Katie Karroum (Communication Studies) and Iman Khan ’24 (Health Care Administration) were sworn into office in June 2024, ready to take on their new roles as Associated Students president and vice president/chief operating officer, respectively.
Karroum, a rising senior, and Khan, a graduate student studying public health, spoke with CSUN Newsroom about their roles. The conversation shed light on how deeply personal experiences influence their approaches to leadership and the upcoming projects they are passionate about this academic year, such as unity among students.
Note: answers have been lightly edited for length, clarity and CSUN Newsroom style.
Q: What made you get involved in AS? Have you been in student government before?
Katie Karroum: From a young age, I sought out ways to get involved in my school and community, initially as a way to spend time outside the house. Over time, however, this evolved into a deep passion for interpersonal communication and building connections. In the summer of 2021, I attended a virtual “Meet the Clubs/Orgs” event and joined the Associated Students (AS) breakout room. That year, I joined Lobby Corps (a subcommittee of the AS Senate who work alongside the chair of Legislative Affairs) and ran for a seat on the AS Senate representing lower division students, securing the position. My involvement in leadership started in high school when I held officer positions in two of the largest clubs as well as being a part of ASB (Associated Student Body).
Iman Khan: I got involved, because I was super uninvolved. As a transfer student, my entire first year at CSUN was spent being your stereotypical commuter student. I realized I wasn’t happy with how I was choosing to treat my college experience, and made a commitment to myself to get involved. I found AS through an Instagram ad and just went for it and applied to be a senator for the College of Health and Human Development — which absolutely changed my college experience, and life, for the better. The ad brought me to AS, and the community is what kept me in AS.
Q: How does your personal background/identity influence your way of leadership?
KK: Growing up in a traditional household as the child of Syrian immigrants, I’ve often found myself navigating the disconnect between my parents’ views on education and my own aspirations. Additionally, being queer and non-gender conforming, I never quite fit into any particular crowd, especially since I attended smaller schools where differences were more pronounced. These experiences have fueled my passion for leadership, as I’ve learned that true leadership is about embracing who you are and refusing to conform to others’ expectations. I realized that being a leader isn’t about fitting in; it’s about standing up for what’s right, even if it means standing alone, and making a difference that challenges the status quo.
IK: As an Indian-Muslim-American woman, I take immense pride in my diverse background and heritage. I am deeply aware of the challenges and biases that people face based on their identity because I have experienced them myself. I strive to foster a culture where diversity is celebrated, and every individual’s voice is respected. By doing so, I hope to not only lead effectively but also inspire others to embrace justice and kindness in their interactions and leadership styles.
Q: Who or what has been your biggest inspiration and drive for success?
KK: My mother has been my greatest inspiration and driving force for success, though perhaps not in the most conventional way. Our relationship was often strained, and it was difficult to get her to understand the significance of my passions and the paths I wanted to pursue. She was the hardest person for me to reach, and because of the challenges in our relationship, I’ve grown into someone who listens more, judges less, and embraces new perspectives. Unfortunately, my mother passed away this past April, in the midst of the AS elections. Her passing made me realize that I owe my presidency to her, and I am committed to becoming the best person I can be in her honor.
IK: Recently, my biggest inspiration and drive for success is my niece. I want to be a role model for her, demonstrating that it’s possible to achieve great things and to always strive for excellence.
Q: What are some plans and ideas you are implementing this upcoming school year?
KK: My primary focus is on fostering unity, both within Associated Students and across the entire student body. I’m committed to elevating the voices of our student leaders in clubs and organizations at CSUN, as I believe they play a crucial role in driving student spirit, growth and character development. I also plan to work on making our organization more transparent to the student body, exploring ways to better inform students about what our board of directors is discussing and voting on.
IK: We plan to actively reach out to students in their own spaces and levels of comfort, whether that’s physically on campus or through virtual platforms, to provide them with the services and support we offer. We are also placing a strong emphasis on collaborating with identity-based clubs and organizations on campus. By fostering these partnerships, we aim to create a more inclusive environment where all students feel represented and supported, ensuring that AS is a resource and advocate for every student at CSUN.
Q: Does AS have any election year related event plans?
KK: We have these events in the making and are being headed on by our chair of Legislative Affairs. More details to come!
IK: Big P.A.R.T.Y (Political Awareness, Registration, Turnout, Youthquake) is going to take place the day before voting day, Nov. 4. This event aims to educate students about voter registration, current political issues, campaigns and propositions that directly affect them. We want to promote political engagement and awareness among students.
Q: What’s your favorite memory at CSUN so far?
KK: My favorite memory at CSUN is from my University 100 class during my freshman year. I took this class in the Fall of 2021, when COVID regulations were still in effect. The U100 course was my only fully in-person class at the time, and it offered a sense of intimacy and camaraderie that reminded me of high school. Beyond the valuable resources the class provided, the small, friendly setting allowed me to form friendships that were innocent and genuine. That class and the friendships I made showed me that it’s possible to build meaningful, close-knit relationships even on such a large campus.
IK: Graduating with my undergraduate degree! Knowing that I would be returning as a graduate students and as the AS VP made it all even better, knowing I would have the opportunity to create a culture that helps students get to graduation day with support, memories, and a fulfilling college experience.
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