Alumni Association
Our Priorities
In support of our mission, the Alumni Association has selected core priorities to focus our efforts over the next several years. We believe that by driving initiatives under these priorities, we can enhance our engagement with the alumni community. We have created both short and long-term measurable action items under the priorities of:
- Student Success & Outreach
- Equity, Inclusion, & Anti-Racism
Enhance the overall student experience to increase engagement and retention while promoting intellectual achievement and career readiness. In addition, we're working to build connections through brand awareness and communications to build alumni and donor engagement.
- Improve graduation rates and close equity gaps
- Create an engaging and inclusive student & alumni experience
- Prepare students for successful careers
- Make education more affordable and accessible.
- Deepen and expand regional community engagement initiatives.
- Enhance Cal State East Bay brand awareness and reputation.
Alumni Association Board Meetings
Board meetings are held quarterly at the Hayward Campus and via Zoom. Meetings are open to all alumni, and we encourage you to attend. Please see the for more information.
Want to connect with us outside of our board meetings? Email us at alumni@csueastbay.edu
Alumni Association Board of Directors Executive Committee
Parker Rugeley, MPA
President
BA, BS '18, Political Science & Criminal Justice; '20 MPA
Terms: 2020–22; 2022-24, 2024-26
Industry:
Information Technology
FUN FACT:
I played at Carnegie Hall in New York as freshman in High School.
Kabir Dhillon
President Elect
BS '22, Computer Science
Term: 2024-26
INDUSTRY:
Technology, iOS Development, Software Engineering
FUN FACT:
I've built over 87 LEGO sets
Melody Simmons-Hudson, MBA
Treasurer
BA '09
Terms: 2024-26
INDUSTRY:
Accounting/Finance, Social Justice, Entrepreneurship
FUN FACT:
Shortly after walking the stage at Cal State Hayward, I packed up and moved to LA to chase my curiosity about the entertainment world. If you look quickly and closely, you might spot me as an extra, stand-in, or stunt double on shows like Grey’s Anatomy, That’s So Raven, Barbershop, and many other Hollywood favorites in the early 2000s. Fun times under the lights, camera, action! 🎬✨
Raven Davis
Chief Administrative Officer
BA '14, Communications
Term: 2024-26
INDUSTRY:
Healthcare industry; communications professional
FUN FACT:
I love learning random facts, especially about history.
Paige Luben, MPA
Immediate Past President
BS '09, Business Administration
Terms: 2020–22; 2022-24, 2024-26
INDUSTRY:
Tech
FUN FACT:
I once stepped in as Chuck E. Cheese for a kid’s birthday party—giant (slightly smelly) mouse head and all.
Board Members
Akisha B. Thomas
BS '10 Sociology. MS '12 Social Work
Term: 2025-27
INDUSTRY:
Public Service, Social Work, Clinical Social Work.
FUN FACT:
I enjoy the outdoors; hiking, fishing and community service work
Annetta Clark
BS '00 Criminal Justice, BS '08 Sociology
Term: 2025-27
INDUSTRY:
Social Services, Collaborations w/Non-Profits, Fundraising
FUN FACT:
I collect handbags, love them!
Charlie Watkins
BA '16 Sociology, MBA '25 General Business & Finance
Term: 2025-27
INDUSTRY:
Business Advisor. Consulting is primarily about relationship building. Any activity with this in mind, I am on board!
FUN FACT:
I have traveled to 25 states and plan to see the other half one day!
Dessiree Cuevas
Student Success Committee
BA '21, Psychology
Term: 2024-26
INDUSTRY:
Higher Education and Student Affairs
FUN FACT:
I love F1!
Elnaz Sarraf
BA '12
Term: 2024-26
INDUSTRY:
AI, Education, Business, Marketing, Sales, Fundraising, Entrepreneurship
FUN FACT:
It always shocks people when they learn I am a pilot!
Krishneel Sen
BS '19 Heath Science, MS '23 Health Care Managment
Term: 2025-27
INDUSTRY:
Healthcare
FUN FACT:
On my free time I enjoy fishing and crabbing!
Lindsay Samples
BA '04, Liberal Studues
Term: 2024-26
INDUSTRY:
Public sector grant administration
FUN FACT:
I advocated for heart health by speaking to representatives in Washington, D.C.
Natahlee Wilson
BS '20 Kinesiology
Term: 2025-27
INDUSTRY:
I currently work in healthcare as a nurse and I coached volleyball at East Bay for 2 years. Heavily involved in EB athletics.
FUN FACT:
I am a big reader, and I enjoy watching Formula One racing.
Robert Mendenhall
BS '92, Physics
Term: 2023-25
INDUSTRY:
Precision optics and material science/physics entrepreneurship, business development, industrial sales, and start-up/fundraising/VC/Private Equity.
FUN FACT:
My spouse and I met at the first dorm to open on campus, in January 1988.
Nikole Hobson
MBA '23, BA '09
Term: 2024-26
INDUSTRY:
Technology, Operations, Venture Capital, Startups, Projects
FUN FACT:
I like to practice yoga, it’s my happy place.
Stan Herbert III
BS '76, Business Administration
Term: 2023-25
INDUSTRY:
Marketing/Advertising, Mentoring/Coaching, Higher Education Administration
FUN FACT:
Played football for CSU Hayward
Unmesh Suryawanshi
MA '17 Network & Security
Term: 2025-27
INDUSTRY:
Technology Lead; Enterprise Streaming and Security
FUN FACT:
I’m passionate about photography and videography—creative outlets that have beautifully intertwined with my professional career. I’m so into my passion that I drove over 500 miles just to capture the perfect landscape shot, proving that when it comes to storytelling, I’m willing to go the extra mile. Whether behind the camera or the computer, I’m driven by a desire to connect people and share powerful stories.