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We look forward to meeting with you to help you establish academic and career goals as well as determine your options based on your unique background. We can meet with you at the West Valley Center, the Taylorsville Redwood Campus, and via Zoom.  

If you would like to request a meeting with a member of the Dream Team or if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call at (801) 957-2129 or send us an email at dreamcenter@slcc.edu.  

Brenda Santoyo

Brenda Santoyo

Dream Center Manager

Brenda Santoyo is an SLCC alumnus, and the College has been a home away from home for her for several years now. She recently completed her M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy with an emphasis in Student Affairs at the University of Utah. As a daughter of Mexican undocumented immigrants, she has always strived to serve the individual needs of her beloved community. Brenda's drive and passion for the field stem from her background in serving undocumented students initially enrolled in the Bridge to Success and Bruin Scholars programs through the office for Orientation & Student Success. In her time at the College, she has played a role in launching the Bruin Dreams scholarship program, maintaining the Undocumented Student Ally Training, upholding the charge of the Undocumented Student Resource Committee, and managing SLCC's Dream Center, the second in the state of Utah, now as the inaugural Manager. 

Bilingual in English and Spanish 

Available at two locations:

  • West Valley Center
  • Taylorsville Redwood Campus

Note: Location varies based on their schedule, and where the Dream Center is needed. Check-in with Dream Center staff before traveling to a particular location. Scheduling an appointment with us is the best way to connect with us! 

Phone:

(801) 957-5124

Email:

brenda.santoyo@slcc.edu

Pronouns:

She/Hers/Ella/They

Cristina Guerrero Perez

Cristina Guerrero Perez

Dream Center Coordinator

Cristina is a first-generation student, DACA recipient, and an SLCC alumnus. Most recently, she earned her Bachelor's degree in Writing and Rhetoric Studies from the University of Utah. As an undergrad, Cristina provided support to students with their writing needs as the Writing and Rhetoric Fellow for the SLCC Dream Center and aided with many research projects focusing on first generation students and undocumented immigrants. After completing her studies, she began working as an Admissions & Concurrent Enrollment Advisor serving students at Granite, Jordan, Canyons, and Murray school districts, where she cultivated connections with staff, and faculty as well as learned about the many resources available to prospective college students. 

Cristina has always supported her community in a multitude of ways, and she hopes to continue uplifting students in the ways that she hoped she was supported when she was a student. 

Bilingual in English and Spanish  

Available at two locations:

  • West Valley Center
  • Taylorsville Redwood Campus

Note: Location varies based on their schedule, and where the Dream Center is needed. Check-in with Dream Center staff before traveling to a particular location. Scheduling an appointment with us is the best way to connect with us! 

Phone:

(801) 957-2803

Email:

cristina.guerreroperez@slcc.edu

Pronouns:

She/Hers/Ella

Jorge Topete

Jorge Topete

Dream Center Intern

Jorge Uriel Topete is a first-generation student at SLCC. He has earned his Associate's degree in Advanced Manufacturing and is now starting his program in Business. His plan is to finish his studies at SLCC and eventually transfer to the University of Utah. As a first-generation student, Jorge understands the struggle of not knowing what path to take to accomplish their goals. He hopes to help and give back to his community. He is excited to work at SLCC's Dream Center and help his community.

Bilingual in English and Spanish  

Email:

jtopete2@slcc.edu

Pronouns:

He/Him/El

Aleece Lagunas

Aleece Lagunas

Dream Center Peer Mentor

Juana Aleece Lagunas is a first-generation college student pursuing an associate degree in Social Work. She started at Salt Lake Community College directly out of high school in the Summer of 2021 with the help of the Bridge to Success Program. The Bruin Scholars Program then continued to support Aleece with her commitment to her education by providing resources, assistance, and support. As the eldest daughter in a mixed-status family, Aleece is a trailblazer, finding herself breaking barriers for future generations to come. Being the first in her family to attend college, she takes immense pride in her Mexican-American heritage, which has deeply influenced her values and commitment to creating a better future. Aleece is driven by her passion and dedication to advocacy, encompassing social justice, immigrant rights, and expanding access to education for underprivileged communities. 

Bilingual in English and Spanish  

Email:

jlaguna5@slcc.edu

Pronouns:

She/Hers/Ella

Ellianys Pupo Restrepo

Ellianys Pupo Restrepo

Dream Center Peer Mentor

Ellianys is currently a SLCC student double majoring in Graphic Design and Animation. She identifies as a first-generation student and a person with a disability. Starting Fall 2023, she is participating as a Peer Mentor for the Office of Diversity & Multicultural Affairs (ODMA), specifically serving the Dream Center. Because of her intersecting identities, she understands the difficulties of navigating through everyday life either through the lens of accessibility or immigrant experiences. She is excited to provide guidance to immigrant students in general and to students who are pursuing the Visual Arts and Design pathway. 

Bilingual in English and Spanish  

Email:

epupo@bruinmail.slcc.edu

Pronouns:

She/Hers/Ella

Edgar Guzman Plancarte

Edgar Guzman Plancarte

Dream Center Peer Mentor

Edgar Guzman is a first-generation college student, who grew up in the west side of the Salt Lake Valley and was born in Michoacán, Mexico. He graduated from West High School and is now working on his Associates of Pre-Engineering (APE) with the intention of transferring to the University of Utah to pursue a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering. Having completed middle school and two years of high school in Mexico, he excels in Spanish and English. Edgar is honored to work with immigrant students like himself in obtaining a higher education. As a single parent he understands the challenges of time management between work, family, and student life and has a deep respect for immigrant parents who aspire for post-secondary education. Edgar is an avid reader of science, technology, history, anthropology, paleontology, and science-fiction. Some of his favorite novels include Jurassic Park, The Lost World, Congo, The Time Machine, Dune and 1984. In his free time, Edgar enjoys snowboarding with his daughter D'azia.

Bilingual in English and Spanish

Email:

eguzman7@bruinmail.slcc.edu

Pronouns:

He/Him/El