Staff directory

Kyra Shahid, PhD, affectionately known as Dr. Kyra, is director of Trotter/MESA—Trotter Multicultural Center and the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs. She is responsible for providing strategic leadership for the center, ensuring that our efforts advance our mission.

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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.

Amin Saleh is a program manager at the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs. When he was five years old, Amin immigrated with his family to the United States from Venezuela. Since then, his home has been Miami, Florida where he earned a bachelor's degree in communication arts with a minor in computer science from Florida International University (FIU).

Monica Gross is the administrative coordinator for Trotter Multicultural Center and Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs.

Kumusta! Håfa Adai! Hello! My name is Maekayla Dimatulac, and I am a fourth-year undergraduate student studying Sociology with a sub-major in Law, Justice, and Social Change, alongside a growing interest in Education Policy. My academic focus centers on how institutional systems shape opportunity and how policy can be leveraged to drive equitable outcomes, particularly in education. Additionally, I am interested in community engagement and public institutions, exploring how spaces like museums can foster inclusive learning, dialogue, and connection.

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!
 

Devin Lott (He/Him) is a sophomore, currently in LSA, with plans to transfer to the Ford School of Public Policy from Detroit, MI. He hopes to pursue his JD after finishing his bachelor's to focus on underserved people in his community. Devin enjoys community and connecting with others. Outside of class, Devin stays involved with student organizations, where he is normally found socializing and building community. 

Valeria Morales is a sophomore LSA student pursuing a dual degree in Political Science and Communication and Media Studies. Valeria is a passionate people person who hopes to use her degrees to pursue a career in broadcast journalism. Outside of MESA, you might find her working on Hopelessly Yellow's Podcast: Golden Hour or WOLV TV: Newsfeed. She loves coffee, music, her family, her friends, and could talk to a wall for three hours if you let her!

Lucía is a senior majoring in Sociology (Law, Justice, and Social Change) and minoring in political science on a pre-law track. Lucía hopes to pursue a career in law and advocacy for immigrant communities. In addition to Latine Heritage Student Coordinator, Lucía is also a part of La Casa's executive board. Outside of her academic and leadership roles, she loves to spend time with her friends, go on walks, and watch Philly sports games. 

Paolo Gabriel Poquiz is a junior studying Social Theory and Practice with a minor in Community Action and Social Change. Proudly born and raised as a first generation Filipino-American in the rural town of Alma, MI, he is dedicated to understanding and uplifting overlooked communities.  In addition to working as a coordinator for Trotter/MESA Welcome Program, he is currently a Programming Lead for United Asian American Organizations. He loves to spend his time working out, writing, and baking.

Jo-Ana Rivera is a graduate student in the master's program for higher education with a concentration in diversity and social justice. Jo-Ana received her bachelor's degree in English from Rutgers University. Previously, she was a middle school teacher. As a first-generation Latina, Jo-Ana hopes to continue to support liberatory educational spaces for minoritized students. In her free time, Jo-Ana enjoys going to the gym, cooking and going to the movies.

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 Latine Heritage Month planning 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!
 

Michelle Torres is a senior majoring in Women’s and Gender Studies. At U-M, Michelle’s work has centered around helping other students through their academic journeys, particularly transfer and traditional first-year students. At Trotter/MESA, Michelle serves as a student co-coordinator for Latine Heritage Month. After graduation, Michelle hopes to continue helping others through non-profit work. Outside of school, Michelle enjoys going out with friends, playing video games, watching movies, writing, and drawing. 

Atziri Uzoukwu is a fourth-year student studying Civil Engineering with a minor in Sustainable Infrastructure. As President of the campus Latino club, La Casa, she proudly champions Afro-Latina representation by celebrating both her Mexican and Nigerian heritage. Outside of her studies, she loves hitting the gym or spending time outdoors with friends—preferably basking in the sun with some good food.

Jacklyn Vargas (she/her/ella) is from Highland Park, IL and a second year graduate student in the Higher Education masters program at Marsal. Jacklyn is the current MESA/Trotter Graduate Assistant and supports Latine Heritage Month as well as the Grants and Outreach team. She is committed to serving historically underrepresented students and is excited about uplifting student leaders across campus. 

Elladiss Winter (she/they/he) is a senior LSA student from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, majoring in BCN, with double minors in Law, Justice, & Social Change and Native Studies.  A member of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians, they hope to eventually return home and go into community health policy.  They serve as a coordinator for the Welcome Program and a Co-Chair of the Native American Student Association.  Off campus, they like to make art, read, and go to concerts!