Why are you running in the ASUO Election?
My name is Giovanni Bazan-Espain from Hermiston, a town in northeastern Oregon. I am a 2nd-year student double-majoring in Business Administration and Spanish. I currently serve as the President of the Latiné Male Alliance (LMA) and as the Racial Justice Coordinator for the Multicultural Center. I want to run in the ASUO election to instill change and have more of a profound influence on departments like the MCC that houses multiple student unions that hosts cultural affinity groups. I want to actively advocate for diverse BIPOC groups and push for a new culture by implementing a Latiné Cultural Center.
One of Senate's responsibilities is to interact with student organizations every week during Senate Hearings and makes decisions on their spending requests. As one of the most front facing parts of ASUO, how do you plan on making these interactions as positive as possible for students?
As a leader within the MCC and LMA, I have been on the other side of the table and understand how intimidating Senate hearings can feel. I plan to make these interactions positive by prioritizing active listening and transparency. I will approach every hearing as a collaborator rather than a gatekeeper. My goal is to ensure every student leader leaves the room feeling respected and supported, regardless of the funding outcome, by fostering an environment of mutual advocacy.