GEM Mentors consist of sophomores, juniors, and seniors at Lewis & Clark College who are here to assist and serve the new students in the class of 2026. With a particular focus on first-generation and students of color, GEM Mentors are a resource for first-year students who can guide them through their first year at L&C.
Mentors are paired with incoming students based on academic and/or social interests and are committed to creating a safe and welcoming space for their Mentees.
If a Mentor displays an asterisk after their name, it means they are a First-Generation college student, meaning neither of their parents earned a Bachelor’s degree or higher in the United States.
Meet Your 2022-23 GEM Mentors:
Picture of Altaf Barelvi.Altaf Barelvi
Pronouns: he/him Year: 4th Year Major: Computer Science & Mathematics Minor: Data Science Hometown: Jakarta, Indonesia
Social Interests: Music, volleyball, cooking, video games (addicted to Valorant), and photography!
Advice for Incoming Students: Take college one day at a time! It’s all going to be alright!
Picture of Wendy Cano. Wendy Cano*
Pronouns: she/her Year: 4th Year Major: Hispanic Studies & Sociology and Anthropology Minor: Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation (ELI) Hometown: Los Angeles, California *First-Generation College Student!
Social Interests: I love listening to music (specifically Latin American music), I like reading, I’m not a fan of the outdoors because I have allergies, and I love spending time with friends. I like to dance salsa, bachata, & merengue.
Advice for Incoming Students: Though grades are important, don’t let them take over your college experience. Try to go out of your comfort zone. College is a time to experiment & have fun. Professors can be super helpful. They’re always interested in helping students prosper.
Picture of Damaris Medina.Damaris Medina
Pronouns: she/her Year: 2nd Year Major: Psychology Minor: Ethnic Studies & Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation (ELI) Hometown: Washington, D.C.
Social Interests: Working out, exploring; trying new things, traveling, watching new shows and movies, hanging out with friends, starting a business, fashion, and listening to music.
Advice for Incoming Students: Always be yourself. Go to office hours; teachers can be your friends too. Get involved on campus, make connections with people. Leave the hill. Explore places outside of LC.
Picture of Azucena Morales Santos.
Azucena Morales Santos*
Pronouns: she/her Year: 3rd Year Major: Hispanic Studies & Sociology and Anthropology Hometown: Hillsboro, Oregon *First-Generation College Student!
Social Interests: I enjoy walking around on campus, watching anime or K-dramas, hanging out with friends @ Portland!
Advice for Incoming Students: Do not hold yourself back! Try new things, even if that means trying them alone. Advocate for yourself! Always reach out for help if you need it, believe me. I thought that I was alone in experiencing imposter syndrome or feeling like a failure after getting a low grade on a quiz but we have all been there & its okay. Yes, it is important to study and do homework but it is equally important to care for your mental health and wellbeing.
Lily PrankePicture of Lily Pranke.
Pronouns: she/her Year: 2nd Year Major: International Affairs Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
Social Interests: I enjoy watching movies/shows, hikes/walks, tea, noodles, listening to music, cooking, and finding new places to eat.
Advice for Incoming Students: No matter what it is don’t be afraid to ask for help! College can be overwhelming and stressful so try to give yourself some time to get out and do something fun!
Picture of Mary Prentice.
Mary Prentice
Pronouns: she/her Year: 2nd Year Major: Undecided Hometown: Yakima, Washington
Social Interests: Skiing, reading, I enjoy baking, and I really like art. I like plants and I really like my family. I am a fan of cats!
Advice for Incoming Students: Join clubs and try to connect with other LC students. Go to office hours to meet and talk to your professors!
Picture of Judith Segovia.
Judith Segovia*
Pronouns: she/they Year: 2nd Year Major: Psychology & Hispanic Studies Hometown: Houston, Texas *First-Generation College Student!
Social Interests: I enjoy finding new places to go around the city seeing new sites and the occasional coast trip with friends.
Advice for Incoming Students: Don’t be scared of meeting new people and trying new things that’s what this time is for.
Picture of Bille Sheikh.
Bille Sheikh
Pronouns: he/him Year: 3rd Year Major: Economics Hometown: Tokyo, Japan
Social Interests: Basketball, anime, food, video games, hikes, and drives.
Advice for Incoming Students: Try to say hi to everybody and see where that takes you!
Picture of Iman Tolola.
Iman Tolola*
Pronouns: she/her Year: 2nd Year Major: Biology Minor: Health Studies Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada *First-Generation College Student!
Social Interests: I love dancing and trying new things. Anything from new foods to new experiences. I’m excited to meet everyone!
Advice for Incoming Students: Give time to yourself to enjoy and learn. Also, be willing to try new things.
Picture of Kaya Tsabari. Kaya Tsabari*
Pronouns: she/her Year: 3rd Year Major: Psychology Minor: Studio Art & Art History Hometown: Los Angeles, California *First-Generation College Student!
Social Interests: - I am interested in painting, collaging, drawing. I have a deep passion for cooking. I enjoy reading and watching films.
Advice for Incoming Students: Don’t feel like a burden reaching out to other students or academic professionals at any time. We’re here to help, and a excited to have the interaction!
Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement is located in room 324 of Templeton Campus Center on the Undergraduate Campus. MSC: 126
