Kyle Navarro / The Avion
Sophomore, BS Aerospace Engineering
"Hello! I am Marcus Lopez, a 19-year-old aerospace engineering sophomore from Connecticut. Currently, I serve as the treasurer of an RSO on campus, where I effectively manage a budget exceeding $40,000 each semester. My term has instilled a profound understanding of financial understanding and the consideration of allocating resources to meet diverse organizational needs. I'm running for the university's treasury board to leverage my experience for broader impact. I aim to ensure that SGA funds are distributed appropriately across RSOs. Taking into account the needs, size, and impact that each RSO has on campus. In return, promoting fairness and addressing existing disparities in funding allocations. My vision includes fostering a more inclusive environment where clubs of all sizes receive the support they need, enabling a vibrant and diverse campus community. Electing me to the treasury board would not only enhance the efficiency and transparency of fund distribution but also support the growth and engagement of all groups and initiatives within our university."
What makes you a qualified candidate for this position?
"My candidacy for the Student Treasury Board Member position is underpinned by a solid foundation in academics, proven leadership capabilities, and extensive hands-on financial management experience. My leadership and financial management skills have been further developed and tested in my current role as the treasurer of a campus organization with over 50 members. In this capacity, I have been responsible for managing significant sums of money, overseeing budget allocation and financial planning, and ensuring our funds are utilized efficiently to meet our objectives and support our members. This experience has equipped me with a practical understanding of financial oversight and the importance of accountability and transparency in handling finances. I am deeply committed to the principles of ethical financial management, transparency, and inclusivity. My effective communication skills enable me to convey complex financial information clearly, facilitating collaborative decision-making. My passion for fostering a vibrant student community, combined with my academic background, practical treasury experience, and personal integrity, positions me as a strong candidate eager to contribute responsibly to the student government’s financial well-being and the enrichment of the student experience."
What is the purpose of the Student Treasury?
"The Student Treasury plays a crucial role in the student government by managing its budget and ensuring funds are allocated efficiently to enhance student life. It is responsible for budget allocation, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring compliance with university policies. By overseeing the distribution of funds to student organizations and initiatives, the Treasury maximizes the impact of financial resources. It also engages in financial planning and forecasting to align with student needs and priorities. The preparation and presentation of financial reports provide transparency and insight into the student government's financial health. Serving as a financial advisor, it offers guidance to student organizations on budgeting and financial management. The Board will also aid organizations and clubs on campus that are unable to send members to conferences due to financials. This enables members and organizations to obtain a good sense of professional development. The Student Treasury's effective fund management and strategic oversight are vital for fostering a vibrant, engaging student experience."
How would you define risk management, and how would you relate this skill to your position as Student Treasury Board Member?
"Risk management involves identifying, assessing, and prioritizing potential risks that could negatively impact an organization's operations or objectives, followed by coordinating and applying resources to minimize or control the probability and impact of those risks. It's a proactive approach to foreseeing problems before they arise, ensuring the organization can achieve its goals with minimal disruptions. As a Student Treasury Board Member, risk management is crucial in safeguarding the financial health and integrity of the student government and its associated activities. This entails conducting thorough risk assessments for all financial activities and investments, ensuring that funds are allocated and spent wisely and that there are safeguards against financial mismanagement or fraud. It also involves establishing contingency plans for unexpected financial shortfalls or emergencies, ensuring that student activities can continue smoothly despite financial challenges. Effective risk management in this role ensures that the student government maintains a stable financial footing, can honor its commitments to student organizations, and supports initiatives that enhance the student experience, all while minimizing exposure to financial risks. By applying risk management principles, I aim to maintain transparency, accountability, and efficiency in financial decisions, fostering trust and reliability in the Student Treasury's operations."
How do you plan to ensure the organizations you represent receive the funding they need without putting others at a disadvantage?
"To ensure equitable funding for all student organizations without disadvantaging any group, my strategy is built on fairness, transparency, and innovation. Initially, a comprehensive needs assessment will be crucial. By evaluating funding requests against clear objectives, including the organization's goals, impact, and historical performance, allocations are made based on merit and necessity. This objective approach is corroborated by transparent criteria and processes, ensuring all organizations understand how decisions are made and fostering a culture of accountability. Moreover, incorporating regular reviews and open feedback mechanisms will ensure the funding process remains responsive and aligned with evolving needs. Adjustments will be made based on the effectiveness of past allocations and the changing landscape of student organization needs. A collaborative decision-making process involving representatives from a variety of student organizations will ensure diverse perspectives are considered, promoting a more equitable distribution of resources. By integrating these principles, my approach aims to support the vibrant ecosystem for Embry-Riddle's student organizations, ensuring they receive the necessary funding to flourish and thrive. This balanced, dynamic strategy prioritizes transparency, adaptability, and collaboration, setting a foundation for all student organizations to thrive without compromising the support to any single group."
