ASMHCC Presidential Elections
The 2025-2026 ASMHCC presidential election is underway. Cast your vote and have your voice heard! Be sure to have your vote in by April 23 at 11:59 p.m.
Have questions? Email questions to Doctor Abio Ayeliya, Director of Student Life and Civic Engagement.
The ASMHCC has recently revised its bylaws. Please review the updated bylaws below and cast your vote accordingly.
Candidate Biographies
Presidential Candidate: Jeffery Erickson
Hello, my name is Jeffrey Erickson, and I’m a second-year student at Mt. Hood Community College, currently pursuing a career in nursing. As a third-generation MHCC student, I take immense pride in our campus and community. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to run for Student Body President and to give back to a place that has given so much to my family and me.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time outdoors, working on cars, and being with friends and family. During the summer, you’ll often find me riding my dirt bike or hiking in the Columbia River Gorge. In the winter, I’m up on the mountain snowboarding as often as I can. I’m running for Student Body President because I want to be a voice for positive change on our campus. My priority is to ensure that student voices are truly heard—by the Board of Education, our instructors, and within the Student Association itself. As students, we are investing in our education, and we deserve meaningful say in how we learn and where our resources are directed. I’m passionate about empowering students, especially those who may not realize how powerful their voices can be.
My second goal is to enhance the beauty and welcoming atmosphere of our campus. With experience in landscaping, I’d like to improve our outdoor spaces by refreshing flower beds, clearing overgrown areas, and creating inviting green spaces around our parking lots. A more beautiful campus fosters pride and creates a better environment for all of us.
Finally, I believe community college life shouldn't feel disconnected. As Student Body President, I will work to create events that bring people together—giving students opportunities to connect, make new friends, and find study partners. Whether it’s through social gatherings, collaborative projects, or volunteer efforts, I want MHCC to feel like a true community.
Mt. Hood is more than just a college—it’s a place we all call home. If elected, I promise to dedicate my time and energy to making sure every student feel heard, supported, and proud to be here. I’d be truly grateful for your support. Let’s build a stronger MHCC—together.
Presidential Candidate: Heart Pham
I’m originally from Portland, Oregon, and proud to come from a diverse cultural background — half-Scottish and half-Vietnamese. My mixed heritage has deeply shaped my worldview, instilling in me a strong respect for others and a lifelong commitment to equality and justice.
My father’s journey played a profound role in my upbringing. He fought for his freedom against the North Vietnamese communists for seven years before seeking refuge in the United States. To honor that sacrifice, he gave all his children the middle name “Free” — a constant reminder to never take liberty for granted.
Coming from humble beginnings, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges that many families face. I chose to study Biochemistry, influenced by both my cultural background and my father’s hopes that I would pursue a career in medicine. But, as life often does, my path took a few unexpected turns. In 2016, I worked on Senator Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign, driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference. However, after witnessing his loss during the Democratic primaries and the eventual election of Donald Trump, I grew disillusioned with the political process. Seeking a broader perspective, I spent several years teaching English abroad in Spain, Thailand, and China, returning home in 2021.
Upon coming back to Portland, I was struck by how much the city had changed — particularly in the aftermath of social unrest. Motivated to be part of the solution, I ran for Portland City Council in 2024, advocating for common-sense leadership and a renewed focus on community well-being. Though I didn’t win, the experience only deepened my passion for public service and policy. (If you're curious about my political views, feel free to visit my website: www.heartforpdx.com.)
Today, I’m pursuing nursing prerequisites at Mt. Hood Community College, hoping to build a better future while continuing to care for those around me.
My life is an open book, and I’m genuinely looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible. As your Student Body President, you can expect a deep commitment to our school, a thoughtful and solutions-oriented approach to the challenges we face, and above all, authenticity. I believe in showing up as my true self—I don't know how to be anything but real. Every interaction with me will come from a place of honesty and genuine care.
My vision is to help foster a stronger sense of community on campus where no one feels isolated and every student has access to the tools and support they need to learn, grow, and thrive. I want MHCC to be more than just a college; I want it to be a space where meaningful connections are made, and where learning is both empowering and enjoyable.
A Few Things About Me:
Favorite Food: Fettuccine Alfredo
Favorite Music: Anything from the '90s
Favorite Color: Purple
Favorite Animal: Dogs
Favorite Sport: Tennis / Basketball
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Favorite Quote: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the Earth”
If I Could Live Anywhere: Spain
I hope to meet all of you eventually. Thank you for reading my bio.
Vice Presidential Candidate: Rhuan Carneiro
Hi, I’m Rhuan Muniz Carneiro, and I’m running for Vice President of the Student Body at Mt. Hood Community College.
I’m originally from Brazil, and I moved to the U.S. in 2019 to pursue my education. As an international student, I’ve experienced firsthand what it’s like to adapt to a new environment while striving for academic success. That journey shaped who I am and fuels my desire to help others feel welcomed and supported. I’m currently studying Graphic Design at MHCC, and I’ve been part of Student Government since my first term. I also work at the Student Basic Needs office, where I help students access vital resources like food, housing, transportation, and financial assistance.
Before coming to MHCC, I served in leadership roles for over 10 years in churches, nonprofits, and community organizations. Those experiences taught me that leadership is about service, collaboration, and taking action with empathy.
If elected Vice President, my goal is to help create a stronger sense of community on campus, increase student engagement, and foster a more inclusive environment where everyone feels seen and valued. I want to amplify student voices, support initiatives that bring us together, and work with the President to advocate for the resources and opportunities students truly need to thrive.
Let’s make MHCC a place where every student can grow, connect, and succeed—together.
Vice Presidential Candidate: Elaria Salib
My name is Elaria Hany Salib, and I’m excited to announce my candidacy for Vice President of the Associated Student Body at Mt. Hood Community College. MHCC is more than just where I attend classes — it’s where I’ve found purpose, community, and the inspiration to lead.
As a young immigrant and woman who has worked hard to build a life here, I understand what it means to start over, to find your voice in unfamiliar spaces, and to persevere through challenges with faith and determination. I know what it feels like to juggle school, work, family responsibilities — and to sometimes feel overwhelmed or unsure where to turn. But I’ve also learned the impact of a community that listens, supports, and takes actions.
MHCC has become more than a school to me. It’s where I discovered the power of community and student leadership. It’s where I realized that students deserve more than just to “get through” college — we deserve to belong, to grow, and to thrive. That belief is at the heart of why I’m running. I’m not perfect, and I don’t have all the answers — but I care deeply, I listen intentionally, and I work hard. I believe that’s exactly what it takes to lead with integrity and purpose.
If elected Vice President, my goals are to:
- Make Campus Safer and More Welcoming
- Collaborate with the administration to improve campus safety, including adding security cameras in key areas.
- Strengthening the connection between students and administration to ensure greater support for students with disabilities, student parents, and others.
- Build a Stronger, More Connected Community
- Organize more inclusive and engaging events during evenings and weekends.
- Increase student involvement by supporting new and existing clubs.
- Enhance communication and outreach so that no student feels overlooked or left behind.
- Support Student Success
- Advocate extended library hours and improved study environments.
- Support academic success through expanded tutoring and career planning services.
At a college as diverse as MHCC, every student should feel a true sense of belonging — not just in the classroom, but in every corner of campus. That’s why I’m passionate about creating a campus where every voice is heard — regardless of background, identity, or experience.
If elected, I’ll advocate for all students. I am committed to helping MHCC become a place where all students feel safe, supported, and proud of who they are. I’d be honored to earn your vote