Aruni Boteju, a candidate for the Board of Trustees Area four of Santa Barbara’s open seat, wishes to bring more inclusion and diversity to City College. previously held by Anna Everet
Boteju grew up in Colombo until she and her family immigrated to Santa Barbara in 1997. She’s always had a passion for culture and art, with her mom being a seamstress in Santa Barbara.
Boteju is currently the founder and President of the Ceylon International Film Festival, as well as on the board of the Greater Santa Barbara Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
The position was previously held by Anna Everet, but as a first-time candidate, Boteju hopes to bring a new perspective to the Board of Trustees at City College. Being an alumni at City College, she has a unique vision.
“City College is a special place for my family and I,” Boteju said. “I want to bring a new perspective, by not having been a part of City College’s administration previously, and with my financial and local experience, I want to address the big concerns we have currently.”
Boteju attended and graduated from City College as an international student, followed by her sister. Boteju’s daughter also attended.
Regarding City College’s budget issues, Boteju looks to attract more international students onto campus.
“I think our main issue is not budget cuts. All businesses are at a deficit right now, so we have to think of ways to bring more revenue to City College,” Boteju said. “I believe that international students bring value to the campus with new perspectives from across the globe.”
As a parent of two kids, one daughter who just graduated from City College, and a son who is currently at San Marcos High School, she constantly deals with a generational gap.
“As a parent, I understand that my views and their views are different,” Boteju said. “We just have to think back and put ourselves in their shoes because I always think ‘I was probably just like this to my parents’, so we have to listen carefully to what the students are saying.”
Some of her biggest inspirations come from her kids when she least expects it.
“Sometimes I overlook small things, and my children come up with good advice for me to further better my work,” Boteju said. “So the biggest thing I believe is to listen and understand the voice of students and truly value their voices and opinions.”
Boteju believes a campus with good infrastructure leads to a better place for students to come study and therefore leads to better outcomes for the students’ futures.
“Construction and infrastructure is very important. A stable place for children to study, as school has become increasingly more stressful for the kids, is paramount,” Boteju said. “I am in favor of Measure P.”
Given the opportunity, she would like to diversify City College as well as the community in Santa Barbara.
“If we can bring the value as a community to each person and support them and strengthen them, it is beneficial not only for the community but for the future, I believe that the kids are the future,” Boteju said.
