Meet the Candidates for BCSGA
President
Khalfani Mackey
Major: Administration of Justice / Law
Candidate Statement:
Khalfani Mackey is seeking re-election as President of the Bakersfield College Student Government Association to continue building a stable, transparent, and student-centered government that delivers results. During his term, the association strengthened communication between students, faculty and administration, expanded student engagement, and emphasized accountability in leadership and governance.
Khalfani believes effective student government is not symbolic, it is operational. His focus for the next term is to institutionalize systems that outlast any single administration, including clear processes for student advocacy, stronger support for clubs and programs, and consistent student representation within participatory governance. He is committed to ensuring that student voices are not only heard, but respected and acted upon at every level of the college.
With a background in Administration of Justice and Law, Khalfani brings structure, critical thinking, and principled leadership to the role. He approaches the presidency with the understanding that trust is earned through follow-through, collaboration, and most importantly, integrity. His goal is to leave Bakersfield College stronger, more connected, and better positioned to serve its diverse body, now and into the future.
Vice President
Zaina Jawad
Major: Business & Economics
Candidate Statement:
I am running for BCSGA Vice President because I believe strong leadership is built on communication, teamwork, and action. As, student government is a voice for everyone. I want to make a positive change in students lives.
Director of Student Organizations
Angel Camacho Higuera
Major: Political Science Pre-Law
Candidate Statement:
Angel is committed to fostering a transparent and inclusive community that prioritizes student success and meaningful engagement. She believes leadership should be rooted in accountability, collaboration, and action. Angel aims to ensure that every voice is heard and valued by strengthening communication between students and administration. Her platform focuses on expanding access to academic resources, supporting student organizations, and promoting initiatives that enhance campus life. She is dedicated to creating opportunities for professional development and community-building programs that reflect the diverse needs of the student body. Through thoughtful planning and open dialogue, Angel seeks to build sustainable solutions that could leave a lasting impact. She is prepared to listen, to lead with integrity, and work diligently along with her peers to turn ideas into measurable outcomes. Above all, Angel is committed to serving with purpose and empowering others with this position to help shape a stronger, more connected community for everyone at Bakersfield College.
Jayme Lynne Dorsey
Major: Early Childhood Education & Business Administration
Candidate Statement:
Jayme Lynne Dorsey is running for Director of Student Organizations with a vision to strengthen, unify, and empower every registered student organization at Bakersfield College. As the current ICC Representative for the Ethics Bowl Club, Peer Tutor, Tutor Ambassador, and nonprofit founder, she understands both the operational responsibilities and the relational leadership required to effectively serve clubs and student leaders.
Her platform focuses on organization, communication, and engagement. Jayme is committed to hosting structured and productive ICC meetings, ensuring Brown Act compliance, maintaining accurate organizational records, and creating a clear master calendar accessible to all students. She plans to establish consistent monthly communication with clubs, provide practical workshops on event planning and leadership development, and serve as a reliable resource for advisors and officers.
Jayme has experience in budgeting, strategic planning, and volunteer coordination. She is prepared to responsibly manage the StudOrg Department and prepare a transparent, student-centered budget.
Matthew Placencia
Major: Human Services
Candidate Statement:
Hello Fellow Renegades,
My name is Matthew Placencia, and I am running for Director of Student Organizations at Bakersfield College because I believe student clubs are the heart of our campus. They create connections, leadership, opportunity, and belonging beyond the classroom. My goal is to strengthen student organizations, so every club has the support and visibility it deserves.
If elected, I will advocate for transparent funding, clearer communication, and simpler processes for event approvals and club activation. Student leaders should spend their time building impact, not navigating confusion. I also plan to increase collaboration between clubs by hosting leadership workshops and encouraging joint events that bring our campus community together.
I will work to promote organizations through better outreach and marketing so students can easily discover ways to get involved. Additionally, I am committed to supporting the creation of new clubs and ensuring all students feel welcomed and represented.
Serving as Director of Student Organizations means being a strong advocate, clear communicator, and dependable leader. I am ready to listen, take action, and help clubs thrive.
Vote Matthew Placencia because stronger organizations create a stronger Bakersfield College.
Senator
Gerardo Herrera
Major: Business
Candidate Statement:
Gerardo Herrera is running for the position of BCSGA Senator with a commitment to professionalism, accountability, and effective student representation. As a Business Administration major with a 4.0 GPA and professional banking experience, Gerardo understands the importance of financial responsibility, transparency, and careful decision-making.
He believes the Senate plays a critical role in allocating student funds, shaping policy, and serving as a bridge between students and administration. Gerardo is prepared to approach this responsibility with discipline, integrity, and consistency.
Through his academic dedication and professional experience working directly with clients in a structured financial environment, he has developed strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively under pressure.
Gerardo is committed to listening to student concerns, representing diverse perspectives, and ensuring that decisions made within BCSGA reflect the best interests of the entire Renegade community. If elected, he will serve with reliability, respect, and a focus on practical solutions that strengthen student engagement and campus opportunity at Bakersfield College.
Jason Warren
Major: Business Administration 2.0 AST
Candidate Statement:
Jason Warren is a dedicated and driven student at Bakersfield College who believes every Renegade deserves a campus experience that is safe, inclusive, and full of opportunity. Running for SGA Senator, Jason is passionate about bridging the gap between students and the resources they need to succeed - whether that means amplifying awareness of on-campus support services, mental health resources, or academic assistance programs that too many students simply don't know exist.
Jason understands that a thriving campus community is built through connection. He is committed to championing student events that celebrate the diverse voices and cultures that make Bakersfield College unique, creating spaces where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. From cultural showcases to community-building initiatives, Jason wants students to feel proud to call BC home.
Safety and inclusivity are non-negotiable for Jason. He will advocate for policies and campus environments where all students - regardless of background, identity, or circumstance - can learn and grow without fear. Jason Warren is not just running for a seat at the table; he is running to make sure every student has one. Vote Jason Warren for SGA Senator - for the students, by the students.
Quinlan Ray
Major: Engineering
Candidate Statement:
As an engineering student, I approach challenges with a problem-solving approach. Bakersfield College's student government can benefit from these approaches. That’s why I am running to be an SGA Senator. I want to design practical solutions and lasting improvements to benefit our campus.
I am especially passionate about supporting our STEM clubs and academic organizations. Being part of these groups on campus, I have realized the innovative ideas and drive that these students have. I want our STEM students to have the resources to compete in design challenges, as well as attend conferences, so they can get that experience at BC to build their resumes for the future. I believe that with my work in the office, I can streamline funding processes. We can empower our students to push the boundaries of innovation and provide the hands-on experiences, transfer schools, and employers look for when evaluating students.
My goal as a senator is simple: I want to iron out inefficiencies in student government to empower students on our campus to grow. Together, we can build a campus where great ideas are supported, ambition is encouraged, and everyone has the resources to succeed.
KCCD Trustee
Khalfani Mackey
Major: Administration of Justice / Law
Candidate Statement:
Khalfani Mackey is running for the office of KCCD Student Trustee to magnify and make stronger student representation and to ensure that Bakersfield College students are not only heard but intentionally included in decision making that shapes their academic and campus experiences. He has a strong belief that student government serves as a bridge between student and faculty. He will hold accountable those who do not turn student concerns into action. Khalfani's core values center on transparency, and institutional respect for students of all backgrounds. He advocates clear communication between student leadership and the student body and resources available on campus. He is committed to restoring trust in student leadership by prioritizing follow-through and responsiveness. Through disciplined leadership and keeping focus on service, Khalfani seeks to reinforce ideas like student government is functional, not symbolic. His vision is to help build a campus culture where students know that their voices influences outcomes.
