Meet the Team

Project Leader

Dahena Martinez Hello, I’m Dahena, a 4th year student, and my hometown is Los Angeles. I am majoring in
Management & Business Economics with a minor in professional writing. In my future, I hope to
pursue a career in marketing, contributing to innovative campaigns that not only captivate
audiences but also drive meaningful engagement and brand loyalty.

Associate Project Leader

Ivan Berrios Hi I’m Ivan, a 4th Year, majoring in Management and Business Economics, and minoring in Psychology. After college, my plan is to pursue a career in the financial sector, where I can apply my analytical abilities to contribute to the dynamic world of finance and investment.

Director of Student Afairs

Kyla Dolorfino I am from Castro Valley. Currently, I'm a dedicated UC Merced student studying Management and Business Economics, and I'm proud to be a part of the UC Merced women's soccer team. I joined UCMMP to build lasting friendships and enhance my professional development within a community that shares my commitment to supporting Merced's growth and local businesses.

Director of Marketing

Victoria Gonzalez Hi! My name is Victoria Gonzalez, and my hometown is Los Angeles. I am majoring in Management and Business Economics and minoring in Writing Studies. I am planning to go into international business in the future. I became a member of the Microfinance Club in Fall 2021. I love watching anime, hanging out with friends, and singing. My favorite anime is Attack on
Titan. My responsibilities include creating content for our Instagram and brainstorming ideas on how to connect with the Merced community. Overall, I love my position in the Microfinance Club and am extremely grateful to be a part of such an amazing team.

Treasurer

Steven Parnell I’m from the Bay Area. Thanks to Microfinance, I’ve been able to apply things I’ve learned in class as a Management and Business Economics Major. Apart from economics and business, my interests include cycling, unicycling, and making balloon animals.

General Body Member Marketing Committee

Alejandro Rojas Lopez My name is Alejandro Rojas Lopez, and I am a fourth-year student studying Management and Business Economics with a minor in Psychology. I'm always eager to further my professional development, and I found this club to be the perfect fit, offering a platform for growth and knowledge within the finance sector of business. My professional interests lie in Project Management, Marketing, and Finance, and I plan to pursue a Master's degree in these fields. As my transformative journey at UC Merced comes to an end, I'm excited to embark on new beginnings in the industry.

Project Leader

 Nicolas Soto

Associate Project Leader

Armando Hernandez

Treasurer

Steven Parnell

Student Afairs

Sarang Ambalakkat

Marketing director

Victoria Gonzalez

Marketing Director

Diego Jimenez

Project Leader

Vesna Sot is a fourth year UC Merced student who is majoring in Management and Business Economics. He was born in Oakland California and decided to join the Microfinance Project to gain knowledge and be financially literate. After college, he aims to pursue a career in finance.

Associate Project Leader (Fall)

Stephanie Camacho Duarte is a fourth-year student majoring in Management and Business Economics with a minor in Sociology. She decided to join the Microfinance Project to get experience working with small businesses in Merced. She is also involved in Business Society and Kappa Kappa Gamma.

Associate Project Leader (Spring)

Nicolas Soto is a third-year Management and Business Economics major. He decided to join Microfinance as they have demonstrated success in their use of Kiva loans.  In his free time, you will find him at a bowling alley, thrift store, or the gym.

Treasurer (Fall)

Julie Pham is a fourth-year student majoring in Management and Business Economics. She is adventurous and enjoys the outdoors. This year, she plans on being more active on the campus community by participating in clubs relating to her major. She saw the Microfinance Project as a great opportunity to gain experience for the professional workplace and contribute to the Merced community. After college, she plans on pursuing a career in accounting.

Treasurer (Spring)

Sarang Ambalakkat is a third-year Management and Business Economics major. He is from San Jose, California. He saw the Microfinance Club as an opportunity to help improve the economy in the city of Merced using Kiva. After college, he hopes to go to Business School to further his studies in economics.

Marketing Director

Armando Hernandez is a fourth-year student from San Bernardino, CA, majoring in Management and Business Economics. He enjoys staying active and always functions with an analytically open mind. Activities he enjoys doing in his free time is play water polo and reading books. He saw the Microfinance project as his biggest opportunity yet, helping and being able to interact with small businesses, as well as being able to gain the experience and knowledge to be able to sustain his own business in the future.

Secretary

Victoria Gonzalez is a second-year student majoring in Management and Business Economics. She is from Los Angeles. She believes the Microfinance Project is a great opportunity to help the community. Her goal is to incorporate what she learns from the Microfinance project into her own business one day. Her dream career is to own her own finance business and use her position to help educate young people about financial literacy.

Dennis Do is a second-year student from Sacramento, majoring in Management and Business Economics. He saw the Microfinance organization as an opportunity to help the local community here in Merced. He enjoys being in the outdoors and reading philosophy. After college, he plans on pursuing the military as an Infantry Officer in the Army.

Project Leader

Jeanette Chico is a senior at UC Merced who’s majoring in Management and Business Economics. She was born and raised in Merced County and decided to join the Microfinance Project to contribute to the community she has been a part of all her life. She has worked as a Student Success Intern assisting in various research projects with Dr. Rowena Gray in the past. She hopes to pursue a career in financial management upon graduating utilizing these experiences.

Associate Project Leader

Cinthia Gudino is a thrid-year student majoring in Management and Business Economics. She recently began pursuing a Political Science minor in addition to her studies. Cinthia joined the Microfinance Project in order to become more involved in the community and help others. In addition, she is planning on pursuing a career as a financial manager and hopes to one day open her own business.

Marketing Director

Brandi Jones is a senior in the UC Merced Applied Math Department with an emphasis on Economics. She is an avid reader of sci-fi and loves to dream about the potential the future holds. She saw the Microfinance Project as an opportunity to participate in using economic programs to help communities thrive. After University she hopes to use her skills to advocate for data driven public policies.

Treasurer (Fall)

Nereyda Garcia is a senior at UC Merced,  majoring in Economics. By being involved in the Microfinance Project she hopes to give back to her community and learn more about micro loans. While at UC Merced she developed an interest in finance and accounting. After graduating she is planning on pursuing a career in one or the other.

Treasurer (Spring)

Julie Pham is a third-year student majoring in Management and Business Economics. She is adventurous and enjoys the outdoors. This year, she plans on being more active on the campus community by participating in clubs relating to her major. She saw the Microfinance Project as a great opportunity to gain experience for the professional workplace and contribute to the Merced community. After college, she plans on pursuing a career in accounting.

Sheila Avila Luna is a fourth-year MBE major from North Hollywood, CA. She joined Microfinance to understand different sectors in Economics and different ways in which she can help marginalized communities seek opportunities they would not know of otherwise. She is planning on attending a graduate program to obtain her Master's. Her biggest goal in life is to start her own non-profit in order to provide more resources for the youth, and communities who need help.

Secretary (Fall)

Yejin Kim is a third-year student majoring in Management and Business and Economics. She is from San Francisco and always looked for ways to help other communities. Some of the things she enjoys are meeting new people and picking up new hobbies/skills. She sees the microfinance project as a great way to give back to the community and to also advance her career.

Armando Hernandez is a third-year student from San Bernardino, CA, majoring in Management and Business Economics. He enjoys staying active and always functions with an analytically open mind. Activities he enjoys doing in his free time is play water polo and reading books. He saw the Microfinance project as his biggest opportunity yet, helping and being able to interact with small businesses, as well as being able to gain the experience and knowledge to be able to sustain his own business in the future.

Vesna Sot is a 3rd year UC Merced student who is majoring in Management and Business Economics. He was born in Oakland California and decided to join the Microfinance Project to gain knowledge and be financially literate. After college, he aims to pursue a career in finance.

Project Leader (Spring)

Yuritza Leyva is a third year student majoring in Management and Business Economics. She is outgoing and enjoys helping others when the opportunity gives. For example, she was a member of the Marketing club where she got the opportunity to work along with small businesses here in Merced. Along that, she was able to explore different marketing companies and went behind the scenes to see what it takes to prosper in the Marketing world. Yuritza decided to join the Microfinance Project to learn about micro-loans and how they can benefit local business in the community.

Project Leader (Spring)

Chloe Lee is a second-year student majoring in Management and Business Economics and minoring in Applied Mathematics. Last year, she was able to publish her research paper, “Online Networking and Its Effects on Young Adults,” in Volume 11, Issue 1 of the UC Merced Undergraduate Research Journal. This year, she plans to be more active on campus by participating in various clubs related to finance. She saw the Microfinance Project as an excellent opportunity to make use of her in-class learnings to deliver positive economic influences to small businesses in Merced. She plans to pursue a career in management consulting.

Project Leader (Fall)

Sang Derek Hoang is a 4th year student majoring in Management and Business Economics. He is involved on campus as an undergraduate research assistant with Dr. Justin Hicks, independent researcher with a working paper titled "Attention and the S&P 100", the President of the Lacrosse Club and Co-President of the Economics Club. He joined the project to strengthen the relationship between the students on campus to their community off campus. He plans to pursue a career as a financial/research analyst and grad school to become a researcher.

Associate Project Leader and Treasurer (Spring)

Jose Martinez Barrera is a 4th year student majoring in Management and Business and Economics with a minor in Spanish. He is involved on campus with the Spanish club for four years as an active member and currently assistant of event organizer. He graduated from the Yosemite Leadership program (YLP), focusing on developing leadership skills. He joined this project because he want to learn more about micro-loans and be part of the team to create a connection with the community of Merced.

Associate Project Leader and Treasurer (Fall)

Alejandra Rodriguez is a 4th year Management and Business Economics major with a minor in Psychology. She currently is the President of the Economics Club at UC Merced. She is also involved as an undergraduate research assistant with Dr. Justin Hicks, working as an Independent Researcher on the topic of Immigration and its effects on the economy. Alejandra has lived in the county of Merced for 12 years now, and joined the Microfinance Project to make an impact in small businesses in her community. She also hopes to help close the gap between the UC Merced community and the small community of Merced. After completing her undergraduate education, Alejandra is planning on attending graduate school to pursue a higher degree in Economics, and hopes to one day become a Professor in Applied Economics.

Marketing Director (Fall)

Tim Wu is a 3rd-year student studying economics and sociology. He loves helping others and supporting his community through his professional ventures. Besides his economics studies, he enjoys designing clothes and accessories. He is also a member of Delta Sigma Pi, a professional fraternity on the UC Merced campus.

SSHA Frontline Representative (Fall)

Brian Chuc is a sophomore at UC Merced. He is a sociology major with a minor in philosophy. He is involved in various clubs such as Philipino American Alliance, Martial Arts Club and Marketing Club. In addition, he studies various languages such as Russian, Italian, Spanish, Chinese and Tagalog. He wants to help the Microfinance Project achieve its goal of stimulating economic growth in the area by helping businesses with their financial needs. 

Cinthia Gudino is a second year with junior standing majoring in Management and Business Economics. She recently began pursuing a Political Science minor in addition to her studies. Cinthia joined the Microfinance Project in order to become more involved in the community and help others. In addition, she is planning on pursuing a career as a financial manager and hopes to one day open her own business.

Project Leader

Shivani Bhasin is a fourth year Business Economics and Management major with a minor in Psychology. She is planning on pursuing a career in human resources after graduation.

Associate Project Leader and Treasurer

Ivan Ceballos is a 4th year Business Management and Economics major. He plans to pursue a higher degree in graduate school or a career in Investment Banking. He is involved in various projects, and clubs at UC Merced and is always seeking opportunities to better his community all while developing himself as a professional and a student.

Student Success Intern

Sang Derek Hoang is a 3rd year student majoring in Management and Business Economics. He is involved on campus as an undergraduate research assistant with Dr. Justin Hicks, independent researcher with a working paper titled "Attention and the S&P 100", and the Vice President of the Marketing Club. He joined the project to strengthen the relationship between students on campus to their community off campus to make an sustainable impact in the growing city of Merced. He plans to pursue a career as a financial/research analyst and grad school to become a researcher.

Marketing Director

Taylor Calleja Balbuena is a 4th year Management and Business Economics major. He joined the project because it gives students the resources to connect and network with local business owners all while providing them with 0% microloans. As president of the marketing club he plans to use his extensive skills to build our club brand and reach out to our campus and to the community.

Outreach Director

David Morales Aguayo is a 4th year student majoring in Management and Business Economics. He is the Vice President of the Marketing Club and is working on the Sierra Foothill Conservancy Capstone Project with his involvement in the Yosemite Leadership Program. He plans to pursue Grad School and a career in Project Management.

Jose Covarrubias is a 3rd year student with a major in Management and Business Economics. He is part of many organizations here on campus such as Business Society, Hermanos Unidos , and Pi Lambda Phi. He also loves helping out his community and bringing his all.

Chris Medina

Student Success Intern

Jonathan Delgado has been awarded the Student Success Internship for this project, and is a third year student majoring in Business Management and Economics. He is planning to graduate in his third year and pursue a graduate degree in either Finance or Business Administration. He is seeking to use the skill set he has obtained from his studies at UC Merced and previous employment to enhance the economic development of businesses in the Central Valley.

Associate Project Leader

My name is Andrea Gracia and I am a third year Management and Business Economics Major. I joined the UCM Microfinance project because I am interested in learning more about the finance and marketing aspect of business since I want to pursue a career in business consulting. I am heavily involved in other organizations on campus such as the UCM Marketing club, Delta Delta Delta, Order of Omega and the UCM Fraternity and Sorority Council

Assistant Project Leader

Shivani Bhasin is a third year Business Economics and Management major with a minor in Psychology. She is planning on pursuing a career in human resources after graduation.

Steven Blackman is a fourth year Management and Business Economics major. He wanted to be a part of the Microfinance Project to gain more experience in the field he aspires to be in and also to assist in bringing more resources to the community of Merced.

Taylor Calleja is a 3rd year Business Management and Economics major with a minor in Psychology. He is planning on attending graduate school where he will focus on finance and economics. He joined the Microfinance Project to better the community of Merced working alongside his colleagues. He is also a member of the Civics in the Central Valley program, where he visits local high schools and holds discussions on social issues.

Evelyn Nava is a fourth-year student studying for a double major in Management and Business Economics with Psychology plus a minor in Spanish. She has been part of Psi Chi, Fiat Lux Scholars Program, and is the treasurer of the Spanish club. Her interest in contributing to the community and increasing her knowledge in finance influenced her to join the Microfinance Project team. Once she graduates she plans on pursuing a profession in finance.

Project Leader

Andrew Pulido is a fourth year student majoring in Management and Business Economics. He is planning to follow a career in finance.

Project Leader

Eric Chu is a senior Economics (B.A.) and Management (B.S.) student. Eric founded the UC Merced Microfinance team in May 2015 after previously working with Kiva Zip's trustee program at the university. He is passionate in using microfinancing to fund business opportunites for entrepreneurs and in successfully helping them achieve new levels of growth.

Andrew Pulido is a fourth year student majoring in Management and Business Economics. He is planning to follow a career in finance.