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.
Sierra Grindle, President she/her/hers
Major: Business Administration Management
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Current City: Southwest Harbor, Maine
Contact: global.pres@wsu.edu
Hello all,
My name is Sierra Grindle and I am so excited to be your ASWSUG President. I am starting my senior year as a Business Administration Management major and have always had a passion for the business world. I am excited for my senior year and entering the business world after graduation!
I was born and raised in Southwest Washington and love the PNW. After highschool I finished up my associates degree at Lower Columbia College then married my husband whom I have known since preschool and moved to Maine!
Some fun facts about me are I barrel raced from ages one and a half to 20 years old, grew up on an original homestead farm, and have a four year old chiweenie named Stella that travels with me everywhere I go, including plane rides back and forth between Maine and Washington.
I am excited to start this year with everyone and represent Global Campus, Go Cougs!!
Mia Darnell, Vice President she/her
Major: Accounting; English – Rhetoric and Professional Writing
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Current City: Gig Harbor, WA
Contact: global.vp@wsu.edu
Hello my fellow Global Cougs! My name is Josie Mia Darnell, but I go by Mia. I am greatly honored to serve as your 2024-2025 ASWSUG Vice President. This will be my second term as an ASWSUG executive board member. My last term, I served as the Director of Communications and Compliance. It was both a wonderful learning and immersive experience for me and I look forward to more discoveries and inspirations that I can find to better serve you.
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.vp@wsu.edu.
Go COUGS!
Rikki Butler-Marsh, Director, Communication and Compliance she/her
Major: Social Science: Concentrations in Psychology, Communication, and Human Development
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Current City: Lacey, WA
Contact: global.comm@wsu.edu
I’m thrilled to be taking on the role of Director of Communication and Compliance at ASWSUG. My interests lie in social sciences, with a focus on psychology, communication, and human development. I’m dedicated to understanding how these disciplines can improve interpersonal dynamics and organizational behavior.
Outside of work and school, I am deeply passionate about travel and aspire to explore as much of the world as possible. I also find solace in nature through camping and enjoy the transformative power of live music. At home, I share my life with two cherished cats. Additionally, I have a strong interest in animal rescue and am committed to supporting efforts that make a positive impact on the lives of animals in need.
I am incredibly excited to be a part of the ASWSUG team. I look forward to bringing my unique perspective to ASWSUG, contributing to its mission, and making a positive impact on student life!
Amber Heinemann, Director, Diversity she/her
Major: Marketing
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Current City: Richland, WA
Contact: global.diversity@wsu.edu
Hello, Global Cougs!
My name is Amber Heinemann, and I am excited to be your Director of Diversity for the 2024-2025 school year! This is my second year serving as the ASWSUG Director of Diversity, and I could not be happier to continue this role during my last year at WSU. I attended WSU Pullman for three years and after taking a break in my education, I decided to return as a Global Coug. I was born into a Coug family and have always known that I wanted to graduate from Washington State University. I will be graduating in May 2025 with a 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 my friends and family. I frequently travel to Pullman to visit my older sister and brother-in-law (and their pups, Peach and Hattie), so you can catch me cheering on the Cougs throughout the year at home games!
I am looking forward to this upcoming year and being a part of the ASWSUG team. Feel free to reach out with any ideas on what you’d like to see for this upcoming year in terms of events. I can’t wait to 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: Spring 2025
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.
Seiji Naotsuka, Director, Finance he/him
Major: Economics
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Current City: Olympia, WA
Contact: global.finance@wsu.edu
Hi, everybody!
My name is Seiji Naotsuka, and I’m the Director of Finance for ASWSUG. I look forward to overcoming the challenges and enjoying the opportunities that this position will have in store.
As a child, I lived abroad for five years, and that experience has offered me a global perspective. I’ve also been an online student since junior high school, and until now, my extensive experience with distance learning has granted me an adroit picture of how students learn to navigate themselves via remote instruction.
With that being said, I’ve been introduced to many things that push me out of my comfort zone and into the learning zone. I will continue to expand my repertoire and become properly acquainted with the students of WSU Global campus by serving the student government.
Cristal Alatorre, Director, Legislative Affairs she/her
Major: Humanities
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Current City: Tri-Cities, WA
Contact: global.dola@wsu.edu
Hello everyone! I am honored and excited to serve as your 2024-2025 DOLA.
I am in my senior year and majoring in Humanities. I am from Tri-Cities, WA (born and raised) and in my free time I love to travel and meet new people. My favorite thing to try when traveling are local coffee shops and local restaurants.
My professional background is in clinical operations and reproductive health, which is where my passion for advocacy stems from. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to hearing from you on how I can best serve you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions/suggestions/concerns- global.dola@wsu.edu
Adela Kongdara, Director, Promotions she/her/hers
Major: Accounting
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Current City: Pasco, WA
Contact: global.promotions@wsu.edu
Hey there! My name is Adela Kongdara, and I could not be more thrilled to be your Director of Promotions for the 2024-2025 term! After completing my AA degree at Columbia Basin College, I have now set my sights on a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, with a major in accounting at WSU Global.
Beyond the classroom, you will often find me immersed in cozy online games with friends and family, indulging in the latest TV shows and movies, and embarking on an adventure to discover new food and drinks places wherever I am. Additionally, I believe that there are lots of things to do and places to see that I just haven’t done or gone to yet, so I am always interested in new opportunities even if they initially make me a bit nervous at first.
I appreciate the dedication of ASWSUG in enriching our online experience through delightful events and supportive reimbursement programs. That is why I am honored to be part of the ASWSUG team, and I am eager to spread the word about these fantastic initiatives to our incredible Global Campus community!
