OUR 25 - 26 SOAR STAFF
SPROFESSIONAL STAFFF
She/Her/Hers
Paulina has an M.A. in Education with a concentration in Student Affairs & Educational Justice. She has dedicated her life to advocating for college access and retention efforts that ensure students succeed in our K-14 educational system.
She/Her/Hers
Ayan is passionate about social justice, equity, anti-racism and advocacy. She is dedicated to supporting and creating resources for student success and campus belonging. Ayan has a Bachelors in Sociology from UC Irvine and a Masters in Educational Administration with a focus in student affairs and equity from USC.
They/Them
JJ is a first-gen college graduate with a B.A. in Psychological Sciences at UCI. They strive to serve underrepresented communities through a liberation psychology framework & to provide students with a welcoming space for their personal growth.
She/Her/Hers
STUDENT STAFFF
She/Her/Hers
Hello, my name is Chidera, I am a third year student studying Business information Management. Outside of sore I love spending time with my friends playing tennis and board games. I joined so because I wanted a place to showcase my creativity through programming and event planning and I hope to also serve the student body at Uci through these programs.
Chidera Okoroama
Program Co-Director
She/Her/Hers
Hi! I'm Yewon and I'm majoring in psychology BS and minoring in biological science. I joined SOAR because I wanted to connect with students with diverse backgrounds and provide them with resources to help them reach their fullest potential while studying at UCI. Outside of SOAR, I love going to bookstores, journaling and grocery shopping at H Mart with my friends!
Yewon Kim
Program Co-Director
She/Her/Hers
Hi! I am a third year Environmental Science and Policy major from the Bay area! I was drawn to SOAR by their helpful resources and friendly staff. Besides SOAR, I enjoy trying new cafes and playing new video games!
Elizabeth Truong
Affiliate Co-Chair
She/Her/Ellas
Hiiii Hiii! I'm an incoming 3rd-year Sociology major with a minor in Chicano/Latino Studies. I’m someone who loves expressing myself through art, journaling, and anything creative that speaks to my identity. I joined SOAR because I’m passionate about outreach and retention, especially when it comes to uplifting and supporting underrepresented communities.
Eryka Danielle Flores
Affiliate Co-Chair
She/Her/Hers
Hello! I'm a 3rd year double majoring in Social Policy and Public Service and Education Sciences with a minor in International Studies. I joined SOAR because I connected to its mission of student initiated work and being in a space that supports student advocacy. Outside of SOAR I enjoy doing embroidery, visiting public libraries, and thrifting!
Anber Tahmas
Pathfinder Coordinator
She/Her/Ellas
Hello! My name is Byanca! I'm a 4th year double majoring in Psychological Science and Education Sciences! My career goal is to become a mental health therapist or school counselor in the future! Outside of SOAR, I enjoy listening to music, watching rom coms, doing arts and crafts, and spending time with family. I joined SOAR because I want to provide holistic support for students as they navigate higher education. I strive to help students work towards their goals, ensuring they feel seen and are connected to campus resources.
Byanca Janet Carrizles
Pathfinder Coordinator
She/Her/Hers
Hi! My name is Anahi Damian. I was born and raised in Santa Ana, CA, and I’m a third-year double-majoring in Psychological Sciences and Education Sciences. I love exploring new cafés, thrifting, going to concerts, spending time with family and friends, listening to music, and trying new things! I joined SOAR because I’m passionate about mentoring students and being a supportive resource as they navigate their college journey. I’m excited to be a part of SOAR’s mission by sharing my experiences and helping provide the guidance, encouragement, and tools students need to succeed.
Anahi Damian
Pathfinder Peer Educator
She/Her/Ellas
Hi! My name is Frannette and I am a third year double majoring in Criminology, Law, and Society and Psychological Science. I joined SOAR because of its incredible support and resources that empower underrepresented communities. In my free time, I enjoy crocheting, watching rom-coms, and going to the gym!
Frannette Sandoval
Pathfinder Peer Educator
He/Him/His
Heyo! I'm an incoming 3rd year psychological sciences major. As a whole I enjoy being athletic and creative so some of my favorite things to do is to play tennis, work out, or sing and play guitar. I joined SOAR to help students feel the same comfort that SOAR allowed me to feel.
George Jun Wang
Pathfinder Peer Educator
She/Her/Hers
Hi! I'm a third-year Education and Chinese Studies major. I enjoy listening to music and exploring the OC/Irvine area. I returned to SOAR because I enjoy collaborating with others who share the same passion for supporting and uplifting our communities.
Jacinda Pang
Pathfinder Peer Educator
She/Her/Hers
Hello! I am a 3rd-year student majoring in Biological Sciences. Outside of SOAR, I love going to the beach, trying new food places in the OC, and spending time with family and friends. I joined SOAR because I love giving back to the community that was there for me when I needed it the most.
Pragati Muthuselvan
Pathfinder Peer Educator
She/Her/Hers
Hey!! I'm Victoria, and I'm a 3rd year student majoring in Public Health Policy. I joined SOAR because of the warm and welcoming community as well as its mission to help underserved and underrepresented communities on campus directly. Outside of SOAR, I love spending time with loved ones, baking, reading, and picking up new hobbies every once in a while.
Victoria Ezeibe
Pathfinder Peer Educator
She/Her/Hers
Hello! My name is Onyinyechi Ndu, and I am a third-year student studying Biomedical Engineering on a pre-med track. I joined SOAR because of its incredibly welcoming and supportive staff and community, as well as the invaluable opportunities it provides to help students thrive academically and grow as individuals. In my free time, I enjoy playing the violin, diving into a good book, and challenging myself to learn something new every day.
Onyinyechi M. Ndu
Umoja Peer Educator
She/Her
Hi everyone! My name is Sarah and I am a fourth year International Studies major. Outside of SOAR I enjoy traveling and reading books. I joined SOAR because I am aligned with its mission and would like to be involved in helping underserved communities with SOAR.
Sarah Hussein
Umoja Peer Educator
She/Her/Hers
Hi!! I'm a 3rd-year student majoring in Nursing Science. SOAR has been an amazing place where I have connected with many students like myself and built a community where we support, encourage, and lead each other towards success. I joined SOAR because I wanted to make an impact in my community and be a helping hand to anyone who needs it.
Nadia Fierros Altamirano
SOAR Fellow
She/Her/Hers
Hello y'all! I'm a third-year student, majoring in business administration and minoring in Education. Outside of SOAR, I enjoy exploring new coffee shops, attending concerts, and spending quality time with family and friends. I joined SOAR because I want to foster a supportive community for undocumented students and underrepresented communities in hopes of helping my mentees grow in all aspects and empowering them as well.
Yancy Garcia Montes
SOAR Fellow
He/Him/His
Hey y'all! I am a 4th-year Public Health Policy Student. Beyond my life on campus, I love returning home to spend time with family, and traveling around the country. I wanted to get more involved with SOAR and NARI to help connect our program with Native students interested in higher education; growing up on a reservation meant that I often didn't have as many resources as my peers in school, so spaces like SOAR and AISA have allowed me to advocate for Native students.
Cedar Shaeffer
Native American Recruitment Initiative (NARRI) Outreach Coordinator
She/Her/Hers
Hi everyone! I’m a third-year political science, anthropology, and criminology, law, & society major who is passionate about advocacy! When I’m not hiking with friends, vibing to a song, or hanging out with my dog, Buddy, I’m involved in efforts to support underserved communities. I joined SOAR because I am determined to address the lack of Native representation at UCI! I believe in bridging the divide of opportunities and I am committed to creating lasting change to build a more inclusive and equitable environment where every student has the chance to thrive.
Jayla Pete
Native American Retention Initiative (NARRI) Outreach Coordinator
She/Her/Hers
Hii! I'm a fourth-year student studying Art & Education with a minor in Digital Arts. In my free time, I enjoy drawing, painting, socializing with friends, and playing games. I joined SOAR because I appreciate the wide range of resources, support, and programs it offers, and I'm excited to contribute my creative talents to its mission!
Alexis Phuong Pham
Marketing and Social Media Coordinator
She/Her/Hers
Hi! My name is Christie and I’m a 3rd year GDIM & HCI Informatics double major. Outside of the SOAR center I love to draw, play video games, and watch tv shows. I look forward to applying my passion for user centered design in my role here as the Website Coord!
Christie Weru
Website and Communications Coordinator
She/Her/Hers
Hello! I’m Blair, a second year Psychology B.S. Major 🙂 I love exploring many new things in my life and aside from my passion in psychology, I have a very strong liking to painting, biking, photography, and honestly anything art related! I joined SOAR to further expand my horizons and to chase another passion of mine, which is creating content and being able to bring art to life, and especially to share it with other people.
Blair Zhao
Marketing and Social Media Coordinator
She/Her/Ella
Hi! My name is Stephanie Garcia-Mora, I am a 4th-year student double majoring in Political Science & Sociology. I enjoy scrapbooking, reading (romance and non-fiction) and playing with my cat Beans! joined SOAR because, as a first-generation student, I’ve come to understand the importance of initiatives that promote educational equity. I’m excited to contribute my skills, experiences, and passions to support that mission and be part of this team.
Stephanie Garcia-Mora
Campus Visit Coordinator
She/Her/Hers
Hello! I’m a fourth-year student double majoring in Political Science and Social Policy & Public Service. Outside of SOAR, I enjoy exploring nature, reading, and discovering new coffee shops. I joined SOAR because it provides a safe space to learn how to challenge the barriers that hinder underrepresented students from accessing higher education.
Diana Ramirez
GAPP Intern
She/Her/Hers
Jennifer Cabrera
GAPP Fellow
