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 Mexican undocumented immigrants, she has always strived to serve the individual needs of her beloved community. Brenda's drive and passion stem from her background in serving undocumented students initially enrolled in the Bridge to Success and Bruin Scholars programs 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 Undocumented Student Resource Committee, and managing SLCC's Dream Center, the second in the state of Utah, as the inaugural Manager.

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!

Cristina is a first-generation student, DACA recipient, and an SLCC alumnus. Most recently, she earned her Bachelor's degree in Writing and Rhetoric Studies from the University of Utah. As an undergrad, Cristina provided support to students with their writing needs as the Writing and Rhetoric Fellow for the SLCC Dream Center and aided with many research projects focusing on first generation students and undocumented immigrants. After completing her studies, she began working as an Admissions & Concurrent Enrollment Advisor serving students at Granite, Jordan, Canyons, and Murray school districts, where she cultivated connections with staff, and faculty as well as learned about the many resources available to prospective college students.

Cristina has always supported her community in a multitude of ways, and she hopes to continue uplifting students in the ways that she hoped she was supported when she was a student.

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!

Jorge Uriel Topete is a first-generation student at SLCC. He has earned his Associate's degree in Advanced Manufacturing and is now starting his program in Business. His plan is to finish his studies at SLCC and eventually transfer to the University of Utah. As a first-generation student, Jorge understands the struggle of not knowing what path to take to accomplish their goals. He hopes to help and give back to his community. He is excited to work at SLCC's Dream Center and help his community.

Bilingual in English and Spanish

Estephany Carrillo Moy, 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

Ariana Ansari, who came from India nine months ago, is pursuing her Associate's Degree in Nursing (AAS). She desires to help people and embody kindness, viewing it as essential for her personal and professional growth. Ariana is a diligent, compassionate, dedicated aspiring nurse who is committed to her studies.

By sharing her experiences and achievements, Ariana aims to inspire others to pursue their dreams with determination and kindness. She is excited about the opportunities ahead and is eager to make a meaningful impact as she continues her educational journey and professional development in nursing.

Trilingual in English, Hindi and Marathi

Ellianys is currently a SLCC student double majoring in Graphic Design and Animation. She identifies as a first-generation student and a person with a disability. Starting Fall 2023, she is participating as a Peer Mentor for the Office of Diversity & Multicultural Affairs (ODMA), specifically serving the Dream Center. Because of her intersecting identities, she understands the difficulties of navigating through everyday life either through the lens of accessibility or immigrant experiences. She is excited to provide guidance to immigrant students in general and to students who are pursuing the Visual Arts and Design pathway.

Bilingual in English and Spanish

Edgar Guzman is a first-generation college student, who grew up in the west side of the Salt Lake Valley and was born in Michoacán, Mexico. He graduated from West High School and is now working on his Associates of Pre-Engineering (APE) with the intention of transferring to the University of Utah to pursue a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering. Having completed middle school and two years of high school in Mexico, he excels in Spanish and English. Edgar is honored to work with immigrant students like himself in obtaining a higher education. As a single parent he understands the challenges of time management between work, family, and student life and has a deep respect for immigrant parents who aspire for post-secondary education. Edgar is an avid reader of science, technology, history, anthropology, paleontology, and science-fiction. Some of his favorite novels include Jurassic Park, The Lost World, Congo, The Time Machine, Dune and 1984. In his free time, Edgar enjoys snowboarding with his daughter D'azia.

Bilingual in English and Spanish

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.