The SAA Board of Directors is the governing body of SAA and is chaired by the SAA president. The president is selected each spring through an interview process and selects the remainder of the board of directors, who serve their terms the following academic year. The board is made up of the president and ten executive directors. Each executive director chairs a committee.
Aaron Persing
Aaron Persing is a fourth-year physiological science major and political science minor here at UCLA. As a fourth-year SAA volunteer, he served previously on the Bruin Spirit, Leadership Development and Graduate Relations committees. He is very excited to continue the UCLA traditions unique to SAA and to provide its volunteers with opportunities for growth and development. Persing’s other on-campus activities include work as an emergency medical technician for UCLA Emergency Medical Services, membership in Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity as a risk management chair, counseling for the Ahead Mentorship Program and service on the External Relations Committee representing Future Leaders of America’s Generation. Originally from Rochester, Minn., Persing is the fifth of eight children, but he is the first in his family to attend UCLA. After graduation, his plans include volunteering abroad and then pursuing a career in emergency medicine.
Emilie Mendia
Emilie Mendia is going into her fifth year as a sociology major and education minor. This is her fourth year with SAA, serving as the mass media director of Internal Affairs, the onsite coordinator for LeaderShape, and one of the directors for Entertainment Networking Night. In addition to serving on board for SAA, Emilie is a new student advisor for UCLA New Student and Transitions Programs and an administrative assistant in the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine Biochemistry Department. In the future, she aspires to pursue a career in education.
Matthew Bojanic
Matthew Bojanic is a fourth-year student majoring in communication studies with a minor in Spanish. Now in his third year with SAA, he has previously served as assistant director of Career Networking and executive director of Internal Affairs. Bojanic is also involved at UCLA as a resident assistant with the Office of Residential Life. He enjoys theater, singing, hanging out with friends and aspires to have a career in the entertainment industry.
Jorge Gomez
Jorge Gomez is a third-year political science and economics double major. This is his second year as a SAA volunteer. His previous position was sponsorship director of the Finance Committee. He took this position to give back to UCLA and hopes he can make a positive difference in every student’s Bruin experience. Jorge enjoys travelling, soccer and meeting new people.
Brian Caldwell
Brian Caldwell is a fourth-year student and will graduate with a B.A. in political science. This is Brian's third year serving SAA and his second on the board of directors. He has previously served as the business development director on the Finance Committee and as the executive director of the CASE ASAP District VII Conference Committee. Additionally, Brian works at the UCLA New Student & Transition Program as a new student coordinator and has also worked as a team leader for UCLA BruinCorps. In his free time, he enjoys volunteering, running and cycling. After graduation, he would like to pursue a career in consulting or marketing.
Kana Mizuoka
Kana Mizuoka is a fourth-year economics major and an Asian American studies minor. This is Mizuoka’s third year as an SAA volunteer and is very excited to be serving on the board of directors this year. Before her current position she served as an event director for the Bruin Spirit Committee and as a member of the Internal Affairs Committee. She is also working at the 200 UCLA Medical Plaza and interns at different law firms. She spent her previous summer studying abroad at the University of Cambridge and has a passion for traveling. She also enjoys baking, dancing and exploring her hometown Los Angeles.
Van Pham
Van Pham is a fourth-year student studying physiological science. Also in is his fourth year in SAA, Pham has previously served as the executive director for Marketing and Communications. Apart from SAA, he works as a New Student Advisor with the UCLA New Student & Transition Programs and holds an executive board position on T.E.A.C.H., a health education program. After graduation, he hopes to pursue a career in medicine.
Kristie Liuag
Kristie Liuag is a third-year student studying political science and economics. Now in her second year with SAA, she previously held the position of LeaderShape assistant director on the Leadership Development committee. Apart from SAA, Kristie works in the recruiting offices of UCLA Athletics and as a resident assistant with the Office of Residential Life. Kristie spends her free time exploring Los Angeles, reading, running and hiking. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in professional sports.
Sheena Sharifi
Sheena Sharifi is a third-year student studying biology and global studies. Now in her third year in SAA, she has previously held positions on Career Networking and CASE ASAP. On campus, she is also involved with non-profit health education for Support for International Change and Mobile Clinic, works as a research assistant at the David Geffen School of Medicine and has developed a new presidential internship program for the Undergraduate Students Association Council. This year, she will also serve as a resident assistant on the Hill. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in the field of medicine and health education.
Megan Wesseln
Megan Wesseln is a third-year history student and member of SAA. Before serving as her current position as the recruitment, selection and training director, Wesseln served as the alumni relations director on the Bruin Spirit Committee and was the mentor/mentee director on the Internal Affairs Committee. Wesseln is an active member of Kappa Delta Sorority and is a student supervisor at Kerckhoff Coffeehouse. She plans on attending nursing school after graduation.
Turner Pope
Turner Pope is a third-year student studying international development studies and Spanish. This is his second year as a member of SAA. Last year he served on the Spring Sing committee as a judges and awards director. Originally from Utah, Turner enjoys every second exploring southern California especially on a motorcycle and loves hiking when he is back at home. Turner loves UCLA and after graduation plans to pursue work in business.
