Meet the Diversity and Inclusion Team

Yuridia Hernández-Osorio, MSW

Director of the Dream Office

she/ella

sphdiversity@berkeley.edu

Yuri is a proud Latina born in Toluca, Mexico, she is an immigrant, first-generation student, and daughter of immigrants. Yuri earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from University of Portland and earned her master’s degree from University of Michigan. Yuri has extensive experience in university-wide diversity, equity, and inclusion (D, E, & I) work. Her passion, work, and academic research is in increasing access and support for QTBIPOC (Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, People of Color) populations, minoritized students, first generation, and undocumented students. Prior to her extensive career in academia Yuri worked in non-profit working as a community organizer and legal program coordinator. She is subject expert on DACA, undocumented, and immigrant populations. In her spare time, she serves on the Alumni Board of Governors for University of Michigan School of Social Work and is the Vice President for the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Alumni Chapter at the University of Portland. Her hobbies include traveling, watching movies, and making beaded jewelry.

Mar Markham, MA HESA

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Specialist

they/them & she/her

sphdiversity@berkeley.edu

Originally from Portland, Oregon, Mar (pronounced “Mair”) earned their bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Concordia University and their master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs. Mar is passionate about incorporating trauma-informed practices, strengths-based approaches, and peer support into their work in higher education and beyond. Mar started their career working in Residence Life and has coordinated and advised LGBTQIA+ groups for students and employees, worked on Diversity and Inclusion Committees, and completed internships working with Diversity and Inclusion Programs and First Generation College Student Programs. Outside of higher education, Mar has worked with folks experiencing houselessness as a case manager and live-in staff, specializing in providing peer support and advocacy for those navigating healthcare systems, supporting people who experience gender-based violence, and establishing new accessible structures for people with disabilities throughout various shelter locations. In their spare time, Mar enjoys painting, camping, ringing in a local handbell choir, and social swing and blues dancing.

Hillary Nguyen

Biostatistics Tutor

she/her

I was raised in Little Saigon, a Vietnamese community in Orange County. I graduated from UC San Diego with a BS in Public Health and a minor in Environmental Policy. My research experience has largely focused on healthy aging, sedentary behavior, and physical activity among older adults. As a research assistant, I was trained to use various tools to collect data on physical and cognitive measures. I became interested in what comes before and after – study design and data analysis. I am now pursuing education in Epidemiology and Biostatistics to learn how to wield data to drive public health initiatives and promote human wellness. In my free time, I would love to play board/video games, go on long walks, and listen to live music.

Adenike (Nike) Omomukuyo

Retention Assistant

she/her

Adenike Omomukuyo is a current third year Master’s in Public Health student at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health, concentrating in Maternal and Child Health Nutrition. After graduating from Cornell University with her BS in Human Biology, Health, and Society, she has spent the past five years working in the public health nutrition field as an anti-racist health policy innovator, implementation science researcher, and recovery coach. Her special areas of interests center eating behaviors around socio-ecological stress/trauma and food as medicine reformations. An aspiring pediatric dietician, she aims to transform the nutrition care process of vulnerable BIPOC youth through a health equitable lens that constructs racially intersectional models within treatment settings, offers language for strengths-based/trauma-informed feeding approaches, and ultimately prioritizes community-inclusivity, sustainability, and healing.

Edina Rozi

Marketing & Media Assistant

she/her

Hi, I’m Edina Rozi! I am an undergraduate sophomore at UC Berkeley studying Cognitive Science and Media Studies. I love to crochet, knit, cook, bake, and most importantly – design! I am the Dream Office’s Media/Marketing Creator and it is so nice to meet you!

Khanh Thai

Biostatistics Tutor

they/them

My name is Khanh Thai and I am an MPH Health Policy and Management student at UC Berkeley. With a background in clinical research and health-systems, I am passionate about addressing unmet medical needs by advancing patients’ access to innovative life-science and digital health therapies. In my free time, I enjoy exploring new hiking trails and restaurants around the Bay Area. If you need a travel recommendation or want to chat about biotech, please reach out!

Kevin Ru

Epidemiology Tutor

he/him

Kevin Ru is a second year MPH student in Epidemiology and Biostatistics as well as a NIOSH trainee in the Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology program. He earned his BS in Biology with a minor in Society and Genetics at UCLA, where he has a background in social determinants of health and clinical research. He is interested in addressing chronic health disparities across marginalized populations, particularly in relation to occupational settings and exposures. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, playing video games, and trying new food spots with friends.

Sofia Ledesema

Recruitment Assistant

she/her/hers

Hello, my name is Sofia Ledesema (she/her/hers). I am originally from the Bay Area and am a second year in the Health and Social Behavior MPH program at UC Berkeley. I am passionate about community health, health communication, and addressing structural health inequities using upstream approaches. After finishing my undergraduate degree, I was an academic advisor at UC Davis. In my role, I assisted in supporting the UC Davis undergraduate public health scholars summer program, a program aimed at increasing students from underrepresented backgrounds in the public health field. Through participating in similar programs as a student, I saw firsthand how essential programs like these are in cultivating a sense of belonging in higher education. I am passionate about working with students and am excited to be the Recruitment Assistant this year!

Julie Bartels

she/her/hers

jbartels@berkeley.edu

My name is Julie, and I am a first-year student in the GHE MPH program. Prior to beginning graduate school, I did research and administrative work with a professor of sustainable development at Columbia University. During my undergrad, I studied Sustainable Development with concentrations in Anthropology and Women’s and Gender Studies, and I am interested in how climate change will exacerbate health issues, particularly for communities experiencing social and economic vulnerability. I love going on little adventures outside with friends, window shopping at all the horticultural nurseries in Berkeley, and attempting new mostly vegetarian creations in the kitchen.

Aissa Cabrales

she/her/hers

aissac@berkeley.edu

My name is Aissa Cabrales and I am a second year MSW/MPH student in the HSB concentration. I am from Alsip, IL and did my undergrad at the University of Michigan where I studied Psychology and Spanish. My area of interests are immigrant health and community based interventions. In my free time I like to read and sleep.

Surina Chock

she/her/hers

surinachock@berkeley.edu

Hi everyone! My name is Surina Chock and I am a first year OOMPH student in the Epidemiology/Biostats concentration. I grew up in NJ, and I also went to undergrad in NJ where I studied biology. I enjoy hiking, working out, and going to the beach.

Ashley Davis

she/her/hers

ashleydavis@berkeley.edu

Ashley is from New Britain, Connecticut, and is currently a second-year Master in Public Health Nutrition student at UC Berkeley. She is interested in improving food-related chronic diseases in marginalized populations and holistic approaches to health. She has a strong passion for food and community and hopes to utilize her specialties in fitness and nutrition to create an impact in public health and the wellness industry.

Hope Delgado

she/her/hers

hopedelgado2@berkeley.edu

Hello my name is Hope Delgado and I am currently a first year MPH student in the Interdisciplinary concentration. I grew up in a small farm town ~25 miles south of the Fresno and I attended UC Berkeley during my undergrad where I double majored in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Chicano Studies. My areas of interest are Child and Maternal Health and health disparities that continue to affect my home community. In my free time I coach High School Softball and Soccer and Middle School Cheer. I recently became a coffee lover so I also like to enjoy a good cup of coffee and good book on my days off. (Please give me book recommendations to add to my list).

Laurel Denyer

she/her/hers

lrdenyer@berkeley.edu

Hi, I am pursuing a dual Master of City Planning and Public Health and focus on global health, the environment, and healthy cities and places. My research interests intersect with planning mechanisms and policies to promote and protect public health in the face of climate change. Before coming to Berkeley, I grew up in the Central Valley and went to UC Davis for undergrad, where I majored in Global Disease Biology and minored in Public Health and Geography. In my free time, I enjoy cooking with local farmers’ market produce, reading, and being active outdoors.

Indira D’Souza

she/her/hers

iadsouza@berkeley.edu

Hi! My name is Indira and I am a first year MPH student in the Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health concentration. I grew up in the East Bay and went to to UC Davis for my undergrad where I studied Global Disease Biology, Human Rights, and Political Science. I have worked extensively with Planned Parenthood and local Sacramento harm reduction organizations, and my interests are in reproductive health and abortion access for all communities. You can usually find me cooking with my partner or on a run with my dog!

Marisa Fujimoto

she/her/hers

marisafujimoto@berkeley.edu

Hi, my name is Marisa Fujimoto and I am a first year MPH student in the Epidemiology/Biostatistics concentration. I grew up in San Francisco and graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a BS in Human Biology in 2022. A few of my areas of interest are maternal and child health, and sexual and reproductive health. In my free time I love to read a new book and try new coffee places and restaurants.

Nimita Gaggar

she/her/hers

nimita_gaggar@berkeley.edu

Dr. Nimita Gaggar is currently pursuing her Master’s in Public Health (General) at the University of California, Berkeley. She is from Mumbai, India, with a strong foundation in dentistry and an illustrious career in healthcare management of more than 5 years. She has consistently demonstrated a profound commitment to improving healthcare systems and promoting community well-being. With a heart for mentorship and social initiatives, Nimita enriched the work environment by guiding and mentoring more than 100 budding dentists, fostering an atmosphere of growth and collaboration. Her commitment extended beyond the clinic doors, as she organized and conducted monthly free dental and health checkup camps at schools, colleges, and housing societies. Outside of her professional endeavors, she interests encompass travel, running and cycling.

Anabell Gimena

she/her/hers

anabell.gimena@berkeley.edu

Hello! I am a first-year in the Health and Social Behavior MPH program. I am a Filipina-American born and raised in San Francisco and a first-generation college graduate from UC Santa Cruz where I completed a BA in Sociology and BA in Community Studies with a focus in Health Justice. I am passionate about developing and managing health programs that address immigrant health inequities in San Francisco. As a strong believer in community, I have dedicated my career to community health care and I believe in uplifting fellow first-generation students. In my free time, you can find me taking film pictures, going to concerts, thrifting, and taking new fitness classes!

Sheila Ho

she/her/hers

sheila_ho@berkeley.edu

Hi, my name is Sheila Ho and I am a first year MPH student in the Epi/Biostats concentration. I grew up in Tracy, CA, a small town about an hour east from the Bay Area and I went to UCLA for undergrad where I studied Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology with a minor in Society and Genetics. I am most interested in cancer and genetic epidemiology, and also would like to learn more about aging as a public health concern. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy swimming, taking care of my plants, and going to music festivals!

Fareshta Jan

she/her/hers

fjan@berkeley.edu

Hi all! My name is Fareshta Jan and I am 2nd year MPH student in the IDV concentration. As a first-generation graduate student in my family, I am excited to guide incoming students about graduate school and provide any mentoring opportunities. I earned my BS in Biology from George Mason University and worked full-time at the Virginia Department of Public Health as a COVID-19 Case Investigator prior to coming to Berkeley. My areas of interest are infectious disease epidemiology and disease surveillance specifically in HIV/AIDS and vaccine preventable diseases. During my spare time, I enjoy reading manga, exploring museums, and trying out new cafés.

Edgar Martinez

he/him

edgar.martinez@berkeley.edu

Hello! My name is Edgar Alejandro Martinez and I am a student in the HPM concentration. I am from Antioch, California and I studied Health Administration & Management in undergrad. I have lived in the Delta region of the Bay Area my entire life and in my free time I love to go running, walk my dog, and visit some local recreational parks.

Brook Lyn Mercado

she/her

mercadobrook@berkeley.edu

Hi! My name is Brook Lyn Mercado, and I am a first year MPH student in the HSB concentration. I recently moved to Oakland from North Carolina. I attended Kent State University in Ohio for my Bachelors in PH. I am interested in health inequities focusing on the US territories and their relationship with the US. I love to play video games, anything MCU related, and my two cats!

Alyssa Moreno

she/her/hers

alyssasmoreno@berkeley.edu

Hello! My name is Alyssa Moreno and I’m a 1st year in the Health and Social Behavior concentration. I’m originally from San Diego and completed undergrad at UCLA where I studied Human Biology and Society and Environmental Systems and Society. Public Health is everything but my current areas of interest are Filipino American health, education access, health policy advocacy, environmental justice, and youth empowerment. I love going to parks, watching a good romcom, and my dog Holly.

Ayaka Nakaji

she/her

ayaka.nakaji@berkeley.edu

Hi there! My name is Ayaka Nakaji, and I’m a second year OOMPH student in the HPM concentration. I grew up in Nara, Japan, and went to Doshisha university in Kyoto, Japan for my undergrad in Social Welfare. I hold a Master’s in Social Work from University of Hawai’i at Manoa, and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California since 2019. I currently serve as an Oncology Care Coordinator at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, CA. My areas of interest are equity in care and access in oncology, and in particular the impacts of health insurance/coverage on oncology care quality. In my spare time, I like to go on long walks, play Taiko (Japanese drums), traveling and finding good eats.

Noel Pimentel

they/them

noelpimentel@berkeley.edu

I am a student in the PhD program in Biostatisics with a designated emphasis in computational precision health, and my specialty area is in multicultural health. I’m queer, first-generation Mexican American from a small farming town in the Fresno area, Huron, CA. I was a transfer student at UC Berkeley in 2013 where I obtained my bachelors in statistics, and I just recently finished my MA in Biostatistics, also at Berkeley. My research interests are causal inference and targeted learning methodologies, specifically their application on longitudinal data to improve community health. For my applied research, I’m interested in evaluating the effects of dynamic mental health treatment regimes on health outcomes within vulnerable communities.

Jazlyn Raggio

she/her/hers

jraggio@berkeley.edu

Hello! My name is Jazlyn (she/her/hers) and I am a first year MPH student in the Maternal Child and Adolescent Health program. I originally hail from New Jersey and hold a BA in Neuroscience from Wellesley College. My areas of interest include investigating the impact of structural inequities on the health of marginalized communities, with a particular focus on Black birthing people in the United States. I am also currently conducting research on the impact of climate change on reproductive health outcomes. Longterm, as an aspiring OB/GYN, I hope to leverage technological innovation and influence minority health policy to create care delivery models that promote health equity. In my free time, I enjoy swimming, DJing, and spending time with my two cats!

Kevin Ru

he/him

kevin.ru@berkeley.edu

Hello there! I am a second year MPH student in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. Originally from Orange County, California, I graduated from UCLA where I studied Biology and Society and Genetics. My research interests are in addressing health disparities among occupational and environmental settings and exposures. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, playing video games, watching anime, and trying new food/boba spots.

Joel Rubio

he/him/el

jrubio0802@berkeley.edu

Hola! My name is Joel Rubio, and I am a first-generation, Spanish-speaking, former foster youth, Latine graduate student with hidden disabilities. I am currently a second-year pursuing a Master’s in Public Health with a specialization in Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health. As an adolescent separated from his parents, I aim to use my personal experiences, resilience, and determination to contribute to public health research, focusing on the critical issue of family separation. In my spare time, I enjoy going on walks with my kitten, Luna, and embarking on camping adventures with my spouse!

Maddie Sit

she/her/hers

madeline_sit@berkeley.edu

Hello! My name is Maddie Sit, and I am a first year MPH student in the Environmental Health Sciences and Industrial Hygiene concentration. I grew up in New Jersey, and I studied Environmental & Ocean Sciences and Sociology at the University of San Diego for undergrad. My interests lie in air pollution, occupational health, and environmental justice. For fun, I like to run, hike, and play tennis!

Emmie Smith

she/her/hers

emsmith1@berkeley.edu

Hi! My name is Emerson Smith and I am a first year MPH students in the IDV concentration. I grew up in Iowa, however I have been on the west coast for a while now as I did my undergrad at the University of Washington where I studied Global Health and Microbiology. My areas of interest are immunologic response to enteric infectious diseases, and molecular epidemiology. In my free time, I enjoy running, photography, and live music.

Swetha Thiagarajan

she/her/hers

swetha_thiagarajan@berkeley.edu

Hi! My name is Swetha Thiagarajan and I am first year MPH student in the Infectious Disease and Vaccinology concentration. I grew up in the Bay Area and went to San Jose State University for my undergrad where I studied Biology and Public Health. My areas of interest are disease prevention and intervention. In my free time, I love to bake, watch movies, and go to the farmer’s market!

Ally Wick

she/her/hers

allywick@berkeley.edu

Hi! My name is Ally Wick and I am second year MPH student in Health and Social Behavior, and pursuing the Health Management certificate. I was born and raised in Seattle and attended the University of Washington for undergrad, majoring in public health. My areas of interest are child/adolescent health, participatory research, and addressing upstream determinants of health. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, music events, and spending time in nature.

Jordan Williams

she/her/hers

jordan_williams@berkeley.edu

Hi! My name is Jordan Williams and I am a second year MPH student in the HSB concentration. I am also pursuing a graduate certificate in new media through Berkeley Center for New Media. I grew up in the San Gabriel Valley and I went to Cal State LA for my undergrad where I studied Public Health. My research and interests areas include health equity, health communication, and community-based participatory research. Outside of school I love acting, dance, exploring the Bay Area art scene.

Molly Woerner

she/her/hers

molly.woerner@berkeley.edu

Hi! My name is Molly and I am a first year MPH student in the HPM Concentration. I grew up in the East Bay and went to University of Washington where I studied Public Health. I have experience working in the non-profit, academic, research, and governmental sectors with a focus on improving health. My passion lies in developing programs and initiatives that enhance access, efficiency, and affordability within mental health care, and I am committed to achieving this vision through the integration of innovative solutions and inclusive cutting-edge digital technologies.