California Delta Heather Hourdequin is a true leader at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Heather has been involved in UCLA’s Undergraduate Students Association Council (USAC) for the last few years, first serving as Chief of Staff and then as Internal Vice President. She wanted to continue to serve her campus, so Heather ran for re-election. USAC is the governing body comprised of undergraduate students at UCLA and Heather ran as part of the Bruins United slate. Her platform focused on issues of promoting campus safety, self-empowerment, affordability of higher education and creating tangible goals to reach issues.
After a successful campaign, Heather was re-elected Internal Vice President for the 2015-2016 academic year and has continued to make a difference on campus as one of the students who had previously served in an elected position. “It is great being the veteran in discussion of thinking on issues, seeing younger ones grow”, Heather continues to grow herself as she meets with students to hear their experiences. She is proud to see six of her Pi Phi sisters serving in appointed positions within USAC. This year, Heather has been busy continuing to advocate for safety on her campus. Two additional foci include student organization funding and positive body image.
In Heather’s position as Internal Vice President, she has jurisdiction on funding for the 1,000+ student organizations on campus. She is working to consolidate USAC’s funding portal to give student organizations a convenient, user-friendly access to funds. She is excited to help create a more efficient process to give the student organizations everything they need to succeed.
Every few years, UCLA launches a “Grand Challenge”, a research project aimed to solve a problem in society, which incorporates faculty, students, staff members and leaders in the field. Heather is currently supporting Grand Challenge – Depression by assisting in the development of an upper division research elective class focused on peer-to-peer coaching. Her hope is to provide training and resources to participants so that they may provide support to peers, as well as advocate for positive mind and body image.
When asked why she likes to serve in her student government role, Heather said, “We have such a short time in college and I want it to be the best times of our lives.”
With all she has on her plate, Heather said, “Google Calendar is my best friend.” Being organized allows her to set time aside to do homework with her stringent academic schedule and to spend time with friends and people who are there for her. “In an elected position and one does not get there by themselves,” she said. “I stand on the shoulders of giants who supported me and invested their time, hearts and believing in me.” She feels it is necessary to give back to those who supported her, so Heather focuses on honoring their friendships. “It is crucial to who I have become today to make sure everyone is having the awesome Bruin experience.”