Brenda Santoyo is an SLCC alumnus, and the College has been a home away from home for her for several years now. She completed her M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy with an emphasis in Student Affairs in 2020 from the University of Utah. As a daughter of immigrants and first-generation college student, she has always strived to serve the individual needs of her beloved community. Brenda's drive and passion stem from her background in serving students initially enrolled in the former Bridge to Success program (now, Summer Bridge) as well as the Bruin Scholars program through the office of Orientation & Student Success. In her time at the College, she has played a role in launching the Bruin Dreams scholarship program, upholding the charge of the United Support for Resilient Communities (USRC) committee, and managing SLCC's Dream Center, the second in the state of Utah.

Bilingual in English and Spanish

Available at two locations:

• West Valley Center
• Taylorsville Redwood Campus

Note: Location varies based on their schedule, and where the Dream Center is needed. Check-in with Dream Center staff before traveling to a particular location. Scheduling an appointment with us is the best way to connect with us!

Marlene is a proud first-generation Latina and the daughter of hardworking immigrant parents from Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Utah Valley University in 2023, with a minor in Sociology, a Global Distinction, and a Leadership for Personal and Social Impact certificate.

As an SLCC alum, Marlene remembers what it felt like to sit in campus offices, unsure of what questions to ask or where to even begin. She remembers the stress of trying to figure out financial aid forms on her own, or the weight of wanting to succeed not just for herself, but for her family. Those memories are what make her current role so meaningful.

Today, as the Dream Center Coordinator, she gets to support students who are navigating systems that weren't always built with them in mind. Whether it's helping someone understand their options, connecting them to resources, or simply being a familiar face who listens without judgment, Marlene's goal is to make sure no student feels like they're doing this alone.

Before stepping into this role, she worked in SLCC's Office of Admissions as a Concurrent Enrollment and high school recruiter — a position that deepened her desire to help students see college as something they could belong to, not just attend.

Outside of work, Marlene finds joy in dancing, exploring nature, reading, and trying new creative hobbies — anything that helps her stay grounded and inspired.

Ariana, who moved from India a year and a half ago, is currently pursuing her Associates degree in Nursing (AAS) with plans to continue her education through a Masters degree. Driven by her passion for helping others, she believes that kindness is essential for both personal and professional growth. As a diligent, compassionate, and dedicated aspiring nurse, Ariana remains committed to her studies and future career.

By sharing her experiences and achievements, she hopes to inspire others to chase their dreams with determination and kindness. Excited about the opportunities ahead, she looks forward to making a meaningful impact in the field of nursing as she continues her educational and professional journey.

Trilingual in English, Hindi and Marathi

Estephany, a first-generation college student, is currently pursuing her Associates of Pre-Engineering (APE) with plans to transfer to the University of Utah for a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering and a minor in Mechatronics. Education holds utmost importance in her life, believing it to be the catalyst for personal growth and societal advancement. As a hard-working, open-minded, and enthusiastic aspiring electrical engineering student, she approaches life with an insatiable curiosity and a fearless attitude towards challenges, viewing failure as an integral part of the journey towards success. Actively involved in SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers) as Secretary & Social Media Manager, she drives the organization's mission by encouraging academic and professional pursuits within the community. By sharing her journey and achievements, she aims to inspire and empower others to break barriers and pursue their own goals. She's absolutely thrilled to join SLCC's Dream Center, grateful for the chance to not only develop personally but also make a positive impact on the community along the way.

Trilingual in English, Spanish, and Cantonese

Salma is a dedicated peer mentor working at the Dream Center at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC). As a proud Colombian and a first-generation college student, Salma draws strength from her unique journey to empower and guide others. Her core values—fairness, honesty, and hard work—serve as the foundation for her work, helping those around her to strive for success.

Salma is committed to helping students discover the opportunities that transformed her own academic path. She uses her role to provide the guidance and support she wishes she had during her own early experiences in college, fostering a sense of belonging and confidence in those she mentors. Through her efforts, Salma wishes to leave a lasting impact within her community, paving the way for students to achieve their dreams and thrive in their educational journeys.

Yeraldy is a first-generation college student pursuing a degree in Nursing. She plans to continue furthering her education and completing her Doctor of Nursing Practice in the future. She has always found love in healthcare and giving back to the community by supporting her patients through trials they face. She would like to eventually be able to open her own practice focusing on providing support to immigrant and refugee patients along with any low-income patients. She has passion for supporting, uplifting, and guiding members of various communities. She is very excited to start and continue her role with SLCC's Dream Center and is looking forward to making a difference in her community.

Tracy is an SLCC student majoring in Writing Studies and is currently the Writing and Rhetoric Fellow at the Dream Center. She was born and raised in Guatemala, and moved to the United States when she was fifteen. Tracy is proud of her identity as a Guatemalan and a woman of color. Her goal is to help members of the Latinx and Hispanic communities feel empowered by their experiences, and feel proud to share their stories with the world.

You can reach out to Tracy for support with your writing, whether that is for your class assignments, personal statements or scholarship essay responses, and your resume and cover letter.