Futuros En STEM

Meet Our Team

Our team’s mission is to learn from each other, grow every day, and help students find their place in STEM. We strive to create an inclusive environment where students can discover their passions, develop valuable skills, and build meaningful connections.

April Villeda

Co President

Originally from La Grange, NC, with Mexican and Guatemalan heritage, I'm pursuing a major in computer science, specializing in software engineering and artificial intelligence. As a recipient of the Rosenberg Scholarship and a member of the Honors College, I aspire to bring my skills to NASA in the future.

Daniels Mendoza-Perez

Co President

Daniel is majoring in Business with a concentration in Management Information Systems (MIS) and minoring in Data Science at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. He finds fulfillment in leveraging technology to solve complex business challenges and is driven by his curiosity about how data can transform decision-making. Although he's still exploring his career path, Daniel is drawn to opportunities in IT, data analytics, and financial analytics.
Daniel has gained valuable experience as a financial analyst intern at Lenovo, where he contributed to variance analysis and business process improvements.

Daniel is majoring in Business with a concentration in Management Information Systems (MIS) and minoring in Data Science at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. He enjoys using technology to tackle complex business challenges and is curious about how data can enhance decision-making. While still exploring his career options, Daniel is interested in IT, data analytics, and financial analytics. He has gained experience as a financial analyst intern at Lenovo, working on variance analysis and business process improvements. Outside of academics, Daniel is the President of ALPFA at UNCW, where he promotes professional development for Latino students. He also stays active by regularly working out at the gym.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Daniel serves as the President of ALPFA at UNCW, where he leads initiatives to promote professional development among Latino students. He also enjoys staying active by working out regularly at the gym and balancing his commitments to work and study.

Jade Maturino

Social Media Coordinator

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Leslie Sanchez

Vice President

Clayton-raised Leslie, empowered by her Mexican heritage, dives into public health (pre-clinical studies) with Spanish and Biology minors. A Health & Equity Bonner Fellow, she interns at a Wilmington charity, her empathy shining through her Nursing Assistant II certification. Volunteering fuels her spirit, just like skydiving and mud-riding! Driven to become a Pediatric MD, Leslie combats Adverse Childhood Experiences, aiming to make a lasting impact on children and families.

Leslie, a Clayton native, is a pre-clinical studies major with Spanish and Biology minors, driven by her Mexican heritage. As a Health & Equity Bonner Fellow, she interns at a Wilmington charity, and her empathy shines through her Nursing Assistant II certification. Volunteering fuels her spirit, just like skydiving and mud-riding! Driven to become a Pediatric MD, Leslie combats Adverse Childhood Experiences, aiming to make a lasting impact on children and families.

Leslie not only enjoys serving her community, but also relishes adrenaline-pumping adventures like skydiving and mud-riding!

Faby Menacho

Social Media Coordinator

Originally from Selma, NC, with proud Bolivian heritage. Majoring in Public Health with a concentration in Global Health and minoring in Spanish and Psychology. Being in Public Health has inspired me to pursue a career in Healthcare and gain my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. Motivating me to travel the world and help those in need globally. Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant II led me to my passion for Healthcare. Most importantly my parents who have supported me every step of the way.

Ayanni Reese

Secretary

Raleigh-raised Ayanni, deeply rooted in both Virginia Beach and Afro-Native heritage, pursues Public Health (Community & Global) with a Medical Humanities minor. Driven by social justice, Ayanni aim to become a healthcare administrator, tackling healthcare disparities for women of color and immigrant families. A Dean's List scholar and Nancy Loyce Phelps Hodges Scholarship recipient, Ayanni's 18 years of dance fuel a vibrant personality.

Ayanni, a Raleigh native with Afro-Native heritage from Virginia Beach, studies Public Health (Community & Global) with a Medical Humanities minor. Driven by social justice, Ayanni aims to become a healthcare administrator, tackling disparities for women of color and immigrant families. A Dean's List scholar and Nancy Loyce Phelps Hodges Scholarship recipient, Ayanni's 18 years of dance fuel a vibrant personality. Ayanni also find solace in literature and express their creativity through crafting.

Ayanni also finds solace and joy in the world of literature and expresses their creativity through various crafting endeavors.

Nicky Mendoza

Finacial Advisor

Born and raised in Charlotte, NC, with Colombian roots, Nicky is currently studying Public Health with a concentration in pre-clinical studies, alongside minors in biology and clinical research. Aspiring to become a Dermatology Physician Assistant, Nicky has gained extensive research experience, including working as a research assistant in an organic chemistry lab synthesizing a cytotoxic molecule to target prostate cancer cells, and participating in a project that measured nutritional outcomes for dementia patients through hand-feeding techniques.

Nicky, born and raised in Charlotte, NC, with Colombian roots, is studying Public Health with a pre-clinical concentration and minors in biology and clinical research. Aspiring to become a Dermatology Physician Assistant, she has research experience as a research assistant in organic chemistry, synthesizing a cytotoxic molecule to target prostate cancer cells, and has worked on projects measuring nutritional outcomes for dementia patients. Currently, Nicky is involved in biomedical immunology research at CMS and is EMT certified. In her free time, she enjoys paddle boarding, exploring bike trails, playing pickleball, volunteering, and embracing life.

Currently, she is involved in biomedical immunology research at CMS and holds an EMT certification. In free time, she enjoys paddle boarding, exploring new bike trails, playing pickleball, volunteering, and embracing life.

Diego Ruiz

Lead Web Developer

Diego is majoring in Computer Science with a concentration in Business and minoring in Cybersecurity. He was raised in Wallace, NC, with a Mexican background. He finds solving puzzles and problems while working with technology fulfilling. As a kid, he was always interested in technology whether it was video games or using the school computers. In the future, Diego wishes to inspire rising generations to also contribute to their community.

Diego, majoring in Computer Science with a concentration in Business and a minor in Cybersecurity, was raised in Wallace, NC, with a Mexican background. He has a passion for solving technology-related puzzles and problems, sparked by early interests in video games and school computers. Diego aims to inspire future generations to contribute to their communities. In his spare time, he enjoys playing soccer, video games, and bowling. He is the captain of a local bowling team that placed 3rd in their debut summer season.

In his spare time, Diego enjoys playing soccer, video games, and bowling. Diego is currently the captain of a bowling team at his local bowling alley where they placed 3rd in their debut summer season.

Jovani Rivera

Web Developer

Jovani, raised in Burgaw, NC, and proud of his Mexican heritage, is pursuing a degree in Computer Science with a concentration in Software Engineering. His fascination with technology is inspired by his admiration for Iron Man and Tony Stark’s continuous drive to innovate, even in the face of challenges. Jovani dreams of working at Neuralink, where he aims to help individuals with disabilities achieve self-independence and lead better lives. A major source of Jovani’s motivation comes from the unwavering support and sacrifices his parents have made for him. Their dedication has fueled his determination to succeed and achieve his goals.

Jovani, raised in Burgaw, NC, with Mexican heritage, is pursuing a degree in Computer Science with a concentration in Software Engineering. Inspired by Iron Man and Tony Stark’s innovation, Jovani dreams of working at Neuralink to help individuals with disabilities gain self-independence. His motivation is fueled by the support and sacrifices of his parents, which drives him to succeed. In his free time, Jovani enjoys collecting vinyl records and skateboarding around campus and town, embracing both creative and active pursuits.

In his free time, Jovani enjoys collecting vinyl records and skateboarding around campus and different parts of town, embracing both the creative and active sides of life.

Cristian Gil

Web Developer

Raised in the small town of Newton Grove, North Carolina, and proud of his Guatemalan heritage, Cris is pursuing a degree in Computer Science with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence. From an early age, he was captivated by computers and technology—fascinated by how something so complex could be so compact. This passion drives his aspiration to innovate in software development and build a successful career in the tech industry. Growing up in a rural community where few shared his interest in technology, he draws inspiration from his parents, whose journey as immigrants and sacrifices instilled in him the drive to seize every opportunity. He dreams of being able to repay them for all their hard work and sacrifices.

Cris, from Newton Grove, NC, is proud of his Guatemalan roots and is studying Computer Science with a focus on AI. Fascinated by technology from a young age, he aspires to innovate in software development. Inspired by his immigrant parents' sacrifices, Cris is determined to build a successful career. He enjoys trying new foods, playing guitar and soccer, spending time with friends, and running his own clothing brand.

In his free time, Cris enjoys trying new things, playing the guitar, playing soccer, and spending time with friends. He is also passionate about fashion and runs his own clothing brand.

Xitlalli Betsabe Gomez

Social Media Coordinator

Xitlalli is double majoring in Computer Science and Computer Engineering at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and plans to transfer to NC State University for her engineering degree. As a first-generation Latina in STEM, she is passionate about fostering inclusivity while embracing her Mexican heritage. She serves as the Community Service Chair of Alpha Psi Lambda Alpha Theta, is a member of the Society of Women Engineers, and is Vice President of the United Greek Council. She also pursues civic engagement as a fellow in the Latino Electoral Engagement Fellowship of North Carolina, inspired by the values instilled by her hardworking parents.

Xitlalli, a first-generation Latina in STEM, is double majoring in Computer Science and Computer Engineering at UNCW, with plans to transfer to NC State for engineering. Passionate about technology and inclusivity, she serves as Community Service Chair of Alpha Psi Lambda, Vice President of the United Greek Council, and is a member of SWE. As a fellow in the Latino Electoral Engagement Fellowship, she champions civic engagement. Rooted in the values of her hardworking parents.

In her free time, Xitlalli enjoys her Catholic faith, volunteering, and traveling.

Meet Our Team

April Villeda

Daniels Mendoza-Perez

Jade Maturino

Leslie Sanchez

Faby Menacho

Ayanni Reese

Nicky Mendoza

Diego Ruiz

Jovani Rivera

Cristian Gil

Xitlalli Betsabe Gomez

April Villeda

Daniel Mendez-Perez

Leslie Sanchez

Faby Menacho

Ayanni Reese

Nicky Mendoza

Diego Ruiz

Jovani Rivera

Cristian Gil

Xitlalli Betsabe Gomez