Our 2023-2024 Board

Who We Are

Alexis Ayala-Alvarado

Co-Chair

Hola todos! My name is Alexis Ayala-Alvarado and I am a 3rd year doubling majoring in Education and Labor studies with a minor in Public Affairs. The country I am connected with is El Salvador and my zodiac sign is Aries. I am looking forward to making new memories with UNICA and seeing where the org goes for this academic year :)

Mario Vargas

Co-Chair

¡Hola! ¡Gracias por visitar nuestro sitio web! My name is Mario Vargas and I am a fourth-year, Pre-Law student majoring in Political Science and minoring in History here at UCLA. I was born and raised in Santa Clarita, California, with my older sister Alessandra, and my younger brother Diego. Both of my parents were born and raised in Managua, Nicaragua, and a lot of my family still lives in Managua, so I love to visit them during summer whenever I get a chance. In addition to being a co-chair for UNICA, I am also the Director of Mentorship for the Pre-Law Transfer Society, and a tri-chair for the Latine Youth Conference. Some of my other interests include music, weightlifting, playing and watching sports, traveling, and going out with family and friends. I love meeting new people and making new friends so don't be afraid to say hi if you see me!

Daniel Orellana

Internal Liaison

Hi Everyone! My name is Daniel and I am one of the internal liaisons for UNICA. 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!

Louis Ponce

Internal Liaison

Hi everyone! My name is Louis Ponce and I am a fourth year Political Science major and a Public Affairs minor! The country I connect to is El Salvador; both of my parents are from La Union! This past summer I went to visit family I have in El Salvador and I was able to enjoy its pretty beaches, talk to its humble/resilient people, and savor its authentic Salvadoran food! Overall, I'm excited to take on my role as Internal Liaison and I will put my best efforts into having a successful school year with UNICA

Jeannette Ciudad-Real

External Liaison

Hello! My name is Jeannette Ciudad Real Peña.
I am connected to El Salvador as both my parents are Salvadorian.
I am a 2nd year Sociology and Chicano Studies double major.
I love connecting with other Central Americans on and off campus, so that is why I am so excited to be an External Liaison for UNICA!

Ixchel Aguilar-Moore

External Liaison

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!

Amanda Arana

Cultural Comissioner

I’m Amanda my pronouns are she/her and I am a transfer student from the Bay Area! I am currently a fourth year student at UCLA majoring in World Arts and Cultures in the school of arts and architecture. I am a first gen Salvi, my family is from El Salvador specifically from Ahuachapán! A bit about myself is that I love all things art and music related and I love to make art that is rooted in my love for Central America and myself. I’m super excited to be working with UNICA again and for all that this year has to bring! <3

Avril Leiva

Digital Organizer

Hola! I am a sophomore majoring in psychology. I was born In San Diego, CA but lived in Nicaragua up until I was 14 years old. My zodiac sign is Scorpio and I love baking and going to the beach. I also love going to coffee shops and enjoying time with friends.

Kiara Cruz

Newsletter Director

Hi! My name is Kiara Cruz and I am a first-gen Salvadoran. Both of my parents were born there and I hold a close connection to my home country. I am a 3rd year double majoring in Communications and International Development Studies. Fun fact, I am a Taurus.

Francisco Mena

Financial Representative

Hi, my name is Francisco but you can call me Cisco! The country I'm connected to is El Salvador since both my parents are from there! I'm currently a second-year majoring in Business Economics. My zodiac sign is Gemini. A fun fact about me is that I produce and make music in my free time, and I currently have a song out on all streaming platforms!

Enrique Curan

Political Educator Lead

My name is Enrique and I am a 4th year in Political Science. I’m connected to Guatemala and I’m a Pisces! I love Frank Ocean as much as I love live music, but neither compare to how much excitement I have to be the Political Education lead!

Andrew Jandres

CCAS/CAIGA Rep

Hi everyone! I am Andrew; I’m a third year majoring in Labor Studies and Education and minoring in Central American Studies. I am connected to El Salvador, with roots in Santa Elena and San Miguel. I’m a Pisces :D