Multicultural Center
Professional Staff
Katy Valentin (Pronounced Val-in-teen)
Pronouns | She, Her, Hers
Director - Multicultural Center
Email: kl-valentin@wiu.edu
Katy serves as the Director of the Multicultural Center. She received her master's degree in educational and interdisciplinary studies and her bachelor's degree in Spanish, both from WIU. She is in the process of completing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership. She has a passion for supporting college students on their pathway to success and developing an inclusive environment where students can feel empowered and grow as leaders. She enjoys spending her free time traveling and watching movies with her children, Nehemiah and Valentina. Her favorite movies include the original Star Wars Trilogy, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy,听 Avengers: Endgame, and Encanto.听
All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.鈥� - Gandalf, The Lord of the Rings
Pronouns | He, Him, His
Associate Director - Multicultural Center
Email: la-williams2@wiu.edu
LeRon Williams serves as the Associate Director of the Multicultural Center. He graduated from the University of Nebraska with a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Sociology and is currently pursuing his master's in Sport Psychology. LeRon has a passion for developing leaders and working with organizations that prioritize mentorship in underserved communities. He is a proud husband to his wife of 10 years, Brittney, and a proud father of his 6-year-old son, Adam. His favorite movies are: The Harder They Fall, All About the Benjamins, Meteor Man, and John Wick (I, II,听 III).
~Swedish Proverb -听
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
~Matthew 5:14-16
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Bongsoo Park
Pronouns | She, Her, Hers
Assistant Director - Multicultural Center
Email: ba-park2@wiu.edu
Bradley Jenkins
Pronouns | He, His, Him
Graduate Assistant - Admin Support & Operations
Email: b-jenkins@wiu.edu
Jaylhien Colbert
Pronouns | She, Her, Hers
Graduate Assistant - Marketing & Outreach
Email: jn-colbert@wiu.edu
Johnmarco Maldonado
Pronouns | He, Him, His
Graduate Assistant - Casa Latina Cultural Center
Email: j-maldonado5@wiu.edu
Johnmarco is a senior student from Chicago, Illinois, who brings pride in both his city and his Hispanic heritage to his work on campus. He is passionate about creating authentic connections with students and uses his cultural roots and lived experiences to build meaningful relationships. Committed to fostering community and belonging, Johnmarco strives to support and uplift every student he interacts with.
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Christian Carson
Pronouns | He, Him, His
Graduate Assistant - Casa Latina Cultural Center
Email: zc-carson@wiu.edu
Christian graduated from WIU with a bachelor鈥檚 in law enforcement. He is currently pursuing his master's degree in public safety. As a brother of Lambda Theta Phi, he enjoys spending time at different events on campus with his brothers or being at home with his adorable blue-nose pit, making music, or watching movies.
Kevyere Mack
Pronouns | He, Him, His
Graduate Assistant - Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center
Email: k-mack@wiu.edu
Kevyere Mack is pursuing an MBA with a concentration in Human Resources Management. He earned his B.S. in Criminal Justice with a minor in Public Health from Illinois State University. He is a member of the men鈥檚 track and field team, competing in the hurdles and short sprints, and is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., where he has strengthened his leadership and community engagement skills. Kevyere is passionate about fostering inclusive spaces that support student success.
Journ Burns
Pronouns | She, Her, Hers
Graduate Assistant - Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center
Email: j-burns3@wiu.edu
Journ Burns is pursuing a Master of Arts in Sociology at 玩偶姐姐. She earned her B.S. in Forensic Psychology from WIU. Throughout her undergraduate career, she served as a Resident Assistant, Hope Chicago Student Ambassador, and member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., where she strengthened her leadership and commitment to service. Journ's interests include social inequality, race and ethnicity, and understanding how social systems impact individuals and communities. She is passionate about creating welcoming environments where students feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. In her free time, Journ enjoys hosting gatherings, crafting, and cultivating meaningful memories with family and friends.
Patience Thomas
Pronouns | She, Her, Hers
Graduate Assistant - Women's Center
Email: pa-thomas@wiu.edu
Patience is a second-year graduate student pursuing her Master鈥檚 degree in Sociology. She graduated from WIU with a Bachelor鈥檚 degree in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, with a minor in Sociology, in spring 2024. She previously worked as an MCC Student Ambassador and an Admissions Ambassador as an undergraduate student. Two of her biggest goals are to make a positive difference in a person鈥檚 life and to advocate for those who feel their voices aren鈥檛 being heard. She enjoys reading, writing, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.听
Elizabeth Oyeniyi
Pronouns | She, Her, Hers
Graduate Assistant - Women's Center
Email: EA-Oyeniyi2@wiu.edu
Elizabeth is a graduate student pursuing a Master鈥檚 degree in Public Health. She is also a medical doctor with experience in clinical practice, health education, and community engagement. Elizabeth has worked on several projects involving women鈥檚 sexual and reproductive health, with a strong focus on empowering underserved communities and promoting health equity. Her biggest goal is to create inclusive spaces where people feel valued and to inspire others to reach their full potential.听 As a Graduate Assistant at the Multicultural Center, Elizabeth looks forward to connecting with students, celebrating diversity, and making a positive impact on campus life.
Stormy Lopez
Pronouns | She, Her, Hers
Graduate Assistant - LGBT*QA Resource Center
Email: sr-lopez2@wiu.edu
Stormy Lopez is a recent graduate of 玩偶姐姐, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, with a minor in Criminalistics. During her undergraduate studies, she served as an Admissions Ambassador with the Undergraduate Admissions Office. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in Public Safety Administration. Actively involved on campus, Stormy welcomes the opportunity to connect - feel free to approach her with questions or for a friendly conversation whenever you see her around.
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Demi Thomas
Pronouns | She, Her, Hers
Graduate Assistant - LGBT*QA Resource Center
Email: dm-thomas2@wiu.edu
Demi Thomas is a graduate student at 玩偶姐姐, pursuing a Master鈥檚 in Public Safety Administration. She serves as a Graduate Assistant for the LGBT*QA Resource Center at WIU and holds a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement & Justice Administration with a minor in Homeland Security from WIU. Demi brings a strong background in criminal justice, youth engagement, and community service, with hands-on experience gained through her internship at the Peoria County Juvenile Detention Center. She is also a proud member of the Preeminent Gentlemen Society on campus and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. A fun fact about Demi is that she has a Yorkie named Bella, has been cooking since she was 6 years old, and loves driving long distances.
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