Staff

Cameron Russell

Graduate Student Coordinator/Director

Cameron's originally from Vermont and CEPA students don't let him forget it. After studying Sociology and Community and International Development as an undergrad at UVM, he taught high school Math and Spanish at a small boarding school in the Berkshires. After teaching for two years, Cameron moved to Portland, OR and worked a bunch of different jobs - he made wine, was a cook, was a bike messenger, worked at an immigrant and refugee organization, and worked in a therapeutic elementary school. He's now back at UMass studying for a Masters in Higher Education Administration. Cameron likes all things VT like cheddar cheese and maple syrup and Ben and Jerry's. He loves snowboarding and riding his bike.

Cameron's been with CEPA for about one year, and he loves it. His favorite thing about CEPA is the people that make up the organization - he says: "they are full of purpose, drive, principle, but more than anything, compassion for each other and for challenging their community to be better." Cameron's most memorable times with CEPA are when everyone comes together to support each other in actions, retreats, etc. Not surprisingly, Cameron thinks he has the best graduate position on campus, and says he would challenge anyone who says otherwise!

Aviv Celine

Organizing & Training Director

I am a senior majoring in Legal Studies and BDIC (her concentration is Civic Engagement, Education, and International Justice). This is my second year being involved in CEPA, and my favorite thing about it is definitely the sense of driven community I always gets when I'm working with people at CEPA. People are so dedicated to the work they do-- and can have an awesome time doing it! One of my biggest, proudest, and most memorable moment with CEPA was our Lobby Day that we do every year-- 500 people from all across the state came to lobby their legislators to ask for more funding for public higher education. We got 5 million dollars added to the financial aid line item!

I think CEPA has the potential to have a lot of influence on campus as a student organization. Our mission and goals for each core team really address issues that students can connect to-- and care about. I have high hopes that CEPA continues to grow as a group and effect on our campus. I also want CEPA to continue working towards student rights in a way that addresses student needs-- and that means continuing to engage students as much as possible so that we address what students want.

On a final note, my favorite movies are Green Street Hooligans, Pride and Prejudice and the Hunger Games. YAY CEPA!

Mike Cusher

Policy Specialist

Major: Resource Economics
Minor: WGSS
Year: 5th Year Senior
2nd Year with CEPA
Favorite Thing: Working with other students who want to make a difference on campus
Most Memorable Moment: My first SLAP meeting
Goal: That when I graduate students will have more power and voice then before
Favorite Movie: Tie between the Godfather and Home Alone

Preston Davis

Communications and Outreach Director

Major: English & Sociology

Year: Senior

Years with CEPA: First Year

Favorite Thing about CEPA: CEPA MAKES MOVES!!

Goals: Making UMass more student friendly.

Favorite Movie: Brink!

 

Jen Healy

Access & Affordability Core Team Leader

I'm a Junior Political Science major also pursuing a certificate in Public Policy and Administration. I've been working with CEPA since the Fall of 2011 (my Sophomore year) first as an intern, and then as Core Team Leader of Access and Affordability. I love the welcoming and fun but productive community that CEPA has created. I hope that this year the AccAff team can work to engage students, families, alumni, faculty, and staff in securing more funding from the State for the UMass system. Additionally, I would like to see the language for Financial Aid, student loans, and student debt become more accessible to the student body in general. CEPA has given me countless memories, the best of which are probably funny moments in the office with the incredible other members of this organization. Oh, and my favorite movie is Good Will Hunting.

Meghan Long

Gender Equity Core Team Leader

-Major: Social Thought and Political Economy

- Minor: Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

- Junior

-How long you have been with CEPA: 1 year

-Favorite thing about CEPA: Working with people who are social justice enthusiasts!

-Most memorable moment with/in CEPA: Showing the documentary Miss. Representation

-Goals for your core team/goal for all of CEPA: Ending Rape Culture at Umass!

-Favorite movie: Invictus

Annie Mombourquette

Student Labor Action Project (SLAP) Core Team Leader

I am a junior Biology major. I really became a part of CEPA on March 5th, 2012. My favourite thing about CEPA is the fun we have doing some pretty serious work. Also, the dancing.  My most memorable moment with CEPA was the United States Student Association's Legislative Conference. Holla back, I got yo' back. In the past, SLAP has worked to unionize 03 workers and maintain the Peer Mentor position. We hope to continue to work on issues of economic justice both on and off campus. I want all of CEPA to love socially conscious rap. I love Star Wars, It's A Wonderful Life, spending all night in the library, and long soccer games on the beach.

Sanjay Singh

Campus Culture Core Team Leader

I am a Senior majoring in Economics, minoring in Aerospace Studies.  I have been with CEPA for a semester and a half.  My favorite thing about CEPA is how open-minded and accepting people in CEPA are.  My favorite things about CEPA was going to the United States Student Association's Legislative Conference in 2012 with a dozen other members of CEPA.  It was my first experience working with CEPA but I quickly felt like a member of the family. I got to meet thoughtful, passionate students from all over the country and got my first experience as an organizer.  My ultimate goal for Campus Culture is for the day to come when we no longer need to exist.  This would signify a moment when UMass is truly accessible and representative for students of all background and ability.