Become by Leading: Journey of an ASI President and VP
For many students, becoming president of Associated Student Inc. (ASI) at Cal Poly Pomona might seem like a role that requires years of experience in student government. For Amiyah Ellsworth and Bia Machain, their path to leading the student body started with a simple try.
Ellsworth, a political science junior, served as ASI president, while Machain, who graduated May 15 with a communication degree focused on multimedia journalism served as ASI vice president. The two College of Letters, Arts, and Social Science students represented more than 27,000 students.
Their leadership journey reflects one of the university’s core philosophies, learning by doing.
“We just did it and figured it out as we went,” Machain said.
Finding their Place at CPP
Both Ellsworth and Machain considered many universities before choosing Cal Poly Pomona.
Machain said she applied to numerous schools while exploring different majors and career paths. When she began researching potential fields of study, communication appeared repeatedly.
“Everything kept circling back to communication,” Machain said. “I liked that is was versatile and that it didn’t tie me down to just one path.”
Ellsworth was also drawn to the opportunities at CPP and the university’s hands-on approach to education.
“I always knew I wanted to go to a polytechnic school,” Ellsworth said. “The ‘learn-by-doing’ philosophy here really stood out.”
Once they arrived on campus, both students found themselves drawn to the College of Letters, Arts, and Social Science, where discussions often focus on society, culture and real-world issues.
Discovering their Academic Passions
Ellsworth originally entered college as a criminology major but soon realized that political science better aligned with her interests. She hopes to attend law school in the future and has always been passionate about politics and advocacy.
Machain’s path was more exploratory. She was drawn to communication because of the many directions the field could lead.
“I loved that communication felt like a degree where you could go anywhere with it,” Machain said. “It wasn’t a linear path. It was something I could shape myself.”
Her focus on journalism has allowed her to develop skills in storytelling and media while also exploring related areas like public relations.
Getting Involved on Campus
Before stepping into ASI leadership, both students were already becoming more active in campus life.
Machain worked with the Poly Post and participated in clubs and events, while both students engaged with various student communities across campus. But they eventually realized they wanted to do more than attend events or observe campus issues.
“We were hearing complaints from students and feeling the same frustrations,” Machain said. “And we kind of just asked ourselves, ‘Why don’t we do something about it?’”
An Unlikely Run for ASI
Their decision to run for the student government came unexpectedly. Neither Ellsworth nor Machain had previously helped positions within ASI. However, they wanted to run together and represent their college.
Because they were both CLASS students, they could not run against each other for certain positions such as class senator. Instead, they discovered there was only one leadership ticket they could share: president and vice president.
“So. we were like, okay, let’s run,” Ellsworth said.
Initially, they believed they would simply provide competition for another ticket in the election.
Instead, they won.
The experience, they said, perfectly reflects Cal Poly Pomona’s learn-by-doing philosophy.
Leadership Shaped by CLASS
As students in the College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences, Ellsworth and Machain say their academic experience strongly influences how they lead.
CLASS courses often encourage students to examine social issues, communication and political systems, perspectives that translate directly into student leadership.
“In our classes we talk about what’s happening in the world every day,” Ellsworth said. “That helps us feel comfortable having those same conversations with the student body and university leadership.”
Their approach focuses on understanding the challenges students face both on and off campus. During their time in office, they have worked to advocate for student needs and bring attention to issues affecting the campus community.
Support from Professors
Both leaders say their professors in CLASS played an important role in shaping their perspectives.
Ellsworth highlighted the influence of Political Science Professor Marc Scarcelli, who teaches international relations and often shares his own experiences with student activism. Hearing those stories, she said, helped her see how students could create change beyond the classroom.
Machain also credits several communication studies professors for encouraging her and supporting her throughout her leadership journey, including Professor Sunnie Lie, whose class discussions on race, gender and inequality pushed her to think critically while still feeling empowered to succeed. She also highlighted Professors Lauren Fury and Ivana Cvetkovic, who provided ongoing support and mentorship during her time in both academic and student leadership.
“Having professors who genuinely care about you as a person makes such a big difference,” Machain said.
Their encouragement helped both students feel confident stepping into leadership roles.
Facing Challenges
Despite their success, Ellsworth and Machain say their leadership journey has also included challenges. As Black women in high-profile leadership positions, they often feel pressure to prove themselves and navigate assumptions about their abilities.
“We knew going into this role that it wasn’t going to be easy,” Ellsworth said.
From being misidentified to feeling scrutinized in professional spaces, they say the experience can be exhausting at times. However, they remain focused on representing students and continuing their work.
Inspiring Future Students
Ultimately, Ellsworth and Machain hope their leadership encourages other CLASS students to pursue opportunities they might not initially consider. Their message is simple, students do not need perfect qualifications or extensive experience to step forward.
“I hope people see that you can just do it,” Machain said. “You don’t have to know everything before you try.”
Their journey also highlights the value of humanities and social science education in leadership roles.
For Ellsworth and Machain, representing CLASS at the highest level of student government shows that understanding people, communication and society can be just as powerful as technical expertise.
Journey
When asked to describe their leadership journey in one word, both students laughed before answering.
“Chaos,” Machain said
“Roller coaster.” Ellsworth added.
Despite the challenges, both say they are grateful for the experience and proud to have represented Cal Poly Pomona’s students. And for future leaders watching their journey, their story offers a simple but powerful lesson, sometimes leadership begins with the courage to try.