The University of Houston Residence Hall Association (RHA) and National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) support students by providing programing and advocating for on-campus residents. Read on to get to know more about the 2023-24 RHA executive board members. Attend upcoming RHA programming to meet them in person!
Alyssa Green
President, 2023-24 RHA
Senior, Liberal Studies – Pre-Law
Hometown: Frisco, Texas
Residence Hall: University Lofts
Why did you seek out a leadership position with the RHA?
I sought out a leadership position with the RHA because I want to be involved with students who are just like me. I want to highlight the diversity of our campus by getting involved in student advocacy and leadership positions. I want a chance to use my platform to highlight other students.
What has been your favorite memory since joining the RHA?
My favorite memory has been our annual Lunar New Year event. It has been happening for two years now, and every year it has gotten bigger and better. I believe that it is the pinnacle of what the RHA is: an opportunity for student leaders to provide programming for students on campus that showcases the diversity of our campus and creates lasting friendships.
What advice would you give to someone who is undecided on getting involved?
To the student that is undecided, I would tell them the quote that is on my wall. “You've got everything it takes, it will take everything you've got.” Students often think that they are unqualified for positions or opportunities on campus. Do not count yourself out. You have a unique story to tell and it can impact so many people. Taking that first step is the most important.
Eshal Warsi
NRHH President, 2023-24
Junior, Political Science
Hometown: Cypress, Texas
Residence Hall: The Quad
Why did you seek out a leadership position with the RHA?
I sought out a leadership position on the RHA because I wanted to make residents feel like they are welcome. As someone who moved to the U.S. only four years ago, I know how isolating it can be moving to a new place. As NRHH president, I hope we can involve residents in service projects that support the Third Ward Community.
What has been your favorite memory since joining the RHA?
My favorite memory since joining RHA has been our weekly executive meetings. It is so much fun brainstorming ideas and coming up with creative ways to support our residents!
What advice would you give to someone who is undecided on getting involved?
College is all about challenging yourself and learning how to navigate new situations. Getting involved is the single best way to learn more about yourself. You learn more about your communication style, make new connections and learn how to work in a team. Not only are these skills applicable to academic life, but they also translate to real-life situations.
Gabrielle Kostecki
Vice President of Programming, 2023-24 RHA
Mathematical Biology
Hometown: Tomball, Texas
Residence Hall: The Quad
Why did you seek out a leadership position with RHA?
I wanted to get involved on campus during the pandemic, especially since everything was online my freshman year.
What has been your favorite memory since joining the RHA?
I have made so many friends through the RHA and still hang out with a lot of those people even after they left Hall Council.
What advice would you give to someone who is undecided on getting involved?
Do not count yourself out of a position or application because you feel unqualified. Push yourself to apply to leadership roles and programs that are a reach!
Bailey Payne
Vice President of Administration, 2023-24 RHA
Junior, Public Relations
Hometown: Charleston, South Carolina
Residence Hall: Cougar Place
Why did you seek out a leadership position with the RHA?
This is my second year on the RHA Exec board. As an out of state student making a community in the residence hall, I lived in was very important to me, especially in my first year. I joined Cougar Village II Hall Council and became involved with RHA, I created relationships with the executive board and when the opportunity came up to join the board, I knew I wanted to because it meant I could bring that sense of community to all residents and not just the residents in my hall.
What has been your favorite memory since joining the RHA?
My favorite memory is not specific, but it is the many, MANY Moody dining hall trips that we would take after our exec meetings last year. I made my best friends through RHA and those relationships started by sharing a meal in Moody.
What advice would you give to someone who is undecided on getting involved?
Getting involved is the best decision I ever made. Not only does it set you up for success post-grad, it also helps you form relationships and lifelong connections with people who have a similar drive and passion as you. All of my best friends have come from getting involved, and I've met so many amazing people through Student Housing and Residential Life.
Omar Castanon
National Communication Coordinator, 2023-24 RHA
Strategic Communications
Hometown: Tomball, Texas
Residence Hall: Cougar Place
Why did you seek out a leadership position with the RHA?
I sought this position with RHA because I wanted to continue getting involved on campus and working with a larger student population to ensure students felt seen and welcomed. I wanted to help make an impact on students through my work and be involved as much as I could to accomplish this.
What has been your favorite memory since joining the RHA?
My favorite memory since joining the RHA is going to the University of Texas to represent the University of Houston at our Regional Conference. Through this conference, I was able to connect with other students from different campuses. This experience allowed me to engage at a regional level while winning in different categories at this conference.
What advice would you give to someone who is undecided on getting involved?
I would tell this student to start small by attending events on campus with friends and having them at the events provided on campus. These experiences will ultimately shape your time here at the university. Being involved on campus has opened many doors, allowing me to meet a wide range of students and make new friends.
Kaleb Vu
Vice President of Administration, 2023-24 RHA
Junior, Public Relations
Hometown: Jackson, Mississippi
Residence Hall: Cougar Place
Why did you seek out a leadership position with the RHA?
Coming into my first year, I was completely unsure of what I wanted to do. Hall Council was the first leadership position I ever heard about, so I took the chance to apply. I am grateful for all the doors it has opened for me and the experiences I have gained.
What has been your favorite memory since joining the RHA?
One of the first Hall Council events that my team hosted was a trivia night. It was truly amazing facilitating and creating friendships between many new faces while also bonding as a Hall Council team.
What advice would you give to someone who is undecided on getting involved?
Organizations like the RHA help you gain the experience necessary to apply to new positions and roles, so take the chance to apply to what interests you! You will not regret it