HHS DEI Undergraduate Committee

Hazel Carter

Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

Hi there! My name is Hazel Carter (she/her) and I am a sophomore in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. I am an Indiana native and hoping to eventually get an MS and become a Speech Language Pathologist. I like cats, oranges, and reading, and I am very excited to help foster diversity and inclusivity at Purdue.

Kaitlyn Chavarria

Biomedical Health Sciences

Hey!! My name is Kaitlyn Chavarria, and I am a freshman from Brownsburg, IN. I’m a Biomedical Health Sciences major with a Pre Med concentration. In the future, I aspire to be an oncologist. I love to stay active, read, and watch Gilmore Girls on repeat! I’m super excited to serve on the DEI committee to learn about and increase inclusivity and equity within the medical community! 

Madison Chin

Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

I am a student from Milton, Massachusetts, majoring in speech, language, and hearing Sciences. I am proud to be biracial; I identify as both Chinese and Cape Verdean. I love baking, swimming, helping people and learning about new things. 

Renee Chua

Health Sciences

Hi! My name is Renee Chua, and I’m a sophomore majoring in Biomedical Health Sciences with a Pre-Medicine concentration and a minor in Anthropology. In my free time, I love taking cycling classes at the Co-Rec, watching New Girl, and playing the piano. I’m so excited to learn from others on the committee and create a more inclusive environment at Purdue.

Janelle Chen

Nursing

My name is Janelle Chen and I’m a freshman from Washington state majoring in Nursing with a Pre-Medicine concentration. In the future, I hope to get my M.D. and work in pediatrics. Aside from academics, I enjoy listening to music, hanging out with friends, and volunteering. I’m incredibly excited to join this committee and work towards increasing diversity, inclusivity, and equity on campus.

Yumi Mayes

Health and Kinesiology

I am a freshman from Fishers, Indiana. My major is kinesiology with a minor in Japanese.

Raechel Johnson

Psychological Sciences

My name is Raechel Johnson (she/her) and I am a sophomore from Indianapolis, Indiana studying psychological sciences with a minor in management. In the future, I hope to pursue my master’s or doctorate degree in psychology and work as an organizational psychologist. I am eager to be a part of this committee because I am committed to helping my peers have the most supportive and rewarding years here at Purdue. When I am not in class, you can find me walking through Celery Bog, reading a good book, or crocheting.

Elyse Peterson

Health Sciences

Hello! My name is Elyse Peterson, I’m from Avon, IN, and I’m currently a freshman studying biomedical health sciences with a pre-med concentration. In the future, I plan to get my M.D. and become a forensic pathologist. I am excited to join this committee to continue cultivating an inclusive and diverse community that focuses on its students of color.

Kyndal Poore

Health Sciences

Hello! My name is Kyndal Poore and I am a sophomore from Fishers, Indiana. My major is in Biomedical Health Sciences with a Pre-Medicine concentration. I am excited to be involved in the committee to create vast opportunities for people of color within HHS and make sure students are maximizing the opportunities available to them.

Pauline Esantsi

Public Health

Hello! I am Pauline Esantsi from Spring, Texas and I am a senior studying Public Health on the Pre-Med track. My post-graduation goals are to get my MPH in Epidemiology. Outside of school, I love to paint, take pictures, and roller-skate! As a member of this committee, I am excited to contribute to its mission by bringing innovative ideas to foster an inclusive environment in which Purdue students can feel empowered and support one another. 

Brooke Gallegos

Hospitality and Tourism Management

My name is Brooke Gallegos, and I am a freshman majoring in Hospitality and Tourism Management with a concentration in finance, as well as minors in Nutrition and Spanish. I am from Oceanside, California, and in my free time, I enjoy cooking, spending time outside, and being active. I am so excited to be part of a group dedicated to giving everybody a voice on the Purdue campus!

Isaiah Robinson

Health Sciences

Hello, my name is Isaiah Robinson. I am a sophomore studying Biomedical Health Science from Elkhart, Indiana. I am excited to be a member of the HHS DEI Committee. This position absolutely coincides with my desire to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare. I am excited to work with like-minded individuals and use my expertise and talents to help our school develop a more inclusive atmosphere.

Ana Rojas

Public Health

My name is Ana Rojas (she/her) and I am a sophomore from Colorado Springs, Colorado. I am an aspiring epidemiologist majoring in Public Health with plans of also completing my master’s degree via Purdue’s 4+1 program. Outside of the classroom, most of my time is spent at the pool with my teammates on Purdue’s Women’s Swim Team. I chose Purdue for the vast opportunities the university offered to undergrads, and I am so excited to work with the HHS DEI undergraduate committee to increase equity and ensure opportunity for all Purdue students.

Ikechukwu Okoro

Biomedical Health Sciences

Hello, I’m Ikechukwu Okoro, a senior majoring in Biomedical Health Sciences with minors in Biological Sciences and Psychology. Originally from Ebonyi, Nigeria, I’m honored to be part of this incredible community. I am deeply passionate about advocating for inclusive programs and initiatives that promote diversity and belonging. I’m eager to contribute creative ideas that will foster a more inclusive environment within the College of Health and Human Sciences, as well as across the university. Outside of academics, I enjoy cooking, photography, and reading.

Elijah Johnson

Nutrition Science

My name is Elijah; I am currently a junior studying Nutrition and Dietetics with a minor in African American Studies. I plan to further become a part of the DEI Committee to further improve relationships between peers and my community, through event participation and active engagement.

Yadira Onate-Ayala

Medical Laboratory Sciences

Hi! My name is Yadira Onate-Ayala and I am a first year from Evansville, Indiana studying Medical Laboratory Sciences and will soon be picking up Public Health as a double major. In my career, I hope to contribute to bridging the gap in healthcare for minorities through laboratory work, and I ultimately hope to go on to medical school and become a hematopathologist. As a member of the Health and Human Sciences Undergraduate DEI committee, I hope to uplift and support the voices of the students, especially the students that are considered historically underrepresented.

Saniya Zackaria

Psychology

Hi! My name is Saniya and I’m a junior majoring in Psychological Sciences with a minor in English on the pre-med track! In my spare time, I like to cook, bake, and watch movies with my friends. I’m so excited to join the committee and work with my peers to create new and inclusive opportunities for everyone!