Students

Alexander Zavala Ortega was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico but his family originally came from Guanajuato, Mexico. Growing up between two cultures has given him a strong sense of identity and pride in his family roots. He chose to attend UNM to stay close to home and pursue his passion for science through a biology major. His long-term goal is to become an orthodontist and help people gain confidence through their smiles the same way that his orthodontist helped correct his overbite. One thing he wants to do is give back to his community by helping people who come from similar backgrounds as him and are insecure about their smile because one thing he stands by is that everyone should have the right to have that “perfect smile”. He is motivated by his parents’ example of hard work and perseverance which continues to guide him in his studies and future career plans. Outside of academics he enjoys spending time with his family, exploring local cultural festivals, and learning more about his heritage. He values education, culture, and family, and hopes to make a positive impact in his community.

Anjel is an 18 year old, first generation freshman student here at UNM born in Albuquerque New Mexico! He is majoring in Elementary Education, and one of his biggest goals is to help children from different backgrounds achieve their early childhood education. Anjel forms part of an organization called Golden Apple who helps students in college whose dream is to become excellent teachers! He worked with this organization during the summer of 2025 for a whole week and gained a lot of experience and memories. Anjel is a proud Mexican American, and he’s excited to learn more about his culture as well as work with others of his peers in the Transformar Mentorship program opportunity. Anjel has experience in working with his culture and the latino/hispanic communities, he was the president of the hispanic student union in Rio Rancho High School for two years and worked with staff and students! He has also shown a big passion to fight for human rights and immigrant people rights by going to protests and organizing movements, showing leadership skills that he is willing to use in the Transformar Mentorship program!

Ashley is a sophomore at the University of New Mexico studying to become a veterinarian in the future. She is from Santa Fe, New Mexico and comes from hardworking Mexican parents who value family, being grateful and never giving up. At the beginning Ashley didn't consider UNM as a choice for college, but with time she learned to realize that UNM is where she is meant to be. Getting to know amazing people on the daily, joining a sorority, attending events and workshops has strengthened her desire to keep going. Ashley's favorite event has to be Silent Lights as she loves to dance. Fun fact, she is Mexican but doesn’t like beans, avocados or chiles.

Diego Andreu is currently a freshman attending the University of New Mexico, majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. He aspires to work in finance in either investment banking or corporate finance. He comes from a diverse background of Latino immigrants with a Cuban-Puertorican father and a Mexican mother. He enjoys listening to a wide variety of music in his free time and playing soccer with friends. Diego enjoys cooking and dancing, feeling a deep connection to his cultural roots while participating in these activities with his family and friends. Diego hopes to continue building upon the values instilled by his parents of hard work and tenacity. Eventually, he would also like to create workshops educating members of the community about personal financial literacy. While also becoming a culturally fluent member of society, growing closer and understanding culture as an identity through the Transformar program.

Diego Rebolledo-Santos is a first-generation freshman pursuing a degree in music performance. He was born in the heart phoenix arizona but moved to Albuquerque at a very young age and grew there. Going to college was always his dream to pursue his passion of music performance. Growing up in a Mexican household, he was surrounded by music and fell deeply in love with that part of his culture. His plans for the future is to be a professional musician that can make an impact and leave a mark in this world. Outside of music, Diego enjoys being with friends, trying to stay active, and his dog Chapulin. He hopes his time with Transformers will be pleasant and full of discovery about himself, his roots, and maybe other unforeseen things in the future.

Elena is a first-generation sophomore at the University of New Mexico. She plans to attend Law school after completing her bachelor's degree. She was born in Georgia but was raised in Moriarty, New Mexico. Outside of school, she works at a law firm, is involved in ASUNM, and is an Officer for UNM’s Chapter of Active Minds and a member of UNM Mock Trial. Elena enjoys playing guitar, reading, and painting. She hopes Transformar will be an enriching experience that allows her to learn more about her culture and connect with others who share similar backgrounds on campus.

Elena is a first-generation freshman at the University of New Mexico in pursuit of a major in psychology and a minor in art education. She lived in Mexico for a few years, then moved back to her place of birth, Albuquerque, NM. Ever since she was young, she had a growing passion for art for how happy it made her whenever she had difficulties expressing herself. Art became her way of not only illustrating her emotions, but also her way of expressing her deep love and connection towards her loved ones. For that reason, she seeks to have others who struggle both mentally and emotionally find a way of expressing and understanding their emotions, not through words, but through art. In her free time, Elena likes to spend time with her family, reading, crocheting and cuddling with her dog Jack. On another note, while she studies at the University of New Mexico, she wants to find a community with whom she can learn about the many different lives and experiences people have around her, that way not only learning to fully understand the beauty in the differences people have, but also in the beauty of finding people whom one can connect to. For those reasons, the Transformar Program will not only help her expand her perspectives on the people who are part of her community, but she will also be able to grow as an individual, into a better version of herself.

Fabian was born and raised in Albuquerque New Mexico, proud to be attending the University of New Mexico following in the footsteps of both his mother and grandmother. Inspired by his own experiences with sports injuries and the stories his grandmother shared from her past career as a physical therapist, Fabian is pursuing a degree in exercise science with a minor in psychology to prepare for a future career in physical therapy. His goal is to help others recover, regain strength, and improve their quality of life to the best of his ability through care and rehabilitation. Other than school, Fabian values the importance of family. One of his favorite cultural activities is gathering with his family of many aunts and uncles during the holidays, sharing food, playing games with his cousins, and celebrating together to feel a strong sense of connection with those that are very close to him. Fabians’ biggest dream is to move out to Oregon by the ocean surrounded by tall trees in a house that’s filled with character.

Itzel is a first-generation freshman student at UNM. She was born in Arizona, though has been raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, her whole life. Both of her parents are from Sonora, Mexico, which has helped guide her into staying in touch with her roots as a Proud Latina Woman, as well as helped her learn to appreciate hard work and family. Itzel has wished to attend the University of New Mexico her whole life and is incredibly proud to finally call it home. While attending the UNM, Itzel plans on achieving a major in Nursing to then be able to get into graduate school to become an Anesthesiologist. Though as she progresses at UNM, she plans to also become a member of many organizations, such as El Transformar Program but as well as clubs and volunteer organizations to help create a safer space for our communities. Itzel enjoys going to new events, learning new cultures, advocating, listening to music, and the performing arts. Which is why her favorite activities this year are going to events by El Centro, the LGBTQIA resource center, the Women's resource center, and any events that advocate to create a better environment for the students at the University of New Mexico."

Ivana is a sophomore at the University of New Mexico majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Management. Born in Lima, Peru, she came to New Mexico seeking a better educational environment to pursue her career ambitions and to get better opportunities in technology. As a first-generation and international student, Ivana is passionate about making the most of her UNM experience by achieving academic success while staying connected to her cultural roots. Her Peruvian heritage, shaped by her family's resilience and unity, keeps her grounded and motivated through this challenging journey. On campus, Ivana is an active member of Pi Lambda Chi Latina Sorority Inc., the Society of Women Engineers and the Hispanic Engineering and Science Organization. Through these organizations, she stays connected to her culture while pursuing her passion for STEM and giving back through community service. Ivana is excited about the opportunities ahead with the Transformar Program as she continues to grow both academically and personally, paving the way for future students in technology.

Jesus is a first-generation freshman here at the University of New Mexico, he was born in Albuquerque but lived back and forth between here and Mexico in early childhood so he got to experience a lot of both cultures. That allowed him to enjoy a lot of both cultures but also to never forget his family's roots in Obregon Sonora. He began to like art, especially drawing at a young age and has always wanted to work for Disney or a big animation studio. He began to work at a young age to help his family doing yardwork, which gave him his work ethic and his values of always keeping family first. If he isn't studying or working he enjoys drawing and trying to get better. At UNM he hopes to continue to grow artistically and get a job as a disney imaganeer/ other field relating to creative work.

Jorge Armando González Santana is from Camargo, Chihuahua, and was born in Chihuahua City, Mexico. He moved to the United States in January 2023 and is proud to be the first in his family to attend a university in the United States. Jorge is currently studying Nuclear Engineering at the University of New Mexico. His goal is to become a nuclear engineer and contribute to producing clean energy to address the global energy crisis. Outside of school, he enjoys playing tennis, going to the gym, learning about finance, and playing video games. Jorge is deeply grateful to his parents for their constant support and hard work. He takes pride in his Mexican roots and hopes to share his culture with others throughout his academic and professional journey. He joined the Transform program to connect with people in his community, learn from them, and gain a deeper understanding of his culture.

Kailynn is a first-year student at the University of New Mexico. She and her two younger sisters were born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico but her family’s origins are rooted in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico. The engineering program and resources available at UNM motivated Kailynn to study in New Mexico. Kailynn plans to continue her research experience and education to ultimately major in Aerospace Engineering for graduate school. Her previous involvement with student clubs and organizations inspire her to branch out and form connections with others. As a Spanish and English speaker, she is thankful to have found Transformar and excited about the newfound community forming. Kailynn enjoys any kind of physical activity and team sports, particularly water polo. She also enjoys reading, travelling, participating in volunteer events, and watching Formula 1. She loves to visit her family in Mexico and reconnect with relatives and her culture.

Kayan Rivera-Graham is a dedicated second-year student from Albuquerque at the University of New Mexico. He is currently pursuing a double major in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Physics, as well as a minor in Mathematics. Growing up, he fell in love with the definitive problem-solving process of math, and the ability to apply that process in a way that has a tangible impact caused him to pursue a degree in engineering. Aside from his passion for STEM, Kayan likes to play guitar, soccer, and spent this last summer road-tripping and camping up to the Candian border. His parents instilled in him a strong determination to understand anything that is thrown his way and he enjoys teaching others. During his summers, he volunteers for the National Hispanic Insitute, using his love for teaching to help prepare the next generation of higher education students within his community. He is excited to participate in the Transformar Mentorship program and believes it to be a powerful opportunity to further develop his cultural and professional identity.

Kevin Cruz is a first-generation college student from Rahway, New Jersey, currently majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry at the University of New Mexico. Growing up between different communities has taught him the value of helping others and staying connected to his roots. His passion for medicine comes from a desire to make a difference in people’s lives, which inspired him to begin earning his EMT certification. Through this experience, Kevin has gained a deeper appreciation for patient care and hopes to continue developing his skills to one day become a physician. Outside of academics, Kevin enjoys going to the gym, playing soccer, and spending time with friends. As part of the Transformar Mentorship Program, he hopes to strengthen his cultural identity, connect with other first-generation students, and continue growing both personally and professionally

Kevin Bisahi Perez Jaurigui a Mexican-American born here in Albuquerque, New Mexico was born to a family of a Mexican immigrant father born in a small town by the name of Nochistlan in the Mexican state of Zacatecas, and a mother who was born in Los Angeles, California but was raised and attended school in Mexico. He is currently a freshman at the University of New Mexico currently majoring in nursing. He hopes to be accepted and complete nursing school and then apply and be accepted into the medical school. Kevin enjoys listening to music as well as watching a wide variety of sports, his favorite being baseball and his favorite team being the Los Angeles Dodgers and enjoys playing sports with his friends and his two younger brothers in his free time. In the future after completing Nursing and Med school he hopes to be able to open his on clinic with focus on helping immigrant families and under resourced and underrepresented who don't have access to medical insurance or medical care or are just worried or afraid of seeking medical care due to economic and language barriers in their community.

Liane Perez-Pantoja is a sophomore at the University of New Mexico passionate about her studies in Journalism and Mass Communications as well as Political Science. She was born in Ruidoso, New Mexico and she grew up going between her hometown and Agua Prieta, Sonora where the rest of her family lives. Because of her upbringing, which was so impacted by borders across countries as well as the current prevalence of immigration issues, she hopes her course of study can lead to some impact in the reform of this system. She hopes her fluency in English and Spanish as well as a multicultural personal experience, she can be a voice to her community someday. Liane cares deeply about her education, but also enjoys spending her time reading, writing, painting with watercolors, and taking pictures on disposable cameras. Particularly she enjoys reading in Spanish with one of her favorite books being La Sociedad de la Nieve by Pablo Vierci. Her decision to join Transformar came from a desire to grow into herself as a well-rounded student and to find a place to express herself in all aspects, culturally, academically, and socially.

Lizzeth Bermudez is a first-generation Mexican-American student pursuing a degree in Environmental Science. She is a high school graduate from the Public Academy for Performing Arts, where she trained and dedicated herself as a versatile dancer, performer, and honors student. She loves spending her free time delving into anything involving art and nature, so her other hobbies include painting, crocheting, hiking, and trying new things. Raised within the rich landscape of New Mexico for the majority of her life, she’s developed a deep appreciation for land, water, and wildlife. She’s involved herself with organizations such as Latino Outdoors, Nature Niños, and the New Mexico Acequia Association, which have only continued to shape and encourage her to pursue a field in conservation and environmental advocacy. As a brown queer Latina, her goal is to highlight the social intersections within environmentalism, thus amplifying marginalized voices within the community while advocating for the integrity of natural spaces and wildlife.

Albuquerque, New Mexico is home to Manuel. He was born, raised, and it’s all he's ever known. Manuel is a proud first-generation college student whose family roots trace back to Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico. He graduated from College and Career High School, where he earned both his high school diploma and an Associate of Applied Science degree. Inspired by his parents’ resilience and his mother’s ambition, she is a registered nurse in Mexico continuing her education in the United States, Manuel looks up to her as his greatest role model. He chose to attend the University of New Mexico to pursue his passion for technology while staying close to his community and family. His educational goals include working in the tech industry and studying the evolving relationship between humans and artificial intelligence. Outside of his studies, Manuel enjoys painting and drawing. One of his favorite cultural traditions is making tamales with his family during Noche Buena and sharing them together on Christmas morning.

Coming from Guadalajara, Jalisco, México. He is passionate about nature, science, philosophy, medicine, physics, and mathematics. He lives by a simple yet meaningful motto: “enjoy your life.” He stands out for his dedication and ambition, as well as his authenticity and determination to act in favor of a greater good. He carries a deep excitement for living, learning, and meeting new people, places, and perspectives. He enjoys sharing ideas with those who are willing to engage in dialogue with respect and openness. With the goal of becoming a genetic engineer, he seeks to help the world from a perspective that is not yet widely explored. He is committed to excellence and is always looking to challenge himself. He eventually plans to obtain a master’s and a doctorate focused on bioengineering and gene modification. His favorite celebrations are Christmas and Día de Muertos: one for the food and the other for the company of family, family not only by blood. He is an adventurer who wants to explore the world while also sharing his own culture with others.

Nixon Reyes Contreras is a Mechanical Engineering major at the University of New Mexico, born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A first-generation college student, Nixon is passionate about pursuing his education to create innovative solutions in the field of robotics. His curiosity for how things function inspired him to pursue mechanical engineering, where he hopes to combine creativity, technology, and problem-solving to design systems that make a real impact. Nixon’s cultural background is an important part of his identity—his mother is from Mexico, and his father is from Peru—which has given him a deep appreciation for diversity and heritage. He joined the Transformar mentorship program to reconnect with his Mexican roots, gain community support, and inspire others from similar backgrounds to pursue careers in Engineering while staying proud of their heritage.

Saul Delgado is a hard nosed, strong willed Mexican-American who is a first year freshman at the University of New Mexico. When Saul is not studying and working hard towards his goals, you will see him spending time with the people he loves most. He loves playing basketball and going outside when he gets a chance. His family is from La Pinta, Chihuahua which is a state in Mexico, and he was born and raised in Albuquerque New Mexico by a Mexican household. His roots are what make him the person he is today, if it was not for his family and connections he would not be attending the University of New Mexico. The transformar is a great program for Saul because he wants to find his true cultural identity and where he can fit in on campus and hopefully other places in the future he is planning ahead of him.