Meet the Mentors

Hello Matadors! 

My name is Alexia Aguilar (she/her), and I'm a first-generation student in my third year, majoring in Communication Studies with a minor in Anthropology. I joined the Mentorship Program because I wanted to give back to the CSUN community by doing what I love most - helping others, especially my fellow peers. One of my favorite CSUN memories was going on a Southwest road trip with AS Outdoor Adventures, where I met some truly amazing people and made unforgettable memories.

My name is Dulce Maria Contreras (she/her). I am a first-generation Mexican American student, born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. I am currently a junior at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), majoring in Environmental and Occupational Health with the option in Industrial Hygiene with a minor in Public Health. I plan to work at Cal/OSHA or EPA in the future advancing workplace safety and environmental health. I became a peer mentor because I want to help other students navigate CSUN with confidence. I love helping and watching others grow and I also love sharing campus resources, academic tips, and opportunities for leadership and research. My favorite CSUN memory has been serving in multiple roles at CSUN and all sharing the fact I get to see others grow into future professionals and leaders. It reminds me how powerful community and mentorship can be.

Hi,

I'm Jerica Cuevas, a Peer Mentor from the CSUN Mentorship Program. My pronouns are She/Her/Hers. I'm a Creative Writing Major and a Public Relations Minor. I love writing stories in all genres. I'm from Glendora, which is not too far from here but thankfully not too near either. I'm a Senior now but when I was just starting here I was a mentee trying to find my place on campus. Luckily I was introduced to the mentorship program. Now I have the privilege of helping new mentees to get connected with so many resources on campus. My college experience has thankfully been one of fantastic opportunity after fantastic opportunity and I'm grateful to be able to share that with others!

Hi Matadors!, 

My name is Kaylyn Gonzalez, my pronouns are she/her and I’m a first generation college student. I’m a commuter student and going into my third year here at CSUN! I am dual majoring in Psychology and Child and Adolescent development and hoping to be able to help children thrive in the future. I wanted to become a peer mentor since I want to be able to help incoming students know they have a bright future here at CSUN and can find a new sense of community within their time here. One of my favorite memories here at CSUN would be the connections I have made during my time as a Mentor, it has given me amazing friendships and incredible opportunities.

Hi, my name is Mahi Kachhadiya, and I’m currently pursuing my degree in Computer Science at CSUN. Along with my studies, I serve as a Senator for the College of Engineering and Computer Science, where I advocate for students, support academic initiatives, and help strengthen our college community. I also work as a Math Tutor, where I guide students in developing a strong understanding of core concepts and building confidence in their skills. My interests include artificial intelligence, full-stack development, and software engineering. As a mentor in the CSUN Mentorship Program, my goal is to help students navigate their academic journey, discover opportunities, and gain the confidence to achieve their goals. I’m excited to connect with mentees, share experiences, and contribute to a community that values curiosity, collaboration, and growth.

What’s up, Matadors?

My name is Porosh Khan, most people call me PK, my pronouns are he/him. I am a first-gen college student born in Las Vegas, raised in Koreatown, and moved to the valley. I am a third year student at CSUN studying Computer Information Technology. I am passionate about anything tech, every new release, every controversy, any news, literally anything tech-based. I became a peer- mentor because I want to give back to CSUN and help incoming Matadors feel welcome and become well-adjusted to our beautiful campus. My favorite CSUN memory is being a part of the New Student Orientation and the TAKE 37 cast welcoming in newly admitted Matadors transition to college and ease them into their new slate.

Heyyyy Matadors✌️

I am Analy S Mejia and my majors are Creative Writing and Illustrative Art. I became a mentor so that I can help new students feel included and comfortable on campus the way my mentor helped me when I was a freshman. My favorite CSUN memory is my first time at matador nights where I won a plushie from the claw machine💪 

Hello Matadors!

My name is Valeria Ruiz Perez, my pronouns are She/Her. I am in my 3rd year at CSUN and currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in family studies. I aim to obtain a masters in social work in the near future!I became a peer mentor because I wanted to help and motivate as many students as I possibly could while at CSUN! My favorite memory from CSUN is from orientations where I was part of the TAKE 36 and performed!

My name is Princy Savaliya, and I’m an international student currently pursuing my degree in Professional Accounting. I’ve always been fascinated by how financial systems connect people, businesses, and global opportunities. Studying abroad has not only helped me grow academically but also given me the chance to experience new cultures and build meaningful friendships. I’m passionate about learning how accounting can make a real impact in organizations and communities. Outside of my studies, I enjoy meeting new people, exploring new places, and trying local foods. I’m excited to continue learning, growing, and sharing my experiences with my mentees along the way.

Hi Matadors!

My name is Sumedha Uppal (she/her), and I’m a Senior majoring in Computer Information Technology at CSUN. I’m passionate about exploring Machine Learning and Data Analytics and love finding ways to turn data into meaningful insights. I began my journey with the CSUN Mentorship Program during my sophomore year, and ever since, I’ve enjoyed helping incoming students discover campus resources and feel confident navigating their CSUN experience. One of my favorite memories is tabling at the President’s Picnic, where I got to see the excitement of new students beginning their journey and the strong sense of community that makes CSUN special. This program has given me not only professional growth and confidence, but also amazing friendships and unforgettable experiences.

Hi Matadors!

My name is Oscar Noguez Chavez, my pronouns are he/him. I am a senior at CSUN, majoring in Animation and Visual Effects within the Mike Curb College of Arts. I became a Peer Mentor because I enjoy helping students navigate their college experience and sharing creative ideas. My favorite memory of CSUN has been collaborating on animation projects, making new friends, and mentoring new students—it’s taught me leadership, teamwork, and the joy of inspiring others.

Hi! I’m Kavishka Palliyaguruge, a senior at CSUN majoring in Computer Information Technology with a Domain Emphasis in Communication Studies. I’m passionate about tech and plan to pursue a career in cybercrime investigation. My favorite CSUN memory is being part of New Student Orientation, it shaped me into a confident leader. Thanks to my Peer Mentor Supti, I joined the Mentorship Program, and now I’m proud to support others as a Peer Mentor myself.

My name is Brandon Valadez, and my pronouns are he/him. I am a first-generation college student and was born and raised across many neighborhoods in Los Angeles, California. I am going into my final year at CSUN, majoring in Finance. I became a peer mentor because I want to aid the up-and-coming Matadors of the future with the knowledge I have gained throughout my time at CSUN. My favorite CSUN memory was during Commencement 2025; making sure every graduate’s day was special was a surreal feeling—knowing that one day that will be me as well.

Hello Matadors! My name is Sheronna, my pronouns are she/her. I am a first generation student and I was raised in Los Angeles. I am dual majoring in Child & Adolescent development and Psychology and minoring in Disability Studies. I became a peer mentor after being apart of the program my first year at CSUN. I had so much fun in thr program from meeting with my mentor to attending the various events the program offered. My favorite CSUN memory was during summer orientations, the days could be a bit long and stressful but getting to make someones introduction to CSUN a positive experience was worth it.

My name is Auri Wasika, and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a first-generation Bangladeshi student and a junior at CSUN, majoring in Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation Management with a minor in Criminology and Justice Studies. I became a peer mentor because I love connecting with new people and helping students find their place at CSUN. I really enjoy going to the gym, listening to R&B and Rock, and I’m huge fan of Spider-Man. My favorite part of CSUN has been meeting people from different cultures and growing through leadership roles NSO leader and being a Peer Mentor at the Mentorship Program.