2025 - 2026 Associated Student Government Elected Officials
President
Diego Padilla
Hello, my name is Diego Padilla, and I am running for the Associated Student Government President. I want to serve in this role because I have the leadership skills and passion needed for such an important role. Every decision made by the student government should prioritize the students of MiraCosta and we should advocate for what is needed most. Advocating for mental health awareness and resources is one of my biggest priorities along with; building meaningful connections, emphasizing solidarity amongst different communities on all campuses, and ensuring students have the necessary tools, support, and opportunities they need to thrive on and off campus. As president of ASG, I believe in creating an environment where everyone is heard and not afraid to voice their opinions on various subject matters. As a member of the Associated Student Government, I’ve had the opportunity to enter different roles with varying responsibilities that have helped me develop a well-rounded understanding of student leadership and campus advocacy. This school year, I’ve worked as an Oceanside Senator, ICC Vice-Chair, and currently, the Executive Vice President. As a Senator, I involved myself in many engagement opportunities, joining multiple workgroups, and shared governance committees. I volunteered for the ASG-led “Earn Our Vote” event which empowered student voices in local government. I also helped with a League of Women Voters workshop to increase voter turnout, especially among young adults. As Inter-Club Council Vice Chair, I worked closely with the Chair to ensure clubs received the necessary support, guidance, and resources to flourish on campus. These roles all prepared me for the responsibilities of the Executive Vice Presidency, where I’m able to help bridge the gap between administration, faculty, and students. Apart from ASG, I am a political science major intending to transfer in Fall 2026. With this degree, my experience as a student, and community member- I hope to become involved with politics advocating for meaningful change. I am also a member of various clubs on campus including; MEChA, the International Club, and the Veterans Club. I greatly value the diversity on our campus and emphasize solidarity among all student organizations. Besides my involvement on campus, I am the secretary for the Student Senate of California Community Colleges Veterans Caucus which advocates for veterans on a statewide level. I volunteer with nonprofit organizations that aid immigrants with the process of obtaining citizenship, and organizations that help formerly incarcerated, and individuals with cognitive disabilities find work through farmwork. I am passionate about creating inclusive policy and change for all individuals, especially those who are historically disenfranchised.
Student Trustee
Federico Caion Demaestri
As Student Trustee, I will ensure that student voices are not just heard but actively shape the decisions that impact our future. Governance should not be about maintaining the status quo – it should be about progress. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, ‘Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.’ I am committed to forging new paths that put students at the center of decision-making. Fairness, transparency, and student advocacy must be at the core of every institutional decision. ‘Until we get equality in education, we won’t have an equal society,’ said Sonia Sotomayor, and that starts with making sure policies reflect the diverse needs of our student body. There is no equality without equity, and there is no justice without fairness. As Student Trustee, I will push for greater oversight on policies that impact students, strengthen communication between student leadership and administration, and ensure that inclusion is more than just a principle – it’s a practice. Andrés Tapia put it best: ‘Diversity is the mix. Inclusion is making the mix work.’ A trustee’s role is not to be a passive observer but an active force for justice and progress. Together, we can build a more student-centered institution that truly serves us all.
Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Darya Forutanpour
Hello, my name is Darya Forutanpour, and I am running for Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. I want to serve in this role because I believe in the power of diversity to enrich our community and create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. As someone with Iranian heritage, I understand the importance of representation and inclusivity. I am committed to ensuring that all voices are heard and respected and that our community fosters an environment where everyone can thrive regardless of their background. Through this position, I hope to create initiatives that support underrepresented groups, promote awareness around DEI issues, and make tangible changes that reflect our commitment to inclusivity. We can build a more welcoming and equitable community for all.
Vice President for the Community Learning Center
Gina Bonilla Cetina
Hello, my name is Gina Paola Bonilla c , and I am running for [President / Vice President] of the Associated Student Government at MiraCosta College’s Community Learning Center. I am passionate about creating a supportive and welcoming environment for all students, especially at the CLC, where so many of us are working hard to overcome challenges and reach our goals. As someone who has experienced the strength of this community, I want to give back by representing our voices and making sure we are heard and supported at every level of student government. Since 2022, I’ve been a proud volunteer with the CARE program at the CLC, where I’ve helped support various activities including the food market and food pantry. Through this work, I’ve seen firsthand how important community support and access to resources are for student success. These experiences have inspired me to step into a leadership role and do even more for our student body. If elected, I hope to: • Improve access to academic and wellness resources at the CLC • Create more opportunities for community-building and student involvement • Make ASG more visible and connected to CLC students • Advocate for expanded services such as tutoring, financial aid workshops, and mental health support at the CLC I believe leadership is about listening, learning, and leading with empathy. I want to work with you, hear your ideas, and make sure our needs are prioritized. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected CLC community. Thank you for your support!
Vice President for San Elijo
Dottie Amézquita Monahan
Hello! I'm Dottie Amézquita Monahan and I'm running for Vice President of the San Elijo campus. I'm asking for your vote because as a San Elijo student and current San Elijo ASG Senator, I want to keep improving this wonderful campus! My main goals include better transportation (both bike and car), more opportunities for student engagement, and of course ensuring student voices are heard. I know transportation is a big issue with students. Whether it is the successful completion of the bike lane project for San Elijo or having rides to clubs on the Oceanside campus, I will work hard to get the result you are looking for. When it comes to student engagement, I know you want more fun activities on the San Elijo campus, and that is exactly what I will strive to deliver! Besides being a part of Associated Student Government as a Senator for San Elijo, I am also the Co-founder/ICC Representative of the MCC Baking Club and a student worker at Student Life and Leadership! These experiences have helped me learn how to plan fun activities and create new ways for students to connect with each other. However, the most important thing I want you to know is - I plan on LISTENING TO YOU and implementing your suggestions on the best ways to improve San Elijo student life! VOTE D AND WE WILL SUCCEED!
Apply for an ASG Appointed Position Today!
Applications are open on Engage for the following appointed positions:
- Executive Vice President
- Vice Chair of the Inter-Club Council
- Director of Finance
- Director of Legislative Affairs
- Director of Public Relations
- Senators (Oceanside, San Elijo and Community Learning Center)
- Senators (Inter-Club Council, Finance and Inter-Club Council)
- Student-at-Large
Interview for eligible appointed applicants may anticipate being interviewed after they have been verified for eligibility but no sooner than June 6, 2025. Apply before June 6, 2025 to be considered in the first round of interviews.
Are you interested in:
- Promoting student life, diversity, and learning outside of the classroom
- Supporting students clubs & organizations on campus through the Inter-Club Council.
- Listening to student concerns, suggestions and issues, then collaborates with other governing bodies on campus to implement or address the students' needs.
- Providing representation and activities for students at all three campus locations: Oceanside, The Community Learning Center and San Elijo.
Please visit the links below and apply today
2025 Election Commission
We appreciate our students who are participating in the Election Commission this year. Their contributions to the election process is invaluable. Thank you!
- Anastasiia Hrobova
- Nia Lopez
- Anthony Lynch
The Inter-Club Council Chair is also considered an elected position, however they are elected by the Inter-Club Council.
Elected members assume office June 1 and will begin interviewing the candidates for appointed positions at that time.
ASG Advisors: If you have any election-related questions, please reach out to Terrence Shaw or Colleen Maeder
