3 year term

Vanessa Bejarano - Riptides

Positions Running For: Chair

I am announcing my candidacy for a position on the board. With that, also for consideration as the Chair for the executive board. In my time being involved with the SG’s, I have taken a leadership role within my own supporters group, Riptides, as the Director of Communications. I have also stepped into the union to help with writing documents and reviewing other documents. My hope is to be the Chair on the executive board to help the President and Vice President with these documents. To learn the ins and outs of a 501c7, to help continue to strengthen our foundation as a union.

As your board member, I will use the skills that I use in my everyday work place to strengthen communication between members in the union. Thank you for your consideration.

Marcus Luna - Riptides

I would be a good candidate for the board as I love soccer and I love San Diego. I have donated a lot of time and energy over the past couple of years to help build up SDFC and Riptides to where they are today and look forward to bringing that energy to the union. Although I am a riptide, I’ve made friends and relationships with all of the supporters groups and will be an advocate for all of them,, doing what’s right.


Dena Naif - Riptides

I’m passionate about building a strong, inclusive community while keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes. As your representative, I’ll help provide the necessary legal and fiscal oversight to ensure our supporters group stays healthy, transparent, and legally compliant. I’m also dedicated to making matchdays unforgettable, creating lasting traditions, and ensuring that our voices are heard by the club. Together, we can make sure San Diego’s supporters group is a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the field. Vote for me, and let’s make history—San Diego Forever!



Edward Orehek - Riptides

I am passionate about growing the Supporters Groups and Union to be a powerful force during the game day experience. Toward that end, i will invest my time, attention, and energy toward increasing recruitment, engagement, and collaboration with the organization. My career as a Vice President, Senior Behavioral Scientist at U.S. Bank has given me the skills and experience necessary to provide the Supporters Groups with the leadership and collaboration mindset necessary to thrive.




Sean Stone - SDISU Treasurer - Riptides

Positions Running For: Vice President

 I am running for a 3 year term on the SDISU board of representatives, and I am also planning to run for vice president. I have been involved with creating the union from the start, dating back to late 2023, and am currently SDISU treasurer. My vision for the role of vice president is to focus on empowering and guiding union committees, and to maintain communication within union leadership and the leaders on the SG council.

My “why” for being involved in supporter group leadership is based on my experience supporting FC Dallas a decade ago. Their supporter culture never reached the level we can reach here. Their SG’s didn’t get along with each other, they didn’t stand together during games and in general had a poor relationship with the front office of FC Dallas. I want to build the opposite here. While we can’t entirely control what our relationship is like with SDFC’s front office, we can make sure we are united in the supporter sections at Snapdragon Stadium. 

For us to create the atmosphere that will make Snapdragon a fortress, we need all of us. We currently have 7 supporter groups in our union, and each one represents a unique part of San Diego. Each group has their own strengths, and in my opinion, SDISU leaders should foster the unique strengths of each group while also encouraging cooperation between groups. We aren’t always going to see eye to eye on everything and that’s ok. Ultimately we should stay focused on our shared vision of creating the best gameday atmosphere in MLS. 

As a supporter of San Diego Loyal I never missed a home game at Torero Stadium (that fans were allowed to attend). I plan to keep that streak going and to regularly lose my voice singing for SDFC with the rest of you over the coming years.

If my statement has resonated with you, please vote for me to be a member of the board of representatives.

Thank you and LFGSD

2 Year Term

Osito Rodriguez - Barra 18

Positions Running For: President

What i lack in professionalism, I gain in street smarts. A board should not be full of stiff, unseasoned, uncultured individuals. I'm here to represent the little people. The 1%. The few, the proud, the Raza de San Diego.


Miguel Barajas - SDISU VP - Chavos Frontera Ultras

Positions Running For: President

It has been an honor to serve as your Vice President during this pivotal first year. I am committed to transparency, fairness, growth, and cooperation in our union.

As President, I will build on the foundation we laid last year and lead the way to enhance and improve:

Member Engagement: We will strengthen our collective voice by promoting open communication and creating opportunities for active participation. Strengthening Supporter Group Relations: Building strong relationships with our supporter groups is vital to our collective success. Through open communication, mutual respect, and shared goals, we can foster a more unified and collaborative community. Supporter Growth: By addressing new challenges and supporting innovative ideas, I will work tirelessly to develop initiatives that ensure long-term success. Financial Responsibility: By collaborating with the board, maintaining transparency, and managing our resources carefully, I will protect the stability and sustainability of our association. Improving the Relationship with the SDFC Front Office: A strong partnership with the club’s front office is essential for achieving our shared goals. By working together with transparency, respect, and a focus on common objectives, we can create meaningful initiatives that benefit both the organization and its supporters, while maintaining our independence and union vision. I am running for President because I believe in the power of collaboration and the incredible potential of this union. Together, we can achieve great things and continue to uphold the values that strengthen our unity.

I humbly ask for your support as we work to build a future that reflects our shared vision and goals.


Matthew Buse - Riptides

I would like to be considered for a position on the Board of Representatives because of the reasons as fallows. I have been an SG member dating back to 2002 with Chicago Fire and have been excited to live in a city that has an MLS team in it since. I have been active in SG culture in San Diego since I moved to San Diego back in 2021 as a Loyal supporter. I was extremely passionate to start my own SG as soon as I found out about SDFC and have been the president and founder of Riptides since its inception. Since Riptides started I have been active in helping build the foundation of SDISU with everyone else and look forward to being active as long as I can. Thank you for your consideration.

Alejandra Ortega - Riptides

Steven Cabrera - The Locals

Positions Running For: Chair, Vice Chair, Vice President

I’m running to represent you on the Board of Representatives because I believe in building a strong, inclusive community that truly reflects and serves its members. Our organization has so much potential to grow, and I’m committed to ensuring we stay focused on our shared goals while welcoming new voices and ideas. Together, we can create something lasting that everyone can be proud of. I’d be honored to have your support!

SC

1 year term

Gregory Mendoza - Barra 18

I am running for a board member position to help strengthen and grow the supporters section and the union. My goal is to ensure that our supporters section becomes the very best in the league by fostering collaboration between the different SG and the front office as well as advocating for meaningful improvements that benefit everyone. I bring dedication, passion, and a commitment to making a difference for our members and our union.


Humberto Bustamante - Chavos Frontera Ultras

It would be a privilege represent you on the Board of Representatives for our soccer union of supporter groups. I am committed to ensuring that your voices are heard, your concerns are addressed, and your passion for our team is amplified.



Alfonso Camacho - Chavos Frontera Ultras

Positions Running For: Chair

Im a San Diego native, esto apasionado con el nuevo equipo SDFC me interesa representar el grupo que todo este en orden



Chantal Bedros - Riptides



Justin Brown - Riptides

I am excited to announce my candidacy for a position on the board, and I hope to earn your support. Over the years, I have dedicated thousands of hours to building not just Riptides, but also strengthening our union. My commitment is—and always will be—to better our union and advocate for every current member and those yet to join.

One of my proudest accomplishments was being part of the "$18 a game" pitch, where I worked tirelessly (along with others) to turn what was once a dream into a tangible reality for our community. This effort exemplifies my dedication to ensuring that the voices of our members are heard and our goals are achieved.

In my current roles, I’ve demonstrated my commitment to advancing our organization: I serve as Vice President of Riptides, working to shape the direction and growth of this incredible group. I run the SDISU and Riptides socials, ensuring our message is strong, clear, and representative of our community. I chair both the Tech and Communications Committees, spearheading initiatives to improve communication, collaboration, and accessibility for all members. I built and manage our website, a critical tool for connecting members and providing valuable resources. Beyond these responsibilities, I consistently seek opportunities to grow our union's influence, expand our reach, and empower every member to have a voice. My vision is rooted in inclusivity, collaboration, and action. Together, I know we can continue to build something extraordinary.

As your board member, I will focus on: Amplifying member voices and ensuring transparency in all decisions. Expanding services and support to meet the evolving needs of our members. Strengthening the foundation of Riptides and our union, so we remain a powerful and united force for years to come. I believe in the power of community and collective action. With your support, I will continue to work tirelessly to make our union stronger, more inclusive, and more impactful. Let’s keep building this dream together.

Thank you for your consideration and trust.

Sohale Moallem - Riptides

Positions Running For: Treasurer

As a lifelong soccer fan, I understand the importance of teamwork, strategy, and dedication. These principles will guide me as I oversee the finances and spending of SDISU as Treasurer. My goal is simple: to ensure integrity, fairness, and transparency in all financial matters.

My primary agenda is to ensure that our finances are managed prudently and effectively, benefiting all members. Just as every player on the field has a unique role, each member of SDISU brings valuable perspectives and needs that must be respected and supported.

With an extensive background in accounting and organizational development, I am well-equipped to serve as your Treasurer. My experience has provided me with the skills necessary to manage our finances responsibly and to support the continued growth and success of SDISU.

Thank you for your support. I look forward to the opportunity to serve SDISU with the same passion and commitment I have for the beautiful game

Jeff Abramovitz - The Locals

I’d like to provide my knowledge, experience, and perspective on making the union an inclusive and welcoming place for all supporters.


Sean Duffy - SDISU Secretary - The Locals

Positions Running For: Chair, Secretary

I’m the current Secretary of the Union. I and the other 2024 executive officers have worked hard to build the foundation for a Union that can grow and thrive with the club while maintaining our independence. The health and strength of the Union is my first priority, ensuring our members can enjoy the benefits of the Union for years to come.