2024-2025 Staff Assembly Council Election Candidates
Statements have been provided by each of the candidates.
Vice Chair
Jake Soto
Assistant Director, Facilities
UCI Campus Recreation
I am seeking the role of UCI Staff Assembly Vice Chair to amplify my commitment to supporting and advocating for our dedicated and amazing UCI staff. Born in Mexico City, I moved to the United States with my family in search of better opportunities. From my very first job, I discovered a passion for working with others and recognized the essential role staff plays in transforming a regular workplace into a thriving community. Joining the UCI family in 2012 as a custodial supervisor, I immediately felt a sense of community and belonging. I quickly realized that I played a vital role in supporting our staff, I made it my mission to assist, support, and lead the team to success. Serving as the voice of my colleagues has been a priority for me, and I’m eager to expand this mission on a larger scale. There is no better way to achieve this than by serving in UCI Staff Assembly. I’m excited and I’m looking forward to bringing my positivity and enthusiasm to UCI Staff Assembly. I appreciate your vote and thank you for your support.
Finance Chair Elect
Mike Villegas
Project Manager
Program & Performance Management
UCI Health
I am interested in the position of Finance Chair Elect because I am committed to improving communication and collaboration between the staff and administration. I enjoy changing issues into opportunities and creating positive impact through recommendations to leadership. In my current roles both at the hospital as project manager in the performance management office and in the MPAC program at Paul Merage serving as a section representative it is my job to improve communication and deliver results. I enjoyed the many activities we planned at the hospital and campus. I have an additional role as part of the DEI council at the hospital where I am part of a team who organizes monthly celebrating cultures events. Both my term as section representative and DEI council member will end this month making time for this new opportunity.
Regarding qualifications I have 20+ years of finance and accounting experience working at companies such as Coca Cola, LVMH, Kaiser, and now UCI Health. I have completed both my MBA and MPAC degree here at UCI. I do not have experience working with Kuali Financial System, but I look forward to learning new systems. I have served in roles such as cost accounting and financial planning manager. I am also familiar with the financial statements and the general ledger accounts. In several of my jobs I completed account reconciliations, month end close process and financial reporting. My background also includes a heavy emphasis in data analytics and building visualizations to improve decision making. My next career goal is to pass the CPA exam and move into financial leadership positions here within the UC.
Council Communications and Special Programs Chair Elect
Myrna Ruiz
Community Coordinator
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP)
UCI School of Education
I am excited to apply for the Communications and Special Projects Chair-Elect position. With extensive experience in organization, event management, and communication from both professional and volunteer work, I am eager to bring my skills to this role.
My name is Myrna Ruiz and I hold a Master of Science in Special Education from California State University, Long Beach, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of California, Irvine. My education has provided me with a solid foundation in analytical and organizational skills, which are essential for managing council communications and event logistics.
In my role as a UCI GearUp Community Coordinator, I developed and maintained program visibility in schools and fostered collaborative relationships with educational institutions and community organizations. My teaching positions further sharpened my ability to develop and implement instructional programs, maintain accurate records, and coordinate with multiple stakeholders. These roles demanded meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize tasks—qualities that are crucial for taking minutes, compiling meeting notes, and managing council communications.
Additionally, serving as Vice President of External Affairs for Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., I oversaw all external communications and public relations efforts. This included managing media relations, coordinating public statements, and ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms. I also organized large-scale events such as two national conventions and Lambda Hill Days, coordinating speakers and managing all related communications.
As Chair of the National Public Relations Committee, I led meetings, executed social media campaigns, and ensured cohesive communication strategies. My role as Southwest Regional Supervisor, where I took detailed notes and maintained meticulous records, further demonstrates my ability to fulfill the secretarial duties required for this position.
With a proven track record in program development, event management, and strategic communication, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to the council and support its initiatives with professionalism and dedication.
Council of UC Staff Assemblies (CUCSA) First-Year Delegate
Negar Shekarabi
Program Director
Faculty and Staff Mental Health Care Coordinator
UCI Occupational Health
I am honored that my nomination as a delegate for UCI to the Council of UC Staff Assemblies (CUCSA) is being considered. My interest in this role stems from a deep commitment to advocating for the needs and well-being of staff members across the UC system. The recent focus areas of CUCSA—total compensation, staff engagement, and workforce sustainability—are critical to the success and satisfaction of our staff community. With over 15 years of experience in higher education, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by staff.
As Program Director for Faculty & Staff Support Services at UCI, I have gained invaluable insights into the mental health and wellbeing needs of our community. My work in this capacity has demonstrated my ability to develop and implement effective programs and initiatives. Serving on various committees, such as the Comprehensive Wellbeing Initiative Committee and the Wellness Leadership Council, has equipped me with the skills necessary to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and drive meaningful change. My extensive experience in program development and project management, coupled with my strong interpersonal and written communication skills, positions me well to contribute to the CUCSA workgroups. My involvement in creating programs such as the Interactive Screening Program and the Mental Health First Aid Training has directly contributed to improving the wellbeing and support of UCI staff and faculty.
In my current role, I regularly work with staff involved in Title IX investigations, HR grievances, and other complex issues. I provide comprehensive support and guidance to those navigating these challenging processes. This background equips me with a unique perspective on the systemic challenges staff members face and the skills to advocate effectively for their needs. My familiarity with these procedures and my ability to manage sensitive situations will be invaluable in addressing the concerns and improving the overall experience of staff members through CUCSA workgroups. I am excited about the opportunity to work with fellow delegates to make a positive impact on the lives of UC staff members. In conclusion, my dedication to these focus areas, combined with my extensive experience and passion for staff advocacy, positions me well to contribute meaningfully as a CUCSA delegate.