Peer Success Coaching

Saniah Calvin

Hi! My name is Saniah Calvin, and I’m a sophomore at UIC majoring in Biomedical Engineering. To tell
a little about me, I love being active on campus. I’m a part of the National Society of Black Engineers
(NSBE) and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). One of my favorite pastimes is watching Bob’s
Burgers and taking photos.

I became a peer success coach because I strongly believe in community. I want to assist people and
make them feel welcome and appreciated at UIC, whether through guiding them through their
courses, being someone to talk to, or sharing some of my experiences. Whatever it may be, I’m here
to help! : )

Kenia Castelan

Hi! My name is Kenia (Ken-ya, she/her/hers) but you can call me Ken. I am a senior majoring in human development and learning and I also major in both communication and instructional design and training. After graduation I plan to work in the postsecondary support field, helping high school seniors navigate life after high school. I’m super excited to meet you and help support you as you navigate life at UIC!

Alex Cifuentes

Hello, My name is Alex Cifuentes! I am a second year here at UIC, currently my Major is Criminology,
law and Justice on the Pre-Law track. I hope as a Peer Success Coach I am able to answer any
questions based on law or even just simple questions here at UIC!

Briana Harper

Hello! My name is Briana Harper, and I am a senior peer success coach; and have been mentoring students for three years! I am a fourth-year student here at UIC. My major is in Communications, but my focus is on Public Relations and Marketing. I am also in Honors College, American Marketing Association (AMA), the Co-Director of Account Management at UIC’s marketing agency, Five94′ Marketing & Solutions, and a fellow for the PRSA Chicago Michelle Flowers Diversity Fellowship Program.

As a peer success coach, I can help with personal and academic assistance. I am a great point of contact if you need help navigating UIC’s resources. I also have experience in navigating career/major exploration, along with how to get more involved on campus. I can’t wait to meet you and help you achieve your goals!

Vicente Hernandez

Hello! My name is Vicente Hernandez (Pronouns: he/him/his) and I’m a first-generation college student in my senior year. I have fulfilled my requirements for my Bachelor in Criminology, Law, and Justice and now finishing it up in Applied Psychology. I recently started to enjoy being more on campus studying at the library or being at the Commuter Center! I enjoy listening to music daily, playing video games, and lastly taking a long power nap when I can.

As a Success Peer Coach, I want to help you and get you the resources you can find of use while you’re here at UIC. I’m here as your guide and we can talk about anything you want. Resource questions, stress, video games, life, anything on your mind! Now let’s not miss all the wonderful options there are to try! I’m looking forward to helping you in any way!

Joe Reyna

Hello, my name is Joe Reyna. I am from Chicago, IL, and I am a Senior at UIC. I am a history major, and I am pursuing a Russian Language Certificate. I am a commuter from the West Humboldt Park area of Chicago. I am very invested in history, and I hope to get better at speaking other languages. My interests consist of playing video games mostly Tekken, chess, Magic the gathering, and history books.

As a peer success coach my role is to help you get accustomed to UIC, and I know it can be difficult to know all the resources UIC offers. My goal is to help you by being the first point of contact if you are unsure about a situation.

Nuria Rodgers

Hi, my name is Nuria Rodgers. I am 3rd year majoring in Human development and learning with a minor in sociology! I am also a student Ambassador at the College of Education and president of the HDL club. I am also proud to be here at ACE as a peer success coach and Co-social media team lead! During my free time, I enjoy running, vlogging, reading, and watching Netflix! As a peer coach, I serve as another resource for you! I can help connect you with other academic and social resources and networks here on campus! As a student myself, I understand the trials of navigating life at UIC. I have a specialty in helping students with time management skills, mindfulness practices, and performing your definition of success!

I am here to be by your side and help you navigate how to balance school life with home life, As a peer coach, I serve as another resource for you! I can help connect you with other academic and social resources and networks here on campus! As a student myself, I understand the trials of navigating life at UIC. I have a specialty in helping students with time management skills, mindfulness practices, and performing your definition of success! most importantly I can be here if you just need someone to talk to because, at the end of the day everyone deserves someone who wants to hear how they’re doing and will be in their corner cheering them on, I hope I can give this to you!

Aaron Tillery

Hello! My name is Aaron Tillery! I am a third-year student here at UIC majoring in Computer Engineering. I am from Chicago but, I lived in D.C. for a few years too! I love to spend my free time being fun and creative! I play video games, hang out with friends, and most importantly play/write music! I currently play guitar and drums, as well as sing and write my own songs too! I’m super excited to work with all of the amazing Freshman/Transfer students here at UIC! Being a Peer Coach, I want students to be able to express the highs/lows that they may experience on campus with me. To help assist and support them on this college journey!

Julian Zavala

Hello! My name is Julian (pronouns: He/him/his). I am a Chicago Native and currently a student in the College of Business Administration and Honors College studying Accounting. My recent hobbies have been Film Photography, Biking, and playing Basketball. As a first generation student and a Latinx descent, the expectations and stress are a lot to handle. I want to share my experiences so that others can have a smooth transition into UIC.

I am thrilled to be working with incoming students. As your Peer Success Coach I serve as a resource that’s easier to reach out to. Essentially I am here to equip you with every resource that you will possibly need to succeed. This can be from needing help with getting to know around campus, time management, knowing how to look for the right professor, or even just having someone to talk to about your day.

Emma Fletcher

Hello everyone! My name is Emma Fletcher (Pronouns: she/they). I am a first-generation student from Chicago currently in my fourth year at UIC. I am majoring in Communication and double minoring in Gender Women’s Studies and Moving Image Arts. Outside of classes, I enjoy creating art, playing video games, reading, and cooking. Having my own Peer Success Coach throughout college has greatly impacted my academic life and I am excited to be able to give back to students who join our program! I’m looking forward to helping students find their place at UIC and reaching their goals, whether it is academic, professional, or personal.

Matt Loma

Hi! My name is Matt Loma (He/they) and I am a 3rd year Health Studies major at UIC. I am a Chicago native and commute from the North Side of Chicago. I am currently on a pre-med track and am interested in rheumatology research specifically on RA and lupus research. As a peer success coach I am here to try and make your transition to UIC easier, while also helping you explore all the various resources at your disposal.

Kelly Padilla

Hi! My name is Kelly. I am a second year student at UIC majoring in Integrated Health Studies with a concentration in Behavioral Health. I am minoring in Sociology. My goal is to help students succeed by providing support and connecting them to resources on campus.

Richa Patel

Hi! My name is Richa Patel (She/Her), I am a first-generation college student. I am currently a sophomore planning to go into nursing. I am hoping to share my experiences with first-year students and make their transition into UIC smoother. I also hope to build meaningful connections and help in any way I can. I am very excited to be working with ACE this year and can’t wait to see the new experiences and skills I gain!

Evelyn Santos

My name is Evelyn Santos (She/Her) and I am a first generation junior majoring in psychology. I am a very excited to meet you and form connections. I enjoy listening to music and going to the gym ! As a peer success coach, we play a crucial role in providing support to our peers. Our primary goal is to help others achieve success by offering guidance, motivation and resource navigation.

Steven Zuniga

Hi my name is Steven Zuniga! I am an accounting major pursuing a CPA degree. I am excited to help you have the best academic journey here at UIC. I can help with getting you resources on campus and giving you tips as I am a current student. If there is a certain situation I cant assist you with I will find someone who certainly can! In my free time I enjoy playing video games and watching UFC. I look forward to meeting you!