LEADERSHIP
Arlene Cano Matute, Ph.D.
Marialexia Zaragoza, Ph.D.
Claudia Salcedo, Ed.D.
Brenda Garcia
STUDENT COORDINATORS
Leti Alicon Perez
Leti is a fourth-year transfer student from South Central Los Angeles, double majoring in Sociology and Labor Studies with a minor in Chicana/o Studies. She serves as a Peer Advisor for the Center for Community College Partnerships and a Research Assistant at the Chicano Studies Research Center. Inspired by her family and community, Leti advocates for accessible and affordable education. She enjoys spending time with family, walking her pugs, building LEGOs, and watching Abbott Elementary.
Emma Fernandez
Fernanda Herrera
Fernanda is a fourth-year Political Science and Education student from Fresno, California. She is the founder and president of UCLA Alcanzar and has experience working with nonprofits and the Los Angeles Superior Court. Inspired by her younger sisters, Fernanda hopes to help students feel represented and supported throughout their educational journeys. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, shopping, reading, exploring new neighborhoods, and watching horror movies.
Leandro Ortega
Miriam Meraz Barron
Miriam is a fourth-year Spanish and Sociology student from Compton, California. Drawing from her own experiences navigating UCLA, she is passionate about helping Latinx students find community and belonging on campus. Through her work at the LSC, she hopes to ensure students feel welcomed and supported. In her free time, Miriam enjoys arts and crafts, baking, decorating cakes, and making piñatas.
STUDENT ADVISORY BOARD
To connect with The LSC Student Advisory Board Fellows please contact latinxsuccess@college.ucla.edu
Kevin Briseño
Kevin is a third-year Physiological Science and Environmental Science student from San Bernardino, California. He is involved in the UCLA Spirit Squad, La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda, and environmental justice research. As a Student Advisory Board member, Kevin is passionate about preserving Latinidad at UCLA and fostering a supportive community for Latinx students. Outside of academics, he enjoys running, weightlifting, cooking, and freestyle dancing.
Julian Lofton-Smith
Julian is a fourth-year Political Science student minoring in Public Affairs from South Central Los Angeles. He serves as Co-President of Afro-Latinx Connection de UCLA and interns with the LA County Department of Public Social Services. Inspired by his Afro-Latinx identity, Julian advocates for greater representation and solidarity among Black and Latinx communities. He enjoys exploring coffee shops, playing musical instruments, and learning about public policy.
Sarai Rojas
Latinx Success Center
Antonio Sanchez
Latinx Success Center
Natalia Silvia
Natalia is a third-year Psychobiology student minoring in Evolutionary Medicine from Littlerock, California. She serves as Co-Chair of UNICA and participates in healthcare and community advocacy initiatives. Inspired by her family’s resilience, Natalia is passionate about creating spaces where Latinx students feel seen, valued, and empowered. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, photography, listening to music, journaling, and writing poetry.
Kateryn Simon
Latinx Success CenterLSC FELLOWS
Ovando De Jesus Castillon Urrutia
Latinx Success Center
Brenda Hernandez Perez
Bren is a second-year Psychology student from South Central Los Angeles. She is a member of the Latinx Student Psychological Association (LSPA) and a mentor for Community Care Bruins (CCB). Inspired by the resilience and unity of the Latinx community, she hopes to give back to those who have supported her academic journey. In her free time, Bren enjoys going to the beach, swimming, and watching horror movies.
