New MESA director hired to support underrepresented STEM students
The MESA program, which provides support to first generation, low-income, underrepresented, and educationally disadvantaged students studying Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) and seek to transfer to bachelor’s degree programs, has a new director.
Marilyn Saavedra-Leyva has more than 13 years of experience working with nonprofits that help bridge the gap of inequality for underrepresented students. Her background includes creating HIV prevention programs for LGBTQ youth in Chicago and advocating for people with disabilities through the Kokua Program at the University of Hawaii.
For the past five years, Marilyn has been an integral part of the creation of the Student Center for Science Engagement at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), empowering minority students to become leaders in STEM fields through professional development programs.