The Team
Professional Staff
Deisy Leanos Meza, M.A.
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!
Leslie Calderon, B.A.
Assistant Program Director
Leslie is the USP Assistant Director, and she loves eating dark chocolate. Fun Fact: She was a Bruin!
Student Staff
Elise
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!
Jafet
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.
Alondra
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.
Havana
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.
Luis
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.
Supriya
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.
UC Immigrant Legal Team
Gina Pech
Attorney,
Undocumented Student Program
UC Immigrant Legal Services Center
Jacqueline Lara
Paralegal,
Undocumented Student Program
UC Immigrant Legal Services Center