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!

We are currently accepting Family Advisory Board (FAB) Member applications for the 2023-2024 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]

Family Advisory Board Event Calendar [pdf]

• "FAB Fall 2020 Surveys: Thank you. November. 2020" [pdf]
• "2020 Fall Surveys by the SJSU Family Advisory Board." October. 2020 [pdf]
• "2020-2021 Board Meeting Dates." September. 2020 [pdf]
• "2019-2020 Survey: Thank You" September. 2020 [pdf]
• "Black Lives Matter: A Statement from the SJSU Family Advisory Board" June. 2020 [pdf]

Chair: 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. 

Vice Chair: Sajal Sahay (2020-Present)

Sajal is the proud father of a fourth year SJSU student, majoring in Aerospace Engineering. He has previous University Board level experience, serving on the Global Alumni Board of the University of Chicago. Sajal’s passion is helping students maximize their student life during their college years and upon graduation, especially as relates to their career aspirations. Sajal is currently a fractional CMO at Chief Outsiders, and Co-founder/CEO of Oodles Corporation. He has worked in leadership roles at well-known organizations such as Fairchild Semiconductor, Hewlett-Packard, Philips, Bausch & Lomb, Arthur Andersen & IBM. He has a B.A. in Economics from the University of Chicago, and an MBA in Marketing & General Management from IESE Business School in Barcelona, Spain. He is also a graduate of the d.School Design school at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Secretary: Stacy Percell, Ed.D. (2021-Present)

Dr. Stacy Percell is a mother of two daughters and a stepmother to two daughters,  two of whom are attending SJSU currently as Freshman. Her passions include family, education, research, gardening, and painting. She is currently an Executive Leadership Coach with a County Office of Education near where she lives, and has been a School Principal and District Assistant Superintendent previous to her current work. Stacy received her Master’s Degree in Special Education and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Curriculum & Instruction. She has teaching experience in the General Education setting and Special Education at the elementary level and secondary level. Stacy decided to apply to the Family Advisory Board because she wants to give back by volunteering and helping in areas that she is passionate about like Special Education and Education for English Learners. She currently resides in Clovis, California with her husband, and is so excited for the FAB experience this year with SJSU.

Spartan Family Volunteers Coordinator: Lisa Ball (2016-Present)

Lisa Ball grew up in San Jose and graduated from the Academy of Art College in San Francisco. After 20 years of creating business graphics for Silicon Valley companies, she moved to Sunol, CA to raise a family in a rural community. She was very involved with the local k-8 public school for the 14 years her children attended. Her son, a 2020 graduate in Software Engineering, chose SJSU because it's in the heart of Silicon Valley.  Her daughter is a Theatre Arts major expecting to graduate in 2024.

Events Coordinator: Annie Kwong (2021 - Present)

Annie is grateful to have the opportunity to serve on the FAB.  Her unbridled enthusiasm for community, and ensuring that the voices of those members are heard are what bring her here.  Event coordination, project management, and relationship building are what she enjoys most.  Prior to joining FAB, she dedicated her energy to creating and supporting programs at her 4 kids’ schools (Eastin, IVCMS & JLHS), and their competition teams (TruDance, JLHS Choir, UCALL). As a former collegiate adviser and regional officer for Alpha Phi for 15 years, she has a special affinity for clubs and organizations, and Associated Students, both of which will be her focus as a FAB member.  Annie’s Spartan is Kaili, English ‘25. She is also mom to Ryan, Kiana, and Melody, and has been married to her college sweetheart, Stan, for over 20 years.  She holds a B.A. in Mass Communications from Cal State University Hayward (now East Bay) and works for Genentech, where she is also involved in community activities and diversity labs. In what spare time she has, she enjoys concerts, musical theatre, and watching her kids' performances.

Liaisons Coordinator: Jim Schulze (2022-Present)

Jim is an Orange County resident and thrilled his son is enrolled at San José State as a freshman majoring in Political Science.  Jim has spent his career as an executive in the foodservice industry, culminating in serving as President/CEO of a foodservice supply company.  Currently Jim is President/COO of a data technology company and leads a Vistage group as a Chair.  Besides working, Jim has 2 daughters attending Santa Margarita Catholic High School and is married to Susan.  Jim is the President and founder of the Santa Margarita Dad’s Club and also works on several corporate boards.  Jim is an avid cyclist, both road and mountain bikes, and leads many local rides in the southern California area.  Jim is a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

Terry Ramos (2017-Present)

Terry is a graduate of Mission College. She is an Accountant II employed by the Santa Clara County Housing Authority since 1985. Living one mile away from SJSU, she is the treasurer of her neighborhood association (SKNA-Spartan Keyes Neighborhood Association) and involved in organizing the annual National Night Out event and neighborhood Sock Drive for the Homeless. Terry is the proud mother of a current SJSU student and mother, mother-in-law, and sister of SJSU alumni. She is also the proud daughter of a Spartan Shops Food Services retiree. Her daughter, Aimée is pursuing a degree in Biomedical Engineering. Aimée is a member of the SJSU Women's Club Sport Rugby Team. Terry, bilingual in Spanish/English, is honored to be serving on the Family Advisory Board (FAB) and looks forward to meeting new students and their parents at one of the numerous events that the New Student and Family Programs Division of Student Affairs has planned this year. 

Mariana Garcia Serrato (2018-Present)

Born and raised in Mexico City, Mariana graduated with a B.S. in Biochemistry from Universidad La Salle, and worked in the pharmaceutical industry for several years before moving to California. After being a full-time parent to her two children for a while, and volunteering in their classrooms, she decided that she could best effect change in the educational system by becoming a teacher herself and obtained a teaching credential from SJSU in 2010. She currently teaches middle school science in San Jose and finds joy in making her content available to her students in a variety of ways. Mariana’s two children attend SJSU. Her son is pursuing a degree in History, aiming to graduate in 2022, and continuing on to the teacher credentialing program. Her daughter is pursuing a degree in animation and is expected to graduate in 2023.

Michael O'Connell (2019-Present)

Michael is retired from the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC). As a Product Manager in the Engineering and Construction Management department, he oversaw IT (Information Technology) Capital projects. Michael is also a graduate from UCSC, where he studied Computer Science and Business Management Economics. His spare time is spent on home remodeling projects, gardening, reading, learning, fitness, and fun outdoor activities. His son Sean is an Environmental Studies major with a double minor in Environmental Restoration and in Philosophy, graduating in Spring 2023. He is living on campus, enjoys performing, (singing, dancing, jazz/blues piano, gymnastics), public speaking, podcasting, fitness related activities, photography, videography, and especially being with his new friends and the vibe of SJSU. His love of hiking, surfing, and nature brings him home to Santa Cruz often.

George Papazian (2019-Present)

George is the founder and CEO of Naviscent (naviscent.com) a market/usability research consulting company working with the worlds most recognized brands.  Originally from New York City, George has a degree in Finance/Management from NYU and moved to Silicon Valley, the center of the technology universe in 1991.  George has been on several volunteer and non-profit boards including Red Cross, Silicon Valley where he was chair of the development committee for 4 years.   He also served as a member of the board of directors of the Oracle Usability Advisory Board for many years.  He joined the SJSU Family Advisory Board to help work on issues affecting students and parents and especially to make sure students have the opportunity to graduate in four years and have solid internship opportunities along that path and career opportunities upon graduation.  His daughter Aline is studying Marketing as part of the class of 2023.

Michael Mc Adoo (2020-Present)

Michael was born in Detroit and grew up in the Washington, DC and Columbia, MD areas. He graduated from Howard University with a BA in Sociology and a minor in Gerontology. He graduated post grad from Antioch University, Los Angeles with a MA in Clinical Psychology. He has worked with at risk youth and adults diagnosed with mild to severe mental illness for over 40years. He has served on the board of Healthy Babies Alameda County, Starlight Homes of San Francisco and New Direction Group Home in Washington, DC. In addition to working in Social Services, Michael has worked in the shipping industry for over 20 years. He was appointed to the Contra Costa County Aviation Advisory Board by Supervisor Federal Glover. Michael is a proud father of Charles Mc Adoo a freshman Baseball recruit at San Jose State University. Charles is majoring in Communications and is currently living on campus. Charles is a member of the class of 2024. Michael is a new FAB member, looking forward to helping students find their path and supporting the university in its goal of improving the students experience and success.

Joanne Marchione (2020-Present)

As the inaugural international representative on the Family Advisory Board, Joanne was born, raised and lives in Melbourne, Australia.  She graduated from RMIT University in Medical Radiations and further post graduate studies in Ultrasonography.  After 10 years in her chosen career, she stepped away to become a ‘stay-at-home’ mum. Joanne took on various volunteer positions during her children’s schooling, from Pre-School President to fundraising coordinator for Jesuit Missions. Joanne was an avid executive member of multiple parent associations. Her son, Nick, is an international student athlete on the Water polo team at SJSU, majoring in Anthropology. 

Sheran Honneyman (2021-Present)

Sheran was born and raised on the east coast. Sheran lived in Pennsylvania, Delaware, South Carolina, and Georgia prior to moving to California in 1983, where she graduated from college. She accepted a management position with a national chain store which she left to run the family business. She holds a Real Estate license in two states, California and Pennsylvania. She also has experience in International sales of properties in Mexico. Sheran’s professional networking ranges from the local to national as well as international. Her daughter is pursuing a degree in advertising and is expected to graduate in 2024.

Padma Uppalapati (2021 - Present)

Padma is an engineering team leader, building software solutions for service providers in 5G networks. She Is a passionate problem-solver and a people person in both her professional and volunteering roles. She is dedicated to driving various enrichment education programs in STEM for both neurodiverse and neurotypical students. Over the years she has held various volunteer leadership positions promoting programs including Challenge Based Learning through Destination Imagination competition, Computational Thinking, and Girl Scouts. Additionally, she is mentoring several college students to succeed in their college studies, career exploration and early careers. Her daughter Sriya is a freshman as a business major in the class of 2025.

Avani Solanki (2021 - Present)

Avani has done Master’s in Clinical Psychology and is currently working as a Behaviour Interventionist with the Evergreen School District. Avani loves dancing, so she started her own dance academy to share her love and passion for dance with others.  She has a son, who is a Freshman in SJSU and wants to major in BioMedical Engineering. Avani is excited to be part of FAB and work with the University to make the students and families years at San Jose State a positive experience and a memorable one.

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 will begin a new role as a Belmont City Council Member in 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.

Ramesh Dontha (2022-Present)

Ramesh Dontha is a serial entrepreneur, Angel investor, Bestselling author, and a podcast host. As the founder & CEO of Digital Transformation Pro, Ramesh helps organizations use the latest technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things to accelerate their businesses. Ramesh is on the Dean's Advisory Board of University of California, Irvine's Paul Merage School of Business and advises & mentors many startups across multiple incubators. Ramesh is a member of Rotary club and enjoys serving the local community as part of Rotary club and Rotary Foundation. As the proud Dad of a 2026 SJSU Lucas Business School student, Ramesh is eager to contribute to Spartan success.

Gina Boomershine (2022-Present)

Gina is the proud mom of Jacob, who is a SJSU majoring in Graphic Design in the class of 2026. 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. 

Tina Bhatia (2022-Present)

Tina was born and raised in India, and she has received a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.  Tina has held several managerial positions in India before moving to New Jersey in 2002.  While in NJ, her work experience was in the banking field.  After becoming a full time mother, she decided to take a break from corporate life.  When Tina moved to California in 2006, she joined the Pleasanton Mother’s Club first as a member.  Wanting to be more involved, she took a board position, initially as a treasurer and then went on to become the Co-Director of the club.  Tina and her husband Pradip, have two wonderful children, a boy, Karan, who is a Freshman at SJSU (Business) and a daughter, Miraya, who is a 5th grader. She actively volunteers as a room parent at her daughter’s school.  She was the Secretary of the Parent Faculty Club 2021-22 and is the current President of the Club.  She is also a Girl Scout Troop Leader.  Tina is on the board of her daughter’s School Site Council.  Her current work is in Special Education.  Her hobbies include going for walks, traveling to new destinations, and cooking.  As a new board member Tina is looking forward to contributing towards the board’s goals and vision.  Spartan Up!

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. 

Anne Krajewski Harbert (2022-Present)

Anne is a proud parent of a San Jose State Freshman 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.