When she’s not leading our efforts in faculty EDI work, Dr. Paula Smith (she/her) is a mentor for the African American Doctoral Scholars Initiative and a developmental psychologist with expertise in school-based preventive intervention. If that wasn’t impressive enough already, she also maintains a beautiful garden and serves as a troop leader for the Girl Scouts!

Park 120
801-585-7926
paula.smith@utah.edu

Dr. Owens (she/her) is an East coast native with great passion for intentional interactions and purposeful professional development. She committed to collaborative teamwork and the professional growth of others - including you!

Sill Center 126
801-213-1229
tawanda.owens@utah.edu

Kadija’s (she/her) in charge of keeping our VP’s projects running smoothly and efficiently. She loves to travel and has already been around the world and back. If you have any questions regarding travel, she’s your go-to person! Kadija dreams of owning her own business, and with the experience she’s gaining here, she’ll be the next entrepreneur to watch!

Park 120
801-587-3342
K.Mohamed@utah.edu

Keeping the VP’s schedule is top of Jewel’s (she/her) priorities. Outside of work, making our world a better place by spreading kindness to everything from people to our planet is Jewel’s passion. With her family and pets, she enjoys hiking, movies, and music.

Park 208
801-581-7569
jewel.poss@utah.edu

Nat (he/him) moved to Salt Lake City after many years in the Bay Area. He’s a passionate reproductive justice and LGBTQIA+ activist and is always looking to improve the lives of those in need. Nat graduated from Willamette University with a degree in Politics and Women’s Studies and enjoys long walks in the snow. Yes, really.

Park 120
801-585-7926
nat.okey@utah.edu

Samantha (she/her) is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Political Science through researching the historical and institutional structures creating inequitable policies, practices and barriers that impede the success of Native American communities. Samantha is a past recipient of the U's Equity and Diversity Award and is passionate about serving as an advocate for her community to create and increase equitable access and opportunities.

AIRC
801-581-7019
samantha.eldridge@utah.edu

Feleti (he/him) loves meeting new people from different backgrounds and life experiences, which is why he’s a huge YouTube and movie enthusiast. Stop by to geek-out on Malcolm Reed cooking videos or his favorite movie genre: sci-fi!

Park 120
801-581-5640
f.matagi@utah.edu

Kaya (no pronoun preference) is a brilliant designer with a ridiculously sweet personality. Add in that she's also learning all about the web world, and pretty soon she will be totally unstoppable! With her talents, I wouldn't be surprised if a madman in a blue box recruited her to help him save the world... again.

Park 120
801-581-4250
kaya.aman@utah.edu

Emily’s (she/her) most cherished pastime and deepest love are video games. Her dream job is to become a video game concept artist, and she could go on for hours celebrating truly revolutionary concepts in the industry. When she’s not dissecting plots and critiquing gameplay, Emily enjoys singing and playing her ukulele as often as she can!

Park 120
801-581-4250
emily.pantoja@utah.edu

As a mother of two, grandmother of five, and auntie to many, Franci (she/her) has always wanted the best for others. She has dedicated the last 25 years towards increasing access for all under-represented students and American Indian education. She’s definitely an asset to our team!

AIRC
801-581-7019
franci.taylor@utah.edu

Lori’s (she/her) goal is to become a Physician-Scientist (M.D./Ph.D.), and she is well on her way by studying International Studies with a Global Health Emphasis! When she’s not studying, Lori enjoys hiking, working-out, and snowboarding in her free time.

AIRC
801-581-7019
lorijobegaye45@gmail.com

Samantha (she/her) is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Political Science through researching the historical and institutional structures creating inequitable policies, practices and barriers that impede the success of Native American communities. Samantha is a past recipient of the U's Equity and Diversity Award and is passionate about serving as an advocate for her community to create and increase equitable access and opportunities.

AIRC
801-581-7019
samantha.eldridge@utah.edu

A native of Rochester, New York, Meligha (he/him) is an avid movie goer; Marvel comic book enthusiast; and fan of hip-hop, neo-soul, and 80’s R&B. (According to him, the top 5 hip-hop artists are Nas, Tribe Called Quest, Common, Kanye West, and Rakim.) In his spare time, he uses his golden voice for radio, voiceover work, and podcasts. Don’t believe us? Come hear for yourself!

Bldg 603
801-213-1441
Meligha.Garfield@utah.edu

JaTara's (she/her) is a Texas-native with an adventurous spirit. Her life-goal is to own a non-profit aimed at secondary education and job placement. In her free time, JaTara enjoys reading and riding her horse.

Bldg 603
801-213-1442
jatara.smith@utah.edu

Thandi (she/her) has two main ambitions: to improve public health on a global scale and to uplift Black voices and communities. She’s found a way of contributing to both by studying Biomedical Engineering and serving as the AADSI Undergrad Research Assistant here at the U! When she has any spare time, Thandi volunteers for the International Rescue Committee and enjoys playing volleyball, eating, and dancing.

Bldg 603
801-213-1442
h.msiska34@gmail.com

Tricia (she/her) is a fourth generation Utahn and is passionate about working with students. Prior to working as the Director, she has been the First Year Experience Program Director, Academic Advisor and Asian American Programs Coordinator! In addition, she spent 5 years at the State Office of Asian Affairs, started her own business, loves all things geek and is a dedicated fur parent.

Union 235
801-587-9568
t.sugiyama@utah.edu

Our very own Super Saiyan advises current and potential transfer students from SLCC, Snow College, and the U. [Power-up Intensifies] On top of that, Paul (he/him) co-advises the transfer honor society, Tau Sigma, and AASA and assists in events, workshops, and classes related to transfer students throughout the year! [Power-up level and number of transfer students grow] It’s over 9,000!

Union 235
801-581-3328
paul.fisk@utah.edu

“Ti” (he/him) was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. His passion is education and providing support to student’s success. He is known for his smile, laughter and genuine care. If you stop by his office, he always has something he would love to share with you. If you would really like to know him, ask about his days as a student at East High School.

Union 235
801-581-8151
d.kinikini@utah.edu

Anthony (no pronoun preference) can do and loves everything. Really. From operating as the outreach representative, taking adventures (boating, four-wheeling, hiking, etc.), teaching Navajo language and culture, adding to his 100+ Barbie doll collection (film editions only, of course!), co-advising the ITSA, tending his salsa and mint garden, and advising students like you. Aren’t you lucky?!

Union 235
801-585-6458
a.shirley@utah.edu

Giulia (she/her) supports students explore major and career paths and develop a plan to achieve your goals. As a Diversity Scholar alumna, she can connect you with alumni. She loves to dance, especially Peruvian Folklore. Passionate about providing equitable education in Latin America, she interned in Honduras & Peru and got a M.S.Ed in International Educational Development at UPenn.

Union 235
801-581-8151
giulia.soto@utah.edu

As outreach coordinator, Martha (she/her) is here to help students connect with the great advisors and programs in CESA, and other resources on campus. Martha is a history teacher by training and a cat-lover by heart. When she is not reading, gardening, or watching documentary films, you can find her visiting a national park.

Union 235
801-581-4378
martha.hernandez@utah.edu

Our cute Rilakkuma graduate assistant, Reyna (she/her), is currently pursuing her Master in Social Work. She loves empowering students by providing/connecting them with resources, increasing leadership, and providing mentoring. In her spare time she likes to read manga and watch anime or Korean dramas.

Union 235
801-581-8151
r.villegas@utah.edu

Union 235
801-581-8151
chelsea.manza@gmail.com

Julia (she/her) is excited to live in Salt Lake City after six years in NYC as an elementary school teacher and diversity trainer. She loves living in and exploring new places (she previously lived and taught in Israel, Palestine, and the Republic of Georgia), and she is looking forward to new adventures here in Utah. Julia also loves cephalopods, and she dreams about holding a real live octopus one day!

Union 235
801-581-8151
j.kingsdale@utah.edu

Jimoh George Jr (he/him) is always playing music; you will never see him in CESA without something playing in the background — or in his ear. In addition to music, Jimoh is passionate about sports, which is why he’s majoring in sport management (with a minor in marketing)! If you want to talk ball, listen to some trap, or have a good laugh, visit Jimoh!

Union 235
801-581-8151
u1183111@utah.edu

Union 235
801-581-8151
u1116261@utah.edu

Clare (she/her) is committed to fostering a university community that celebrates queer and trans histories, cultures, and lives. She is super qualified in this endeavor, since she earned her Ph.D. by researching the history of sexuality, LGBTQ social movements, U.S. feminist movements, and queer femininities! Clare loves to cook, shop at thrift stores and farmer’s markets, watch movies, travel, and spend time with her magnificent bulldog.

Union 409
801-587-7973

Shelby (she/her/they/them) is from Chicago where they got their M.Ed from Loyola University Chicago. She is a lifelong activist and advocate for social justice causes, particularly around LGBTQIA+ education. Shelby is also a cat parent, avid gamer, home cook, and is already in love with Utah pastime pickleball.

Union 409
801-587-7973

Bree (she/her) is the Executive Secretary here at the University of Utah LGBT Resource Center. She graduated from Indiana University with a B.A. in studio art with concentrations in photography and graphic design. She is passionate about LGBTQ activism, hiking, traveling, and doing photography whenever she can.

Union 409
801-587-7973
BPeacock@sa.utah.edu

Jessica (she/her) is working towards a Master's of Education with an Emphasis in Student Affairs. She is passionate about social justice and equity in the U.S. and higher education, specifically involving LGBTQIA+ students, students of color, non-traditional, and undocumented student populations. In Jessica’s free time she enjoys discovering new music, finding great coffee shops and singing like no one is around.

Union 409
801-587-7973
jhernandez@sa.utah.edu

Moani (they/their) is a third-year undergraduate student studying Applied Mathematics. They love hanging out with their two dogs, learning new songs on the ukulele, playing sports, and adventuring out into the world. They want to create a more inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community, both in general and in STEM fields, while also connecting with a more diverse population on campus.

Union 409
801-587-7973
MTuitupou@sa.utah.edu

Comstock (she/her) is an art student studying ceramics. She pursues means of integrating the queer experience into visual artwork as part of a dedication to social justice, intersectionality, and radical means of expression. She is a believer in the power of community and transformative praxis. In her spare time, Comstock enjoys poetry, museums, and hiking.

Union 409
801-587-7973
ecomstock@sa.utah.edu