My Qualifications

Candidate (kylie) smiling for the camera

During my time at UCI, I actively advocated for student rights and interests, meeting with legislators at the local, UC-wide, state, and federal levels. This involvement covers a wide range of important issues, including basic needs, college affordability, racial and environmental justice, and campus safety. My vast lobbying experience demonstrates my strong commitment to promoting the well-being and prosperity of the UCI community.My wide involvement in student activism at all levels of government, combined with my substantial involvement in the ASUCI EVP Office and the UC Student Association (UCSA), makes me an excellent candidate for the future ASUCI EVP job. Throughout my tenure, I have continuously prioritized meeting UCI students' overall needs, pushing for topics such as financial aid, racial and environmental justice, civic involvement, and labor rights. Furthermore, my leadership in fostering collaboration between ASUCI and UCSA, as well as my work to improve campus safety and health equity programs, demonstrate my capacity to affect meaningful change while successfully representing student interests.My deep relationship to the ASUCI EVP Office, where my student activism career began, demonstrates my unrelenting dedication to serve the UCI community. This has provided me with significant insights into the complexities of student governance, as well as the skills needed to navigate challenges on our campus successfully. With a track record of fostering meaningful connections and generating positive change, I am committed to using my substantial knowledge and passion for student activism to lead ASUCI with integrity, openness, and an unwavering commitment to advancing the well-being and interests of all UCI students. Here's what I will bring to the External Vice President role:

2023 to Present: ASUCI & UC Regents Student ObserverASUCI EVP Office - Co-Chief of Staff
Providing critical support to the ASUCI External Vice President by maintaining smooth daily operations and encouraging interoffice cooperation.
Assisting directors, coordinators, and staff members with projects within and outside of the office, ensuring their success and contributing to the overall effectiveness of activities.

Student Observer to the UC Regents Health Services Committee
Actively engage with UC Regents on UC-Health-related topics, representing the student perspective and advocating for policies that emphasize UC students' well-being.
Advocating for health equity, student involvement, reproductive/sexual health, and harm reduction, aiming to establish a campus atmosphere that promotes holistic well-being for all students.

2022 to Present: Planned Parenthood Generation Action (PPGA) at UCIPPGA at UCI - Vice President of Research and Community Outreach
Coordinated advocacy events such as the 'Rally for Roe' and the 'AOC in the OC' Rally, which received widespread media coverage and sparked meaningful conversations about reproductive rights, sexual health advocacy, and civic engagement.
Established strategic partnerships with campus organizations and community groups, expanding the reach and impact of PPGA's advocacy efforts.Developed educational resources and workshops to promote sexual health awareness and empower students to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

2022-2023: ASUCI & UCSAASUCI EVP Office - UCSA Campus Relations Director
Fostered increased communication and collaboration between ASUCI and UCSA.
Supported programs addressing basic necessities, financial accessibility, racial and environmental justice at UCI and across the UC System.Aided in organizing voter registration drives during the 2022 midterm election cycle and advocated for UC divestment from the Mauna Kea Telescope Project.

UCSA - Campus Climate Appointed Officer
Advised the UCSA Board on critical campus climate issues affecting communities of color, mental health, and interpersonal violence.
Led and coordinated student advocacy initiatives to improve campus safety, including participating in the formulation and implementation of the UC Campus Safety Plan.

2021-2022: ASUCI
ASUCI EVP Office - Organizing Commission Staffer
Actively contributed to various initiatives fostering positive change within the campus community.
Organized a menstrual equity booth and supported a campaign against labor rights violations by Aramark.Played a key role in organizing the UC Rally for Roe by creating impactful infographics, forging strategic partnerships, and providing logistical support.

Projects I Have Worked On:

  • Menstrual Equity Booth (2021) - Organizing Staffer: Assisted in organizing and operating a menstrual equity booth on campus, educating students and distributing menstrual care packages.

  • Aramark Campaign (2022) - Organizing Staffer: Contributed to the campaign against Aramark's presence on campus due to labor rights violations and food quality concerns.

  • UC Rally for Roe (2022) - Organizer and Liaison: Played a pivotal role in organizing the UC Rally for Roe, creating infographics, coordinating with partners, and facilitating communication with Planned Parenthood.

  • UC Community Safety Plan (2022-2023) - Project Lead: Spearheaded efforts to address campus safety concerns within the UC system regarding the implementation of the UC Community Safety Plan, collaborating with community partners to implement community-driven and accountability-based strategies. Additionally, contributed to the development of a UC student-centered restorative justice and anti-discrimination policy vision, advocating for inclusive and equitable practices to promote campus safety and well-being.

  • UCI Student Fee Transparency Workshop (2022) - Project Lead: Created and led the organization of a workshop to inform students about campus fees and the UCSA fee, enhancing transparency and student awareness.

  • Wellness Vending Machine Collaboration (2022-2023) - Coordinator: Coordinated efforts for the establishment of a wellness vending machine on campus, aimed at providing essential health and wellness products at little to no cost.

  • Voter Registration Efforts (2022) - Outreach Lead: Supported UC-wide campaign efforts at UCI through ASUCI by directing voter registration initiatives, including outreach to Greek life organizations.

  • Mauna Kea Telescope Divestment Campaign (2022-2023) - Liaison (2022-2023): Advocated for UC's divestment from the Mauna Kea Telescope Project, emphasizing environmental and indigenous rights concerns and supported EVP Environmental Justice Coordinator in UCI direct action efforts.

  • Disability Justice Funding Campaign (2022-2023) - Liaison: Supported EVP ACQUIRE/Basic Needs Coordinator in UC-wide campaign efforts at UCI by advocating for funding for disability specialists and auxiliary staff.

  • Opportunity for All Campaign (2022-2023) - Liaison(2022-2023): Acted as a liaison between the UCSA campaign chair and our EVP office, supporting UC-wide efforts to pass the Opportunity for All Campaign at the UC level.

  • EVP Office Directors and Coordinators Support (2023-2024) - Advisor: Provided guidance and support to office directors and coordinators in implementing projects related to civic engagement, basic/holistic needs, college affordability, racial justice, and environmental justice. Advised on initiatives such as the Cal Grant Equity Framework, Collegiate Recovery, establishment of the UC Black Endowment Fund, and Indigenous Justice initiatives.

  • UC Health Equity Advocacy (2023-2024) - Advocate and Committee Appointed Student Observer: Advocated for student inclusion in UC Health Equity and Justice initiatives, direct student engagement in improving UC systemwide Access to Care, establishment of UC Systemwide Collegiate Recovery Programs, and increased funding for CARE offices across UC.

*All titles and organization names are for identification purposes only

My Platform

The Office of the External Vice President serves as a platform for students to advocate for their rights and equality in higher education. Through lobbying efforts at various levels, organizing conferences, and fostering unity between students and workers, the EVP Office strives to promote justice and equity across the UC system. Acting as a liaison between students, the UC Regents, and political leaders, the office champions affordability, accessibility, quality, safety, and diversity at UCI.Looking ahead, I am dedicated to expanding the EVP office's mission to ensure comprehensive support for all members of our community. Regardless of background or experience, my aim is to ensure every student feels heard, represented, and empowered, fostering inclusivity and empowerment across campus, within the UC system, and in local, state, and federal spheres.In my vision for the EVP role, I aim to redefine traditional leadership by empowering students to drive meaningful change. Recognizing the importance of stepping back when necessary, I am committed to leveraging the resources and platform of the EVP office to amplify student voices. My focus is on equipping students with the tools and skills needed to advocate for themselves effectively. Click on the following buttons to learn more about my priorities for EVP:

Candidate (Kylie) smiling for the camera while leaning right side of body on wall with arms crossed

Advocacy Priorities

Advocating for Student-Centered Policies: As EVP, I'll engage government officials at all levels to prioritize student needs. We will increase advocacy through lobbying, hearings, and coordination with student groups. We will ensure that students' voices shape policy reflecting their concerns and interests by forming coalitions and advocating through proposals, statements, and media outreach, such as increased funding for higher education, basic and holistic needs, improved campus safety measures, environmental justice initiatives, and equity-oriented policies.

Amplifying Student Representation: As EVP, I will lead initiatives to improve student representation in decision-making processes at all levels of governance, including local, UC, statewide, and federal. This includes fighting for policies that value student input and engagement, such as expanding student representation on committees and boards. I'll work closely with student leaders and organizations to identify areas for improvement, then coordinate with administrators and governing bodies to make the required adjustments. Through proactive involvement and advocacy, we will guarantee that students have a meaningful voice in crafting policies that directly affect their education and well-being, fostering a more inclusive and student-centered campus environment.

Fostering Proactive Community Connections: As EVP, I will prioritize developing forums for historically marginalized and underrepresented communities to interact with the government at all levels. This includes conducting community forums, hosting town halls, and holding regular meetings to promote dialogue and collaboration. Additionally, I'll collaborate closely with student organizations and advocacy groups to give students the support, resources, and training they need to effectively advocate for their own needs. Through these efforts, we will ensure that every student's voice is heard and represented in decision-making processes, creating a campus atmosphere in which all members feel empowered to address issues that concern them.

Making Civic Engagement Accessible: Prioritizing accessibility in civic engagement, I will work to make voting processes transparent and inclusive for all students, especially those historically left out, such as non-voting members of the community. By ensuring transparency and inclusivity, we aim to empower every student to participate actively in civic life, regardless of their voting status. Through educational initiatives and community outreach, we will strive to make civic engagement more accessible and meaningful for all members of the campus community.

Prioritizing Accountability in Advocacy: Recognizing past issues with insincere outreach within ASUCI and campus communities, I am committed to fostering genuine engagement, especially with historically marginalized and underrepresented groups on campus, as we work to address student needs and enhance their experience. Transparency, integrity, and responsiveness will be our guiding principles within the EVP Office and in our interactions with external governing bodies. I pledge to hold ourselves and external entities accountable for their actions, including the UC Student Association, UC Regents, UCI Administration, and lawmakers. By amplifying student voices and developing an accountability culture, we will gain trust and credibility, resulting in effective advocacy outcomes that benefit the student body.

Promoting Student Well-being Through Policy Targets: In keeping with my dedication to student-centered advocacy, I will emphasize particular policy goals that address pressing challenges for UCI students. These targets include the following:

  • Affordable Housing Initiatives: Advocate for affordable housing initiatives to alleviate housing insecurity and homelessness among UCI students. This includes advocating for policies that increase affordable housing options and provide support to students in need, resulting in a more stable and supportive environment for all members of the campus community.

  • Enhancing Campus Safety Measures: Collaborate with community organizations and student groups to address concerns and prioritize the safety of all students. This includes supporting legislation like Assembly Bill 2608 (Gabriel), which strives to improve campus safety and address issues of sexual violence and harassment. We can make the campus environment safer and more secure for everyone by putting in place thorough safety measures.

  • Increasing Higher Education Affordability: Advocate for additional funds to make higher education more affordable for students. This includes supporting projects like the Cal Grant Equity Framework and the Double the Pell campaign, both of which strive to enhance financial aid and scholarship possibilities in order to alleviate students' financial burdens and provide fair access to education.

  • Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Implement programs and policies that foster a welcoming and supportive campus environment for students from all backgrounds. This includes initiatives to minimize harm from historical inequities and injustices, promote cultural competency, and ensure equal opportunities for all students to succeed. Examples include supporting California Assembly Bill 2586 (Alvarez), which aims to open employment opportunities to undocumented students on UC, CSU, and community college campuses.

  • Sustainable Practices and Environmental Stewardship: Support activities that prioritize sustainability, particularly indigeneity and environmental justice, in order to alleviate the effects of climate change and foster a healthy campus community. This includes supporting policies like renewable energy efforts and waste reduction programs, as well as taking into account indigenous perspectives and tackling environmental injustices. By encouraging a more environmentally conscious campus, we can help to create a better future for all students and communities.

*All titles and organization names are for identification purposes only