Spring 2025 Site Leaders & Staff Partners

Well before the tires hit the road, our incredible team of student Site Leaders and Staff/Faculty Partners are carefully crafting the transformative experiences that U of U students enjoy each year. These agents of social change coordinate community engagement, education, and reflection pieces for their Alternative Breaks, and they'd love to share their enthusiasm for the work with you. Knowledgeable, hard-working, and passionate about student engagement, these folx are great resources for participants to connect with the campus community. Site Leaders and Staff Partners can answer questions about their specific AB experiences, so please reach out to them if you have any questions about the Alt Break they're planning!

Alternative Break Spring Leadership Teams

Site Leader

Miki Murota

She, Her, Hers

Miki Murota

Hello! My name is Miki, I am a junior in Health, Society and Policy major with Nutriton minor. I am originally from Japan, and it's been about a year since I transfered to the U from one of Japanese universities! As a foreigner I see so much difference in social justice in the U.S and in Japan in a good way and bad way. My interests in social justice came from there. I have participated in Housing Justice alternative break in Spring 24' and it was such a good experience, and this time, I am very honored to be a site leader and deepen the knowledge in housing justice more. In my free time, I spend most of time to chat/call with my friends in Japan, but I also often enjoy bread making.

HOUSING

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david

Staff Partner

David Leon

He, Him, His

David Leon

tbd

Site Leader

Jonny Hernandez

He, Him, His

Jonny Hernandez

Hello!! My name is Jonny Hernandez I am currently double majoring in Nursing and Ethnic Studies, and I hope to pre-sue nursing and be a Nurse Practitioner. I love to play lots of different types of instruments as well as create music as well. In addition, I love to also play lots of different types of sports and plant flowers. I am very excited to be more involved this year with the AB program as a site leader and even more excited to get more students involved in this program! I am very passion in community engagement and anything that revolves around that topic and I hope to continue to thrive and learn about more about this topic!

IMMIGRATION

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Staff Partner

Kevin Enriquez

He, Him, His

Kevin Enriquez

Hello! I've recently transitioned into a new role here at the U, I am now the Program Manager for TRIO Upward Bound! I have worked with the U for a total 6 years now, previous roles include: College Access Advisor at Taylorsville High and the Program Coordinator for First Gen Scholars. All my work has been related and supporting Low-Income and First Generation students in a wide variety of backgrounds. I will also start working on my Masters degree this fall with the Educational, Leadership, & Policy Program here at the U and excited for it! One thing to note about me, you will always see me smiling and laughing nearly all the time!

Site Leader

Alta Fairbourne

She, Her, Hers

Alta Fairbourne

Hi! My name is Alta, and I am in my senior year at the U, working towards a major in Sociology and a minor in Political Science with the ultimate goal of earning a JD/MSW. Growing up, I lived between Utah and the coasts of Mombasa, Kenya, where I was homeschooled for several years. My academic journey is fueled by a deep commitment to community engagement and a dedication to understanding the social dynamics that shape our realities. As a huge nature enthusiast, I love spending my time outdoors, whether hiking, skiing, climbing or canyoneering. If it's under the sun, I'm all in. I am beyond excited to step into the role of a Site Leader for the Bennion Center's Marine Conservation alternative break. This program isn't just an opportunity; it's a platform to ignite a collective passion for marine conservation and cultivate a community dedicated to environmental stewardship and justice!

MARINE CONSERVATION

Staff Partner

Nicole Pilling

She, Her, Hers

Nicole Pilling

Hi! My name is Nicole, and I’m thrilled to be a faculty partner for the second time. Last year, I participated in the Animal Advocacy Alt Break, and my favorite part was getting to know and learning from an amazing group of justice-minded students. By day, I work as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Special Education. In my free time, I love traveling the world and exploring nature with my family. A perfect day for me would be spent in the sun, paddleboarding at one of Utah’s beautiful lakes. I can’t wait to dive into the Marine Conservation Alt Break this spring!

Site Leader

JACQUELINE TORRES

She, Her, Hers

Jacqueline Torres

Hello, my name is Jacqueline (She/her), and I'm the site leader for Race and Education Spring 2025. I'm a physics student and as a first-gen. I've experienced situations where I had no guidance or advice. Almost all the guidance that was given was surface level and didn't set me up for success once I was in college.

I am passionate about bringing more awareness to resources. Having people know helpful information well before they enter college is also vital. Especially, for those who don't have families from higher ed. backgrounds. It's also important to break stereotypes some may internalize and help them learn that all possibilities can be achieved and should strived for.

I was a past participant at alt-breaks. It's also my mission to make sure I create a space where EVERYONE has a chance to speak and feel safe while doing so.

EDUCATION

lizvet

Staff Partner

Lizvet Chavez-Diaz

She, Her, Hers

Lizvet Chavez-Diaz

Hi! My name is Lizvet Chavez, and I was born in Oaxaca, Mexico. My family and I migrated to the U.S. when I was young, and I am grateful for the sacrifice my parents made for my sister and me. I'm proud to say that I am a first-generation graduate with a degree in Political Science. I chose this degree because of my deep passion and commitment to advocacy! I'm a Victim Survivor Advocate for the Center for Campus Wellness. I work tirelessly to support and empower those who have faced adversity, ensuring they receive the help they need. Outside of work, I love spending quality time with friends and family and embracing the great outdoors. In the summer, you will find me hiking trails with my dogs or diving into the water, while in the winter, I'll be snowboarding at Brighton or cozying up by the fire and watching a telenovela. All of this ignites in me a passion to continue pushing forward and be a resource for my community. I’m excited for the 2025 Alternative Break and looking forward to the positive ripple effect that our volunteer work will bring to our society.

SITE LEADER

CELINE CARDEÑA

She, Her, Hers

CELINE CARDEÑAHello, y'all my name is Celine or you can call me Selener. I first found my interest in the social justice issue of sex and healthy relationships by learning about reproductive rights. With that, I found that there were many unanswered questions about my identity. I also found that the sex education I received failed not only me but many others. I found a huge interest in studying relationships which brought me to my double major in Sociology and Gender Studies. This past spring I had the opportunity to be part of the Sex and Healthy Relationships Alternative Break. I hope to create a safe space to talk, reflect, learn, unlearn, and make memories. I am excited to be part of the Alt Break family and to welcome in more members!

FRATERNITY & SORORITY LIFE:

SEX & HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

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Staff Partner

Brittany Welter

She, Her, Hers

Brittany Welter

Hey y'all! My name is Brittany Welter and I am so excited to be apart of Alt Breaks again! I am the Coordinator in the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life. In undergrad, I studied Human Development & Family Science where I realized my passion in the human experience. I love learning and teaching others about interpersonal relationships and building positive communication & conflict resolution skills. I had the pleasure of being the Staff Partner on this break last spring and I can't wait to further build off of what Celine and I have already accomplished as a team!

Site Leader

ADDISON PREVO

She, Her, Hers

ADDISON PREVO

Hi! My name is Addison (she/her), and I am a second-year student studying Multidisciplinary Design and Urban Ecology. With a keen interest in the environment and the arts, I am always looking into ways to merge creativity and sustainability. In my free time, you can find me wandering around museums, scouting out coffee shops, sketching, reading, painting, upcycling clothing, and tending to my many cats and houseplants. I am thrilled to join the AB community and connect with others passionate about learning and working toward a better world!

URBAN ENVIRONMENTALISM

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Staff Partner

Colton Stettler

He, Him, His

Colton Stettler

Colton is a graduate student at the University of Utah pursuing his M.Ed. in Educational Leadership & Policy (Student Affairs). Over the past six years, Colton has created new traditions, promoted accessibility on-campus, and helped underprivileged students in the community get caught up in their academics at Utah Valley University. He is excited to start his new chapter at the University of Utah! In his free time, Colton can be found hiking, camping, playing pickleball, or watching the newest episode of Survivor.

niyera

Site Leader

NIYERA NYANDAGARO

She, Her, Hers

Niyera Nyandagaro

Hey there! I'm Niyera Nyandagaro. Born in Tanzania and resettled in Utah as a refugee at age 5, I'm majoring in Health, Society, and Policy with a minor in Chemistry on the pre-med track. I'm a Bennion Scholar and Community Engagement Certificate student, currently working as a medical assistant. Outside of school and work, I enjoy spending time with my family/friends, exploring new things, and engaging in hands-on activities like cooking and braiding hair. I'm excited to lead the Refugee Rights & Resettlement Break in Spring 2025! Passionate about refugee justice, I look forward to collaborating with local organizations and gaining knowledge. In light of the current surge in migration and displacement, I believe this experience will be eye-opening, offering hope and laying the groundwork for future advocacy and awareness. Let’s stand in solidarity with refugees and strive for a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

REFUGEE RIGHTS & RESETTLEMENT

Staff Partner

Theresa Ashman

She, Her, Hers

Theresa Ashman

Bio Coming!

anuyhahealthcareab

Site Leader

Anuyha Yalavarty

She, Her, Hers

Anuyha Yalavarty

Hello! My name is Anuhya and I’m majoring in Biology and Health Society & Policy. In my free time, I like to puzzle, crochet, and soak in the sunshine. After I graduate, I plan to go to medical school and I am very passionate about bridging the gaps that exist in the healthcare field as a healthcare provider. The entirety of my coursework so far has been focused on learning how this can be done, and I’m super excited to share my knowledge and passion, and humbly learn from you as well!

HEALTHCARE

Staff Partner

Pierre Romangin

He, Him, His

Pierre Romangin

Hi! My name is Pierre, and I come from the most beautiful country in the world: France. I am a graduate student in French Literature and language pedagogy. I love all things sports, but soccer is the sport I've been playing all my life.

I absolutely loved my experience with AB, and I am thrilled to be a part of this community! I'm eager to share my experiences and learn from all of you guys :)