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The San Diego Unified School District is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education. Programs and activities shall be free from discrimination by reason of the following actual or perceived characteristics: actual or perceived sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnic group identification, race, ancestry, national origin, religion, color, mental or physical disability, nationality, age, creed, marital status, or on the basis of a person’s association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
“As the second-largest school district in California, San Diego Unified encompasses a wide variety of communities comprised of incredible teachers, staff, families, and of course – students. Our day-to-day mission is to ensure all students’ voices are heard AND listened to, no matter their geographical and/or sociocultural circumstances. This website includes information about internships, public forums, and other amazing opportunities to engage and inspire us, the students. We’re thrilled to see how you get involved!”
- Ashley Ordaz and Alina Nguyen
Student Board Member Ashley Ordaz was sworn into office on June 24, 2025, after being one of the top two vote earners in a May 2025 election where more than 3,000 San Diego Unified students cast their ballots.
Ashley Ordaz is a proud first-generation Afro-Cuban student who leads with compassion and confidence. Currently a junior at University City High School, Ashley has been part of the San Diego Unified School District since kindergarten. She began her academic journey at San Diego Global Vision Academies, attending from K–7, and completed her middle school years at Standley Middle School.
As someone for who English is not a first language, Ashley has continuously demonstrated determination and courage in every step of her personal and academic journey. Her passion lies deeply in civic engagement and social justice. Whether advocating for fairness, leading student initiatives, or striving to find balance between differing perspectives, Ashley is committed to doing what is right and inclusive.
For the past three years, she has served as an executive member of Associated Student Body (ASB), where her leadership and organizational skills have left an impact. Ashley is also an Aaron Price Fellow and the proud manager of her school’s Black Student Union (BSU). In addition, she has coordinated numerous volunteer events in her community, further emphasizing her dedication to service.
Ashley is currently in the early stages of launching her own nonprofit organization, “Little Voices, Big Impact,” an initiative focused on educating elementary school students about anti-bullying and empowering young voices to speak up and stand tall.
Outside of activism and leadership, Ashley channels her creativity through graphic design, having created materials for real estate professionals and senior care facilities. She enjoys sports as well, including club volleyball and competing on her high school’s tennis and swim teams—demonstrating a well-rounded commitment to both physical and personal growth.
Despite her ambitious schedule, Ashley values the beauty of the present moment. She enjoys jazz music, exploring new cafes across San Diego, visiting museums, and relaxing by the beach. These quiet moments keep her grounded and remind her that life is precious.
Ashley Ordaz is not only shaping her own future—she is actively building a path for others to follow. With heart, vision, and relentless drive, she will represent all students in the district by uplifting their voices and empowering them to become leaders.
Student Board Member Alina Nguyen was sworn into office on June 24, 2025, after being one of the top two vote earners in a May 2025 election where more than 3,000 San Diego Unified students cast their ballots.
Alina Nguyen is a proud student representative on the San Diego Unified School Board and a senior at Herbert Hoover High School. A devoted scholar, leader, and community advocate, Alina has spent her high school years immersed in service, scholarship, and leadership development. She is an active member of the Cesar Chavez Service Clubs, where she has helped organize community-driven initiatives such as food drives, canyonland and beach cleanups, and toy and clothing donations. She is also a dedicated participant in the FACES program, the National Honor Society, and the Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program.
Alina is passionate about social justice, ethical leadership, and policy. She authored a policy proposal titled “Combatting Worker Welfare Violations in the Diamond Mining Industry in Southern African Countries,”reflecting her growing interest in global issues and ethical responsibility. She is a proud alumna of the prestigious School for Ethics and Global Leadership, where she deepened her commitment to integrity, diplomacy, and equity in decision-making.
For over 12 years, Alina has also nurtured a love for piano. Music has been a constant companion in her life—a form of expression, reflection, and joy. She finds deep fulfillment in performing for others, aiming to bring comfort and delight through every note she plays. Her performances are acts of love—small offerings of beauty to her community.
In addition to her academic and service commitments, Alina is a well-rounded athlete and artist. She competes on the varsity badminton and tennis teams, has a background in figure skating, and finds joy in creative expression through poetry and writing. She also enjoys gardening, cooking, baking, and relaxing with a favorite boba drink in hand.
Alina's talents span mediums—her winning podcast on capitalism showcases her ability to think critically and communicate thoughtfully. Her time volunteering at Stellar Care, an Alzheimer’s facility, and at Pro Kids has shaped her compassionate approach to leadership and her desire to care for the most vulnerable in our society.
For Alina, leadership is rooted in love. She sees her community as her family and believes that home is not a place, but the people we choose to serve and uplift. Her motivation to serve on the school board is deeply personal: she wants every student, regardless of their background, to feel seen, valued, and empowered. She envisions a district where students lead with purpose and where every voice helps shape the future.
Alina is honored to represent her peers and is committed to bringing authenticity, empathy, and courage to her role on the board. She believes that real change begins when we listen, learn, and lead together—and in true Alina spirit, she's Nguyening It Together every step of the way.
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