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2025-2026 Executive Committee Nominations

Executive Committee Nomination Videos

President Elect Nominees

Chris Flores | He, Him, His
Stanford University
Assistant Director, Housing Administrative Services

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Professional Experience

  • August 2023 - Present: Assistant Director, Housing Administrative Services | Stanford University

  • January 2022 - August 2023: Programs Coordinator | California State University Chico

  • January 2017 - January 2022: Coordinator for Residential Education | UC Santa Cruz

  • June 2014 - January 2017:  Resident Director | New Mexico State University

WACUHO Experience

  • WACUHO Finance Advisory Committee (FAC) Member: 2023-Present

  • WACE Host Committee Co-Chair: 2023-2024

  • WACE Host Committee Member: 2022-2023

  • Strategic Planning Committee Co-Chair: 2021-2023

  • WACE Marketing and Registration Committee Member: 2021-2022

  •  Mid-Level Professionals Co-Chair: 2021-2022

  • 2021 ACUHO-I Outstanding Mid-Level Professional of the Year Recipient

  • WACUHO Vice-President: 2020-2021

  • WACUHO Member at Large- North: 2019-2020

  • Northern Student Leadership Drive Chair: 2018-19

  • WACE Programs Committee Member: 2018-2019

Why are you interested in the above experience?

WACUHO has been my professional home, offering me invaluable experiences and opportunities for growth. I am committed to ensuring that our members can access the same support and benefits that I have enjoyed throughout my journey. As President-Elect, I aim to apply my experience and active involvement to address how we can better serve our members and drive meaningful change.

 

I will work to create more opportunities for members to connect and develop, both in-person and through digital platforms. It’s important to me that everyone involved in WACUHO committees has the resources and support they need to succeed, fostering an environment of growth and mentorship for all. My goal is to ensure that WACUHO remains an inclusive space, where every member feels acknowledged and valued.

 

WACUHO has inspired me to realize my potential, and I take that responsibility seriously. I am dedicated to advocating for and strengthening our field and association as your President-Elect. Thank you for considering my candidacy. I look forward to the possibility of serving you and contributing to our association’s ongoing success.

Vice President Nominees

Rubia Hernandez | she, her hers
University of California, San Diego
Assistant Director of Residence Life

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Professional Experience

  • 2017-2019 - Resident Relations Coordinator with Grad and Family Housing at UC San Diego

  • 2019 - Present - Assistant Director of Residence Life at UC San Diego

WACUHO Experience

  • 2018 - 2021 - Southern Student Leadership Drive In o  

  • 2019 - 2022 - Women of WACUHO 

  • 2021 - 2022 - WACE Programs Committee

  • 2023 - 2024 - WACE Sessions Co-Chair

  • 2024 - 2025 - WACUHO Secretary 

Why are you interested in the above experience?

My time within WACUHO has been highlighted by individuals who have cared so deeply in the association, the members, and the work that we do every day. I'm so grateful for those WACUHO mentors who invested time and space for me, and I want to do the same with in the Vice President position. Giving back to WACUHO in this way has been a goal of mine to honor what it has given me while also sharing that enthusiasm and support with newer professionals who join us. I want to continue to grow our opportunities, to create spaces to help us navigate the changing landscapes, and to create a home base we can turn to for support. My skills lie in my equity and restorative practice work, along with technology and administrative skills (I usually have a handy spreadsheets formula!). Thank you so much for your consideration. I look forward to continuing to serve WACUHO for many years to come!

Treasurer Nominees

No nominations have been received at this time. A call will go out for nominations from the floor at the Annual Business Meeting during WACE.

Secretary Nominees

Jake Feldt | he, him, his
San Diego State University
Residence Hall Coordinator

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Professional Experience

  • Residence Hall Coordinator, San Diego State University: July 2022 - Present 

  • Academic Success Advisor, Arizona State University: May 2021 - June 2022 

  • Assistant Director for Marketing and Leasing, Claremont Graduate University: September 2019 - June 2020

  • Program Coordinator, San Francisco Art Institute: January 2019 - May 2019

WACUHO Experience

  • Assessment and Research Committee Chair: 2024-2025

  • Finance Advisory Committee Member: 2024-2025        

  • Historian/Archivist Committee Member: 2024-2025

  • Assessment and Research Committee Member: 2023-2024

  • WACE Programs Committee Member: 2023-2024 

  • WACE 2023 New Professionals Case Study - 2nd Place

  • WACE 2023 "Best of the West" co-recipient

Why are you interested in the above experience?

  • Hello! I'm Jake Feldt and I am running for Secretary of the WACUHO Executive Committee. I am running for many reasons, but in particular I am running because of the WACUHO community itself and the opportunity to support the WACUHO executive team in driving change. Since joining WACUHO, I’ve been able to experience great networking opportunities, resources, and professional development experiences, and I am committed to ensuring others have the opportunity to experience the same benefits. I have been able to challenge myself with presenting, developing organization-wide materials, approaching case studies, and much more. Beyond this, I’ve been able to gain these experiences while building meaningful connections with others across the region, getting to learn more about them and their experiences, both personally and professionally.

  • As for supporting the WACUHO executive team in driving change, I want to utilize the knowledge I have gained as committee chair and having been a member of 4 distinct committees in the past 2 years. As a voting member, I want to use that voice to at a minimum begin conversations at the executive level in support of the challenges and goals for the WACUHO community. Further, something that I am seeking is the opportunity to learn more about the organization from a broader view, while also putting into practice the skills I have been developing in creating and facilitating new initiatives. Serving as Secretary will provide me with insight into the operations of the WACUHO, as well as the Executive Board, as I hope to take on more leadership roles within the organization in the future. My experiences, ability to timely communicate, concisely articulate new ideas, and manage my time effectively will all help me be successful in this position.

Marie Montoya | she, her, hers
University of Southern California
Residential College Coordinator

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Professional Experience

The first three years of my professional career I worked in the non-profit K-12 sector. Majority of my work revolved around program coordination, community engagement, and community organizing in New York City and throughout Los Angeles County. Through my positions, I have proudly served students and parents while establishing partnerships with public schools, corporate sponsors, small businesses, and local government offices. 

 

In 2017, my professional interests pivoted to serving college students in a higher education setting which opened the opportunity to find my passion in Housing & Residential Life work. During grad school, I worked two years as a Residential Coordinator at CSU Long Beach and I have worked professionally for four years as a Residential College Coordinator at USC. 
 

WACUHO Experience

  • 2020 | WACE Presenter- Labor of Love: Custodians Aspirations & Student Engagement Efforts

  • 2021-2023 | Facilities Committee Chair 

  • 2021 | ACUHO-I Presenter- Custodians Aspirations & Student Engagement Efforts

  • 2023 | Facilities Drive-In 

  • 2024-2025 | New Professionals Chair 

  • 2024-2025| Programs Committee Member 

Why are you interested in the above experience?

For the past seven years, WACUHO been a professional outlet that has helped me grow, learn, and reinvigorate the core of why I love this line of work. Throughout my life, it has been very important to me to express my gratitude for people and places that have served me in such a way. I would like to pay it forward by serving as the WACUHO Secretary. 

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Considering I’ve already shared my professional experiences and WACUHO involvement, I would like to share how my life experiences will help me be successful in the role. Growing up in an immigrant working-class community, family and community has been a constant and central value in my life. As Secretary, I am committed to ensuring my teammates and collaborators feel heard and respected. Second, as a first-generation college student and professional, I have learned how to navigate complex and layered systems. As Secretary, I will use my resourcefulness to ensure those I’m assisting have the tools they need to be successful in their roles. Moreover, I’m committed to making dense information digestible and accessible. Lastly, as a new mom, I have learned how to manage my time more efficiently and manage multiple competing priorities at a new rigorous pace. I believe my professional experiences, WACUHO involvement, and life experiences will allow me to be successful in the Secretary role. 
 

Jo Briones | he, him, his
University of California, Riverside
Assistant Director for Recruitment and Development

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Professional Experience

  • Assistant Director for Recruitment and Development, UC Riverside January 2023 – Present

  • NASPA Latinx/o/a Knowledge Community Leadership Development Co-Chair August 2024 – Present

  • Resident Director, UC Riverside July 2021 – January 2023

  • Area Coordinator, CSU Long Beach May June 2018 – May 2021

  • M.A. Educational Leadership – University of Central Florida, Orlando

  • B.S. Kinesiology – Westmont College, Santa Barbara

WACUHO Experience

  • WACUHO Assessment and Research Committee Co-Chair 2023 – 2024

  • WACE 2023 Host Committee Member

  • Bender, C., Lay, C., Briones, J. (2023) Do I Stay or Do I Go? WACE 2023 Presentation

  • WACE 2022 Host Committee Member

  • Briones, J. (2022) Do I Stay or Do I Go? WACE 2022 Presentation

  • WACUHO Assessment and Research Committee Member 2021 – 2022

Why are you interested in the above experience?

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I look forward to the opportunity to serve WACUHO at large in this position by collaborating with the executive board in our mission to provide a developmental, positive and welcoming experience for our members. I believe my strengths and skills that I have developed over the years position me to serve as Secretary by helping organize and manage executive committee business meetings that keep our team accessible and transparent in documentation and communication with our members. In my current role at UC Riverside, my position is instrumental in collaboration and communication with our staff, students, campus partners and external stakeholders. I believe my skills in strategic planning, relationship building, and data management will lend to serving as WACUHO Secretary. Having served most recently as co-chair for Assessment and Research, I have an understanding in the ways in which our professional networks want to receive support from WACUHO and the executive committee, and I believe this knowledge will help me connect to membership experience to the decisions and planning that executive committee makes. From my previous experiences in serving as a member of the WACE Host committees, I also understand the value of developing positive relationships, learning experiences, and fun opportunities within our organization as well. My goal is to utilize the data we have and understand our members’ needs, goals and experiences, and transform those ideas into the way in which executive committee leads this organization. Thank you for your consideration for my candidacy for this position!

Member-at-Large North Nominees

Caleb Gonsalves | he, him, his
California State University, Monterey Bay
Residence Life Coordinator

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Professional Experience

  • Residential Life Coordinator | University of California, Monterey Bay | January 2024 – Present

  • Area Coordinator | The University of the South | January 2023 – December 2023

WACUHO Experience

  • Although I am still relatively new to the WACUHO region, my engagement with ACUHO-I-affiliated organizations began while I was in Tennessee, where I was actively involved in TACUHO (Tennessee Association of College and University Housing Officers). During my time there, I was honored to be asked to run for the TACUHO Executive Board; however, I ultimately decided to return to California before pursuing that opportunity.

  • Last year was my first WACE, and while I was not formally involved, I took the initiative to assist with Marketing, Registration, and other committees by helping with setup. Arriving early to the conference, I was eager to contribute and support wherever I was needed. This experience reinforced my commitment to WACUHO, leading me to join the WACE Marketing & Registration Committee and the WACUHO DEI Committee.

  • Recently, I was approved as the Chair of the DEI Committee—a role that traditionally begins earlier in the academic year. Since the position had not yet been filled, I was asked to step in, and I am honored to take on this responsibility. Now more than ever, it is crucial to prioritize DEI efforts and ensure that inclusivity is not just a goal but a reality. Equity must be more than just a word we use—it should be actionable and impactful. I am excited to continue working with WACUHO to advance these efforts and foster meaningful change within our field.

  • I am happy to continue my involvement in the region and would be honored to serve as the next Member-at-Large North. WACUHO has provided me with an incredible professional community, and I would welcome the opportunity to give back by advocating for and supporting housing professionals in the northern region.

Why are you interested in the above experience?

  • I am interested in this role because I want to continue supporting and giving back to an organization that, in my short time, has already given me so much. WACUHO has provided me with a strong professional community, and I am eager to contribute in a meaningful way. My primary focus would be on DEI, professional development, and connection—three critical areas that impact both staff and students in university housing.

  • One of my key goals is to strengthen connections among schools in the northern region. I want to foster collaboration not only among housing professionals but also in the training and development of student staff, ensuring that they have access to the best resources and mentorship. Additionally, I hope to reach out to schools that are not yet engaged with WACUHO, answering any questions they may have and encouraging them to get involved with the organization. Expanding our network will only enhance the collective impact we can have on students and professionals alike.

  • While I may be new to the region and still relatively early in my career in housing, I bring a strong foundation in building connections, fostering inclusivity, and amplifying voices. As both a poet and a psychologist, I understand the power of storytelling, relationship-building, and advocacy. These skills are fundamental to my approach as a leader, and I hope to use them to help strengthen WACUHO’s mission. I would be honored to serve in this role and look forward to the opportunity to continue fostering community, collaboration, and inclusivity in our field.

Raul Mendoza | he, him, his
University of California, Davis
Assistant Director

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Professional Experience

  • 2015-2028: Sacramento State University -- Resident Director 

  • 2018-2019: UC Davis  -- Resident Director 

  • 2019-Present: UC Davis -- Assistant Director 

WACUHO Experience

  • 2016-2017

    • Host Commitee

    • Programs Committee Member

    • New Professionals Committee Member 

  • 2017-2018

    • New Professionals Co-Chair 

  • 2018-2019

    • Professionals of Colors Committee Member 

    • Northern Student Leadership Drive In (NSLDI) Committee Member

  • 2019-2020

    • Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Co-Chair

  •  2020-2022

    • Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Executive Committee Member 

  • 2023-2024

    • Northern Student Leadership Drive In (NSLDI) Chair

    • Professionals of Colors Committee Member 

  •  2024

    • Jim “JB” Brock Spirit of WACUHO Award

Why are you interested in the above experience?

  • As I have participating in different committees in a multitude of roles, I have ended my journey with a heart full of learning and gratitude for the experience given. As I was thinking of running for this position, I wanted to be intentional and reflective of why running for this position was important to me. As I enter this reflective stage, 3 important aspects where the highlight that confirm my intentional desire to run for this position.

    • Highlight one - my interest in this position is a form of me saying thank you and wanting to give back to an organization that has given me so much personally and professionally over the years.

    • Highlight 2 - I am very excited particular at the Member-at-Large: North Executive Position as is directly involved in supporting, participating and guiding the NSDLI Committee. NSLDI has been such an important part of my career as a professional but also NSLDI truly impacted my experience in a positive way as a Student Leader that shaped part of who I am as an Educator. 

    • Highlight 3 - As the Member-at-Large: North there is an opportunity to continue highlighting the work our Northern institutions are doing in the areas of opportunities, development and support and to hopefully continue to promote and increasing the involvement of our Northern institutions by participating in the WACUHO. 

  • If elected as the Member-at-Large: North, my commitment to you is to continue promoting our WACUHO mission to promoting meaningful connections and providing innovative, relevant professional development and services to its members. To serve in this position with work ethic, commitment and support. I hope you consider me for this position and thank you so much for taking the time to read my why.

Ashley Kainz | she, her, hers
California State University, Chico
Residence Conduct Coordinator

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Professional Experience

  • 2021-2022: California State University, East Bay

    • Assistant Area Coordinator

  • 2022-2024: California State University, East Bay

    • Area Coordinator

  • 2025-Present: California State University, Chico

    • Residence Conduct Coordinator

WACUHO Experience

  • WACE Conference Attendee (2023)

    • WACE Conference Presenter

  • Northern Student Leader Drive In (NSLDI) Attendee (2024)

  • Norther Student Leader Drive In (NSLDI) Chair (2024-2025)

  • WACE Conference Attendee (2025)

    • WACE Conference Presenter

Why are you interested in the above experience?

We often tell our student leaders to create a sense of community for our residence halls and communities but often forget how important it is to create a sense of community for the student leaders themselves. As I started to work within Residence Life as professional staff, I learned about the WACUHO Organization, their mission and what they do for those within the field. I wanted to get involved to not only grow my professional experience and networking, but create an environment for the professional staff and student leaders to flourish.

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I received the opportunity to attend NSLDI with my delegation as an advisor. I got to see first-hand the connection and collaboration with the student leaders and professional staff from across the region. While enjoying the conference, I thought of the possibilities of being a part of the NSLDI committee and decided to put my name in the hat. This year I received the honor of chairing NSLDI. I worked closely with my Member at Large, North (shout-out Keonna) in the development of the NSLDI conference. Keonna not only provided guidance and support but would also step in and lend a helping hand when needed. Not only did I learn to navigate through the variety of challenges, but understood the importance of having a great communication, work ethic and a dedicated team. I hope to use my experience in attending and chairing NSLDI for the good of the committee. I want the committee to feel empowered in making decisions and confident in running NSLDI. My goal is to make NSLDI more than just a conference for our student leaders and professional staff but an opportunity for them to learn, engage and make memories together. 

Member-at-Large Central Nominees

No nominations have been received at this time. A call will go out for nominations from the floor at the Annual Business Meeting during WACE.

Member-at-Large South Nominees

Christopher Badoyan | He, Him, His
California State University, Long Beach
Residence Hall Coordinator

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Professional Experience

Over the past 4 years, I have worked in Housing at Cal Poly Pomona as a Resident Life Intern from 2021-2022, then worked at San Diego State University as a Residence Hall Coordinator. I am now at CSU Long Beach serving as a Residential Life Coordinator

WACUHO Experience

I have been involved with the WACE Sessions Committee from 2022-2024, along with I am served as a Co-Chair for the New Professionals Committee in 2023-2024. I am currently serving as the MAL South, and have presented at WACE Twice in 2024 and won the case study my first year at WACE in 2023.

Why are you interested in the above experience?

I am interested in the Member-at-Large, South position because I believe it is crucial to give back to the WACUHO community, which has been instrumental in my personal and professional development. Over the past year, I have gained valuable experience in my current role, allowing me to maintain the positive momentum the Executive Board has created and to support new Members-at-Large as they settle into their roles.

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Being part of WACUHO has significantly influenced my higher education journey, providing me with opportunities to grow, learn from others, and improve myself. I have been involved with the WACE Sessions Committee from 2022-2024 and served as the Co-Chair for the New Professionals Committee in 2023-2024. I am currently serving as the MAL South, and I have presented at WACE twice in 2024. In addition, I won the case study competition in my first year at WACE in 2023. These experiences have given me a chance to network with fellow higher

education professionals, collaborate on initiatives to support the WACUHO community, and understand the needs of campuses.

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If selected, I would work hard to continue fostering a sense of community within WACUHO, bring campus perspectives into the organization, and ensure that the Executive Board maintains effective and timely communication with all members. I would also seek to create a space where members can share ideas and discuss trends happening on campuses, helping WACUHO stay responsive to the needs of the community.

Ernie Arvizu Bastidas | He, Him, His
San Diego State University
Residence Hall Coordinator

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Professional Experience

  • 2018-2019: College Access Advisor 

  • 2019 - 2021: Resident Director (Syracuse University) 

  • 2022- 2022: Residence Life Coordinator (San Jose State University) 

  • 2022- 2024: Housing Operation Director ( Greystar, Bowles Hall, University of California, Berkeley) 

  • 2025- Present: Residence Hall Coordinator ( San Diego State University) 

WACUHO Experience

  • 2022 WACE Palm Spring : Attendee    

  • 2023 WACE Las Vega: Attendee 

  • 2024 WACE Anaheim: Attendee

  • 2025 WACE Lake Tahoe: Attendee/ Host Committee 

Why are you interested in the above experience?

  • There are multiple reasons I am interested in the Member at Large: South role—giving back, building community, and fostering outreach. When I left higher education in 2022, I felt adrift, lacking both a sense of community and direction. Since my sophomore year at California State University, San Bernardino, I have known that higher education is my path and passion. Each year, I thrive in spaces where I can contribute to higher education communities and positively impact students.

  • However, stepping out of my comfort zone, I accepted a position as Housing Operations Director for Greystar. While I was initially excited, that excitement soon gave way to feelings of isolation and a lack of purpose. Recognizing the need to reconnect with my roots, I attended WACUHO in Las Vegas. Having been away from the region for more than five years, I didn’t know many people. Once again, I left feeling lonely—until the closing keynote speech by Maggie Malagon. Her words about overcoming loneliness resonated deeply with me and reaffirmed that I had found my home.

  • I want every member of our association to experience that same sense of belonging. I am eager to give back to the community that has given me a home, mentors, and lifelong friendships. If confirmed, I will focus on outreach to new members from community colleges and the private sector. We have so much to learn from one another, and this association serves as a space for everyone who seeks to engage, grow, and build meaningful partnerships. Together, we can navigate the challenges of this uncertain time in higher education.

Nickolas Cruz | He, Him, His
University of California, Riverside
Resident Director

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Professional Experience

  • Residential Life Manager, Hornet Commons, Greystar Property at Sacramento State University (2021–2022)

  • Resident Director, UC Davis (2022–2023)

  • Resident Director, UC Riverside (2023–2025)

WACUHO Experience

  • Time and Place Committee Chair (2024-2025)

  • Host Committee member (2024-2025)

  • New Professionals Committee  member (2024-2025)

Why are you interested in the above experience?

  • I’m running for this position because I genuinely believe in the power of connection. Our Association does an incredible job of bringing institutions together, fostering collaboration, and creating opportunities for engagement. I know when I came to my first WACE conference, I felt the connection and community that we have here. I’ve always been the kind of person who enjoys bringing people into the conversation, whether that’s reaching out to new members, keeping current institutions engaged, or just making sure everyone feels included. I know that I will enjoy helping with outreach and representing the Association at events. I also see this as a chance to contribute on a larger scale by serving on the Executive Committee. I want to work alongside others who are just as passionate about this community as I am, exchanging ideas, making thoughtful decisions, and ensuring that WACUHO continues to thrive. I’m excited to listen, learn, and help make a real impact. I am running because I care about this community, and I want to help it grow. I’d love the opportunity to serve and bring fresh energy to the role! 

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