The United Asian American Organizations elected four new student leaders last night.
LSA junior Sudhakar Cherukuri was voted in as chair of UAAO, defeating LSA junior Tricia Bagamasbad.
Cherukuri has served as UAAO internal communications chair and UAAO Indian American Student Association representative. He said he was happy about the results and looked forward to encouraging more activism within the organization.
"What we're talking about is putting on positive and purposeful programming at the University," Cherukuri said.
The UAAO then elected Engineering junior Brian Ebarvia as vice chair over Engineering juniors Danny Chui and Mary Cherng.
Ebarvia has served as programming chair of the Filipino American Student Association and as a member of the Asian Pacific American Task Force. He said he hoped for better communication between the different Asian American student groups within the organization.
"I want to make sure we work as a team and decide on things as a team," Ebarvia said.
LSA junior Fred Lee was elected finance officer in an unopposed contest and LSA junior Ponni Perumalswami was chosen as advocacy officer over Engineering junior Rudhir Patel.
The candidates began by giving a short speech and answering questions. Members cast their votes after candidates left the room, allowing endorsements and discussion.
Current vice chair Christine Seto said all 17 Asian American organizations were represented at the elections, which were attended by 35 people.
Cherukuri said the elections have not been as well attended in the past and the organization has "come of age."
"I'm very happy we're able to meet together in a forum like this," Cherukuri said. "It shows a lot of interest in (Asian Pacific American) issues and awareness."
Current chair Ziehuyn Huh said all the new leaders "are incredibly strong."
"They have a much stronger sensibility in terms of a UAAO that has broad goals," Huh said.
Other representatives said they were impressed with the direction in which UAAO is going.
"These leaders are going to be movers and shakers in the nation as a whole," said Marie Pai-Yee Ting, program coordinator for the Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives. "(Cherukuri and Ebarvia) have a history of being very strong leaders in our community."
UAAO plans to elect new internal and external relations officers at its Dec. 4 meeting.