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Meet our Wonderful Committees!

Apartment & Community Living

Provides a network for professionals managing nontraditional and affiliated housing operations.

Fadiel Hernandez

Assessment & Research Committee

The WACUHO Assessment & Research Committee works to guide organizational assessment efforts for WACUHO and its members to support data driven decision-making.

Jake Feldt

Awards & Recognition

To provide an opportunity for Association members to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of fellow colleagues through the leadership and service awards.

Rayana Poole

Business Ops/ Conference Services/ Food Services

The Business Operations, Conference Services, and Food Services Committee provides a space for members to share knowledge and best practices related to the operational functions that support campus housing. This committee fosters collaboration around financial management, conference operations, and dining services, with a focus on enhancing efficiency, strengthening partnerships, and improving the residential and conference experience.

Megan Fox

Community College

This committee serves a few different demographics relating to residential or housing programs connected to community colleges: community colleges that have residential/housing programs, 4 year institutions that have partnerships with community colleges, and 4 year institutions looking to build partnerships with community colleges. The committee highlights the unique challenges and opportunities within community college housing and fosters the development of resources, networks, and advocacy efforts tailored to this distinct institutional context.

VACANT

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

To provide an opportunity for all Association members to become involved in the affiliated areas of the housing program, ensure representation of under-represented and identified special interest groups in all aspects of the Association, and encourage networking and the sharing of ideas.

Caleb N. Gonsalves

Engagement

To support member connection and involvement across WACUHO. Through outreach, communication, and intentional opportunities for participation, the committee works to build a welcoming and inclusive association where members feel connected and encouraged to engage.

VACANT

Facilities

Brainstorm ideas and programs that can create opportunities for our Facilities colleagues to re-engage and develop their skills and knowledge while also encouraging greater participation of new Facilities professionals and front line staff in the association.

Stephanie Nixon
Israel Gomez

Finance Advisory Committee

To provide an opportunity for Association members to review and highlight areas of concern in the Association’s proposed operating budget offered by the Treasurer.

Mako Ushihara 
Jenna Hazelton

Gender and Sexuality Advocacy Network

To advance inclusion and advocacy for individuals of all gender identities and sexual orientations within campus housing. The committee provides education, resources, and support to help members foster inclusive residential communities and affirming environments.

John Buchanan

Historian/Archivist

To provide an opportunity for Association members to contribute to a variety of information collected by Historian.

Alex Belisario 
Myra Cheah

Mid-Level Professionals

To provide leadership in the planning and implementation of a management and personal development program for mid-level and senior management members.

Mei-Lan Kaenzig-Hersh 
Christopher Badoyan

New Professionals

To create and maintain networks related to the needs and issues of new WACUHO members in all areas of apartment living, residential life, food service, residential operations, business services, clerical support and other trades and specialized interest supporting the overall housing and food services program throughout the western region.

Kam Attia 
Jerry Solorzano

Nominations

To seek and encourage qualified candidates for the Association Executive Committee offices.

Reyes Luna

Past Presidents (Past Presidents Only)

This committee is composed of former WACUHO Presidents who continue to serve the association through mentorship, historical perspective, and strategic guidance. Members support current leadership, contribute to long-term planning, and help sustain the legacy and mission of WACUHO.

Samuel N. Jones 
Alex Belisario

Peers Empowering Parents

WACUHO PEP Squad is an open, inclusive space for anyone with a dependent, anyone thinking about becoming a parent or fostering, or anyone wanting to know how to better support parents and guardians.

DJ Escobar

Professional Development/Self Care

The Professional Development and Self Care Committee promotes holistic growth and well-being among housing professionals. The committee provides opportunities for skill-building, leadership development, and career advancement while also emphasizing the importance of balance, resilience, and self-care in sustaining a long-term career in student affairs.

Fadiel Hernandez

Strategic Planning Task Force

This ad-hoc task force serves to provide input on long term consistency, sustainability, and programmatic direction of the association.

Katie Knoll

Student Development

The Student Development Committee focuses on enhancing learning opportunities for students by supporting learning, growth, and leadership development within campus housing. The committee shares best practices, develops resources, and promotes strategies that foster student staff skills, student engagement, and educational training outcomes.

Jocelyn Velasquez
Bailey Rasmussen-Betancourt

Sustainability

To advance environmentally responsible practices within campus housing and operations. Members collaborate to share innovative approaches, promote sustainable initiatives, and support institutions in reducing their environmental impact while educating residents and staff on sustainability efforts.

Andy Hattalla

Talent Acquisition and Recruitment

The Talent Acquisition and Recruitment Committee supports the association through intentional best practice sharing for effective recruitment and hiring practices. The committee shares resources and strategies to attract, develop, and retain a diverse and talented workforce.

Ginger Akuffo

Technology

Provides updates on technology developments and regulations relevant to housing and food services.

Scott Hert

Time and Place

To invite Association member institutions to host the Annual Conference and Exposition (WACE), Southern SLD, Northern SLD, Central SLD, Island SLD, Western Training Institute, and Pacific Management Institute.

VACANT

WACUHO Network for Professionals of Color

The WACUHO Network for Professionals of Color is a committee working for the full inclusion of professionals of color within the Association, the Division of Student Affairs, and Higher Education, while also affirming and committing space–through affinity subgroups–for queer and trans professionals of color, womyn and all along the gender spectrum, professionals of color with disabilities, and undocumented professionals of color.

Serafin Aguilar Jr.

Women of WACUHO (WOW)

To provide the diverse women in the Association opportunities to pursue advancement in housing and student affairs, encourage mentorship and support, as well as offer various educational programs.

Hailee Shafer
Ravyn Johnson

WACE 2026 Annual Conference Chair

The WACUHO Annual Conference and Exhibition (WACE) is a chance for professionals to gather to discuss important matters pertaining to the association, the field of student affairs and higher education, and trends in higher education within the region.

Cynthia Aranda Cervantes 
Kara Bauer

WACE 2026 Corporate Relations and Exhibits

To provide an opportunity for Association members and corporate partners to collaboratively network and share ideas on meeting the Association’s and Corporate needs while best serving member institutions and WACUHO events throughout the year.

Courtney White 
Jonathan Padron 
Corinne Knapp

WACE 2026 Host

To coordinate the production of the Annual Conference and Exposition from the bid of a quality site and promotion of quality service.

Jenna Hazelton 
Katie Knoll

WACE 2026 Marketing & Registration

To help coordinate Annual Conference registration and advertise the conference and its contents to all attendees and membership.

Daisy Baran 
Melissa Silverman

WACE 2026 Sessions/Programs

To plan all aspects of the program presented at the Annual Conference and Exposition.

Zak Labus 
Erica Leyva

WTI/PMI

Offers an immersive three-day experience to strengthen leadership and professional skills.

Jenna Hazelton 
Katie Knoll
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