Resident Ministry
2023-2024 Resident Ministers
Contact our RMs and let them show you how to connect to University Ministry!
Ana Karen Barragan
Lone Mountain East
akbarragan2@dons.usfca.edu
I am originally from Puebla, Mexico. I graduated from the IBERO Puebla, the Jesuit university in the region, with a BA in Communications. I worked at Universidad Iberoamericana Puebla, in the president's office, for 4.5 years, two of them as the assistant to the President of AUSJAL. My professional experience includes working in the Jesuit education network in Mexico, Latin America and worldwide in order to promote justice, reconciliation and faith through Ignatian formation. I speak Spanish, German, English and a bit of French. Also, I strongly believe in Jesuit spirituality as the possibility to transform our world. Keys: discernment, deliberation, leadership and collaboration.
Angélica Barrón-Lorenzo
Fromm
ajbarronlorenzo@dons.usfca.edu
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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!
Alexander Cambra
Hayes-Healey
amcambra@dons.usfca.edu
Hello everyone! My name is Alexander Cambra, and I’m originally from Orange County, California. I recently graduated from Cal Poly SLO with a Bachelors in Political Science and a minor in German. During my undergrad, I had the opportunity to join on-campus research seminars. My research work topics include German politics and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Here at USF, I am currently enrolled in the graduate level Certificate Program in JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) + Jewish Studies and Social Justice (JSSJ). This program focuses on themes of social justice, human rights, and Jewish values. As a RM, I hope to foster a healthy environment filled with interfaith and spiritual dialogues. I’m excited and honored to be a part of USF’s RM team!
Mauricio Diaz de Leon
Hayes-Healy
mdiazdeleon1@usfca.edu
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!
Ifunanya Ekott
Toler
igekott@dons.usfca.edu
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.
Poonam Kakodkar
Toler
pkakodkar@usfca.edu
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.
Joel Ojeda Ramirez
Hayes-Healy
jaojedaramirez@dons.usfca.edu
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.
Valentina Sacchi Beccarini
Gillson
vsacchibeccarini@dons.usfca.
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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.
Katherine Seto
Fromm
kseto2@dons.usfca.edu
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.
Akash Shaji
Lone Mountain North & Pacific Wing
anshaji@dons.usfca.edu
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!
Ashley Stevens
Toler
aastevens2@dons.usfca.edu 
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!
Khundmeer Syed
Loyola Village B
kfsyed@usfca.edu
Hi. My name is Khundmeer. I grew up in Chicago, but I am originally from Hyderabad, India. I love to have deep conversations about life and I like to help people untie the knots that are holding them down mentally. Engaging in social justice advocacy and having interfaith experiences is what I enjoy–I believe these two things are much needed in our asleep society. I like to be physically active (going to the gym, and playing football (soccer) and cricket). I have tons of hobbies and I am always looking to do something new.
I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to study different subjects throughout my educational journey in different parts of the U.S and I am currently running my own independent contracting business where I do full stack web development and computer science education.
A.A. Social & Behavioral Science, Arrupe College of Loyola University Chicago
B.S. Computer Science, Georgetown University, Washington D.C.
M.A. Educational Technology, University of San Francisco at California
I am situated in Loyola Village B. Please email me (kfsyed@usfca.edu) if you find yourself lost in life and/or need some inspiration.
Emma Takizawa
Gillson
etakizawa@dons.usfca.edu
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.
Who are Resident Ministers?
Resident Ministers (RMs) are University Ministry staff members who live in the residence halls and provide a pastoral presence for the student community. Whatever your faith traditions, RMs invite you to reflect upon the spiritual dimensions of your life and to make your own spiritual journey.
RMs can connect you to University Ministry programs including retreats, immersion trips, community action opportunities, student liturgies, and multi-faith events. They help to develop these programs and encourage students to get involved as participants and leaders.
RMs are graduate students, teachers, and working professionals from a variety of faith traditions. They host periodic informal gatherings to help students connect with other students. Watch for social-event announcements posted in the halls.
For more information on Resident Ministry, please email Angélica Quiñónez.