Undergraduate Student Government Officers

Kemberley Osorto - President

Hi Gators! My name is Kemberley Osorto, and I’m honored to serve as the President of the Student Government Association (SGA). I’m a first-generation transfer student majoring in Marketing, and I’m passionate about leadership, creativity, storytelling, and creating meaningful connections within our campus community. A few fun facts about me: I love photography, going to the gym, and singing! I enjoy combining my creative side with my marketing and leadership skills to bring people together and make student voices heard. As SGA President, I’m excited to represent our student body, advocate for our Gators, and help create opportunities that make every student feel heard, supported, and connected. I’m looking forward to serving our UHD community and making this a memorable year for all of us! Go Gators! 💙🐊

Nicolas Baez - Vice President

Hi Gators! My name is Nicolas Baez, a senior majoring in Political Science with double minors in Communications and History. I founded UHD Democrats and serve as its president. As your SGA Vice President, I'm committed to amplifying student voices, strengthening our academic environment, and opening real doors for life after UHD.

Jose Pantoja - Secretary

Hola Gators! My name is Jose Pantoja, it is a true honor and a pleasure to serve you as secretary of the student government association. I am a first-generation and transfer student majoring in history with teaching certification; I am passionate about charity, creativity, and the possibility of a future that includes us all and unites us further as a community. A few facts about me: I am a voracious reader; 1984 and The Man in the High Castle, along with The Divine Comedy, rank among my favorite works. I am passionate about anime and manga, as well as manhwa and manhua. I enjoy exercise, music, and poetry. "I declare before you all that my service will be dedicated to you." This phrase, spoken by Queen Elizabeth II, sums it all up. I will be here for you; I will dedicate my heart and mind to your well-being. I look forward to serving you and the university. I am excited to represent our student body and advocate for our fellow Gators. As your SGA Secretary, I will assist the President and Vice President—as well as the entire SGA—in making a positive impact on our beloved university. As always, I look forward to serving you, helping you, and providing you with a better UHD. Let's go, Gators!

Ina Darley - Treasurer

Hello, this is Ina Darley and I serve as Treasurer of the Student Government Association at the University of Houston-Downtown for the 2026–2027 academic year. I am pursuing a degree in Corporate Communication with a minor in Legal Studies and am passionate about leadership, advocacy, accountability, and creating meaningful opportunities for the UHD student community. In addition to my academic and leadership roles, I am an entrepreneur and professional organizer. As a business owner, I have developed valuable experience in financial management, strategic planning, communication, problem-solving, and client relations. I bring these skills to my role as Treasurer, where I am committed to promoting fiscal responsibility, transparency, and the thoughtful stewardship of student resources. I believe effective student leadership begins with listening, collaboration, and ensuring students feel represented. During my term, I hope to help strengthen the connection between the Student Government and the student body while encouraging greater involvement across campus. Following graduation, I plan to continue my education and pursue a career in law. I view my experience at UHD and in Student Government as an opportunity to grow as a leader, serve my university community, and help create a lasting, positive impact for current and future UHD students.

Peace Oderinde - Senator for the College of Sciences & Technology

My name is Peace Oderinde, and I am honored to serve as the Student Government Association (SGA) Senator for the College of Sciences & Technology (CST). I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in General Business. As an SGA Senator, my goal is to be a strong advocate for CST students and strengthen the connection between students, faculty, and college leadership. I am passionate about increasing student engagement, promoting academic and professional opportunities, and ensuring that students are aware of the resources available to support their success. Through SGA, I hope to create opportunities for students to voice their concerns, build meaningful connections, and feel represented and supported throughout their college experience. I am excited to serve my fellow Gators and contribute to making our campus community even stronger. Go Gators!

Vanessa Mattox - Senator for the College of Public Service

Hi Gators! My name is Vanessa F. Mattox, and I am honored to serve as the College of Public Service Senator (CPS) of Student Government Association (SGA). I am a senior majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Legal Studies, with a passion for advocacy, service, and creating opportunities for others. I am also honored to be a UHD Bayou’s Best Winner for 2025–2026, a recognition celebrating students who exemplify leadership, service, academic excellence, and the spirit of the UHD community. As a nontraditional student who returned to college after more than twenty years, I understand that every student arrives at UHD carrying a story we may never see. That perspective shapes how I lead and strengthens my commitment to ensuring students feel heard, supported, and valued. My goals as Senator, are to strengthen student belonging, retention, engagement, and access to resources, while ensuring student concerns reach the spaces where decisions are made. After graduation, I plan to attend law school and pursue civil rights and public-interest law. I believe leadership is more than having a seat at the table, it is using that seat to make room for others.

Victoria Le - Senator for the College of Humanities & Social Sciences

I am Victoria Le, a Philosophy major entering my senior year. On campus I work as a Supplemental Instruction Leader and have been a member of the Philosophy Club and Pre Law Society. As the Senator for the College of Humanities & Social Sciences, I will advocate for student's needs and interests, academic concerns, and promote the importance of the humanities and social science subjects within the academic space. I will aim to create collaborative events with students, faculty, and administrators, creating opportunities for personal development, career growth, skill development, and fostering professional relationships. I look forward to serving each and every student for the 2026-2027 school year, go gators!

Rita Balonwu - Senator for the Marilyn Davies College of Business

Hey Gators! My name is Rita Balonwu, and I am honored to serve as the Senator for the Marilyn Davies College of Business within the Student Government Association (SGA). I am a transfer student majoring in Management and minoring in Human Resource Management, and I am deeply passionate about Integrity, Leadership, Justice, and Service. A few fun facts about me: I love to draw, paint, travel, and explore new cultures. I enjoy meeting new people and building meaningful connections. As the SGA Senator for the Marilyn Davies College of Business, I serve because every UHD student deserves a voice, a community, and leadership that delivers. I believe representation is powerful, and I am committed to ensuring students feel seen, supported, and heard. One thing about me, I don’t just show up, I show up with purpose.

Deshanae Houston - Community Involvement Chair

My calendar is usually filled with classes, service projects, student organization meetings, and at least one new idea I am determined to bring to life. I’m Deshanae A. Houston, SGA’s Community Involvement Chair, a United States Navy veteran, and an Urban Education major preparing to become a teacher. As a nontraditional student, I have learned that there is no single path to discovering your purpose or finding your place on campus. My relationship with Jesus shapes the way I lead and serve. It reminds me to use my gifts with purpose, care for people, and remain grounded in service. These principles guide my involvement across several campus organizations, where I advocate for student veterans, promote sisterhood and service, and help strengthen connections among UHD students. As Community Involvement Chair, my goal is to create purposeful and welcoming opportunities that students are genuinely excited to support. Service should meet real needs, build meaningful connections, and remind people that their presence matters. The vision is for Gators to leave each experience with a new connection, a cause they care about, and greater confidence in their ability to make a difference. By serving Houston and strengthening our campus, we can create a community where every student feels welcomed and encouraged to participate.