Meet the STaR Team!
Instructors
Our STaR Instructors are a passionate group of professionals that are dedicated to making higher education a more equitable and inclusive space for all students. They foster welcoming and supportive learning environments, help students navigate the university system, and provide guidance that empowers students to achieve their personal, academic, and career goals. Many of our instructors were first-generation college students themselves, giving them firsthand insight into the challenges that STaR students may encounter during their college journey.
Liliana Hazel
Assistant Director of Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) at UC Davis
Peer Leaders
Our STaR Peer Leaders are a diverse and committed group of students who previously participated in the STaR Program during their first year at UC Davis. Drawing from their own experiences, they support incoming first-year, first-generation students by offering guidance, encouragement, and a friendly face on campus. Peer Leaders play a vital role in creating a welcoming and inclusive space where students feel a sense of belonging and know they have someone they can turn to for advice, support, and community throughout their transition to college.
Aless Ramirez
Major: International Relations (Concentration in Global Health, Resources and Environment)
Hi, I am a first-generation student going into my 2nd Year at Davis! My hometown is in So-Cal. This is my first year being a Peer Mentor for STaR, but I am beyond eager to get to know each and every one of our STaR Scholars! I can say without a doubt that this program goes above and beyond when it comes to being there to support its students. We truly find so much joy in what we do, and I love our growing STaR Family! Whether it be academic-related or not, I am always here to help! That being said, make sure to say hi if you see me around campus! :)
Hobbies: In my free time I love to hang out with my loved ones, go shopping, spend time outdoors, and watch TV.
Alexis Munoz
Major: Political Science
Hi everyone! I am a first-generation college student from Woodland, California and am currently a second-year student here at UC Davis. I am so excited to be a STaR Peer Mentor this year! Being part of the STaR program has brought me so much joy, and I am grateful for the opportunity to support incoming STaR students in any way I can. I am currently on the pre-law track and hope to become an attorney in the future. I look forward to having a great year!
Hobbies: I love to travel, meet new people, get involved in my community, and try new experiences.
Ashley Montalvo
Majors: Political Science - Public Service, Cinema & Digital Media
Hi everyone, I'm a first-generation student and a 2nd-year. I'm currently debating between the pre-law and pre-grad route, but I'm passionate about advocating for the Hispanic/Latinx community as well as the entertainment industry.
Hobbies: Cameras, movies/tv shows, nature, and music!
Carlos A Obando Jr
Major: Design
Hey y'all! I'm Carlos A. Obando Jr and I'm from Plumas Lake, California (Norcal represent)! It's my 3rd year being part of STaR but my 2nd year being a Peer Leader, and I've loved every second of doing this! I'm passionate about Design, so anything graphic design, publication design, and artistic I love! I'm even the Graphic Design officer for the Environmental Toxicology Club on campus! After I graduate, I plan on going to grad school for Design, but I haven't yet decided on my specialization. If you ever see me around campus, feel free to say hi! I'm friendlier than I look, and I love a game of Speed with my playing cards!
Hobbies: I'm a big video game player and music lover of all sorts of genres!
David Fong
Major: Communications
Hi everyone, I am a third year Communications student and it’s my 3rd year being a member of STaR, but my second year as a Peer Mentor. I am passionate about making strong connections and helping people be able to grow, learn and thrive in new environments so that they can have the best opportunities available. This drive is what motivates both myself and every other leader in STaR, and why we constantly strive to connect and help our students. I haven’t decided my specialization after college yet, but I aim to enter a field that allows me to continue to use what I have learned in STaR and be a recourse for people who might be struggling when in a new or difficult environment.
Emiliano Rosales
Major: Sociology | Minor: Chicano(a) Studies
Hi everyone, I am a first-generation, 4th-year student! Im passionate about education and helping marginalized groups of students with their academic journey's! This passion has driven my support for the STaR program along with similar programs such as EAOP.
Hobbies: Some of my current passions are playing volleyball, creating content for social media, and playing video games with friends!
Jacob Sauceda
Majors: Political Science, Sociology (emphasis in Law & Society)
Hello! I am a first-gen student from Riverside, CA, and I am currently a second year here at UC Davis. Currently, I double major in Political Science and Sociology with an emphasis in Law and Society. Within the STaR program, this is my second year as a whole, and my first year as a Peer Leader, to which I am excited and beyond eager to know each of our STaR scholars. After graduation, I intend to go to Law School to pursue a career in Law.
Hobbies: I love listening to music, hiking with friends, and occasionally cooking with my roommates.
Julie Oy
Major: Psychology
Hello, my name is Julie Oy, I'm a third year Psychology major. My passions and interests include working with children, learning, traveling, and personal development. I aspire to be a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist!
Kaori Ortiz
Major: Psychology | Minor: Education
Hi all, I'm a first generation student from Hayward, California and a 3rd-year pursuing a Psychology major and Education minor. After graduation, I plan to go to graduate school to become a psychologist or obtain a role in higher education. I'm passionate about working with others in a meaningful and impactful way and making education inclusive and accessible for all, especially marginalized communities. This is why I became a Peer Leader for STaR, and work in similar programs like Redwood SEED at UCD. STaR made a difference in my academic journey so I hope to help do the same for others!
Hobbies: I enjoy reading, badminton, road trips, and spending time with my loved ones.
Karen Garcia
Majors: Psychology and Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior (NPB)
Hi everyone, I'm a 3rd year student and I'm passionate about making higher education inclusive, which is my main reason for being a STaR Peer Mentor and supporting this program. My goal after graduating college is to go to graduate school in order to become a psychiatrist or a counseling psychologist.
Hobbies: Being active, exploring new places, watching movies, and doing anything that challenges me.
Mariajose Leones-De la Rosa
Major: Psychology | Minor: Education
Hello, I am a first generation, second year student at UC Davis and I am originally from Los Angeles, California. This is my first year as a Peer Leader and I'm very excited to help STaR students on their journey at UC Davis. I am hoping to go into the field of social work or education since I am passionate about supporting others.
Hobbies: I love going to the beach, fishing, watching live music shows, thrifting, and looking at all kinds of art!
Marlon Pineda
Major: Economics
My name is Marlon Pineda, I am a 2nd year Economics major from San Francisco. I am extremely passionate about working with students and helping my community. I am excited to meet new students of the STaR Program and be of assistance in any way I can.
Maya Mosteiro
Majors: Sociology - Organizational Studies, Psychology
Hi everyone! I am a first-generation student from the Bay Area, specifically Millbrae, and a sophomore here at UC Davis. I'm excited to embark on this journey with STaR alongside everyone! Coming into STaR as a freshman in the fall of 2025, I didn't know what to expect and just how many resources there were for first-generation students. With this being my second year at UC Davis and in the STaR Program, my passions of academic and social outreach, civil transparency, and the organizational processes in major corporations and institutions have expanded egregiously. As my UC Davis journey continues, I have continued pursuing my degrees in Sociology - Organizational Studies and Psychology, with the hope of going into Human Resources or any sort of Organizational Consulting. Outside of school, I believe every student should have a balance between their personal passions and academic endeavors, which is why I love to use my free time to decompress. Without a doubt, my college experience would not be the same if I hadn't stuck my foot through the door with STaR, and as a community, we cannot wait to meet more students and build connections with them for the rest of their lives!
Hobbies: I have grown up indulging in True Crime, cooking, and Powerlifting, so those are the activities that allow me to pursue many academic interests while still practicing self-care!
Moises Ortega
Majors: Politicial Science and Spanish
Hi everyone, I am a second-year Political Science and Spanish Major. This is my first year as a Peer Mentor, and I am excited to help students. I'm passionate about advocacy and policy making to aid marginalized communities thrive. I hope to pursue a career in law or public service. I'm excited to meet everyone and be a resource for our STaR students, please say hi to me if you see me around campus!
Hobbies: Outside of school I enjoy going to festivals and concerts, taking road trips, film photography.
Sarah Pearce
Major: Psychology
My name is Sarah Pearce and I am a second year Psychology Major planning to double major in Human Development. My goal in the future is to work with kids hopefully doing clinical therapy and possibly even going to medical school for psychiatry down the road. Being a peer mentor is one of my greatest joys on campus, but specifically because the STaR program means so much to me. It is the sole reason that I am still here at UC Davis and am as successful as I am. We are devoted to helping students in their academic and future lives.
Tatiana Eden Ochoa
Majors: Political Science - Public Service, Cognitive Science, and Philosophy
Bio coming soon!
Triston Boyer
Majors: Psychology and Sociology | Minors: Chicano Studies and Human Rights Studies
Bio coming soon!