Our 2023-2024 Interns

Who We Are

Candy Gonzalez

Financial Representative Intern

Hi! My name is Candy Gonzalez and I’m a second-year double majoring in international development studies and political science. The country I am connected to is Guatemala as both of my parents are from there. In my free time, I enjoy thrifting and going to new restaurants. As the financial representative intern, I look forward to helping plan fundraisers for UNICA and meeting new people :)

Christine Barnfield

CCAS/CAIGA Intern

Hi Everyone! My name is Christine Barnfield and I’m a 3rd year double majoring in Gender Studies and Chicanx studies and minoring in Central American Studies. The country I’m connected to is Panama and I’m a Scorpio:) Other interesting facts are that I’m an avid reader and love to journal. As an Intern I’m looking forward to making new friends and connecting with more people from our Central American community on campus through our various events. I’m also really excited for Counterspaces this year and seeing everyone showcase their pieces!

Elizabeth Ardeano Orozco

Cultural Commissioner Intern

My name is Elizabeth Ardeano Orozco. I am a 3rd-year transfer student majoring in psychology. I’m connected to Guatemala. An interesting fact about me is that I like crabbing. I look forward to helping out an amazing org like UNICA and my co-board with fun and inspirational events. I also look forward to being in a supportive org that ties me closer to my Central American community at UCLA.

Isabel Menéndez

Newsletter Intern

I’m Isabel Menéndez, a second year Public Affairs major. My family is from Mazatenango, Guatemala and I am the newsletter intern this year! Fun fact: I was almost born in Tijuana, Mexico. I’m looking forward to participating in this year's events and adding fun things to the newsletter!

Karla Alejandra Vásquez Pérez

Political Educator Intern

Hi my name is Karla and I am a second-year Political Science and Labor Studies major and Central American Studies minor. I am connected to El Salvador. I am passionate about social justice. I look forward to being an intern for UNICA. I hope to grow my cultural connection to other Central American mediante conocimiento, experiencias, tradiciones, y crecimiento.

Katherine Hernandez-Velasco

External Liason Intern

Hola! My name is Katherine Hernandez-Velasco and I’m a second year majoring in Psychology! I was born and raised in LA but I’m connected to El Salvador, more specifically San Salvador and San Vicente. I love visiting my home country as it always makes me feel a sense of pride and admiration for my family’s culture and history. I look forward to being able to express my passion for our culture as an External Liason Intern!

Mireya Gutierrez Vasquez

Internal Liason Intern

Hola! My name is Mireya Gutierrez Vasquez. I am a second-year double majoring in Sociology and Chicana/o and Central American Studies (CCAS). I am a first-gen and I am connected to Guatemala and Nicaragua. I am most excited to create new memories and to have the opportunity to meet amazing people!

Tatiana Ellington

Digital Organizer Intern

Hola, my name is Tatiana Ellington! I am a second-year neuroscience major and I am

Afro-Panamanian. I am a foodie and love trying new restaurants and different cuisines. As a Digital Organizer intern, I am excited to express my creativity and meet new people of a similar background!