Meet the Alumni Council

About

The UCSC Alumni Council is the governing board of the Alumni Association. The Council focuses on cultivating relationships between current students, alumni, and the university to help guide the university into the future. They engage in impactful volunteer opportunities to support the university, its students, and each other with the goal of building lifelong connection to UC Santa Cruz.

Values

These are the UCSC Alumni Council values and how the Council operates. This culture holds the Council together and allows Councilors to represent the ethos of the organization. 

• Supportive – The Council generously serves UCSC alumni, students, and the UCSC community.
• Collaborative – They cultivate partnerships and foster collaboration in their work to support alumni, students, and the UCSC community.
• Inclusive – The Council celebrates diversity, encourages equity, and promotes a community of belonging. They respect all voices, knowing this makes a stronger community.
• Appreciative – They value and honor each other and their impact. The Council celebrates Banana Slug achievements and seeks ways to recognize and share alumni stories.
• Dedicated – They pursue their mission with dedication to our alma mater.

Shelly Meron – President

Stevenson College, 2005
B.A. History, Journalism Minor

Shelly graduated from Stevenson College in 2005, with a degree in history and a minor in journalism. While at UC Santa Cruz, she also wrote and edited for City on a Hill Press and interned at the Santa Cruz Sentinel. She earned a master’s in journalism from UC Berkeley in 2007, and began working as a reporter for the Bay Area News Group. After five years covering everything from business and real estate to city government to K-12 education, she transitioned to a media relations role at the University of California, Office of the President (UCOP) and later became head speechwriter for the UC president. Today, Shelly is the Deputy Director for Communications at UCOP.

Shelly lives in Sacramento with her husband. In her spare time, she loves to travel, bake, and play with her dogs.

John Madrid – Past President

Oakes College, 1998
B.A. Language Studies

John earned his B.A. in Language Studies from Oakes College in 1998. As part of the Language Studies program, John participated in the Education Abroad Program (EAP). While part of EAP, John studied for one year at the University of Granada in Granada, Spain.

Since graduating from UC Santa Cruz, John has worked in the information technology field for multiple financial institutions in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Currently, John is the Director of Information Technology for United Artists Releasing.

John previously served on the Alumni Council Board from 2007 to 2014, and served on the Scholarship Committee. John also served on the Chancellor’s Advisory Council on Campus Climate, Culture and Inclusion from 2010 to 2012.

Juliet Musso – Executive Vice President

Cowell College, 1982
B.A. Psychology

Juliet earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Cowell College with honors before going on to attend the Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley for her Ph.D. in public policy. During her time at UCSC, she worked as a peer mentor at Cowell College. She is currently Associate Professor and Vice Dean for Graduate Programs at the Sol Price School of Public Policy at the University of Southern California, where she teaches courses in public policy and financial management. She is involved in several professional associations such as the Association for Public Policy and Management, the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration. Juliet believes that her combination of nonprofit, academic, and public policy expertise can help to advance the goals of the Alumni Council.

Armando Flores – Vice President of Administration

Stevenson College, 2015
B.A. Politics

After graduating from UCSC with a Politics degree in 2015, Armando went on to support several non-profit organizations in the greater Los Angeles area. Armando has worked in politics and advocacy for seven years, tackling several public policy issues impacting the energy, transportation and land use sectors. Armando was involved in Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity as a student, and is currently involved with the Southern California Leadership Network, San Fernando Valley Young Democrats, and sits on the Board of Directors for the Valley Industry & Commerce Association (VICA). He also serves as Chair for VICA’s Energy and Environment Committee.

Armando is inspired by the Council’s commitment, and hopes to support the Council’s Strategic Work Plan while finding effective ways to cultivate partnerships and engagement between students, the university and alumni. He believes his professional experience in civic engagement and government affairs will allow him to bring a unique perspective to the Alumni Council, as well as help drive advocacy efforts that will advance the best interests of the university and all students.

April Yee – Vice President of Finance

Oakes College, 2002
B.A. American Studies, B.A. Psychology

April graduated from Oakes College with a B.A. in Psychology; a B.A. in American studies with a concentration in political, social, and economic analysis; and a minor in Communication and Rhetoric. She worked in the private equity industry for over 10 years, being based in San Francisco and New York City. After undergoing emergency cardiothoracic surgery which saved her life in 2015, April is now a Holistic Life Coach focusing on Transformative Self-Care and well-being practices for professionals and anyone who wants to be more fully engaged in their lives. 

In addition to the Alumni Council, April serves as the Board President of Kidpower International, which is based in Santa Cruz; is the Chair of the Dr. Jennie H.Y. Yee Scholarship Fund at Galileo Academy of Science and Technology in San Francisco; and is the Director of Membership for the OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates, San Francisco Chapter. April enjoys reading, writing, talking about and practicing self-care, and continually learning and connecting.

Sareil Brookins – Interim Vice President on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB)

Stevenson College, 2019
B.A. Psychology and B.A. Critical Race, & Ethnic Studies

Sareil “Reil” (she/her) is an Industrial-Organizational psychology practitioner who is located in the DC/Maryland/Virginia (DMV) area. She is the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (DEIB) for UCSC’s Alumni Council. She has many years of experience as a facilitator, trainer, advisor, and adult learning specialist who focuses on topics related to DEIB, performance management, culture assessment, retention strategies, conflict management, well-being, self-awareness and leadership development.

Sareil has a Masters in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and earned Bachelor’s Degrees in Intensive Psychology and Critical Race and Ethnic Studies (CRES). At UCSC Sareil emphasized her studies on the African diaspora and social psychology. During her time at UCSC, Sareil was heavily involved on and off campus. Her professional career has been in higher education and civil rights organizations, but over the years has been an invited DEIB-focused speaker and presenter for various Universities and organizations across the country. In her free time, she enjoys being a dog mom, plant mom, and karaoke singer.

Gregory Canillas

Cowell College, 1990
B.A. Psychology and B.A. History

Gregory Canillas, Ph.D. graduated from Cowell College in 1990 with a double major in Psychology and History. While at UC Santa Cruz, he co-founded Isake (an African American theater arts group) and participated in a number of student organizations including the African Gospel Ensemble, the African/Black Student Alliance and the Cowell College Affairs Committee. Following his time at UC Santa Cruz, Gregory earned an M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology (Los Angeles).

Dr. Canillas is the CEO of Soul 2 Soul Global, a mission-driven company that provides “Simple relationship solutions for busy people.” He is the creator of Love Wins! LGBTQ+ Weekend Couples Retreats, which are offered in cities across the globe. With more than three decades of experience in the mental health field, Gregory currently also serves as an adjunct Associate Professor in the graduate Clinical-Forensic psychology program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (Los Angeles), and as adjunct faculty at Pepperdine University. He has taught at several academic institutions including National University, the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant University, Loyola Marymount University, Antioch University, and the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Lakeya Cherry

Rachel Carson College, 2004
B.A. Psychology and B.A. Legal Studies

Dr. Lakeya Cherry, DSW, MSSW, ACC is an executive leadership coach who has dedicated her career to the growth and development of individuals and the organizations they are a part of. As an ICF Certified Coach, a StartingBloc Fellow, a Google #IamRemarkable Facilitator, and a Certified Dare to LeadTM Facilitator, she believes that when leaders are empowered to reach their fullest potential, they will be able to support those around them more effectively.

It was her own experience with coaching that ignited her passion to support individuals, teams, and organizations to lead more authentically and courageously. Her former clients include Glassdoor, LA Cleantech Incubator (LACI), Snap, Cisco, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Southern Veterinary Partners (SVP), The Trust powered by the NFL Players Association, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Black Administrators of Child Welfare, and the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute amongst many others.

Dr. Cherry is the former Chief Executive Officer of The Network for Social Work Management, an international organization dedicated to strengthening and mobilizing diverse social impact leaders through education, leadership development, networking, and community-building. Under her leadership, the Network has expanded globally and introduced transformative programming that not only produced better leaders but also enhanced organizational cultures.

She also serves as a Commissioner on San Diego’s Commission on the Status of Women, which helps to address the needs of women in San Diego in their social, economic, and vocational pursuits. 

Her approach is informed by her Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Southern California where she was honored with the coveted Order of Arête award, her M.S. in Social Work from Columbia University, and her B.A. in Psychology and Legal Studies from the University of California at Santa Cruz. Additional qualifications: Psychological Safety, EQi 2.0 and EQ 360 certified, Diversity and Inclusion certification (eCornell), Nonprofit Executive Leadership certificate (National Human Services Assembly), and Team Coaching Certification.

Julia Dolloff

College Nine, 2013
B.A. Environmental Studies

Julia Dolloff is a Senior Environmental Scientist with the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment within the California Environmental Protection Agency, where she works as an Ombudsperson helping to implement Proposition 65. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from UC Santa Cruz in 2013 and a Master of Public Policy and Administration degree from CSU Sacramento in 2017. With a strong background in event planning, mentoring, government advocacy, and volunteer outreach, Julia has actively supported UC Santa Cruz since graduating. She has participated in campus career fairs to promote the Capital Fellows Program and opportunities in State service, mentored students through the Career Advice Network, and provided career guidance to students participating in the Chancellor’s Undergraduate Internship Program (CUIP) as a CUIP alumni herself. Her community service experience includes working on environmental justice efforts and serving as an assistant coach in a local fitness class. Julia aims to contribute to the Alumni Council to further promote UC Santa Cruz, support students, and foster alumni engagement.

Patrick Garcia

Merrill College, 1976
B.A. Politics

Patrick Garcia is a graduate of Merrill College with a degree in Politics and extensive experience in public service, advocacy, and community leadership. Patrick also holds a MSW from UC Berkeley and a MPA from USF. Due to his experience as Director of Administration for Santa Clara Co Behavioral Health Services, Patrick has a strong background in human resources, career counseling, and mentoring; he brings valuable expertise to the UCSC Alumni Council. Patrick actively engages with UC Santa Cruz, participating in alumni events and contributing to the Latinx Alumni Association. Patrick hopes to utilize his varied skill set to aid the Alumni Council in helping current students and alumni achieve their academic and professional goals.

Annapoorna (Anna) Gururajan

Oakes College, 2015
B.S. Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology

Since leaving UCSC in 2015, Anna has worked at both large and small companies in the biotech sector. She found her stride working for start-up companies in clinical trial management & research to advance new therapeutics globally in virological, dermatological, and inflammatory diseases.

She currently works as a Senior Clinical Trial Manager where she is responsible for all operational aspects of global clinical trials including design, planning and execution in GI related diseases. Anna volunteers in her spare time—most recently serving on the UCSC Alumni Scholarship committee, Bay Area Chapter of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and as a high school/college mentor for STEM students. 

Anna hopes to work alongside councilors to try and understand, diagnose, and implement solutions to strengthen the obtainability of the council’s goals. She believes that together, they can lay the groundwork for a strong, structurally functional alumni foundation that serves to enrich UCSC for generations to come. 

Judith Gutierrez

Rachel Carson College, 2018
B.A. Politics

While at UCSC, Judith was elected president of the University of California Student Association (UCSA), a statewide organization representing over a quarter-million undergraduate, graduate, and professional UC students across California. Through her role, she gained experience in nonprofit management, government relations, strategic lobbying, and a keen awareness of how higher education policy is shaped. During her tenure, students led advocacy efforts that gained a sizable state investment in the UC, thus generating the UC’s first tuition decrease in decades. Judith now serves as the Communications Director for Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), managing media and stakeholder relations, constituent communications, and digital media strategies. She is driven by a mission of promoting educational equity, representation, access to quality education, and professional development for young alumni.

Walter M. Joyce

Cowell College, 1967
B.A. Literature

Walter graduated with a bachelor’s degree in literature from Cowell College. He later attended CPCU, an insurance education association. Currently, he is an independent insurance broker with HUB International Ltd. He has a number years of community service experience including serving as a Grand Juror for the Santa Clara County civil grand jury, having 40+ years as a member of the Chamber of Commerce, 40+ years as a member of Rotary International and past local president, 40+ years as a member of Insurance Agents and Brokers of America and past local president, and 15+ years as a member of the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller and past Prior of the Western US. He hopes to shine a light on the importance of supporting liberal arts and a humanities education. He is willing to increase his family’s financial support to UCSC, and pledges to communicate with other alumni to increase their support.

Kelsey Knox

Porter College, 2012
B.A. American Studies

Kelsey earned her B.A. in American Studies from Porter College in 2012. She served as a Resident Advisor for two years at Porter College. She also participated in the UCDC program, interning at the Peace Corps Records Office.

After graduating from UCSC, Kelsey went on to complete her Master’s of Library and Information Science degree from UCLA in 2014, where she focused on Archival Studies. Kelsey spent 8 years working as an archivist in the Los Angeles area before being hired as the University Archivist at UCSC in June 2023, her dream job. As University Archivist, Kelsey is responsible for documenting, preserving, and making available UCSC’s history, from the founding of the university to present-day.

Kelsey is thrilled to be living back in Santa Cruz with her husband (a fellow Porter College alum) and two cats.

Jessica Lum

Rachel Carson College, 2009 
B.A. Environmental Studies and Economics

Jessica graduated from UCSC in 2009 with a BA in Environmental Studies and Economics. She works in government and civic relations for the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Prior to this role, she spent over 8 years in government and community affairs in San Francisco’s travel and hospitality industry. She has also served on several non-profit boards and committees including: Walk San Francisco, Friends of SF Environment, City College of San Francisco, San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and several more.

Through her services on boards, including four educational institutions and a scholarship foundation, and her management of a board, she has a deep understanding of council expectations and operations. She hopes to lend her experience in non-profit governance to support organizational health and good governance. Jessica describes her experience as a student at UCSC as transformative and unforgettable, and she hopes to capture and reignite that spirit among alumni so that they too feel moved to give back.

Nicona MacDonald

John R. Lewis College (College 10), 2012
B.A. Community Studies

Nicona earned a degree in Community Studies from UC Santa Cruz in 2012. As a transfer student from Cabrillo College, Nicona was thrilled to further her education and obtained Dean’s List recognition for her academic achievements. During her time at UCSC, she was elected into several local advisory bodies, including serving as a County Commissioner and on the Santa Cruz Metro Advisory Committee. She completed a 6-month field study at Ecology Action, where she built relationships with hundreds of philanthropic foundations to increase funding for local alternative transportation projects. 

Her passion for higher education fueled her career in the workforce development field, and since 2012 Nicona has played a key leadership role in ventures that increase education and vocational outcomes for at-risk populations. She leveraged federal grants from the Workforce Innovation Technical Assistance Center to pilot Peer Mentoring programs at universities in 13 states. Her team also designed online curriculum to train thousands of Peer Mentors. Nicona believes that strategic networking and effective partnerships build strong and resilient communities. As a member of the UC Santa Cruz Alumni Council, she looks forward to bringing her experience to the table in ways that will have a positive and lasting impact, as well as supporting past and present Banana Slugs as they journey onwards from campus to beyond.

Richard Mahon

Cowell College, 1978
B.A. History and B.A. in Religious Studies

Graduate Division, 1989
Ph.D. History of Consciousness

Richard came to Cowell as a junior transfer in 1973 and graduated with a double major in History and Religious Studies in 1978. He served as a resident preceptor at Cowell for three years at the beginning of his graduate school career and finished a Ph.D. in History of Consciousness in 1989. He taught in the Stevenson core course from 1990 to 1997 and served as Stevenson academic preceptor for that period of time. After finally being pried out of Santa Cruz, he returned to the California community college system which had prepared him for UCSC. He served as a Professor of Humanities at Riverside City College from 1998 to 2016, also taking turns as academic senate president, curriculum committee chair, and serving on the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges (ASCCC) and the Faculty Association of California Community Colleges FACCC).  Between 2016 and 2021, he served as STEM dean at Allan Hancock College and Vice President of Instruction at Mt. San Antonio College. He also served as a commissioner on the Accrediting Commission of Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) and currently serves on the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission  (WASC-SCUC), UC Santa Cruz’s accreditor. 

Richard retired in June 2021 and returned to teach a section of the Cowell core course in 2021, a role he continues to play. He also serves on the board of the Smith Society at UCSC.

Richard attended UCSC as Richard Gibb, and became Richard Mahon when he married Cindy Mahon, a Merrill alum, and took her surname after she won a coin toss at the altar.

Abel Mkulama

Graduate Division, 2021
M.S. Coastal Science and Policy

Abel Mkulama, a graduate with a Master’s degree in Coastal Science, is eager to contribute his expertise and educational background to the UCSC Alumni Council. He is passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion, particularly by improving access to campus programs for students of color. With his experience in research working at UC Berkeley as a Program Associate, education, civic engagement, and social entrepreneurship, Abel is well-equipped to engage with university administration, students, and fellow alumni. Through mentorship programs and social media initiatives, he aims to empower current and future UCSC students while highlighting the impactful work of alumni. Abel’s dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive community within UC Santa Cruz.

Diane Nguyen

College Nine, 2011
B.A. Sociology

Diane is a first generation Vietnamese American who was born and raised in East San Jose. She was a re-entry student and while at UCSC, she had the opportunity to participate in the UCDC program and create impact for the underserved population of Santa Cruz through the university’s Service Learning program.

Diane is currently the founder and principal consultant of LwL Consulting, a philanthropic and strategic engagement firm, where she partners with its clients on effective philanthropic plans and organizational sustainability strategies. She is also serving as the Chief Impact & Alumni Relations Officer for Asian Pacific American Leadership Institute, a Bay Area nonprofit that elevates the national standing of AANHPI Civic Representation. Prior to her business venture, she served as the Vice President of Donor Engagement at Silicon Valley Community Foundation overseeing a team of 10 philanthropic professionals with a portfolio totaling over $6B.

Diane hopes to help expand AANHPI impact and representation within UCSC, support the Strategic Work Plan and strengthen the alumni community. With her own consulting firm, she has the necessary outreach and communication skills needed to make a positive impact on all communities surrounding UC Santa Cruz through the Alumni Council.

Sterling Scott

Rachel Carson College, 2017
B.S. Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology

Sterling Scott graduated in 2017 from Rachel Carson College with his Bachelors degree in Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology. Currently, he works in the Santa Cruz area and surrounding counties as an Environmental Health Consultant with Fox Onsite Solutions. As a land use consultant, they ensure that parcels meet currently Environmental Health code standards for onsite waste water systems for a healthier environment. 

Sterling is also a photographer. He has authored two photography books; Reflection of Us (2019), and I Can’t Breathe (2020), as well as had the privilege of photographing the AIDs Life Cycle from San Francisco to Los Angeles in 2022. He loves to document social events and community gatherings, and friends and family; all of which tell pivotal stories. 

Sterling has remained in contact and engaged with UCSC since graduating by returning each year as a part of an Alumni panel speaking about his college experience, especially regarding Focus On Africa in which he was part of the inaugural class that traveled to the continent. He cares deeply about the inclusion of students on campus and hopes that by being part of the council he may continue to impact and be part of positive change for future students at UCSC.

Shonté Thomas

Rachel Carson College, 1999
B.A. Politics

Shonté graduated from UCSC in 1999 with a major in Politics. She continued on to earn an M.Ed at Pepperdine University in 2003, and is working to complete their EdD at UC Davis. Currently, Shonté serves as Assistant Vice Provost for Inclusion and Community and Executive Director of the Centers of Equity, Community, and Leadership at Stanford University. In this role, there are 8 community centers housed in her portfolio, where they work alongside a group of talented, DEIB practitioners serving and supporting a diverse and brilliant population of students. Additionally, Shonté held the position of Director of the African American Resource & Cultural Center at UCSC from 2013 to 2020.

Shonté has remained connected and engaged with UCSC, and hopes serving on the Alumni Council will enable her to continue to make impactful differences. She aims to be solution oriented and make decisions from an informed perspective to best serve the ever-present needs of her alma mater and its most salient stakeholders.

Kevin Volkan

Kresge College, 1981
B.S. Biology

After graduating in 1981, Kevin went on to earn an M.A. in Psychology from Sonoma State University, an Ed.D. in Educational Psychology from Northern Illinois University, a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Center for Psychological Studies, and an M.P.H. from Harvard University. Kevin has been a Professor of Psychology at CSU Channel Islands for the last 21 years. In the past, he has worked as assistant dean of the graduate school at UCSC. Outside of UCSC, Kevin serves at a local hospital teaching and doing research with medical residents, and has made numerous radio and television appearances as a psychological expert.

Kevin has been advising a number of UCSC students over the last few years, and feels he has a sense of the kinds of challenges they are facing. There are three things he hopes to work on as an alumni councilor: the amount and quality of student advising, tutoring for current students (particularly in the STEM disciplines), and fundraising.