OMA STAFF

Monica Nixon (Director)

mnixon@seattleu.edu

I joined the Office of Multicultural Affairs as director in summer 2006, building on a decade of experience in higher education at the University of Virginia as Assistant to the Executive Vice President and Assistant Director of Orientation and New Student Programs; at the University of Puget Sound as Associate Director for Student Services; and at Colgate University as director of the ALANA Cultural Center. I received both of my master’s degree in Counseling and bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Virginia.

I am thrilled to return to the Pacific Northwest and work at an institution that is committed to achieving social justice and to making more complex the ways in which students, faculty, and staff conceptualize multiculturalism. My research interests focus on intersections of racial and sexual identity development and the experiences and development of multiracial college students.

During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my partner and dog, reading, running, swimming, being outdoors, and getting to know Seattle and surrounding areas.

One of my heroines is Burmese human rights activist Aung San Suu Kyi, who said, “It is not enough merely to call for freedom, democracy, and human rights. There has to be a united determination to persevere in the struggle, to make sacrifices in the name of enduring truths, to resist the corrupting influences of desire, ill will, ignorance, and fear” (July 1991 acceptance message for the 1990 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought).

Ask me about:

• Connections Leadership Program
• Regional Student Diversity Conference
• Student Development Division Anti-Oppression Efforts
• Student Affairs as a Career and Vocation

Czarina Ramsay (Assistant Director)

ramsayc@seattleu.edu

I was born in Panama City, Panama, but raised in Anchorage, Alaska from the age of five. After high school, I attended the University of Puget Sound (UPS) where I studied cultural anthropology for 4 years and participated in a semester long study abroad program in Zimbabwe. Upon my graduation from UPS, I had a number of transformative experiences those of which include a summer internship at Northwestern University in Illinois, education and volunteer work in Panama, and graduate work at The University of Vermont where I studied Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration.

Professionally, I’ve spent that last 3 years here at Seattle University (SU), two of those years working with the Department of Housing and Residence Life. I am delighted to work with the Office of Multicultural Affairs here at SU. I am able to continue my education and efforts around issues of diversity and advocacy for our campus community.

In my free time, I can be found exploring Seattle area with family and friends as well as creating art and jewelry. I am also passionate about writing and research focused on identity development and cultural practice.

Ask me about:

• OMA Alliance
• Courageous Conversations
• Justice Spotlight
• Diversity and Equity Education Program (DEEP)
• Heritage Month Programs

Jolie Harris (Assistant Director)

harrisjo@seattleu.edu

Juanita Jasso (Administrative Assistant)

jassoj@seattleu.edu

Hello Everyone!  I'm very excited to be back at SU. I was born in Mexico, raised in the Yakima Valley, and am an SU alumnae (BA- '05 Communications Major/Spanish Minor). I've been floating through corporate America the past couple of years, however always knew I wanted to continue my education and had a strong interest in student development.

Again, I'm very excited to be back on campus, as an undergraduate I always spent time in the OMA lounge and took advantage of all opportunities they provided. I'm very proud to be part of such a great team! Also, I plan on enrolling in SU's College of Education, Student Development Administration Program.

Outside of Seattle University, I'm involved in Bailadores de Bronce a Mexican Folkloric dance group, Hispanic Seafair, and Seattle Latino/a Networking Professionals Meetup Group. Of course, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family; I love jogging at Greenlake during the spring/summer, and reading a good book during the fall/winter.

Ashley Gonzalez (Graduate Assistant)

gonzale1@seattleu.edu

Hello! My name is Ashley Gonzalez and I am truly a California girl in the broadest sense. Born and raised in Dinuba, California (a little town near Fresno) I grew up working at my parents' Mexican-American restaurant and enjoyed cheer, dance, and swimming while growing up. In 2004, I moved to the bright, urban city of San Francisco where I was first introduced to Jesuit education and later graduated with my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Latin American Studies. While at the University of San Francisco, I served as a Resident Assistant for two social justice and diversity living-learning communities and found a home away from home at Multicultural Student Services. These experiences helped in my vocational discernment to join student development.

I am currently in my second year of the Student Development Administration program and am looking forward to the year ahead. In my time spent at Seattle University thus far, I have worked closely in developing and implementing programs such as the Connections Leadership Program, advising the OMA Alliance, and serving as a member of the Integrity Board. This year I am excited to serve as the chair for professional development for SUSDA Club and much more!

In my spare time, I love to explore the beautiful, vibrant city of Seattle! I enjoy visiting record stores, drinking coffee at the plethora of Seattle cafes, shopping for hidden treasures, walking through the various city parks, and of course--dancing! 

Miguel Macias

maciasm@seattleu.edu

Buenos Dias, Hello Everyone!  I am the newest Graduate Assistant for the Office of Multicultural Affairs.  I graduated with my BA in Sociology at Washington State University.  While working at WSU I served as a Student Mentor for three years working alongside freshmen and transfer students as they adjusted to college.  This experience proved to be the catalyst in my decision to continue to work in the field of student affairs.   I have a profound passion in serving students and their needs, I understand the importance of higher education and the impact a good mentor can have on students.  I am currently enrolled at SU's College of Education, Student Development Administration Program. 

I am thrilled to be a part of such a great team here at OMA.  I am excited to be working with the students of color and the LGBTQ communities to foster a positive and supportive space for everyone to feel welcome at Seattle University.  My goal is to provide relevant programming to promote the successful transition, persistence, achievement, and graduation of multicultural and LGBTQ students.

Adam Trevino

trevinoa@seattleu.edu

Hello Everyone! I'm the baby of the OMA family, and I am super excited to be here! I was born and raised in Prosser, WA (Yakima Valley). This is my first year at Seattle University and I have been enjoying the tight knit SU Campus.

I began my affiliation with OMA as a participant in the Connections Leadership Program. This early freshman immersion program introduced me not only to SU (3 days early!), but also to friends who I continue to see every day. OMA provides other services besides CLP and work that I have fun with as well. Stop by the OMA Lounge!

Otside of OMA, I'm involved in the SU Cheer Squad. I also enjoy singing, dancing, and hanging out with the "hood" on my floor of Campion. Be sure to stop by and say hello!