Victoria Ordaz Garcia
Program Manager
Born in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, Victoria (She/Her/Ella) is the proud daughter of Zapoteco farmworkers. She graduated as a first-generation undocumented student from CSU Monterey Bay with a B.S. in Molecular Biology. Victoria proudly identifies as Oaxaqueña and serves her community through Oaxaqueño Youth Empowerment and United We Dream. Her work at UC Merced centers on equity, advocacy, and improving access for undocumented students.
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." — Maya Angelou
Paloma Andrea Puerta
Immigration Attorney, UC Immigration Center
Paloma serves as UC Merced’s dedicated immigration attorney through the UC Immigrant Legal Services Center. Raised in Arvin, California, she was inspired by her mother’s resilience to pursue law. She earned her B.A. in Human Development from UC San Diego and J.D. from Nebraska College of Law. Paloma is passionate about immigrant rights, education equity, and community empowerment.
Lisbeth Portillo Pena
Student Coordinator
Lisbeth is a third-year Microbiology and Immunology major with a minor in Natural Science Education. Born in El Salvador, she aspires to become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon to serve low-income communities. At the Monarch Center, she empowers undocumented students to pursue their dreams through advocacy and mentorship.
Heidi Rivera
Student Coordinator
Heidi is a second-year Psychology major and proud first-generation college student. As a Mexican-American daughter of immigrants, she is deeply passionate about advocacy for undocumented, low-income, and first-generation students. Heidi strives to make the Monarch Center a welcoming and empowering space for all students.
Jakelinne Bocel
Legal Intern
Jakelinne is a third-year student studying Public Health and Political Science. Born in Guatemala and raised in Southern California, she is passionate about public policy and uplifting the Hispanic community. Inspired by immigrant students and faculty, she plans to attend law school and continue her advocacy for equity and inclusion.
Ingrid Garay
Lead Student Coordinator
Ingrid is a fourth-year Management, Business, and Economics major with a minor in Political Science. Born in El Salvador and raised in Los Angeles, she aspires to become a judge in the criminal justice system. She advocates for undocumented and low-income students, helping them navigate higher education with confidence.
Zaid Martinez
Student Coordinator
Zaid is a third-year Computer Science and Engineering major with a focus on database management. Growing up in Pacheco, California, he has long supported undocumented families by connecting them to job and resource opportunities. At UC Merced, he combines technology and advocacy to promote equity and representation in STEM.
Adriana Martinez Diaz
Legal Intern
Adriana is a fourth-year Human Biology and Spanish major. Born in Baja California and raised in Fresno, she plans to become a dentist serving low-income and undocumented communities. As the Monarch Center’s Legal Intern, she helps connect students and families with the UC Immigration Attorney for trusted legal support.
Edwin Gomez Linares
Student Fellow
Edwin is a third-year double major in Psychology and Critical Race and Ethnic Studies, with a Cognitive Science minor. Born in El Salvador and raised in Compton and Bakersfield, he aims to become a Forensic Psychologist. Edwin advocates for marginalized voices and encourages peers to fully utilize Monarch Center resources.
Cristina Carbajal
Student Fellow
Cristina is a third-year Psychology major with a minor in Natural Sciences of Education. Originally from Guadalajara and raised in Marysville, she aspires to support undocumented students with mental health and academic resources. Cristina fosters a welcoming environment for Monarch Center visitors.
Fatima Geronimo
Student Fellow
Fatima is a third-year Public Health major. Born in Oaxaca and raised in Sacramento, she is dedicated to healthcare advocacy and outreach. Passionate about supporting undocumented and first-generation students, Fatima helps ensure every student at UC Merced feels seen, supported, and empowered.
