Diversity Staff

Elizabeth Coco

Hello there. My friends call me Coco (and if you are reading this you are one, too). I'm the co-president of the Womyn's Awareness Center (WAC) and a Gustie Greeter. These are important activities for me, but working in the D Center has certainly been one of the most rewarding experiences I have had on campus so far. This is a welcoming and safe place to be where I can truly be myself.

Laura Jensen

I'm Laura Jensen and I'm a junior nursing and Spanish major. I'm involved in the Crossroads Program, the Philips Scholarship award, and the Diversity Center. The Diversity Center has really helped me to experience and apply to my life a variety of diverse situations. It has awakened the social activist in me.

Lauren Matykowski

My name is Lauren Matykowski, and I am a senior from Minneapolis. I am a Russian studies major with minors in history and peace studies. I am a co-president of the Russian Club, and I play the oboe in the Gustavus Wind Orchestra. Last spring I spent the semester in St. Petersburg, Russia. While I enjoyed my time in Russia, I am really excited to be back at Gustavus for my senior year. I love working in the Diversity Center because I have met so many awesome people and it is a great outlet for our campus. Come meet new people, work with our tutors and learn about Gustavus organizations and events. You will not be sorry you stopped in!

Rebekah Mendoza

Hey! My name is Rebekah Mendoza, and I am a sophomore student from Los Angeles, Calif. I am a Japanese studies major with a minor in history. Currently I am treasurer of OLAS and a member of PASO, ACC, and JCC. Working in the Diversity Center helps me to stay involved and meet new people. So come by to say hi or just chat.

Obukowho Okoh

Hi, I'm Obukowho, but people call me Obus. I am a junior accounting major from Nigeria. All the people who stop by the Diversity Center are great! I've made lots of friends here. And I can't wait to meet you.

Hamada Omar

Hi, this is Hamada Omar. I am a student from Minneapolis Washburn and a senior majoring in business management with a minor in geography. Right now, I'm involved in PASO, football, and Tau Psi Omega "Reds" fraternity. In my free time, I am quite involved in the St. Peter community, where I help coach 8-10 year old boys' flag football. I love the Diversity Center because it is a place for me to come and relax and meet all sorts of people from different backgrounds.

Jeanifer Poon

My name is Jeanifer Poon. I'm a senior nursing major. I'm really into volleyball and I'm learning how to play tennis. I enjoy mentoring others, helping out people, and being involved in their lives. The D Center is a niche on campus for me. It's where I can express myself and learn about other people's cultures and life experiences.

Laura Shilling

I'm Laura Shilling, the administrative assistant in the Diversity Center. This is my second year here and it has been a blast. You will usually find me behind the desk, on the phone, or on the computer. But, don't let that fool you—I'm always ready to help out, answer questions, or play a game of UNO. I see the Diversity Center as a place where we can find a common ground to celebrate our individualities and differences.

Julio Zelaya

My name is Julio Zelaya from St. James, Minn. I am political science major with a peace studies minor, and I have worked at the Diversity Center since last year. I enjoy spending time meeting up with friends and chatting about everything at the D-Center. I also enjoy spinning on our cool new chairs! So come by, get dizzy and visit me at the D-Center.