Update: March 21, 2025
LMCAS students were given the opportunity to attend and learn to advocate for political leaders at the 2025 National Student Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C. from March 15-18.
“It’s a conference that’s very popular because it allows an opportunity for students to go to Washington, D.C. and be able to meet with some of the congress members,” Robert Delgado, LMCAS advisor said. He also expressed that it gives students a chance to possibly discuss, advocate, and present topics they are passionate about.
Students Tenisha Manoharan and Miguel Cortez discussed adding financial literacy classes for those who receive FAFSA.
While Salvador Velazquez and Diana Gutierrez discuss current issues involving immigration policies, ice raids, and advocating for the reinstatement of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
Student Joaquin Sagun discussed AANAPISI (Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions) and asked for more funding to be put into it.
“It’s my first time speaking in front of a lot of people, so it’s nerve-racking, at the same time I’m also looking forward to it cause it’s a new experience,” said student Joaquin Sagun regarding the conference.
LMCAS student Shanyda Soe presented on reinstating CDC guidelines and LMCAS President Armon Gonzalez discussed lowering the price of pharmaceuticals like insulin and EpiPens.
They were unable to discuss these topics with U.S Rep. Garamendi as he was not in D.C. at the time, but Gonzalez remained positive as the group got to talk to various people in Congress like Nick Melcher and Abigail Leonard the senior legislative assistant to Garamendi, the latter came to LMC last spring along with other members of Garamendi’s team.
Delgado first learned about the conference late last year “What a great opportunity for students, LMC has never attended this conference… and so when it came I thought we need to get students out there. I mean it’s a great way to get our student leaders involved.”
Delgado is also hopeful that the LMCAS students can bring back the things they learned and their experiences at the conference to LMC to share with their peers.
“We’re hoping to talk to more students and educate them not only on what the government does, but what their local student government can do for them,” said Gonzalez.
