Elections


The President serves as the face and leader of the Executive Board, General Council, and RCSA as a whole. They represent the interests of the residents to professional staff and university administration through providing constructive and critical feedback. Additionally, the President is expected to guide the Executive Board to carry out the mission of the RCSA through initiatives and frequent check-ins with the board.

Please read each candidate’s bio, below, and then cast your vote for the 2025-26 RCSA President!

Voting is open from Monday, February 3 - 12:00pm (noon) on Friday, February 14!

Any questions can be directed to the current President, Devyn, at rcsapres@uw.edu.


Meet the candidates!

  • Photo of Yi Zheng Lu-Cohen, a candidate for RCSA President

    Yi Zheng Lu-Cohen (he/him)

    I am running for RCSA president because of your voices. I will prioritize and encourage residents, current or past, to generate ideas that will benefit throughout HFS. I will advocate for you and improve as much and as fast as I possibly can toward your requests. I am, and would be loyal towards you, and discuss to the best of my ability with university leadership to sustain and improve the living quality in the resident halls. If I am allowed during my time as RCSA president, I will visit residential living areas myself and see how things are going on in each hall in person to better understand certain problems that might be difficult to fully comprehend just by telling me. By voting for me, I will work with my team of executive directors to do the best we can with recent updates in certain laws. Improve sustainability, gain insight from the residents, host meetings to solve problems, discuss with university officials, and many more on you, the resident’s behalf.

  • Kathryn Sestero, a candidate for RCSA President

    Kathryn Sestero (she/her)

    “Vote for Kate—Before It’s Too Late!” Hey there, residents! My name’s Kate, and I’m running to be your next RCSA President. Why? Because this campus deserves a leader who’s Kate-pable of turning bright ideas into reality. First and foremost, let’s talk about safety—because we shouldn’t feel in the dark walking around campus. I’ll push for improved lighting across campus and an expanded blue light system to make every corner Kate-er to your safety. Your peace of mind is my top priority! I also believe in Kate-egorical transparency when it comes to pricing. Let’s demystify hidden costs and clarify where your money goes—it’s time to keep things clear and fair for all residents. As for West Campus? I’m determined to make it shine! No more being the underdog—it’s time to rebuild its reputation and make it a place residents can feel proud to call home. And as a passionate vegetarian, I’ll Kate-er to green living by promoting sustainability initiatives, encouraging eco-friendly practices, and ensuring every resident has access to programs that help reduce waste and protect the environment. So, why vote for me? Because I’m ready to take the campus to the next Kate-gory of success. I’ll be your champion, listener, and advocate for a brighter, greener, safer, and more inclusive campus. Remember, it’s not just about who leads but who Kate-rs to you. Let’s make next year better than ever! Vote for Kate!

Timeline

January 17th - RCSA Presidential Intent-to-Run Form Opens

January 29th - RCSA Presidential Intent-to-Run Form and Campaign Request form Closes

January 21st - 5:00 PM - Information Session (Recording will be linked here and in a button above)

February 3rd - Campaigning Begins

February 3rd - Voting Opens

February 5th - Presidential Forum in Madrona 313 at 4:30 pm (will be linked here)

February 14th - 12:00 PM - Campaigning & Voting Ends

February 14th - 5:00 PM - (If necessary) Violations Hearing on Zoom

February 19th - President-Elect Announcement