2024-25 Immersion Coordinators
Border Immersion Coordinator
Jessica Arevalo Ontiveros
Favorite Quote: "I am a lung cell! I am a tongue cell! - and they serve it. And they die. And what emerges from these cycles are complex organisms, systems, movements, societies. Nothing is wasted, or a failure" - adrienne maree brown // My Why: My personal connection to these topics as a first-gen American, and a daughter of migrant parents, were very useful as a participant in the 2024 Border Immersion. Sharing my experience and narrative to people who are ready and willing to listen, is powerful. However, as a coordinator for the 2025 immersion, I am excited to take on a leadership role in which I facilitate conversations on these topics and share information/ research my coordinator and I find throughout the school year! While on this trip you will learn so much, make friends, familiarize yourself with non-profits, experience new things, and more importantly, you will have fun! I know I sure did!
Border Immersion Coordinator
Laylanie Richardson
Favorite Quote: "You are powerful. More than you even know. Do not give away your power" - Izogie // My Why: I am excited to meet new people and expand my knowledge to help people
Rural Immersion Coordinator
Brandon Pham
Favorite Quote: "Food is the soul" - my mother // My Why: I love the Moreau Center because they provide great and accessible opportunities for any student to be more involved with community matters
Rural Immersion Coordinator
Cassie Wight
Favorite Quote: "The real way to learn anything is to go out and experience it and let your curiosity lead you" -Curious George // My Why: I am so excited to get involved with the Moreau Center for the first time, and in a role where I have the opportunity to learn through direct experience and communication. I am grateful for the opportunity to understand more deeply how different communities in the PNW interact with each other to make up this area I have lived in for so many years! I am ready to be curious with my fellow student leaders!
Indigenous Justice Immersion Coordinator
Maria Alzugaray Orellana
Favorite Quote: "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall" - Nelson Mandela // My Why: From my experience, I can tell that immersions are a great opportunity to build friendships and get a deep understanding of issues, as you get to learn from people’s personal experiences, professionals, museums, and discussions with other immersion participants
Indigenous Justice Immersion Coordinator
Grace Ireland
Favorite quote: “Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won't come in” - Alan Alda // My Why: I'm excited to be an immersion coordinator because I believe one of the best ways to learn is to listen and experience, and going on the environmental justice immersion last year showed me the power of community organization.
