Leaders have been elected and results are in. Student groups like the Vietnamese Student Association and Kultura Pilipinas welcome new leaders. While MEChA de University of Oregon gears up for elections. These student groups welcome VSA co-directors Ngan Luu and Thuy Ann Nguyen, KP co-director Luis Palomar, and MEChA’s internal director candidate Mayra Gutierrez.
VSA co-director Ngan Luu
Major: Human Physiology
Why did you decide to run for co-director?
“I’ve been involved in a lot of different things in VSA and I want to help it grow. Also as an international student I want to help with the different perspectives of being an international student and Vietnamese American student.”
Why did you join VSA?
“I was involved in the Lunar New Year event and working with the people reminded me of where I come from. I wanted to be a part of something and VSA offered that.”
What is your favorite movie?
“I love Disney movies. My favorite Disney movie is Cinderella.”
VSA co-director Thuy Ann Nguyen
Major: Accounting
What can you bring to VSA as a co-director?
“Definitely as co-director my partner and myself want to bring a balance between the aspects of international vietnamese students and vietnamese american students. We want to bring those two perspectives and bring unity.”
What was your reaction when you found out you got the position?
I was really happy it took me awhile to run for co-director. It was great to see people vote for me and believe in me. I look forward to working with my new team.
What do you like to do for fun?
“I’m pretty girly. I like to shop, read, go to museums and I love outdoor water rafting. I love any form of art and hanging out with my girls.”
Kultura-Philipinas co-director: Luis Palomar
Major: Accounting
Why did you run for co-director?
“I was really involved as an intern and junior executive. I did a lot of work for the fundraisers and went to every meeting. I showed that I was committed to KP. I also gained personal growth in my Filipino identity.”
As a co-director what would you like to see next year?
“I want to focus more on culture night and the regional conference. Also to make a better connection with the Pilipino American Association of Lane County and work with them.”
What is your favorite movie?
“Easy A.“
MEChA candidate for internal director: Mayra Gutierrez
Major: Ethnic studies, sociology, and spanish
What position(s) have you had before?
“This year I was Raza Unida Youth Conference director and the year before I was Mujeres director.”
If elected what vision do you see next year?
“Having more on campus activities for members and create a better bond within the group. Also to work more closely with the Black Student Union and create a better relationship with them.”
Why are you running for internal director?
“I feel like I have good organization skills and I’ve been involved long enough that I have good experience. I have good ideas to bring to MEChA.”