Professional Staff
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She, Her, Hers
Paulina has dedicated her life to advocating for college access and retention efforts that ensure students succeed in our K-14 educational system.
Paulina Raygoza
Director
praygoza@uci.edu
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He, Him, His
Joey is dedicated to serving students through a holistic approach and advocating for social justice education for historically marginalized communities
Jose 'Joey' Leon
Assistant Director
leonja4@uci.edu
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She, Her, Hers
Cynthia grew up as a first-generation, low-income student in San Bernardino County. She earned a B.A. in Economics from UC Irvine. Cynthia is dedicated to supporting the academic and personal success of students by providing accessible programs, fostering a sense of community, and helping them find their voice.
Cynthia Lemus
Program Specialist
clemus3@uci.edu
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She, Her, Hers
marbell@uci.edu
Marbell Gomez-Davidson
Administrative Assistant
marbell@uci.edu
Student Staff
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She, Her, Hers
Hi! My name is Alia and I am a third year Psychological Science major. I joined SOAR because I want to develop fun programs for students and create a safe & welcoming space on campus for all. I aim to publicize on campus resources and specialize in advocating for mental health resources and care. I love plushies, crochet, and matcha lattes! I hope to make new friends and support our community at UCI <3
Alia Munn
Program Co-Director
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She, Her, Hers
As a third-year student at UCI, studying Computer Science with a minor in English, I hold the role of Program Co-Director here at SOAR. In this role, the focus is on facilitating an environment where all students feel included, understood, and supported. By sharing knowledge about available resources and simplifying access to technology, the aim is to ensure a comfortable college journey for every student. It's my heartfelt endeavor to nurture our diverse community, striving to create a safe and accepting environment for all.
Farahnaz Hoque
Program Co-Director
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They, Them, Theirs
Hi my name is JJ Jimenez and I'm an incoming 5th year majoring in Psychological Sciences and minoring in Chicano/Latino Studies and Social Ecology. I'm a transfer student from Rio Hondo College and started here at UCI back in 2021. As a first generation college student, I'm really passionate about creating community with other underrepresented students. Overall, I'm really excited to work with students through SOAR this academic year!
JJ Jimenez
Affiliate Co-Chair
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He, Him, His
Hey everyone, I'm excited to meet you all this year! In my free time, I like catching up on tv shows, playing video games, or trying out new recipes. I also like exploring new places that are interesting or I've never been before. And don't feel afraid to reach out to me about anything, I'm always open to chatting as well.
Simon Xiong
Affiliate Co-Chair
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She, Her, Hers
Hello! I am a 4th-year Psychological Science and Chicano/Latino Studies double major! My goal is to become a social worker and help underserved communities find their voice and passions! I joined SOAR because I want to engage with and support students who need an ear to listen or help navigate college!
Andrea Serrano
Pathfinder Coordinator
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She, Her, Hers
Hello! I’m a 4th-year first-gen college student double majoring in Earth System Science and Environmental Science & Policy. I enjoy crochet, practicing martial arts, and playing video games in my free time. As part of the SOAR community, I am always ready to lend a listening ear to support other first-gen students in their transition to college life at UCI and help them thrive!
Diane Huynh Vu
Pathfinder Coordinator
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He, Him, His
Hi, my name is Alek. I am a 4th year psychological sciences student coming from the 626 area of LA (specifically West Covina whoo!). In my free time, I like to cook, do athletic things, go to museums and parks, and explore. Being here at UCI has been a treat because of how many interesting cultures and people I have been able to come into contact with, so if you see me on campus, say hi! I look forward to working with the SOAR team to contribute to making the college experience more enjoyable and easy-going for you all.
Alek Oei
Pathfinder Peer Educator
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She, Her, Hers
Hi! My name is Alex and I am a 4th year Psychological Science major. My hometown is Madera, CA (Central Valleyy)! I love doing gel x nails, photography, and finding new food places in SoCal. I am excited to be a part of SOAR's mission that support students as they navigate higher education. As a Peer Pathfinder, I hope to support YOU! Feel free to drop by SOAR anytime to learn about what we have to offer or just to say hi. I hope to see you all around!
Alex Martinez
Pathfinder Peer Educator
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He, Him, His
Meet Hugh, a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychological Sciences while minoring in Management. As a pathfinder, Hugh is driven to help students feel heard and supported. His primary goal is to empower his community and open up a space where people can be comfortable among others and within themselves. Outside of SOAR, he's a father of two dogs!
Hugh Truong
Pathfinder Peer Educator
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She, Her, Hers
Shaista is a third-year student at UCI, pursuing a major in Business Administration with a minor in Public Health. Her commitment to personal and community well-being led her to become a SOAR Peer Educator Pathfinder, where she dedicates her time to supporting and guiding fellow students throughout their UCI journey. With her enthusiasm and knowledge, Shaista is eager to empower her peers and create a positive impact on campus!
Shaista Mawlanazada
Pathfinder Peer Educator
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She, Her, Hers
My name is Luz, I'm a second-year student studying Math and Secondary Education. I enjoy learning about different cultures, dancing, sewing, and most of all spending time with my sisters. Having been an intern at SOAR, I am beyond delighted to continue SOAR's values as a peer educator, which is to advocate for and help students access the necessary resources.
Luz Hernandez Hernandez
Pathfinder Peer Educator
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She, Her, Hers
My name is Nemi Hernandez and I am a first-gen, second year, student majoring in Biological Sciences. I love outdoor activities, travels, listening to music, and learn new things everyday. As a Pathfinder Peer Educator, I hope to help create a welcoming and positive community here at UCI.
Nemi Hernandez Cruz
Pathfinder Peer Educator
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She, Her, Hers
Hi! I'm a third-year African American Studies/Psychology double major. When I'm not at the SOAR Center, I enjoy going to concerts, discovering new music, relaxing at the beach, and roller skating. I joined SOAR because I wanted to be a part of a team that helped Black transfer students feel more connected to the university. As an Umoja Peer Educator, I look forward to advocating for the African Diaspora and working within the community.
Mia Roddy
Umoja Peer Pathfinder Educator
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He, Him, His
Antonio Lee is a Junior Transfer student from the Bay Area in Northern California. He is a professional dancer, actor, and musician who is studying classical voice atUC Irvine. He is passionate about arts, culture, and community. Antonio has always been an activist at heart and he is excited to advocate for students by connecting them with specific resources, events, and opportunities that will
allow them to unlock their true potential. He is dedicated to building a community on campus because he knows how important community support is as a UCI student.
Antonio Lee
Umoja Peer Pathfinder Educator
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He, Him
I am a 4th year Education and Language Sciences Double Major. I'm also an undocumented and first gen student dedicated to strengthening the undocumented student experience at UCI by providing resources that improve their academic, financial, professional, mental and emotional wellbeing at UCI and beyond. Outside of my work at SOAR, I enjoy listening to music, cooking, and all things soccer!
JC Perez
SOAR Fellow
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She, Her, Hers
Nadia Fierros Altamirano
SOAR Fellow
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She, Her
Tous! (Hello!) I am a 2nd year art major and (hopefully!) urban studies major. I enjoy drawing, playing video games, or hanging out with my friends in my free time. I joined SOAR because I am a part of AISA and I feel like it is so important to boost Indigenous attendance not just in UCI, but higher education in general.
Jaylee Spoonhunter
AISA K-12 Outreach Coordinator
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They, She
Hii! I'm studying Computer Science & Digital Filmmaking at UCI, and excited to be a part of SOAR! I am dedicated to increasing access to education and embedding our educational system with community-based initiatives and alternatives. I enjoy making art, photography, coding, and writing.
Zoya Hajee
Website & Communications Coordinator
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She, Her, Hers
Hi everyone! My name is Kathryn and I am a 4th year Biological Sciences major with a Medical Anthropology minor. I am grateful to be returning to the SOAR team for my last year because I am passionate about ensuring that students can access resources to navigate through their college journey through graphic designs being put out on our social media.
Kathryn Wu
Social Media & Marketing Coordinator
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She, Her, Hers
Sasha is a 4th year Psychology BS and Education BA double major minoring in Business. Outside of work, she loves to spend time with her dog, Luna, and friends! Although marketing is a passion, she plans to pursue a PhD in Clincal Psychology.
Sasha Tesoro
Social Media & Marketing Coordinator
SOAR Program Interns & Field Study Interns
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She/Her
Hi! I'm Annika, a second-year Social Ecology major. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, reading, and baking. I am excited to join SOAR, to be a part of a community at UCI that provides resources and a safe space for all students.
Annika Whang
SOAR Program Intern
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She, Her, Hers
Hello, everyone! I’m a 3rd-year student majoring in Psychological Sciences and English. After graduation, I hope to attend graduate school for Clinical Psychology. During my free time, I love trying new recipes and reading fiction books for hours on end. During my time at SOAR, I aspire to propel the organization’s values of equity, access, and student initiation by improving the conditions of underrepresented communities at UC Irvine.
Gagan Kaur
SOAR Program Intern
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She, Her, Hers
Hii! I am a 2nd-year majoring in Urban Studies. Besides being a student, I enjoy thrifting and love going to concerts. I joined SOAR to help students like me find resources on campus and to generate a space that promotes educational equity to all students.
Wendy Aguilera
SOAR Program Intern
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Hello! I'm a first-year student studying Business Administration. Outside of SOAR, I love photography, fashion, music and participating in dance on campus with LVO Dance Team. I joined SOAR in order to uplift others in their academic journeys and to publicize resources for students on campus!
Shanelle Relucio
SOAR Program Intern
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She, Her
Hello, my name is Florence I am a sophomore majoring in psychological science and sociology. Outside of soar, I love to go for long drives and expense pretty scenes including the beach. I live and breathe Afrobeats as it is my literal solitude. I joined Soar as a way to voice communities that are less represented And make the students here feel welcomed.
Florence Quoi
SOAR Field Study Intern
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She, Her, Hers
Hello Im Kate Flores a 4th year social policy and public service major. I have two jobs currently where I am a hostess but outside of that I am in the sorority Kappa Alpha Theta. I joined SOAR because I want to help guide students who might be socioeconomically disadvantaged and help to better their academic performance.
Kate Flores
SOAR Field Study Intern
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She, Her
Hello! I’m a fourth-year student double majoring in Social Policy and Public Service and Sociology. When I’m not at SOAR, I love to hang out with friends and explore new food places. I joined SOAR because I want to contribute to efforts to support students from historically, marginalized communities.
Rina Chiu
SOAR Field Study Intern