Meet the Team
Assistant Director of EOP: Counseling & STEM Programs
Hi! I'm Anum - I was a first generation, transfer student at UC Santa Cruz with a double major in Sociology and Environmental Studies, having started my work in EOP as a peer coach. Now, a decade later in higher education after various roles in academic advising and coaching, I'm honored to have a role serving as an Assistant Director of Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP), at UC Santa Cruz! I believe in helping students build their agency throughout their journey at UC Santa Cruz through meaningful dialogue, counsel on campus navigation, and first-gen student engagement. Advocacy for students is the 'why' of my work! Outside of work, I love reading, hiking, community engagement, and art! Independent films, bookstores, and a solid coffee shop are some of my favorite things.Location: Academic Resource Center 121Languages: English, Urdu, HindiContact: aqadir@ucsc.edu
Lead EOP STEM Counselor
Hello EOP students! My name is Leydi Cortes, and I serve as one of the EOP STEM Counselors. I began my undergraduate journey at Santa Barbara City College and then transferred to UC Santa Barbara, where I earned my B.A. in Mathematics. In 2023 I graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with my Masters in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs.My firsthand experiences as a first-generation, low-income, DACA-mented college student drives my passion to support, empower, and advocate for students. In my counseling role, I strive to cultivate an atmosphere where students feel at ease sharing their stories and ensure you feel supported, confident, and connected to the resources that help you navigate both personal and educational goals.Outside of work, I enjoy watching movies, cooking my mom’s recipes and occasionally trying a new recipe. In my free time I enjoy walks by the beach especially during a sunset, I enjoy reading, puzzles, board games, and video games, and I always have a cup of coffee with me.I’m excited to connect with you!Location: Academic Resource Center 121Languages: English, SpanishContact: leacorte@ucsc.edu
EOP STEM Counselor & Academic Success Coach
Nancy Gonzalez Reyes is an EOP STEM Counselor and Academic Success Coach with seven years of experience supporting students from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds in both K-12 and higher education. As a first-generation student and daughter of immigrant parents, Nancy is deeply committed to dismantling barriers in academic pathways to help students achieve their full potential. She earned her degree in History and Education from UCSC and recently completed her M.Ed. in Higher Education with a focus on Student Engagement from Pennsylvania State University. Nancy is dedicated to being a resource and advocate for students, providing guidance and creating a safe space for exploring the higher education system. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, running, and engaging in creative pursuits such as painting, pottery, and live music.
Location: Academic Resource Center 121
Languages: English, Spanish
Contact: npgonzal@ucsc.edu
EOP STEM Counselor & Academic Success Coach
Hello EOP Banana Slugs! My name is Emilia Cline Arellano and I serve as one of the EOP STEM Counselors & Academic Success Coach. My goal is to collaborate with students and empower them to pave their pathway to success. My counseling style focuses on the intersectionality of a student's experience and use of that experience to identify the unique strengths that all student's possess. A little about me, I was a first generation college student and a former EOP student. I received my B.A. at UC Santa Cruz in Sociology with a minor in Education. After working for several years at the Santa Cruz County Medical Society, I went back to school and received my M.A. in Education with a focus in K-12 and College Counseling from the University of Redlands. I have been working with students across California in a variety of different settings from teaching nutrition education in K-12 schools to serving as a School Counselor to support mental wellness.
Location: Academic Resource Center 121
Languages: English, Spanglish
Contact: eclinear@ucsc.edu
UC Computing Scholars Coordinator
Hi everyone! I am excited to share a bit of myself. I was an EOP scholar at CSU Northridge (CSUN) during my undergraduate years and received a lot of support from the EOP staff. I made really close friendships with my EOP peers who are still some of my closest friends till this day. Growing up, I was part of a K-12 organization called Harmony Project that supports first generation and under-resourced communities in Los Angeles through music education along with building college/university navigating skills which were so helpful in my own educational journey. My interest in pursuing a career where I could support the greater community through education greatly increased when I became a peer advisor at CSUN and got the opportunity to mentor first and 2nd year students. Before working at UCSC, I worked at UC Merced as an academic advisor and coordinator of peer advising. I am beyond excited to continue to support UC scholars here at Santa Cruz! A bit of myself outside of work, I enjoy walking my dog, trying new food, karaoke, singing, and dancing. I look forward to connecting with all of you!
Location: Baskin Engineering Rm. 181
Languages: English, Spanish
Contact: kealas@ucsc.eduEOP STEM Peer Advisor
Hey there! My name is Elliot, I'm a third-year Computer Science: Game Design major and Linguistics minor, and I'm very excited to be continuing my role at EOP this year. As an advisor, I like to focus on task management and organizational tools to help students figure out the best way to manage their time well. I also work for Baskin Engineering as a Group Tutor for CSE 13S, and as an Engineering Learning Specialist working to improve learning & retention in engineering. In my free time, I tend to haunt the rafters as a spotlight operator for CMT San Jose, and I'm a big nerd for anything DC Comics, D&D, MTG, and video games. I am also an advance home baker & cook, and I love to try new pasta and bread recipes!
Location: Academic Resource Center 121
Languages: English, Swedish/Norwegian
Contact: kahlstro@ucsc.edu
EOP STEM Peer Advisor
Hi, my name is Victoria and I'm so excited to be a STEM Peer Advisor this year. As a double major, I know the struggle of trying to keep on top of everything in life. I'm here for students for everything whether it's a short conversation about Sonny Angels or a meeting where we plan out your undergrad course schedule. Feel free to drop by and talk to me!
Location: Academic Resources Center 121
Languages: EnglishEOP STEM Peer Advisor
Hey! My name is Dana, I'm a third year Molecular, Cellular and Developmental (MCD) Biology major with a Bioinformatics minor. As a peer advisor, I'm here to support and help you navigate through both academic and personal challenges. I take a resource-focused and supportive approach; I like creating a welcoming environment and am always prepared to listen. My goal is finding the tools you need to thrive and be successful! Outside of advising -- I enjoy going to the gym, cooking, playing video games and being a cat mom!
Location: Academic Resource Center 121
Languages: English
EOP STEM Peer Advisor
Hi! My name is Cindy and I am a fourth-year Computer Science major that transferred to UCSC just last year. This is my first year as a EOP STEM Peer Advisor but I have experience as a general peer advisor in high school. I like to focus on the emotions any issues the students may be facing and discuss all the options the student may need to take. As a first-gen, low income transfer from Southern California my experiences and path may allow me to give more in-depth insight to student's struggles and how to approach them. In my free time I tend to gravitate towards to reading manga/manhwa, playing video games, or watching YouTube.
Location: Academic Resources Center 121
Languages: English, Cantonese (limited)
RISE Scholars Peer Mentor
Hi! I'm Chloe, a junior from Fresno, CA, studying Computer Engineering with a concentration in Computer Systems. I'm passionate about using technology to create tools that positively impact people. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, cooking, playing guitar, and reading. As a STEM student, I'm happy to answer any questions about academics, campus resources, or just chat and listen! I'm excited to meet you, and remember, UCSC is a phenomenal place with many people rooting for you!
Location: Academic Resource Center 121
Languages: English
RISE Scholars Peer Mentor
Hi everyone! I'm Pedro Lopez, a proud first-generation college student from SoCal's San Fernando Valley. I'm majoring in Global and Community Health with a minor in Latin America and Latino Studies at UCSC. You'll often find me on the Sabrosura Dance Team or grinding away at my third home, McHenry Library, during the week. But when the weekend hit's, I'm all about relaxing at the beach, jamming to Bad Bunny, or playing my bajo quinto. My counseling style is supportive and empathetic- I'm here to listen, help you navigate college life, and share tips that have helped me succeed.
Location: Academic Resource Center 121
Languages: English, Spanish
EOP STEM Professional Staff
Anum Qadir (she/her)
Leydi Cortes (she/her)
Nancy Gonzalez Reyes (she/her/ella)
Emilia Cline Arellano (she/her)
Kenya Alas (she/her/ella)
EOP STEM Student Staff
Elliot Ahlstroem (he/him)
Victoria Ojukwu (she/her)
Dana Reyes (she/her)
Cindy Tu (she/they)
Chloe Baly (she/her)
Pedro Lopez (he/him)
