About the Staff

Biography

Erin Kimura-Walsh, Ph.D., is the Director of Santa Clara University’s LEAD Scholars Program which supports first-generation college students on campus. Erin has overseen the program since 2009, and currently is responsible for strategic planning, partnership building, and development for the program, while managing day-to-day operations. Under her leadership, the program has expanded to support approximately 420 students in 2021 through a comprehensive suite of programs and initiatives that support their transition to SCU, ensure that they thrive on campus, and enhance their success beyond college. Eighty-eight percent of LEAD Scholars graduate in six years or less, compared to 56% of US college students. 

Originally from Seattle, Erin graduated from Santa Clara University in 1998 with degrees in English and Japanese Language and Literature. She went on to earn an M.S. in Counseling from San Francisco State University and a Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of California, Los Angeles.

After earning her M.S. in Counseling, Erin worked in SCU’s Drahmann Academic Advising and Learning Resources Center and Office of Multicultural Learning. During this time, she helped to found and develop what is now the LEAD Scholars Program. In 2003, the first LEAD class had 30 participants. 

In addition to overseeing LEAD, Erin is also the Chair of the Undocumented Student Working Group. She has won the Outstanding Student Advocate Award from the National Center for First-Year Experience and Students in Transition, and the Cedric Busette Award from SCU’s Ethnic Studies Department. Erin also oversees a regional group of higher education professionals supporting first-generation college students through NASPA’s Center for First-generation Student Success.

When not on campus, Erin enjoys time with her husband Matt (who she met freshman year in Swig Hall!), and her daughters, Clare and Nellie.

Biography

As the Associate Director of Curricular and Co-Curricular Engagement, Veronica will be overseeing the LEAD curriculum; Koret Fellowship Program which provides stipends for unpaid internships, undergraduate research and other opportunities; and career and leadership programming

Veronica was born and raised in the Bay Area and is the daughter of Mexican immigrants. She earned her B.S. degree in Psychology from Santa Clara University. She double majored in Psychology and Spanish Studies and minored in Urban Education and Ethnic Studies. She later obtained her CA teaching credential at SCU. Then went on and returned yet again to Santa Clara to complete her M.A. degree in Educational Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Literacy. 

Veronica identifies as first-generation Chicana and is raising two strong and independent bilingual children. She was a part of Bridge (LEAD before it became LEAD). Veronica understands what it is to be a first-generation college student and therefore looks forward to providing support to all our LEAD scholars. 

 

 

Biography

As the Associate Director of Student Advocacy, Shaunté oversees efforts to support the success and flourishing of first-generation college students by developing and implementing an inclusive, holistic strategy for the LEAD Scholars Program. In collaboration with LEAD staff, faculty, and campus partners, she works to strengthen the LEAD Student Advocacy Team’s impact and capacity to deliver personalized, comprehensive services that prioritize student wellness, mental health, and overall growth.

Originally from the Bay Area, Shaunté earned her bachelor's degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Santa Clara University. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in the School of Education and Counseling Psychology at Santa Clara.  As a first-generation college graduate, Shaunté is deeply committed to empowering fellow first-gen students through her work with the LEAD Scholars Program.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her daughter, Reece, along with their Yorkie, Axl, and cat, Maggie.

To make an appointment with Shaunté, please click here

Biography

As the Assistant Director of Marketing & Programming, Marqus oversees programming that informs, educates and builds connections among the LEAD community, and coordinates LEAD communication and marketing efforts. Marqus develops and implements programming both independently and in collaboration with other LEAD staff. Marqus also advises student-led LEAD Programming Board and executes all family engagement activities. Marqus also oversees LEAD's branding and marketing efforts, which includes LEAD's social media and website. 

During his time at Santa Clara, Marqus has been part of teams behind major campus events such as Broncos After Dark, BroncoFest, and Mesa Bronco to name a few. His creative insights helped transform these events into memorable experiences for SCU students. In his spare time, Marqus enjoys pursuing his creative side quests, such as being a whole professional baker, painting, sketching, singing, etc.. His current (and low key favorite) side quest, is being an actual Bronco as a MBA Candidate in the Leavey School of Business.

Biography

As the Assistant Director of Student Advocacy, Paz will be providing wrap-around care for LEAD Scholars, including assisting them in addressing academic and personal concerns, distributing emergency funding, and planning and implementing programming related to life skills and wellness.

Paz has spent most of their life on the Central Coast and in northern California. Paz obtained a B.A. in Early Childhood Studies with a concentration in Education from Sonoma State University. After a gap year, Paz returned to school and earned an M.A. in Higher Education Student Affairs from the University of San Francisco. During their graduate program, Paz served as the Muscat Scholars Program coordinator, a first-generation program for the University of San Francisco. Their engagement with students is focused and driven through a lens of liberation, cultivating a space for students to find their voice through their academic experiences.

When not in the office, Paz relaxes by practicing self-care, such as hiking, reading, enjoying spa-cations, and being around loved ones."

 

Biography

As the Assistant Director of Student Advocacy, Ricky will provide holistic care and support to LEAD Scholars, with a focus on student welfare, acclimation, and addressing both academic and personal development throughout their time at Santa Clara University.

Ricky was born and raised in Berkeley, CA, and has spent most of his life living between Oakland, Berkeley, and Richmond. A proud Bay Area native, Ricky takes immense pride in his roots as the son of immigrants, growing up immersed in a rich cultural melting pot. After attending local public schools, he graduated from Occidental College in Los Angeles, CA, with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. His academic interests included exploring group life experiences shaped by intersectionality and socioeconomic disparities, as well as the influence of media on widespread perceptions and behaviors.

In his personal time, Ricky enjoys exploring music, playing video games, reading, hip-hop/open-style dancing, playing badminton, savoring great food, and spending time with his partner and dogs.

Ricky identifies as a queer, first-generation immigrant who is deeply committed to ensuring others feel welcomed, affirmed, and supported in every space they enter.

 

Biography

As the Operations Manager, Melia is responsible for overseeing the day to day running of the LEAD Scholars Program. She manages the LEAD budget in collaboration with the Director. She also provides operational and administrative support for the office which includes logistical assistance for events, office facilities management, guidance on key program and university processes and identification of initiatives that promote operational effectiveness and efficiency. 

Melia graduated from Santa Clara University with an M.B.A., specializing in Quantitative Approaches to Business Problems. She studied Psychology at Lesley College and has a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. The daughter of First Gen parents, she is devoted to making education accessible to everyone and providing the support to First Gen students. She is also passionate about reducing waste, protecting the environment and eliminating animal cruelty.

When not on campus, Melia spends a lot of time proving cat rescue, TNR, and kitten fostering as well as taking care of her own spoiled rotten cats. She enjoys going to the beach, reading, cross-stitching and knitting, baking, spa days, and listening to music. Her daughter, Jenna, is her raison d'être and they love going to music concerts, stage musicals, and WNBA and NBA games, especially when it means traveling to other states or countries.