USRC Staff
Emmanuel Centeno
Pronouns: He/Him
Class: Senior
Hobbies: Model kit building, reading, fishing
Major: Art BFA Video and Animation
Languages: English and Spanish
What does it mean to be a Pioneer of color?
Being a Pioneer of color means that I am not alone in my experience. It is learning that there are those who were here before me that have paved the way for community, support, and opportunities that bring me closer to my peers. I am happy to have solidarity with my identity and motivation to include my culture in my academics. I hope that when I graduate, I leave behind a similar path of support and opportunity for others who need help in showing their colors.
How does working with the Center connect with your personal and academic goals?
The Center needs creatives no matter the medium. Likewise, creatives like me need the Center. It has pushed me to find more clever ways of communicating my ideas and catching the attention of students. Before working at the Center, I always hoped to have more of an open mind and an open heart. Now I am grateful to have such a diverse group of intelligent and beautiful minds that proudly display their cultures in ways I never could have imagined.
Serinity Rubio
Pronouns: She/Her
Class: Sophmore
Major: Psychology
Hobbies: Reading and drawing
Languages: English
What does it mean to be a Pioneer of color?
To be a pioneer of color means to represent your own heritage while also celebrating others. When doing this, we cultivate a diverse and accepting community in East Bay.
How does working with the Center connect with your personal and academic goals?
Even when I was only a visitor to the center, I’ve always felt accepted and welcome in the space. One of my personal goals is to make people feel like they belong and intentionally create community, so I am happy to be a part of the USRC team. I have always loved volunteering and advocacy work, working at the center I feel that I am contributing to a mission which is bigger than myself. I enjoy connecting my personal values with my professional goals, and my role as a student assistant keeps me aligned with this.
Ayush Nilesh Moghe.
Pronouns: He/Him
Class: Junior
Major: Health Sciences
Hobbies: Playing Sitar, Music, Traveling.
Languages: English, Marathi, Hindi, Sanskrit.
What does it mean to be a Pioneer of color?
Being a Pioneer of color has significance in my life. I am a proud Asian and really glad to be able to represent my culture and ethnic values in a diverse school setting. This is an inclusive campus and I strive to be a part of that inclusivity and contribute to maintaining it.
How does working with the Center connect with your personal and academic goals?
Working with DISARC, I have learnt a lot specially about diversity and inclusion and what it truly means. I consider this as an opportunity or a privilege which helped me develop a broader vision while I am on my path to be a healthcare provider, a vision of inclusion and contribution to the vast human community while maintaining the identity of self and others.
Yamilet Deniz
Pronouns: She/Her
Class: Sophmore
Major: Psychology
Hobbies:Running, Art (henna, facepaint, drawing, painting), Pickleball, Soccer, Music (piano, ukulele, cello, flute)
Languages: Spanish, English
What does it mean to be a Pioneer of color?
To me, being a pioneer of color means representing a strong and beautiful culture. It means working hard and making the most out of every chance we get, because things are not always given to us easily. As a first-generation student and only child, I’ve learned to believe in the power of honest work. I also believe that blessings are around us every day, and it’s up to us to choose how we use them.
How does working with the Center connect with your personal and academic goals?
I’m excited to work with the center because I love building community and being part of something bigger than myself. Helping others and lifting people up inspires me to grow and be better in my own life. It reminds me that a lot can be done in just one day. When it comes to school, I know that building relationships on campus can really help—not just with classes, but with learning from others and finding support when it’s needed.