Student Ambassador Team
SJVP+ Student Assistant
Clarissa Mounce
She / Her
Hello, my name is Clarissa Mounce, and I am a fourth-year Human Biology major with an emphasis on microbiology and immunology. I aspire to pursue an MD degree with the goal of becoming a neurosurgeon. As a first-generation college student from Merced, CA, I chose UC Merced for its proximity to home and the wealth of student resources that support both personal and academic growth. I have begun my journey in the medical field as a certified nursing assistant, where I have gained valuable experience in patient-centered care and effective communication. On my free time, I enjoy outdoor activities such as tennis and basketball, as well as gaming with friends.
Calendly Link: Meet with Clarissa
Leadership Team
Joshua Gonzales, Ambassador Team Captain
He / Him
Community College: Los Medanos College
Hello! My name is Joshua Gonzales, and I am a third-year transfer student majoring in Public Health with a minor in Psychology. I'm originally from Pittsburg, California, and I transferred from Los Medanos College, where I earned an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Math and Science. During my time there, I completed the Honors Program and was awarded an Honors medal. Since transferring to UC Merced, I have grown both personally and professionally by building meaningful connections, gaining independence, and exploring career-enhancing opportunities. On campus, I am involved with the Pilipino American Alliance (PAA) and intramural sports. In my free time, I enjoy playing and watching sports, spending time outdoors, and connecting with friends and family. I'm excited to share my transfer experience at UC Merced with you all!
Calendly Link: Meet with Joshua
Estefany Vega, Public Relations Lead
She / Her
Hello/Hola My name is Estefany Vega, and I'm a third-year student majoring in psychology with a minor in natural science education. As a first-generation student from Los Angeles, I chose UC Merced to explore new paths and opportunities. I'm proud to be a member of the organization Kappa Delta Chi, where I currently serve as Vice President. Looking ahead, I hope to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher or a couple's therapist. In my free time, I love making new friends, going out, and taking on adventurous activities like hiking. I'm so excited to meet and welcome new Bobcats as we embark on this new chapter together!
Calendly Link: Meet with Estefany
Ambassadors
Transfer Ambassadors
Ahtziri Villasenor, Transfer Student Ambassador
She / Her / Ella
Hi all! My name is Ahtziri Villasenor! I am a transfer student coming from the bay area. I am a third year Psychology major with a minor in Cognitive Science. I am a Transfer Ambassador here on campus as well as a Registered Behavior Technician off campus. I aspire to build a career working with children with special needs and continuing my educational path all the way through being a Board Certified Behavior Analyst or a Child Psychologist. I chose UC Merced because of its welcoming community from the minute I got my acceptance letter, to bobcat day and all other events that followed. I am very excited to be a part of the team and help incoming transfer students join the same path I am on!
Calendly Link: Meet with Ahtziri
Alejandro Menacho, Transfer Student Ambassador
He / Him
Hi! My name is Alejandro Menacho and I'm a current third year. I transferred to UC Merced from Santa Monica College and I am majoring in Applied Mathematics with an emphasis in Computer Science. After undergraduate I plan to attend law school somewhere on the east coast and became an attorney. While I am studying Math, I look forward to expanding my experience in the law field by obtaining internships and experiences catered to prospective law school applicants. I spend my free time working out, playing Minecraft with my 5 year old brother, and watching Suits.
Calendly Link: Meet with Alejandro
Ruben Paredes, Transfer Student Ambassador
He / Him
Community College: Ohlone Community College
Hello! My name is Ruben Paredes, and I am a fourth year majoring in History here at UC Merced. I am from the Bay Area (more specifically, Fremont), and I transferred to UC Merced in the fall of 2024. It's been a wonderful experience, the campus has such a unique charm and the people here are incredibly friendly, and I hope after my time here is complete I can pursue teaching history as a career. My current goal is to assist prospective students in making the process of transitioning into the world of college a little less stressful, hoping to help them in any way I can and guiding them to valuable resources. Outside of these goals, I enjoy playing the ukulele and reading about historical empires.
Calendly Link: Meet with Ruben
Student Ambassadors
Ethan Clark, Student Ambassador
He / Him
Hello! My name is Ethan Clark, and I'm a third-year Management and Business Economics major from Pasadena, California. I chose UC Merced because of its close-knit community and the incredible personal and academic growth opportunities. The supportive environment has allowed me to form meaningful connections with faculty and peers, helping me explore my passion for business. I'm also an Associated Student of UC Merced (ASUCM) Senator-at-Large as well as the Treasurer of Kappa Sigma, where I've developed leadership skills and built strong friendships. I'm excited to continue taking advantage of all the opportunities UC Merced provides and to share my journey with others!
Calendly Link: Meet with Ethan
Harrison Reilly, Student Ambassador
He / Him
Hello my name is Harrison Reilly, and I am a third year Economics major with an emphasis in analysis and policy and additionally a minor in Environmental Humanities. I was born in Glasgow, Scotland but grew up in Los Angeles. As a Bobcat I am the founder/ President of the Lake Yosemite Club, and additionally Vice President of the Statistics Club. I also enjoy partaking in inter-mural soccer we have during fall and spring semesters. I enjoy playing guitar in my free time, watching sports, and being outdoors. I am excited to share my experience and provide any guidance for students looking to start their journey at UC Merced. Go Bobcats!
Calendly Link: Meet with Harrison
Johnathon Merino, Student Ambassador
He / Him / His / El
Hello/Hola! My name is Jonathan Merino, and I am a third-year mechanical engineering student originally from the Bay Area. I chose UC Merced for the different opportunities it offers. As it is rapidly growing, I knew there was a place for me to grow and develop myself through things like club involvement and research. My experience with club organizations the Society of Hispanic and Professional Engineers (SHPE) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) have helped me find motivation to pursue a degree in STEM and want to help others along the way. In my free time I enjoy going to the gym and playing soccer.
Calendly Link: Meet with Johnathon
Jorge Mandujano, Student Ambassador
He / Him
Hey there! My name is Jorge Mandujano. I am a first-year Data Science and Analytics major. My hometown, Patterson CA, is an even smaller Central Valley town than Merced. I have lived in the Valley my entire life and love the culture so UC Merced was the perfect school. Outside of the classroom, I am a member of the UC Merced Cross-Country and Track and Field as well as the Rotaract Club on campus. These groups have helped me connect with the local community by staying active in helping the community and getting to meet lots of new people. In my free time, I like to watch TV shows and play video games.
Calendly Link: Meet with Jorge
Kai Rivera Tuitavuki, Student Ambassador
They / Them / Theirs
Hey everyone, my name is Kai Rivera Tuitavuki and I am a 4th year Anthropology major. I chose UC Merced for the chance to attend a school close to home and for the opportunities UC Merced offers. I am actively involved on campus and have been able to fully benefit from UC Merced's programs and opportunities. I serve as the UC Ship EOB Undergraduate Representative, on the Student Advisory Board, and Kappa Kappa Gamma's Philanthropy Coordinator.
Calendly Link: Meet with Kai
Meley Abay, Student Ambassador
She / Her / Hers
Hello, my name is Meley Abay. I am a fourth-year Computer Science and Engineering student at UC Merced, with a strong passion for AI and a goal of breaking into the industry. I am originally from Tigray, Ethiopia, and I moved to Sacramento, California, in 2021. I chose UC Merced because of its new and growing environment, as well as the favorable student-to-professor ratio, which provides countless opportunities to build a legacy and be part of building something new. On campus, I am actively involved in leadership and community building. I've previously served as the President of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the Treasurer and a charter member of the Phi Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Event/Dance Coordinator and Vice President for the East African Student Association (EASA). In my free time, I love spending time in nature, going on hikes, and taking care of my plants. I also enjoy music, growing in my faith, traveling, and immersing myself in different cultures.
Calendly Link: Meet with Meley
Mercedes San-Nicolas, Student Ambassador
She / Her / Ella
Hello everyone/Hola todos! My name is Mercedes San-Nicolas, a first generation 4th year Critical Race and Ethnic studies major. Minoring in Natural Science Education, I hope to continue to pursue a career in education as an educator and eventually an administrator. I am originally from Stockton, CA. Being from the Central Valley makes being a student here at UC Merced that much more fulfilling! UCM has provided so many opportunities like: The CalTeach program where I was able to complete hands-on fieldwork at a local elementary school and UC Merced's Cheer sports club which has allowed me to continue my passion for performance. I am so excited for this year of new beginnings!
Calendly Link: Meet with Mercedes
Mya Starr Tabares, Student Ambassador
They / Them
Hii Everyone! My name is Mya Starr Tabares and I am a proud Pascua Yaqui and Mescalero Apache descendant. I am currently in my fourth year studying Writing Studies that I'd like to use as a children's book author or adult horror writer. I hope to use my degree to inspire others to take an interest in the liberal arts and to practice your creative side even if your not an artist. You can usually find me reading my newest book, playing video games, or playing with my two cats (Cleo and Bo). Merced has allowed me to discover myself and be a part of a beautiful community. The opportunities are endless here so I can't wait to see which path you take!
Calendly Link: Meet with Mya
Emanuel Angel, Student Ambassador
He / Him
Hello everyone! My name is Emanuel Angel, but most people call me Manny. Being a local to Merced, my heart belongs to this small city, the heart of California. That is why I committed to UC Merced! It was a hard choice, but I chose our young campus because as students, we all have the potential to be trailblazers and pioneers in our educational community. In my fourth year as a Bobcat, I study Environmental Humanities, the first program of its kind in the University of California system. Aside from my studies, I am very social! I love hiking and traveling, or going on any kind of adventure with my friends. When you're looking for a change of scenery, you should explore Garrapata State Park. The Soberanes Canyon and Rocky Ridge Loop are my fav!
Calendly Link: Meet with Emanuel
Wajiha Abboushi, Student Ambassador
She / Her
Hi everyone! My name is Wajiha and I am a third-year Human Biology student. I came to UC Merced with the goal of becoming a medical student. For fun I like to watch movies, listen to music, cook. I came to UC Merced for the sense of community it brings, and room to grow with all the resources.
Calendly Link: Meet with Wajiha
Kimberly Carillo, Student Ambassador
She / Her / Ella
Hello! My name is Kimberly Carrillo, and I am a second-year Human Biology major. I'm originally from Lancaster, California, where I attended S.O.A.R. High School, and I am proud to be the first in my family to attend college. I chose UC Merced because of its welcoming community and the opportunities it provides to grow academically, professionally, and personally. Since starting at UC Merced, I've been able to connect with others, gain new experiences, and explore opportunities that support my future goals. On campus, I'm involved with the Pilipinx American Alliance (PAA) and Orientation, where I enjoy welcoming and supporting incoming students. In my free time, I like staying active at the gym and spending time with friends. I'm excited to keep growing at UC Merced and can't wait to meet you!
Calendly Link: Meet with Kimberly
Adriana La, Student Ambassador
She / Her
Hi everyone! My name is Adriana La, and I am a 2nd year Human Biology Major with San Joaquin Valley Prime Plus program (SJVP+). I grew up in Visalia, CA and went to Redwood High School. I am involved in the Pilipinx American Association (PAA) and serve as an undergraduate researcher with Andy LiWang labs. During my time here, I have truly connected with my UCM community and found balance with classes and social life. I am excited to share my experience applying to the Prime Plus program and life here at UC Merced!
Calendly Link: Meet with Adriana
Sebastian Reyes, Student Ambassador
He / Him
Hello, my name is Sebastian Reyes, and I am a 3rd year Electrical Engineering Major! I'm from Tulare california so a Central Valley local. Since my time joining UC Merced, I've had the opportunity to intern for companies like Mercedes-Benz Semi trucks, Toyota, and Northrop Grumman. In my free time I'm very involved with SHPE (Society of Hispanic professionals engineers) and making memories. The reason why I chose UC Merced was to make an impact in a new university and carve a path for future bobcats!
Calendly Link: Meet with Sebastian
