District Student Trustee Election

Meet the Candidates

• Nicholas Bonasera

  Nicholas “Nick” Bonasera was raised with a deep appreciation for service, discipline, and cultural perspective, shaped by his father’s military upbringing in Guam and rural Arkansas and his mother’s experience as an immigrant from the Philippines. Growing up surrounded by servicemembers, he developed an early commitment to leadership and public service.

  In 2018, Nick began his military career as a technician and operator for Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAVs) in the United States Marine Corps. While stationed at Marine Corps Air Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, he was selected as one of twenty technicians to support a high-level mission evaluating the transition from AAVs to Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACVs). Following the successful completion of this demanding, year-long mission, he received a meritorious promotion and graduated from Marine Corps Embassy Security Group School.

  From 2021 to 2024, Nick served with the Department of State as a Marine Security Guard at U.S. diplomatic posts in Tijuana, Mexico; Khartoum, Sudan (evacuated); Johannesburg, South Africa; and Prague, Czech Republic. In these roles, he provided security for diplomatic facilities, safeguarded classified material, and protected senior U.S. officials. He also supported two VIP security missions for Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Mexico City and Addis Ababa. Alongside his security responsibilities, he prioritized community engagement, contributing over 400 hours of service through orphanage outreach, Ramadan food distribution, and cross-cultural programs connecting participants across Europe.

  He currently serves as a Congressional Intern in California’s 10th District, where he manages constituent communications, supports casework operations, and engages with community stakeholders at public events and town halls. 

  Nick’s service has been recognized with two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, including one for his actions during the evacuation of the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum and another for coordinating a medical evacuation for a teammate in critical condition. He has also received the Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, two Meritorious Masts, and multiple Certificates of Commendation for leadership, instruction, and operational excellence.

  He is currently pursuing a degree in political science and plans to continue his education through a dual graduate program in public policy and law, with a focus on constitutional law.

• Luismario Fernandez

  Luismario Fernandez is a dedicated student leader currently serving as Associate Student Body President, representing and advocating for thousands of students across his campus. He is passionate about creating spaces where students feel heard, supported, and connected to opportunities that help them succeed.

  Outside of campus, Luismario is deeply committed to his community, consistently volunteering several days each week to distribute food and clothing to people in need. This experience has shaped his perspective on leadership, emphasizing the importance of consistency, empathy, and staying connected to real experiences.

  Luismario has also represented his college at the National Student Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C., where he advocated for policies affecting students nationwide. Through his leadership and service, he aims to continue making a meaningful impact by listening, representing others with intention, and ensuring no one is overlooked.

• Toby Henstrand

  Toby Henstrand is a political science student at Diablo Valley College. He has worked as an intern for Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and as a campaign manager for Diana Honig, the current President of the Contra Costa Community College District Board of Trustees. He has also worked in AI and media as an editorial associate at Locunity, a startup focused on using AI to augment civic intelligence.

  In addition, he has written on political and economic issues and received recognition from the Harvard Political Review. At DVC, he is involved with the Pride Alliance and serves as a section editor at the DVC Inquirer. His biggest priorities are enhancing student services and protecting basic needs, as well as protecting LGBTQ+, immigrant, and other vulnerable communities.

• Lorenzo Jackson

  Lorenzo Jackson is a Diablo Valley College student with a 4.0 GPA, an ASDVC Student Senator, and a student representative on DVC’s ESP Task Force, where he helps provide student input on decisions that shape the college’s future. Through his leadership and campus involvement, he has built a strong record of advocacy while working to understand and support students' needs across the Contra Costa Community College District.

  As a former foster youth, Lorenzo understands firsthand the challenges many community college students face, including financial pressure, limited guidance, and the need to balance school with work and family. His experience drives his commitment to ensuring students across all three colleges feel heard, supported, and connected to opportunity.

  Lorenzo believes leadership means listening, showing up, and taking action. As both a student leader and an advocate, he is committed to being a strong, grounded voice for students throughout the district.

• Bailey Kenneth Navarro

  Bailey (she/they) is a trans-fem individual who's entering their third year at DVC as a political science major. Currently, she is the inter-club council representative for Film Club and has been in ICC for her full two years in college. Being Hispanic and from the central valley, she knows that diversity and understanding are key to getting around. She grew up around a plethora of religions, ethnicities, gender identities, and sexual orientations, a part of her life that has made her love learning about others from separate walks of life.

  Growing up in a conservative, low-income family, she's learned the importance of accessibility to basic needs, as well as finding accepting and inclusive communities to call home. During anxious times like these, she knows the feeling of living in fear because of who you are, and she empathizes with not having the funds to take care of yourself day to day. She thinks not just DVC, but the entire Contra Costa College district, should not just be a school for students, but a home for everyone who takes a chance on themselves.

  She is proud to run for the district trustee position. As YOUR trustee, she will be running a platform built not for her, but for all of us. She will act not just as a representative but as a voice for those who feel left out by the government. She will advocate for free textbooks for all classes and for doubling the funds for our basic needs programs, so everyone in the district has access to farm-fresh foods that are readily available to eat. She plans to implement more pathways for students after they earn their associate's degree, so transferring is not the only option. If elected, she will be more transparent with the entire student body, as she hopes to host town halls that allow you to communicate your concerns to her while also providing platforms for local heroes in the community.

  She wants you and your friends to feel safe, accepted, and successful in the Contra Costa College district. She is not running to boost her resume or to "stat-pad" her college career; she is running for the teachers, the students, the staff, and the animals that roam our campuses. She is confident they can win.

  We Got This.