“Why should society feel responsible only for the education of children, and not for the education of all adults of every age?” -Erich Fromm
Student Centered Advocacy
My student-centered advocacy is rooted in the belief that students are not only stakeholders in higher education policy, but essential leaders in shaping it. Across campus, systemwide, and national spaces, my work has focused on building sustainable advocacy structures, expanding access to higher education decision-making, and translating student experiences into meaningful policy action.
April 2025 – Washington D.C. – Me speaking at a press conference in from of the United States Department of Education calling out the Trump Administration’s efforts to strip its funding and programs. Congressman Dave Min, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff, and Congressman Mark DeSaulnier are featured standing behind.
At the national level, I serve as a Board Member on the Interim Governance Council of the United States Student Association, where I contribute to governance, organizational restructuring, and long-term strategic planning during a critical transition period. In this role, I engage in decision-making related to governance reform, accountability, and sustainability, ensuring that student voices remain central as USSA rebuilds its national advocacy capacity. As a member of USSA’s Government Relations Committee, I support federal advocacy by tracking policy developments, contributing to strategy discussions, and engaging in coalition-based efforts on issues impacting students nationwide, including college affordability, access, and student protections.
Below you can see photos from the USSA Interim Governance Council meeting at the University of Washington’s Seattle Campus. August 2025
Below you can see photos of myself and others representing the University of California Student Association at the 2025 USSA Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. March 2025
Left to right: Louie (UCSA Communications Director), Aditi (UCSA President), Esther (UCSA Government Relations Chair), and myself with ice cream in front of the capitol. March 2025
At the systemwide level, my advocacy is grounded in my leadership with the University of California Student Association, where I serve as Government Relations Vice Chair and as a Member of the Board of Directors. In these roles, I help shape UCSA’s legislative agenda, support state and federal advocacy efforts, and participate in governance and fiduciary oversight on behalf of UC students. I also serve as the program manager for the UCSA Policy Fellowship Program, overseeing its recruitment, training, and deliverables to ensure fellows are meaningfully engaged in policy research and legislative advocacy.
In addition, I oversee the Latine, SWANA, and AANHPI Student Advocacy Day Steering Committees and support their Chairs, working to ensure identity-based advocacy is coordinated, equity-centered, and reflective of UC’s diverse student communities.
Joseph Anastacio 