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
2022-2023 Mentors
Wawkunis (Hello) I’m Ermia Butler I’m a junior 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. My involvement on campus is Native American Women’s Association (NAWA), Ku-ah-mah, the XI chapter of Alpha PI Omega.
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 Mendoza ti dsdaʔ tuĺ čəd bəqəlsut. Hello everyone, my name is Fabian Mendoza I am from the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe. I was born in Fresno, California and grew up there half of my life and the other half I grew up in was Auburn, Washington. I am a fourth-year student studying Education and History with a minor in American Indian Studies. Besides being a student mentor, I am also apart of many clubs on campus including Native American Women’s Association (NAWA), Ku-Ah-Mah, Crimson Group, and other student involvement activities. In my spare time you can catch me watching the sunset, stargazing, playing volleyball, and hanging out with friends.
Email: Fabian.mondejar@wsu.edu
Hello! My name is Derek Phan and it is my second year being a mentor for the NASC! I am a senior majoring in bioengineering and minoring in math, from Camas, Washington. In my free time here in Pullman, I like to listen to music, cook, and spend time with my border collie!
Email:derek.phan@wsu.edu
Ishmael Perez
Hello, my name is Ishmael Perez. I’m currently a senior studying biology with an emphasis in pre-PA. When I’m not studying for my classes I love to cook dinners for myself and my friends. I also enjoy watching scary movies and going out bowling or for walks with my dog. With my degree I hope to attend PA school and focus on serving underrepresented farm working areas in the lower valley.
Email:ishmael.perez@wsu.edu
Hi everyone! My name is Cithlalli Guzmán and I am a senior majoring in psychology with a minor in both human development and sociology as well a concentration in at risk-youth! I’m really looking forward to this upcoming school year as it will be my third year as a student mentor for the NASC. Aside from school I like to go watch the sunsets and lately I’ve been really into building LEGO sets! I can’t wait to meet everyone and I’m looking forward to having an amazing year
Email: cithlalli.guzman@wsu.edu
Fall 2022 Mentor Office Hours
Mentors will be available at during the following times throughout the week at the Native Center. Feel free to stop by anytime and join them!