Serving as a board member has been an incredibly humbling experience. I am grateful for the chance to listen to our community, advocate for residents, and contribute to making CTC an even better place to live. As a PhD nursing student, I am deeply committed to the well-being of our community. My priorities as a board member include advocating for affordable housing options for all graduate students, implementing a sustainable recycling plan to reduce waste, fostering a safer community, and ensuring that every resident’s voice is represented and heard in decisions that affect us all. I am excited about the opportunity to continue this work, and I would be honored to earn your vote. Thank you for considering my candidacy and for the opportunity to serve.

Omobolanle (Mobby) Agboola

Areas of Strengths and Interests:

Community Engagement

Organizational Leadership

Finance

Programming

Sustainability

Co-op Operations

Hello! My name is Alexandra Choconta. Im a PhD candidate in Feminist Studies at the University of Minnesota. I have been a board member for the last year and would like to stay longer. I better understand our community and cooperative now and the importance of keeping CTC affordable for students and their families. During the last year, we faced different financial challenges that made me aware of the complexities of our communication with the University of Minnesota, especially with the Housing & Residential Life office. I see how we need to protect CTC and our values to avoid being an expensive building out of reach from students of color and their families in the future. I also want to keep supporting communication between CTC residents and the management team. I am excited to keep helping other boards of directors as well.

Alexandra Chochonta Piraquive

Areas of Strengths and Interests:

Community Engagement

Organizational Leadership

Programming

Sustainability

Co-op Operations

Hello everyone! I’m excited to join the Board to contribute to the growth and success of the CTC community. My vision is to enhance communication channels and expand events that foster a more connected, vibrant environment. With proven leadership skills, I’m ready to drive initiatives that increase member satisfaction and operational efficiency. I’m passionate about our core values of inclusivity and mutual support, which I believe are essential for our cooperative’s success. I’m committed to ensuring open, meaningful communication between the Board and all residents. I want every voice to be heard, especially new international students needing support as they settle in. Together, let’s build a stronger, more welcoming CTC community!

Esmaeel Gholizadeh

Areas of Strengths and Interests:

Community Engagement

Finance

Organizational Leadership

Apoorva Goel

I am eager to participate on the CTC Board because I believe CTC has done a remarkable job in providing affordable student housing within an inclusive and joyful environment. Through my participation, I envision enhancing member engagement by promoting recreational and health-oriented activities. In the long term, I aspire to launch initiatives that integrate sustainable living practices such as energy-efficient housing solutions and cross-cultural experiences, such as celebrating different festivals. Additionally, I aim to create a mentorship program and organize casual coffee chats, where students and academic persons can engage with local professionals of their fields. These efforts will foster community bonds, connect academic professionals in their career journeys, and provide a platform to find valuable resources, ensuring that CTC continues to be a vibrant and supportive community for all its members. Throughout my PhD at NTU, Singapore, I actively participated in several student organizations, serving in roles such as Treasurer, Event Coordinator, and Postgraduate Representative. These experiences have significantly shaped my leadership skills. What excites me most about CTC is the opportunity to bring together academic professionals within a vibrant community that fosters growth. I am confident that my skills and experiences can contribute meaningfully to this mission.

Areas of Strengths and Interests:

Community Engagement

Finance

Organizational Leadership

I am excited to continue my service on the CTC Board, where I have been actively involved as a current board member. Participating on the Board aligns with my passion for fostering inclusive and sustainable communities. I am eager to contribute further to the co-op's success by supporting initiatives that enhance the quality of life for all residents. In the short term, I envision strengthening community engagement through events and workshops focused on sustainability, cultural exchange, and educational programs for residents. Over the next 5-10 years, I would like to see the CTC adopt more eco-friendly technologies, expand affordable housing opportunities, and create programs that foster long-term connections among residents. My involvement on the Board can further the cooperative's mission by prioritizing the collective well-being of residents and promoting a supportive, inclusive environment. I am passionate about the co-op's core values of shared responsibility, collaboration, and sustainability, and I will work to ensure these principles guide our future growth. With my experience as a board member and background in leadership and international representation, I bring strong organizational and communication skills to the table. The Student Housing Cooperative model thrives when everyone collaborates, and I am committed to fostering a united and empowered community.

Nidhi Joshi

Areas of Strengths and Interests:

Community Engagement

Finance

Organizational Leadership

Co-op Operations

Programming

Sustainability

To be able to jJoin the board of student housing cooperative like CTC which is one of its kind, and is an excellent platform to deliberate on the core needs of the community and be part of the team to influence in decision making or formulating better means for amicable living. I envisage to bring to the desk of CTC board members a plan to engage and drive the involvement of the like-minded members to organize specific scientific sessions to engage kids so as to enable them to learn and/or demonstrate their scientific prowess. I also desire to be involved in the endeavors of the board to program certain events which enhance the interaction and involvement of the members of the community. I can also leverage my experience to organize cross-cultural events to enhance interaction and build a conducive environment in the community. Due to great diversity in CTC with residents from different countries and carrying rich local cultural influence, it can lay a foundation for more events emphasizing demonstration of diversity. As a vivid learner from the cultures I would like to provide my insights and involvement. I have experienced very healthy and exceptional cooperation rendered by the CTC community officials in engaging various cultural, sports and host of other events. CTC as a model I feel is a huge success due to its able administration.

Suhail Parvaze Pathan

Areas of Strengths and Interests:

Community Engagement

Programming

Sustainability

Co-op Operations

Serving as a board member for 2023-2024 has been a rewarding experience, especially hearing from residents about their experiences—both positive and challenging—while living in CTC. I am truly honored by the trust you’ve placed in me. While we have faced some unsatisfactory issues, particularly regarding finances, I assure you that the board has fought diligently to represent the needs of graduate students and university employees to the authorities, seeking relief wherever possible. We are actively exploring various avenues to maintain quality and affordable amenities in our community. One of my current initiatives includes advocating for sheltered bike storage in response to the increased bike thefts we experienced over the summer. I want to take this moment to express my gratitude for your continued trust over the past year. I remain committed to collaborating with my fellow board members for the betterment of our community. I encourage everyone to participate in the upcoming election, and regardless of the outcome, please know that I am always here to listen and support you in any way I can. Thank you again for your support!

Debasmita Paul

Community Engagement

Areas of Strengths and Interests:

Organizational Leadership

Sustainability

Co-op Operations

Areas of Strengths and Interests:

Md Jobaer Rahman Rashed

I want to be involved in the administrative function to know the activity of the community better so that I can serve the community my best, as I experienced the last ten years of my job as an administrator in my home country.

Community Engagement

Organizational Leadership

I am Dr. Muhammad Tahir, working as Reseacher-6 in the Department of Soil, Water, & Climate, UMN, for last 8 years. I am a member of CTC’s Board of Directors since last one year. I want to continue to serve as a Board Member to play a positive role for the betterment of CTC community.

Muhammad tahir

Areas of Strengths and Interests:

Sustainability

Finance

Community Engagement

CTC Board of Directors Election - Candidates

2024

View Annual Meeting & Voting Details