The Team

Program Director

Deisy is the USP Director. She enjoys hiking, running, being surrounded by nature, and spending time with her 10-year-old sister, Arianna!

Assistant Program Director

Leslie is the USP Assistant Director, and she loves eating dark chocolate. Fun Fact: She was a Bruin!

Fellowship Coordinator

Elise is a second year MPH student. Originally from Chicago, Elise is new to Los Angles but here to stay. Elise loves hikes, beach days, and reading!

Community Liaision

Jafet is a first-generation college student from South LA double-majoring in Mathematics and Communication. Through his experiences in mentorship, education, community programming, and communications, he has developed a commitment to creating inclusive spaces, connecting individuals with meaningful resources, and advocating for greater access to opportunities. He is passionate about using analytical and communication skills, as well as community engagement, to empower underrepresented communities and create positive change. In his free time, you can find him attending concerts, spending time in nature, and learning to play his favorite musical tunes.

Social Media Intern

My name is Alondra and I am a fourth year Biochemistry undergraduate student. As a child of immigrants, it is very important for me to help and support my community as sometimes it is very hard to look for resources. I want to help others have a stepping stone onto this academic journey. As a first generation Latina that is also an only child, I understand the need to ask for help and find a community. Despite many obstacles, I have learned to persevere and push forward to reach my goals. I strive to be a medical laboratory scientist and help many lives.

Social Media Intern

My name is Havana (or Halo, for short), and I am a junior transfer and Communication major from Sacramento. As an avid consumer of pop culture, I understand firsthand how media can shape the way we communicate, spread information, and connect with others. My background in journalism, social media, and content creation, together with my identity as a first-generation college student, inspires my mission to amplify the voices of our community and connect students with resources that will help them thrive. In the future, I hope to pursue a career in business, particularly in marketing or public relations, where I can combine my creativity and communication skills to advocate for those often left unheard. Off campus, you can most likely find me out on a spontaneous adventure in the city, iced matcha latte in hand.

Administrative Assistant

My name is Luis and I am a first gen, first year transfer coming from SMC. I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I am half Mexican and half Salvadorian. I like being active and being out in nature as much as I can, making meaningful connections and generally anything that makes tomorrow better than today. I am a history major, considering picking up another major or minor. Labor studies is on the top of the list. I am seriously considering law school after undergrad, I'm interested in either civil rights or environmental law. One of the biggest motivators for becoming a lawyer is that eventually I want to use those skills to become a community organizer here in LA, preferably in Ktown, Pico-Union, Westlake where I grew up.

Administrative Assistant

My name is Supriya, and I am a first-generation college student, majoring in History! I have a strong interest in using history to understand the society we live in today. As a junior transfer student from community college, I can’t wait to explore UCLA!

In my free time, I enjoy reading, especially classics; baking brownies with my mom; binge-watching the Harry Potter series with my friends; and traveling. A fun fact about me is that I study while listening to white noise.
With a passion for advocacy that drove me to this role, I hope to learn a lot, contribute to the program, and make a meaningful impact.

College Corps Fellow

My name is Ian, and I’m a second-year student at UCLA majoring in Business Economics with a minor in Accounting. As a first-generation college student, I’m passionate about helping fellow students navigate higher education through financial literacy, mentorship, and career readiness. Through my work with student organizations on campus, I aim to break down barriers and create resources that bring equity and opportunity for underrepresented communities.

CollegeCorps Fellow

My name is Carol and I am a senior, transfer, non-traditional, first gen college student, double major in International Development and Labor Studies. I chose these fields because I am interested in understanding how global systems, labor, migration, and economic inequalities shape people’s everyday lives, especially for communities that are often underserved or underrepresented. I feel constantly inspired by the resilience, creativity, and strength I see in the communities I serve. My academic path is deeply connected to my experience serving my community through nonprofit, immigrant rights, sustainability, and student-centered work. This opportunity will allow me to build upon that experience, develop new skills, and continue to learn how I can contribute in a meaningful and sustainable way for my future goals. I am looking forward to finding a PhD program that fits my personal interests and skills and I hope to continue doing this work, whether it is through research or program development.

CollegeCorps Fellow

My name is Katherine, and I am a first-year transfer student studying Sociology. As a daughter of immigrants, it means a lot to take up space in an institution like UCLA. As a Chicana, I am deeply committed to helping the undocumented community. My long-term goal is to become a immigration attorney and return to assist my community in the same cities I grew up in. I hold a deep love for my Latino community, so I naturally enjoy celebrating the different cultures through dance, food, and music. My favorite food is tostones and I enjoy dancing folklorico! I am very exited to be part of this program and contribute my skills to a greater cause.

Attorney,
Undocumented Student Program
UC Immigrant Legal Services Center

Paralegal,
Undocumented Student Program
UC Immigrant Legal Services Center