Candidate for President

Tyro Devolites

Century College

Bio

I am Tyrô Devolites, I am the kind of person who likes to create good change. I listen when people talk about their grievances and try to find and create solutions. Everything can be improved on. When I see good in the world I want to help raise it up. Change doesn’t happen over night, it happens when voices and hear; and listened to. I believe we all can make a true difference.

What degree or certificate program are you seeking?

Mortician Program

Please describe your previous student government or professional experience, and how it has prepared you for this position.

I am apart of the Student Senate at my college, I also run the PRIDE club there as well. These both have given me great insight on how to lead. The key I’ve learned is, listen. It’s truly that simple. Learning from others with a open mind can open your world to new possibilities.

Why are you running for this position?

I want to create change, I want to improve our educational experiences and future student’s experiences. Right now after the pandemic many students feel lost, confused and overwhelmed. I want to help create the change that will make student’s lives easier and not feel so complicated.

What challenges do you see facing Minnesota's community and technical college students?

I see financial issues, wether it be housing or the school itself. There’s not as many affordable options as there were couple decades ago. Ontop of this, there is a rise in mental health issues, especially here in Minnesota. With the winter seasonal depression/depression can get significantly worse.

Candidate for President

John Runningen

M-State (Fergus Falls)

Bio

I was born and raised in Fergus Falls, MN. I did not have a privileged upbringing, and my family struggled financially my whole life. I am an only child and grew up with my mom and stepdad. I went through the school system in Fergus and was involved in the community and sports throughout my life. Through sports, I was able to be the first person in my family to attend and graduate from college.

What degree or certificate program are you seeking?

I am seeking a degree in Political Science and History to become a Social Studies Teacher eventually

Please describe your previous student government or professional experience, and how it has prepared you for this position.

I have been in many leadership positions that have prepared me. I was a captain of my Baseball and Bowling teams for 5 years. This taught me how to work as a team and be a leader that individuals can look to as an example. I have been a coach for bowling and baseball for 6 years now. This has taught me how to implement my ideas and plans and help guide others on their paths. SGA President & with LeadMN as P.G.C. and PC @ large. This taught me how to listen to others and uplift their voices.

Why are you running for this position?

I am running for this position because I want to help uplift the voices of community college students and ensure their seat is at the table. I believe that with my leadership experience, dedication to advocacy, and past work, I can help assist LeadMN in making sure community college students are represented and heard at all levels. I want to make sure that our voices are shared and that we are appropriately represented. I believe that I can help make sure our spot & our voice is at the table.

What challenges do you see facing Minnesota's community and technical college students?

Some challenges facing community and technical college students are inadequate and unequal representation. We are too often overshadowed by universities regarding funding and support, which directly leads to the inequalities that many students face. In addition, community and Technical College students are considered lesser because they are not attending universities, which is far from the truth. We are an influential and vital voice to be heard from, and I want to ensure we are.

Candidate for Vice President

David Letellier

Anoka-Ramsey Community College)

Bio

I have been apart of Theatre and helped with play's and been in two on stage, Rocky Horror and Antigone, also The Campus Eye my campus paper, I also part time stream on Twitch, and My first Stream Time I became apart of is House Of Gabbie in 2018, and after that was invited in more and at a total of eight.

What degree or certificate program are you seeking?

I am working towards my Associate's Degree

Please describe your previous student government or professional experience, and how it has prepared you for this position.

My previous position was Club Coordinator in my Student senate in 2018-2019 I was in charge of updating the senate on events clubs were upto and planning, and I would keep track of the club's paper work filing it, and if there was a request of someone making a new club I would collect it and bring it to a meeting after I would show Joyce so she could sign on the form. I also have experience from working for The Campus Eye on filing and writing articles for the Campus Paper.

Why are you running for this position?

I am running for more Experience, and I like to help others with things and do my best to improve myself and I would like to try and make some changes For Example, if students that have a hard time with Science, Biology. and don't have it as a Major to make it easier or just by pass it. Also, my goal is work with other senates to form Disability Clubs, Which I had been working on for quite awhile, and work on getting more tutors for more classes.

What challenges do you see facing Minnesota's community and technical college students?

What I see are issues with the cost of living and school, and Students with Disabilities do have a difficult time with Science and Biology, I am one of those Students. I have a very hard time with that subject.

Candidate for Vice President

Karina Villeda

Inver Hills Community College

Bio

I am 27 years old and was raised in Saint Paul, MN. My mother brought a grocery store when I was 12 years old, which started my business acumen since I had to help her because she didn't speak English. I worked for eight years as a bartender at the casino until I had my daughter. I love to travel, partake in outdoor activities, and do DIYs. My goal in life is for my daughter and I to be happy.

What degree or certificate program are you seeking?

A.A transfer pathway in Political Science and Psychology.

Please describe your previous student government or professional experience, and how it has prepared you for this position.

I am part of the Citizens League alumni, and when I first joined them, I learned a lot about the political process and was paired up with the government relations team at Faegre Drinker. I gained lots of experience in the political process, being organized, and how organizations can affect the political process. I am also the Student Senate president, where I have advocated for students' needs by leading the referendum and making outreach efforts to hear students' needs.

Why are you running for this position?

I am running for this position because I am very interested in being the voice for students. I am very outgoing, determined, and creative, and I have what it takes to talk to legislators about students' needs and how these bills or propositions can affect us. I can gather students together to make these changes happen as a team. I am innovative and determined to make things happen so we can provide a better future for ourselves and, personally, for my daughter. I hope to learn and succeed.

What challenges do you see facing Minnesota's community and technical college students?

Many homeless, food insecurity, childcare needs, mental health issues, and future and current financial insecurity exist. Students are struggling to get by to buy groceries and especially afford the rising costs of housing. Mental health issues negatively affect their life which is reflected in their grades and relationships. The increasing cost of tuition negatively impacts people wanting to go to school and those looking to continue their education. Affect students and student-parents.

Candidate for treasurer

Chad Jacob

Rochester Community and Technical College

Bio

My name is Chad Jacob. I'm an only child with a homeschool background having grown up on a 300 acre farm where a work ethic was formed which I am now happy to apply in the wider world. This last year at RCTC has been my first public education experience, I've met so many amazing people along the way and look forward to new opportunities advocating for fellow college students across the state!

What degree or certificate program are you seeking?

Currently working on a Music Technologies Certificate in addition to a Sociology AA Degree.

Please describe your previous student government or professional experience, and how it has prepared you for this position.

In Spring semester 2022 I was elected to the position of RCTC Student Senate Treasurer during a special election to fill a vacancy and then re-elected as Treasurer for the full 2022-2023 term. This background in addition to experience with small business finance management means I would more easily adapt to the responsibilities of LeadMN Treasurer. Caledon is a wonderful human being and although I am saddened to hear about his resignation I would be honored to pick up the torch.

Why are you running for this position?

My biggest passion is helping to connect people with similar goals and accomplish worthy goals in small teams while also having an enjoyable experience. We are all on a learning adventure, whether in a 2-year college, in the workplace, in the family.. life is a beautiful gift and wherever possible I want to give my life to help and encourage others to learn and grow too. LeadMN has taught me many great lessons and so this is why I am running for the position of Treasurer today.

What challenges do you see facing Minnesota's community and technical college students?

Covid posed many unique challenges and thus rebuilding social networks and opportunities for students to interact and work together in clubs and student senate among other practical and life-altering learning opportunities such as LeadMN are needed. Expanding students' horizons of what they believe is possible with leadership opportunities while also addressing the issues which I hear the most such as textbook affordability and quality/cost concerns for online classes. Together we create change!

Candidate for treasurer

Deanna Sjolie

MState Wadena

Bio

I am a student located at the Mstate Wadena campus and I am pursuing my degree in Nursing. I have the goals of attaining my nurse practitioner licensure and running for local government positions in my town. I enjoy spending my time writing, photography, volunteering with an animal rescue group in my area and hiking.

What degree or certificate program are you seeking?

Associates Degree in Nursing

Please describe your previous student government or professional experience, and how it has prepared you for this position.

I have been a GC alt for the Northwest region, my campus secretary & treasurer from 2021-2022. Currently I am the vice president for my campus student government and the GC student at large. I feel these positions have given me the opportunity to work with a wide range of issues and people with the goal of making change happen, it has given the skills of time management, self resilience, and to stand up for my beliefs and those who's voices are silenced.

Why are you running for this position?

I am running for this position with the hopes of fighting for our two-year colleges students and ensuring that their needs are being heard whether that is at the campus level to the national level. I want to ensure that our two-year colleges are connected and everyone is being encouraged to advocate for change. I feel that I bring a sense of fairness and willingness to hear all sides before rushing into decisions.

What challenges do you see facing Minnesota's community and technical college students?

The execessive cost of tools and textbooks, students are faced with the decisions of leaving their dream degree, paying for food, or bills in exchange for affording tools and textbooks. Food insecurity and lack of support or information of support.