Position - Secretary
Hi, My name is Ashley(Ying-Chin) Tseng. My husband is a PhD student in Electronical Computer Engineering Department. We moved into West Campus last September and made many friends in the community. We are blessed to start our foreign life at the good place. Since I am a housewife now, I would like to be more involved in our community by contributing my strengths here. I am intersted in the secretary position. I used to be a secretary in Taiwan for 5 years. I am familiar with Microsoft office system and always have creativities to apply them into my job. It is agreed by my boss and coworkers that I am responsible and definitely a team worker. Please give me the chance by voting for me. Thank you!
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Sophie Barragan
Running Position-Storke I Representative
My name is Sophie Barragan and I would like the opportunity to serve as the TA Board’s Storke I representative. I have lived with my husband, Paul, and our 2-year-old daughter, Emma, in Storke I for nearly a year. I am a 3rd year undergrad in the Economics and Accounting major. At my community college, I performed over 1,200 service hours in the capacities of director in the executive board for the Associated Students and as treasurer in the honor society. I have always appreciated the opportunity to work with others toward a common goal. In this case, I hope to bring my skills and experience to good use on behalf of UCSB’s Family Student Housing as the Storke I representative Thank you for the opportunity!
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Mary Mullen
Running Position-Storke II Representative
Running Position-Storke II Representative
Hi, I'm Mary Karlee Mullen. I've lived in Family Student Housing for
three years now and I love the
community feeling. I taught 4th grade for three years before earning a
master's in public administration, where I studied organizing community
events. I use both degrees now as I teach piano lessons and fundraise
for non-profit organizations. I founded the FSH Book Club, and one of
the books we read inspired me to focus my charitable giving
internationally. Additionally, I have three kids
five and under who I take care of full-time, so you'll often find me at
the park or pulling a wagon full of kids and/or laundry. :) I am looking
forward to hearing your concerns and helping to make FSH better for
everyone!
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Camila Rudorff
Running Position - West Campus Representative
My name is Camila Rudorff. I am running for West Campus Representative. My family moved here in 2008 and since there we've made this place our home. My husband and I have arrived from Brazil to pursue our PhD degrees in Environmental Studies and marine Science, respectively. We have a happy 3 years old son, who brings joy to our home! We love this Community and enjoy as much as we can everything in our neighborhood. For this reason, I care for it and I woul dlike that everyone who lives here can feel the Same.
I want to be WC representative to give back to the community all that I've received in the past years. If I'm elected you can count on me to address problems regarding our well living. Some of my commitments are:
- Welcome new neighbors and foster their inclusion into our community;
- report everything that needs to be fixed around the complex;
- come up with new ideas and new acquisitions for our complex;
- promote new events such as craft day (for kids and adults);story time; etc...
2011 Candidate Information
Here's some information about each candidate...
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