AAS Candidate Statements for Vacant Spring 2026 Senators

The students below have announced their candidacies for these elections. All candidates are listed by position, then alphabetically by last name.

Class of 2026 (3 candidates, 1 seat):

Olivia Feldman ’26

Hi, I’m Olivia! I’m running for Senate to help plan fun and memorable senior events this spring. Vote Feldman for a fantastic finale!

Stella Yuan ’26

Hello, I am Stella, and I would be honored to become your senator! With graduation approaching, we seniors want to leave a mark. If elected, I will promote information about alumni engagement with the Office of Advancement. I will compile a list of each major’s capstone or comprehensive requirement. Finally, I will organize a senior superlatives survey. In senate, I am interested in serving on the Dining Committee. I welcome each person’s voice and suggestions. Together, we can accomplish so much.

Amaya Martinez ’26

Hi everyone, I’m Amaya and I used to be a member of AAS many moons ago. Unfortunately, the situation at this school has gotten so dire I feel compelled to return to duty. AAS is an institution that has seen its autonomy consistently questioned and its hardworking members deserve a more equitable system for addressing student needs. Since this is my last semester here, I have no inhibitions or motives to do anything other than the absolute most. My experience on AAS will seamlessly translate into working with other senators and my knowledge of administration will further enhance AAS as a STUDENT body, not a puppet. 

Class of 2027 (6 candidates, 5 seats):

Prakhar Agrawal ’27

I would love to rejoin AAS after my semester away and continue helping to organize campus-wide events like the Rave and Amherst Got Talent. Having previously worked on the transportation, PR, and admissions committees, I’m eager to take on an active role again. I’d also like to launch more initiatives, such as the ridesharing sheet and the personal finance workshops I organized last year. Overall, I’m excited to keep building student-focused initiatives that bring students together, and advocate for the issues that concern people!

Rizwan Ayub ’27

What’s good gang it’s Riz! I just returned from abroad, and I’m excited to be running to return to Senate! During my time thus far, I:

• Had a perfect attendance Senate and Budgetary attendance record.
• Brought you two Amherst Got Talents and numerous other Senate Projects.
• Advocated for students’ interests on the Faculty Committee on Educational Policy.

If re-elected, I will:

• Bring you the next Amherst Got Talent on Friday, March 6th, 2026!
• Help restore old Amherst traditions, like Pindar Field Dinners.
• Continue to zealously advocate for us with Faculty and Administration.

Just remember that Riz handles the Biz!!!

Raina Batra ’27

I am running for Senate in order to help make campus a better place. Last year, as a member of the dining committee, I was able to advocate for permanent sourdough bread and more diversified food options. I also worked with Riz to get phone stands in AAS vans and advocated for an increase in mileage reimbursement for personal cars which was successful. As a member of senate, I would push for more campus-wide events and more transparency from admin, especially on spending. I plan on continuing to advocate for an increase in funding for student activities. 

Olivia Berry ’27

My name is Olivia Berry, and I would like to run for Junior Class Senate. Through my work at Valentine Dining Hall and as a Community Advisor, I’ve built strong relationships with students and staff across campus. These roles have deepened my investment in the Amherst community and strengthened my commitment to collaboration and advocacy. I’m excited to bring my experience, perspective, and campus network to the Senate to develop initiatives that uplift our class and ensure student voices are heard.

Ventura Garcia-Perez ’27

Hey guys, I'm Ventura. I'm running to diversify the Senate. Previously, I've served on the La Causa E-Board as Co-Chair & Co-President of Plato's Cave Productions. I'm running because:

• We need more Latine voices in the Senate
• Bridge social divides in the student body
• More events!!!
• Collaborate on the Next Amherst Got Talent
• Advocate for students through the International and Immigrant Student Support Committee 

Vote Ventura! Vota Ventura para una Aventura! 

DeAngelo Rankin ’27

Empowering YOUR voice!