Staff directory

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MESA staff lead the office's core work and support students on campus. 

We're prepared for social listening and new ways to bring students into the community. In addition, we are also available for consultation on various student social, cultural, and educational programming that foster diversity and inclusion, particularly through the lens of race and ethnicity. 

Make an appointment with a MESA staff member by clicking applicable appointment links below.

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Leadership

Dr. Nadia M. Bazzy

she/her/hers

Nadia M. Bazzy, EdD (she/her) is the director of the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA) at the University of Michigan. She previously served as interim leadership support for the William Monroe Multicultural Center, the interim director of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC), and the assistant director of Sexual Misconduct at the Office of Student Conflict Resolution (OSCR) at the University of Michigan. Nadia received her doctorate in leadership and innovation from New York University.

 

 

Professional staff

Jamie Carter

she/her/hers

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Jamie Carter is a program manager in the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs. Jamie’s interest and commitment to advocacy for anti-racist equity work sparked several years ago through her personal journey as a Black woman in higher education.

Irma Shepard

she/her

Irma Shepard is the administrative assistant for the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA) at the University of Michigan. Irma recently returned from Tokyo after living there for five years as an expatriate. She volunteered extensively, including serving on the board of the Japan-America Women’s Club. The club was started to promote friendly relations between our two countries after World War II. She also served on many committees at the Tokyo American Club and American School in Japan all in effort to promote friendships, charitable giving and cultural exchange.

Pa Houa Xiong

she/they

Pa Houa Xiong is a program manager for the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs. She was born and raised in Wausau, Wisconsin and of HMoob (Hmong) descent. Pa Houa received her Bachelor of Science in biology with a healthcare science emphasis at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and Master of Science in college student affairs with a concentration in conflict analysis and resolution from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Her passion in higher education stemmed from activism and campus involvement in her undergraduate career.

 

 

Student staff

Oluwatomilade (Tomilade) Akinyelu

she/her

Tomilade Akinyelu is a sophomore pursuing a dual degree in communications and media (LSA) and acting (SMTD). From being a member of the African Students’ Association to her work as a diversity peer educator, Tomilade loves anything that brings cultural awareness. This includes being a front desk assistant at MESA. Outside of MESA, Tomilade enjoys reading, writing, dance, music, and learning more about Jesus.

Timari Claybourne

Timari (He/him/his) is a senior from Detroit, MI majoring in industrial and operations engineering. As a resident advisor and a member of the National Society for Black Engineers, Timari is very passionate about building communities across campus and cultivating a positive and growth-oriented experience for students all across campus. In his free time, Timari enjoys reading, playing Wii Sports, creating art, and listening to new genres of music

Lynn Dang

she/her/hers

Lynn Dang is a coordinator for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. A senior majoring in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology, she hopes to pursue a graduate degree with a focus in biomedical engineering, AI, and machine learning. Lynn identifies as Vietnamese-American and is committed to fostering safe spaces on campus. Previously, she interned at Peace Culture Village, a peace education nonprofit organization located in Hiroshima, Japan, where she facilitated intercultural dialogues surrounding hibakusha, de-weaponization, and peace culture.

José Dasilva

he/him

José Dasilva is a front desk assistant for the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs, and he is a Sophomore pursuing Business Administration with a concentration in Strategy. Jose identifies as Angolan and Colombian-American, and on campus, he is involved in the club ultimate frisbee team and is co-president of BlackGen Capital. Apart from academics and extracurriculars, Jose spends his time eating with friends, playing Settlers of Catan, and missing his hometown of Philadelphia.

Celine Fawaz

she/her

Celine Fawaz (she/her) is a second year political science student on the pre-law track. Celine hopes to use her law degree to pursue higher office and give a voice to minorities nationwide. She absolutely loves reading and iced lattes. Outside of school, Celine enjoys going to the mosque and spending time with her pet bunny Mr. Whiskers!
 

Lissette Gamez

she/her

Lissette Gamez (she/her) is a graduate student in the MA program for higher education with a concentration in diversity and social justice. Lissette received her bachelor's degree in sociology and psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. As a first-generation, Latina student, Lissette is passionate about working to advance the diversity, equity, and inclusion of students from marginalized communities in higher education. In her free time, Lissette enjoys spending her time weightlifting, cooking, and partaking in other forms of self-care.
 

Lucas Navia

he/him/él

Lucas Navia (he/him/él) is a second-year pre-medical track student pursuing a BS in sociology of health and medicine and Latin American/Caribbean studies, and a minor in music. He hopes to pursue an MD/PhD and do research on disease prevention in Andean communities. In his free time, Lucas enjoys soccer, traveling, and learning more about other cultures.

 

Alyssa Peek

she/her

Alyssa Peek (she/her) is a junior in the School of Information studying information analysis with minors in business and public policy. She is passionate about the intersection of technology, policy, and security. She is currently the vice speaker for the Black Student Union, a residential advisor for the Global Scholars Program, and DEI chair for Kappa Omega Alpha- Public Policy Professional Fraternity. Outside of school, Alyssa enjoys reading, hiking, and learning many new skills.
 

Daisy Ruiz

she/her

Daisy Ruiz (she/her/hers) is a junior majoring in communication and media. Daisy identifies as Mexican/Latina. In addition to being part of the MESA GO! Team, Daisy is the lead director of La Casa and program coordinator for Musica Para La Gente (MPG). Outside of her academic and leadership roles, Daisy enjoys playing tennis, thrifting, and spending time with her friends!
 

Shereen Thomas

Shereen (she/her/hers) is from Farmington Hills, MI majoring in social theory and practice focused on race education. She has facilitated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programming for 9 years and advised the College of Engineering on DEI practices for 4 years. She has worked as a social justice educator in the Dexter Public School District and Ann Arbor Public School District and works for the Prison Creative Arts Project. Shereen loves Beyoncé and all things music, she’s played violin and guitar for over 10 years and enjoys a good concert.

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