Meet the Team

Ryan M. Ward
Senior Director of Community and Government Relations
ryan.m.ward@sjsu.edu
408-924-1091

Ryan Ward currently serves as the Senior Director of Community and Government Relations. In this role, Ryan engages with SJSU's Congressional delegation, federal agencies, state legislature, county supervisors, city councils, tribal governments, and community organizations around CSU and university priorities. His experience includes advocating on behalf of underserved communities in various capacities and for policies that positively impact community members. He has previously worked in Washington, DC at the Native American Finance Officers Association, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Aspen Institute, and the Native American Rights Fund. Ryan received his Juris Doctor from the University of Washington School of Law and is a member of the Cowlitz Tribe in Washington State.

Nina Chuang
Assistant Director of Community and Government Relations
nina.chuang@sjsu.edu 

Nina Chuang serves as the Assistant Director of Community and Government Relations at San José State University. In this role, she fosters relationships with community and local government partners to advance university priorities and advocate for policies that support students and the broader campus community. With a background in government and higher education, Nina has worked on initiatives that promote equity, student success, and community engagement.

Prior to joining SJSU, she worked in the California State Assembly, focusing on policy related to healthcare, education, women and girls, immigration, social justice, as well as cultural engagement, and constituent services. A proud Spartan alumna, Nina previously served as Associated Students Student Body President and remains committed to uplifting underrepresented communities through her work.