ABOUT US
Our mission is to provide a safe and inviting space where NU students come together to provide encouragement, motivation, and support for one another. We all have different struggles, but we have a common goal to better ourselves in all aspects of life. We are getting this done together.
Our vision is to ensure the essence of this student organization resonates with NU, its members, and our community throughout the years. We hope to have a positive impact on everyone involved.
President and Founder
JACQUELINE MORENO
I am a wife, mom of two, graduate student, NU scholar, and substitute teacher. I graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, and I am currently working on my Master's in School Psychology with PPSP Credential. It is a busy life, but I love every chaotic thing about it. I like to stay active and take care of my mind, body, and overall wellbeing. I also enjoy helping others.
My mission is to stay in a never-ending pursuit of knowledge, to inspire and to lead by example. I seek to show people how to embrace their experiences for maximum self-improvement and discover their unique talents. I believe it is up to each of us to make a difference in the world.
ICC Representative
Maria Gomez
My passion in life is to empower children’s knowledge; I find it fascinating. Therefore, I decided to pursue my studies in teaching special education. I am finishing my Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. One of my specialties is interacting with people, “I’m a people’s people.”
I’m a mother of four and grandmother of six. I love spending time with my family and congregating at my church. My hobbies are reading and coloring while listening to my water fountain and wind chimes.
As the ICC Representative, my goal is to represent the unique contribution I can make to our members and community and to use my skills in “people’s people” to inspire people to become educated about the world that surrounds them by empowering them to make a change
Vice President
ALEJANDRA VILLAVICENCIO
I am curious, mindful, helpful, and want to see and be part of positive change in my community. I am pursuing a Master's Degree in School Psychology, and I love to travel and learn about different things that books can't offer. I am a very open minded individual, I care about people, and I want to make a difference and be a positive influence in as many lives as possible.
I hope that during my time as an officer we can fully establish this Student Organization at NU, and see it reach the potential I know it has. Being mindful, helpful, and making an impact for our members and community.
Media Liaison
ALIYAH PORTER, M.Ed.
I started my academic journey at Miramar Community College where I received my Associates Degree in English. I then went on to complete my Bachelors Degree in English and Masters Degree in Education from National University. I am now pursuing my Ph.D. in Philosophy with the end goal of becoming a university professor.
As the Media Liaison I aim to create a space where students can explore inspirational topics relating to health and wellness. As an educator I understand the importance of remaining physically and mentally strong to achieve success in all areas of life. I find the topic of health to be not only important but vital to our lives. Understanding that health is not only diet and exercise related, but a mindset of which should be unkept, is essential. I hope to make an impact through quotes, messages of support, and guidance provided through social media.
Staff Advisor
ASHLEY MAAKESTAD, MSW
I serve as the Assistant Manager of Student Wellness at National University. My role is to provide support to students who are experiencing things outside of the classroom setting that are impacting their ability to be successful in their course or program. Some of the more frequent situations that I help students with involve mental health concerns, housing and/or food insecurities, and other personal matters. As a social worker, I believe in client-centered, strength-based services that allow individuals to learn and navigate through their options with support. I am passionate about working with people and helping them overcome obstacles and connect them to resources. Before my role here at NU, I worked for many years at an emergency shelter serving survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking. Prior to my work there, I worked with youth who had mental health diagnoses. I know that school, life, work, family, and friends can be a lot to balance all at once - you are not alone!