MEET THE BOARD
President
Elvin Carey IV
Hey there! My name is Elvin, and I’m a third-year Management Information Systems (MIS) major here at SJSU. I currently serve as the President of the Residence Hall Association (RHA), marking my second year on the Executive Board. I’m honored to continue helping shape an engaging and inclusive community within SJSU Housing.
You can usually find me studying in one of our resource centers or attending various club meetings across campus. Some of my favorite RHA events so far have been Back to School Meltdown and Fright Fest, both filled with great energy, laughter, and unforgettable moments!
Vice President of Leadership Development
Jake Shimada
My name is Jake Shimada, and I will be serving as RHA’s VP of Leadership Development for my 3rd term! I am a 4th year Business MIS major here at SJSU. Outside of school, I’m the President of the SJSU Car Club and also an ukulele artist, which allows me to blend creativity, leadership, and community in unique ways.
I joined becausehave a real passion for creating events that bring people together. Some of the events I’ve helped organize include Performative Fest, Not So Silent Disco, Polaroid & Pose, Give Thanks, the F1 Watch Party, and Casino Night each one an opportunity for students to connect and build memories.
My goal this year is to bring a leadership summit with real opportunities for students. Giving them pathways and professional development skills past just being a housing resident!
Vice President of Administration and Finance
Somto Obasi
My name is Somto, and I’m a third-year student majoring in Management Information Systems. This is my 2nd year serving in RHA, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to bring my creativity and organization skills into our events and initiatives. Being part of a team that turns ideas into experiences has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my time at SJSU. Some of my favorite events so far have been the Holiday Extravaganza and Spartan Fright Fest both of which reminded me how powerful community and collaboration can be when everyone contributes their unique talents.
As your elected VP of Administration and Finance I will work diligently on not losing or misusing your money. I have lived in housing for 3 years and owe it to this community to uphold the integrity of this position. As we are all getting accustomed to moving back on campus I encourage y’all to be open to new experiences and socializing at our events (safely)! I hope you’re ready for this new school year to start and enjoy the events we have planned out!
National Communications Coordinator
Skyy Mahaney
My name is Skyy Mahaney and I am a second-year Kinesiology major and currently serves as the National Communications Coordinator (NCC) for the Residence Hall Association.
I joined RHA to build community, represent residents, develop social and professional skills, and make meaningful connections.
Throughout my involvement, I have gained leadership experience, formed connections across campus, strengthened her communication skills, and built confidence in advocacy.
Looking ahead, I hope to leave RHA with a long-lasting impact, stronger professional skills, and a name recognized for involvement and resident engagement.
A fun fact about me!: I designed the RHA stickers!
Vice President of Engagement
Ki’Donyae Bell
My name is Ki’Donyae Bell, and I’ll be serving as RHA’s Vice President of Engagement for the 2025–2026 school year! I am majoring in Computer Science & Linguistics here at San José State University.
I joined RHA because I truly love bringing people together through meaningful events and shared experiences. Some of the programs I’ve helped plan include Spartan Kickback, Preformative Festival, and Monstober, each one designed to help students feel welcomed, involved, and part of something bigger.
My goal this year is to make every event unforgettable while creating more opportunities for residents to connect, have fun, and feel at home here at SJSU!
Vice President of Marketing & Outreach
Chinonye Oha
My name is Chinonye Oha, and I’m from Antioch, CA. I am a 3rd year Psychology major. I am RHA’s Vice President of Marketing and Outreach, which means I manage the social media and all other forms of marketing for RHA, whether it be merchandise or events! I joined RHA because I saw what they did during my first 2 years of being a housing resident, and I wanted to be a part of that. I want to make a positive impact on my campus community and create events that bring residents together. I’ve always loved planning, connecting people, and finding creative ways to make everyone feel included. RHA gave me the space to do that! Being on the board has brought me so much knowledge and opportunities.
As your elected VPMO, one of my biggest goals is to create a welcoming environment for all residents coming back to campus. Having previous experience within housing, I was able to meet some of my closest friends and really grow as a person through RHA. With that, I’d love to build those same experiences and memories for y’all this coming year! I also love meeting new people, so don’t be afraid to wave hi if you see me on campus! I look forward to an amazing time with everyone back and can’t wait for y’all to see what RHA has planned this year. :)