SSI PEER EDUCATORS

Meet Our Team
2024-2025

 

Deborah Kim

Valerie Giron Headshot


Lead Peer Educator

About Deborah

Hello everyone! My name is Valerie and I am a second year Political Science major.

In the midst of deciding to commit to law school, my current career goals are set for becoming a paralegal after acquiring my undergraduate degree. In addition to my post-graduate years, I would like to spend my time traveling, hosting my own art shows, and volunteering for communities in need. My campus involvements and future commitments involve Gateway Initiatives, American Red Cross, and Phi Alpha Delta. In my spare time, I love to paint and draw, read books, drink coffee, go on drives and hang out with my friends! As a first generation, low-income, student of color, navigating resources on campus was a difficult transition. From SSI resources, to books, to your Starbucks order, (as an ex-barista, my go-to will always be a good Brown Oatmilk Shaken Espresso) I am excited to support students at UCI!

Betina Shavilof

Lizbeth Ramirez Headshot

Distinguished Scholars Program

About Betina

Hi! My name is Lizbeth (she/her) and I’m a 2nd year Data Science major.
 
I’ve always felt the need to give back to my community via volunteering and mentoring and I’m really glad I have the opportunity to continue that at UCI as a Peer Educator! I’m a first gen, low-income student and I’ve learned so much about UCI’s resources via SSI and would love to share the things I’ve learned with other students. As for future career goals, I am aiming to work in tech as a Data Scientist. I’m also thinking of getting a minor in Biology and possibly develop programs for healthcare. My campus involvements are: 2022-2023 Summer Bridge Scholar, WICS member, Peer Educator. As for hobbies/pastimes, I love reading manga and watching anime. I also like learning to make drinks like smoothies, matcha lattes, iced coffee. Sometimes I go thrifting and I really want to learn how to crochet and sew (to make cute tops). I love all kinds of music (Spanish rock, k-pop, rock, k-indie, r&b, oldies, j-pop, alt metal), and I’m always in need of having new songs to listen to so I’m always open to hearing song recommendations!

Andrea Martínez Galeana

Deborah Kim Headshot

Distinguished Scholars Program

About Andrea

Hello everyone ◡̈ My name is Deborah, and I’m a 2nd year Business Administration major!
 
Although I am still in the process of uncovering my specific career aspirations, I hope to eventually work at an esteemed company completing projects that bring me joy and fulfillment. On campus I am currently involved in: Human Resources Management Association as a Vice President of Marketing, Lambda Phi Nu as a Recruiter, UCI Athletics as a Broadcasting Crew Member, and SSI as a Gateway Initiatives Peer Educator and Gateway Scholars Participant. I’ve had a multitude of various experiences attending UCI so feel free to ask me any questions you may have about receiving support regarding academics, career, or community! I also love eating, taking pictures, watching k-dramas, karaoking, and fashion, so feel free to talk to me about any of those as well.
 

Azela Santiago

Valerie Giron Headshot


First Gen Programs

About Azela

Hello everyone! My name is Valerie and I am a second year Political Science major.

In the midst of deciding to commit to law school, my current career goals are set for becoming a paralegal after acquiring my undergraduate degree. In addition to my post-graduate years, I would like to spend my time traveling, hosting my own art shows, and volunteering for communities in need. My campus involvements and future commitments involve Gateway Initiatives, American Red Cross, and Phi Alpha Delta. In my spare time, I love to paint and draw, read books, drink coffee, go on drives and hang out with my friends! As a first generation, low-income, student of color, navigating resources on campus was a difficult transition. From SSI resources, to books, to your Starbucks order, (as an ex-barista, my go-to will always be a good Brown Oatmilk Shaken Espresso) I am excited to support students at UCI!

 

Lizbeth Ramirez

Lizbeth Ramirez Headshot

Gateway Initiative

About Lizbeth

Hi! My name is Lizbeth (she/her) and I’m a 2nd year Data Science major.
I’ve always felt the need to give back to my community via volunteering and mentoring and I’m really glad I have the opportunity to continue that at UCI as a Peer Educator! I’m a first gen, low-income student and I’ve learned so much about UCI’s resources via SSI and would love to share the things I’ve learned with other students. As for future career goals, I am aiming to work in tech as a Data Scientist. I’m also thinking of getting a minor in Biology and possibly develop programs for healthcare. My campus involvements are: 2022-2023 Summer Bridge Scholar, WICS member, Peer Educator. As for hobbies/pastimes, I love reading manga and watching anime. I also like learning to make drinks like smoothies, matcha lattes, iced coffee. Sometimes I go thrifting and I really want to learn how to crochet and sew (to make cute tops). I love all kinds of music (Spanish rock, k-pop, rock, k-indie, r&b, oldies, j-pop, alt metal), and I’m always in need of having new songs to listen to so I’m always open to hearing song recommendations!

Serena Le

Deborah Kim Headshot

Gateway Initiative

About Serena

Hello everyone ◡̈ My name is Deborah, and I’m a 2nd year Business Administration major!
 
Although I am still in the process of uncovering my specific career aspirations, I hope to eventually work at an esteemed company completing projects that bring me joy and fulfillment. On campus I am currently involved in: Human Resources Management Association as a Vice President of Marketing, Lambda Phi Nu as a Recruiter, UCI Athletics as a Broadcasting Crew Member, and SSI as a Gateway Initiatives Peer Educator and Gateway Scholars Participant. I’ve had a multitude of various experiences attending UCI so feel free to ask me any questions you may have about receiving support regarding academics, career, or community! I also love eating, taking pictures, watching k-dramas, karaoking, and fashion, so feel free to talk to me about any of those as well.
 

Brittney Truong

Hillary Tang Headshot

Gateway Scholars Program

About Brittney

Hi everyone! My name is Hillary (she/her), a fourth year education sciences and psychological sciences major!
 
My future goal is to go into community college athletic academic counseling. My current campus involvement includes SSI, a peer assistant for Professor Johnston and I am planning on joining the UCI lacrosse team this season! I enjoy finding new coffee shops to try, going to the beach, and working out. I also love trying new activities and going on adventures!
 

Audrey Tang

Joshua Chong Headshot

Gateway Scholars Program

About Audrey

Hello, my name is Joshua Chong with my pronouns being he/him.
 
I am a psychological science major with a minor in sociology. I am in senior standing, but I actually am a second year transfer student. My academic goals are to get into grad school to be a school counselor fo rhigh schoolers and then after hopefully get a psy.d to become a developmental psychologist. I am in the msol lab with Dr.Campos. I love to play video games and love cooking for my friends. Please feel free to ask me anything and I am sure I can help you.
 

Josh Contreras

Joshua Chong Headshot

Gateway Initiatives

About Josh

Hello, my name is Joshua Chong with my pronouns being he/him.
 
I am a psychological science major with a minor in sociology. I am in senior standing, but I actually am a second year transfer student. My academic goals are to get into grad school to be a school counselor fo rhigh schoolers and then after hopefully get a psy.d to become a developmental psychologist. I am in the msol lab with Dr.Campos. I love to play video games and love cooking for my friends. Please feel free to ask me anything and I am sure I can help you.
 

Giselle Ferrer

Joshua Chong Headshot

First Gen Programs

About Josh

Hello, my name is Joshua Chong with my pronouns being he/him.
 
I am a psychological science major with a minor in sociology. I am in senior standing, but I actually am a second year transfer student. My academic goals are to get into grad school to be a school counselor fo rhigh schoolers and then after hopefully get a psy.d to become a developmental psychologist. I am in the msol lab with Dr.Campos. I love to play video games and love cooking for my friends. Please feel free to ask me anything and I am sure I can help you.