Dr. Vega comes to UM with over 25 years of higher education experience. She has presented at national and international conferences, countless workshops, and is passionate about diversity education, social justice, and addressing issues of access and choice in higher education. Providing students...
Mariana Gonzalez is originally from Panama City, Panama. For the past 15 years, she has lived in Texas and studied there too. She has a BA in Dance with a Minor in Education and Spanish from Texas Woman’s University and an MEd in Higher Education with a Women and Gender Studies Certificate from Texas Christian University. ...
Nathan (They/She/He) is double majoring in Nursing and Gender and Sexuality Studies. He currently serves as one of the student assistants at the LGBTQ Student Center. In this role, he assists with events, tabling, updating outdated media, and attending meetings as an LGBTQ Student Center representative. He was also a resident of the Gender and Sexuality Studies Living Learning Community from 2021-2022.
Jordan Schooley
Student Assistant
Jordan (They/She) is an Advertising major at the UM School of Communications. They have minors in Public Relations and Creative Writing and are beginning their third year in the Frost Band of the Hour color guard. They are originally from Savannah, Georgia, and enjoy drawing, thrifting, and sewing. They're excited to join the team at the LGBTQ+ Student Center this semester! In their role, they work on the Pride Press Newsletter and assist in the Center with other tasks assigned.
Michael Robinson
Student Assistant
Michael (He/Him) is a Neuroscience major with minors in LGBTQ Studies and Chemistry. Last year he was a Pride Ambassador. Michael is involved in Black Leaders for the Queer Community, UBS, Freshman Leadership Academy, and Student Government's DEI Council. They will assist with responding to students' inquiries, tabling, and other tasks assigned to the center. Michael looks forward to seeing what the LGBTQ+ Student Center has to offer this year.
Nia Williams
Student Assistant
Nia (she/her/hers) is a sophomore majoring in Gender and Sexuality Studies with minors in LGBTQ Studies and American Sign Language. Nia is an Executive Board member of Black Leaders for the Queer Community and serves as the Co-Executive Producer for UMTV’s “The Culture.” With a strong academic foundation, Nia aspires to complete her undergraduate education and enroll in an Accelerated BSN program. Drawing from her studies in Gender & Sexuality Studies, she is passionate about integrating her knowledge into the healthcare field. Her goal is to serve as an advocate and caretaker for members of underrepresented communities. As a Black, lesbian woman, Nia seeks to serve as a representation in healthcare and address intersectionalities that contribute to disparities in medical treatment. She aims to confront systemic barriers and work towards combating these disparities, ultimately striving to create a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system.
Hayden Haden
Student Assistant
Hayden (They/She/He) is a senior majoring in Marine Biology and Ecology. They are a student assistant working at the LGBTQ Student Center, focusing on maintaining the organization of the space and keeping advertised event information up to date. They also post info regarding center events on social media and create flyers advertising these events.
Payton McKinnis
Graduate Assistant
Payton McKinnis (she/her/hers) is a first-year graduate student pursuing her Master of Music in Vocal Performance. Payton earned her bachelor's degree at Chapman University, where she also held several positions within the Hall-Musco Conservatory of Music including choral librarian, tutor, and panelist at Q&A's for incoming students. She has been in varying leadership positions in collegiate performing ensembles. She is very excited to be involved with the Pride Ambassadors and the LGBTQ Center as a whole this coming year.