Student Ambassador Team
David Guttierrez
He / Him / His
Hey y'all! My name is David Gutierrez and I am currently a 4th-year Management Business & Economics Major. I truly found my second home because of the community that UC Merced creates, and my heart always wants to give back to what's built me up and forward. I have found a variety of placements here at UC Merced, such as the Associated Students of UC Merced, ASUCM's Campus Activities Board, Co-Ed Professional Fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi, and previously working at the Recreation Center.
Being involved with these groups in high executive positions each, I have learned a lot about logistics, marketing, risk management - many items to run a business. Post-graduation I plan on continuing event planning or HR for internal affairs in the Silicon Valley or back in San Diego.
Calendly Link: https://calendly.com/ucmdavidgutierrez/ucmerced
Gurpinder Bahia
She / Her / Hers
Hello everyone! My name is Gurpinder Bahia, I am a fourth year majoring in Public Health with a minor in Psychology. I was born in the Central Valley, so attending UC Merced gave me a sense of representation and community with new opportunities as a growing university. Getting involved on campus has created a positive impact on my college experience. I have been able to make connections and be involved in organizations that will help me in my future endeavors. After my four years of undergrad, I plan on attending nursing school. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to me!
Calendly Link: https://calendly.com/gbahia
Susan Guerrero
She / Her / Hers
Hi everyone! My name is Susan Guerrero, I'm a third-year Computer Science and Engineering student from the south bay of San Diego. As a first-generation student, UC Merced stood out to me the most for its diversity, inclusivity, and sense of community. At UC Merced I strive to develop my skills as a full-stack web developer and help my community in the Central Valley along the way. Feel free to schedule a meeting with me to chat!
Calendly Link: https://calendly.com/susanguerrero
Angelica Walker
She / Her / Hers
Hello everyone. My name is Angelica Walker and I just transferred from Merced Community college to UC Merced as a Junior studying Business Management and Economics. Since I was born and raised in Merced, I chose UC Merced because they make an effort to give back to the community and provide tons of resources to help their students succeed. Currently, I am involved in Vanguard Engineering Society and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Which have welcomed me to join and helped play a great role in preparing me to reach my career goal of working full time at NASA.SA.
Calendly Link: https://calendly.com/awalker39
Hayley Jenkins
She / Her / Hers
Hi! My name is Hayley Jenkins. I am a first year at UC Merced and I have worked with teams in the past through synchronized skating! I hope you all have a great time here at UC Merced and make sure to do your best! Fun fact: I love to draw and Ice skate.
Calendly Link: https://calendly.com/hayleyjenkinsstudentambssador
Naa Hammond
She / Her / Hers
Hello! My name is Naa Deedei-Vera Hammond, but you can call me Naa. I am a third-year Public Health Major at UC Merced from San Diego, CA. During my free time, I am either hanging out with my friends, in the gym or binge-watching conspiracy theories on YouTube. My hobbies include making music, playing soccer, outdoor activities, and practicing self care which includes monitoring my mental health as well as my physical well being. Living in a busy city for a majority of my life has made me really cherish and admire UC Merced, because it is a very refreshing atmosphere which has allowed me to appreciate the littlest things around me. I can't wait to meet you all and share my story with you. I hope you fall in love with everything UC Merced has to offer as I did!
Calendly Link: https://calendly.com/nhammond01
Aarynn DeLeon
She / Her / Hers
My name is Aarynn DeLeon and my pronouns are She/Her/Hers. I am a first-year Philosophy student hoping to pursue a career in law. Some of my hobbies include singing, acting, dancing, playing video games, and sewing. UC Merced has created numerous outlets for me to express myself, and has even allowed me to pursue expanding my passions. By joining numerous clubs and activities, I was able to transition into UC Merced with friends helping me every step of the way. I can't wait to meet you all!
Calendly Link: https://calendly.com/aarynndeleon/30min
Adelynne Wagner
She / They
Hello! My name is Adelynne Wagner, I also go by Addy and my pronouns are She/They. I am currently a fourth-year chemistry & psychology major. A little about me is that I am from the Bay Area, I’m married and have a corgi/dachshund named Oscar! Besides being a Student Ambassador, I am involved in UC Leads, Phi Mu and other clubs and organizations on-campus. In my free time, I love to go on day trips, travel and practice self-care! I can’t wait to be a guide in your future journey here at UC Merced!
Calendly Link: https://calendly.com/adelynnewagner
Jacqueline Ocegueda
She / Her / Hers
Hello future Bobcat! My name is Jacqueline Ocegueda and I am a third-year transfer to UC Merced. I am a Political Science major with a minor in the Spanish Language. I grew up in Turlock, CA in the Central Valley. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, listening to music, and volunteering in political campaigns. After my time at UC Merced is over, I hope to attend law school. I've only been at UC Merced for a short time, but I've had the best time thus far. Hope to see you around campus very soon!
Calendly Link: https://calendly.com/jocegueda5
Maricela Vazquez Aviles
She / Her / Hers
Hello everyone! Hope all is well! My name is Maricela Vazquez Aviles and my pronouns are she/her/Ella. I am a fourth-year transfer student majoring in Public Health with the goal to become a health educator for low-income and underrepresented communities. My hometown is La Puente, CA. A little bit about myself: I am an undocumented, Mexican Indigenous, first-generation, and former foster youth student who choose UC Merced for the incredible resources it has for all students. Pursuing higher education for someone with my background is not easy, but UC Merced has been there for me in every step of the way and I can assure you that they will be there for you as well. When I am not in class or doing homework, I like to spend my time hanging out with friends, volunteering in the community and on campus, and above all visiting family back home. I can't wait to meet you all and I wish you good luck on your academic journey.
Calendly Link: N/A
Leena Sanchez
She / Her / Hers
Hello/Hola! My name is Leena Sanchez and I am a second-year Molecular Biology major hoping to attend medical school after I graduate. I come from Turlock CA, so I'm glad I get to call the Central Valley my home! My hobbies are reading, hiking, and doodling on my iPad. UC Merced has offered me so many opportunities to reach out and build relationships that will help me and my education. On campus, I am currently involved in Phi Delta Epsilon Fraternity which is a pre-medical fraternity. I look forward to sharing my upcoming years here at UC Merced with everyone.
Calendly Link: N/A
Darina Kaninda
She / Her / Hers
Hi! My name is Darina Kaninda and I’m a fourth-year majoring in Management and Business Economics. My hometown is Garden Grove, Orange County. A little about myself, I’m Congolese so French is my second language and I speak 2 other native Congolese languages. Fun fact: I’m the President of the African Student Union on campus.
Calendly Link: N/A
Brayan Rivera
He / Him / His
Hey all my name is Brayan Rivera and I am a second-year student here at UC Merced! I am from Napa CA which is basically a wine country! At the moment I am undeclared, however, I have decided that I am gonna major in Biological Sciences and try to double major in Management, Business, and Economics! Some cool facts about me are that I have been doing Ballet Folklorico for most of my life now, and have done a variety of dances from different regions of Mexico. I currently have started my own clothing business as a side hustle since it is something I enjoy doing. My goal is to maintain a strong GPA in order to get into Business School. I hope I can show you around here at UC Merced and tell you all about the amazing experiences I have had so far. I want to be able to be a mentor for incoming students and guide you through all your 4 years here at UC Merced!
Calendly Link: N/A
Khushkirath Kaur
She / Her / Hers
Hey! My name is Khushkirath Kaur, but I go by Khushi. I am a third-year Human Biology major who is also minoring in Psychology. I come from an Indian household in Bakersfield, CA located in the Central Valley and have grown up speaking Punjabi and staying in touch with my culture. I am currently on the pre-med track so I am hoping to go into medical school after graduating from UC Merced. Some of my interests include blasting music while going on drives, sports, watching movies and shows, and going to the library any chance I get. What drew me towards Merced was the beautiful campus and amazing opportunities it had to offer. In addition to providing a strong foundation in many different majors, Merced provides me with many different opportunities to further explore Biology. UC Merced is the best environment for me and many to accomplish all of our goals and I am excited to meet you all.
Calendly Link: N/A
