Student Advocacy Activities Leadership Team - SAALT

SAALT is a group of eight student leaders who advocate and plan events for Centralia College students.

SAALT

SAALT is committed to social justice, sustainability and creating inclusive events for all Centralia students. The President, Vice President, and Coordinators on SAALT work together to provide social, cultural, educational, and advocacy work through serving on campus committees, being part of the College Shared Governance Model and campus programming. 

Meetings

SAALT meetings are held from 8-10am Fridays in the TransAlta Commons room 129 during winter quarter.

All meetings are open for anyone to attend. If you wish to have an item placed on the agenda, email Abbey Hansen. 

2023-24 Student Leaders

Abbey HansenIntended Pathway: To be determined

Why did you choose CC? I chose CC to further my soccer career and explore the PNW. 

What do you want SAALT to achieve this year? This year I would like to see SAALT in unity within the college and our community as well as inclusion between academic students and sports.

Why did you choose to get involved on campus? I wanted to be connected with the professors and faculty. I also wanted to meet people who don’t play sports! 

What’s your advice for new students? Be open to new opportunities and ask for help when you are struggling.

Interests/Hobbies: Skiing, hiking, any sport, anything outside 

Darcy FrankovichIntended Pathway: My intended pathway is to finish my AA at Centralia College and transfer to WSU Vancouver to get a bachelor's in accounting.

 Why did you choose CC? I chose Centralia College because I live in Centralia and I've always pictured myself attending CC.

What do you want SAALT to achieve this year? I would like SAALT to acknowledge and help student mental health during midterms. 

 Why did you choose to get involved on campus? I got involved in campus because I wanted to connect to my peers and help in a way that is both immediate and long lasting. 

 What’s your advice for new students? I would advise new students to utilize the resources provided by the college. The Writing Center has definitely saved a couple of my essays from low grades. 

 Interests/Hobbies: My hobbies are nail art and listening to music. 

Rayleen RobertsIntended Pathway: BAS Information Technology: App Development

Why did you choose CC? I chose CC because it was close to home, it offers a very good program for my field of study, and there is an excellent student support system. 

What do you want SAALT to achieve this year? I have a few things I would like to help my leadership team members accomplish. I would like to help students engage more with campus resources and staff. I would like to see a significant increase in student engagement with campus activities. I would like to find ways that we, as students, could serve our wonderful staff. And I would like to help find ways that we, as students, can give back to our generous community with civic volunteering opportunities. 

Why did you choose to get involved on campus? During my first two years of studies at CC, I was given a lot of much-needed help. I initially decided to get involved with Student Government so that I could find ways to pay it forward. 

What’s your advice for new students? Resist the urge to isolate during this often chaotic and stressful time. There are many people on campus who are ready and willing to serve your needs as well as others who very likely could use something that you have to offer. In addition, don't hesitate to ask questions, and seek out help when you need it. Finally, our staff works very hard to get you the information you need to have, when you need it. It makes life easier for everyone if we are good about reading and answering emails, as well as following the instructions that are given in a timely manner. 

Andrew BarellaWhy did you choose CC? I chose CC because I was able to do running start and they were partnered with CC, therefore allowing me to attend. 

What do you want SAALT to achieve this year? I would like to see SAALT achieve a better collaboration with students and clubs.

 Why did you choose to get involved on campus? I chose to get involved into campus and make new friends as well as get experience in the workforce. 

What’s your advice for new students? My advice for new students is to make sure you understand which classes you need to get done before planning ahead.

Interests/Hobbies: My interest and hobbies are playing video games, making stories, and drawing when I have the chance.

Janelle BaluyotIntended Pathway:  A.A in Media Studies

Why did you choose CC? After moving to Chehalis, I wanted to continue the path to completing my A.A. I loved that CC offers many different opportunities and resources to help their students succeed. I love the sense of community, and being here at CC gave me a chance to grow and develop my skills and allowed me to meet so many wonderful new people. 

What do you want SAALT to achieve this year? I would love to see more student engagement this year! This past year, I have been able to see all the wonderful activities and events SAALT has done. I’m hoping to find new ways to get more students to participate in our events because I believe it’s very important to create a sense of community within one another.

Why did you choose to get involved on campus? My college journey has not always been an easy one. There were periods where I struggled to find my path and didn’t even see myself getting my degree. But I have been blessed to have met so many wonderful people here at CC who have encouraged and inspired me to get involved on campus. I am hoping I can be the same help that many of the people here have given me graciously.

What’s your advice for new students? Please do get involved! Getting involved in clubs and activities opens many doors to different opportunities and people you will meet. Also, take advantage of the many resources on campus! There are many places on campus that offer different resources or even just a place to study. I highly recommend Blazer Central!

Interests/Hobbies: When I’m not at CC, I run a furniture business with my partner! I am also an avid movie watcher, I enjoy painting, collecting vinyls and records, and spending time with my cat Mochi!

Ismael AllendeIntended Pathway: Originally, I had chosen to get an Associate Degree in business but, I realized I want to try all things. So, at the moment I am going for a General AA and will be going into engineering/ computer science in the future.

Why did you choose CC? I chose Centralia College because it is the best way to accelerate my education and to explore different fields of study before graduating high school.

What do you want SAALT to achieve this year? I would like to see SAALT achieve a better relationship with the student body. I would like SAALT to make everyone feel welcome and connect as a community.

Why did you choose to get involved on campus? I chose to get involved on campus because it is a good opportunity to get out of my comfort zone but to also make new friends, meet new people, and give others the opportunity to feel connected with the community more.

What’s your advice for new students? My advice for new students is to not feel overwhelmed, especially if you are transitioning from high school to college. If you stay on top of your work, everything will fall into place.

Interests/Hobbies: I'm interested in meeting new people and listening to their life stories. My hobbies include hanging out with my girlfriend, going to see movies, and going camping.

Justin ChungIntended Pathway: Pre-Med

Why did you choose CC? I chose CC because of its Running Start program, in addition to it being extremely convenient for me. It fit all my academic needs and wants, and the campus life was extremely vibrant. 

What do you want SAALT to achieve this year? Something that I would like to see SAALT achieve this year is to get as many students as possible active, engaged, and involved in student life.

Why did you choose to get involved on campus? I decided to get involved on campus because it radically changes the college experience for the better. The first quarter I was here, I didn’t really participate much in activities, but as the year went on, I gradually got more involved, and my experience was so much better. 

What’s your advice for new students? My advice for new students is to get involved as much as you can. If you branch out, go out of your comfort zone, and get involved in campus life, your college experience will be so much better. 

Interests/Hobbies: I enjoy sports, the outdoors, reading, music, photography, and meeting new people! 

Katelyn DavisIntended Pathway: Associate in Art

Why did you choose CC? I chose CC because I wanted to be proactive and be in the Running Start program to advance in my schooling so I wouldn’t have to be in school for as long with the degree that I am trying to achieve.

What do you want SAALT to achieve this year? I would like to see SAALT achieve more student involvement by creating events that everyone will be interested in.

Why did you choose to get involved on campus? I chose to be involved on campus to expand my knowledge and learn everything I can all while creating experiences for others.

What's your advice for new students? My advice for new students is to not get overwhelmed because college is scary for everyone and this is only the beginning of a new chapter in your life.

Interests/hobbies: drawing, driving, traveling, spending time with the people close to me.

Contact Student Life

Shelley K. Bannish
Director of Student Life & Involvement
360-623-8120 Email Shelley
Sheila Johnson
Student Engagement Advisor
360-623-8586
Email Sheila
Brent Shepherd
Navigator/Esports Coordinator
360-623-8660
Email Brent