About Us
ASWSU Global was founded in 1998 — before distance learning had evolved into the online format that it is currently (at the time, most distance learning was done by mail!). As such, it was the first student government in the country that was created to help provide representation for students earning their degree from a distance.
Distance learning has changed since then, and so has ASWSU Global. After careful consideration and planning throughout the 2019-2020 academic year, ASWSU Global was restructured to provide the events, leadership opportunities, resources, services, and advocacy that Global Campus students have identified as their top priorities.
ASWSU Global migrated in the 2020-2021 academic year from a traditional student government to an executive board with seven paid board members specializing in their respective areas of expertise, along with three specialized committees.
Abigail Chandos, President she/her
Major: Psychology
Minor: Sociology and At-Risk Youth
Expected Graduation: Spring 2024
Current City: Spokane, WA
Contact: global.pres@wsu.edu
Hello everyone! My name is Abigail Chandos, and I am honored to serve as your student body president. I am in my senior year and majoring in Psychology with a double minor in Sociology and At-Risk Youth. I have my sights set on UW for graduate school, and I plan to become a child and adolescent mental health counselor.
I am a stay-at-home mom to my toddler, Noah, and I am a fur mom to two dogs (Odin and Lacey) and two cats (Archer and Ophelia). My wonderful husband, Tyler, works full-time and is also a full-time student at Eastern Washington University, where he is working on his bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering. Needless to say, we have a very busy household!
In my (very limited) free time, you can find me practicing yoga, listening to podcasts, or reading.
I am looking forward to representing and advocating for all Global WSU students. My inbox is always open at global.pres@wsu.edu. Go Cougs!
Chanel Randle, Vice President she/her
Major: Psychology
Minor: Human Development
Expected Graduation: Spring 2024
Current City: Seattle, WA
Contact: global.vp@wsu.edu
Hello,
My name is Chanel Randle. I am in Seattle, Washington. Before coming to WSU Global, I attended Highline College where I received an Associate of Pre-Nursing. Currently, I am pursuing a degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Development. In 2022, I participated in the Guided Pathways IDEAL Fellowship, led by Dr. Jeremiah J. Sims, Ph.D. I successfully completed the Initiative in Diversity, Equity Antiracism and Leadership fellowship that is contributing to impactful equity work in community colleges. In my free time, I am with my daughter and dog or working as an Poshmark Ambassador. I am grateful to be a Coug and I am honored to be your Vice President for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Mia Darnell, Director, Communication and Compliance she/her
Major: Accounting with a focus on Rhetoric Professional Writing
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Current City: Gig Harbor, WA
Contact: global.comm@wsu.edu
Hello my fellow Global Cougs! My name is Josie Mia Darnell, but I go by Mia. I will be your 2023-2024 ASWSUG Director of Communications and Compliance. I currently live in Gig Harbor, Washington with my family. Having traveled across the continents due to my husband’s previous active-duty service, I am glad to finally put down our roots here.
I look forward to serving you this term. If you have any questions, suggestions, or recommendations so we can better meet your needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at global.comm@wsu.edu.
Amber Heinemann, Director, Diversity she/her
Major: Marketing
Expected Graduation: Fall 2024
Current City: Richland, WA
Contact: global.diversity@wsu.edu
Hi, Cougs! My name is Amber Heinemann, and I am excited to be your Director of Diversity for the 2023-2024 school year. This is my first year as a Global Coug, however I attended WSU Pullman for three years, and this is my last year before graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. When I am not focused on my studies, you can find me traveling or trying out new coffee shops or spending time with friends and family.
I am looking forward to this upcoming year and being a part of the ASWUG team. Feel free to reach out with any ideas on what you’d like to see for this upcoming year, as I cannot see what we, as a community, come up with together.
Go Cougs!
Ema Skinner, Director, Events & Logistics any pronouns
Major: English Creative Writing
Expected Graduation: Fall 2024
Current City: Vancouver, WA
Contact: global.events@wsu.edu
Hi everyone, my name is Ema Skinner and I’m so excited to be your Director of Events! I previously attended Clark College and received my AA degree there, now I’m pursuing a Bachelors in English here at WSU Global.
In my free time I love to do all things art related. It’s my life goal to learn all art forms. My favorites so far have been ceramics, theater, photography, writing, and singing, all of which I’ve done actively for many years now. I write a lot of songs and I hope to have the chance to share them someday. Aside from that, I love playing TTRPGs like D&D, and always carry an Uno deck around in my purse in case anyone wants to play.
I’ve always had a passion for getting communities engaged together, whether it be for fun or for productivity. I’m looking forward to seeing other students and making the most of this next year. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns I’d love to speak with you! You can contact me at global.events@wsu.edu
Talei Fatafehi, Director, Finance she/her
Major: Accounting & MIS
Expected Graduation: Spring 2024
Current City: Los Angeles, CA
Contact: global.finance@wsu.edu
Hello,
My name is Talei Fatafehi, I am 24 years old, and I currently reside in Los Angeles, CA. I am currently studying Accounting and MIS as I hope to obtain my CPA once I have enough credits. I love to be outdoors in nature as well as in the ocean. I live by the beach with my cat and dog whom I love like my children (which they are). I will be taking over as Director of Finance for next term, which I am extremely excited about, and I look forward to serving our Global Campus community!
Lauren Kimler, Director, Legislative Affairs she/her
Major: Strategic Communication and Political Science
Expected Graduation: Spring 2024
Current City: Clarkston, WA
Contact: global.dola@wsu.edu
Hello! My name is Lauren Kimler (she/her). I am excited to be a part of the ASWSUG team this year! After graduating from WSU in May of 2024, I plan on attending law school with a focus on environmental law. I am very passionate about the environment and love animals! I have two cats named Clementine and Zephyr! I have spent the past five years working in retail and being a full-time student.
In my free time I enjoy hiking, camping, and thrifting.
I can’t wait to see where this year takes us! Go Cougs!
Trish Tisdale, Director, Promotions she/her
Major: Strategic Communication, Masters
Expected Graduation: Summer 2024
Current City: Port Angeles, WA
Contact: global.promotions@wsu.edu
Hello! My name is Trish Tisdale and I’m excited to serve as your Director of Promotions this year. I am working toward my MA in Strategic Communication. I am originally from Federal Way but now live in Port Angeles where I work as a graphic designer. I enjoy hiking and camping, BMX racing, and taiko drumming. I have two sons who keep me busy, plus two cats and four parakeets.
I’ve enjoyed participating in ASWSUG events in the past and now look forward to helping share events, news and more with the WSU Global community!
