Family Advisory Board

The Family Advisory Board (FAB) is a 24 member group of volunteer San Jose State University parents and supporters, established in 2016 to work with the Department of Student Affairs to enhance student success. FAB members volunteer at SJSU events and assist the University in its outreach efforts, as well as network and conduct parent/family surveys that help us focus on the most important issues for students and their families. Representative Liaisons work with individual departments within the University to help the Board make informed recommendations from the unique perspective of family supporters.

How can I get involved?

We have multiple ways for family members to be involved!

Apply Today!

We are currently accepting Family Advisory Board (FAB) Member applications for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Complete this form to apply to be a member of our Family Advisory Board

Additionally, you can apply to join our Spartan Family Volunteers.  Spartan Family Volunteers are parents and supporters of SJSU students who assist at new student and family events at SJSU.  We are continuously looking for new volunteers to assist our SJSU students and families!

Complete this form to apply to be a Spartan Family Volunteer

If you have any questions or are interested in learning more about these opportunities, please email us at family-advisory-board@sjsu.edu.

Purpose

The Family Advisory Board will:

1. Provide advice and counsel in long-range planning for the University and Department activities, programs, and services.
2. Solicit and provide immediate feedback to the University regarding programs and student activities to enhance and improve the student experience.
3. Aid in the formulation and promotion of goals and objectives for the Department which will be communicated to Parents and Supporters.
4. Encourage and support maximum parent and supporter involvement in the activities of the Department and other University events.
5. Guide and provide feedback on communication between the University and Parents and Supporters
6. Assist the University in identifying and cultivating Parents, Supporters, and others to support the mission of the University. 

Click here to read the FAB Constitution and Bylaws. [pdf]

Ashish Sood (2024-Present) 

Ashish graduated from SJSU with a BA in Hospitality Management. His SJSU legacy continued first with his son and now his daughter. After a short stint working at a local hotel, he fell into the Technical Recruiting field. Today, he is the President of an HR/Ops consulting company, Tripod Networking. In his spare time, he works on his apparel company, Koa Threads. As part of the FAB board he hopes to help the SJSU community grow by working with students and families to further their SJSU campus life.

San Jose, CA | Student: Malie, Kinesiology (2028)

Raj Banakar (2024-Present)

I’m Raj Banakar from the Bay Area, currently working as a Senior Engineering Manager. I’m passionate about supporting the community and have been actively involved with various social and charitable organizations across Silicon Valley. Over the years, I’ve served as a dedicated volunteer, member, and officer in several professional, cultural, and charitable organizations at the local, state, and national levels. I always strive to do justice to any role entrusted to me and have consistently performed my duties with commitment and integrity. I will continue to work toward our shared goal of safeguarding FAB’s interests. In my personal time, I enjoy making new friends, traveling, hiking, running, and partying. :)

San Jose, CA Student: Satvik, Business & MIS (2028)

Anne Krajewski Harbert (2022-Present)

Anne is a proud parent of a San Jose State Sophomore Football player...Go Spartans! She is a native of San Francisco where she’s been active in the community both personally and professionally for many years. Anne has sat on numerous non-profit boards including being the PTA President for two SFUSD schools, George Peabody Elementary School and Roosevelt Middle School. She has a passion for making sure our children have every opportunity afforded to them throughout their educational careers to ensure all students reach their maximum potential in life. Professionally, Anne has been at Salesforce for the past 8 years holding positions in Partner Marketing, Global Partner Events and Executive Communications. Prior to joining Salesforce, she worked for Oracle, e-Travel, and Taleo holding positions in Marketing, Events and Sales Operations. She currently resides in San Francisco with her family. 

San Francisco, CA. Student:  Joseph, Communications (2026)

Ashima Sarin (2024-Present)

Ashima is an author, coach, and wellness instructor with over two decades of experience in the US healthcare industry, working for leading biotech and pharmaceutical organizations. Ashima holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Delhi University and a Master's in Political Science from the University of Minnesota, along with advanced certifications from Cornell, Harvard, and NYU. She teaches qigong, tai chi, and meditation both virtually and at wellness centers throughout San Francisco. Her debut book, 108 Blessings: Alchemy of the Mind, Body and Soul, is available on Amazon and in bookstores worldwide. She is currently working on her second book while also attempting to learn flamenco dancing!

As a mother, Ashima is proud of her son Sumaer, a business major and sophomore at San Jose State University, and her daughter Mehr, a junior at Lowell High School in San Francisco, where the family has resided for the past two decades. She and her husband share a love of cooking, cold plunging, traveling, and taking long walks with their twin terriers. Together, they run a nonprofit called becubed.org, which teaches brain, body, and breath micro-practices for cognitive, emotional, physical and spiritual wellness.

Sonal Bhagwat (2023-Present)

Sonal Bhagwat is the Chief Executive Officer of Vismayalabs Inc., an organization committed to developing innovative products and enhancing the discoverability of small and medium-sized businesses. With an MBA, professional certifications in product management and coding, and extensive experience across diverse fields, she combines strategic leadership with technical expertise to drive impact and growth.

In addition to her professional pursuits, Sonal Bhagwat, actively contributes to the community through volunteer service with organizations such as the Fremont Union High School District and Cupertino Union School District Wellness programs. A long-time resident of San Jose for more than two decades, she values deep community ties and civic engagement.

She is also a proud mother of two children: Sachi Kelkar, a junior studying Computer Science at San José State University, and Saurabh Kelkar, a seventh-grade student. In her personal time, Sonal, enjoys cooking, long walks and hikes, and exploring new artistic and learning opportunities.

Allison Nofziger (2024- Present)

Allison has worked in the political polling and market research industry for almost 20 years. She is thrilled to be a part of FAB's survey committee, that helps to collect the opinions, concerns and feedback from our SJSU parents and guardians. Allison is very excited to be a part of the FAB family to help to contribute to the relationship between SJSU families and the university. She is an Orange County resident and proud parent of a SJSU sophomore who is working towards his goal of becoming a high school teacher. 

Azariah Cole-Shephard (2024-Present)

Azariah Cole-Shephard is a multi-faceted force who thrives in every space that she enters into. In 2022, she became the first Black woman to receive a BS in Electrical Engineering from SJSU in over 10 years. While at SJSU she also served on the inaugural Campus Committee for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and is still a sitting member of the Black Spartan Advisory Council, in addition to FAB. She believes that her participation is integral for making this a better place to study for your student, and her brother Eisiq, a Biomedical Engineering Major. 

She is a trailblazer and continues to shine in the face of adversity. Azariah is the 2016 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate and has ten years of experience as an applied curriculum developer. She has taught at every age level, ranging from pre-school to professional school, and takes pride in her adaptive instructional method, which bridges organic intellectualism, mental wellness, and academia to increase accessibility. Azariah is a registered patent agent, an AI ethics researcher, and is currently advancing her education at Santa Clara University School of Law. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. In her free time, Azariah enjoys traveling, cooking, mentoring youth, learning from elders, community service, and modeling. 

Barinder Suprai (2023-Present)

Yuba City, CA

Student: Karam, Business Adminnistration (2027)

Christina Procopiou (2024-Present)

Kensington, CA: Christina is the proud parent of Luka, a sophomore at San José State University. A Midwestern native, she has spent nearly 20 years raising her family in California while actively supporting schools and education nonprofits, including serving on her local high school PTA board. Professionally, Christina has led communications for mission-driven organizations in science and the environment for 20 years. She is excited to contribute to FAB and its Survey Committee.

Gina Boomershine (2022-Present)

Gina is the proud mom of Jacob, who is a SJSU majoring in Industrial Design in the class of 2027. She is a physical therapist and helps direct a Bay-Area Rehabilitation Center. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, kayaking and drinking coffee. She lives in San Jose with her husband and little dog Dobby. Jacob's older sister, Zoe, graduated from UC Davis in 2022. 

Grayson Pierson-Piggee (2024-Present)

Dr. Grayson Ann Pierson-Piggee, a 1996 Graduate from The University of Iowa College of Dentistry, Doctor of Dental Surgery. She is a noted member of the community with 30 years of service to the San Bernardino County community. For the last sixteen years, she has run her own Dental practices and is currently providing dental care at three locations in San Bernadino County. She offers a wide range of services which includes an emphasis on Children's Dentistry, in addition to General Dentistry services. Dr. Pierson-Piggee serves her community through various avenues including Southern California Academy of General Dentistry, National Dental Association, Punjabi Dental Society, San Bernadino county workforce, The Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.. Dr. Pierson-Piggee is also a lifetime member of Delta Sigma Delta Dental Fraternity. 

Dr. Pierson-Piggee along with her husband, Charles Edward Piggee Jr have four children of which two currently attend other Universities; and two currently attend San Jose State University. Dr. Pierson-Piggee is honored to serve San Jose State University as a Family Advisory Board member. 

Apple Valley, CA | Student: Byrdson, African American Studies (2028)

Jai Srinivasan (2024-Present)

Jai is a proud father of two amazing daughters. Older daughter is a UC Davis Graduate with a Biology major and younger daughter is a sophmore at SJSU pursuing Psycology. Jai has a Masters in Statistics from University of Bombay, India and has worked in the IT industry for more than 30 years. He has a passion for volunteerism, has been involved with the PTA for more than 12 years, and is a elected school board member serving the Berryessa Union School District in San Jose, CA. Jai is excited to be part of the FAB family and looks forward to helping all our students have a fun and successful college life experience. Jai likes k-pop music and has attended several concerts.

Nanette Hamilton (2020-Present)

Nanette is a long-time Bay Area resident having moved here in 1986. She has strong ties to the community serving in a number of positions in Parent Teacher Association (PTA) for her sons’ schools as well as many years serving on the board of local youth sports organizations. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from the University of Oregon. After moving to San Jose, she met and married her husband; a San Jose State alum. Ever since then she has split her collegiate allegiances between the Spartans and the Ducks. Now, her son is a Spartan in the Computer Science program and class of 2024. She looks forward to serving the SJSU community and supporting our students and families through FAB. In her free time she continues to support local youth sports organizations and enjoys traveling, hiking,reading and crafting. 

Fremont, CA | Students: Kyle, Computer Science (2024) and Zachary, Accounting (2026)

Paulette Zades (2023-Present)

Paulette Zades is a San Jose local, arriving in 1994 from Arizona. She came to San Jose as a student to get her bilingual (Spanish) credential at SJSU. She also received her master’s in education, as well as her admin credential fromSJSU. After 30 years in public education (15 years as a teacher and 15 years in Admin positions), she continues to support schools in our city. She is the proud mom of 4 adults and has twin sons at SJSU, starting their 3rd year. Her sons live on campus to enjoy the club life, especially the Sparta gaming club, as well as others. They also attend many educational and social events on campus. Paulette is starting her 3rd year on FAB and enjoys being part of the group supporting communication between families and the university.

Robin Pang-Maganaris, Ed.D. (2022-Present) 

Dr. Robin Pang-Maganaris is a retired educator who was a school principal for 14 years and an elementary teacher for 16 years in the Bay Area.  SJSU played a significant role in Robin's life as an educator as she obtained both her Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential and a M.A. in Elementary Education from SJSU.  She also holds a B.S. in Psychology from Santa Clara University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership for Social Justice from Cal State East Bay. Robin is a Belmont City Council Member since January 2023.  Robin and her husband, Gary, have two children, Kelsey and Steven.  Kelsey is a special education teacher for children with moderate to severe needs. Steven is currently attending SJSU majoring in Aviation -- Professional Flight.  Steven is expected to graduate in 2026.

Soofia Inayat (2022-Present)

Soofia holds an MBA and Graphic Design degrees and is a Mobile App leader in the supply chain risk management industry. She has a passion for design and loves creating meaningful experiences for customers. She is a long-time resident of the bay area and is always looking for opportunities to contribute to the area's success.  Soofia is delighted to be part of FAB working with SJSU to make the university an unforgettable experience for students and families. 

Fremont, CA. | Student: Daniel Tahir, Information Systems (2027)

Tom Graham (2024-Present)

Penryn, CA.

Student: Giulianna, Forensics (2029)

Vasudha Badri-Paul (2023-Present)

San Ramon, CA Student: Meghna Paul, Information Systems (2027) Vasudha Badri-Paul is a technology marketing & sales executive with over 15 years in the technology industry in Silicon Valley. She has worked at corporations such as  GE Digital, Cisco, Intel, and Microsoft as well as lean startups.  Off work, she enjoys walks and hikes in the bay area as well as writing books and screenplays.

Annabel Leyva

Annabel Leyva is an East San Jose native with over twenty years of experience serving the East San Jose community. She studied in local schools, completed her Associate's degree at Evergreen Valley College, a Bachelor's degree at San Jose State University, and a Master's degree at Fuller Theological Seminary. Annabel has extensively partnered with local organizations, churches, and schools in Santa Clara County. Additionally, Annabel has worked on writing projects including: contributing a chapter in Voices Rising: Women of Color Finding & Restoring Hope in the City, research for Spirit Outside the Gate, and translating for a project titled Vision of Spirituality & Rule of Life. Annabel is part of the leadership team as a Co-Chair for East San Jose PEACE partnership. Annabel enjoys singing and spending time with her husband and children in her free time. --- Student: Nathanael Leyva, Molecular Biology/Chemistry (2028)

Davida Lindsay-Bell

Davida Lindsay-Bell is a purpose-driven executive with deep expertise in governance, human capital strategy, and cultural transformation. She has partnered with CEOs, boards, and investors across private equity, venture, public, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen leadership impact, governance effectiveness, and long-term business sustainability.

Currently, as Chief People Officer/CHRO at Hanna Andersson, a premium children’s apparel brand, Davida leads people strategy, organizational culture, internal communications, philanthropy, and social impact. She has guided the company’s cultural transformation and turnaround, embedding a purpose-anchored, high-performance culture to support business recovery and scale.

Her previous leadership includes serving as Chief Human Resources & Inclusion Officer at SFMOMA and senior roles at Imperfect Foods, Kaiser Permanente, and Keurig Dr Pepper.

Davida holds a B.A. in Organizational Behavior from the University of San Francisco, is SHRM-SCP certified, and is a certified coach. She also serves on the National Board of Directors for Grateful Giving, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding the impact of philanthropy. Beyond her professional and board work, Davida is the proud mom of a freshman in SJSU’s College of the Humanities and the Arts.

Natalie Kerns

Natalie Kerns, a proud Bay Area native, is a distinguished expert in Quality and Regulatory Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls, with over 25 years of leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry. As a high-performing, collaborative cross-functional global leader, Natalie is known for her exceptional communication skills, strategic acumen, and ability to bridge the gap between strategy and execution. She inspires teams, champions innovation, and consistently delivers global solutions that drive meaningful impact.

Natalie earned her B.S. in Biology from California State University, Chico, and is deeply committed to advancing education and fostering opportunities within the California State University system, a commitment shaped by her own experiences as an alumna. She has a profound appreciation for the transformative power of learning and is passionate about supporting future generations in achieving their aspirations.

As the proud mother of five children, including a freshman in San José State University's College of Engineering, Natalie channels her dedication to education into mentoring and empowering others to succeed. Her unwavering passion for innovation, collaboration, and helping individuals realize their potential defines both her professional and personal life.

Eloisa Bonilla

Eloisa Bonilla is a Southern California resident and proud parent of two young adults (ages 27 and 18) and two French Bulldogs. With a foundation of a Master’s Degree and a PsyD in Marriage and Family Therapy, Eloisa has paved the way to lead a mental health clinic as the Clinical Director, practice as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in her own private practice, and facilitate Continuing Education as an approved provider through CEPA. She is passionate about mental health, culture, and family systems; has conducted extensive research on the intersection of family systems, culture, and the mental health of students transitioning from high school to college.

Eloisa enjoys traveling to other countries to experience and learn about different cultures and histories. This love for exploration has inspired her now 18-year-old son (a freshman at SJSU) to develop a passion for travel and set a goal of becoming a professional pilot. Her daughter, who has a degree and background in Psychology and Marketing, has become an entrepreneur who uses her skill set to engage communities and develop a media presence.

As a bookworm and experience-seeker, Eloisa reads several books per month while still making time to attend concerts, sporting events, and other activities. Living a balanced life filled with purpose, health, happiness, and values is the intention Eloisa has instilled in herself and her family.

Jocelyn Cole

Fremont, CA

Student: Jaylene, Business Administration/Marketing (2027)

Rama Vijay

With an undergrad in Computer Science & Engineering, and an MBA in Information Systems from India, Rama has built a career in People Operations & Systems across georgraphies & Industries. She is passionate about creating working places that are deeply human and efficient, and is currently exploring how the world of AI is shaping workplaces from a people and HR perspective. 
As the proud parent of a freshman Spartan, her decision to join the FAB was to help create spaces where famiies are informed and involved in their students' success and also be part of programs and initiatives that are aimed at student engagement & success. 
Rama loves travel, food, watching movies, curating meaningful experiences for family & friends, and volunteering with causes focused on poverty alleviation, education, and food insecurity. She is excited to bring her experience, energy, and sense of community to SJSU FAB.