Name: Octavio Diaz
Year: 3rd Year
Major: Business Administration - Marketing
Position: Vice President of Communications
1. Why are you running for an Executive Board position?
We all come here with the goal of completing our academic career here at IIT. Furthermore, there is an understanding of the importance of having an enjoyable student life outside of the classroom. With that being said, I would like to run for Vice President of Communications to inform all students of the resources that are there for them. What I would like to do is to present an exciting, effective, and essential campaign for presenting the results of the SGA and its senate. There are many issues that many students do not know about. I would like to take this leading role to ensure that students are given all the tools they need to have a successful career at IIT and to enjoy their four years at the university.
2. What relevant experience do you have with student government at IIT or elsewhere?
I am currently an SGA Senator and I am involved with the Communications Committee. This has given me first hand experience of what issues need to be addressed and what can be improved upon. While using the foundation that is there, it is time to build on top of that so that SGA can fully represent all the students.
3. What other extra-curricular experiences do you have?
I have been involved with many student organizations on campus throughout my time at IIT. I have been on Executive Boards taking the roles of President, Vice President, Membership Coordinator, Publicist, and Historian in various organizations – Omega Delta, LIFE, SHPE, and CSA. I had the opportunity to organize various events such as retreats, social events, and workshops. I also have worked with IIT administration as an employee of the IIT Admissions Department for two years.
4. How would you best represent the interest of IIT students in your decision making?
The most important factor is to know what the students of IIT want and I would like to create the opportunity for all members of the SGA to learn what they want. I would like to create forums for student questions, concerns, complaints, and any other issues. Students need to be heard in the planning process of our university colleges and departments and every other facet of campus life that affects students. I would also like to ensure that each committee formed will have a representative from all areas of IIT so that a fair decision can be made. I know I will be able to represent the entire student body of IIT, Shimer College, and the Vandercook School of Music.
5. What strengths do you have that you consider as important to be an Exec Board Member?
I would like to express that I have a great passion for improving everyone’s IIT experience. For the position of VP of Communications, this is a necessary tool to fully improve SGA and IIT. Also, with the experience I have gained in SGA and other extra curricular activities, I have gained strong communication and leadership skills. I have learned to become creative and think of innovative ways to improve on things. These experiences have given me the tools needed to work with other individuals as well as independently. If I get elected, I will be ready to fully commit myself to SGA for that will be my only responsibility concerning student organizations. I strongly believe these strengths are important to be an Executive Board Member of SGA and make me an excellent candidate for Vice President of Communications.
