Our 2024-2025 Board

Who We Are

Alexis Ayala-Alvarado

Co-Chair

Alexis is looking forward to making an impact with UNCIA and enjoying every moment with the board, with each event being memorable. They are also excited to spearhead a research symposium in the spring quarter of 2025 to have BIPOC students present their work in any field. This an event they are looking forward to as they are part of the McNair Scholars Program they want to have more opportunities to have students share the work they are doing. UNICA, for them, has been a fostering place to be seen, heard, and recognized, as we are the first Central American student organization here at UCLA.

Daniel Orellana

Co-Chair

My name is Daniel Orellana, I’m a 3rd year ling and CS major and I’m one of the UNICA Co-Chairs. I’m looking forward to creating a welcoming environment for Central Americans here at UCLA. A few of my interests are music, thrifting, concerts, and camping. Feel free to say hi if you ever see me at one of the events and I hope you enjoy the things UNICA has planned for the year!

Mireya Gutierrez Vasquez

Internal Liaison

Hi everyone! I'm Mireya Gutierrez Vasquez, one of the internal liaisons for UNICA. I am connected to Guatemala and Nicaragua! I’m currently a third-year student, I’m double majoring in Sociology and Chicana/o and Central American Studies (CCAS), with a minor in Public Affairs. I am from San Bernardino (love my IE folks). In my free time, I love thrifting, painting, sewing, and exploring new food spots. I’m excited to meet all of you and hope you enjoy our events as much as I do!! :)

Candy Gonzales

Internal Liaison

Candy Gonzalez, Third Year, Double Major: International Development Studies and Political Science. I am Connected to Guatemala and I look forward to meeting new members and partnering with other organizations on campus to host engaging events and activities to further support the Latino student body at UCLA. I’m excited to see UNICA continue to grow and expand its presence on campus, helping create a supportive environment for Central American students as we move through higher education :)

Jeannette Ciudad-Real

External Liaison

My name is Jeannette Ciudad Real, and I’m a 3rd year Sociology Major, Central American Studies Minor. I’m proudly Salvi! I’m looking forward to forging new connections this year with people who come from all across the isthmus!

Avril Leiva

External Liaison

Hola! I’m Avril, a third-year Psychology student here at UCLA. I was born in San Diego but spent most of my childhood in Nicaragua. I love going to the beach, catching up with friends or family at cafes, and baking—especially around the holidays! I’m excited to connect with more Central Americans at UCLA. My hope is that everyone who attends our events feels a true sense of family and belonging, just like I do in UNICA.

Elizabeth Ardeano-Orozco

Cultural Comissioner

Hola a todos! My name is Elizabeth Ardeano-Orozco. I am a 4th year Psychology Major. My favorite hobbies are exploring boba and coffee shops, spending time with family & friends, and trying tiktok recipes. This year I’m hope to have a memorable year by bonding with my amazing UNICA family and plan amazing events especially hosting this years Counterspaces!

Christine Barnfield

Digital Organizer- Website/Newsletter

Hey everyone! My name is Christine and I'm currently a 4th year double majoring in Gender and Chicano/a Studies. I am connected to Panamá and I am excited for all of the fun events we have planned for y'all and to continue working with this amazing team!

Isabel Menendez

Digital Organizer-Social Media/Flyers

My name is Isabel Menendez and I’m a 3rd year Public Affairs major with minors in Global Studies and Environmental Systems and Society. My parents immigrated from Guatemala. I’m excited for the UNICA social events this school year.

Francisco Mena

Financial Representative

Hey everyone! My name is Francisco or Cisco for short. I’m a third year majoring in Economics. I’m connected to El Salvador since my both my parents are from there. One of my favorite hobbies is music production! In fact, have a few songs out on streaming platforms! I’m excited to meet new people throughout our events and see UNICA grow :)

Katherine Hernandez-Velasco

Financial Representative

Hola! My name is Katherine Hernandez-Velasco and I’m a third 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.

Ixchel Aguilar

Political Educator

Hola todos! My name is Ixchel and I’m catracha (Honduran). I am a third year Global Studies major with a Spanish minor from Santa Cruz, CA. I love traveling, writing short stories/poetry, spending time in the ocean and hiking. I hope to apply my studies and interests to work in my home country one day!

Natalia Zeledón

CCAS Representative

Hello! My name is Natalia Zeledón, a senior/second year transfer majoring in English and pursuing a minor in Central American studies! I’m Central American, my family hailing from Costa Rica and El Salvador, so spaces like UNICA are extra special to me! I hope to continue uplifting Central American joy and advocate for transfers this school year! If not at an UNICA event, you can find me journaling in the sculpture garden :)