Our Crew

Our full-time staff are dedicated to meeting the holistic needs of UC San Diego students in regards to their housing, food, and financial security. 

Alicia Magallanes

Director

Contact Alicia at a1magallanes@ucsd.edu

As Director of the Hub Basic Needs Center, Alicia (she/her) oversees and provides supportive services to increase accessibility of basic needs resources for students at UC San Diego. She has worked alongside resilient communities in south Los Angeles as a street outreach worker, was a Farmers Market Recovery Glean Lead with Food Forward at the Hollywood Farmers Market, and conducted her graduate studies field practicum with Feeding San Diego locally.

She aspires to cultivate a basic needs secure campus environment and shift dialogue around the topic of basic needs to reflect the resilience as well as innovation of our amazing undergraduate and graduate student communities.

Kameo Quenga

Associate Director 

Contact Kameo at kquenga@ucsd.edu

As Associate Director of the Hub Basic Needs Center, Kameo (she/her) oversees internal operations of Hub services and aims to center both professional and student staff wellness. She aims to utilize data and assessment to right-size how our services can continue to support the ever-changing needs of our student populations. She serves as the liaison between Basic Needs and Case Management Services, with goals to maximize both on and off campus partnerships as it relates to tackling basic needs challenges through a collaborative and justice-oriented lens.

Kameo brings lived experiences from both the Bay Area & South Sacramento which allows her to recognize that alleviating basic needs challenges for our students cannot be done alone. Basic Needs are retention efforts.

 

Operations Staff

Maria Carmen Gonzalez 

Basic Needs Program Coordinator
Contact Maria Carmen at mcg008@ucsd.edu

As the Basic Needs Coordinator, Carmen (she/ella) focuses on supporting students by providing holistic consultations in regards to their access to food, stable housing, and financial wellness resources. Carmen also helps run the basic needs center by overlooking the center daily operations and student staff.
Before this role, Carmen was completing her Master’s degree at the University of San Francisco (USFCA)! During her graduate experience, she served as an Assistant Residence Director (ARD) within Residential Life for two years. She also had the opportunity to support the food pantry during her graduate experience. Lastly, she also worked at UCSD within the Student Affairs Case Management (SACM) on campus during the summer.
Carmen is a proud first generation Latinx college graduate. She is passionate about uplifting student leaders in their roles and addressing challenges within basic needs to support UCSD college students.

Food Security Staff

Haley Okamoto

Assistant Director of Food Security Programs

Email Haley at hokamoto@ucsd.edu

As the Assistant Director of Food Security Programs, Haley (she/her) oversees a portfolio of essential programs, including CalFresh Outreach, Triton Food Pantry, and the Food Recovery Network. Haley is dedicated to building strong, collaborative relationships with both campus and community partners to deliver cohesive services and information that address UC San Diego students' basic needs. In her role, she is involved in the planning, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of food security programs, continuously seeking new initiatives to grow the food security portfolio.

As a Kanaka Maoli/Indigenous scholar, Haley aims to bring a decolonial approach to addressing food security with a focus on food sovereignty. Haley brings lived experience from growing up in Hawaiʻi to attending college in Oregon, which allows her to understand the importance of access to culturally relevant and sustainable food options.

 

Beatriz 

Food Programs Coordinator

Email Beatriz at bchavezvega@ucsd.edu

Beatriz manages the programmatic and administrative support to the portfolio of food security programs, including but not limited to the Triton Food Pantry, Food Recovery Network, and other supplemental nutrition assistance programs. Her previous work included supporting and managing the Associated Students Food Pantry at San Diego State University.

 

 

 

 

Kalayah Wilson 

CalFresh Coordinator

Email Kalayah at Kuwilson@ucsd.edu

Kalayah Wilson, MBA, serves as the CalFresh Coordinator at the University of California San Diego, where she leads outreach, program coordination, and student support initiatives within the Basic Needs Center. In this role, she works to expand food security resources for students through cross-campus collaboration, strategic program development, and community partnerships.
Kalayah is a double alumna of the University of California, Riverside, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Management. Her academic and professional interests center on program management, community engagement, and the development of equitable access initiatives within higher education.
Her work is informed by a strong global perspective. Kalayah completed the Oxford Global Entrepreneurial Leadership Program at Mansfield College, University of Oxford, earning a certificate in Global Entrepreneurialism. She also studied in Shanghai, China, through the Youth Together Exchange Between Chinese and American Youth Program at Shanghai Ocean University, where she participated in the Modern Shanghai and Marine Culture Exploration Project.
Beyond her professional work, Kalayah is committed to community engagement and social impact. She actively contributes to community-based peace initiatives across California and is passionate about advancing collaborative efforts that promote equity, access, and collective well-being.

Housing Security Staff

Carolyn Tinoco (she/her/ella)

Basic Needs Housing Specialist

Email: catinoco@ucsd.edu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marissa Islas 

Basic Needs Housing & Education Resource Coordinator
Email Marissa at mjislas@ucsd.edu

As the Housing and Education Assistant, Marissa (she/her) focuses on supporting access to safe and stable housing for students at UC San Diego. She informs students of housing resources through their transition from on-campus to off-campus living. The main purpose of this position is to develop short-term and long-term strategies to address food and housing insecurity on campus. Additionally, Marissa supervises the Basic Needs Peer Education Program which is our basic needs outreach team.
Before this role, Marissa was a Peer Educator Student Lead at The Hub. She is passionate about providing basic needs accessibility for students at UC San Diego through the administration and retention of resources. 

 

Natalia Hernandez

Basic Needs Rapid Rehousing Coordinator 
Cal State San Marcos, B.A., Capella University, M.A.
As the Basic Needs Graduate Assistant, Natalia Hernandez (she/they) meets one-on-one with students to help connect them with Basic Needs resources and helps connect students with the appropriate Basic Needs staff.
Before this role, Natalia Hernandez worked as a Registered Behavior Technician for nearly a decade. Using Applied Behavior Analysis, she worked one-on-one with children who had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and helped them learn new skills and improve their social interactions. Natalia is currently in school, working towards her master's in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Natalia is a first-generation American, college graduate, and the first in her family to pursue a master's degree. Outside of her professional work, Natalia is a proud member of the California Native Plant Society and an avid gardener of native plant species.

 

 

The Triton Food Pantry Managers support the daily operations of the Triton Food Pantry at both Student Center A (SCA) and One Miramar St. (OMS) by managing, operating, and providing nutritious and culturally reflective food on campus. This position works directly with the student community in facilitating student visits to the pantry and ensuring adequate stock and inventory are available during hours of operation. They can be reached at foodpantry@ucsd.edu.

Food Recovery Network (FRN) Drivers recover food that would have otherwise gone to waste from on- and off-campus food donors, such as the HDH Dining Halls, grocery stores, and community farmers’ markets, and distribute this recovered food to students and San Diego community members who are facing challenges with food security. Food Recovery Network Drivers can be reached at frn@ucsd.edu.

Alessandra

Co-Lead, Triton Food Pantry Manager

Human Biology Major

As a co-lead manager, Alessandra (she/her) aspires to be able to combat food insecurity by educating students about the food pantry, provide a safe space for all students, and provide quick, easy, and healthy recipes with food available at the pantry. Through her experiences with food insecurity, Alessandra hopes to help inform and direct students to different accessible resources around campus and San Diego. Once she graduates she hopes to open her orthodontic clinic for low-income communities and hire those who were formerly incarcerated wanting to integrate into the medical field.

 

Elise

Co-Lead, Triton Food Pantry Manager

Cognitive Science with Specialization in Design and Interaction Major, Art History Minor

Elise (she/her) hopes to contribute to a welcoming community that encourages all students to achieve their best in all aspects of their life without having to worry about their basic needs being taken care of. She hopes that she can help create a comfortable space on campus for everyone and foster a supportive and accessible environment.

 

Yuran

Co-Lead, Triton Food Pantry Manager

Biochemistry Major, General Biology Minor

As a general operation manager of Triton Food Pantry, Yuran (she/her) aims to provide basic needs for students by fighting against food insecurity. She hopes to create equal opportunity of education for all students and further iniquity derived from it upon efficient and structured operation of food pantry. Upon graduating, Yuran plans to pursue a career in public health to expand her interest in enhancing living conditions of people including clinical services.

 

Hamilton

Lead, Food Recovery Network Driver

Public Health Major

As a FRN driver, Hamilton (he/him) is able to redistribute food that would otherwise go to waste back into the UCSD community. Outside of helping the community, Hamilton loves to go to concerts and participate in sports.

 

Natalie

Triton Food Pantry Manager

Political Science: Public Policy Major

Natalie (he/she/they) aspires to ensure the collective wellbeing of the UCSD community while working as a Triton Food Pantry manager. In pursuit of challenging food insecurity, they strive to collaborate with their peers to establish and maintain an accessible resource that students can invariably trust to attain their basic needs.

 

Victoria

Triton Food Pantry Manager

Public Health: Concentration in Medicine Sciences Major

As the Marketing Manager for the Triton Food Pantry, Victoria (she/her/hers) hopes to increase student awareness of the Pantry's resources. She plans to achieve this by designing visual graphics to inform students on the resources available and by partnering with other community resource centers to enhance outreach efforts.

 

Amelia

Triton Food Pantry Manager

Cognitive Science Design & Interactions Major, History & Ethnic Studies Minor

As a Marketing Manager for the Triton Food Pantry, Amelia (she/her) is passionate about raising awareness of food insecurity and the resources available to the UCSD community. After graduation, she aspires to become a UI designer, where she aims to blend her creativity and problem-solving skills to develop impactful tools for positive change.

 

Chloe

Triton Food Pantry Manager

Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience and General Biology Double Major

As the Volunteer Manager at the Basic Needs Hub, Chloe (she/her) is dedicated to improving access to essential resources and creating a welcoming space for students. She ensures volunteers have a smooth transition into their roles and fosters an environment where students feel supported. Majoring in Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience and General Biology, she is building the skills to pursue a career focused on psychological and neurodevelopmental well-being.

 

Christian

Triton Food Pantry Manager

Business Economics Major, Finance Minor

Christian (he/him) grew up in San Diego and has a deep love for music, especially anything by Kali Uchis. His favorite songs, “Lose My Cool” and “Hasta Cuando,” always make him act out. He also really likes peanut butter sandwiches. At the pantry, he’s passionate about creating a welcoming space where no one feels ashamed in seeking support. He believes everyone deserves access to food with dignity and respect.

 

Silvia

Triton Food Pantry Manager

Public Health: Medicine Sciences Major

Silvia (she/her) is a second year Public Health major with a concentration in medical sciences. She is passionate about promoting health equity and helping students access the resources they need to thrive academically, physically, and emotionally. Silvia is excited to be part of the Basic Needs team where she can support her peers and contribute to a more inclusive and caring campus community. Outside of school, Silvia enjoys going to the gym as a way to stay grounded and energized, and she values spending quality time with her loved ones to stay connected and motivated.

 

Mikaela

Triton Food Pantry Manager

General Biology Major

As a Pop Up manager for the Triton Food Pantry, Mikaela (she/her) is excited to extend knowledge of the pantry’s resources to her fellow students and to work to bring together communities with the goal of tackling food insecurity. She hopes to help foster a space within the food pantry which allows students to feel safe, empowered, and informed. After graduation, Mikaela hopes to pursue a career in speech pathology.

 

Jacqueline

Triton Food Pantry Manager

Environmental Systems (Ecology, Behavior, & Evolution) Major, Dance Minor

Jacqueline (she/her/they/them) is a fourth year Senior, who has a passion for environmentalism, which they exercise through gardening at Roger's Community Garden, researching conservation abroad, as well as working with agricultural sustainability programs offered by UCSD. They are from North Lake Tahoe, California so they've grown up surrounded by beautiful pine trees, and loves to come back during winter break to snowboard.

 

Carla

Triton Food Pantry Manager

Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience Major

Carla (she/her) is a third year studying cognitive and behavioral neuroscience. She is very passionate about learning how all parts of the brain function individually and as a whole. Outside of school, she enjoys going to the gym and finding new music.

 

Catherine

Food Recovery Network Driver

International Business Major

Catherine (she/her) is a second year International Business major that absolutely detests food waste and hopes to facilitate the lives of already burdened college students when it comes to food insecurity around campus. Catherine haven't had the opportunity to join any clubs or organizations during her time at UCSD, so she hopes to build community within the Basic Needs Hub. She is also excited to work along organizations in San Diego that care about making sure the most people possible have access to food.

 

Alex

Triton Food Pantry Manager

Human Biology Major, Global Health Minor

Alex (he/him) is a second-year majoring in human biology on the premed track. With a strong passion for community service and a deep understanding of the importance of food security, he is eager to contribute to the Triton Food Pantry as a new manager. Motivated by a commitment to ensuring that all students have access to nutritious and affordable food, Alex will be dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for the UC San Diego community. He is looking forward to applying his organizational and leadership skills, excited to make a meaningful impact and help fellow students thrive.

 

Andrew

Food Recovery Network Driver

General Biology Major

As a FRN driver, Andrew (he/him) recovers food that would otherwise go to waste to give out to students in need. Growing up in a low income household, he hopes to continue giving back to his community everyday.

 

Victor

Food Recovery Network Driver

Economics Major

Victor (he/him) is a first gen student from Salinas, CA. Growing up in an agricultural town has taught him the value of food that he shows others.

 

Camila

Food Recovery Network Driver

Economics Major

Camila (she/her) is currently studying Economics with hopes of an Anthropology double major. She loves film, theatre, and getting to know new people! Camila is very excited to be working with The Hub!

 

Gina

Food Recovery Network Driver

 

 

Arely

Food Recovery Network Driver

 

 

Yoltzin

Lead, Calfresh Outreach Assistant

Public Health: Medicine Sciences Major

As a CalFresh Outreach Assistant, Yoltzin (she/her/hers) hopes to lessen the stigma around food assistance programs and other basic needs resources for students. During her time working at the Basic Needs Hub, she strives to create a safe space for students to receive the best support.

Jana

Lead, Calfresh Outreach Assistant

Public Health: Community Health Sciences Major

Jana (she/her) is deeply passionate about supporting students so that they can focus on their dreams without the constant worry of where their next meal will come from or how to pay for basic needs. This commitment is what led her to her major of Public Health. She hopes to create policies that ensure fewer people have to struggle to put food on the table or make ends meet, so everyone has a chance to equally thrive.

 

Gaby

Calfresh Outreach Assistant

Public Health Major

Gaby (she/her) is from Northern California and enjoys going on runs, as well as attending bailes and jaripeos. As a CalFresh Outreach Assistant, she hopes to help build a welcoming and inclusive community where students can thrive without having to worry about their basic needs.

 

Mary

Calfresh Outreach Assistant

Human Biology Major, Healthcare-Social Issues Minor

Mary (she/her) hopes to support students by alleviating stress surrounding basic needs, especially food assistance. In her free time, she enjoys working out, going to the beach, and watch cooking videos.

 

Uzi

Calfresh Outreach Assistant

Public Health Major, Biology Minor

Uzi (she/her) is a 3rd year majoring in Public Health and minoring in Biology! She is happy to help

 

The Basic Needs Peer Educators engage in virtual and in-person outreach as well as education for students and staff. Through their outreach, Basic Needs and Off-Campus Housing Office resources are shared out to the campus community at UC San Diego! They also lead the annual Off Campus Housing Fair campaign every year! They can be reached at bnpeereducation@ucsd.edu

 

Caroline

Student Lead, Basic Needs Peer Educator

Clinical Psychology Major

Caroline (she/her) is a 4th year pursuing a career in trauma informed care with a great passion for community assistance and advocacy. Striving to connect the student body and local community with apt resources in a manner that makes asking for assistance more approachable through de-stigmatization!

 

Keying

Basic Needs Peer Educator

Bioinformatics Major

As a Basic Needs Peer Educator, Keying (she/her) is dedicated to breaking information barriers and promoting equitable access to food, transportation, and housing for students and community members. She believes that when people’s basic needs are met, they can fully focus on learning, living, and exploring their potential. In the future, she hopes to use bioinformatics to improve public health, and dreams of volunteering at an animal shelter alongside her beloved cat.

 

Kailene

Basic Needs Peer Educator

Public Health: Medical Sciences Major

Kailene (she/her/ella) hopes to create a supportive and inclusive space for all students. She is passionate about helping others access the resources they need, which aligns deeply with her future goals in nursing. She believes everyone deserves to feel seen, supported, and confident. Outside of work, Kailene loves thrifting for unique finds and capturing everyday moments through photography.

 

Kaylinh

Basic Needs Peer Educator

Political Science: Race & Ethnicity

Kaylinh (they/them) is an advocate for community care and social justice. They strive to support their peers to ensure wellbeing and accessibility to resources.

 

Taylor

Basic Needs Peer Educator

Clinical Psychology Major, Global Health Minor

As a Basic Needs Peer Educator, Taylor (she/her) hopes to help marginalized communities get access to necessary resources. She aims to become a licensed therapist and pursue a career in Social Work, where she can advocate for mental well-being and participate in social policy to improve the quality of life for others. She enjoys crocheting and walks with her chihuahua.

 

Moazzma

Basic Needs Peer Educator

Public Health Major, Law & Soceity Minor

 Moazzma (she/her) tries her best to make sure student are able to rely on basic needs as she is studying Public Health. Her passion is to speak up for students and their needs.

 

Vedant

Basic Needs Peer Educator

Data Science Major

As a Basic Needs Peer Educator, Vedant (he/him) is passionate about connecting students with the resources they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. He aims to make information around food security, housing, and financial wellness more accessible and easier to navigate. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring new music, coding side projects, and discovering good restaurants and coffee shops.

 

Tracy

Basic Needs Peer Educator

Global Health Major, Education Studies Minor

As a Peer Educator, Tracy (she/her) strives to create a supportive campus community and making sure no one feels alone in their journey. By connecting students with essential resources like food, housing, and financial support to ensure everyone has what they need to thrive.

 

Kirsten

Basic Needs Peer Educator

Visual Art Studio & Socio Cultural Anthropology Major, Critical Gender Studies Minor

As a Peer Educator, Kirsten (she/her/hers) aims to help establish a relationship between the students of UCSD and the resources of the HUB Basic Needs Center through education and advocacy. She works along with staff to close the gap between marginalized students and accessibility to resources and higher education, she hopes to ensure a better quality of student life! Outside of work, Kirsten is a member of the UCSD Triton Pokémon League and loves all things Nintendo and Animated, so please feel free to chat to her about anything fun!

 

Basic Needs Assistants welcome all students to our physical space at Student Center A! Whether they are new to getting to know about Basic Needs or returning to utilize one of our services, they ensure to remind them their basic human rights are our priority. They assist with the operations of the Personal Hygiene Program to support registered and enrolled UC San Diego students with free personal hygiene items! Say hi to them when you come to the HUB!

 

Antonia 

Lead, Basic Needs Assistant

Business Economics Major

Antonia (she/her) is passionate about justice and helping others. Her goal is to help cultivate a more supportive and equitable community at UCSD where students feel comfortable seeking assistance for their basic needs and can overcome the stigma associated with requesting help, allowing them to succeed in their educational journey. Following graduation, Antonia plans to pursue a career in law and continue advocating for individuals whose voices are often unheard and whose needs are not met.

 

Dailyn 

Basic Needs Assistant

Education Studies Major

As a Basic Needs Assistant, Dailyn (she/her/ella) strives to make UCSD a welcoming environment creating an "it takes a village mentality" to let our students know you are not alone. Her passion for providing our students with equitable resources is to allow them to feel seen and to be successful.

 

Christian 

Basic Needs Assistant

Data Science Major

Christian (he/him) is an Assistant at the Basic Needs center. He feels that community and health is fundamental to the environment at UCSD and access to basic needs and other resources provides the foundation for maintaining this system. With such a beautiful and academically involved campus, he hopes that everybody on campus is given the opportunity to fully enjoy what this university has to offer.

 

Maggie 

Basic Needs Assistant

Political Science Major

Maggie (she/her) is an inspired student with personal experience navigating low-income household resources. Enthusiastic about promoting equitable access and creating welcoming, supportive spaces, she’s excited to bring her skills and vibrant energy to everyone she meets as a Basic Needs Assistant.

 

Jocary 

Basic Needs Assistant

Business Economics Major

Jocary (she/her) is excited to help students find a safe and welcoming space on campus where they can feel supported and seen. She’s passionate about connecting others to resources while also building a strong sense of community for herself and those around her.

 

Xiomara 

Basic Needs Assistant

Global Health Major

With the role as a Basic Needs Assistant, Xiomara (she/her) aspires to make incoming and current students feel comfortable when accessing the services The Hub provides. She feels that genuine help from a university center like The Hub is essential to a student's pathway towards success so as a student myself, she feels encouraged to help in any way possible. The experiences that Xiomara encountered during her time at The Hub will be carried throughout her path towards dentistry as she remembers that access to dental care is another basic necessity that continuously struggles to be met.

 

Our MarComm team focuses on destigmatizing Basic Needs and also empowering registered and enrolled UC San Diego students to utilize services aimed to support them. They assist in managing The Hub Basic Needs website and all social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, & YouTube). They also work closely with Triton Food Pantry in terms of marketing efforts on Instagram (Triton Food Pantry Instagram).They can be reached at bnmarketing@ucsd.edu

 

Yvette

Lead, Marketing & Communications Assistant 

International Business Major

As a Marketing and Communications Assistant, Yvette (she/her/ella) hopes to help UCSD students feel represented and welcomed through her content creation. Her goal is to develop a greater awareness of all the support and resources the Hub provides to students through her work. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in Marketing to work with businesses that she knows will help her community grow and improve.

 

Kailani

Marketing & Communications Assistant

Business Economics Major

Kailani (she/her) hopes to give back to the community here at UCSD by contributing her skills and knowledge in marketing to helping increase awareness and accessibility to resources to help students obtain education equity. In the future, Kailani aims to pursue a career related to marketing, specifically in graphic design or video editing.

 

Matthew

Marketing & Communications Assistant

Aerospace Engineering Major

Matthew (he/him) hopes to provide an environment where those who are in need feel comfortable and are able to seek assistance. He also wants to give more awareness to struggles that college students face regarding food and housing insecurities.

 

Naomi 

Marketing & Communications Assistant

Cognitive Science Design & Interaction Major, Marketing Minor

As a Marketing and Communications Intern, Naomi (she/her/ella) plans to help build an engaging atmosphere at the Basic Needs Hub, aiming to make resources more accessible while promoting a safe and supportive environment. She envisions creating designs that emphasize the Hub’s core values of accessibility, inclusivity, and community support. Naomi's future aspirations include pursuing a career in Marketing and UX/UI design, and she plans to leverage her skills and knowledge to further assist and empower communities.

 

Maya

Marketing & Communications Assistant

Business Psychology Major

Through her role in the Basic Needs Marketing and Communications team, Maya (she/her) hopes to improve awareness of and access to essential resources for her fellow students at UCSD. By using her abilities in social media marketing and design, she hopes to promote the values that Basic Needs stands for within the UCSD community. In the future, she wants to continue within fields related to marketing, developing her skills to further serve different communities.

 

Sophia

Marketing & Communications Assistant

Cognitive Science Design & Interaction Major

Sophia (she/her) hopes to make content that allows The Hub's resources and information to be clear and accessible to the UCSD community. She aims to use creative and intuitive design to help students discover support for food, housing, transportation, and financial stability. In the future, she aims to pursue a career in UI/UX design and continue to be creative.