Peer Mentors

Aisha Malik

TRIO Peer Mentor

Aisha Malik is a fourth-year Human Biology major on the pre-dental track. She enjoys traveling, running outdoors, playing with her cat, and exploring new cafes. On campus, she is involved with Student Healthcare in Practice, the Center for Student Wellness & Health Promotion, and a Family Planning/OBGYN research lab. As a peer mentor, Aisha is excited to connect with students, learn about their goals, and provide meaningful support throughout the year.

Darlin Lagunes

TRIO Peer Mentor

Darlin Lagunes (she/her/hers) is a fourth-year Economics major and a returning peer mentor. She is excited to reconnect with familiar faces and welcome new students to the program.

Darlin enjoys baking, skincare, going to the gym, and absolutely loves cats—even though she does not have one of her own. As a current TRIO Scholar herself, she is deeply committed to providing students with meaningful support and helping them navigate their journey at UCI.

Jacqueline Hernandez

TRIO Peer Mentor

Jacqueline Hernandez (she/her/ella), also known as Jackie, is a TRIO alumni in her third year at UCI, majoring in Sociology with a focus on Diversity & Inclusivity and Public Policy. As she enters her final quarter before graduating in the spring, Jackie is honored to support fellow TRIO Scholars as a peer mentor.

Jackie is passionate about being a resource for students and is always open to meeting new people. Outside of academics, she enjoys weightlifting and running, watching comfort shows and film analysis videos, and her favorite animals are bears. Her current favorite TV show is 9-1-1 on ABC.

Jimena Renteria-Gonzalez

TRIO Peer Mentor

Jimena Renteria-Gonzalez (she/her/ella) is a fourth-year student double majoring in Psychological Science and Spanish. Now in her second year with TRIO Scholars, she is excited to continue supporting students and connecting through mentorship.

Originally from California’s Central Coast, Jimena grew up with a love for agriculture. She currently serves as a co-chair for MEChA, an on-campus organization that supports Latine/Chicane students. Her hobbies include listening to music, spending time with friends and family, cooking and baking, going to the beach, and enjoying regular coffee runs.

Katy Montiel

TRIO Peer Mentor

Katy Montiel (she/her/ella) is a fourth-year Education Sciences major with a minor in International Studies. A longtime TRIO Scholar participant since her freshman year, Katy is now proud to serve as a TRIO Peer Mentor and is eager to support fellow students in any way she can.

Some fun facts about Katy: she is left-handed, loves going on road trips and traveling to new places, and enjoys attending soccer events. 

Leyni Martinez-Mendez

TRIO Peer Mentor

Leyni Martinez-Mendez is a third-year student double majoring in Film and Media Studies and Literary Journalism. As a TRIO Scholar and peer mentor, she is excited to support fellow students and share her experiences navigating college life.

Originally from Los Angeles and the first in her family to attend college, Leyni brings a thoughtful and creative approach to mentorship. In her free time, she enjoys playing the guitar and ukulele, juggling, drawing, and going on spontaneous little adventures.

Samantha Peruch

TRIO Peer Mentor

Samantha Peruch (she/her/ella) is a third-year Psychological Sciences major with a minor in Sociology. As a TRIO Scholar turned TRIO Peer Mentor, she is excited to support students and help create the same welcoming community that TRIO has provided for her.

Samantha enjoys building connections and making others feel at home. In her free time, she enjoys watching horror movies, thrifting, doing puzzles, and she absolutely loves dogs.