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Recruiters

Kala Brown

Hi, everyone! My name is Kala Brown and I serve as the Diversity Recruiter in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions here at UK. Although I was raised in Lexington, I graduated from the University of Louisville with bachelor’s degrees in sociology and Pan-African studies.

While there, I participated in undergraduate research that focused on minority experiences within the public school system. I also participated in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholars Program and the Muhammad Ali Scholars Program. Both programs use the legacy of their respective name-givers to engage social justice issues in both the United States and abroad. In addition to these programs, I stayed heavily involved with organizations like the NAACP, the Student Activities Board and the AVIATORs (Admission Volunteers in Action to Recruit); all while working part-time on campus. I am a strong believer in the importance of campus involvement as it cultivates an atmosphere of belonging; and I am happy to discuss best practices for balancing a social life, extracurriculars and the college workload while also prioritizing mental and emotional health.

Overall, I am incredibly passionate about working with youth in the community and especially passionate about helping under-represented minorities navigate higher education. You belong here! I understand how exciting (and a little overwhelming) this time in life can be, so please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have. I am so happy to help and be a part of your journey!

kala.brown@uky.edu

859-257-0075

Kala Brown

Alexis Meza de los Santos

¡Hola futuros Wildcats, mucho gusto!

My name is Alexis Meza de los Santos and I am originally from Veracruz, Mexico, but I have been residing in the United States since I was 9 years old. Lexington is home for me! I am a first-generation Latina college graduate, and I now get to help other Latinx/Hispanic students navigate the college journey. I’m a graduate of Kentucky State University with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. While in college, I was involved with Latinx student organizations, became an activist for undocumented student access to higher education, served on the school newspaper, and hosted a radio show.

I serve as the Latinx/Hispanic Diversity Recruiter in the Office of Undergraduate Admission. I can help you with your admission process and answer any questions you have in general about college life. I do not have a specific territory, so I am all over the place! I am also bilingual, and can definitely express myself in Spanglish, so let’s talk! It’s an incredible time to be a Wildcat, and I am so excited to show you how you too can be part of the Big Blue Nation. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. I look forward to working with you!

¡Si se puede!

alexis.meza@uky.edu

859-562-2991

Alexis Meza de los Santos

Diverse Student Visit Opportunities

Interested in becoming a Wildcat but have questions about our community for diverse students? We would love to meet with you or present (in-person or virtually) to your class or group about what it looks like to join our University of Kentucky community!

 

Learn more about visit opportunities

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Meet Our Diversity Student Ambassadors

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Kadija C. Junior - Columbus, Ohio

Hi! I am Kadija and am a junior psychology and sociology double-major here at UK. I am a first-generation American and college student. I plan currently to pursue a career in the fashion marketing space and/or be a brand creative for a fashion brand. I am the public relation chair of The Fashion Crew and community service chair of Collegiate Curls. I chose the University of Kentucky for its focus on professional development and career readiness. My advice to those coming to UK is to be open-minded and utilize your resources.

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Nevaeh E. Junior - Madison, Ala.

Hi! I'm Nevaeh, a junior at the University of Kentucky majoring in mathematics with a minor in Africana Studies and Statistics. I work for the Department of Mathematics as an undergraduate assistant and am active in several organizations, such as NAACP, Campus Kitchen and Aspiring Sports Professionals. I also hold honors from Phi Sigma Theta National Honor Society and National Society of Collegiate Scholars. This past summer, I interned at Acadian Assest Management Company in Boston as a data analysis. My goal is to be a sports data analyst for the NFL or ESPN applying my mathematical background and history of African Americans to the sports industry. I would also like to continue working with the NAACP helping to fight for injustices. I chose UK because it felt like a home away from home and has given me numerous opportunities as a young African American female majoring in STEM.

 

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Benjamin E. Freshman - Los Angeles

My name is Benjamin and I m a first-generation student here at the University of Kentucky. I was born in Guatemala and raised in California right outside of Los Angeles. I am currently double majoring in pre-public health and sociology. With those majors I plan on becoming a mental health advisor/counselor, strongly advocating for minority men and youth. I serve as an ambassador for My Brother’s Keeper, one of the Martin Luther King Center’s signature programs, where men of color gather and cover a wide variety of topics in the form of intimate discussions. I chose the University of Kentucky because there was a sense of community built there which made me feel welcomed from the jump. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Get as involved as you possibly can, whether it be by joining an organization or two or just attending events with friends. 

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Samari I. Junior - Louisville, Ky.

Hey, I'm Samari, an excelling junior majoring in economics and computer science. I am a native of Louisville and have a strong passion for diversity. I have many unique perspectives and inquisitive thoughts I'd love to share with future Wildcats.

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Shandin M. Junior - Louisville, Ky.

Hi everyone! I'm Shandin; I'm a junior studying merchandising, apparel and textiles. I'm from Louisville and am heavily involved on campus. I have been a resident advisor, have worked on the KRNL Lifestyle and Fashion Magazine and have served on the Executive Board of Diversity Student Ambassadors. I am also a Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) Fellow and plan to pursue marketing upon graduation.

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Kenneth S. Senior - Lexington, Ky.

Hi, my name is Kenneth Sandoval, and I am a senior here at the University of Kentucky. My major is human communications with minors in Latin American Studies, Spanish and history. I am originally from California, and I am of mixed Venezuelan and Salvadorian heritage. My passions include helping people in all types of diverse aspects of life, first starting locally and eventually internationally. 

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Kylie T. Senior - Louisville, Ky.

Hey y'all! I am a senior double majoring in marketing and management from Louisville. I am the current president of Underground Perspective, an organization that strives to build a social community through diversity. I am also a member of the Club Softball Team and am a manager at both gyms on campus. I have attended UK for all four years of my undergraduate studies and have loved every second of it. Coming in as a freshman, I did not feel very prepared because attending UK was a last-minute decision for me. If you are in the same boat, no worries! College is what you make it, so go into whatever school you choose with an open mind and a willingness to grow. Having an open mind will guide you to the right people and the best experience possible! Feel free to reach out to me if you'd like to chat. Go Cats!

 

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Camila U. Sophomore - Nicaragua, Central America

Hi! My name is Camila and I am from Nicaragua, Central America. I am studying mechanical engineering with a certificate in aerospace engineering. I am also in the Air Force ROTC program here at UK. My plan after graduation is to be either an officer or work for companies related to aerospace design and development. I am involved at UK in so many ways; I am part of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, a First-Year Experience Ambassador, and a marketing ambassador. My advice for prospective students is to believe that everything is possible, challenge yourself to be the best person you can be and always ask for help if need it. We have so many resources you can use and they are free. Go Cats!  

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Ikenna U. Senior - Lagos, Nigeria

Hi, my name is Ikenna and I am an international student from Nigeria. I’m a senior double majoring in economics and information communication technology. I enjoy playing soccer, hanging out with friends, helping people and leaving an impact in any place I find myself. On campus I serve as the President of the African Students Association, work as an international ambassador, resident advisor and technical support specialist in the Arts and Sciences IT department. My advice for prospective students is to have a good work/life balance and don’t forget to have fun in the process.

 

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Terra Y. Junior - Louisville, Ky.

My name is Terra and I am from Louisville. I am currently working on obtaining my bachelor’s degrees in neuroscience and psychology on a pre-med track. My career plans consist of eventually owning my own private practice, but in the meantime, I strive to become a pediatric neurosurgeon. On campus, I serve as the chairperson of community outreach for the UK Lexington chapter of NAACP, a Diversity Student Ambassador and a member of the illustrious Iota Sigma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. Outside of my academics, I love trying new things and finding the next adventure. I spend most of my free time outside in my community trying to give back. My advice to prospective students is to allow your mind to open up to all the opportunities UK has to offer, and during your time here, optimize your involvement with the hopes of making this campus better for the next group.