Resident Ministry

Hello! My name is Angélica but feel free to call me Angie! I was born and raised here in the lovely San Francisco Bay Area/Silicon Valley. I recently graduated from Santa Clara University with a Bachelors degree in Ethnic Studies and a minor in Political Science. I also previously graduated from De Anza College with an Associates in English & certificate in Humanities as a part of the Humanities Mellon Scholars program (that also exists here at USF)! I am now currently pursuing a Master’s in Migration Studies here at USF. I also have experience in ministry at my local parish, having founded and led the Youth Group/ Ministry for the past 8 years! I'm thrilled to be a new RM on the University Ministry Team. I am very eager to begin exploring opportunities to support and walk alongside the USF community as you all find your way through campus and begin living an active life to serve others! 

Originally, I am from Zacatecas, Mexico then moved to San Diego where I attended elementary, middle, and high school. Represented USF on the men's soccer team. I was a graduate assistant to Luis Bazan before being promoted to the role of Associate Director for Immersions, Justice, and Outreach. In my most recent professional experience, I was part of the Talent Acquisition team at DoorDash, where I helped create DEI initiatives to build a more inclusive workplace. I am currently pursuing my Doctorate in Organization and Leadership at the School of Education and will be leading coordination efforts at St. Ignatius College Prep in San Francisco, CA. Fun Fact: I am learning how to speak Portuguese - I am on a 320+ day streak!

Hello! My name is Ify and it’s an honor to serve as a Resident Minister. I am an International Student from Nigeria in the International and Multicultural Education Master’s program. I obtained a BSC in Biochemistry from SUNY Binghamton and have spent the last 5 years working in formal and informal education sectors. My experiences and thirst for lifelong learning has led me to USF and even Resident Ministry. I look forward to walking with you spiritually as you begin or continue your academic journey, engage in new and difficult conversations, as well as discover the paths that are unique to you.

Hello friends! I’m Liz and I’m originally from the Los Ángeles area! I currently graduated USF with a B.A. in Sociology where I have focused on gender and racial equality. I love to do anything outdoors (love a good reflective moment) along with reading or really engaging with my community! You’ll often find me telling people to hug a tree… so hug a tree! 

Come back later to read Alice's bio!

Hi everyone! My name is Shennel Henries from Paynesville, Liberia, and I'm pursuing an MA in International/Globalization Studies at the University of San Francisco. I hold BAs in International Studies (with a minor in Legal Studies) and Sociology. My academic achievements are complemented by diverse roles at Collective Impact, the Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Center, and the African American Redress Network. I studied abroad in Florence, Italy, and participated in the USF in DC program. My commitment to becoming more and community service is demonstrated through my leadership in student organizations and mentorship programs like the Magis Emerging Leadership Program, Community Office Management Team, etc. I am dedicated to fostering community engagement and supporting students in their reflection and spiritual journeys.

I'm Poonam (pronounced as p oo - n uh m), an international graduate student from India, pursuing a doctorate in Learning and Instruction. My research explores social justice in the context of adult learning and technology in organizational settings. Prior to this, I worked as a senior Human Resource professional and earned Masters degrees in Clinical Psychology, School Psychology, and Human Resources. I have been a Rotation and the President of the Rotary Club of Mumbai Kalakar. I volunteer as a Mindfulness Instructor in a public school in San Francisco. My passions include travel, nature photography, singing, and creative writing.

I was born and lived in Mexico D.F., Mexico until the age of 5, but raised in Orange County until I left for college in 2013. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a Minor in Education from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 2017. And recently completed my Masters of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation here at USF in 2022. I seek to utilize the knowledge obtained through my program to build a venture that works towards dismantling and decolonizing institutions and systems that systematically continue to oppress our communities of color. As a returning RM, I am excited to bring Religious Diversity, Justice and Outreach programming to our student population here at USF. In my free time I like to spend time hiking, working out, or spending time with my dogs - be on the lookout for my puppies at Hayes Healy! Super excited to be here at USF and part of the RM team.

Hello! I'm Shanela, a graduate student in the International Studies program and a member of the University Ministry Retreats team. I am from Kandy, Sri Lanka, and completed my BA in anthropology and creative writing at Augustana College, Illinois. As a researcher, writer, teacher, and student, I am interested in multicultural storytelling, education and activism. I believe stories of all kinds can spark change, shape communities, and strengthen our connections to each other, and I am looking forward to hearing yours! In my spare time, I enjoy being in nature, dancing, and learning new languages. During my time with University Ministry, I hope to create more spaces that offer understanding, strength and solace to all who need it. I feel privileged to serve among peers who are forging their own paths towards justice, change, and freedom in our world.

I am a third year student at the EdD program in International and Multicultural Education, with a concentration in Human Rights Education. Originally from Florence, Italy, I earned my JD at the University of Florence School of Law, and published a dissertation Public Policy and Best Interests of the Child, which focused on national and international public policy doctrine concerning child welfare law. While in Italy, I worked for the Florence Public Prosecutor’s Office as a legal linguistic mediator. Such a job sparked my interest in immigration law. In 2017, I moved to the United States, and pursued an LLM master’s degree at the University of San Francisco School of Law, concentrating on International, Comparative, and Immigration Law. I am a native Italian, fluent in English, Spanish, and French. I currently serve as a legal writer for an immigration law firm in San Francisco. My research interests include discrimination faced by immigrants while looking for housing in the United States.

I am so excited to be a Resident Minster for this school year. I am from Chino Hills California, a small town outside of Los Angeles. I attended the University of San Diego for my undergraduate experience, where I studied English, Creative Writing, Theology, and religious studies. During my final year at USD I was able to study abroad in Japan. I am enrolled in the MFA in Creative Writing program here at USF. My relationship with my faith has helped me to cultivate a desire to do good in the world by sharing love and joy. As a resident minister, I hope to encourage students to share in love and joy to seek justice in the world.

Hello there! I'm Akash, an Economics graduate student here at USF. I'm originally from Kadaba, a quaint rural town in Karnataka, India. I completed my Economics undergrad at St Aloysius College in Mangalore, a city near my town. I am really passionate about Economics, Education and Social Justice and is currently striving to become a good researcher. I also have a keen interest in faith and spirituality, especially understanding spirituality through the lens of different religions and cultures. My other interests includes vintage cars, sloths and ice-creams. You can often find me hovering around library or university ministry and if you find me, come say hi!

Hi everyone, my name is Ashley Stevens, and I am from South Carolina. I recently graduated from the University of San Francisco, where I obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Politics. During my undergraduate years, I participated in various programs and organizations on campus including the Army ROTC; Saint Ignatius Institute; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; and the Black Student Union. I have started my journey toward Law School, a journey that has deepened my relationship with God. I am thrilled to be one of your resident ministers for the upcoming school year, where I can assist you with your religious and spiritual ventures. I look forward to meeting and engaging with you all as we learn and grow together. Godspeed!

Hi everyone, my name is Emma! I am originally from San Francisco but grew up in Connecticut. I attended Northeastern University in Boston where I studied Behavioral Neuroscience. During my time at Northeastern, I was involved in a ministry group on campus which instilled in me the importance of building community and caring holistically for others. I am now currently pursuing a Master's in Migration Studies at USF. I am particularly passionate about the intersection of health and migration and aim to use what I learn in this program to better care for and serve migrant populations as well as advocate for more accessible and humane health care systems and policies. In my free time, I love trying new foods, playing soccer, and listening to music.