Staff directory

Kyra Shahid, Ph.D. (she/her), affectionately known as Dr. Kyra, is responsible for providing strategic leadership for the Trotter Multicultural Center and Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs, and ensuring that our efforts advance the mission of the center. She is passionate about helping students build community, develop healing-centered engagement, and find ways to thrive on campus and beyond.

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Adrian T. Parker, Ph.D. (he/him) is the assistant director of leadership development and transformational learning at Trotter/MESA. In his role he is responsible for overseeing programming, cultivating the center's learning agenda, and alumni engagement. You should contact Dr. Parker for: 

• TMC Programming
• Retreats & Conferences
• TMC Council of Elders (alumni engagement)

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Make an appointment

Amber serves as the Building and Event Services Manager. Her primary responsibilities include managing reservations, ensuring the building is safe, accessible, and welcoming for all visitors, and coordinating building use and upkeep. Amber also manages the Student Organization Lockers and oversees the bulletin board for community postings. Folks should contact Amber for:

•  building reservations
• event logistics
• questions about student organization locker assignments
• posting on the bulletin board.

Monica Gross serves as the administrative coordinator for Trotter/MESA. Contact Monica for:

• Scheduling time with Dr. Kyra
• Support connecting with Trotter/MESA staff and resources
• Questions about Trotter/MESA administration, systems, and operations

Cristina Zamarrón (she/her) is the communications strategist for Trotter/MESA and Spectrum Center.

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 Trotter/MESA 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!