CAMP Professional 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. 

My name is Melisa Lopez, and I am your assistant director at ASU CAMP. I am a daughter of immigrant parents and the youngest of five siblings. I was born and raised in eastern Oregon, where my parents settled after pursuing migrant farm work. I am a proud CAMP alumna from Oregon State University (OSU). As a double OSU alumna, I received a bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Sciences and a master’s degree in College Student Services Administration. My biggest influence on pursuing my career is the support I received from CAMP and OSU staff. I was fortunate to have many positive experiences working with various mentors who helped me throughout my academic journey. These experiences motivated me to figure out how to pay it forward and support underserved student populations.  This upcoming summer, I will be celebrating 15 years of working in higher education, where I have been able to support students from diverse populations. This is also what brought me back to CAMP. I am a CAMP alumna, and I used to work as an Outreach and Retention Coordinator for OSU CAMP. CAMP has always been near and dear to my heart, so I am happy to be back with the extended CAMP family.

My name is Elizabeth Evaristo, and I am the Academic Success/Student Development Coordinator at ASU CAMP. I am the daughter of a single immigrant mother and the third eldest of nine siblings. I was born and raised on the south side of Phoenix and am a proud Latina First-Generation college student. I am a two-time Sun Devil with a bachelor's degree in Community Advocacy and Social Policy and a master’s degree in Higher Post-Secondary Education. My biggest influence on pursuing my career is the support I received from my dedicated TRIO director during my undergrad years at ASU. I was fortunate to have a dedicated person who created impactful and meaningful experiences that led me to my career choice. I am incredibly passionate about creating equitable opportunities for students and families who come from the same background as me in our underserved,low-income, and first-generation communities. I understand the challenges students and families face in the college-going process and the importance of implementing programs that create meaningful experiences. 

Sarai Herrera is a dedicated professional at Arizona State University, serving as the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) Recruiter and Family Engagement Coordinator in the School of Transborder Studies. With over a decade of experience in client relations, she excels in adapting communication to meet the needs of diverse backgrounds with compassion and empathy. Sarai, who holds a degree in Spanish Literature from ASU, is committed to empowering individuals and fostering community resilience through her advocacy and support services. Beyond her professional life, she enjoys traveling, immersing herself in nature, and engaging in creative projects.

Irasema Coronado is the director and professor of the School of Transborder Studies at Arizona State University.  She received her bachelor's degree in political science and a certificate of Latin American Studies from the University of South Florida. She has an M.A. in Latin American Studies and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Arizona. Her area of specialization is comparative politics, her research focuses on human rights on the U.S.-Mexico Border.  She is co-author of the book titled “Fronteras No Mas: Toward Social Justice at the U.S.-Mexico Border”  and co-editor of numerous articles  “Digame! Policy and Politics on the Texas Border” and the book “Juntos Pero No Revueltos: Estudios sobre la frontera Texas-Chihuahua”. She also coauthored “Latinas in Local Government, Políticas: Latina Public Officials in Texas”. She was the recipient of a Fulbright to Germany in 2002, and a Border Fulbright in 2004 at the Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez.

Irma Carmona serves as the Program Director for ASU CAMP. She earned a Bachelors in Criminology and Criminal Justice from ASU and a Masters in Higher Education from Syracuse University. Irma has worked at ASU since 2013 and has worked in Housing and Advising before joining ASU CAMP. Her own involvement on campus was transformative, leading her to a fulfilling career in Higher Education and lifelong friendships. She is passionate about creating a sense of belonging for other first-gen students and helping them achieve their educational goals!