Candidate Profile

Ariana Mizan

(She/Her)

Hello! My name is Ariana Mizan, and I am a sophomore majoring in Strategy, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (SIE) at Gies. I am running to be Student Trustee because I strongly believe students should be informed and involved in creating positive systemic change on campus. I aim to advance equity, accessibility, wellness, and safety for all students. I pledge to do more than verbally condemn problems that have been proliferating on our campus. Rather, I aim to actively facilitate change. By being radically creative, thinking outside of the box, and combining innovative problem-solving tactics we can develop novel, meaningful solutions to large-scale issues on campus. My platform is built upon a foundation of empathy and transparency. My first priority as Trustee will always be to listen to you, to advocate for you, and to work to address your needs within my capacity. The Student Trustee must have clear passion, an understanding of how UIUC as an institution operates, as well as demonstrated commitment to elevating the concerns and demands of students through concrete work. To demonstrate this passion, understanding, and commitment, I have served as a volunteer on the University’s Senate committees (committees that work in tandem with the Senate) for two years. As a freshman, I volunteered on the Senate Public Engagement Committee, learning more about various UIUC outreach programs (e.g., programs for prospective students and families, international outreach initiatives, and cultural house programs). I currently serve on the Senate Committee for Student Life where I work directly on student life policy changes that are presented to the entire senate. (e.g., the potential implementation of a fall break in addition to the Thanksgiving break to support student mental health). I have worked on other projects and policies that seek to centralize student resources and to standardize the first-year experience courses for all new students across colleges to increase resource accessibility and consistency for students. Further, as the Food Insecurity Chair on the Student Success Undergraduate Advisory Board (SSUAB), I am spearheading a novel pop-up food pantry initiative and the plans for a virtual dining dollar bank. Here, I get to collaborate with undergraduate students passionate about wellness and fighting student hunger! In addition, I am a representative on the Student Affairs Council where I formulate strategies in partnership with alumni and key stakeholders to strengthen alumni relations and increase Student Affairs funding (these funds help provide students with important everyday services and scholarships). These opportunities demonstrate my keen understanding of institutional processes at UIUC, my strong advocacy and communication skills, as well as my long-held commitment to improving existing systems for all students. I would be honored to serve and represent the student body as the UIUC Student Trustee if given the opportunity! Ultimately, I am someone who will strive to honor the rich diversity of student stories, identities, voices, and concerns at every turn on the Board of Trustees.