CAMP Staff

Dr. Carlos Vélez-Ibáñez is a well-known applied anthropologist whose fields of expertise include a focus on language and learning of Latino/a populations. A native Arizonan with first-hand experience of working in the fields, he has organized three applied research institutions at 3 different universities and had managed dozens of research and service projects. His administrative experience includes serving as Dean of College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences of the University of California, Riverside, founding director of the Bureau of Applied Research and Anthropology at The University of Arizona, and the founder of the School of Transborder Studies at ASU. 

Dr. Szkupinski Quiroga is a child of immigrants, born and raised in the Los Angeles area. The first in her immediate family to attend university, she left California to do graduate work at Johns Hopkins University and a brief stint in the US Public Health Service. She then returned to her home state where she received her doctorate in Medical Anthropology from the joint program of the University of California at San Francisco's Department of Anthropology, History, and Social Medicine and Berkeley's Department of Anthropology. 

She is an anthropologist with 25 years of applied research experience with immigrant, refugee, farmworker and other marginalized communities and 15 years experience in advising and mentoring students, particularly those who are first-generation, Latino, and working-class.  

Diana Lara Zamora is a first-generation third-year student at Arizona State University, originally from Yuma County. She is seeking a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a double minor in Spanish and Transborder Chicana/o Latina/o Studies. Since she was little, she dreamed of studying for a career where she could serve her community. Diana is committed to her goals and she daily prepares to become ,in the future, one of the best immigration attorneys. In the meantime, she devotes herself to reading and learning a lot about Arizona law and continues to work hard to get good grades to get into law school. For Diana, it is an honor to have the opportunity to receive higher education in a four-year institution. She feels very lucky to have the unconditional support of her mother who encourages her not to give up on her dreams. As a peer mentor, Diana wants to support the next cohort of students in their transition to college while ensuring their well-being and academic success. 

Alejandro Martinez Olivera is a current 2^nd year student at Arizona State University majoring in Sports Science and Performance Programming. Alejandro is from a small town close to the border called Somerton where he did more than 30 hours of community service in a small rehabilitation clinic. Alejandro intends to work in the rehabilitation field as a physical therapist after graduation to follow his passion of helping people to recover their normal life. In his spare time, he can be found working out in the gym or playing sports.

Maria Flores was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and raised in San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora, Mexico. She is a first-generation Barrett student majoring in Criminology and Criminal Justice with a minor in psychology. She is an incoming sophomore here at ASU and is part of TRIO and CAMP. As a CAMP Peer Mentor, she hopes to keep pushing the next generation of migrant students toward success here at ASU. Following the completion of her bachelor's degree, she plans to continue her education and obtain her master's degree. Her career aspirations are to work in a profession as an immigration attorney or a high-ranking official in the criminal justice system where she can help reform the criminal justice system.

Melisa Lopez

Rafael Martinez Olivera, born on March 1, 2004, in Mexico City, embarked on a remarkable journey from San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora, Mexico, to Somerton, Arizona, in 2017 at the age of 13. Graduating from KOFA High School with a commendable 3.2 GPA, he dedicated himself to honing his English language skills. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Psychology. His journey embodies resilience and determination, inspired by his parents' unwavering dedication while working in the fields. Rafael remains committed to seizing future opportunities with gratitude and enthusiasm.

Juan Ruan Arredondo graduated from Kofa High School and is a first-generation student following his older sister's steps here at ASU. Juan is majoring in Civil Engineering. As a second year at ASU. Juan has been involved in various activities on campus such as being part of the ASU Rowing team and becoming the newest member of the CAMP student staff.

Janeth Martinez is majoring in family and human development. She is from Mesa, Arizona, and has lived here her whole life. She is involved on campus through her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi. She is also a CAMP Alumni and is excited to be a peer mentor and pass on what she has learned at ASU. After graduation, she wants to explore her passion for helping people, specifically new mothers.

Elizabeth Evaristo is a first-generation student who is incredibly passionate about creating equitable educational opportunities for students in our low-income and first-generation communities. She received her bachelor’s degree in Community Advocacy and Social Policy at Arizona State University, and is currently in her master’s program in Higher and Postsecondary Education at Arizona State University.