For the four Lopez sisters, student government is a family affair.
Each of the sisters has either held, currently holds or is about to hold positions within Associated Student Government at Santiago Canyon College.
On a college campus, ASG serves as a student-run government body that advocates for students’ needs, addresses students’ concerns and works to implement initiatives to enhance students’ experience.
The sisters credit their immigrant parents for instilling pride in their daughters, which fostered a desire to influence change in their community through service.
“From a young age, I’ve always been very empathetic toward other people and other cultures, and I’ve always wanted to make a difference and help people feel like they fit in, like there’s a place for them,” said Valerie Lopez, 21, the second-oldest of the sisters and third to participate in ASG.
“I think we all kind of share that, and we’ve always wanted to make anything or anywhere we’re part of better. I think as a family, it has led us to want to be a part of something bigger. And so, I think it’s just a great place for us.”
Tania Lopez, 26, the oldest sister, was the trailblazer, getting involved in ASG at SCC and setting a high bar for her younger sisters.
After graduating from SCC, Tania earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Chapman University, with a minor in law.
Tania, who currently sells real estate while working toward a degree in real estate law, is thrilled to see her younger sisters find their own voices and make an impact through ASG involvement.
“It’s a full-circle moment for me,” she said, “seeing my sisters involved in the same community activities that I once was. It almost feels like it’s becoming a family tradition, which is really special.”
Valerie Lopez, who is the incoming ASG vice president, started at Fullerton College, took some time off and then enrolled in SCC, getting involved in ASG during the 2024-25 academic year.
Kayla Lopez, 19, is the incoming president and Darla Lopez, 17, is entering her first semester and has committed to joining ASG.
Kayla said that early in her first semester at SCC she initially felt nervous and unsure about her path. But when she visited the ASG booth at a campus resource event, she liked the vibe and was inspired by the diversity among ASG officers. So, she decided to join.
Tania’s involvement a few years earlier was also a motivating factor.
“My oldest sister, Tania, was the one who told me she chose to go to SCC because it’s a smaller campus,” Kayla said. There are lots of resources, and it’s easier to navigate the campus.”
The structure of the ASG is akin to that of the U.S. government, divided into three branches.
The president oversees a 10-member cabinet of commissioners who focus on different areas of the college.
Cabinet members include commissioners of sustainability, publicity, recruitment, athletics and other areas.
The ASG vice president oversees 10 senators, who are either elected or appointed and serve as the legislative body.
The judiciary branch ensures that the ASG bylaws are followed.
All ASG officers are expected to adhere to certain academic standards to hold office, including enrollment in at least five units at SCC and maintaining a GPA of at least 2.0.
Kayla Lopez’s first position in ASG was as the commissioner of athletics, which she held for a year and a half before becoming the director of outreach.
She plans to pursue several initiatives during her term as ASG president.
One of her goals is to create a billboard on campus where students can advertise their businesses, believing it will help students succeed and grow their ventures.
She would also like to see more public art on campus by organizing mural submission competitions.
Valerie Lopez worked on the initiative to have one student trustee represent SCC and another student trustee represent Santa Ana College, the other college in the Rancho Santiago Community College District.
Previously, one student trustee represented both colleges.
Kayla and Valerie have been actively involved in supporting undocumented students and are working to establish a Latinx Center on campus to provide resources and support for the Latino community.
“Being involved in the community is valuable, and even the smallest contributions can make a difference,” Tania Lopez said. “It reminds me of something (Associate) Dean Justin Cruz … of Fowler School of Law at Chapman University, once said. ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ ”