Caira Jordan (she/her)
Hello! I am a fourth-year year Film & Digital Media major, choosing to focus on post-production and special effects editing. I had the pleasure of spending a semester abroad studying at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia with UCEAP and absolutely had the time of my life. I’ve been a Black Academy mentor for two years and I’m so excited to extend my mentorship into the Global Learning sphere. I am a fiber artist and my favorite mediums are crochet, tapestry, and beaded embroidery. I love anything having to do with nature, and if you see me around on our beautiful campus, don’t hesitate to say hi!
Areas of Expertise: Being Black/Female Abroad, UCEAP, Travel Insurance Claims, Film & Digital Media/Arts
Denilson Perez (he/him)
Hi, I’m Denilson Perez. I’m Afro-Mexican and I’m from South Central LA. I’m currently a fourth year at UC Santa Cruz as well as a first-generation college student. I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Latin America and Latino Studies/Sociology with a minor in Language Studies. I had the amazing opportunity of spending my entire junior year abroad; I studied at the University of Bologna in Italy and at the Autonomous University of Mexico located in Mexico City. I had such a stimulating and inspirational time in my host countries. I would also say my experiences in these countries had positive impacts on my personal and academic growth. Aside from travel, my hobbies include language learning (I currently speak six), swimming, dancing, and thrifting.
Areas of Expertise: UCEAP, First-generation College Students, Supporting Students of Color, LGBTQIA+, Fund for Education Abroad Scholarship
Mariah Silva (she/her)
Hello! I am an Ecology and Evolutionary Biology major who has participated in research in three separate countries: UCEAP Tropical Biology & Conservation in Costa Rica, UCEAP University of Cape Town, and the UCSC Global Seminar- Evolution and Fish Biology in Southern Africa. I have a hunger for witnessing the world’s biodiversity and making friendships in foreign lands. I love to rock climb and collect belay passes from gyms in each of the countries I visit. As a first-generation and low-income student, I am passionate about seeing other students pursue their dreams in the face of economic adversity. Ask me about monkey facts from around the world!
Areas of Expertise: UCEAP, UCSC Global Seminars, First Generation/Low-income students, STEM Majors, Solo-female Traveling
Kaylee Campos (she/her)
Hello! I’m a first-generation Latinx fourth-year student double majoring in Politics and Latin American/Latino Studies. I had the honor of participating in the UCDC Washington program with my service dog, Stormi. I interned directly with the Strathdee Group in partnership with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus BOLD PAC; helping Latinos win a historic number of congressional seats in the 2022 midterm elections. From visiting the U.S. Capitol, attending the Supreme Court’s Affirmative Action case, and meeting Dr. Fauci, Dr. Jill Biden, and President Joe Biden; memories were made and brought home with me! I’m beyond grateful to have gained new perspectives, knowledge, and network connections that will help me succeed in professional endeavors during my time at UC Santa Cruz and in my future career as an aspiring lawyer. I enjoy taking Stormi on walks, dancing, learning how to machine stitch accessories, and look forward to reading a new book this year.
Areas of Expertise: UCDC, LGBTQIA+, First-generation Latinx students, Low-income students, Aspiring law school students, Providing support for students of color and DRC-affiliated students