Meet the Team

Aracely Aceves Lozano 

Title: USS Academic Counselor

Pronouns: She/Her/Ella

Email: aaceves5@ucsc.edu 

Greetings Slugs! My name is Aracely Aceves Lozano. I was born in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico and grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. I graduated from college as a first-generation undocumented student, earning my B.S. in Psychology with a Minor in Spanish from Cal Poly, SLO. I then spent five years in the non-profit sector supporting health and education organizations before returning to school to complete a M.S. in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs from Cal Poly, SLO. My role as the Undocumented Student Services (USS) Academic Counselor exists under the umbrella of the Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP) office and I am partnering intentionally with the Resource Centers in order to highlight the intersectional experiences of undocumented students at UC Santa Cruz. Please schedule an appointment with me to learn more about the resources available to undocumented students at UC Santa Cruz. In my free time I enjoy going on hikes, gardening, and biking along bluff trails in Santa Cruz. I love to talk about plants and day to day life and I can't wait to meet you!

Want to chat over zoom? Schedule a meeting HERE.

Daniela Jiménez de Anda 

Title: USS Program Consultant

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Email: daljimen@ucsc.edu

Hi everyone! My name is Daniela Jiménez De Anda and I am the Program Consultant for Undocumented Student Services under the Educational Opportunity Programs at UC Santa Cruz. I was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, México and moved to Salinas, CA at the age of nine. I graduated as a first generation college student from UC Santa Barbara where I majored in Sociology and Chicana/o Studies. Within my role as the USS Program Consultant, I am excited to have the opportunity to support undocumented students through the programs and services that Undocumented Student Services provides at UCSC. Be sure to check out some of our events and programs throughout the year. A little bit about myself: in my free time I enjoy going on hikes and spending time with my family and friends.

Stefany Arévalo Esconar  

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Major: Computational Media, M.S.

Hello everyone! My name is Stefany and I am originally from Fresno, CA. I recently graduated from UC Merced with a B.S. in Applied Mathematics and am glad to join UCSC this year as a Computational Media M.S. student. I am excited to meet and help you all as the USS Graduate Student Mentor to provide information for all things graduate school. I have first-hand experience with the graduate application process as an undocumented student, and know how intimidating it can seem. However, I am here to be your support in this journey and will explore opportunities open to minorities like us. Dream big and we will get through it together!

Click HERE to find my drop-in hours on the USS Calendar or explore the “Graduate Student Resources” section for more information about my role. 

Wendy Cruz Bautista

Title: Marketing and Outreach Fellow

Pronouns: She/Her/Ella

Major: History and Psychology

Hi everyone! My name is Wendy and I'm originally from Oaxaca, Mexico and I grew up in Los Angeles, CA. As an undocumented student, I know how isolating being undocumented can seem and so I want to help create a safe space where undocumented students can feel safe and supported. I hope to be able to provide that for everyone this year. I'm also looking forward to make many more memories on campus since the pandemic. One piece of advice that I would have for students is to always remember to enjoy life even when it may seem hard, just know that I'm proud of you!

Andrea Mora Paredes 

Title: Community Engagement Fellow

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Major: Sociology

Hey y'all, my names Andrea! I was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico but grew up in Santa Ana, CA. My major is Sociology and I'm thinking of minoring in Film. I am a transfer student so this will be my first year navigating campus life!  One of my favorite things to do is watching new movies or new shows. I would one day like to write my own film script or novel. A piece of advice I want to share with yall is that we're all on our own journeys going at different paces. Never feel the need to compare yourself to others. <3

Xanat Rodriguez

Title: CUIP Lead Intern

Pronouns: she/her

Major: Sociology & Latin American and Latino Studies

Hi everyone my name is Xanat (pronounced sha-not) and I transferred last fall from College of Marin. As someone who grew up in a predominantly white community I always felt like ashamed of my undocumented identity but as a USS lead intern I strive to take that narrative and rewrite it with pride. I hope to be able to guide and assist other undocuslugs as we all make our way through our higher education. 

Want to meet with a mentor? Click HERE to find their drop-in hours on the USS Calendar!

Karina Diaz Alvarez 

Title: USS Mentor

Pronouns: Any pronouns

Major: Psychology & Legal Studies w/ GISES minor

Hi! My name is Karina and I came to Santa Cruz from a little city called San Bruno. As someone with a passion for helping people, I took in this role as a USS mentor with excitement and willingness to grow through challenges I expect to confront. Being a first-gen, undocumented student myself, I value the help from others so I don't go through this college journey blindly and alone, and advise students to do the same. I hope to support students in this aspect as well as guide them towards the success of their goals and aspirations, so don't be afraid to reach out! Here's to an awesome school year!!!

Diego Jimenez 

Title: USS Mentor

Pronouns: He/Him/His/El

Major: Sociology and Education

I am a Daca Recipient from San Jose CA, Bay Area who made it its mission to help fellow undocumented students in their higher ed journey. Which is why I decided to join Undocumented Student Services and become a USS Mentor. There are many challenges and unheard of stories from the undocumented community that pushes me to elivate their voices and create space for healing. I know that this role will challenge me and prepare me to become an effective school counselour, but most importantly a better leader in the community. As for my two cents, for new or contiunuing students at UCSC, do not let your inposter syndrome corner you and isolate you from being the best version of yourself. You are here, you matter, and belong in this space becuase you earned it. Before the year comes to a close, I look forward in reconnecting with my love ones and continue with my journey of self care.🌸

Fatima Rosas

Title: USS Mentor

Pronouns: She/ Her/ Ella

Major: Psychology and Education

Hi, I was born in Puebla, Mexico, but raised in Baldwin Park, CA. I decided to be a mentor for undocumented students because I know how hard it is to navigate college as an undocumented student. Coming to the university, I had trouble adjusting to a new environment. I remember feeling worried because I was unsure if I had adequate resources or help to guide me as an undocumented student. After attending the AB540% orientation and connecting with mentors, I felt like I had the necessary resources to be successful. Now I want to help others who are feeling the same way I was feeling last year. I would advise everyone to take advantage of the resources provided by the university and do not be afraid to ask for help! 

Madeline Wong

Title: USS Mentor

Pronouns: she/her

Major: Psychology and MCD Biology

My name is Maddy, and I’m from the San Francisco Bay Area. I’m passionate about working with underserved communities and promoting social justice issues. I hope to enter a career in public health. One piece of advice I have for students is to break out of one’s comfort zone and seek out new experiences and activities unique to UC Santa Cruz. This year I am looking forward to getting to know students and helping with the transition to campus life.