Vote for the 2026–2028 Executive Board
Voting is now open for the 2026 - 2028 UC San Diego Staff Association Executive Board election. Review each candidate's statement below and cast your vote for the positions that will help shape the future of the Staff Association. Active Directory Single-Sign On (SSO) is required to vote.
Positions Open for Voting
The following Executive Board positions received candidate nominations and will appear on the 2026 election ballot.
- Assessment Chair
- Inclusion Chair
- Outreach and Engagement Chair
- Staff Recognition Chair
- Wellness Chair
- Special Projects & Campus Collaboration Chair - 1 Year Term
- Campus Community Relations Chair - 1 Year Term
Unless otherwise noted, Functional Chair positions are two fiscal year appointments (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028). The Special Projects & Campus Collaboration Chair and Campus Community Relations Chair positions are one-year appointment ending June 30, 2027.
Election Timeline
Voting Period: June 11 – June 18, 2026Election Results Announced: June 22, 2026
The deadline to submit your vote is Thursday June 18, 2026.
Meet the Nominees
Assessment Chair
Amanda Marples
Amanda Marples, Assistant Director - Marketing, University Centers
Candidate Statement:
Hi fellow Triton staff members!
I am running to help spread the word about everything the Staff Association has to offer. By taking a deep dive into engagement data, we can uncover how to increase awareness, boost participation, and better serve you.
My UC San Diego Experience & Background:
- 11+ Years of Service: Proudly working at the Price Center, heading up marketing for the facility, events, programming, and annual assessment.
- Assessment Experience: Regular participant in Student Affairs Assessment Days and cross-UC workshop series.
- Data-Driven Planning: I manage our annual student experience surveys to turn feedback into actionable, yearly improvements.
Why I Am Running:
As staff at a massive university, finding time for self-care and navigating campus resources can be tough—even though there is so much available to us! I want to bridge that gap. I will bring my professional marketing and assessment skills to the executive board to figure out how we can get the word out, maximize resource use, and support our staff community.
I would love to bring these skills to the team to advocate for my fellow staff members. Thank you for your vote and consideration!
Rebecca (Becky) Amstadt
Rebecca (Becky) Amstadt, Director of Human Resources, School of Biological Sciences
Candidate Statement:
I have been proud to call UCSD home since September 2019, serving in HR within the School of Biological Sciences. Over the course of my career in the UC system, I have developed a deep passion for amplifying staff voices — ensuring every person feels heard, valued, and genuinely connected to this institution.
As the lead of a seven-person HR team, I prioritize collaboration, trust, and a culture where people thrive. That same commitment is what drives me to seek a role in Staff Association — because the staff across UCSD deserve a champion at the table.
Through my active involvement in HR Networks — including EVC HR Contacts, the HR Operations Council, and various HR Work Groups — I have built a broad understanding of the concerns that matter most to our staff community. I am eager to bring that knowledge into a role on the Staff Association, where I can endeavor to translate those insights into meaningful action and recognition.
I am also excited to join the UCAMP chapter launching at UCSD in the new fiscal year. I see tremendous potential in bridging Staff Association and UCAMP to create a unified voice for both staff and managers — strengthening engagement, communication, and community across the board.
If elected, I will show up with curiosity, advocacy, and purpose — listening to what matters most to you, and making sure leadership hears it.
Nomination Statements:
In her 7 years at UC San Diego, Becky has built a reputation as someone who truly shows up for people. She's grown professionally throughout her time here, but what stands out most is her unwavering commitment to advocacy — whether championing her direct reports, speaking up for colleagues facing similar challenges, or being the first to raise the hard questions that move the needle in meetings.That same energy carries into her volunteer involvement on various UCSD committees, where her collaborative spirit and reliable follow-through have made a real difference.Becky would be an outstanding Assessment Chair. She's a natural listener who makes people feel genuinely heard, and she has a gift for taking feedback — even the complicated or contradictory kind — and turning it into creative, workable ideas. The Staff Association would be lucky to have her in this role. - Samantha Crook
Becky has been with UCSD and the School of Biological Sciences for 7 or 8 years. She is the Director of HR and uses her role to advocate for staff and improvements. She is involved in several HR advocacy groups across campus and is passionate about listening to the needs of campus partners and advocating for change. - Kris Touchet
Becky has been a dedicated member of the HR team in the School of Biological Sciences at UC San Diego for many years. Throughout her tenure, she has consistently listened to employees, advocated within her department, and engaged across the university to elevate feedback that meaningfully improves the employee experience. Becky understands the nuance of operating in compliance with university policy while simultaneously championing staff needs, collaborating across departments to ensure leadership understands how staff are feeling and to surface practical solutions that address their concerns. - Nurgess Khurshid
Catalina Aguilar
Catalina Aguilar, Procurement Analyst, Integrated Procure-to-Pay Solutions (IPPS)
Candidate Statement:
I am excited to nominate myself for the UC San Diego Staff Association Executive Board as Assessment Chair. Since transferring to UC San Diego in 2019, I have experienced this institution from many perspectives - as a transfer student, student employee, intern, researcher, graduate student, and now full-time staff member. I earned my undergraduate degree in Environmental Systems: Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution through main campus and my graduate degree in Marine Biology through the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Along the way, I worked at Student Financial Solutions, served as a Scripps Coastal Reserve docent intern, and conducted research in the Scripps Acoustic Ecology Lab as part of the BS/MS program. These experiences have given me a unique appreciation the people, programs, and communities that make UC San Diego such a dynamic place to work, learn, and grow.
Today, I serve as a staff member in Procurement at Integrated Procure-to-Pay Solutions (IPPS), where I use data analysis and cross-functional collaboration to support campus initiatives, identify opportunities for improvement, and streamline processes that better serve the university community. As Assessment Chair, I would bring that same analytical and collaborative approach to helping the Staff Association ensure staff voices are reflected in decision-making by turning data into actionable insights that improve the staff experience and strengthen engagement across campus.
Richard Nguyen
Richard Nguyen, Clinical Informatics Specialist IV, Health - Enterprise Reporting
Candidate Statement:
As a Clinical Informatics Specialist, I feel well positioned to assist with creating surveys/reports and taking in any feedback to assist with creating impactful reports that can help drive data driven improvements to the team and Staff Association.
This would be one of my first volunteer involvements other than assisting with some Data related workshops like Cosmos workshops, strike work, etc.
Inclusion Chair
Stacey Johnson-Ramirez
Stacey Johnson-Ramirez, Lead Food Service Worker, Dining - Residential, Retail, and Supply Chain Services (RRSS)
Candidate Statement:
I have worked at UC San Diego for the past two years, supporting daily operations in a fast-paced campus environment while building strong relationships with staff and students. Although I have not yet volunteered within UC San Diego, I believe this is the right time to become more involved. I am especially interested in opportunities related to inclusion and diversity, as I believe there are important opportunities to strengthen support and representation for minority staff members.
Outside of UC San Diego, I have more than three years of volunteer experience with three different community-based organizations. I would be honored to bring my experience, perspective, and commitment to service to the Staff Association Executive Board.
Daniel Carrillo
Daniel Carrillo, Senate Analyst, Academic Senate
Candidate Statement:
I am happy to express my interest to serve as the Inclusion chair for the UCSD Staff Association. In my 13 years on campus, I have focused my work on promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion on my team and in the broader UCSD community. My previous experiences in this area include the LEAD Fellows program and the Community of Practice for EDI practitioners, serving for many years as a staff mentor, supporting first generation student programs and events, serving on the committee for the UAAC EDI Learning Community, and facilitating workshops, dialogues, and presentations on inclusion topics with faculty, students, and staff.
As a first generation college student and now higher education employee myself, I know the importance of finding and building community. For me, the individual connections to the people who make up our UCSD community have been the key motivator to working through the challenging and difficult times we have faced together. My goal as Inclusion Chair will be to help staff discover the campus communities that help them build those connections to strengthen our staff community.
Outreach & Engagement Chair
Lindsey Rogers
Lindsey Rogers, Research Project Manager, CSE
Candidate Statement:
I’m excited to apply for this Staff Association role because I genuinely enjoy bringing people together and helping create a workplace where staff feel connected, supported, and valued. Building community and creating positive experiences for others has been a consistent part of both my professional and personal life, and this opportunity feels like a natural fit for me.
In my current role as Project Manager for the PRISM Center within Computer Science & Engineering at UC San Diego, I work closely with faculty, researchers, students, and administrative teams across multiple institutions. A big part of my work is building strong relationships, supporting collaboration, planning events, and helping people feel organized, informed, and connected. I also supervise administrative staff and student employees, where I strive to create a supportive, positive, and team-oriented environment where people feel encouraged and appreciated.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to coordinate events, outreach activities, workshops, conferences, and community-focused initiatives that bring people together in meaningful ways. From organizing large-scale events and fundraising initiatives to supporting team engagement efforts, I’ve always loved creating spaces where people can connect, collaborate, and feel part of something bigger.
What especially draws me to this role is the opportunity to help strengthen staff engagement and campus community at UC San Diego. As someone who already participates in committees such as the CSE Social Committee, IPPS Committee, and Wellness Committee, I truly value the impact these groups have on creating connection, inclusion, and support for staff across campus. I would be excited to contribute my organizational skills, creativity, and collaborative approach to further support the Staff Association’s goals and outreach efforts.
I’m someone who leads with kindness, positivity, and a “can-do” attitude. I care deeply about creating environments where people feel welcomed, valued, and appreciated, and I would be honored to bring that energy to this role.
Andria Briceno
Andria Briceno, Food Service Manager, Residential, Retail, and Supply Chain Services (RRSS)
Candidate Statement:
I have been employed at UCSD for only 7 months, but I love to volunteer and am fluent in board procedures (Robert's Rules, etc.) and I would love to be more involved in building a stronger community in any capacity.
Bianka Howser
Bianka Howser, HR Academic Analyst, Academic Resource Center
Candidate Statement:
I am very interested in the Outreach and Engagement Chair position, as it strongly aligns with my personality, interests, vision, and professional experience. I am naturally outgoing, collaborative, and detail-oriented, and I enjoy bringing people together in meaningful ways. I take pride in creating inclusive and engaging environments where individuals feel welcomed, valued, and connected.
My interests center around community building and fostering a positive workplace culture. I am particularly drawn to opportunities that allow me to plan and coordinate events, connect with colleagues across departments, and promote engagement initiatives that enhance staff morale. I enjoy both the creative and organizational aspects of planning activities—from developing ideas to managing logistics and ensuring successful execution.
My experience in outreach and engagement is strengthened by my consulting role with Raising Golfers Golf Academy over the past four years, where I have participated in organizing and coordinating golf tournaments and staff events. This role has allowed me to develop strong event planning and coordination skills in a dynamic environment. In addition, at UC San Diego, I have volunteered at the annual golf tournament that raises critical funds for Family Houses at UC San Diego Health, further reinforcing my commitment to community engagement and meaningful causes.
My vision for this role is to further strengthen connections across departments by initiatives such as happy hours, staff mixers, volunteer opportunities, and information tables at campus events, all of which aim to engage diverse groups and build lasting relationships. I also value continuous improvement and would aim to bring fresh perspectives while building on successful existing initiatives.
Tyler Andrews
Tyler Andrews, HR Generalist 2, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
Candidate Statement:
My journey at UC San Diego began as a temporary employee serving as a Chair Assistant in the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (MAE). Shortly after starting in the temporary role, I applied for and was selected for the career position, transitioning into a permanent role as a Chair Assistant and HR Assistant. During that time, I had the opportunity to build strong relationships with faculty and staff within MAE while also gaining valuable insight into Human Resources operations within a university setting. Since my previous HR experience was primarily in retail management, this role provided me with a meaningful introduction to higher education HR and inspired me to continue growing professionally within UC San Diego.
When an HR position became available within MAE, I eagerly applied and was fortunate to join the department as an HR Generalist in February 2024. Since then, I have continued developing my HR career while also focusing on building community and engagement both within my department and across campus.
One of my first community-building initiatives was coordinating HR Contact Meeting lunches to strengthen connections among HR professionals within the Jacobs School of Engineering. As my involvement expanded, I began seeking additional opportunities to contribute to the broader UC San Diego community. Over the past several years, I have volunteered at the Jacobs School of Engineering Research Expo yearly, volunteered for the Employee Wellfest through Campus Wellness, volunteered with the Basic Needs department, and volunteered at multiple Staff Association Triton Treats events last year and this year.
I am especially interested in serving as the Outreach & Engagement Chair because I strongly believe in the importance of creating meaningful connections across campus. Building community, encouraging employee involvement, and increasing awareness of campus resources and initiatives are all areas I am passionate about. Serving on the Staff Association Executive Board would provide me with the opportunity to continue expanding outreach and engagement efforts while helping foster a stronger sense of connection and belonging among staff across UC San Diego.
I would be honored to serve on the Staff Association Executive Board and contribute to supporting greater participation, engagement, and community-building throughout campus.
Staff Recognition Chair
Julie Torres
Julie Torres,Conference & Event Services Coordinator, Hospitality & Conference Services
Candidate Statement:
Hello everyone,
My name is Julie, and I am excited to run for Staff Recognition Chair for the UC San Diego Staff Association.
For the past four years, I have worked as a Conference & Event Services Coordinator in the Hospitality & Conference Services department. In that role, I've had the opportunity to collaborate with staff from across campus, supporting conferences, summer programs, events, housing operations, dining services, facilities teams, and many other departments. Through these experiences, I've come to appreciate just how much work happens behind the scenes to make UC San Diego successful.
As someone who is early in my career, I understand how meaningful recognition can be. A simple thank you, acknowledgment of a job well done, or celebration of a milestone can make a lasting impact. At the same time, I know there are many staff members whose contributions often go unnoticed despite the incredible work they do every day. I believe everyone deserves to feel valued and connected to the larger UC San Diego community.
The Staff Association's mission to engage and empower all UC San Diego staff strongly resonates with me. Throughout my time at UC San Diego, I've seen the power of bringing people together, building relationships, and creating opportunities for engagement. These experiences have shaped my belief that recognition is not just about celebrating achievements, it's about building community, strengthening connections, and reminding staff that their work matters.
If elected as Staff Recognition Chair, I would focus on creating meaningful and inclusive opportunities to celebrate staff across all areas of campus. I want to help highlight the stories, accomplishments, and everyday contributions that make UC San Diego such a special place to work. I am particularly interested in finding creative ways to recognize staff throughout the year, encourage peer-to-peer appreciation, and ensure that recognition reaches employees at every level of the organization.
As a conference and event professional, I bring experience in program coordination, communication, collaboration, and relationship building. More importantly, I bring genuine enthusiasm for supporting my fellow staff members and helping create a culture where people feel seen, appreciated, and empowered.
UC San Diego thrives because of its people. It would be an honor to serve as Staff Recognition Chair and help celebrate the incredible staff members who make our university community stronger every day.Thank you for your consideration.
Nomination Statement:
Julie has been at UCSD for 4 years supporting Hospitality and Conference Services. She has a strong interest in connecting with others, host engaging events, and utilize campus partnerships to link her UCSD colleagues together to improve processes and increase efficiencies. One of her largest personality traits is her insistence at uplifting others and sharing their recognition when she deems it to be warranted- which our department recognized when assigning her to our internal Birthday Committee, in which she collaborates with our leadership team on how to structure celebrations for our team members. - Jason Martin
Wellness Chair
Melissa Zamudio
Melissa Zamudio, Graduate Program Coordinator and Advisor, DES/OAPED
Candidate Statement:
I am honored to be considered for the Wellness Chair position with the UC San Diego Staff Association Executive Board. Through my experience at UC San Diego, I have developed a strong appreciation for the university’s collaborative culture and commitment to supporting staff, students, and the broader campus community. My professional experience has allowed me to work closely with individuals from diverse backgrounds, strengthen meaningful relationships, and contribute to initiatives that promote engagement, support, and student success.
In addition to my professional responsibilities, I value opportunities to volunteer and contribute to community-building efforts that foster connection, inclusion, and well-being. I am passionate about creating positive experiences that encourage balance, wellness, and a sense of belonging within the workplace.
I am interested in serving on the Staff Association Executive Board because I believe employee wellness is essential to building a supportive and thriving campus environment. As Wellness Chair, I would be excited to help develop programs and initiatives that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being while encouraging staff engagement and community connection across campus. I would be grateful for the opportunity to contribute my enthusiasm, collaboration, and dedication in support of the Staff Association and the broader UC San Diego community.
Felixander Negron
Felixander Negron, HR & Business Services Manager, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Candidate Statement:
I have been with UC San Diego for the past three years and want to become more involved within the university community. I am particularly interested in the Wellness Chair position because I am passionate about health and wellness. In addition to my role at UCSD, I work part-time as a group fitness instructor, which has allowed me to build strong connections within the San Diego fitness and wellness community. I believe these experiences would enable me to contribute valuable ideas, resources, and partnerships to support wellness initiatives.
Shannon Brown
Shannon Brown, Health Education Specialist, Moores Cancer Center
Candidate Statement:
I would be honored to serve as Wellness Chair for the UC San Diego Staff Association Executive Board. Health and wellness have been at the center of my career for more than 25 years, guiding my work in health promotion, disease prevention, health education, case management, and community outreach. I recently completed a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree with a concentration in Public Health from Northeastern University, an experience that further strengthened my commitment to helping individuals and communities achieve better health outcomes.
For the past four years, I have worked at UC San Diego Health’s Moores Cancer Center, where I provide tobacco and nicotine cessation services through our smoking, vaping, and nicotine cessation programs. I also support the YVape program, which provides education and intervention services for students who have been identified for nicotine or marijuana use. Through this work, I have had the opportunity to help people make informed decisions about their health and develop strategies for lasting behavior change.
Health education has always been more than a job for me; it is something I genuinely care about. Throughout my career, I have been involved with organizations focused on community education, advocacy, mental health services, and public health initiatives. These experiences have reinforced my belief that wellness is about more than physical health alone. It also includes emotional well-being, mental health, social connection, and creating supportive environments where people can thrive.
As Wellness Chair, I would bring both professional experience and a genuine passion for helping others. I would welcome the opportunity to support programs and initiatives that encourage healthy lifestyles, strengthen employee engagement, and promote a culture of well-being across UC San Diego. It would be a privilege to serve our staff community and contribute to the health and wellness of the colleagues who make UC San Diego such a remarkable place to work.
Dannielle Wade
Dannielle Wade, OR Circulator-RN, Shiley Outpatient Surgery Center
Candidate Statement:
In recent years, I have been part of a Unit Practice Counsel at a local hospital in which we met once a month to discuss best practices in surgery, gave out recognition to staff and physicians, and planned fun and exciting fundraisers. I also was active in volunteering at my local hospital's yearly health fair and quality improvement committee.
Natalie Calderon-Hansen
Natalie Calderon-Hansen, Marketing & Promotions Coordinator, Music
Candidate Statement:
Hi! I'm Natalie Calderon-Hansen, and I've been the Marketing & Promotions Coordinator of the UC San Diego Department of Music for about 2 years. I'm currently a Wellness Ambassador with the UC San Diego Employee Wellness Program. As both an alumna and current staff member, I am a proud Triton through and through, and I hope to give back to the community that has brought me so much joy.
I am honored to have received this nomination and am interested in promoting current resources and finding new programs to encourage staff members to prioritize their physical and mental health. I have a deep and personal relationship with my own wellness and health, and I invite everyone to explore their own relationships with them as well.
How can we incorporate wellness into our daily lives? How do we prioritize ourselves when the responsibilities around us are stacked a mile high? What can we do to take care of ourselves and each other? These are the questions I want to answer while advocating for my fellow staff members.
Wellness means a lot of different things to different people. I hope to discover these meanings and provide support for the staff members here who work so hard for the wellness of the University.
Nomination Statements:
She is the Wellness Ambassador for our department and does a phenomenal job. - Renee Wilkinson
Special Projects & Campus Collaboration Chair
Erika Caver Galapir
Erika Caver Galapir, Program Coordinator, TDSIEC
Candidate Statement:
My name is Erika Caver Galapir, and I’ve been part of UC San Diego for the past nine years. I currently work as a Program Coordinator with the Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion.
I’m excited to apply for the Special Projects and Campus Collaboration Chair role because I enjoy work that helps bring people, groups, and ideas together across campus. I’m especially interested in helping strengthen connections between staff and campus partners and supporting initiatives that improve communication and engagement.
While most of my current work is within my program area, I see this role as a great opportunity to expand my involvement across UC San Diego and contribute to broader staff engagement efforts.I’m organized, dependable, and comfortable supporting projects that require coordination and follow-through. I’d be glad to help represent staff voices, support campus partnerships, and contribute to the goals of the Staff Association.
Nancy "Nan" Pace
Nancy "Nan" Pace, Administrative Coordinator, Administrative Services w/ SSPPS
Candidate Statement:
I've been with UC San Diego @ SKAGGS for two years. I have previously been a part of SCEDI (within SKAGGS) committee, and I have decades of experience serving on both professional and community boards throughout San Diego. My interest in serving on the Staff Association Executive Board is to support and have a positive impact on UC San Diego and its staff beyond my role.
Campus Community Relations Chair
Tamika Balderamos
Tamika Balderamos, Program Manager, Oasis
Candidate Statement:
I am particularly proud of my ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on engagement. Currently, I serve as the Hope Scholars Program Manager at UC San Diego, where I oversee a comprehensive support program designed specifically for former foster youth and students who have experienced homelessness. In this role, I manage the day-to-day operations of the program, supervise professional staff and peer mentors, and ensure that all services align with both institutional priorities and the unique needs of historically underserved student populations.
I place strong emphasis on relationship-building and collaborative partnerships, whether working directly with students, coordinating with campus stakeholders, or leading outreach and marketing efforts. My approach centers on creating supportive, student-focused environments that foster belonging, empowerment, and long-term success. If given the opportunity, I would bring this same level of dedication, strategic leadership, and student-centered advocacy to your organization.
About UC San Diego Staff Association Executive Board
The UC San Diego Staff Association is a service organization dedicated to supporting and enhancing the staff experience across campus. Executive Board members collaborate throughout the year on staff engagement initiatives, events, advocacy efforts, communications, and community-building opportunities.Executive Board members are expected to attend monthly board meetings and actively participate in Staff Association initiatives and events.
