Meet our Members

Shalom Yam

Chief of Staff

Email:  kayam@ucsc.edu

Pronouns	she/her/hers
Year	4th year
Major	Economics/Mathematics
College Affiliation	John R. Lewis College (Formerly known as College 10)

About me:

My name is Shalom! Shalom also means "peace" in Hebrew, but I was actually born in China, raised in Hong Kong, completed High school in Thailand, and I am currently pursuing a combined Bachelor of Arts in Economics/Mathematics degree in the United States! I am the Chief of Staff at the VP of Diversity and Inclusion Office and I am super excited for this school year to work with my amazing team! In the meantime, I would love to know if you have any ideas or comments on how we can improve, don't hesitate to reach out to our office!

Fun Fact: 

In a span of 4 years, I’ve changed addresses for over 8 times in the Bay Area, and that made me very sensitive to the water quality in the area I live in - if you give me a glass of water, I can tell you the quality!

About me:

I first noticed inequity in schools and the disparities between demographics at maybe too early an age. I grew up as a minority in tragically underserved communities, and then later, impoverished but in a much much better school district. This awakened me to the power we have to affect change and empower the people around us, even if it's just through emotional support. Friends, teachers, and administrators out there encouraged me to find myself, ask for help, learn from any failure, and work around any obstacle. Our most humble privileges can still help us generate equity for others. As a queer super nerd and first generation transfer student of hard to see mixed heritages, and with a devastatingly sick parent, this still feels like a tall order sometimes, but community keeps me strong.

With time and dedication, and some thicker skin, I started at algebra and worked my way up through math, eventually mastering calculus as a tutor. This gave me a pathway to physics, which I always dreamed of doing. Since transferring to UCSC, I've achieved my dreams of learning programming, doing materials physics research, and being the first in my lineage to study science at a university. I'm attending UCSC to study STEAM, yes. However, I'm also here to bring awareness and representation for groups whom naysayers claimed preclude me from this success. As I work toward building better medical instruments and making our public works more equitable for every demographic, I am also working to serve you and our communities as your new D&l Programs Coordinator. Remember: it takes strength to ask for help. Please reach out with your needs. We're here to help with no judgment, only respect and compassion. We have resources - and you have an ally in me.

About me:

Hi, I'm Andrew! Being both Hispanic and Japanese, I've come to personally know diversity as a cornerstone piece in community involvement, cultural awareness, and maximizing equitable input. As a college student government leader, I always aim to improve inclusive resource opportunities for Slugs at UCSC. If you've ever contacted Cowell Senate or come to a meeting, you'll know me as their Treasurer and SUA Representative, but I've recently begun leading social media and website planning going forward as well. And, I'm currently serving on the Equity in Mental Health Funding Committee working with the Dean of Students, the Assistant Vice Chancellor's Office, and many others—so if you’re ever interested in mental health initiatives on campus, reach out!

Fun Fact: 

I ran in track and cross-country all four years of high school, so you can definitely catch me at the OPERS gym or on the East Field track during early mornings before sunrise.

About me:

I am a 22-year-old undergraduate Latina pursuing a bachelor’s degree in both Politics and Legal Studies. I am currently the UCSC Student Union Assembly Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion, focusing on building a more equitable, just, and inclusive environment. I am from Los Angeles, CA, have four siblings, and a cute shih tzu/chihuahua named Simba back home. 

Throughout my life, I have always been enthusiastic about helping people and I have always been involved in various organizations in and out of school. I am a strong advocate for supporting the increase of resource accessibility/awareness, and creating a more welcoming and safer environment (online and in-person). I am always open to talking with anyone about anything and would love to support in any way that I can. Please feel free to reach out to me at any time! suavpd@ucsc.edu  

As always, Be Yourself, Know Your Worth!

Fun Fact: 

I started building legos again last quarter. Currently, I am working on a FRIENDS lego set with 1070 pieces. I have a small fish tank bowl full of legos and lego 2 fish, I have the lego flower bouquet, as well as some lego kitties in my apartment. They are so much fun! If y’all want to build legos, I am all for it! :D

About me:

Hello! My name is Brent Insua and I'm the SUA Kresge Elected Representative! I'm also the SUA Office of the President, Director of Policy and Research. Hiking is one of my most favorite activities to do,I always take advantage of this beautiful campus!

Fun Fact: 

I've logged more than 700 hours in Destiny 2.