Meet the wonderful staff members of the IVP office!

A.S. Internal Vice President: Enri Lala (he/him)

Hey Gauchos, thanks for stopping by! This is Enri Lala, your Internal Vice President. I’m a fourth-year double majoring in History and Global Studies. I was born and raised in Albania before immigrating to beautiful Southern California, which I have called home for over a decade.

Previously an Off-Campus Senator, I ran for IVP to lead impactful projects on student housing, campus infrastructure and RCO access to funding. My vision for the Association is simple: using our vast resources to deliver vital services to students.

Outside the office, I spend much of my time on literature, struggling to maintain my foreign language skills and swimming whenever I can.

My Office and I will remain committed to fighting for the campus we deserve. Feel free to reach out to me if you are interested in AS work or are in need of any assistance. Let’s have a great year ahead!

Email: internalvp@as.ucsb.edu

Chief of Staff: Grant Schweigert (he/him)

Hi everyone! My name is Grant Schweigert, and I am the Chief of Staff for the Office of the IVP. I’m a junior year Economics student from Minneapolis, Minnesota. I have a passion for project management and strategy, with a focus on supporting artists, entrepreneurs, and small businesses.

During my time at UCSB and SBCC, I’ve built experience across leadership, business, and community work. I served as the Student Government President in High School, and previously co-founded and led a student-led nonprofit addressing school gun violence. Professionally, I’ve held leadership roles in hospitality, fitness, sales, and e-commerce. 

This year in the IVP Office, I’m excited to help manage the IVP team, oversee projects like AS merchandise and the IV Green gardening initiative, and strengthen collaboration with other offices across AS. I’m also helping coordinate budgeting, requisitions, and campus partnerships to make sure our office can run smoothly and support as many students as possible.

Outside of AS, you’ll find me training with the run club I’ve founded downtown, weight-lifting, hiking, traveling, or exploring new ideas in business and entrepreneurship. I look forward to applying my passion for strategy, leadership, and management to serving our community!

Email: as-ivpcos@ucsb.edu / gschweigert@ucsb.edu

 

Deputy Chief of Staff: Casey Carnow (she/her)

Hi everyone! My name is Casey Carnow, and I am the Deputy Chief of Staff for the Office of the IVP. I’m a second-year Comparative Literature major from Chicago, Illinois with aspirations to pursue a career in Educational Psychology. I’m extremely passionate about public policy– particularly in the areas of equitable education and housing equality.

During my first year at UCSB, I served as the Resident and Housing Coordinator for the Office of the External Vice President for Local Affairs, where I acted as a liaison to the Isla Vista Tenants Union (IVTU). This year, I’m excited to continue advocating for student housing reform through my work in the IVP Office and as Outreach Coordinator for the IVTU. I’m also leading the restructuring of the Pearman Fellowship Program and coordinating AS bonding events in my role as Commissioner of Community and Climate.

Outside of AS, you’ll find me at concerts and festivals, hiking, dancing, and swimming. I’m involved in a variety of campus organizations and look forward to channeling my diverse interests and experiences into meaningful projects this year.

Email: as-deputychiefivp@ucsb.edu 

Director of Accountability: Jeffrey Wang (he/him)

Hi everyone! My name is Jeffrey Wang, and I am the Director of Accountability for the Office of the IVP. I’m a first-year Electrical Engineering student from Arcadia, California. I’ve always had a passion for problem-solving and systems thinking, and I’m especially interested in building tools and processes that make organizations more transparent, efficient, and accountable.

This year in the IVP Office, I’m excited to help track projects and legislation, strengthen communication, and support the accountability processes that keep AS effective and student-focused. I’ll also be working closely with the team to ensure information flows smoothly between offices so we can avoid redundancies and maximize impact.

Outside of AS, I like to stay active through swimming, weightlifting, and hiking. It’s a privilege to be part of this office, and I look forward to applying my passion to help our office serve students as effectively as possible. Please feel free to reach out anytime, I’d love to connect and work together.

Email: jwang44@ucsb.edu

Internal Affairs Coordinator: Valentina Huynh (she/her)

My name is Valentina Huynh, I’ll be serving as your Internal Affairs Coordinator this year! I’m a junior student majoring in Economics and Accounting with a minor in Applied Psychology. As a first-generation college student who moved to San Diego, California in 2019, I’m passionate about expanding educational and professional opportunities, especially by improving access to both  formal and informal mentorships. 

I’ve had the rare opportunity to lead projects focused on expanding representation and opportunity in the fields of economics and finance through my work with the Department of Economics’ DEI committee. This year, I would love to further my commitment in creating more welcoming spaces for students to connect and gain meaningful professional experiences. 

Outside of school, I enjoy beach walks with friends, archery, embroidery and reading manga. I’m looking forward to helping make our campus a fun, supportive and enriching place for everyone! Feel free to reach out with questions about campus resources, or just to chat. I’m always happy to connect 😀

Email: huynh473@ucsb.edu

Internal Affairs Coordinator: Maryn Hoffman (she/her)

Hi Gauchos! My name is Maryn Hoffman, and I am the Internal Affairs Coordinator for the Office of the IVP. I’m a third-year Political Science major with minors in Applied Psychology and Professional Writing from the South Bay Area! I’m passionate about legislation, sustainability, and equitable access surrounding reproductive healthcare, and I plan to pursue a career in the legal field and public service.

During my time at UCSB, I’ve witnessed how passionate our student body is about driving change through advocacy, education, and awareness. As the Internal Affairs Coordinator, I aim to help facilitate this change through fostering respectful communication and teamwork, and by supporting the inspiring projects our team has planned for this year. Along with my position in the Office of the IVP, this year I’ll be serving as the Fundraising Chair for Women in Law at UCSB, as well as an Artist/Editor for Muse Magazine in Isla Vista. 

In my free time, you can find me painting, lifting, practicing yoga, traveling, and coffee shop hopping – an almond milk cortado is my go-to! Please feel free to reach out with any questions, and I look forward to the year ahead!

Email: maryn@ucsb.edu

Public Relations & Media Coordinator: Oseinou Diagne (he/him)

Hey! My name is Oseinou Diagne and I serve as the Public Relations Coordinator for the Office of the Internal Vice President. Born in Long Beach, I’m a fourth year English major with a minor in professional writing: civic engagement. I focus on the visibility and outreach of the A.S. Senate, I’m passionate about governmental transparency and collaborative democracy.

As the Public Relations Coordinator, I have previously negotiated with UCSB administration to increase governmental awareness on social media. I aim to facilitate open dialogue and communication between student representatives and UCSB administration.

In my free time I enjoy researching politics, writing about my opinions, and listening to documentaries. Have questions about A.S.? Feel free to reach out on Instagram: @ASUCSBSenate!

Email: as-ivp-senatemedia@ucsb.edu

Public Relations & Media Coordinator: Rose Friedrich (she/her)

Hello! My name is Rosie and I am a Public Relations and Media Coordinator alongside Oseinou. I am a second year Film and Media Studies and Political Science double major from South Lake Tahoe, CA. I’m particularly passionate about increasing youth engagement and voice in politics. Specifically regarding environmental affairs, human rights, and inequality. I am passionate about journalism and media, reporting for KCSB news and working on the social media team of my local Congresswoman. In the IVP office, I want to use social media to reach a broader demographic of students through engaging content. I’ll work to increase awareness of AS affairs, and facilitate open communication between students and their elected AS officials. 

In my free time I love being outside: hiking, climbing, swimming, camping. I also enjoy reading, creating recipes, photography, and pretending to be a movie critic. I also hope to minor in Spanish, and study abroad in Latin America next year!

Email:

Internal Compliance Officer: Matthew Nelson (he/him)

Hi everyone! My name is Matthew Nelson, and I’m honored to serve as the Internal Compliance Officer for the Office of the IVP. I’m a first-year Electrical Engineering and Economics student from San Jose, California.

My biggest passion lies in academic reform—particularly in ensuring that students have greater access to the courses, majors, and opportunities they need to thrive. This year, I’ll be working closely with the IVP team to review internal policies, support accountability measures, and advance initiatives that improve transparency and equity in our academic system. I hope to make it easier for students to pursue interdisciplinary paths, remove unnecessary barriers, and create a campus that better reflects the diverse aspirations of our student body.

Outside of AS, I enjoy playing basketball, traveling, tinkering with hardware projects, and exploring new ideas. I look forward to using my role to help ensure that student voices are heard in shaping academic structures at UCSB. Please feel free to reach out if you’d like to connect or collaborate on reform efforts—I’m always open to new perspectives and ideas!

Email: mnelson@ucsb.edu

Parliamentarian: Samuel Safahi (he/him)

Hi everyone! My name is Samuel “Sam” Safahi, and I’m excited to serve as the Parliamentarian for the Office of the Internal Vice President this year. I’m a junior majoring in Economics and Accounting at UCSB.

This year, I’m focused on reforming transportation and parking on campus and working to make Associated Students more transparent, efficient, and action-oriented. My goal is to help create an organization that gets things done and delivers real results for students.

Outside of AS, I enjoy fishing, rowing, playing lacrosse, and spending time outdoors. I’m looking forward to a productive year and working alongside this amazing team to make a difference for our campus community!

Student Fee Advisory Commissioner: Tyler Ho (he/him)

Hi everyone! My name is Tyler Ho and I’ll be the Student Fee Advisory Commissioner for the office of the IVP. I’m a fourth year Economics major from Burlingame, California. 

During my time at UCSB and Cañada College, I’ve gained experience in project management and marketing. At Imagine an Answer, a pediatric cancer nonprofit, I drove cross-team collaboration and ensured deliverable accuracy, skills I’ll apply to financial oversight and reporting.

This year in the IVP office, I’m excited to help ensure all appropriations align with student-approved budgets.  Additionally, I’ll help maintain strong communication between the IVP office, Senate, and other campus stakeholders regarding financial matters that impact students.

Outside of AS, you’ll find me lifting weights, running, playing soccer,  watching Arsenal play, drinking a cortado,  or trying a new recipe. I’m currently training to qualify for the Boston Marathon. I’m excited to take initiative on improving financial accountability, streamlining processes, and ensuring student fees truly reflect the priorities and needs of our campus community. Feel free to reach out with any questions about student fee allocation or simply just to connect! Looking forward to an amazing year.

Email: Tylerho@ucsb.edu

Senate First President Pro Tempore: Evan Sussman (he/him)

My name is Evan Sussman, and I am proud to be serving as the 76th ASUCSB Senate First President Pro Tempore.  I am a second-year student studying political science and history, looking to pursue a career in public service and diplomacy (as seen by the photo). 

Leadership and community engagement have played a crucial role in my life. Since elementary school, I have been involved in student government, where I was later elected to be president of my high school in Thousand Oaks, CA. In my first year at UCSB, I was  a Pearman Fellow for the External Vice President of State Affairs. Now as a Senator my goal for this year’s  legislative branch is simple: to reform the aspects of our association which are not working, and to put students first. 

When I am not buried in studying Robert’s Rules of Order or writing legislation,  you can find me hiking, going to concerts, traveling and at the beach. It’s an honor to oversee the Senate and an Association of  such a high caliber. I look forward to the amazing year ahead!

Senate Second President Pro Tempore: Melanie Jones (she/her)

My name is Melanie Jones and I am honored to serve as your 76th ASUCSB Senate Second President Pro Tempore. I am a fourth-year political science and history student, particularly motivated by  international relations, human rights, and diplomacy. 

During my previous year at UCSB, I served as QTPOC Liaison on the Human Rights Board and was a member of the Senate Outreach Committee. During my upcoming term as a Senator and Pro-Temp, I will work to increase transparency, access to resources, and amplify student voices. I strive to build the skills today in order to serve communities tomorrow. 

Outside of campus life, you can find me tending to my garden, playing alchemist in my kitchen, immersing into the wonders of different cultures through travel, or spoiling my cat daughter. I am also a dancer and lover of hot yoga! Please reach out to me with any inquiries regarding Associated Students, campus resources, or even just to connect, student to student.

Web Development Director: Eshaan Kuchhal (he/him)

Hi! My name is Eshaan Kuchhal and I am a third-year Computer Engineering student at UCSB. I am currently the Web Developer for the Office of the Internal Vice President and Senate. In my free time, I like to work out, watch movies, and go to the beach. This year, I hope to give back to the UCSB community by maintaining the websites and making sure all the students are up to date with what’s going on in the Senate. I also hope to travel and explore new cultures in different countries.

Email: ekuchhal@ucsb.edu

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