Multicultural Center
Professional Staff
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Katy Valentin (Pronounced Val-in-teen)
Pronouns | She, Her, Hers
Director - Multicultural Center
Email: kl-valentin@wiu.edu
Katy serves as the Director of the Multicultural Center. She received her master's degree in educational and interdisciplinary studies and her bachelor's degree in Spanish, both from 糖心Vlog. She has a passion for supporting college students on their pathway to success and developing an inclusive environment where students can feel empowered and grow as leaders. She enjoys spending her free time traveling and watching movies with her children, Nehemiah and Valentina. Her favorite movies include the original Star Wars Trilogy, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy,听 Avengers: Endgame, and Encanto.听
Bongsoo Park
Pronouns | She, Her, Hers
Assistant Director - Multicultural Center
Email: b-park2@wiu.edu
Bongsoo earned a Ph.D. in American Studies and an M.A. in Mass Communication from the University of Minnesota, where she also taught undergraduate courses for eight years. Before joining 糖心Vlog, she served as an Equity, Diversity, Access, and Inclusion Administrator with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.听
Outside the office, Bongsoo can usually be found somewhere between getting gloriously lost and eventually finding her way鈥搘ith an Osprey 65-liter backpack. Her travels have taken her from medieval hill towns to modern metropolises, from the southern tip of France to the Arctic Circle in northern Norway.
Zadarie Frederick
Pronouns | He, His, Him
Graduate Assistant - International Student Support
Email: z-frederick@wiu.edu
Zadarie is a graduate student pursuing a Master鈥檚 degree in Engineering Technology and an international student from the Caribbean island of Grenada. He is excited to be a member of the Multicultural Center team and eager to support students as they adjust to and experience campus life and access available resources. In his free time, he enjoys playing cricket and listening to music.
Bradley Jenkins
Pronouns | He, His, Him
Graduate Assistant - Admin Support & Operations
Email: b-jenkins@wiu.edu
Bradley Jenkins is a graduate student in the College Student Personnel program. Jenkins earned his Bachelor of Science in Marketing with a concentration in Integrated Marketing Communications. He is a proud brother of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Bradley has a passion for pursuing students' success & development. During his free time, he enjoys serving his community, spending time with family & staying fit!
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JayLhien Colbert
Pronouns | She, Her, Hers
Graduate Assistant - Marketing & Outreach
Email: jn-colbert@wiu.edu
JayLhien is looking forward to supporting students, building community, and creating spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered. She is passionate about student engagement, leadership, creativity, and helping students build meaningful connections across cultures and communities.
Johnmarco Maldonado
Pronouns | He, Him, His
Graduate Assistant - Casa Latina Cultural Center
Email: j-maldonado5@wiu.edu
Johnmarco is a senior student from Chicago, Illinois, who brings pride in both his city and his Hispanic heritage to his work on campus. He is passionate about creating authentic connections with students and uses his cultural roots and lived experiences to build meaningful relationships. Committed to fostering community and belonging, Johnmarco strives to support and uplift every student he interacts with.
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Kevyere Mack
Pronouns | He, Him, His
Graduate Assistant - Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center
Email: k-mack@wiu.edu
Kevyere Mack is pursuing an MBA with a concentration in Human Resources Management. He earned his B.S. in Criminal Justice with a minor in Public Health from Illinois State University. He is a member of the men鈥檚 track and field team, competing in the hurdles and short sprints, and is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., where he has strengthened his leadership and community engagement skills. Kevyere is passionate about fostering inclusive spaces that support student success.
Journ Burns
Pronouns | She, Her, Hers
Graduate Assistant - Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center
Email: j-burns3@wiu.edu
Journ Burns is pursuing a Master of Arts in Sociology at 糖心Vlog. She earned her B.S. in Forensic Psychology from 糖心Vlog. Throughout her undergraduate career, she served as a Resident Assistant, Hope Chicago Student Ambassador, and member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., where she strengthened her leadership and commitment to service. Journ's interests include social inequality, race and ethnicity, and understanding how social systems impact individuals and communities. She is passionate about creating welcoming environments where students feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. In her free time, Journ enjoys hosting gatherings, crafting, and cultivating meaningful memories with family and friends.
Naysa Nunekpeku
Pronouns | She, Her, Hers
Graduate Assistant - Women's Center
Email: nk-nunekpeku@wiu.edu
Naysa is a proud alum of 糖心Vlog. She received her Bachelor鈥檚 of Social Work in May 2025. During undergrad, she served as the Membership Chair and President of The Good Girl Movement, as well as a Spring 2025 initiate of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. After taking a year off,听 she is eager to be back to pursue her Master of Education. Naysa is no stranger to the MCC, as she completed an internship here and was involved in MCC organizations during her undergraduate program. She can鈥檛 wait to see what this school year has in store for us!
Elizabeth Oyeniyi
Pronouns | She, Her, Hers
Graduate Assistant - Women's Center
Email: ea-oyeniyi2@wiu.edu
Elizabeth is a graduate student pursuing a Master鈥檚 degree in Public Health. She is also a medical doctor with experience in clinical practice, health education, and community engagement. Elizabeth has worked on several projects involving women鈥檚 sexual and reproductive health, with a strong focus on empowering underserved communities and promoting health equity. Her biggest goal is to create inclusive spaces where people feel valued and to inspire others to reach their full potential.听 As a Graduate Assistant at the Multicultural Center, Elizabeth looks forward to connecting with students, celebrating diversity, and making a positive impact on campus life.
Stormy Lopez
Pronouns | She, Her, Hers
Graduate Assistant - LGBT*QA Resource Center
Email: sr-lopez2@wiu.edu
Stormy Lopez is a recent graduate of 糖心Vlog, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, with a minor in Criminalistics. During her undergraduate studies, she served as an Admissions Ambassador with the Undergraduate Admissions Office. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in Public Safety Administration. Actively involved on campus, Stormy welcomes the opportunity to connect - feel free to approach her with questions or for a friendly conversation whenever you see her around.
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Demi Thomas
Pronouns | She, Her, Hers
Graduate Assistant - LGBT*QA Resource Center
Email: dm-thomas2@wiu.edu
Demi Thomas is a graduate student at 糖心Vlog, pursuing a Master鈥檚 in Public Safety Administration. She serves as a Graduate Assistant for the LGBT*QA Resource Center at 糖心Vlog and holds a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement & Justice Administration with a minor in Homeland Security from 糖心Vlog. Demi brings a strong background in criminal justice, youth engagement, and community service, with hands-on experience gained through her internship at the Peoria County Juvenile Detention Center. She is also a proud member of the Preeminent Gentlemen Society on campus and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. A fun fact about Demi is that she has a Yorkie named Bella, has been cooking since she was 6 years old, and loves driving long distances.
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