Staff directory

Jamie Carter is a program manager in MESA, 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.

Ruby Flores Camacho (she/her/hers) is a program manager for the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs. Ruby was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ruby is bilingual in Spanish and English. Ruby is a two-time Indiana University alum and first generation college student. Ruby’s previous roles have been geared towards creating and managing diversity and social justice programs and workshops. While Ruby’s heart is in crimson and cream, Ruby is happy to wear maize and blue to create a more equitable and inclusive campus for students.

Nick Pfost (he/they) is a communications strategist at the University of Michigan, serving The Program on Intergroup Relations, Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs, and Spectrum Center. An MPP-trained communicator with over a decade of experience in higher education and nonprofits, they lead in each unit on communications, marketing, and design to advance their missions and impact.

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 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.

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.

Josephine Conti (she/her/hers) is a junior pursuing an undergraduate neuroscience degree (pre-med). Josie identifies as a Sicillian / Cherokee / African-American. She currently works as an undergraduate research assistant, co-chair for the Native American Student Association, LSA peer advisor, and resident advisor. Outside of her academic extracurriculars, Josie can be found working out in the gym, watching anime, crocheting, or reading!!

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 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.

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.

Amber Wei is a senior pursuing a dual degree in community and global public health (SPH) and gender and health (LSA). Amber identifies as Taiwanese-American and is committed to creating impactful programs on campus. Outside of MESA, Amber is involved in Asian American High School Conference and the LSA Honors Program. Outside of school, Amber spends time at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, coffee shops, and bookstores around the area!

Fardosu Yasin is a senior studying biology, health, and society with a minor in UX design. She is a first gen Somali American and is involved in the East African Student Association (EASA). Fardosu loves spending her free time reading a good book, learning about the history of Islam, and hanging with her family and friends.