Senate Roster
Zaria Opara '23
ASCLU Senate Director
asclusenatedir@callutheran.edu
(805) 493-3462
Office Hours: M: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM, W: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM, F: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Hometown: Carnation, WA
Major: Exersice Science
Minor: Psychology and Chemistry
On-Campus Involvement: Track and Field, Exercise Science Club, Peer Advisor, American Medical Student Association, ALLIES in STEM Research Fellow, Swanson Research Fellow
About: Zaria is entering her third year on Student Government, and first year as Senate Director. When given an ounce of freetime, she loves to spend time with her friends, watch/play basketball, and spend money she doesn't have.
Jacqueline Cambaliza '26
Senate Recorder
jcambaliza@callutheran.edu
Hometown: Pamdale, CA
Majors:Communications, Emphasis of Advertising & Public Relations
Minors: English
On-Campus Involvement:
About:
Brandon Reese Castro '23
ASCLU Senior Senator
bcastro@callutheran.edu
Office Hour: Wednesday 11:45 AM - 12:45 AM
Hometown: Brawley, CA
Major: History & Political Science
On-Campus Involvement: History Club
About: This is Brandon’s first and final year on ASCLUG. As a member of the Senate, Brandon hopes to fund activities at Cal Lutheran that foster a fun environment on campus. He also hopes to give the students a familiar face on the Senate, in order to make them more approachable. In his future, Brandon aspires to be an attorney, and will continue to use his skills for the common good. If you see him around campus don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation or tell him a joke!
Taryn Gaulke '23
ASCLU Senior Senator
gaulke@callutheran.edu
Office Hour: Tueday 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Hometown: Buckley, WA
Major: Business Administration & Dance
On-Campus Involvement: Presidential Host Lead, Undergraduate Admissions Associate, Student Ambassador, PNW Club President, Dance Team Treasurer, Women in Business Club
About: This is Taryn's first year on ASCLUG Senate and she is so excited to get more involved in the campus. While this is her first and last year on Senate, she is aiming to create as much of an impact as she can. In her free time Taryn enjoys doing photography, traveling, hanging out with friends and learning all of the latest Tiktok dances!
Nate Swanson '23
ASCLU Senior Senator
nswanson@callutheran.edu
Office Hour: Wednesday 11:45 AM - 12:45 AM
Hometown: Thousand Oaks, CA
Majors: Political Science
Minors: Communications
On-Campus Involvement: History Club, Works in the Center for Nonprofit Leadership
About: Hello Everyone! My name is Nate Swanson and I am a political science major with a communications minor. I have coached high school volleyball for three years at Thousand Oaks High School and am working in the Center for Nonprofit Leadership here at CLU. I am a big sports fan, I follow mainly baseball, basketball and soccer.
Jerry Tovar '23
ASCLU Senior Senator
jerrytovar@callutheran.edu
Office Hour: Thursday 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Hometown: Piru, CA
Majors: Psychology & Environmental Science & Political Science
On-Campus Involvement: Marketing Intern at the Center for Global Engagement and Project CHESS Mentor
About: He’s definitely a source to go to for resources. He knows a lot about them and can help you out. He doesn’t ask questions and will forget about it. He also loves to have a good dance session so let him know :)
Mia Deck '24
ASCLU Junior Senator
mdeck@callutheran.edu
Office Hour: Thursday 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Hometown: Highlands Ranch, CO
Major: Political Science & Criminal Justice
On-Campus Involvement: Womens Lacrosse Team, University Honors Program, Peer Advisor, UHP Peer Mentor, Presidential Host, PNW Club Vice President, and Student Ambassador
About: Mia is passionate about creating a safe and welcoming environment to all current and future CLU students! She has been involved with ASCLUG and a numerous amount of other activities on the CLU campus. Never hesitate to reach out to her regarding any questions or concerns.
Anthony J. Garay '24
ASCLU Junior Senator
agaray@callutheran.edu
Office Hour: Monday 11:40 AM - 12:40 PM
Hometown: Moorpark, CA
Major: Biochemistry & Public Health
On-Campus Involvement: OURCS Undergraduate Research Student and Presidential Host
About: As a first-generation, Hispanic-Latino student, letting all people know they belong is a goal that Anthony carries close to heart. As a Junior Senator, his goal is to spark and maintain a diverse, inclusive, and spirited culture at CLU. In his spare time, he loves spending time with his family and friends, exercising, and going to the beach. He hopes to one day become a pediatrician capable of serving and forming bonds with the diverse patients in his community.
Yanely Lara '24
ASCLU Junior Senator
yanelylara@callutheran.edu
Office Hour: Tuesday 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Hometown: Filmore, CA
Major: Pyschology & Sociology
Minor: Criminal Law
On-Campus Involvement: Peer Advisor, SSS Student Tutor, Starbucks Barista, DSS Note Taker
About: Yanely enjoys being a student leader on campus and meeting her peers. She loves to learn about the criminal mind and works with children with special disabilities on her free time. Her favorite color is purple (which is why she chose CLU) and is a big fan of Gordan Ramsey. Yanely would like all students to take care of their mental health and know it is ok to take a break.
Lauren Ormiston '24
ASCLU Junior Senator
lormiston@callutheran.edu
Office Hour: Tuesday 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Hometown: Puyallup, WA
Majors: Business Administration, Emphasis in Marketing
On-Campus Involvement: PNW Club Treasurer, Presidential Host Lead
About: Lauren has always loved working with other people and making a difference. She was born with a creative mind and an adventurous soul, which allows her to pursue change and take initiative. Lauren spends her free time adventuring outdoors, working at the CLU Undergraduate Admission Office, and hanging out with friends.
Mia Garcia '25
ASCLU Sophomore Senator
miag@callutheran.edu
Office Hour: Thursday 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Hometown: Sylmar, CA
Major: Biology
On-Campus Involvement: Peer Advisor
About: This is Mia's first year on senate and she couldn't be more excited to be apart of the team. She is a first-generation, Hispanic- Latino student, majoring in Biology. Her goal this year is to make everyone feel heard and included. She is also a Peer Advisor helping guide freshmen on their transition to college. In her free time she loves spending time with family and friends, pilates, and all things outdoors. She hopes in one day becoming a pediatrician.
Samantha Hernandez '25
ASCLU Sophomore Senator
smhernandez@callutheran.edu
Office Hour: Thursday 11:20 AM - 12:20 PM
Hometown: Hacienda Heights, CA
Majors: Exercise Science - Emphasis in Health Professions
Minors: Spanish
On-Campus Involvement: Orientation Staff Student Worker, Waterpolo, and Mariachi Ensemble
About: This will be Samantha’s 2nd year on Senate, she is super excited to get started on some great projects as well as working alongside with one of her best friends Lauralei Jensen. Samantha works at Panda Express but on her free time she enjoys watching Greys Anatomy, going to the gym, and sleeping…of course. Samantha aspires to attend medical school and become a pediatric surgeon.
Lauralei Jensen '25
ASCLU Sophomore Senator
lauraleijensen@callutheran.edu
Office Hour: Wednesday 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Hometown: Puyallup, WA
Majors: Marketing
Minors: Communications & Business Management
On-Campus Involvement: Intern for Student Life Clubs
About: Lauralei Jensen is a sophomore this year at Cal Lutheran. She loves being involved in her school and community any way she can! Lauralei spends free time with friends at the beach or exploring new places! She is from a small town in Washington State so Lauralei loves to visit exciting new places in southern California whenever she gets a chance!
Hayley O'Leary '25
ASCLU Sophomore Senator
holeary@callutheran.edu
Office Hour: Wednesday 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Hometown: Burbank, CA
Major: Political Science & Economics
Minor: Public Policy & Law
On-Campus Involvement: Model UN, Pre-Law Society of California Lutheran
About: This will be Hayley’s second year on ASCLUG Senate and she is looking forward on making the year exciting. Hayley joined Senate because she wants to help make the year the best it can be for all students. I’m Hayley’s free time, she enjoys reading, binge watching shows, baking, and traveling. Hayley plans to attend law school after graduating from CLU and hopes to help in public service in some way.
Ashlyn Bryson-Beane '26
ASCLU Freshman Senator
abrysonbeane@callutheran.edu
Office Hour: Monday 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Major: Psychology & Political Science
Minor: Law & Public Policy
On-Campus Involvement: CCEI Programing Intern
About: Ashlyn is very excited for this opportunity to represent her class. She is most excited to listen to her peers about what they want to see on campus and be a voice for them as a senate member. She has always been passionate about advocacy and feels this is a great opportunity to begin making change.
Alec Mora Lopez '26
ASCLU Freshman Senator
aleclopez@callutheran.edu
Office Hour: Monday 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Hometown: Ventura, CA
Major: Biochemistry
Minor: Pre-Medicine
On-Campus Involvement: AMSA, LASO, Safety and Defnese Club
About: Alec is in his first year in the ASCLUG senate. As a Freshman Senator, he will provide service and ensure everyone feels included regardless of their background. On campus, you will find him in the ALLIES in STEM house studying or in the Athletics Center, powerlifting, or hanging out with his peers. After graduating, Alec hopes to enroll in medical school, eventually becoming a pediatrician and opening his own non-profit medical clinic to assist low-income families and the marginalized.
Laylanie Valenzuela '26
ASCLU Freshman Senator
lvalenzuela@callutheran.edu
Office Hour: Wednesday 11:40 AM - 12:40 PM
Hometown: Santa Barbara, CA
Major: Marketing Communications & Music Production
On-Campus Involvement: Line Dancing Club, Delight, Women in Business, Delta Sigma Pi
About: This is Laylanie’s first year on ASCLUG senate but she is excited to make sure that the funding goes equally to all the clubs. She likes to go hiking, watching, movies, and trying new things even when they seem scary. She also likes all kinds of music and is always up for suggestions. If you ever want someone to talk to she will listen.
Daphne White '26
ASCLU Freshman Senator
daphnewhite@callutheran.edu
Office Hour: Thursday 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Hometown: Spokane, WA
Major: Political Science & Music
On-Campus Involvement: PNW Club, Pre-Law Club, Philosophy Club
About: Daphne is from Washington and is happy to be here! She loves to write poetry, hike, produce music, play guitar, and swim. Her favorite album of all time is folklore and she loves Taylor Swift. She has been to Washington D.C. to compete in a national history competition, and she hopes to go to law school on the East coast after graduating from CLU.
Joshua Nekoba '23
ASCLU Commuter Senator
jnekoba@callutheran.edu
Office Hour: Thursday 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Hometown: Honolulu, HI
Major: Music Production
On-Campus Involvement: Swim Team, Vice President of Investment Club, Vice President of Music Production Club, Vice President of Republican Club, Co-President of E-Sports Club
About: I like helping the community and my peers.
F. Rafia '25
ASCLU International Senator
frafia@callutheran.edu
Office Hour: Thursday 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Hometown: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Major: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
On-Campus Involvement: President of Desi Club, Musician's Club, Chemistry Club, Office Assistant and Program Specialist at the Center for Global Engagement (CGE)
About: Rafia is a current Sophomore and an international student from Bangladesh. She is majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She loves music and plays the guitar and also sings. After graduation, she plans to go to Grad School.
Alayah Arriola '24
ASCLU Transfer Senator
aariola@callutheran.edu
Office Hour: Wednesday 9:10 AM - 10:10 AM
Hometown: Reseda, CA
Majors: Political Science
About: My name is Alayah Arriola and I am a Political Science major who hopes to become a lawyer in the future. I also have my associate's degree in Communications and Social and Behavioral Sciences. I am considered a 2nd generation Cal Lutheran Student as my mom also went here.
Yulissa Alvarado
ASCLU Senate Advisor
Student Engagement Coordinator
Student Life
Hometown: Moorpark, CA
About: Yulissa is the new Student Engagement Coordinator and will be overseeing all Clubs and Senate this year. Yulissa also worked with Peer Advisors during New Student Orientation. She is currently working on her M.S. in Counseling and College Student Personnel. Yulissa is very excited toget the chance to oversee the ASCLU Senate and work with student leaders in order to have a successful year!