Meeting Minutes
Associated Students | San Diego State University
Monday, May 4, 2026 - 3:30pm
Council Chambers, Student Union 3rd Floor
I. CALL TO ORDER
A.S. President Kareen Holstrom called the meeting to order at 3:35 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
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- Voting Members Present: Kareen Holstrom, Milan Rawls, Abby McLachlan, Aliza Siddiqui, Nadia Gallarzo, Julia Biesman, Karen Sawouq, Marco Loza, Ava Alvarado, Noah Stuart, Jasmin Zeis-Khalil
- Voting Members Absent: Brittany Santos-Derieg, Jessica Rentto
- Non-Voting Members Present: Dr. Caryl Montero-Adams, Araya Williams
- Non-Voting Members Absent: Christina Brown
- Guests: Patty Rea
III. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
It was moved and seconded to approve the agenda for May 4, 2026.
SAWOUQ/ZEIS-KHALIL CARRIED (10-0-0)
IV. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES
It is moved and seconded to approve the previous minutes.
STUART/BIESMAN CARRIED (10-0-0)
V. PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
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VI. PRESENTATIONS AND UNIVERSITY REPORTS
- Brittany Santos- Derieg, University President designee: No report.
- Jessica Rentto, Business and Financial Affairs Designee: No report.
- Dr. Caryl Montero-Adams, University President’s Designee, to report on the following:
Thank you for an incredible year and happy to support and cheer you all on your next adventures.
VII. ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
- Approval of A.S. Appointed Positions (Action)
ZEIS-KHALIL/LOZA CARRIED (10-0-0) - Approval of Summer/Fall 2026 Council Meeting Times (Action)
GALLARZO/ALVARADO CARRIED (10-0-0) - General Consent Agenda (Action)
It was moved and seconded to approve the General Consent Agenda.
SAWOUQ/LOZA - General Consent Report (Information)
The General Consent report was reviewed.
VIII. CLOSED SESSION:
None.
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IX. BOARD OF DIRECTOR STUDENT AT LARGE REPORTS
- Student-at-Large, Ava Alvarado:
She expressed looking forward to taking a well-deserved break and spending time in Washington, D.C., where she plans to obtain her Library of Congress card. She looks forward to this period of personal rest and reflection. - Student-at-Large, Julia Biesman:
She expressed sincere gratitude for the experience and the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated group. She thanked everyone for their wisdom and shared enthusiasm for the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts, which she is pursuing as her double major.
She looks forward to bringing increased creativity and energy into the coming year. She will be taking a number of courses over the summer to get ahead academically and also noted a personal milestone with an upcoming birthday. - Student-at-Large, Marco Loza:
She expressed that it has been an honor to serve on the Board of Directors, noting the remarkable dedication demonstrated by all members outside of the classroom. She looks forward to enjoying personal time, including an upcoming trip to Mexico City at the end of the month.She also announced that she has been accepted into a Board of Directors Fellowship beginning in the Fall, a well-deserved achievement. - Student-at-Large, Karen Sawouq:
The SWANA graduation celebration is currently underway and will be taking place this Saturday. She reflected on her Associated Students experience since her freshman year as nothing short of remarkable.
Advocacy has been a deeply meaningful aspect of her journey, one in which she has felt seen and valued by all those present.
She expressed excitement for the well-earned rest the summer ahead will bring. - Student-at-Large, Noah Stuart:
He expressed excitement for the summer ahead, including an upcoming family trip to Egypt in June.
He will also be actively pursuing internship opportunities and looks forward to a productive and fulfilling summer. - Student-at-Large, Jasmin Zeis-Khalil:
She is currently engaged in onboarding new student leaders and is actively involved in the progression of the SWANA Center. She remains committed to volunteering her time in support of student success.
She expressed excitement for an upcoming family visit and looks forward to what the future holds beyond her current role.
She conveyed that it has been an honor to serve on the Board of Directors, and expressed her appreciation for everyone she has had the privilege of working with. She extended her warmest wishes for a successful and fulfilling semester ahead.
X. EXECUTIVE REPORTS
- A.S. President, Kareen Holstrom reported on the following:
I am looking forward to securing full-time employment prior to beginning my graduate program. It has been an honor to serve as Chair this year, and I am proud to have been a part of the Board of Directors both last year and this year as President. I encourage anyone who wishes to speak with me to do so, as I will remain available for the next week and a half.
The resolution is available for review at one of the upcoming meetings scheduled for the coming year. The Final Meeting will be the All Council meeting, held from 3:00–5:00 PM, at which point members will be sworn in for the second half of the term. - Executive Vice President, Milan Rawls reported on the following:
It has been a deeply rewarding and meaningful experience, and there is great anticipation for the year ahead.
The Aztec achievement award event was both an enjoyable and memorable occasion for all involved. Transition documents for the Board of Directors are being forwarded by Julia. - Vice President of External Relations, Abby McLachlan reported on the following:
The final CSSA meeting took place this past weekend, during which the alternative consultation was passed anonymously, a significant and successful outcome. She looks forward to enjoying the summer ahead.
She expressed that working alongside such a motivating and dedicated group of individuals has been a privilege, and that she will greatly miss those collaborative relationships. She conveyed her excitement and best wishes for everyone's future plans and endeavors. - Vice President of Financial Affairs, Aliza Siddiqui reported on the following:
Finance Forward Week was a success, highlighted by a well-received workshop.
She expressed enthusiasm for the year ahead as she transitioned her position to the newly elected officer.
She reflected fondly on her time working with the council, conveying her appreciation for the collaborative relationships built and the opportunity to serve alongside such a dedicated group. - Vice President of University Affairs, Nadia Gallarzo reported on the following:
She will be attending graduate school at the University of San Diego in the upcoming year.
It has been an honor to serve alongside such an exceptional group of individuals, and she expressed that being part of this council has been a source of great motivation and inspiration.
She encouraged everyone to stay in touch, noting that she will remain local in San Diego.
XI. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ADVISOR REPORT: Christina Brown reported on the following: No Report.
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XII. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
None.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 4:03 p.m.
SIDDIQUI/BIESMAN CARRIED (10-0-0)
