AAS E-Board Candidate Statements for 2025-2026 E-Board

The Association of Amherst Students (AAS) will hold executive board elections from 12 pm EST Thursday, April 17, to 12 pm EST on Friday, April 18. The students below have announced their candidacies for these elections. Students who are interested in hearing from these candidates should attend Speech Night in the Cole Assembly Room (Red Room) in Converse Hall on Wednesday, April 16, at 8 pm.

All candidates are listed by position then alphabetically by last name. If the statements end in ellipses, it is because they have been shortened to fit the 200-word limit.

President:

Shane Dillon ’26

Hey everyone :) I know AAS gets a bad rep sometimes, but if there’s one thing that has left me in awe about Amherst, it’s what AAS can be when done right. Being president is a managerial role—it’s a lot of meetings with admin, logistical support, and making sure senators have the support they need to get senate projects done. Right now, the college is in a major transition period, and I want to use the relationships I’ve built with students and administrators to make AAS work better for all of you, increase the turnout of projects, reimagine discretionary and the senate fund, and leave a self-sustaining environment behind. That means supporting senators, delivering real results, and using AAS in ways we haven’t before — and asking you to put faith in me to put you first. I know how to navigate our institution, and I want to use that to your advantage. If we haven’t met yet, I’d love to hear your ideas/thoughts. I’m always here to listen, lend a hand, and advocate for what matters to you. I wish you all the best with classes, hope you’re putting yourselves first, and please don’t forget to vote!

Vice President:

Phuong Doan ’26

I’m Phuong, class of 2026, and I’m running to be your Vice President!

There are many initiatives I will pursue that previous Executive Boards have failed to secure. I will pressure the administration to outline a clear accommodation policy for how students can access our promised fridges and microwaves. This includes religious, medical, and dietary exemptions. Many of you have had terrible experiences with Housing regarding accommodations; we deserve clarity from the department on a matter they didn’t consult us on. I will also implement a binding code of ethics for AAS members to hold us to the highest standards. The student body is often left in the dark about the misconduct of AAS members. You deserve transparency and real ways to hold us accountable, more than just random petitions.

But what have I accomplished? I modernized the Transportation Committee by expanding the committee to offer Winter and Summer shuttles and negotiated with the company to secure better rates. I planned and am hosting the upcoming Egg Hunt. I got the administration to put menstrual products in the FYQ, a project I will work on expanding in the future. Remember: vote Phuong for a Phuong-tastic future!

Shreya Hegde ’26

As VP, I will listen, organize, and act to ensure the Senate effectively represents student needs. My journey – as the first from my Indian school to study abroad, a gap year teacher in rural villages, and creator of an AR education app – taught me how access transforms communities.

As a senator with perfect attendance, for my senate project, I founded a website, Amherst Connect, a real-time campus event platform (with maps, calendars, and a stats dashboard) to improve access to information. I'm currently working with the administration on improving it. On the Committee on Education Policy, I participated in discussions about the new course schedule, while my involvement on the Judiciary Council deepened my understanding of the AAS constitution.

My VP priorities:

Active Listening: Regular student body pulse checks

Strategic Organization: Agenda focused on pressing issues

Transparency: Clear communication of all decisions

As an international student who's navigated Amherst's systems, I understand both the challenges students face and the power of good governance. I will bring in a different perspective. I'll improve club funding processes and resource accessibility while developing my comprehensive 'Access Amherst/Being Not Rich' guide to simplify campus information.

Together, let us create an AAS where every…

Ayres Warren ’26

I am running for Vice President to ensure that Senate functions efficiently and cohesively. As Vice President, I’d preside over the senate in our weekly meetings and facilitate a culture that encourages and empowers students. In alignment with this goal, there are three big initiatives I’d like to bring to the 2025-2026 academic year. First, I would like to implement exit interviews with outgoing E-board members so that the Senate and student body can provide feedback about what they felt worked and changes they’d like to see in the coming year. Next, I want to focus on Senate culture by having Senators participate in Mammoth Leadership Training and re-thinking how we use Senate families. Finally, I want to examine how we engage first-year students interacting with Senate for the first time and how we can make Senate an example of student advocacy on campus. I’d greatly appreciate it if you looked at my website, where I flesh these plans out in more detail, but I look forward to having the opportunity to serve you in the upcoming year!

Treasurer:

Nathan Lee ’26

Hey Amherst! I’m a junior math and philosophy major from NJ, and I’m looking to be your treasurer. For three years, I’ve gotten familiar with every aspect of the budgeting process. As a senator and budgetary committee member for two years, I’ve come to learn about the events, successes, and grievances of our 150+ clubs. As a treasurer for three clubs myself (Pickleball, Film Society, Contra), I’ve shared the small difficulties of getting funding, too. I’ve also sat on the RSO approval board and started a couple of RSOs myself.

With my experience, I will work to be as accommodating as possible. That means improving transportation options, implementing an “insurance policy” to prevent students from paying unexpected fees out of pocket, offering to work live with e-boards planning complicated purchases, and continuing Hannah’s work of making discretionary meetings as friendly as possible.

I'm studying abroad in Australia right now, but reach out to me at yulee26@amherst.edu if you have any questions—I want to hear what you think.

Chloe Yim ’26

Three years of being on Budgetary Committee, one factor remains constant: I am always inspired by the passion and dedication my peers bring to weekly BC meetings. You deserve to know there’s support behind your vision, and here’s what I have to offer:

Public contact list of all RSO treasurers for easier communication and collaboration between clubs

Workshop on bookkeeping, tracking receipts, planning large-scale events, and utilizing past budgets

Resources for treasurers to utilize to preserve knowledge between e-boards

Templates for common requests so you know what information you need and potential questions to prepare for

Clear breakdown of all major funding sources and how to access them

Feedback/inquiry form so BC can adapt more quickly to evolving needs

My goal is simple: to make it easier for you to do what you love. Whether you're growing a new club or expanding an existing one, I want BC to feel like a reliable partner. I’d be honored to support you in turning your passions into endeavors as grand and impactful as each of the students on this campus. Happy to discuss more and learn together via cyim26@amherst.edu.

Judiciary Council:

Chloe Lee ’28

Hello Amherst! My name is Chloe Lee, a freshman and at-large member of the Judiciary Council. During my time in JC, I have proposed, drafted, and passed an amendment to the AAS Constitution and was a part of the RSO Approval Committee. While reviewing the constitution and bylaws, I noticed a few gaps between a few of its provisions and the general availability of the inner workings of AAS that I am currently inquiring about and hoping to amend. For example, JC agendas and decisions should be published for current students and future JC members, which is currently not the case. Furthermore, I plan to propose that, for the sake of organizations that wish to apply/reapply to be an RSO, JC could publish general reasons for RSO approval/rejection (without mentioning specific organizations) in addition to the guidelines in the RSO Manual. I believe that regardless of one’s engagement with the student government here at Amherst, all students should have access to the operations of AAS. As the JC Chair, I will be sure to implement changes like these and more to improve the current and future operations of the JC and AAS as a whole. Vote Chloe Lee!

Secretary:

Charles Tufenkji ’28

Hey everyone! I’m Charles, and I’m running to be your AAS Secretary. Over the past year, I’ve worked hard to build a more connected, transparent, and engaged student body — whether that’s through organizing the Valentine’s Day Roses Distribution, the St. Patrick’s Lucky Charms Event, a never-seen-before Rage Room, or CASINO NIGHT (and potentially something even bigger coming next semester). I want to bring that same energy and dedication to the Secretary role. From maintaining records to coordinating communication between our students and AAS, the Secretary helps make sure your student government runs smoothly and transparently. I’m ready to take that responsibility on. I’ll make sure Senate minutes, committee appointments, and attendance records are accessible and up to date, while ensuring that diverse and experienced students serve on committees that shape our campus experiences. I believe in a student government that’s efficient, accountable, and most importantly, built to serve YOU. So… Vote Charles for Secretary :)