Candidates

GENERAL ELECTION CANDIDATES

2025-2026

CANDIDATE LIST

President (1)
Executive Vice President (1)
Vice President of External Relations (3)
Vice President of Internal Relations (2)
Vice President of Communications (1)
Vice President of Finance (1)
Vice President of Academic Affairs (1)
Vice President of Technology (2)
Vice President of Community Development (1)
Vice President of Diversity (1)
Vice President of Graduate/Alumni Relations (2)

PRESIDENT (1)

Leslie Ortiz

Hello Merage Students,

I'm Leslie Ortiz, and I’m excited to announce my candidacy for President of MUSA!
MUSA has been a defining part of my college experience—from starting as a mentee to serving as VP of Community Development and VP of Diversity. As part of our student government, I’ve had the privilege of organizing impactful events, fostering connections, and advocating for the needs of our Merage community. These roles have taught me how to lead teams, collaborate effectively, and create meaningful experiences for students. Beyond MUSA, I’ve also been actively involved in ALPFA and LBSA, two organizations that have strengthened my leadership skills and deepened my passion for building an inclusive and supportive community. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to serving students and ensuring that every voice is heard.

As President, I want to continue making a positive impact, strengthening student engagement, and working to create opportunities that empower all Merage students.
I’m excited for the journey ahead and would love your support!

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT (1)

Annie Nguyen

Hi everyone! I’m Annie Nguyen, and a current 2nd-year Business
Administration major with an emphasis in Operations and Decision
Technologies. After having had the privilege of being a MUSA Associate
this year and helping plan this year’s Business Conference (Blaze Your
Trail), I am interested in serving as a leader as MUSA’s Executive Vice
President (EVP). I would really appreciate your support!

Since joining the MUSA community in my first-year,. I have appreciated
learning from my peers and giving back to the Merage community. The
role of EVP particularly interests me because part of my role assists in the
planning of Business Conference. Having been a MUSA Associate this
year, I hope to be able to share advice and insights, ensuring that future
Merage students have access to quality professional development
opportunities, providing assistance to the next cohort of Associates.
Aside from MUSA, on campus I am also involved in Design at UCI’s
(Designathon) Marketing Committee, the Philanthropy Chairman for
Alpha Kappa Psi, and a Marketing Assistant at UCI Music. I enjoy
partaking in leadership roles and creating experiences for my peers.

And more outside of my academic life, I also enjoy journaling,
cinematography, cooking, and exploring new cafes. Again, I’d appreciate
your support and look forward to working alongside Merage students in
the 2025-2026 school year.

VP OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS (3)

Carrie Huang

Hello Merage Community,

My name is Carrie Huang, and I am excited to run for Vice President of External
Relations at MUSA. My mission is to empower the Merage by creating transformative
opportunities, fostering connections, and cultivating the next generation of visionary leaders. Over the past five years, I have developed strong leadership and relationship-building skills. As the founder and Director of External Relations for “Sharity”, I successfully partnered with Taishin International Bank to organize fundraiser that raised 200,000 NTD. Additionally, as the Event Director of TEDxKCIS, I orchestrated a TED Talk event while overseeing logistics, marketing, and speaker arrangements that attracted over 100 participants and generated 20,000 NTD in charitable contributions. These experiences have equipped me with the skills to represent
and benefit Merage.

As your Vice President of External Relations, I will focus on:

1. Expanding Opportunities: Imagine a Merage where every student feels prepared to take their next step. I will work on cultivating partnerships with businesses and organizations that open doors for internships, mentorships, and career development programs.
2. Revolutionizing MUSA Events: I will ensure MUSA events are engaging, impactful, and accessible to all students by leading innovative marketing campaigns.
3. Inspiring Visionary Leadership: Leaders are not born—they’re developed through opportunity and support. I will publicize all events to empower students to step into leadership roles and leave a lasting impact.

Together, we can elevate the Merage experience by fostering connections that empower our community to thrive both academically and professionally. Thank you for your support!

Khang Nguyen

MGMT: Making Goated Merage Timeless

Hi everyone!

My name is Khang, and I’m excited to run for Vice President of External Relations for MUSA. Throughout my first year at UCI, I’ve had the opportunity to experience the incredible events and socials that MUSA has organized. These experiences have inspired me to want to stay involved and contribute by planning even more impactful events that bring our Merage community together, create many lasting memories, and support both our personal and professional growth. A little bit about myself, I’m currently a MUSA representative, where I’ve helped with fundraising and hosting a MUSA-affiliated event.

Outside of that, I'm also involved in Irvine Investment and Trading Group and 180 Degrees Consulting. In the past, I’ve gained experience in leading teams, securing partnerships, and designing very nice looking slides for marketing.

If elected, I will:
● Hype up MUSA-affiliated clubs events by posting weekly Instagram stories and keeping
everyone in the loop.
● Design cool and eye-catching promotion graphics that make people want to show up.
● Boost clubs awareness and engagement so more people know and go to MUSA events!

My goal is simple: to make MUSA’s events bigger, better, and more inclusive than ever before. I would be honored to serve as your VP of External Relations, and I hope to earn your vote. Let’s make this an unforgettable year together!

Thank you!!!

Sahil Chekuri

Hi everyone! My name is Sahil, and I am excited to be running for Vice President of External Relations for the Merage Undergraduate Student Association (MUSA).
Merage is home to some of the brightest and most ambitious students, and I want to ensure that our events, achievements, and opportunities are showcased in the best possible way.

With my experience in leadership, marketing, and project management, I am confident that I can elevate MUSA’s outreach efforts and strengthen our community.
As Mental Health Commissioner in ASUCI, I’ve led large-scale campaigns, developed
professional marketing materials, and ensured that important conversations reached the
right audiences. My experience interning at the Environmental Protection Agency and
the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has further refined my ability to manage complex
projects, coordinate teams, and communicate effectively.

If elected, I will focus on continuing to make MUSA’s branding more engaging and
professional–ensuring our events are widely recognized and well-attended. I want to
highlight student successes through more dynamic student spotlights, showcasing
greater diversity in media types such as video student interviews! I would also love to
make our digital presence more interactive and produce content based on Merage
students’ feedback on what you would like to see.

With my passion for business and marketing, I am ready to take on this role and make a
tangible impact. Let’s build a stronger, more connected Merage community together. I hopeto earn your vote for VP of External Relations!

VP OF INTERNAL RELATIONS (2)

Sanika Saitawdekar

Hi everyone! My name is Sanika Saitawdekar, I am a second-year BA student, and I am running to be MUSA’s upcoming Vice President of Internal Relations. When I came to this school as an out-of-state student, I didn’t know anyone and had no support within the business school to guide me in my future. My decision to become a freshman representative helped me find my community, lifelong friends, and passion within the field of business. In my sophomore year now, I’ve had the pleasure of being an associate and mentor reps, which has given me the opportunity to give back to the community and insight into how the program could be improved next year.

One of my main goals for the program next year is to increase the collaboration between reps and improve visibility between the reps and MUSA board to help foster a connection among the next cohort faster. I plan to do this by enforcing weekly deliverables that are aimed at both their professional and community development. By giving real-life examples and time during meetings to get reps started, I’m hopeful to push more reps to accomplish their weekly goals. By the end of their first quarter at UCI, I hope to make the next cohort feel comfortable with each other and prepared to handle the larger projects they will complete during winter quarter.

Thank you for considering me for your next VP of IR. I appreciate your support and am so
excited for next year!

Vivianne Zhou

Hi Merage! I'm Vivianne, and I'm thrilled to be running for VP of Internal Relations!
Being part of both the Bren School and Merage communities has shown me just how powerful meaningful connections can be. At my core, I love bringing people together and creating spaces where everyone can thrive. Through my current roles as VP of Finance for Panhellenic and Finance Director for Tri Delta, I've learned that the strongest organizations are built on genuine relationships and open communication.
My experience has taught me that true community isn't just about hosting events – it's about fostering an environment where every student feels heard, supported, and empowered to grow. Managing financial operations and coordinating events across multiple organizations has given me the skills to handle complex logistics while keeping the focus on what matters most: our people.

As your VP of Internal Relations, I want to focus on three key areas: First, enhancing our
first-year representatives program to better support new students transitioning into the Merage community. Second, creating more structured opportunities for cross-organization collaboration, especially between technical and business-focused groups.
Third, developing regular feedback channels to ensure we're meeting the evolving needs of our diverse student body.

I'm excited to bring my experience in both restaurant management and student organizations to make our events more engaging and accessible to all.

Let's make the Merage School a place where every student's journey is supported by the strength of our community. I'd be so honored to serve as your voice and advocate! :)

VP OF COMMUNICATIONS (1)

Brianna Shen

Hello, my name is Brianna Shen, and I’m excited to be running for MUSA’s VP of
Communications! This role is all about ensuring smooth communication between MUSA board, affiliated organizations, and the student body. Through my experience in various internships and as MUSA’s VP of External Relations, I’ve developed the skills to take on this role and make a meaningful impact.

As VP of External Relations, I managed MUSA’s Instagram, created event promotions, and
worked on increasing engagement within the Merage community. I introduced reels and
internship spotlights, refined our Instagram story strategy, and developed marketing plans for big events like the Business Conference and Mocktails. I really enjoyed finding creative ways to connect with students and share opportunities, and I’d love to build on that experience to help MUSA, our affiliated organizations, and the Merage student body even more.

If elected as VP of Communications, my goal is to make it even easier for students to get
involved and stay informed. I want to improve email outreach, streamline communication within the board using project management tools, and ensure that valuable resources and opportunities are more accessible. I also want to explore sponsorship opportunities to bring in more incentives for students to attend events. At the end of the day, I believe that good communication makes everything run more smoothly, and I’d love the chance to help MUSA create even better events and experiences for the Merage community.

VP OF FINANCE (1)

Chloe Lai

Hi! My name is Chloe Lai, and I am running for MUSA’s VP of Finance. I am a second-year
Business Administration major with emphasis in accounting and organization/management.

Currently, I serve as an Associate for MUSA, a Student Assistant at the Merage Career Center, the VP of Community Development for HRMA, and an intern for UBA.
I am running for this position because I am passionate about numbers and ensuring MUSA’s financial success. My diverse and extensive background within Merage clubs has equipped me with the technical expertise and leadership skills to ensure clubs have the resources they need to thrive. Having worked closely with both students and faculty, I understand the vital role financial management plays in driving impactful events and initiatives that enhance the Merage undergraduate experience.

With nearly two years of experience in MUSA as a Representative and Associate, I have
contributed to organizing events such as the Winter Quarter Quell and the 5th Annual Business Conference. These opportunities have refined my skills in budget planning, collaboration, and executing initiatives. As VP of Finance, I will leverage these experiences to manage MUSA’s resources strategically, ensure financial transparency, and strengthen the partnership with the Undergraduate Programs Office.

Beyond my involvement at Merage, my career aspirations in financial accounting advisory
services reflect my commitment to professionalism, communication, and integrity. I am
passionate about creating opportunities that enrich the undergraduate experience and would be honored to serve as your VP of Finance. I truly appreciate your support. Thank you!

VP OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS (1)

Timothy Cho

Hello, my name is Timothy Cho and I am a first-year Business Administration major at
UCI! I am looking to pursue an emphasis in Marketing and Organizational management and a minor in Psychological Science as well. Through being involved in MUSA as a freshman representative this year, I want to take the next step and advocate for student concerns within Paul Merage as your VP of Academic Affairs.

Whether it is the creativity and innovative solutions that I bring from being involved in
Design at UCI’s Project Teams and UCI’s HKSU as a creative and social media intern, to my
practical skills developed from my position as a marketing mentee and case competition finalist for In the Green, I know I can apply my background and experiences during my time as the VP of Academic Affairs.

By running for this position, I hope to strengthen student-faculty communication by
creating forms and surveys for students to express potential concerns about their academic life at Merage. I also hope to extend mental health and academic resources at Merage while also ensuring a smooth transition for first-year students by offering pre-orientation support and answering any questions about the business school from students and parents.

I am passionate about making our business school a tight-knit community where students feel heard and creating an enjoyable environment for both staff and students. I believe I can contribute positively to our school, and hope you consider me for the position of VP of Academic Affairs! Thank you!

VP OF TECHNOLOGY (2)

Risha Suresh

Hi! My name is Risha Suresh, and I am excited to be running for MUSA VP of Technology. I’m a second-year business administration major minoring in digital information systems. From being a MUSA Representative to now being VP of Communications, I am grateful to have been a part of this organization that has allowed me to grow professionally and has made me passionate about giving back to the Merage community.

In my current role, I work to facilitate and strengthen communication between students, affiliated clubs, and faculty. I hope to continue being a resource to Merage students and enhance your experience at UCI. My time on board has allowed me to gain a strong understanding of the VP of Technology’s responsibilities, and I have even worked on certain projects they are in charge of, like the digital yearbook for the graduating class. Additionally, I believe my experience maintaining the website for Women in Leadership as their VP of Marketing will allow me to excel in managing and improving the MUSA website, ensuring that it is accessible for all students and crucial information can be easily located.

If elected, I hope to build on the initiatives the current VP of Technology is working on, like the MUSA LinkedIn, to grow Merage’s professional network and implement new resources, such as room tech tutorial videos for MUSA-affiliated organizations.

I am confident that my past experiences and skills make me a strong candidate, and I hope you consider voting for me!

Bonnie Tran

Hi everyone! I’m Bonnie Tran, a freshman majoring in Business Administration, with aspirations in marketing and project management. I’m excited to run for VP of Technology and would truly appreciate your support!

At UCI, I’ve challenged myself to grow through various organizations, all of which sums up my passion for being VP of Tech. Within Merage, I serve as a Marketing Intern for MAISS, a business-technology club, and part of the Freshman Representatives cohort this year under MUSA. Beyond Merage, I’m also a Recruitment & Retention Intern for ASUCI. Being part of MUSA this year has helped me develop professionally, strengthen my leadership and teamwork skills, and allow me to improve the Merage community—motivating me to take on this role for this 2025-2026 school year to further enhance our community.

As I run for VP of Technology, my vision is to enhance the digital experience for all undergraduate students by leveraging innovative platforms that improve connection, engagement, and accessibility to Merage resources. I aim to expand and improve the MUSA website and contribute to Merage’s technological ecosystem to ensure seamless access for not only Merage students, but also those interested in our community. With experience in website design, blog development, and tech projects, I am confident in my ability to take on this role.

Aligning with Merage’s mission of "Leadership for a Digitally Driven World," I strive to build a tech-driven community by bringing accessible, user-friendly technology, and fostering an innovation - inspiration - inclusive community.

VP OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (1)

Aven Chew

Hi! My name is Aven Chew and I am a second-year Business Administration major emphasizing in Marketing and Information Systems. I’m super excited to run for VP of Community Development for the 2025-2026 school year!

MUSA was the first organization I joined in my freshman year, and as a Representative, I truly credit my confidence in taking on leadership roles on campus to the welcoming community I experienced through MUSA. From planning the Winter Quarter Quell first-year to holding Business Conference this year as an Associate, I found great joy in helping other students discover their place on campus.

As VP of Community Development, I hope to encourage more BA and BIM majors to become involved with MUSA by promoting events such as Fall Spirit Week and MUSA Mocktails while also working with other board members to host more diversity and professional development events. My past experiences in MUSA as a Representative and now as an Associate not only gave me familiarity with MUSA’s responsibilities, but also equipped me with the project management and initiative needed to put this goal
into action. I’ve also been involved with MUSA-affiliated organizations such as Marketing Association, Design at UCI, and Undergraduate Business Association, expanding my network and allowing me to help more people thrive by holding various speaker events and workshops. Therefore, through my past campus involvements, professional experiences, and passion for giving back to my peers, I am confident in creating a closer knit community here in Merage!

VP OF DIVERSITY (1)

Aakriti Singh

Hello Merage students,

My name is Aakriti Singh, and I am running to be the next Vice President of Diversity for MUSA. I started my journey within Merage as a MUSA Representative in my freshman year, and with this position I intend to use my experiences to give back to the community that gave me so much. Merage is full of talented, passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds, and I want to ensure that every student feels seen, heard, and empowered.

As someone who has worked in various student organizations, I understand the importance of fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated. Every voice deserves to be heard, and everything I do as a MUSA board member will be serving that vision. My experience as VP of Internal Relations for UBA has equipped me with the skills to host meaningful events and network with a
vast range of people. As the Marketing Project Management Intern for FloralsNPetals, I managed a team and planned two events to help promote a small business.

Growing up as a South Asian woman, diversity and inclusion have been instrumental in allowing me to thrive academically and professionally. If elected, I will work to create initiatives that promote cultural awareness, allyship, and equitable opportunities for all students. From diversity programs to cultural events, I will advocate for spaces where students from all backgrounds can thrive. I would be honored to serve as your VP of Diversity, and thank you for your support!

VP OF GRADUATE/ALUMNI RELATIONS (2)

Tiffany Chien

Hello everyone!

My name is Tiffany Chien, and I am a second-year business administration student with a minor in informatics. I’m excited to announce my candidacy for VP of Graduate and Alumni Relations for MUSA!

My goal is to strengthen the Merage community by creating meaningful connections between students and alumni, focusing on professional growth. I have been deeply committed to MUSA, serving as a Freshman Representative in my first year and as VP of Technology this year. These experiences have taught me how to establish and lead new initiatives, and I’m eager to continue building on this foundation.

One key initiative I’d like to implement is Merage Alumni Career Circles—small,
industry-based networking groups where students and alumni can connect for mentorship and career advice. These groups will provide invaluable guidance from successful alumni. Additionally, I propose Alumni-Led Company Tours, giving students the chance to visit companies where alumni work within the area. This will allow us to gain firsthand insights into various industries, career paths, and reestablish connections between current students and alum. Lastly, I plan to organize Industry Insider Panels, where alumni can share their experiences and offer advice on industry trends in-person. These panels will give us diverse perspectives on how to succeed in different fields.

Together, these initiatives will strengthen our community and provide valuable career
development opportunities. I would be honored to serve as your VP of Graduate and Alumni Relations and make these ideas a reality.

Thank you!

Tiffany Bian

Hi! I’m Tiffany, and I’m super excited to be running for VP of Graduate and Alumni Relations!

As a first-year Business Administration student, I know firsthand how crucial networking is for professional development—but I also know just how difficult and isolating it can feel to do it on your own. Personally, it often feels like me and my LinkedIn against the world. That’s why I plan to bridge the gap between students, alumni, and graduate students to make networking more accessible for everyone.

To do this, I’ll create a network of engaged alumni who genuinely want to help students and will actually respond when students reach out. I’ll create a centralized alumni database—on the MUSA website or a Merage Alumni LinkedIn page—to make it easier for students to connect, seek mentorship, and explore career opportunities.
I would also establish an Alumni Mentorship Program that connects students with alumni based on shared career interests, ensuring direct access to experienced professionals who are eager to provide guidance. Merage students deserve personalized support from those who have walked the same path, and I’m committed to making that a reality.

My involvement with MUSA and Scholars of Finance have provided me with firsthand
knowledge of the time and effort it takes to execute successful networking initiatives, and I’ll use these experiences to advocate for your networking needs. If elected, I’ll work tirelessly to build stronger connections, open more doors, and create tangible opportunities for every Merage student.