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Jasmine Garcia
Graduate Division
Third Year
I am thrilled to submit my candidacy for the position of GPSA President. During my time as a student at UCSF, I have had the honor of serving in two different roles, as Vice President of Internal Affairs and Vice President of Diversity Affairs for GPSA. My experiences on the Executive Council over the past two years have deepened my understanding of leadership and advocacy for all students at UCSF and I am eager to bring this knowledge to the role of President! In my previous roles, I gained valuable experience in event planning, budgeting, amplifying underrepresented voices, and staying up-to-date with issues that affect students at UCSF. Most importantly, I advocated for and actively discussed important matters on behalf of all students, such as our role in our current political climate as leaders, student wellness, and funding for various professional/graduate groups and events. Over the last two years, I successfully planned the first annual Cultural Night after the pandemic, participated in the hiring of the UC Student Regents, served on the search committee for the Executive Director of Resource Centers for Climate and Belonging, and served on the Fee Advisory Committee and Council for Climate, Culture, and Inclusion Committee.
I have years of leadership and advocacy experience. Outside of GPSA, I’m also an officer for SACNAS (Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science), a student organizer for my PhD program events, and am active in several other campus organizations and outreach efforts. In these groups, I have organized lots of successful events such as UCSF Latin Heritage month, ADEA high school outreach events, undergraduate and post-baccalaureate events, PhD program socials and retreats, and more!
As President, I will continue to serve as a dedicated representative and advocate for you all, ensuring that our community’s voices and concerns are heard and addressed. I am committed to diligently preparing the agenda and conducting meetings while fostering a productive and inclusive environment. It would be an honor to serve as a proactive liaison between the students at UCSF and the university administration, working closely with the Chancellor, Vice Chancellors, and Deans to address student issues.
My goals are to foster an energetic and dynamic environment to address the needs of all students. If elected, I aim to:
- Create a welcoming environment that encourages non-GPSA student voices and concerns.
- Encourage more active discussions and collaborations between the Executive Council and other student government leaders.
- Support and host more interprofessional opportunities for students.
I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to lead and serve our student body as GPSA President.
Thank you for your consideration!
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Sara Ehsan 
School of Dentistry
Third Year
I am honored to announce my candidacy for President of the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA). With a deep commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and community-building, I’m excited about the opportunity to continue serving and supporting our graduate and professional student body in a larger capacity.
Over the past year, I’ve served as Vice President of Diversity Affairs in GPSA, where I’ve collaborated with student leaders, Registered Campus Organizations (RCOs), and campus offices to elevate underrepresented voices and promote meaningful dialogue. This role has given me valuable insight into the diverse needs of our community and how GPSA can be a powerful platform for impact. During my time on the board, I also had the privilege of planning the GPSA Cultural Night, an event that celebrated the rich diversity of our student body—with the incredible help and support of the GPSA team.
Beyond GPSA, I serve as President of PSA, an interprofessional cultural RCO on campus. With the support and guidance of GPSA, I was able to plan and execute our first large-scale event—a Nowruz celebration that brought students together from across different disciplines and backgrounds. It was a true milestone for PSA, and for me personally as a leader. The experience taught me how to navigate event planning, build coalitions, and lead with cultural pride and professionalism. It was also a reminder of how crucial GPSA’s support is in empowering student organizations to thrive.
I also serve as a Director in the American Dental Student Association (ASDA). Last month, I participated in ASDA’s Lobby Day in Washington, D.C., where we met with members of the House of Representatives to advocate for new policies in healthcare. Being able to engage in real-time policy conversations and represent the voices of future healthcare professionals was an unforgettable and empowering experience.
Additionally, I attended the Leadership and Inclusion Conference at the 2024 ADEA Annual Session in New Orleans, where I explored equity, representation, and the power of inclusive leadership. That experience reinforced my belief in cross-disciplinary collaboration and the importance of creating space for all students to be heard and valued.
Through all of these roles—and by attending numerous GPSA meetings—I’ve developed a strong understanding of the opportunities we have to make GPSA more connected, inclusive, and impactful. I genuinely appreciate GPSA for the way it has helped me grow and for the role it plays in uplifting the student community.
If elected as GPSA President, I will:
- Strengthen transparency and communication between programs, organizations, and administration
- Advocate for expanded resources to support student wellness, belonging, and professional growth •
- Encourage inclusive decision-making and promote interprofessional collaboration
- Make GPSA more accessible and engaging for all students
I’m ready to lead with purpose, experience, and an open heart. Thank you for your support—I would be truly honored to serve as your next GPSA President.
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Gavin Shu 
School of Medicine
First Year
I would like to announce my candidacy for the position of VP of Finance with GPSA. With a strong background in financial management and a passion for enhancing our student experience, I am eager to bring my expertise to this crucial role. My goal for my tenure is to improve our experience both during and after our time at UCSF.
As a Program Manager, I honed my resource allocation and budgeting skills, managing complex financial responsibilities with precision. My role involved overseeing operational budgets, ensuring financial efficiency, and implementing strategic plans. Some of my achievements include reaching a 160% annual bonus for my team and upgraded flights for international travel through fund allocations. This experience has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage the GPSA budget, maintain accurate financial records, and oversee the reimbursement process for all expenditures. In this role, I became adept at engaging in productive and respectful discussions and deliberations. My approach focuses on collaboration and finding mutually beneficial solutions, ensuring that our entire student body’s perspectives on key institutional financial issues will be recognized, approved, and acted upon.
Additionally, my tenure as a Homeowners Association (HOA) board member allowed me to directly address financial challenges by increasing our reserve fund from red to black, successfully reducing monthly fees. I led reserve studies and expenditure analyses to ensure financial stability and transparency. These experiences have prepared me to handle the financial oversight required for GPSA and to explore new funding opportunities to support our initiatives.
Lastly, in my last six months as the VP of Finance, I have been able to help with student service fees, facilitating meetings, and performing the expected duties of the VP of Finance. The program that I am most proud to be part of is the initiation of a financial literacy curriculum (FLC) for UCSF students. Currently, I am in phase 2 of this program and have completed the phase 1 goal of acquiring financial literacy books for dental and medical students. I look forward to continuing this effort and completing the FLC in this upcoming year.
With a commitment to financial transparency and a proactive approach to budgeting, I am dedicated to ensuring that our student fees are managed responsibly and effectively. I look forward to the opportunity to serve as the VP of Finance and contribute to the continued success of our entire student body.
Thank you for your consideration!
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Shanzey Syed 
School of Dentistry
Second Year
My candidacy for GPSA’s Vice President of Diversity Affairs is driven by a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion. In this current climate, it is essential that we create and uphold an environment that supports and uplifts students from all backgrounds here at UCSF.
Living in the Bay Area, we are surrounded by incredible diversity, an aspect that is also reflected within our UCSF community through our colleagues, faculty, and patients that we serve. With such a diverse environment, it is crucial that we increase awareness and understanding of different cultures. Doing so not only enhances our individual growth but also strengthens our interpersonal relationships and professional development, allowing us to better serve our communities as future healthcare professionals and researchers.
As a student in the School of Dentistry, I have participated in on-campus organizations dedicated to promoting diversity and equity. I currently serve as the Secretary of the Student National Dental Association (SNDA), an organization committed to increasing diversity within the dental profession. Through SNDA, we provide mentorship and resources to pre-dental students from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them navigate their path toward dentistry. For instance, the annual Impressions Conference is an event where we invite pre-dental students across California to UCSF for workshops, panels, and networking opportunities with students, faculty, and guest speakers. I also help organize Lunch and Learn events, particularly during Black History Month, to highlight the achievements of Black dentists and discuss the challenges they have faced, both historically and in the present. These events not only celebrate diversity but also foster necessary conversations about representation and equity in the field of dentistry.
In addition to this, I am the Event Planning Coordinator for the UCSF Orthodontics Club, where I have developed skills well-suited for Vice President of Diversity Affairs. In this role, I coordinate quarterly meetings that bring together dental students, faculty, residents, and practicing orthodontists, which has strengthened my ability to plan and execute events. Working as part of a team, I adapt to challenges and communicate effectively, skills that will be helpful when organizing quarterly meetings with RCOs. Additionally, my experience creating promotional materials and handling event logistics, such as catering and scheduling, demonstrates my ability to plan effectively. These skills translate to GPSA, where I would work to facilitate engaging events, advocate for student needs, and strengthen interdisciplinary connections.
If elected to the GPSA Executive Council, I will remain committed to upholding diversity, equity, and inclusion across campus. I will work to coordinate and expand programs that support the growth of diverse student populations, ensuring that UCSF remains a leader in inclusivity. Additionally, I will ensure that student concerns regarding equity and inclusion are addressed. By advocating for increased visibility of diversity-related initiatives, fostering interdisciplinary connections, and supporting student representation on campus diversity committees, I hope to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all UCSF students.
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Margaret Akey
School of Medicine
Third Year
I’m thrilled to be running for Vice President of External Affairs for GPSA! Over the past two years, I’ve had the incredible privilege of serving as a class representative in ASSM, where I’ve worked to advocate for student voices, coordinate across departments, and navigate institutional systems to help create change. Whether it was supporting my class through the transition from preclinical year to clerkships or building community by helping organize long-standing UCSF traditions, it’s been an honor to show up for our class in meaningful ways.
One of the most meaningful projects I worked on during my first year at UCSF was organizing the Donor Memorial, which brought together students across all five professional schools—medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, and physical therapy. It reminded me just how powerful interprofessional collaboration can be, and I’m excited to continue building those bridges in this role. As VP of External Affairs, I look forward to fostering more interprofessional initiatives that strengthen our collective voice and community across UCSF.
My experience in ASSM has deepened my passion for student advocacy and shown me how essential it is that we’re not only heard within UCSF, but also well-represented across the UC system and beyond. As Vice President of External Affairs, I would represent GPSA to external organizations such as the University of California Student Association and the Council of Student Fees, attend Regents meetings, prepare testimony on key issues, and bring graduate and professional student concerns to local, state, and national policymakers.
I’m also committed to making student involvement in systemwide opportunities more transparent and accessible. From UCSA Congress to the Students of Color Conference, Lobby Day, and the Student Regent application process—I’ll make sure students are informed, supported, and empowered to participate. I also plan to strengthen our nomination process for systemwide committees so that UCSF’s unique perspectives are represented in the conversations that shape policy and practice across the UC.
Additionally, as a queer student, I know how important it is to have inclusive, affirming representation at every level—and I bring that lens into everything I do. I’ll continue advocating for spaces where all students feel seen, valued, and empowered.
This role is about amplifying our collective voice, increasing transparency, and advocating for our shared priorities. I’m ready to bring the same energy, follow-through, and student-centered mindset I brought to ASSM into this expanded role—and I’d be truly honored to continue serving you.
Thank you so much for your time and support!
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Gabriel Avillion 
Graduate Division
First Year
I am running for Vice President of External Affairs because I am passionate about supporting our UCSF community by advocating for students’ best interests at every level, from university leadership to federal policymakers. As a PhD student and scientist, I am deeply invested in making sure that our academic and professional needs are championed by a strong and effective student government.
As VP of External Affairs, I would serve as a liaison between community members and key external organizations like the UC Regents and the University of California Student Association. I would work to bring graduate and professional student concerns across our diverse campus to the appropriate governing bodies, coordinate student involvement in advocacy events like Lobby Day, and assist UCSF in hosting the annual UCSA meeting. In all of these settings, I would strive to solve problems for students and create opportunities to help our community grow while also ensuring that the critical work we do at UCSF is recognized and supported by the groups that govern our operations.
I am well-qualified for this role, with extensive experience in student leadership and advocacy. At UC San Diego, my undergraduate campus, I served as President of the student government for the athletics department, captain of the varsity volleyball team, and Chair of the advisory board overseeing university facilities and recreation. In these roles, I worked closely with students and administrators to help align spending with student priorities, organized personal and professional development workshops, coordinated regular volunteering activities, and helped launch a pioneering voter education campaign. I also served as President of a biomedical journal club that publishes quarterly articles on science and medicine with the mission of making these topics more accessible to the general public. As a current member of the Science Policy Group at UCSF, I am becoming increasingly familiar with the administrative landscape at UCSF while developing the skills to promote evidence-backed policy and advocate for positive change on our campus. These experiences reflect my commitment to serving others and my ability to balance leadership with academic and professional responsibilities. I am comfortable working across disciplines, coordinating complex events, and navigating policy conversations with institutional leaders.
If elected as VP of External Affairs, my top priority would be advocating for our UCSF community – and for science and medicine more broadly – especially at a time when public trust in these institutions faces growing challenges. I would also prioritize building strong relationships with students, university administrators, and external partners to ensure that student concerns are heard and addressed. Ultimately, I want to help support GPSA initiatives to ensure that every student at UCSF feels supported and empowered to thrive. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the opportunity to work with you.
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