GEECS Eboard Elections
NEW FORM - Vote for your preferred candidates for next Eboard!
Hello everyone! Thank you to everyone who ran for Eboard yesterday and those who came to support! Please take a look at all of the recorded speeches for each candidate and the position(s) they’re running for. Each of the candidates has a written blurb and beneath that is the recording of their speech. Once you’ve gone through all of the speeches, go ahead and fill out the voting form at the bottom!
In order to guarantee fairness, we updated the voting form to ensure everyone can only vote once. Please fill out the new form below.‼️
Voting closes next Wednesday, Dec 11th! Go Vote! 📢
President
Yaire Lopez-Quiroz
Hi GEECS! My name is Yaire Lopez-Quiroz, I'm a senior at the University of Michigan studying Computer Science through LSA. For my first two years on board, I served as the Membership Officer and this year, I served as the President. Since I'll be taking a fifth year, I wanted to have this opportunity to be able to run for president again with a new perspective, ambitions, and goals to help GEECS fundamentally. It's been an incredible opportunity for self-growth and development as a leader, student and person. Likewise, it's been one of the most rewarding experiences to help the members of the club achieve their own development goals in any area that I can. However, I saw my shortcomings this year and I realized that there's so much more I could work on in the club to help our current and new members feel empowered and confident while working to achieve their professional and personal goals. Whether because it was a lack of time or energy, there were times I know didn't live up to the expectations of the rest of the board and the members. I'd like this to be a chance to redeem myself as president and be able to create something even better that countless students can take value from. I'd like to be able to work more closely with the members themselves to be able to recognize and acknowledge their work, host events where the members can learn from one another, and talk one on one to know how we can help members in a more impactful way. I'd like to co-host more cultural and professional events alongside the members so that they get a chance to feel represented and know that they aren't just a person among the mass. And while I may be the only one running for president again, I'd like to have your vote not because you don't have another choice, but because you genuinely believe that I can help make GEECS as beneficial and empowering as it has been to me. Thank you.
Vice President
Lauren Rodriguez
Hi GEECS members! My name is Lauren Rodriguez, I'm a junior at the University of Michigan studying Information Science and Cognitive Science. I've served as GEECS' marketing officer for the past two years, and would love to continue to serve GEECS as the Vice President and increase and diversify the accessibility and amount of resources we provide for GEECS' professional events. As the marketing officer I felt that I've learned a lot of our member's needs as well as the logistics in planning and networking with companies at the Grace Hopper Celebration. This inspired me to want to give GEECS members the opportunities to have access to more exclusive career fair style events, tech and engineering panels/guest speakers, as well a heavier emphasis on mentorship programs and alumni events. GEECS' members are incredibly diverse in terms of their career goals and majors, and I believe that diversifying the content of our professional events is necessary to support members. Along with taking preliminary feedback from members, I would aim to to increase the topics we cover as an organization associated with technology. I would love to incorporate topics such as cybersecurity, product/project management, UX design, information analysis, data science, consulting, urban technology, etc. in addition to our support of computer science and electrical engineering majors. I believe this would better support GEECS growing crossover with tech, engineering, business, and design majors. Additionally, I plan to vary meeting times and introduce more virtual coffee chats to ensure that all members, regardless of their schedules, can participate. Partnering with other College of Engineering (CoE) and School of Information (UMSI) organizations will also allow us to host more diverse events, strengthen our network, and create new opportunities for GEECS members. Ultimately, as Vice President, I would want to ensure GEECS is a safe space for girls and non-binary identifying individuals exploring new majors and interests within different tech and engineering fields. I believe that expanding our focus in this way will help GEECS grow in diversity, outreach, and opportunities.
Tisha Jain
Hey GEECS Gals! I am running for the position of Vice President because I am passionate about strengthening the connections between GEECS and the companies that support us, ensuring our members have access to incredible opportunities and resources. As a woman in STEM, GEECS has been instrumental in my growth, and I am excited to step into a leadership role that amplifies our impact. As Vice President, I aim to be an effective liaison between company representatives and GEECS, organizing impactful events and securing sponsorships that directly benefit our members. I will work closely with the Treasurer to manage sponsorships, maintain and update the sponsorship packet to reflect GEECS’ values and goals, and ensure our partnerships remain strong and mutually beneficial. My priority is to create meaningful connections that provide our members with career, networking, and learning opportunities while supporting our organizational growth. My background and experiences make me well-suited for this role. As the Social Chair for Out in STEM, I successfully collaborated with multicultural organizations and external stakeholders to host events, gaining valuable skills in communication, relationship-building, and event planning. I am also skilled in data analysis, negotiation, and crafting compelling communications, which will be crucial for creating sponsorship materials and fostering professional relationships. My experiences, I believe give me a unique perspective on how to align GEECS’ goals with those of our corporate partners. I am committed to supporting GEECS in creating a community that uplifts women in STEM while providing valuable professional and personal growth opportunities. Together, we can make GEECS even more impactful.
Internal Relations
Tessa Lee
I would like to run for the Internal Relations Officer of GEECS as well. Having served on the GEECS Professional Committee for two semesters, I have had experience organizing impactful professional development events that prepare current GEECS members for the workforce, which is a skill many GEECS members, including myself, look for. As both a former mentee of the Women in Science and Engineering Residential Program and a current mentor in the College of Engineering Peer Mentor Program, I deeply value the power of mentorship and community. As a freshman, the guidance I received from seniors I met during orientation and club introduction events shaped my college experience, encouraging me to join clubs and programs and take on opportunities I would have otherwise missed. As the Internal Relations Officer, I want to build similarly meaningful connections with alumni through mentorship programs and networking events that will benefit students across all years, allowing them to make the same purposeful connections I did, but this time with graduates that can benefit juniors and seniors as well. If elected, I will focus on creating opportunities for members to grow professionally, feel supported by a strongly connected alumni network, and experience the impact of mentorship.
Sara Saidi
Hello everyone! My name is Sara Saaidi :) I am a senior studying Computer Science and minoring in Business! My journey into computer science began in my sophomore year. Initially, I never imagined I could study CS—it seemed too difficult, and entering a field where I was a minority felt overwhelming. I doubted my abilities and told myself I wasn’t “built for coding.” That mindset shifted when I took Stats 250 and coded for the first time in R Studio. It gave me a glimpse of what a future in computer science could look like. At the time, I was still enrolled in biology and chemistry classes. Then, during Festifall, while exploring premed clubs, I stumbled upon GEECS. The e-board at the booth was so passionate and welcoming. Even when I admitted I didn’t know how to code, they reassured me that anyone could join and invited me to their mass meeting. That short interaction left me feeling so seen, and that sense of belonging and possibility was inspiring. I attended the meeting, inspired by the ambitious young engineers and the passion of the e-board. I vividly remember that day—I had a chemistry lab report due at midnight, and next day post-meeting, I dropped my chemistry classes, registered for EECS 183, and signed up as a mentee with GEECS. My journey began. As one of the first women in my family to attend college, GEECS gave me guidance and community in a field where I felt alone. Through GEECS’s resources, I’ve become a student researcher, lab lead, SWE intern, national bid writer, and a member of the MHackers Machine Learning team. Now, as an upperclassman, I want to provide the same resources and opportunities I received. I’ve previously organized professional development events, conventions, resume workshops, and mock interviews, and I’m eager to bring these experiences to GEECS. It is our role as upperclassmen to pave the way for the next generation, just as others have done for us. That is why I would be honored to serve as Head of Internal Relations to support an organization that supported me! Thank You!
Amanda Xia
Hi everyone! My name is Amanda and I am a Freshman studying Electrical Engineering. Currently, I am an active member of the Professional Committee as well as part of a mentorship family. While I haven't been with GEECS for long yet GEECS has been such a big part of my college life so far. I remember feeling so much imposter-syndrome at the beginning of the year, wondering if I was really good enough for Michigan when the email for being in GEECS popped up. Through working with the people in the committee to moderatorating the alumni panel to confiding to my mentorship family. GEECS has helped me rebuild my confidence and believe in myself. I love talking to others and getting to know people. I especially love helping others. I hope I can help other GEECS members build confidence like GEECS did for me and help everyone feel ready to take on the future! Now you might be wondering if I am qualified for this job. I understand I am a bit new, however as a freshman I have the opportunity to bring new ideas to the table. In addition, as I mentioned before, I love talking to others. Therefore reaching out to Alumni is right up my alley. While I haven't not attended Grace Hopper, I have a lot of experience planning family and friends trips and vacations so I am confident I can make the trip go smoothly. However most importantly I am ready to communicate, adapt and learn. When I am having trouble I will be sure to ask lots of questions to make sure things go well. I know Internal Relations is a new role and I am excited by the thought of working with the President and VP to figure that out.
Han Zhang
Hello fellow GEECS Members! 👋 Hi, I’m Han, and I’m excited to run for Internal Relations Officer for the upcoming year! As someone passionate about community-building and supporting career growth, I’m eager to create more opportunities for members to connect with professionals and alumni, collaborate on impactful projects, and ensure smooth logistical support for key events like Grace Hopper. Last year, I was part of the GEECS Internal Relations Committee (F23), where I worked on blog writing and alumni outreach. I’ve also had numerous coffee chats with professionals to learn about the current job market and gained insights into their careers. These experiences have given me a solid understanding of how to approach informal interviews and network effectively, which I believe will serve me well as Internal Relations Officer. Here’s how I plan to contribute: 1. Organize Professional Development Events: I will lead the Professional Committee to organize mock interviews, alumni panels, linkedIn polishing sessions, and other events that help you build career skills and gain valuable industry insights. 2. Facilitate Collaborative Projects: I’ll organize hands-on, team-based projects that encourage collaboration, help members build practical skills, and foster meaningful connections within our community. These projects will also provide opportunities to showcase talent and work on impactful initiatives. 3. Strengthen Our Alumni Network: I’ll focus on building deeper connections with alumni through outreach, coffee chats, and mentorship programs, helping members get personalized career advice and expand their professional networks. 4. Grace Hopper Logistics: I’ll manage all event logistics—coordinating travel, accommodations, and transportation, and working closely with the Treasurer to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all attendees. As Internal Relations Officer, I’m committed to fostering a professional, supportive community where you can access valuable academic and career resources while growing both personally and professionally. Thank you for considering me for this role—I’d love the opportunity to serve and support our incredible community! Feel free to reach out with any questions or ideas—I’m always happy to chat! ✉️
Treasurer
Sophia Cao
Financial accessibility is a cornerstone of what makes GEECS special. It is what allows students, regardless of financial status or background, to be an active part of this club, and has allowed me to remain an active member since my freshman year. Now, as a junior and a seasoned CS major, I feel compelled to give back to the club which has given me so much. As treasurer, I would be on top of all the tedious behind-the-scenes (bookkeeping, reimbursements, invoices, etc.). I will budget for what matters—professional events, mentorship meetups, and of course, food. I have worked closely with board in the past as a part of Lauren’s marketing team. I have been a mentee and now am a mentor (shoutout to my lovely mentorship fam). I would be grateful to have the opportunity to give back in a new way, to work closely with a wonderful group of people, and to, hopefully, meet all of you. Once again, I believe strongly in accessibility and equal opportunity, and will work diligently to ensure that GEECS upholds these values and continues to grow. I also believe in communication and feedback, so if you have anything on your mind—concerns, questions, just want to talk—feel free to reach out! My line is always open :)
Tisha Jain
Hey GEECS Gals! I am Tisha, a Junior in Computer Science and Business Administration, and excited to be running for the position of Treasurer! As a woman in EECS, GEECS has been a source of community and inspiration for me, showing me what’s possible when women lift each other up. Having been involved in meaningful roles in GEECS since freshman year, and having served as a GEECS mentor, Now, I want to give back by taking on a role that ensures we have the financial resources to host meaningful events, foster connections, and create impactful opportunities for our members. In this position, I hope to maintain transparent and efficient financial processes to keep GEECS running smoothly. I will prioritize ensuring timely reimbursements for members, streamlining our invoicing processes, and setting realistic budgets for events and sponsorships. My goal is to ensure we can host engaging programming while maintaining financial stability and clarity. I also aim to work closely with the rest of the eboard to ensure equitable and fair sponsorship quotas, allowing more members to access this invaluable opportunity. My dual degree in Computer Science and Business Administration equips me with strong analytical and organizational skills necessary for managing GEECS’ finances. My experience as Social Chair Out in STEM has taught me how to oversee budgets for large-scale events, collaborate with diverse teams, and ensure resources are allocated effectively. With my analytical skills, love for organisation and technical abilities will allow to me to ensure GEECS operates smoothly behind the scenes. Together, we can continue building a thriving community that supports women in engineering and computer science.
Marketing
Tessa Lee
I am excited to run for GEECS’ Head of Marketing because I bring a blend of creative expertise, organizational experience, and a passion for empowering communities. This role aligns perfectly with my skill set, and I am confident I would be an excellent candidate. As a mentor in the College of Engineering Peer Mentor Program, I’ve witnessed the impact of guidance and community, and this has solidified my commitment to fostering mentorship through GEECS, and I’m eager to ensure these values are eminent in GEECS’ marketing efforts. I have also written a monthly Substack newsletter where I shared insights and stories, and this has taught me how to craft compelling content, manage deadlines, and engaging readers — skills I would bring to managing GEECS’s blog and social media. I’ve also developed strong organizational and communication skills as an IA in the EECS department, which put me in a better position to develop a marketing strategy that aligns with GEECS goals, and ensure this is executed together with the help of the entire Marketing Committee. I have also had experience as VP Recruitment for Michigan Coding and Trading, whose striking gender imbalance encouraged me to work on breaking down barriers for women in this field. This role fueled my advocacy for women in tech, and being the Head of Marketing for GEECS would allow me to reach a wider audience of women interested in the intersection of tech and finance. I am excited to ensure our marketing material widely reflects inclusivity and empowerment. If elected, I will work to create visually appealing, impactful marketing campaigns that attract students to GEECS events, streamline our digital presence so it reflects our incredible community and opportunities, and ensure GEECS continues to be a welcoming and inspiring space for women in tech.
Outreach
Katelyn Abellera
Hi everyone! I’m Katelyn Abellera, a sophomore majoring in Computer Science, and I’m excited to run for Outreach Officer for GEECS. This past semester, I’ve been an active member of the Outreach committee and helped plan our recent event where we taught HTML and CSS to high school girls. Seeing their excitement as they worked on the project I created was incredibly rewarding. Growing up, I believed computer science was only for “smart boys,” which discouraged me from pursuing it. It wasn’t until a required programming class—and my mom’s encouragement—that I discovered my passion for coding. Her support helped me overcome my own self-doubt, and now I’m committed to encouraging younger girls to pursue computer science without hesitation, something I wish I had at their age. Beyond GEECS, I’ve also worked on other outreach committees with different clubs, such as F.E.M.M.E.S. and SWE, and have helped organize many events to encourage girls in STEM. These experiences have taught me what kinds of activities resonate with students. As Outreach Officer, I would collaborate with these clubs to reach a wider audience and make our events even more impactful. Currently, the Outreach Committee’s events struggle with attendance, but I believe we can grow the GirlsTalkTech program by partnering with other organizations and building stronger relationships with local high schools. Together, we can inspire more girls to explore computer science and see their potential in STEM.
Membership
Han Zhang
Hello fellow GEECS Members!👋 My name is Han, I am currently a sophomore studying Computer Science with a passion for hands-on experiences, and I’m excited to run for the Membership Officer position in the upcoming year. I have personally connected with many driven individuals through this community, therefore as someone passionate about fostering community and supporting fellow women in the technology field, I’m eager to contribute to GEECS’ growth and your success. My goal is to make sure every one of you feels supported, connected, and empowered to achieve your full potential. As a Peer Mentor in the WISE-RP community, I’ve gained valuable experience as a mentor and a mentee. I’ve also organized community events like “Self-Confidence Yoga,” which helped members connect, ground, and relax. I plan to leverage these skills as Membership Officer to enhance the GEECS experience. Here’s how I plan to contribute as Membership Officer: 1. Enhanced Mentorship Program: I have met some of my best friends through the mentorship program, and I will make thoughtful mentor-family pairings to bring the same experience to those of you who participate (which I highly encourage!). I’ll also check-in with mentorship families to ensure everyone is receiving the support they need. 2. Social Events and Community Building: I’ll organize creative and engaging social events that promote bonding, ensuring everyone feels like they belong and has a support network. I have some awesome ideas in mind which I can’t wait to implement! 3. Efficient E-Board Communication: I’ll contribute to e-board meetings to keep us aligned and focused on action items. Ultimately, my goal as Membership Officer is to make GEECS a vibrant, supportive community where women in EECS can connect, grow, and succeed through life. I’m committed to building a club that serves you! Thank you for considering me for this role. I’d be honored to serve as your Membership Officer and support our community. Feel free to reach out with any questions—I’m always happy to chat! ✉️
Shikha Nukala
Being a mentor in GEECS has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I’ve noticed that many younger GEECS members gain a lot from learning about upperclassmen’s experiences with courses, as well as from the advice about which classes work well together. One of the highlights of the mentorship program is the opportunity to help others navigate their academic and extracurricular journeys. This type of advice can be shared in member events like hosting scheduling workshops where members can learn which courses complement each other and hear recommendations from upperclassmen. We can also organize mock interview sessions where upperclassmen conduct professional interviews with underclassmen. Additionally, having a session where members can compare resumes and receive advice on how to improve them would be helpful for job opportunities. We can conduct workshops that teach members how to create a simple personal website or portfolio. Similarly, organizing a session to compare and improve GitHub profiles would allow members to elevate their coding portfolios. Events like these would make being a GEECS member very valuable in addition to the current event and create a deeper mentor/mentee bond between older and newer students.