Diana Greer (she, her, hers) is the Program Coordinator for Underground Scholars. She was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles. She is a proud first-generation student who is breaking generational curses in her family and community that have been affected by the school to prison pipeline and mass incarceration. She attended Cal State Fullerton where she received her B.A in English with a minor in Chicano Studies. Thereafter, attended USC where she received her Master’s in Educational Counseling. Her goal is to obtain a doctoral degree so she can continue her research on the children of incarcerated parents, while teaching inside prisons and juvenile halls. When Diana was a few weeks old, both her parents became incarcerated, and their recidivism lasted throughout her life span. Through the power of education, she was able to liberate both her parents and end their recidivism. Both her parents are now college graduates ready to transfer to a university, and she hopes to continue helping formerly incarcerated students accomplish their college and career goals. She enjoys creating and performing poetry with her daughter Ariel, as a part of restorative justice practice.

Lucy Mendoza is a fourth year student and will be receiving a bachelors  in sociology.As a sociology major she has learned of the many barriers that minorities encounter directly and indirectly. She looks forward to pursuing a career in which she is able to advocate for higher educational attainment in underserved communities. She currently holds the recruitment chair in the Underground Scholars initiative student organization.

Hi there! My name is Stephanie Vanessa Rodriguez, and as I enter my fifth year pursuing a double major in Sociology and Chicano Latino Studies, I reflect on the journey that brought me here. Growing up in Santa Ana City, I’ve developed a profound appreciation for my cultura and the stories that come with it. In 2022, I was fortunate to join the UCI Underground Scholars Program as a student staff member, where I serve as a transfer coordinator. It has become my passion to support students who are navigating the often challenging transition to higher education, especially those who have been impacted by the criminal justice system. Under the guidance of our Program Director, I strive to be a compassionate mentor and advocate for community college students seeking to transfer to the University of California, Irvine. Outside of my academic and advocacy work, I truly value the moments I spend with my family, whether we’re cooking together or exploring the great outdoors on a hike, as these experiences recharge my spirit and remind me of what matters most.

Tiffany Arres (she/her) is a committed public policy practitioner and community advocate who is presently enrolled in the School of Social Ecology to pursue a Master of Public Policy. She exhibits her dedication to educational justice and youth development in her role as Underground Scholars’ Student/Youth Development Coordinator. Her professional background includes working in the Office of Mayor Karen Bass and interning for Representatives David C. Nguyen of the Central Area and Alfredo Rodriguez of the East Area. Arres has gained experience implementing governmental policies and engaging the community through these responsibilities, with a particular emphasis on youth development and educational activities. Based at UCI, she makes a significant contribution to her community by fusing her academic endeavors with practical public engagement.

Christian Black is a 2nd-year graduate student and UCI alum pursuing a Master’s in Public Health with an emphasis on Community Health here at UCI. His research utilizes salivary biomarkers and wearable devices to study the effects of harsh prison environments on human physiology, biochemistry, and behavior. He is keenly interested in applying these findings to public health and policy to address mass incarceration and evaluate the impact of state and federal programs on justice-involved populations to facilitate successful reentry.

As an individual who did not get it right the first time, I champion second chances through higher education. I am passionate about uplifting marginalized communities through social justice reform. I am a first-generation transfer student pursuing a double major in Psychological Science and Criminology, Law, and Society at UCI’s School of Social Ecology. I aspire to pursue my Juris Doctorate and practice law to help those most in need of legal services but are often unable to access legal aid. I am grateful for the opportunity to assist transfer students through my role as the Ambassador Coordinator for the Underground Scholars Program, where I can share the knowledge I have gained through working at the Admissions & Records department at Cypress College and through my own experience. When I am not busy trying to save the world, I enjoy spending time with my two children, playing Scrabble with my boyfriend, and watching true crime documentaries.

My name is Quinea Oard (she/they), and I am a third-year undergraduate student majoring in African American Studies at the University of California, Irvine. Growing up in South Central Los Angeles as a first-generation college student and someone impacted by both my family members’ experiences with the justice system and the inequalities in the school system, I developed a passion for understanding the historical and current impacts of race, class, and gender on Black communities. I aim to use this knowledge to advocate for social justice and create spaces where Black people can feel a sense of belonging and comfort. Currently, I work as an Office Assistant for the Underground Scholars Program, where I help connect system-impacted and previously incarcerated students to critical resources and support. One of my core values is ensuring that people feel seen, heard, and supported—just as I have been in programs like Underground Scholars. I love expressing myself creatively through drawing, whether it’s on paper or in video games. I’m also a fan of anime, and my favorite series is Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure. 💚