Shelby Almazan

Hello! My name is Shelby Almazan and this is my 2nd semester at UTA and my first semester in the USL volunteer program. I did my basics at TCC before transferring to UTA. I am currently working on obtaining my BSW and to continue on getting my MSW at UTA. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and crafting. I would love to make a difference in people’s lives by helping others succeed. I look forward to helping others and improving on my knowledge.by helping others succeed. I look forward to helping others and improving on my knowledge.

Natalia Barajas

Hello everybody! My name is Natalia Barajas, I am a transferred student from Dallas College and graduated with my Associate of Arts in May 2023. I am a mom of two teen girls, a little boy, and many cats. I do work full time at a non-profit and I love to be able to provide services to families in the community. This will be my first semester serving as a USL so I will be learning new things along with you. It will be my pleasure to be part of the Undergraduate Student Leadership Program and be able to assist others in the way.

Amber Campbell

Hey fellow Mavericks! My name is Amber and I’m in my senior year with UTA majoring in social work. Right after graduation, I will be pursing my MSW and MPH with Tulane. I initially came from a heavy nursing background but realized through my own personal trauma that social work is what I am 110% meant to do in this world. My passion lies in children and families by protecting them as much as possible in order to improve their quality of life. Additionally, I’m quite keen on providing case management to cancer patients and their families acting as a guiding light on getting them through treatment. I strongly believe that change in this world starts with YOU so let’s work together and be the change!

Rosita Chavez

Hello everyone! my name is Rosita, I am a first-generation student, and this is my second year at UTA, but it is my first time as a USL volunteer, I look forward to working with you all. I'm sure we can all work towards a successful semester.

Amari Dillon

Hi, my name is Amari Dillon. I am a senior and will be starting my second semester of field and will be graduating this Spring. This is my fourth semester serving as a USL. I chose social work because, I want to advocate for those that need us. I’m excited to meet you all throughout the semester and be as much help that I can be!

Jackie Flores (Intern)

Hello, my name is Jackie Flores and this is my second semester as a USL intern. I am a senior majoring in social work. I want to work in a school as a social worker and then a teacher. I eventually want to work in foster care. I knew I wanted to be a social worker since I was in middle school. In my free time I like reading, crocheting, and watching Adam Sandler movies. I look forward to serving all of you this semester, please reach out if you have any questions!

Meghan Gratton (Intern)

Hello everyone! My name isMeghanGratton, and I am a senior graduating this summer with my BSW. I plan to continue into the MSW program here at UTA. My two joys in life are my 7-year-old daughter and my 2-year-old son. This will be my first semester as an undergraduate student leader (USL) and I am extremely excited to help seceded this semester!

Carla Harris

Greetings Constituents, My name is Carla Harris. I will be your USL (University Student Leader) for spring 2024. I am a first-year student at UTA, currently in my second semester. I am fulfilling the required classes, as many of you, in hopes of joining the BSW program. I act as a resource to guide your concerns while pursuing your path at UTA. I am excited to assist you and look forward to our journey.

Julian Jimenez

Hello everyone! My name is Julian Jimenez and I am a senior majoring in Social Work. This is my first semester as an undergraduate student leader, and I am here to help calm the anxieties of every student new to the college life! I have a very specific goal of working at Parkland’s Emergency Room, using my degree (once I get my bachelors and then my masters) to help individuals who have health disparities. I am very goal oriented and driven and love to talk, talk, talk about all the possibilities the future holds for not only myself but my peers as well! I look forward to meeting new people and sharing knowledge amongst others. If you ever see me on campus, I’m more than happy to have a chat!

Kimberly Jimenez

Hi everyone! My name is Kimberly, and I am currently a senior in the BSW program. I am passionate about helping others and striving to create a positive change in the world. This will be my first semester in the USL program, and I am very excited to be here! My goal is to assist you and connect you to the resources you need so that we can make a difference throughout our social work journey together! I look forward to working with you all!

Rehan Khan

Mayte Ledezma (Intern)

Hello everyone! My name is Mayte Ledezma, and this is my third semester serving as a USL. I am a first-generation college student in my family and expected to graduate with my BSW in Fall 2023. Afterwards, I plan to obtain my MSW in Children and Families. I am interested in becoming an international social worker in hopes to aid immigrants, refugees, and their communities. During my free time, I enjoy hiking, reading books, thrifting, and having a nice cup of coffee. Being part of the USL program, I am excited to serve students in achieving their goals and hopefully ease any problems they have. Hoping for a great semester this year!

Priscilla Marin

Hello! My name is Priscilla Marin. I'm a 3rd-year transfer student studying Social Work with the focus of helping homeless and low-Income individuals and families. Aside from my studies, I am also a God-fearing woman passionate about the Lord! I serve in the United States Army and will commission as a 2nd Lieutenant upon graduation, and I am the dance fitness instructor over "Funky Fitness" at the MAC! I'm a bold and social person excited to meet you all and help you get acclimated to the UTA School of Social Work!

Shauntaya Myers

Hello there! I go by Shaun and I am excited to serve you this semester. This is the final chapter of my undergraduate degree in Social Work. The journey to the finish line has presented moments of highs and lows, both have worked together congruently for this achievement. My goal as a USL is to support you in a manner that fosters growth. Empowering others to reach their best potential ignites my passion to serve, which is how I was drawn to the field of Social Work. A few interests of mine include playing competitive volleyball, watching movies, and all things coffee. I look forward to connecting with you!

Juliet Ofori

Hello everyone, I am Juliet, I am currently a BSW student at the University of Texas at Arlington. My primary objective is to have a positive impact on the lives of others, which fuels my passion. Serving people is something I genuinely enjoy. Whenever I have spare time, I find pleasure in cooking, cleaning, and spending quality moments with my children.

I am excitedly looking forward to the remarkable journey that awaits me, brimming with opportunities for growth, learning, and making a meaningful difference. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me.

Karla Padilla

Hi everybody! My name is Karla and this is my third semester serving as a USL. I was a transfer student from TCC and graduated with my A.A.S. Transferring from another college can be difficult, but I found so many great resources and help through my USL during my first semester at UTA, so I wanted to give that same experience to others. Being part of this program has helped me flourish and become open to everything UTA has to offer!  I can't wait to continue this journey of serving constituents and becoming a resource for others. And if you see me on campus, don't be shy and introduce yourself! I hope everyone has a great semester, MAV UP!

Emily Rappaport (Intern)

Hi everyone! My name is Emily Rappaport, and this is my fourth semester in the USL Program and my second semester as an Undergraduate Student Leader Intern. I am a transfer student here at UTA. I am in fourth semester of my BSW and hope to complete my MSW here at UTA as well, what practice would I focus on you ask? Well, that’s the fun of Social Work, there’s so many options; I am still curious what is out there! I hope everyone has a great Fall semester! I am so excited for this opportunity to serve other peers. In my free time, I love to hangout with my family and friends. I am a cat mom to the cutest little boy! If you see me around campus, don't be afraid to stop me and say hi!

Isabela Reyes

Hi everyone, my name is Isabela Reyes,and I am a transfer student in the BSW program. This is my second semester here at UTA, and I plan to also pursue my MSW here. In my free time, I love to read, spend time with my friends, and help my community. I'm very excited to be able to provide help and resources to my peers so that we can have a great semester.

Jaquan Reed

Hello, my name isJaquanReed. Currently, I am a second-year student at UTA and serving as a USL for the first time. I chose social work because I always admired the way school counselors and social workers advocate for students. During my free time, I enjoy thrift shopping and reading. I am looking forward to assisting you with any of your needs!

Tava Romaine

Hi! My name is Tava Romaine, and this is my third semester serving as a USL. I worked on my Associates at DCCCD before transferring to UTA, I plan to finish the BSW and continue with my MSW here at UTA with a specialization in teens and young adults. In my free time I enjoy working with kids from church, and the community. Giving back and helping others have always been my passion and teens are my soft spot. I look forward to learning from all above me while continuing my passion.

Brooke Scott

Hello Everyone! My name is Brooke Scott and this is my first semester serving as a Undergraduate Student Leader in the program. I am a junior majoring in Social Work. I want to work in a school as a social worker or maybe even Child Protective Services (CPS). I always knew I had a passion about  helping people. In my free time I like to go shopping, do word search puzzles and watch Netflix. I’m so excited to serve and work with you all this semester!

Anadja Magoueno Tamofo (Intern)

Hi everyone, my name is Anadja, and I am a senior BSW student at the University of Texas at Arlington. I am passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of others. I love to serve, and I am dedicated to utilizing my skills and knowledge to support you all. In my free time I enjoy traveling, cooking, and hanging out with family and friends. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions, comments, or concerns.

Yvette Vaughan

Hello everyone! I am Yvette Vaughan. This is my first semester serving as a USL. I am transitioning into Social Work from Environmental Consulting. Also, I am a first-generation student. I plan on continuing my education here at UTA to obtain my MSW. My goal is to work with the veteran population. I enjoy coffee in the morning, a good meal at lunch, and a good night's sleep. I am excited to be able to serve others and look forward to meeting you!

Rory Villa

Rory Kusserow Villa is a first-generation student and a senior in the BSW program. They came to UTA after obtaining an Associate’s through Eastfield and are passionate about mental health and disability advocacy. They’ve been a volunteer with local nonprofit Foundation 45 for the last six years working to break down stigma surrounding substance misuse and mental illness. They can also be found spending time at the Dallas Public Library helping out with children’s programming or creating displays. Rory is an artist, maker, and parent who spends their free time electroforming with copper, silversmithing, painting, and using other media to create. The cat distribution system has blessed them with a total of six cats. They plan on pursuing an MSW and operating their own therapy practice one day.

Stephen Silva-Brave

Stephen Silva-Brave, is an enrolled citizen of the Sicangu Lakota Nation (Rosebud Sioux Tribe of South Dakota). He is in his final semester of the UTA BSW program where he received the Outstanding Student Activist award in 2022 and is conducting research on grassroots efforts for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. Stephen resides in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He is an LCDC-I and consultant for Texas’ pioneering statewide Native American Studies course. As a member of MMIW TX Rematriate, he organizes and facilitates Uncle Time, a unique community gathering to foster support among local Indigenous males. Stephen’s primary purpose is to uplift Indigenous communities and drive positive change to those struggling with substance use and health problems.