Staff
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Luis Duarte is the Executive Director of the Latin American Recruitment and Educational Services (LARES) program at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and has been a member of the UIC community for over 20 years. He holds a B.A. from De Paul University and a M.A. from Northeastern Illinois University. As a passionate higher education advocate representing the needs of the Latino community, Luis has co-chaired numerous campus committees including the Chancellor’s Committee on the Status of Latinos (CCSL) and the Latino Committee on University Affairs (LCUA); has served as a board member for the Illinois Latino Council on Higher Education (ILACHE); and, has participated in a number of UIC recruitment and retention committees.
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Jennifer Juárez is the Associate Director of the Latin American Recruitment and Educational Services (LARES) program at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). Jennifer was born in Chicago and is the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants. She holds a B.A. in Communication and an M.Ed. in Youth Development from UIC. Currently, she is a doctoral candidate in the Educational Psychology program at the College of Education at UIC. Her dissertation focuses on understanding the sense of belonging of Latina/o/x undergraduate students at university academic success programs at Hispanic Serving Institutions. Jennifer was a former immigrant rights activist during her undergraduate years and led several art and radio initiatives in the Pilsen and Little Village neighborhoods. In her professional career, she has co-chaired several committees at UIC and initiatives, including developing a training model for UIC Faculty and Staff on supporting and advising undocumented students at UIC. In addition, Jennifer forms part of various non-profit, higher education, and legislative committees in Illinois and the Pilsen, Little Village, Humboldt Park, Chicago Public Schools, and the Illinois Latino Council on Higher Education. Presently, Jennifer is the founder of the first Latina Leadership Institute at UIC and teaches at the Latin American & Latino Studies department in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at UIC. Jennifer’s work is driven and guided by her ancestors, people that migrate to the United States, Latina/o/x students, and community.
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Margarita “Mago” Bautista holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from DePaul University. During her time at UIC, Mago was involved in various student organizations and was an active member of the LARES family as a student leader. Mago is also a first-generation Latina college student who understands the higher education obstacles and doubts faced by many Latino students and their parents. To help Latinos navigate the world of higher education, she often turns to her academic and professional experience. As a LARES Academic Advisor, Mago strives to instill confidence in her students, while also inspiring and motivating them to complete their academic pursuits.
Fun Facts: Mago studied abroad in Italy, is a plant mom, and is an officer in the United States Army Reserves.
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Marilyn Diaz holds a B.A. in Communication from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Not only does she have an extensive background in higher education and community outreach stemming from her work creating a college-going culture throughout underserved communities, but Marilyn’s previous role as an admissions officer has allowed her to work with students across Chicago and Puerto Rico in facilitating their transition into higher education. As someone who has experienced the challenges faced by first generation students, Marilyn is passionate about empowering the next generation of Latino leaders and strives to provide her students with the guidance, tools, and community needed to succeed.
Fun Facts: Marilyn is a seasoned traveler, fitness addict, and self-care enthusiast.
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Celina Hernandez holds a BA in Sociology and Latin American & Latino Studies from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Celina’s interest in higher education were sparked after conducting research through LARES’ ASP research course where she examined retention rates for first-generation Latino college students. Upon completing her study, Celina continued to refine her research skills through various research initiatives including the Urban Public Policy Fellowship, Summer Research Opportunities Program, and the Graduate Pathways to Success.
Celina’s passion for education and the advancement of students led her to return to UIC to serve as an Admissions Counselor for the UIC Office of Admissions. In this role, Celina worked with Chicago area high school students as they planned their post-secondary journey. As a Chicago native and Chicago Public Schools graduate, Celina enjoys working with students and strives to use her role as a LARES Academic Advisor & Program Specialist to continue providing students with the support needed to navigate the higher education pipeline.
Fun Fact: Celina loves being outdoors and particularly enjoys hiking and running. Having recently completed a half marathon, Celina is excited to begin training for the Chicago Marathon.
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Daisy Lemus holds a B.A. in Psychology and M.A. in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Daisy has a deep passion for youth development which stems from both personal and professional experiences. As a proud UIC alumna, she shares her experiences with students in order to provide insightful information and guidance aimed at helping them achieve their academic and professional goals. Recognizing that every student’s academic journey is unique, Daisy caters her services to ensure that all are provided with the necessary tools, resources, and support needed to succeed.
Fun Facts: While doing volunteer work in in Lima, Peru, she had the opportunity to hike Machu Picchu. While she refuses to go on roller coasters, she has gone skydiving!
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Daisy Medina holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Management from the University of Illinois at Chicago. As an undergraduate student, Daisy utilized LARES’ advising services and credits the program for her successful matriculation. Upon graduating, Daisy stayed connected to UIC by volunteering to take part in the College of Business First-Year New Student Onboarding. During her time there, she met with incoming students and provided them with tips aimed at improving their networking skills. Prior to joining the LARES program as a Pre-Health Academic Advisor, Daisy worked at Chicago Scholars; a non-profit organization that helps first-generation and low-income students enroll and complete their college education.
Fun Fact: Daisy is into Astrology, enjoys playing board games, and is an avid foodie who enjoys exploring Chicago’s local restaurants!
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Eduardo “Eddie” Mendoza holds a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Northeastern Illinois University and a Master’s in Social Work with a concentration in Children and Families from the University of Illinois at Chicago. In addition to having extensive experience working to help first generation and underrepresented students navigate the higher education pipeline, Eddie is also deeply committed to helping students overcome barriers impeding their academic success and career aspirations. As the first member in his family to graduate from college, he understands the struggles and obstacles this particular student body experience first-hand. To Eddie, it is an honor to guide students through their educational journey as he himself was supported throughout his college experience.
Fun Facts: Eddie traveled to Hawaii and visit the Island of O’ahu. During his trip, he immersed himself in the Polynesian culture, partook in various local dishes, and enjoyed snorkeling with sea turtles.
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Iliana Miranda holds a B.A. in English from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Master’s in Social Work with a specialization in Mental Health from UIC’s Jane Addams College of Social Work. Upon completing her undergraduate studies, she joined the College Advising Corps (CAC) to help underrepresented high school students access higher education while also exposing them to financial aid literacy. As a LARES Academic Advisor and recipient of the Provost’s Excellence in Undergraduate Advising Award, Iliana continues to use her personal and professional background to empower diverse student populations. She strives to not only guide students through their academic career by exposing them to opportunities that will lead to personal, academic, and professional growth, but to also use her social work background towards youth empowerment and development – especially in underserved urban communities.
Fun Fact: Iliana is an avid lover of the great outdoors and her sense of adventure often takes her to new locations. It is no surprise that she enjoys traveling and welcomes any opportunity to explore the world around her.
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Gonzalo Trejo holds a B.S. in Marketing from the University of Illinois at Chicago. As an undergraduate student, Gonzalo enrolled in the LARES ASP research course where he conducted two studies examining the lack of Latino males in higher education. His research garnered him an opportunity to continue this line of inquiry through the Urban Public Policy Fellowship and fueled his interest in not only working in higher education, but in developing programming aimed at increasing retention and graduation rates for underrepresented students. After graduation, Gonzalo served as a Senior Associate of College Success and Mentorship for the Chicago Scholars program. In this role, he was tasked with guiding first generation and low-income high school students in their transition into higher education. As a LARES Advisor, Gonzalo continues to serve underrepresented students. As someone who has firsthand experience when it comes to the mentorship and support provided by the LARES program, Gonzalo not only shares his wisdom with his students, but he also works enthusiastically at advancing the mission of the program.
Fun Fact: Gonzalo loves venturing into new local restaurants and taking advantage of opportunities to travel domestically and abroad.
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Maricela Castaneda holds a B.A. in Urban & Regional Planning from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a M.A. in Urban Planning and Policy with a concentration in Community Development from the University of Illinois at Chicago. While she may have begun her LARES tenure as the Latino Committee on University Affairs Graduate Assistant, her work ethic and stellar performance led her to be offered the position of Events Administrator Associate. In this capacity, Maricela is responsible for producing marketing material for the program and planning LARES events designed to recognize Latino achievements, successes, and leadership. Her passion revolves around helping the Latino community gain access to the necessary resources needed to become agents of change.
Fun Fact: Maricela enjoys spending time with her husband and two young sons, attending White Sox games, engaging in crafting and DIYing projects, and partaking in all that the city has to offer.
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Crystal received her B.A. in General Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2006. Upon graduating, she spent 5 years working in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs as a Special Events Facilitator and 7 years working in the Office of the Dean of Students as a Business/Administrative Associate. Through her extensive history working in higher education, Crystal has developed a strong background in event management, leadership development, and business operations. As a 1st generation college graduate, Crystal hopes to utilize both her expertise and personal experiences in advocating on behalf of Latino students and advancing the mission of the LARES program. Her goal is to continue her education by pursuing a M.A. in Counseling to better address the needs of the Latino community.
Fun Fact: Crystal attended the Merit music program in downtown Chicago where she learned to play the piano; something she has been doing since the age of 6! Aside from her love of music, she also enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.
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Dr. Mitzi Ramos was a double major who received a B.A. in English Literature & Language and Foreign Languages & Literature (concentration in Spanish) from Western Illinois University. She also holds a M.P.A. from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago. As the LARES English Academic Skills Specialist, Dr. Ramos is not only responsible for tutoring students with their writing needs, but also teaching a supplemental English course for students who struggle with their writing and an advanced research course for those interested in creating original research posters to showcase at academic and professional conferences. During the summer months, she runs the LARES Summer Institute for incoming Latino freshmen interested in leadership development and is also the English Instructor for the Hispanic Center of Excellence’s Latino Health Science Enrichment Program.
Dr. Ramos is a professional lecturer who also teaching Political Science courses out of DePaul University and Northeastern Illinois University; courses taught include: Civic Engagement, Community & Social Change in Chicago, Discover Chicago, Chicago Government & Politics, American National Government, Women & Political Influence in the 21st Century, US & the World Economy, Multiculturalism & Democracy in the US, Latinos & Public Policy, and Immigration, Ethnicity & Citizenship.
Fun Fact: Dr. Ramos is an unabashed Austenite and cat lover. She is also a proud Sigma Kappa who enjoys spending time with family and following her favorite bands – 311 and Bayside.
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Dr. Terrance “Terry” Mankus holds a B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Illinois at Chicago. As the LARES Math Academic Skills Specialist, a position he had held for close to 20 years, Dr. Mankus is not only responsible for tutoring students with their mathematics needs, but also teaching a series of supplemental Math courses for the LARES program. During the summer months, he serves as the Math Instructor for the Hispanic Center of Excellence’s Latino Health Science Enrichment Program.
Fun Fact: Dr. Mankus played hockey both at the collegiate level representing UIC and at the semi-professional level. He also plays golf, exercises, watches TV, and enjoys telling really “good” jokes.