Candidates

GENERAL ELECTION CANDIDATES

2026-2027

CANDIDATE LIST

President (1)
Executive Vice President (1)
Vice President of External Relations (4)
Vice President of Internal Relations (1)
Vice President of Communications (3)
Vice President of Academic Affairs (2)
Vice President of Finance (2)
Vice President of Technology (3)
Vice President of Community Development (2)
Vice President of Diversity (4)
Vice President of Graduate/Alumni Relations (3)

PRESIDENT (1)

Annie Nguyen

ABOUT ME:
Hi everyone! I’m Annie Nguyen, a 3rd-year Business Administration student pursuing a double emphasis in Operations/Decisions Technology and Information Systems. It has been a privilege to have been serving as your MUSA Executive Vice President for the 2025-2026 school year, and I’m ecstatic to be running for MUSA President for the 2026-2027 school year!

MY EXPERIENCES:
Since joining MUSA my first year, this organization has provided me with mentorship, clarity on my professional and personal endeavors, and gifted me lifelong friends. From planning my first ever MUSA social with my fellow MUSA Rep peers, to hosting the 2024-2025 Business Conference as an Associate, to now serving as a mentor to the current Associates as EVP, these opportunities have been nothing short of rewarding.
From ideation to execution, I’ve worked closely with our board to ensure that we executed MUSA events that reflected the ambition and professionalism of Merage students. Together, we’ve built clearer processes, improved communication systems, and created our first ever corporate sponsorship package. Strong leadership isn’t just about what we accomplish in one year, but also the foundation we leave behind.

INITIATIVES:
As President, I aspire to continue providing and serving Merage students. To me, that’s building stronger corporate partnerships, launching company tours and alumni speaker events to create direct industry exposure, and introducing skill-building initiatives like case competitions to give Merage students experience and a competitive edge.
The vision is to turn student ambition into opportunity and opportunity into actionable outcomes.

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT (1)

Susan Jiang

Hello everyone, my name is Susan Jiang, and I am excited to run for Executive Vice President of the Merage Undergraduate Student Association.

Over the past year as a MUSA Associate, I have worked closely behind the scenes to support one of our biggest events, Merage’s annual business conference. I coordinated outreach to secure 15+ industry professionals, and helped ensure smooth execution for 200+ attendees. This experience allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of MUSA’s operations and reinforced my passion for giving back to the Merage community.

As the Director of Marketing and a consultant for 180 Degrees Consulting UCI, I’ve worked
with cross-functional teams to implement initiatives, manage timelines, and deliver client work. My experience in 180 has strengthened my abilities to problem solve, communicate effectively, and support large-scale projects.

I am running for EVP because I have personally grown through all of MUSA’s events and
initiatives. In my first year, the business conference was the first major networking event that allowed me to explore different industries and interact with professionals. I also got to immerse myself in the business community and meet like-minded individuals through social events like MUSA Mocktails. This year, planning the business conference gave me a chance to empower others both personally and professionally, and I’d love to continue the exceptional work of our previous executive team. As EVP, I will continue to represent Merage’s student body and foster an inclusive, opportunity-filled environment where every student can thrive. Thank you!

VP OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS (4)

Nina Dao

Hi everyone! I’m Nina, a second-year Business Administration student, and I’m running for Vice President of External Relations.

To be completely honest, I wanted to run for this position partly because I purchased a premier video editing tool by accident. But it actually worked out perfectly, because now I am looking forward to putting it to good use. I’m ready to jumpstart the creation of high-quality content to promote our upcoming MUSA events.

Over the last two years, I’ve realized that there are many benefits here that students, including myself, often miss out on. So, I’m stepping into position, answering, ‘So what?’ I don’t want to just post a flyer and hope you see it. I want to specifically highlight why an event matters and how it benefits YOU personally. My goal is to make sure you know exactly why you should come out, so everyone can benefit from the numerous opportunities that Merage has to offer.

Previously, I’ve had the chance to explore creative projects, specifically as a Marketing Director for a fundraising initiative in high school. Across our campaigns, we reached nearly 200% of our target, which allowed me to understand the importance of delivery and how to appeal to what people care about.

I’m running because I have the time, the commitment, and the enthusiasm to learn and try. And with that, watch out for the bombing Reels content that I’m about to drop. Thank you for your support!

Andrew Henao

Merage has provided me with not only a classroom education but also a community, mentorship, and an opportunity to grow not only as a leader but also as a future business professional. I am running for Vice President of External Relations because I want to ensure that our presence outside our organization reflects the ambition, professionalism, and determination all Merage students exemplify.

I am currently a MUSA Representative, representing over 1,000 Merage students, improving communication between our leadership team and our members, and assisting in the planning of our large-scale events. I have gained valuable experience in how our marketing, both in terms of our brand and our outreach, can significantly impact our engagement and turnout at our events.

I want to be the Vice President of External Relations to modernize our marketing approach, increase our online presence, and build stronger relationships with organizations within UCI and our business community. From improving our Instagram presence to making our campaign materials more professional, I want to ensure that every Merage event feels impactful and intentional.

Merage deserves to be seen as the premier undergraduate business community at UCI. I am committed to ensuring our voice is heard, our brand is strengthened, and our students feel proud of the organization they represent.

Angeline Liu

Hello Merage Students! My name is Angeline Liu, and I am running to be MUSA’s VP of
External Relations. I am excited to run for this position because I hope to contribute to making MUSA’s resources and events more visible for current students while strengthening our reputation for future business leaders at Merage.

I bring a strong background in marketing and social media. Through my internship at RE/MAX and years of experience as a UGC creator, I’ve developed skills in branding, graphic design, and digital engagement, leading to collaborations and PR sponsorships with multiple brands. I currently create content and manage the Instagram account for the Merage Undergraduate Office, promoting programs, events, and opportunities to our community. These experiences have prepared me to communicate professionally and effectively on behalf of MUSA.

At its core, this role is all about making sure students know what MUSA can do for them,
connecting the right people to the right opportunities, and elevating the Merage undergraduate voice in the business community. If I get elected, I will approach outreach with intention. I hope to extend MUSA’s presence to TikTok, increase engagement on Instagram via reels, and collaborate with other offices and organizations at Merage so our promotions are coordinated, consistent, and far reaching.

Thank you for your support and consideration!

Shrika Punuganti

Hello everyone! My name is Shrika Punuganti and I’m running to be your MUSA Vice President of External Relations! Strong marketing is what transforms good events into impactful experiences that are accessible and engaging, and I have the experience to do exactly that for the Merage undergraduate
community.

Marketing is my passion and has been the core of my leadership responsibilities. I have over seven years of social media marketing experience under my belt, creating multimedia content for numerous student organizations, companies, and events. I currently serve as an Marketing Communications Intern at SmartPath Solutions, where I have developed engaging media for marketing campaigns and launched
our TikTok from the ground up. As the CEI Marketing Intern with Ascend UCI, I am marketing our upcoming intern-led event through social media campaigns aligned with our professional and compelling brand identity. At Design at UCI, I work closely with industry professionals, strengthening my professional communication and outreach skills as their Corporate Intern.

As MUSA VPER, I aim to elevate MUSA’s visibility through cohesive branding, creative social content, and organized outreach. Additionally, I plan to add even more engaging professional content through a short-form video and story series featuring “Days-in-the-life” of Merage Students and MUSA Board members, Detailed Professor Spotlights, Career tips from our Merage Faculty and Alumni, Behind-the-Scenes of MUSA Events, and more!

I am confident that my experience, creativity, and organization will allow me to contribute effectively to Merage, strengthening MUSA’s presence both on campus and within the broader business community.

VP OF INTERNAL RELATIONS (1)

Timothy Cho

Hi everyone! My name is Tim, and I am excited to run for VP of Internal Relations. Looking
back at my first year at Merage, I felt overwhelmed as an out-of-state student, having to find community and develop professionally. That is why becoming a MUSA Representative ended up being one of the most transformative parts of my college experience. It gave me direction, confidence and most importantly, I found a community where people wanted to see me succeed.

I still remember how much my VP of IR invested in me, helping me build my first resume, connecting me with recruiting resources, and teaching me how to navigate the business world. Because of that experience, I want to be the same source of guidance and encouragement for incoming first years, who are navigating Merage for the first time as well.

As VP of IR, I hope to bring my experiences from serving as MUSA’s VP of Academic Affairs,
where I ran MUSA’s mentorship program specifically designed to support transfer students. My vision as VP of IR is to foster connection within the MUSA board, but also to make the Freshman Representatives Program a true growth experience. At the end of the day, this position is about people, and I want to support first-years in being confident in their true potential. Thank you so much for your consideration, and I would be honored to serve as your VP of Internal Relations!

VP OF COMMUNICATIONS (3)

Kristin Francisco

What sets Merage apart is the scale of our resources; there is an opportunity in every corner of this community. As a first-year, I have navigated these corners as a Representative for MUSA, Marketing Intern for MAISS, and Committee Board Officer Intern for Accounting Association/Beta Alpha Psi. These experiences built a foundation for myself and the organizations I serve. Managing project deadlines across various fields, I have developed the organization, strategic thinking, and interpersonal skills required to lead. However, I would not have been exposed to these opportunities without MUSA at the backbone of my experience.

My excitement to give back is driven by a desire to support all internal processes and curate accessible resources as VP of Communications. While Merage offers vast opportunities, they should never be difficult to navigate. Thus, through implementing initiatives that allow for a consistent experience that keeps the student experience in mind, I am committed to efficiently strengthening bonds with organizations, streamlining processes, and providing the Merage community with greater transparency. I aim to transform MUSA’s archives into a reliable and data-driven roadmap that is organized and utilized as a frame of reference measuring success and growth.

As your VP of Communications, I am ready to bridge the gap between organizations and
students, ensuring everyone is aware of all possibilities within the business school. I'm grateful for the doors MUSA has opened for me, and I am dedicated to making sure those doors are wide open for you and your Merage journey next.

Brian Son

During my freshman year of high school, I couldn’t have been less involved. I joined no
organizations and when sophomore year came, I remember I had to catch up to a lot of my peers. So before arriving at Paul Merage, I came into the school with the mentality of becoming involved amongst my fellow students. That’s when I discovered MUSA and the reps program. While the reps program outlined sizable projects to complete including the freshmen hosted event and CEI internship program, it also sought to balance it with a welcoming environment. As the program is coming to an end, I realized that the hurdles and impact that I had with the school have become a new opportunity for me to grow. As such, I’ve become motivated to not just not just run for VP of Communications as a way of staying involved with MUSA, but to help continue growing the organization through keeping events organized and representing MUSA while communicating with others. My work as both a dual-sport athlete juggling the long hours of cross-country races and day long debate tournaments have made me understand that organizing time is key. Therefore, if selected as VP of Communications, I’m ready for the responsibilities of ensuring that MUSA’s schedule, reservations, and files stay organized through translating both my failures and lessons in my own life into the role. I want to lead and I want MUSA to grow. Therefore, I’m ready to fill the position of being VP of Communications.

Sonia Wang

As someone who thrives on organization, communication, and creating a meticulous
Google Calendar, I believe VP of Communications is the perfect role for me to help MUSA succeed.

On-campus, my experiences have equipped me with the skills necessary to keep an
organization informed and efficient. As the director of operations for Irvine Consulting Group, I manage and organize the shared drive, take meeting notes, and oversee internal communication for club members by sending Google Calendar invitations and other relevant documentation. As an Internal Affairs intern for In the Green, I track attendance and implement feedback when creating planning club socials. Through these roles, I have been able to gain experience in many of the responsibilities of VP of Communication, such as detailed documentation and consistent communication.

Professionally, I’ve coordinated events with 250+ attendees at CCS Fundraising and
acted as a liaison between the City of Irvine and high schoolers when organizing community service projects and large-scale teen events for 300+ attendees. These experiences have strengthened my ability to manage logistics, create and send emails, and follow up when needed.

If elected, I will prioritize keeping Merage informed, involved, and inspired. I will aim to keep MUSA and the greater Merage community informed of any professional opportunities, involved through frequent updates and clear action items in a newsletter, and inspired by highlighting the achievements and initiatives that are allowing our Merage community to thrive. With these goals, I am dedicated to making sure MUSA’s communication runs smoothly and effectively.

VP OF FINANCE (2)

Sarah Ghanem

Hello, my name is Sarah Ghanem, and I am running to be VP of Finance. To me, finance
is always the backbone of any organization, especially one like MUSA, which hosts many events for the Merage community. To keep those events that everyone loves running, I want to be able to provide the financial stability and capabilities through strong budgeting and consistent communication with the board, ASUCI, and potential outside organizations. I am uniquely prepared for this responsibility because of my background in MUSA as a Freshman Representative, where I have worked closely in a team to host our own fundraising event for the Merage community. In addition, my experience as a Fresh Prints Campus Manager has equipped me with the skills necessary to ensure smooth communication in a timely manner through thorough follow-ups with clients which can be applied when working with outside organizations, especially ASUCI, for funding of MUSA ventures like the Mocktail Mixer. In my time, I will work towards the growth and sustainability of the MUSA budget through a consistent quarterly income using Ring Road boothing to ensure that our budget is not only maintained but is also
growing. I will also work towards seeking corporate sponsorships to improve the quality of our event raffles and overall event experience. If elected, I am committed to being diligent with MUSA resources, and I look forward to expanding what MUSA can achieve through strategic financial management.

Thomas Park

Hi everyone, my name is Thomas Park, and I’m running to be your next Vice President of Finance.

My background combines finance, operations, and service driven leadership. As an Audit Billing Specialist at CDS, I work within structured billing systems, ensuring accuracy, accountability, and financial consistency across 20+ locations. Through Mix and Merage, I served as Finance Coordinator and Project Manager, where I built detailed budget models, tracked projected versus actual spending, and ensured our event operated within Merage’s operational guidelines.

Something I want to bring up from my past was when I served as Chief Operating Officer for Project Cyberwise, a nonprofit where my team and I taught fundamental cybersecurity skills to elders in senior homes. That experience deeply reinforced one of my core values: giving back. Leadership isn’t just about execution, it’s about responsibility and creating meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

As VP of Finance, I want to bring that same mindset to MUSA. I aim to strengthen financial transparency, standardize budgeting processes across committees, and implement clearer forecasting at the start of each quarter so we plan proactively rather than reactively.

Finance should empower initiatives, not limit them. It should create structure while still allowing creativity to thrive. I also want to ensure we steward our funds responsibly so future boards inherit stability and opportunity.

I will lead with accountability, adaptability, and service and I am also very excited to apply that approach to elevate MUSA’s financial systems and support our growing community.

Thank you.

VP OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS (2)

Trinity Nguyen

My name is Trinity Nguyen, and there is nothing I love more than the Merage community.
Throughout my time here, Merage has continued to foster my growth and help me find where I belong. I’m excited for the opportunity to give back and support others in the same way Merage has supported me.

As VP of Academic Affairs, I am most excited about leading the Mentorship Program and
fostering the growth of transfer students and other non-first years. As a transfer student myself with a unique educational journey, I know personally how difficult the transition from community college to university can be, especially during your first quarter. I hope to set transfers and non-first years up for success through this program, providing them with the resources, guidance, and skills they need to thrive. Having gone through that adjustment firsthand, I’m ready to build a program that meets students, specifically non-first-years, where they are.

As an active member of Merage, I am involved in Irvine Consulting Group, Ascend, and MUSA. As a current MUSA Rep, I’ve developed strong organizational and communication skills that prepare me to manage deadlines, support the audit system, and take on the responsibilities of VP of Academic Affairs. Through these clubs, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with many Merage students, whom I’m excited to recognize, support, and amplify their voices.

I love Merage, and as your VP of Academic Affairs, I will advocate for our students and help our community succeed.

Risha Suresh

Hi! My name is Risha Suresh, and I am excited to be running for MUSA Vice President of Academic Affairs. I’m a third-year Business Administration major minoring in Digital
Information Systems. From serving as a MUSA Representative, to VP of Communications, and now VP of Technology, I’m grateful to have grown within this organization and give back to the Merage community.

In my current role, I work to ensure that MUSA’s information is accurate, accessible, and up to date for students. This year, I also launched MUSA’s LinkedIn account, creating a new professional communication outlet that expands how we highlight student initiatives and events. I hope to continue being a resource to Merage students and enhance your experience at UCI.

My time on board has given me a strong understanding of the VP of Academic Affairs’
responsibilities. I’ve participated in the Mentorship Program as a mentor and have seen how impactful structured guidance can be, especially for transfer students. Additionally, as a Peer Academic Advisor in the Undergraduate Programs Office, I work directly with students on academic planning and resource navigation, allowing me to understand their needs firsthand.

If elected, I hope to increase the visibility of mentorship and strengthen communication for the audit system. I would also like to implement collaborative events with the Undergraduate Programs Office. I am confident that my past experiences and skills make me a strong candidate, and I hope you consider voting for me!

VP OF TECHNOLOGY (3)

Jeremy Basilio

Hello everyone,

My name is Jeremy Basilio, a second-year business administration student, and I am running for Vice President of Technology for the Merage Undergraduate Student Association (MUSA).

Through my experiences as a Campus Product Launcher for DoorDash, Marketing Intern at GitHub, and Strategy and Consulting Intern at the startup company, Creatorverse, I have learned how powerful technology becomes when it is used with intention. Technology is a way to build community, not just a tool to distribute information. I’ve worked on digital campaigns, UX research, and helped numerous teams translate complex systems into experiences that people actually want to interact with and use.

If elected, my goal is to transform MUSA’s technology platforms, most notably the website and Linkedin, into reliable resources and hubs of information that students and faculty can rely on. Furthermore, I hope to strengthen organization support with MUSA affiliated organizations that may struggle with technical tools and visibility.

Having previously served as a MUSA representative, I understand how important clear
communication and a strong infrastructure are to support over thousands of students and over twenty-five organizations. My priority is to use technology to enhance connection, engagement and student success across Merage.

Thank you for your support.

Faith Komatsu

Hi there! :) My name is Faith, and I’m running for MUSA VP of Technology.

I’m a 2nd year Business Administration major minoring in Digital Information Systems, with a strong interest in UI/UX design. Through Design@UCI and my coursework, I’ve developed experience in user centered design. I’ve participated in Figma workshops, design-a-thon/design jam, and project teams where I went through the full UI/UX process: ideation, user research, interface design, and prototyping applications collaboratively. My team placed in both competitions I participated in, which strengthened my confidence in designing thoughtfully and effectively. In my classes, I’ve also learned how to make digital platforms more accessible and inclusive for diverse audiences.

These experiences have prepared me to enhance MUSA’s digital presence, whether that be through updating the website, improving LinkedIn, or streamlining how information is shared across platforms. I want to ensure that MUSA’s technology is not only visually appealing, but intuitive, accurate, and accessible. Ultimately helping better connect the Merage community to the many opportunities available to them.

I’m running because of my deep gratitude for MUSA and the Merage community. Since joining as a freshman representative and now serving as an associate, I’ve come to truly value the opportunities & connections this community creates. MUSA has played a meaningful role in my college experience, and I would love the opportunity to continue contributing in a greater capacity. Through this position, I hope to be able to give back to both MUSA and the Merage community. Thank you!

Akansha Majumder

My name is Akansha Majumder, and I am running for Vice President of Technology
because MUSA has already become such an important part of my first year at Merage, and I want to give back to a community that has given me so much.

Coming into college, everything felt new and overwhelming, but getting involved in
MUSA as a Freshman Representative helped me find a place where I felt welcomed and supported. Seeing the work that goes on behind the scenes to create opportunities for students inspired me to step up and contribute in a bigger way.

Technology plays a huge role in how students experience MUSA. Most of the time, our
first interaction with events and resources is through the website or online platforms, such as social media and LinkedIn. As Vice President of Technology, I want to make it much easier for Merage students to stay involved and feel connected.

Through my role as a Campus Growth Creator for Ditto, I’ve worked closely with digital
platforms and learned how to communicate information to students in a way that is engaging and accessible. Being involved in organizations like Human Resources Management Association and Women in Leadership has also helped me grow as a team member and understand the importance of being reliable, organized, and proactive.

I’m running for Vice President of Technology because I want students to be able to easily find what they need & feel encouraged to participate, rather than missing out because information was hard to access.

VP OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (2)

Kaylee Colorado

Hello everyone, my name is Kaylee Colorado, and I am running for VP of Community
Development! I am passionate about strengthening my community, creating opportunities, and making sure every Merage student feels academically and professionally supported. As a current Freshman Representative in MUSA, I have already begun to develop community bonds and learning how to turn collaboration into impactful projects. I want to continue to develop this work by helping students feel more connected, informed, and confident while at Merage.

My involvement across campus has given me experience that can contribute to this role. As the Executive Administrator and Professional Development Intern for the Latino Business Student Association (LBSA), I managed outreach, developed newsletters, and connected students with professionals. Working as a Financial Analyst Student Assistant with UCI Student Housing has strengthened my organizational skills and attention to detail. Additionally, serving as a Brand Ambassador for Knowt has enhanced my communication and marketing skills, enabling me to
engage with diverse audiences.

Aside from my professional roles, my involvement in UCI Choral Singers and campus
organizations mirrors my belief that community thrives on creativity and collaboration. My goal is to foster inclusivity, expand developmental opportunities, and ensure that students always feel heard and represented.

I am dedicated to bringing energy and thoughtful leadership to the MUSA community, and I hope to have the opportunity to continue developing a place where every student can grow, connect, and succeed.

Maisie Phan

Hi! My name is Maisie Phan and I am a first-year Business Administration student running for next year’s VP of Community Development. I have been involved in several business orgs like MUSA, HRMA, In the Green, etc. I have grown to have a strong connection and fondness for Merage and its community, and I hope in this role I can help build up this community further through events and functions. My main priorities when curating events are to make them as fun and engaging as possible and to keep feedback at the forefront of the planning of these events. Events like Business Orgs Fair and Dress for Success will of course be implemented again in the coming year, but I also plan on creating more community service based events to unite Merage in bettering our surrounding world. I also plan in creating more events curated for
students that are not specifically Bus Admin or BIM to explore different opportunities within Merage to help grow our community further. Community is one of the most important aspects of business, college, and overall just life and I hope as VP of Community Development I can help turn Merage into a space where people can connect, learn, and enjoy themselves.

VP OF DIVERSITY (4)

Kelly He

Hi everyone! My name is Kelly He, and I'm running for VP of Diversity because I want to make sure every student at Merage feels like they belong here.

As a third-year transfer student, I remember how nerve-wracking it was to start fresh in a new community. Last fall, I was grateful to be part of the MUSA Mentorship Program where I got connected to the Merage community and learned about resources I didn't even know existed. That experience made such a difference for me, and I want to help create those same opportunities for others.

Through Women in Leadership and Undergraduate Finance Association, I've learned how to bring people together and build community. As VP of Diversity, I want to focus on students who might need that extra support, whether that's transfers, international students, commuters, or anyone still figuring out where they fit in.

For many of us, UCI is our second home. When you graduate from Merage, you should know that you belonged here and that your accomplishments, big or small, mattered. I'm committed to listening to you and working with faculty and student organizations to make sure everyone has that experience.

I'd be honored to be your VP of Diversity. Thank you!

Lucy Luu

Hi, my name is Lucy Luu, and I’m running to be MUSA’s VP of Diversity for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Growing up in team-oriented spaces, from athletics to student leadership, I’ve learned that the strongest communities aren’t those where everyone is the same, but rather those where different perspectives are welcomed, valued, and brought together with intention. As Vice President of my Associated Student Body in high school and a current MUSA Representative, I’ve led meetings, organized school-wide events, and collaborated across different groups to ensure that decisions were thoughtful and inclusive. I’ve experienced firsthand how meaningful belonging can beand also how isolating it is when that belonging is missing.

That’s why I’m running.

To me, diversity isn’t just about representation. It’s about engagement and making sure all kinds of students, from transfer students to commuters, to international students, and anyone who might feel overlooked, have real opportunities to connect and be heard. It’s about creating spaces where conversations are open, collaboration is encouraged, and every student feels empowered to contribute.

As Vice President of Diversity, I want to lead initiatives that don’t just check a box, but actually build community. I wish to work closely with students, faculty, and organizations to host meaningful programs, increase cross-cultural collaboration, and make Merage a place where everyone is welcome.

I’m ready to listen, lead, and build community with a purpose.

Thank you, and I’d be honored to have your vote and serve as your Vice President of Diversity.

Daniella Park

One of the most significant components in building a proactive and resilient community is diversification. My name is Daniella Park, and I am honored to be running for MUSA’s next Vice President of Diversity and be a part of strengthening UCI’s School of Business holistically. Ever since I was a young teen, I’ve understood how much of a lasting impact a diverse community can have. From working with my peers from varied backgrounds to trying out new experiences that are rooted in my friends’ cultures, I can proudly say that these moments shaped my character and expanded my growth potential. That being said, MUSA represents over 1500 students. Within that group, some individuals may not always feel seen, such as transfers, commuters, and international students. As VP of Diversity, I aim to cultivate a respected and welcoming environment where students of all backgrounds are comfortable engaging with Merage rather than simply being in it. This includes initiating multiple cultural events, welcoming programs for underrepresented students, and an anonymous form that allows individuals to express their ideas or concerns. In addition, my experience in a mental health organization, the Representative program, and cross-cultural moments will be the foundation of how I will contribute to the community, as they shaped my ability to connect, listen, and take initiative. As we look ahead, being a part of a diverse student body is truly a strength of its own, and I’m committed to making sure that it’s a lived experience for everyone.

Audrey Vu

Hi everyone, my name is Audrey Vu, and I’m excited to be running for Vice President of
Diversity for MUSA’s 2026–2027 Executive Board.

To me, diversity means more than representation – it means fostering a space where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to belong. As business students at Merage, we come from a wide range of cultural and academic backgrounds. Those differences strengthen our community, and I want to ensure they are recognized.

My involvement across campus has shaped my perspective on inclusive leadership. As Director of Marketing for Beta Alpha Psi and a mentor in the Accounting Association, I’ve worked closely with students from diverse backgrounds, helping create accessible spaces for professional growth. Being a part of VSA’s Trance has also shown me how cultural organizations build belonging and identity on campus through creative expression and culture nights. Through my role as a Front Desk Assistant for the UCI Dance Department and as a Deloitte D2 Tax Intern, I’ve learned how important it is to create welcoming, professional environments where people feel respected and heard.

As VP of Diversity, I hope to introduce initiatives that promote open dialogue, highlight
underrepresented voices, and strengthen connections within Merage by holding panels, social events, and utilizing social media.

My goal is to help cultivate a MUSA community where diversity is actively embraced and reflected in our leadership, programming, and opportunities. I would be honored to serve and advocate for all of you

VP OF GRADUATE/ALUMNI RELATIONS (3)

Bruce Huynh

While first attending UCI, I came in with zero connections. I knew zero people. My predominantly caucasian high school notoriously looked down on attending Irvinel. So when I committed to UCI, I had only one point of contact: my AP lang teacher. Little did I know the power of a single connection. With her urgings, that one person opened the doors to a world of endless possibilities and pathways, expanding
beyond the bubble of my high school. And that’s what I hope to provide for my fellow students at the Merage School of Business.

I’m Bruce, and I am excited to run for your MUSA VP of Graduate and Alumni Relations. I’m many things: a brain cancer researcher, an older brother, a podcast host, a DECA chapter president. And as a candidate, I’m extremely excited to have the opportunity to serve my community as a leader and point of contact for my peers between the past generations and the future. This position is a culmination of my
work since high school, and a chance for me to use my past experiences to impact the greater Merage community and beyond. During my time, I hope to provide resources that encourage students to feel more comfortable reaching out to these alumni and cultivating genuine relationships with them. Through networking events, more mentorship opportunities, and coffee chat pairings that prioritize personal
interests and individual personalities, my fellow students will find professionals that genuinely advance them in their career aspirations.

Charleen Pan

Hello, Merage! I’m Charleen, and I’m running to be your 2026-2027 VP of Graduate & Alumni Relations. I'm a Business Administration major with an emphasis in Accounting and a minor in Digital Information Systems. Outside of school, I love crocheting, dancing, and watching Formula 1!

I’m running to unite undergraduates, graduates, and alumni through accessible mentorship, meaningful resources, and intentional networking. Having seen the impact of professional guidance and connection, I’m passionate about building relationships that open doors and uplift our community. I will create a Merage culture where everyone feels supported and confident in their professional journey.

If elected, I will launch alumni coffee chats, host speaker panels/information nights, introduce mentorship circles, and build sustainable databases of recurring programs that future boards can continue. My focus is on creating lasting systems and connections that support students long after my term ends.

As a Professional Development Intern with Ascend UCI, I have direct connections to graduate student representatives and alumni through professional events I’ve helped coordinate. This has given me insight into student needs and shown how intentional programming can build meaningful relationships between students and alumni.

As a Freshman Representative for MUSA, I’ve served my peers, collaborated with student leaders, and strengthened connections within the undergraduate community. Now, I’ll continue that commitment on a larger scale by serving the broader Merage community, connecting undergraduates, graduates, and alumni.

Merage has already given me so much: community, growth, and opportunity. I would be truly honored to give back by serving you!

Tristan Jacob Ramirez

Howzit! I'm TJ, a Business Administration student emphasizing marketing & information systems with a minor in psychology! I am passionate about inclusivity, hospitality, and bridging the gaps between people from all walks of life. My experiences include marketing, design, outreach initiatives, collaboration,
hospitality and event planning, and I’m ready to apply my experiences to the VP of Alumni and Graduate Affairs Position!

As a first-year, out-of-state student from Seattle., I know very well how it feels to be lost, confused, and alone as a student trying to break into the professional world. There were many moments throughout my career here at Merage where I felt overwhelmed by how complicated and stressful navigating your academic and professional life together, and I aim to solve that.

I plan to strengthen the bonds between the undergraduate and MBA student bodies and provide essential resources, connections, and information to our undergraduate population from the MBA to catalyze professional success and excellence, making sure that no student is left behind while we pursue our careers.

I’ve worked with people from many different backgrounds and I am ready to apply my cross-cultural communication skills to better the Merage community. As an active member of Kababayan, PASS, and Hawai’i Club at UCI and current MUSA Representative, I have met so many amazing people and opportunities. These experiences have showcased the importance of connection and community, and I am
to transform the Merage community into a strong, connective network, connecting BA and MBA students together.