Lina Mendez, PhD
Executive Director of Resource Centers for Climate and Belonging
[email protected]
Bio
Lina R. Mendez, Ph.D. is a professional in higher education with a strong background in promoting engagement, dialogue and community building. With 20 years of experience in educational leadership roles, Lina has successfully designed and implemented training programs for healthcare professionals to enhance communication and collaboration.
Prior to joining the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), Lina served as the Director of Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis). During her tenure at UC Davis, Lina spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of belonging, education, and outreach at both the UC Davis campus and the UC Davis Health System.
Now at UCSF, Lina continues to bring her expertise to the forefront, leading efforts to further strengthen engagement and dialogue. With a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, Lina remains dedicated to developing programs that drive positive change and promote a culture of empathy and understanding. She looks forward to meeting our UCSF community in the near future and hopes to develop strong partnerships.
Marcel Hite
Assistant Director, Assistant Director, Multicultural Resource Center
[email protected]
Bio
Marcel Hite, M.Ed, comes to UCSF with 10 years of experience in higher education, all in the service to diversity, inclusion, and cultivating a sense of belonging. Most recently, he served as the Program Manager and Interim Associate Director of the First Generation and/or Low-Income Student Success Center at Stanford University. In this role, he expanded support from the center to include faculty and staff who identify as the first in their families to go to college and/or come from a low-income background. Prior to that, he served as the inaugural Opportunity Fund Manager for the center, providing financial support, developing a case management support system, and enhancing financial literacy offerings available to low-income students during his tenure. However, Marcel's career in higher education began in undergraduate admissions as a result of his own access to a highly selective institution and his desire to advocate and break down barriers for traditionally underrepresented students applying to college. He brings this continued passion and commitment for social justice and advocacy to UCSF to support the community here through his role in the MRC. Marcel has a bachelor’s degree in both Literature and Psychology from Claremont McKenna College and an education master’s in Enrollment Management and Policy from the University of Southern California (USC).
Jaydi Romero
Intern, Assistant Director, Multicultural Resource Center
[email protected]
Bio
Jaydi Romero is a student in the Global Health Sciences master's program at UCSF. As a first-generation college student from an immigrant and Latinx background, Jaydi is deeply passionate about addressing health disparities and fostering inclusivity. During her undergraduate years, she volunteered at Clinica Tepati, a student-run clinic, and worked with youth in the Central Valley to inspire and guide them toward higher education. Jaydi plans to complete her master's degree and pursue medical school to further her impact in healthcare.
Outside of academics, Jaydi enjoys reading, going on walks, and staying active at the gym. She is an intern for the Multicultural Resource Center, where she is dedicated to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and community.
