Meet our peer mentors
Angel Barboza
I am a fourth year Kinesiology and Biology double major on the Pre-Med track. I hope to make it to medical school and ultimately become either an orthopedic or pediatric surgeon. I hope to especially practice in urban and low income areas with minority communities in order to break the stigma of being afraid of the doctor. In my spare time, if I have any, I love going to the gym, coaching, and watching anime!
Email: Abarboza@unr.edu
Kayla Flores
Hello everyone! My name is Kayla Flores and I am a first generation UNR student majoring in Kinesiology to pursue a career in physical therapy. I was born in Reno, Nevada where we have the best mountain views. Growing up, I have always loved connecting with others around me and getting to know their experiences that lead them to be the person they are! As a peer mentor, I can’t wait to get to know who YOU are as we walk through this college journey together. Being part of the TRIO program has helped me tremendously not only in my academics but also in making me feel like I’m part of a family and that is what I hope my students will experience because it is hard to do college alone!
Outside of academics and school activities, I enjoy spending my time with the people I love, playing guitar, dancing (as best as I can), drinking peppermint tea and being active whether it be through playing basketball, volleyball, or lifting heavy things at the gym. One thing I want to accomplish in life is to learn how to swim. If any of you can give me tips, let me know. I look forward to meeting you all!
Email: krflores@unr.edu
Paola Miramontes Gonzalez
Hello, my name is Paola Miramontes Gonzalez! I'm a senior double majoring in Biology and Environmental Science with an Analytical Chemistry minor. I was born in Guadalajara, Mexico and I grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada. I do research on water contaminants and their ecological impacts as well as the persistence of chemicals in the environment. My goal is to go to grad school to continue doing research on water quality. In my free time I like to read, hike, and explore new places. I'm excited for the school year and can't wait to meet everyone!
Email: pmiramontesgonzalez@unr.edu
Jessica Ochoa
Hi everyone! I am a fourth-year majoring in Biology and minoring in Art. I plan to pursue a career as a Dentist after completing my bachelor’s degree. Dentistry allows me to use my artist talents to improve the quality of life of others. Being a first-generation student, I initially found going to a university intimidating because I received little guidance from my extended family as they weren’t offered the opportunities to succeed in higher education as I was. I aim to become an excellent health care provider for minority patients and role model to the many aspiring underrepresented students.
Email: jessicaochoa@unr.edu
Kaitlyn Rodriguez
Hello! My name is Kaitlyn Rodriguez, I was born and raised in Reno, NV where I attended Robert Mcqueen High School. I am currently a second-year mentor for First in the Pack, as well as having been part of TRIO STEM scholars for about 3 years. I am a junior studying business marketing. I hope to one day own a company or organization that benefits the community in many aspects. I’m passionate about helping first generation students find their way and home on campus. In my free time I love to spend time with my friends and family while we cook or watch movies. I also enjoy dancing, traveling, snowboarding and listening to music. I'm very excited to help students navigate the college world!
Email: kaitlynrodriguez@unr.edu
Ameenah Ashraf-Sykes
Hi, my name is Ameenah Ashraf-Sykes. I was born and raised in Las Vegas. I now attend the University of Nevada, Reno, majoring in Neuroscience and also part of the TRIO STEM program. My ultimate goal for going to school is to get my bachelor's and see where that takes me, whether in medical school or graduate school. In my free time, I love to read, go hiking, listen to music and shop a lot. I hope you can find a home away from home at the First Gen Center and feel as supported and safe as possible. I am very excited to be a peer mentor and support others in their journey into college and so forth.
Email: Mersala@unr.edu
Daniela Hernandez Tamayo
Hello everyone! My name is Daniela Hernandez Tamayo. I was born and raised in Reno, NV. I am currently attending the University of Nevada, Reno, majoring in Public Health on the Pre-Nursing track! My goal is to get into nursing school and become a pediatric nurse to work with underrepresented communities! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, hiking, trying new foods, and getting Dutch Bros! I am very excited to be a peer mentor and help students in their college journey!
Email: danielah@unr.edu