Jenny Mayer-Glenn is Special Assistant to the President for Campus-Community Partnerships at the University of Utah and the Director of University Neighborhood Partners (UNP). Jenny’s leadership focuses on collaboration and agility. She strives to be an inclusive, democratic leader who exhibits openness to ideas and innovations. Much of her work at UNP centers diverse community voices in University of Utah impact initiatives including the creation of a comprehensive health center, workforce pathways, and innovative research opportunities and societal impact with diverse communities in the Salt Lake Valley. Previously, Jenny was a Salt Lake City School District teacher and administrator for 23 years. Through her community advocacy, Jenny has served on several boards, commissions and committees including Advisory Committee on Equity of Educational Services for Students at the Utah State Board of Education, the SLC Human Rights Commission, the Utah Governor’s Multicultural Commission and served as President of the Utah Coalition of La Raza. Jenny has deep roots in Utah. Her grandfather, Vicente Mayer, helped start Centro Civico Mexicano in 1939. Her father, Edward Heriberto Mayer, helped start the Ethnic Studies program at the University of Utah in the 1970’s.

As an Education Pathways Partnership Manager and Community Organizer, Alma spends most of her time working side by side with the community. More specifically, working with parents of students who are involved in UNP’s partnerships; she supports west side families in becoming involved in educational opportunities as well as their children’s school. Alma is a graduate of The Venture Course in the Humanities through the Utah Humanities Council, is working on obtaining a social work degree, and plans to further her education in human behavior. She graduated from the University of Utah’s Parent Advocate Training where she learned to become a leader in her own community and an advocate for her family within the school system. A west side resident herself, Alma has been teaching a community advocate class for 16 years, where she helps other parents to understand their rights concerning their schoolchildren. Alma was raised in Laredo, Texas and has been living in Utah for over thirty years. She is the mother of five and now has eight grandchildren. She spends her free time with her family. Alma enjoys reading, doing DIY projects, time in the outdoors, and camping.

Arturo is a dedicated community advocate with a rich background in public administration and social justice. Originally from Southern California, Arturo has called Salt Lake City home for the past five years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in public administration, both from Southern Utah University, where he also met his partner. Currently a fourth-year PhD student in the Education, Culture, and Society program at the University of Utah, Arturo is on track to graduate with his doctorate in 2027. His research is centered on creating supportive educational spaces for students from underserved backgrounds in K–12 settings, with a particular focus on empowering boys of color. Beyond academia, Arturo is deeply invested in fostering community connections and working alongside local partners to provide meaningful resources and services that help community members navigate U.S. society. In his role at UNP, he is excited to contribute to the impactful work being done to support the local community. Arturo is a devoted pet parent to a 10-year-old Australian shepherd and a 16-year-old red-eared turtle. He finds joy in spending time by the ocean and enjoys ending the day with a sunset run—a nod to his California roots.

Bruce is the Manager of Accounting and Finance for University Neighborhood Partners. He has a Master’s of accounting and has been with the U for over 18 years. Before coming to UNP he worked in the U of U’s Advancement Office as an accountant. Previously, he worked as a corporate accountant in property and nursing home management. He enjoys working with people and numbers to align organizational goals with budgeting and finances. He spends his free time volunteering for Hartland Community 4 Youth & Families (HC4YF), cooking from scratch, gardening, camping, hiking with family, playing with the kids, and rock climbing.

Eleanor “Ellie” Estrada is a graduate research assistant working for the New American Academic Network (NAAN) at University Neighborhood Partners (UNP). Having earned both her master's and bachelor's degrees from California State University Fullerton, Ellie is currently completing her Ph. D in Communications at the University of Utah. Ellie’s work operates from the interstices of Chicana feminism, rhetoric, and urbanism; in these endeavors, Ellie’s love for community takes precedence. A scholar-activist both in and out of the classroom, Ellie has taught numerous undergraduate classes on intercultural communication, public speaking, and argumentation, while publishing works for journals like Critical Studies in Media Communication. At NAAN, Ellie works to connect people from immigrant and refugee backgrounds to economic, educational, and professional development opportunities throughout the Salt Lake Valley. Growing up in a native Mexican household, Ellie seeks to bring values of self-determination to NAAN partnerships, and to honor the manifold struggles associated with immigration. When her head is not buried in a book, Ellie enjoys making coffee, walking her dog (Blueberry), watching horror movies, and she is especially passionate about cooking.

As the West Valley Initiative Fellow, Erick endeavours to expand UNP partnerships into West Valley City. Erick is the first of a new generation of partnership managers trained at UNP and is helping create a Community Partnership Handbook to teach current and future UNP staff the complexities of partnership management. He is also involved with Operation: My Hometown, a grassroots initiative that is focused on uniting communities across West Valley. His work is centered around racial equity, entrepreneurship, and reducing barriers to higher education for high school graduates on the west side. His efforts are setting the framework for future UNP expansions in Salt Lake County. Fresh from the University of Utah, Erick joined UNP in May of 2021. He brings new perspectives to the team with a BS in Information Systems. At the University of Utah, he was consistently involved in organizations on and off campus. He gained experience reaching out to students as a programming director with the Crimson Gaming Club and as a recruitment officer for TEK Club. He discovered his passion for partnership work through an internship with the University of Utah Hope Corps and the Ivory Foundation. Born in California, but raised in Utah, Erick likes to play video games, travel, and can be found looking for treasures at yard sales and the swap meet. He does not have children (yet!) but is driven to simplify the path to higher education for his four younger siblings who are in middle and high school.

Faduma is the Hartland Partnership Center Coordinator at UNP. She previously worked with UNP as a community resource navigator on the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). Working with community members who were struggling with rent payment and debt relief during the economic hardships of the pandemic. Working on the ERAP program aligned with her work with refugee communities here in Utah. She has worked with two non-profit humanitarian organizations, whose work revolved around providing displaced individuals from around the world a new home. She is a recent graduate from the University of Utah, where she earned her Bachelors of Science in Biology. Faduma who is originally from Somaliland and Somalia, grew up in Egypt and moved with her family to Utah in 2006. She enjoys reading about current events, listening to the radio, and growing plants in hydroponics.

Sileiologa FredaLeutaafale Sauni-Leniu is UNP’s Youth Center and Westside Leadership Institute (WLI) Coordinator. She was raised by her grandparents in Lautuanuu Apia Samoa. They planted a seed of love, respect, and humanity in her life as a Tamaitai Samoan. She is the eighth of fifteen siblings. Freda went to Luatuanauu Primary School and graduated from Church College of Western Samoa. She has successfully received certificates from a nursing school and the BYU Pathway Worldwide program. Freda is a lifelong learner and is currently enrolled with the WLI Startups course and studying at BYU Idaho online for a degree in Family History. In addition to her work at UNP, she is also an assistant manager at the drive-in theater and swap meet for the past 13 years. In the past she has worked as a cashier, a security guard officer, and she completed an 18 month mission for her church. She recently co-founded a nonprofit organization called “Breathe 4 Trees.” She is deeply passionate about the mission as is dedicated to seeing it grow. Freda enjoys include dancing, sewing, crafting, cooking, and hanging out with family. She loves to volunteer her time, money, and energy to serve and support others. Giving back to her community and family is her natural passion and mission here.

Tacos are life! But so are the inspiring young people and school communities that Jarred has had the privilege to work with across the SLC valley for many years now. Homegrown in Kearns and SLC, a Chicanx, hip-hop head with family roots that spread throughout the southwest and northern Mexico, he comes from a family legacy of migrant farm work. Jarred spent two years in Chicago earning a Master’s degree in Youth Development, while also building a network of connections to many organizations and people dedicated to youth resistance and critical literacy. Now, as a partnership manager with the UNP familia since October 2018, he’s been able to continue working on building bridges between other people locally who have a passion for critical & creative youth work in schools and community. Sometimes he gets free by writing poems and performing, occasionally hosting open mics or doing workshops with the Truth Cypher collective, otherwise he is probably hanging out in the mountains or jamming out to cumbias. Did we mention, he also loves eating tacos?

Jasmine Montoya is the Youth Center Coordinator at the UNP Hartland Partnership Center. She is a passionate educator, dedicated to supporting the learning and growth of young Glendale residents. Jasmine grew up in Glendale, worked at Glendale Middle School and Mountain View Elementary School, and volunteered with the Glendale/Mountain View Community Learning Center. Jasmine is mom to a toddler and is waiting to continue her education in midwifery. She loves to run and practice weight lifting, a hobby she "picked up" while not in school.

In her role as Administrative Program Coordinator, Jewel is often the front line for communications with the board, residents, and community partners. She provides a broad range of support that also includes general office management for the UNP “House”, event coordination and support, social media management, and other administrative functions. Jewel has an Associate’s Degree in General Studies with an emphasis in Anthropology & Social Science, and completed the Venture Course in the Humanities through Utah Humanities and Westminster College. Outside of UNP Jewel enjoys spending time with family and friends. When she can, she loves hiking, travel, reading, and describes herself as a movie junkie.

Jimena recently graduated and is passionate about increasing access to mental health services among underserved communities, particularly the Latinx community in Utah. She earned both her undergraduate and social work master's degrees from the University of Utah. With experience in various settings, including private practice, university counseling centers, and nonprofit organizations, she has previously provided therapeutic services, facilitated groups, and workshops to help empower individuals and communities. She loves learning and working alongside the communities she has worked with, and is looking forward to continuing to do so. She is currently focused on developing culturally responsive programs and teaching the Spanish Case Management class. When she's not working, Jimena enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring new restaurants as a self-proclaimed foodie, indulging in good books, and soaking up the sun at the beach whenever possible.

Jorge is the Education Pathways Coordinator at UNP. He is passionate about community work, dedicated to supporting the neighborhood in any capacity he can. Jorge grew up in the Salt Lake valley, worked at Glendale Middle School, Glendale Community Learning Center, as well as Salt Lake County’s Centro de La Familia. Jorge is a father to a cat and a dog, and attended the university of Utah to study Political Science. He loves to hike and cook, as well as just about any other hobby he can get into.

Growing up in the mountains and desert of Utah, Julianne enjoys a deep connection with the land and community and is inspired by the resilience and adaptive capacity of the place and people. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and passionate about culturally responsive, community centered practice. Julianne has been the Clinical Director since 2014. She supports social work student field education, convenes health partners, and provides trauma informed mental health support to individuals and families in the community both through the Bridge Training Clinic and the Hartland Free Mental Health Clinic. An avid gardener, Julianne loves to grow, cook, and share her harvests, spend time with her family and continues to wander in the mountains and desert.

Kimberly considers herself a daughter of the plains of North Dakota, where a Ukrainian, historian grandmother and others helped her learn the value of knowing one’s roots, the power of asking good questions, and the many lessons the land can teach. After years as a dancer, choreographer, and dance company administrator, she moved into the field of alternative education, directing Higher Ground Learning, and starting Spy Hop Productions’ first all youth radio show, Loud and Clear. In 2004, while working on her master’s degree in Education, Culture & Society at the University of Utah, Kimberly joined UNP. Her initial focus was working with resident leaders to start the Hartland Partnership Center. Since then, she has held many UNP positions, helping her to better understand and apply the processes needed to create equitable partnerships that are rooted in authentic relationships and move towards systemic change. In 2017, asked by local immigrant leaders to help support their families and communities in their home countries, Kimberly worked with partners local and abroad to establish the international collective, Bridging Borders. She occasionally teaches for the U and she runs her own company, Olive Branch Community Partnerships, consulting for the Salt Lake City School District, Salt Lake City Mayor’s Office, various departments at the U, and community groups living at the margins both locally and abroad. Kimberly lives in Salt Lake City with her daughter and partner, Ron. She loves the work she does with the UNP family and is honored to be on this shared journey.

Liliana believes in equitable health access, empowering community voices and the importance of bringing voices to spaces that have historically been inaccessible to many communities. Her interests in social justice, health disparities, and creating healthy communities led her to complete a bachelors in Health Society & Policy and one in International Studies in 2014. After seeing how lack of access affects preventive care, she decided to pursue a master’s in Public Health from the University of Utah, graduating in 2019. She has worked in multiple health settings including, Huntsman Cancer Institute, research analyst for the University of Utah, Primary Children’s, International Rescue Committee as a Health Intern, and volunteers her time to address barriers to access and care. Her interests include women’s reproductive health, health equity, and community participatory research methods. On her free time, she enjoys going to concerts, reading all kinds of books, being outdoors, and making sure her child doesn’t get too bored.

Melissa is joining UNP as our Grant Writer & Communications Specialist. She’s had experience with the Adult Education Program for the Provo City School District while she pursued her undergrad in Communications & Public Relations at UVU. She’s had the opportunity to conduct social media roles in a variety of industries, including: HR & higher ed software, beauty & wellness and sustainable fashion brands. She’s a Utah transplant from San Diego, California, so winters are always rough with the significant drop in temperature. You’ll find her bundled up in the winter for peak coziness. Dance has been a key role in her early childhood into adulthood through classes and performances that were offered by the local after school program. She now attends a technical ballet class to upkeep her progress and sustain a healthy routine.

Growing up in the Salt Lake Valley, with his grandparents immigrating from Mexico to Corrine City, Utah has always been home to Miguel. Due to the sacrifices of his family, he has had the privilege of attending public schools and later higher education in the state; Miguel has spent his career finding ways to promote access for others to do the same. From volunteering for after school programs, working in and with public schools, to conducting state level research, Miguel understands the various systems that impact a student’s education. During his MSW program with the University of Utah, Miguel spent time at UNP as a student, carrying the model of community partnership wherever he went. Community, and the impact of mutual empowerment, helped to inform his practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, program coordinator, and later researcher. Having graduated with a PhD in Social Work, he now holds a dual position with UNP and as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Education, Culture & Society at the University of Utah's College of Education. Miguel practices from the belief that everyone can learn and everyone has something to teach. He looks forward to working alongside the UNP staff, the community, faculty, and all those who want to see our communities thrive.

Ofa was appointed to UPIHC (Utah Pacific Islander Health Coalition) Fall of 2023 as the Executive Director. In addition, Ofa is the Environmental Justice Project Manager for University of Utah’s Neighborhood Partners. Her esteemed record of ongoing advocacy to promote equity, empowerment, and community-building have been great assets to the mission-driven programs she directs. Prior to her current roles, Ofa served as Utah Clean Energy’s Access & Equity Associate and has 10+ years working in SSA law, Estate Planning and higher education. She brings a wealth of experience and practical expertise to the roles she served in, as demonstrated through over a decade of servant leadership with organizations like the Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Commission, YWCA of Salt Lake, the Salt Lake County Planning Commission, Tracy Aviary, and the Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander State Caucus. She is a strong proponent of civic engagement and actively supports efforts that empower women to run for elected office. As such, she is also a former candidate of the Utah House of Representatives HD33 in West Valley City and in the future will seek office again. At this time Ofa currently serves as a member on Huntsman Cancer Institute’s Community Advisory Board, NeighborWorks of Salt Lake Community Engagement Steering Committee and as a Westside Leadership Institute Fundamentals Course Instructor.

Saolo Betham joined UNP in January 2018 as a Community Leadership Partnership Manager, and works to strengthen the skills and opportunities for west side resident leaders. She studied Urban, Rural, and City Planning from BYU as well as International Affairs at the University of Utah. Previously, she worked as an Academic Advisor for the College of Architecture + Planning, as well as the Coordinator for the Five Parks Community Action Center in West Valley. Her passion for community building comes from volunteering with Pacific Islander youth development programs in various academic, athletic, and religious spaces. Originally from Hawaii, Saolo now calls Utah home and enjoys Korean BBQ restaurants, playing volleyball, & traveling.

Tek is originally from a hilly village in Eastern Bhutan. He began schooling at 11 and had to cross a river and hills to attend. In grade 5 he became school captain, a student leadership position he’d been nominated for. After completing primary school he attended a senior high school three days from his home village. He attended for four years but had to leave before the final exams as his family was evicted from Bhutan when the Royal Government imposed an ethnic cleansing policy. They lived in a refugee camp in Jhapa, Nepal for years. In spite of this, Tek continued his education through National Open School, in India. He obtained a Master’s Degree from North Bengal University, a Bachelor’s Degree of Education from Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu, and privately studied Public Administration. He faced many challenges both financially and from the restrictions of the refugee camp. While in the camp, Tek married and had three children of his own. They resettled in Salt Lake City in 2013. He completed the Case Management Certificate program and Westside Leadership Institute – both partnership offerings that supplemented his studies here, where his has obtained his Master’s of Social Work and is pursuing his MBA. Through his life he has held many titles. Among these are translator, teacher, assistant headmaster, custodian, project coordinator, contact tracer, afterschool specialist, family outreach liaison, and more. He was a Community Resource Navigator at UNP. He has written news articles to advocate for long term solutions for.

Vianka is an assistant youth center coordinator at the UNP-Hartland Partnership Center. She grew up in the Glendale area and has often volunteered and actively engaged in work in her community. She is now working with the youth from the west side, teaching them life skills and good habits. She became a mother to a baby boy when she was 17, and is now studying radiology at Salt Lake Community College. She hopes her story brings awareness and life lessons to the youth. Vianka is passionate about cooking and baking.

Wisam Khudhair is the Community Capacity and Wellbeing Partnership Manager. He works with UNP's partners and team to advance community capacity. Wisam earned a B.S in Banking and Finance at Mustansiriyah University and a master's degree in Public Administration at the University of Utah. Previously, Wisam worked in refugee services for seven years where he supported hundreds of newly arrived refugees to Utah in achieving self-sufficiency; he also worked with Salt Lake County as a Business and Economic Development Coordinator. He served at the Salt Lake City Human rights commission for three years. In 2010, Wisam moved to Utah with his family from Iraq. He enjoys hiking, camping, sports, and learning about people's cultures.

Teresa works with west side Salt Lake residents in different capacities. Her research interests are community practice, mental health and substance use. The intersectionality of these fields gives her insights on the protective and risk factors for individuals and families in Utah. She has conducted impact and empowerment evaluation for the Westside Leadership Institute, and volunteered as an instructor for refugee and immigrant background community-based organizations. She helps grow local residents’ organization capacity to respond to their own cultural and linguistic strengths and needs. As Associate Director at University Neighborhood Partners, her mission is to nurture the development of UNP’s community capacity and wellbeing, education pathways, and community leadership supported-partnerships. Teresa has an appointment as assistant professor/lecturer at the College of Social Work and works closely on Community Capacity and Wellbeing partnerships, in conjunction with Latino Behavioral Health Services, NAMI, URLEND, University of Utah Health, and Hartland Community 4 Youth & Families. Teresa earned her PhD and MSW degrees from the University of Utah; her MBA degree from Lake Superior State University; and her BS in Economics at UNAM, Mexico.