The Central Valley Project at UCLA Staff 
2017-2018 Staff

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              Project Director

                      Cristina Diaz 

Site Coordinator 

Eloise Rangel 

          Hometown: Lost Hills, CA

         Major: Psychology

         Minor: Linguistics 

        Why did you join CVP?
        I joined CVP because I wanted to help high students
        from the Central Valley in their pursuit of higher education
        and provide them with resources small communities
        usually don't get. I enjoy being part of an organization
        that gives back to our communities and where I get to
        meet other students from similar backgrounds who
        also enjoying helping others

         Life Motto:
        You're off to great places, today is your day, your
​        mountain is waiting, so get on your way - Dr. Seuss

         Fun Fact: 
         I have a dog who has extra toes. 

Hometown: Fresno, CA

Major: Political Science 

Minor: Philosophy & Cognitive Science 

Why did you join CVP? 
To give back to the community that helped me achieve things I never thought possible when I was younger. I love being able to see all of the growth and evolvement, in the CVP family, in the mentees, and in myself.

Life Motto: 
Live, eat, travel consciously.

Fun Fact: 
I figure skate!

Co-UCLA Community Coordinator

Imelda Mena 

Hometown: San Jose, CA
​
Major: Biology 

Why did you join CVP?
I like the energy that our students give us during site, it always makes me happy to see how much more of an impact we can make when we group together to achieve our goals. Empowering youth to me is important because it's an essential step into having a better future!

Life Motto:
Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die tomorrow.
 
Fun Fact:
I used to do the long jump in my high school's track and field team.

Co-UCLA Community Coordinator

Iris Lopez 

Hometown: Porterville, CA
​
Major: Psychology  
 
Why did you join CVP?
I joined when I was a junior in high school because I wanted to learn more about college. What I like about CVP is that we're a community and we support one another.

Life Motto: 
There's always enough time for a nap! 

Fun Fact:
I was captain of the golf team in high school. 

Administrative Coordinator

Diana Guzman

Hometown: Chucándiro, Michoacán
​
Major: Sociology

Minors: Education Studies

Why did you join CVP?
I joined CVP my junior year of high school and it played a major role in empowering me to pursue a higher education, as well as to apply and become a UCLA student. I want to give back to my community, which includes providing resources to high school students that may not be exposed to educational/valuable information. I love how CVP feels like a home and family to me, as well as its mission and commitment to positively impact people’s lives.

Life Motto:
Create a life you do not need/want a vacation from.

Fun Fact:
I have been a substitute teacher at a foreign country various times and have absolutely loved it!

Site Community Coordinator

Shannel Miranda 

Hometown: Strathmore, CA
​
Major: Psychology

Why did you join CVP?
I joined CVP because I know that our community does lack resources. I want everyone from the Central Valley to have just as much of a chance as someone from Los Angeles to go to any university that they desire. Joining CVP is definitely a way to help my own community even from miles away.

Life Motto:
I have no idea what I'm doing. But I know that I'm doing it really, really well.

Fun Fact:
I have a birthmark on my cheek (kinda looks like Florida).

Finance Coordinator

Leticia Martinez 

Hometown: Madera, CA

Major: Political Science 

Minor: Global Health & Public Affairs

Why did you join CVP?
I joined CVP because it is important for me to help
underrepresented communities. Being part of a minority
group has motivated me to provide exposure and
guidance to students from similar backgrounds so
​that they may also reach their full potential.
​
Life Motto: 
A’s before Baes

Fun Fact: 
I went to one of the 7 world wonders: Machu Picchu