Our Staff

Ana Navarrete (she/her), Program Director

Ana was born in Tamaulipas, Mexico and migrated with her family to the U.S. when she was 9 months old. As a child she lived in San Jose for many years until she moved to Stockton, CA where she attended high school and community college. As a first generation student and also undocumented, navigating higher ed was a very difficult, but through her involvement in the Puente Program and the California Dream Network, Ana was empowered to advocate for institutional support for undocumented students in higher ed. In 2013 Ana obtained a B.A. in Latin American and Latino Studies from UC, Santa Cruz, and since graduating she has continued her work in developing best practices and resources to support the success and graduation of undocumented students in higher ed. During her free time Ana enjoys roller-skating alongside her dog, Tin Tan.

ana.navarrete@sjsu.edu

Lee Oscar Gomez (elle/they/them), Program Coordinator

Lee Oscar Gomez (elle/they/them) is an educator, a practicing visual artist, photography instructor, and community arts coordinator. They hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in photography from San Jose State University. Lee Oscar has exhibited at the Berkeley Art Center for the Annual Juried Members Show and at Kala Art Institute in, Creating Together: Student Art Showcase. With experience as an A-I-R resident with Kala Art Institute, Lee Oscar has instructed digital photography workshops and courses to youth in the East Bay. As a former New American Fellow, with the Office of Immigration Relations in The Santa Clara County, they have and continue to work as an advocate for public and community organized art. Lee Oscar has also been involved with the Chinese Cultural Center of San Francisco, coordinating Spanish speaking folx in a multilingual community project. As an undocumented individual, Lee Oscar pursues advocating for youth with similar experiences, to attend higher education, as a form of activism and empowerment.

Chinaza Maduka (she/her)

Chinaza is a first-generation college student at San Jose State University majoring In Industrial and Systems Engineering with a minor in Graphic Design, in hopes to pursue a career in Computer Graphics in the future. Chinaza was born and raised in Nigeria, and moved to the U.S at the age of 10. She is passionate about helping low-income, first-generation students in terms of finding resources and scholarships to assist them in their educational journey. During her free time, she enjoys painting, going to museums, and hiking.

Eliana Olivas (she/her)

Eliana was born and raised in Sacramento, CA. She is a first-generation college student at San Jose State University majoring in Political Science and minoring in Sociology. She is involved with Associated Students and Greek life on campus, and advises all new students to get involved with a community at SJSU! She is passionate about increasing representation for underrepresented communities, and wants to work in immigration reform and advocacy after she earns her degree. In her free time, she enjoys going out with her friends and family, going to concerts, and trying new food places.

Lyna Luu (she/her)

Lyna is an international student from Vietnam, majoring in Management Information Systems. As a newcomer, she was drawn to the vibrant tapestry of cultures that form American society and Lyna's empathy and connection to underrepresented minority groups have driven her to actively address their challenges. As a student assistant at the USRC, she advocates for these communities, contributing to a more inclusive campus environment. With a flexible mindset for her future career, Lyna eagerly explores diverse opportunities with determination. Beyond academics and community engagement, she enjoys gaming and crocheting in her free time. The world of arts and crafts allows Lyna to not only express herself but also witness her creations come to life, offering a fulfilling and rewarding outlet.