Through the mentoring program, every incoming Native American first-year student is matched to a mentor, who will contact students before they come to campus and throughout their first year at WSU. Student mentors provide their mentees with personalized and sensitive support for academic, personal, and social development while enhancing their leadership, team building and communication skills.
Goals of the program are:
- Enhance students’ understanding of the purpose and role of higher education
- Assist students in developing a relationship with the institution, peers, staff, and community
- Provide information concerning academic policies, procedures and programs
- Promote an awareness of non-classroom opportunities
- Create an atmosphere that minimizes anxiety, promotes positive attitudes, and stimulates an environment for learning
- Develop familiarity with the physical surroundings
- Improve the retention rate of new students
2023-2024 Mentors
Ermia Butler
Wawkunis (Hello) I’m Ermia Butler I’m a senior majoring in environmental and Ecosystem science. I’m and enrolled tribal member of the Confederated tribes of the Umatilla Indian reservation located in mission, Oregon. I am currently the president of ASWSU Ku-ah-mah.
Email: ermia.butler@wsu.edu
Geobanny Pineda Cuevas
Hello!! My name is Geo Pineda Cuevas, and I am from Grandview Washington. I’m a junior pursuing a double degree in Political Science Pre Law and Foreign Languages and Cultures for Spanish. After I graduate, I hope to get my master’s in teaching and after that I hope to become an English Teacher in Spain. In my free time I enjoy journaling and reading, I also really like to travel. Aside from student mentoring I am involved with MECHA and look forward to becoming more involved this next school year!!
Email: g.pinedacuevas@wsu.edu
Fabian Mendoza
haʔɫ sləx̌il Fabian Sanchez Mondejar ti dsdaʔ tuĺ čəd bəqəlsut. Hello everyone, my name is Fabian Sanchez Mondejar and I am a member of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe. I am currently a Fifth Year student studying Social Studies/Education with a Minor in American Indian Studies. I am excited to be coming back as a Student Mentor at the Native American Student Center (NASC). Besides being a Student Mentor I am also involved on campus. Whether that’s being President of Native American Woman’s Association (NAWA), or Public Relations for Ku-Ah-Mah (ASWSU). Besides clubs I love hanging out with my friends, Dutch Runs/Starbies, and trying new things/foods.
Email: Fabian.mondejar@wsu.edu
Melissa Dumlao Caliva
Aloha Kakau, I am from a small town on the island of Maui, Hawaii who loves the flower called plumeria and loves coffee. Starting fall 23 I will be a fourth-year majoring in Chemistry with the Pre-Dentistry route, in hopes to become a Dentist in the future. You can find me repping the letters of my sorority, The Lovely Sisterhood of Chi Delta Sigma Sorority, Inc. with the rest of my lovely sisters as I am also Vice-Chair of APASC (Asian Pacific American Student Correlation). Fun fact about me is that a fifth grader can spell better than me 🙂
Email: melissa.caliva@wsu.edu
Tyler Bokuku
Hello, my name is Tyler Bokuku and I am a Sophomore studying Sports Management with a minor in Business. I was born and raised in Bremerton, Washington, and my parents are from the State of Chuuk in the Federated States of Micronesia. I am proud of my cultural ,heritage and excited to learn more about the diverse cultures represented here on our campus. I am honored to have been chosen as a mentor for the Native American Student Center and am eager to gain a deeper understanding of Native culture to better serve and support the students I will be working with. Additionally, I am a member of various organizations on campus, including APASC, FASA, and Coug Guys and Gals. When I am not busy with academics and extracurriculars, I enjoy listening to music from a wide range of genres and spending time with my friends. I am looking forward to the upcoming school year and the opportunities it will bring, including meeting and working with you.
Email: tyler.bokuku@wsu.edu
Alesia Nez
Yá’át’ééh! Shí éí Alesia Nez yinishyé.
Tábąąhí nishłį́ Táchii’nii bashishchiin Naakaii Dine’é dashicheii aadóó Tábąąhí dashinalí.
Hello, my name is Alesia Nez, I am Water’s Edge born for Red Running into Water. Born and raised on the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico. I am a fourth-year student majoring in Biology towards pre-Pharmacy. I enjoy having conversations about music (I’m a metalhead with a soft spot for Harry Styles <3) and sports, I also love to cook for friends. Hágoshį́į́ hágoónee’, Alright then, see you later 🙂
Email: alesia.nez@wsu.edu
Suzena Arias
Hello everyone! My name is Suzena Arias, and I am Currently a senior at WSU studying wildlife Ecology and Conservation with a minor in Spanish and Forestry. I am from Yakama, WA but was born in Tampa, FL. When I am not in class, you can find me strolling around campus. During my free time, I like reading books and watching movies. If you have any recommendations let me know.
Email: suzena.arias@wsu.edu