On Dec. 4, WNC’s student government (ASWN) leaders took their voices and curiosity to the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents quarterly meeting in Las Vegas. Before the meeting even began, ASWN members welcomed the special opportunity to meet the state’s 13 regents, learn what they do and how they help shape higher education statewide.

WNC student government (ASWN) President Karla Salas Dominguez spent part of the first day with the Nevada Student Alliance, where student leaders from across the state came together to learn about current initiatives and share ideas. Karla said that experiences like this help her grow as a leader — by seeing how system-level decisions are made, learning how to advocate in big spaces and building connections with student leaders across Nevada.

She’s proud to represent WNC and make sure community college students have a voice in these conversations.

College student government leader Mariana Alonzo spoke during public comment period on Dec. 4. The ASWN senator said that she was honored to attend her first Board of Regents meeting and thanked the board for taking the time to speak with her and other WNC student government officers. She went on to say that the experience has given ASWN members valuable insight into the work that supports students across Nevada.

“As student leaders, we are committed to representing our peers and strengthening our campus community. Opportunities like this help us grow, and we appreciate your continued support of student engagement and success,” she said. Senator Alonzo concluded her message by thanking the regents for all that they do for students throughout the NSHE system.

WNC thanks the regents for welcoming and conversing with our ASWN officers during the quarterly meeting. ASWN members — many attending their first Board of Regents meeting — learned about the roles regents play in shaping higher education in Nevada. Their friendliness and accessibility helped them get to know the regents better and reciprocated by getting to know the students better.

ASWN Adviser Heather Rikalo said, "Our students left feeling inspired, empowered and grateful for the opportunity to represent WNC at the system level."