Victoria Ordaz Garcia
Program Manager
vordazgarcia@ucmerced.edu
Born in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, Victoria Ordaz Garcia (She/her/Ella) is the proud daughter of Zapoteco farmworkers, she migrated to the Central Valley at the age of 6. Victoria graduated as a first-generation, undocumented student from California State University Monterey Bay with a B.S. in Molecular Biology. Victoria takes pride in being Oaxaqueña and serves her community by being part of Oaxaqueño Youth Empowerment, which campaigns to obtain support and success for Oaxaqueño youth in higher education. She is also a member of United We Dream (UWD). She can proudly say that her participation in these diverse organizations has ignited her passion for social justice. In her role, she works with undergraduate and graduate undocumented students to increase awareness, access, and address the needs of students impacted by immigration and higher education policies.
"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.ucimm@law.ucdavis.edu
Paloma is the immigration attorney serving the UC Merced community. Paloma was raised in Arvin, California, a small agricultural town near Bakersfield. Paloma and her older sister were raised by their single mom and they saw her struggle to financially provide for them. Paloma’s background and experiences motivated her from a young age to pursue higher education so she could one day retire her mom and help others in her community prosper and excel. This dream took Paloma to UC San Diego where she majored in Human Development, and later to the Nebraska College of Law where she obtained her J.D. In her free time, Paloma loves going to live music and theater events, all things Taylor Swift, cooking, traveling, and trying the latest coffee drink.
Lisbeth Portillo Pena
Student Coordinator
lportillo9@ucmerced.edu
Lisbeth Portillo is a third-year student majoring in Microbiology and Immunology with a minor in Natural Science Education (NSED). Born and raised in El Salvador, she aspires to become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon to assist those of low incomes and can’t afford medical services. She aspires to aid students and their families within the undocumented community to move forward and have their voices heard. As well as to guide students at the Monarch Center to learn more about how they can continue to pursue their goals and aspirations! Making sure they feel heard and welcomed.
Heidi Rivera
Student Coordinator
heidirivera@ucmerced.edu
Heidi Rivera is a second-year Psychology major and proud first-generation college student with aspirations of becoming a Child Psychologist. As a Mexican-American daughter of immigrants, she is deeply passionate about advocacy, particularly for undocumented, low-income, and first-generation students. Heidi is committed to using her voice to uplift others and help them navigate the challenges of higher education. At the Monarch Center, she is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where all students feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.
Jakelinne Bocel
Legal Intern
jakelinnebocel@ucmerced.edu
Jakelinne Bocel is a third year student studying public health and political science. She was born in Guatemala and grew up in south of Los Angeles. She is passionate about public policy and about uplifting the Hispanic community. She is inspired by all the first gen/ immigrant faculty and students at UC Merced to pursue higher education and plans to attend law school as a result. She considers the Monarch Center her safe space on campus and encourages students to reach out to her for any questions about the resources we offer.
Ingrid Garay
Lead Student Coordinator
igaray2@ucmerced.edu
Ingrid Garay is a fourth-year student majoring in Management, Business, and Economics with a minor in Political Science. Born in San Salvador, El Salvador, and raised in Los Angeles, she aspires to become a judge within the criminal justice system. Passionate about advocating for low-income and undocumented students, Ingrid encourages them to pursue higher education. She is eager to support students at the Monarch Center, ensuring they feel welcomed and assisting with any questions they may have.
Zaid Martinez
Student Coordinator
zmartinez8@ucmerced.edu
Zaid Martinez is a third-year student majoring in Computer Science and Engineering at UC Merced with a focus on database management. Growing up in the small town of Pacheco, Zaid actively supported the undocumented community by helping provide necessities and connecting individuals with job opportunities. At UC Merced, Zaid continues to build on this commitment by advocating for access, equity, and representation in higher education and in STEM, while pursuing a career in technology that creates meaningful impact.
Adriana Martinez Diaz
Legal Intern
amartinezdiaz2@ucmerced.edu
Adriana Martinez Diaz is a fourth-year Human Biology and Spanish major. She was born in Baja California, Mexico, but was raised in Fresno, California. She aspires to become a dentist and attend dental school soon. She hopes to give back to her community by providing dental care to low-income, Hispanic, and undocumented communities. She holds the Outreach position in the Public Health Society, a club on campus that is dedicated to Prevent, Promote, and Protect while exploring all aspects of Public Health. As the Legal Student Intern, she is eager to be a familiar face at the Monarch Center and to work with students and family members seeking immigration services from the Immigration Attorney.
Edwin Gomez Linares
Student Fellow
egomezlinares@ucmerced.edu
Edwin Gomez-Linares is a third year student double majoring in Psychology & Critical Race and Ethnic Studies, with a Cognitive Science minor. Born in Santa Ana, El Salvador and raised in Compton and Bakersfield, he aspired to become a Forensic Psychologist. He has always advocated for those who aren’t able to speak up or that are shy in troubled times, like the current political climate. Excited to support and encourage students to use up all the resources the Monarch Center offers before graduation from their undergrad.
Cristina Carbajal
Student Fellow
ccarbajal4@ucmerced.edu
Cristina Carbajal is a third-year student majoring in Psychology and minoring in Natural Sciences of Education. She spent most of her childhood in Guadalajara, Jalisco then she moved to Marysville, California when she was 10 years old. In the future she aspires to support incoming undocumented students of all ages with mental health, language development, and support to pursue higher education. Cristina wants to create a friendly space, assist, and connect with scholars at the Monarch Center.
Fatima Geronimo
Student Fellow
fgeronimo@ucmerced.edu
Fatima Geronimo is a third-year student majoring in Public Health. Born in Oaxaca, Mexico, and raised in Sacramento, California, she aspires to pursue a career in the medical field while giving back to her community through leadership and outreach. Passionate about supporting undocumented and first-generation students, Fatima is committed to fostering a welcoming environment at the Monarch Center and helping students access the resources they need to thrive.
