Staff Bios
Agustin Bautista Silva
Assistant Director
Pialli nehuatl notoca Agustin, hello my name is Agustin I have a Bachelor's degree from Weber State University in Electronics Engineering. I was born in Guerrero, Mexico and I am a first-generation college student. College is hard as it is and not being able to know who to turn to with questions can make things harder. That's where I come in, I specifically work with first year students from our Summer Bridge Program, but that does not mean that if you are not part of our program, you can't ask questions, so come visit us if you get stuck trying to navigate SLCC. Our doors are always open, and we are always willing to help. When I am not working with students I like to learn about other cultures and languages. I like nature so being outdoors is a must for me when the weather gets warm. That is a little bit about me, good luck in your classes, pongansen las pilas y hechenle ganas.
Joshua Samson
Coordinator
Joshua Samson earned his B.S. in Mass Media Studies from Missouri State University, his M.F.A. in Film Studies from the University of Utah, and is in a PhD program in Educational Leadership and Policy at the University of Utah. He is a working filmmaker and artist and has been teaching film since 2005 at various colleges and organizations in the Salt Lake area, including for SLCC for several years. He is also the technical director of Mental Healthy, F.i.T., a local non-profit that uses film, art, and creativity to lift stigma and normalize conversations about mental health. Josh is a coordinator for the Summer Bridge program and has a long professional history of working with students from refugee and immigrant backgrounds.
Jose Loeri
Coordinator
Hello, my name is Jose Loeri (They/Them/Theirs). I graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor's in Writing and Rhetoric Studies. I started my journey at SLCC as a first-generation student though. I have first-hand experience with how hard college can be, and I want to make it easier for anyone that I interact with! My role as a coordinator with the Summer Bridge program is to help students make college a reality, especially if someone tells you it's impossible.
In addition to being a coordinator: I love to hike, the gym (maybe one day I will look like someone who loves the gym, I just have to stop liking ice cream), table-top RPGs and board games, podcasts (fiction is my favorite), research, and learning.
Sarah Orozco
Coordinator
Hi! My name is Sarah Orozco (She/her/ella). I was born and raised in Glendale, Utah and my parents are from Jalisco, Mexico. I have a bachelor’s degree in both Ethnic Studies and Gender Studies from the University of Utah. I like to do a bit of everything: I like to spend time with my friends and family, scroll through TikTok and sing karaoke (at home). I also like to watch anime, dance, go camping, and travel. As a first-generation college grad, I’m passionate about helping students get connected to resources that’ll help them succeed and feel connected on campus so stop by and let me know how I can help you!
Peer Mentors
Carlos Salinas
Program Associate
Hello, my name is Carlos Salinas. I work at the Summer Bridge Program as a Math Tutor/Senior Peer Mentor. My pronouns are they/them. I am a first-generation student working on my Associate's of Pre-Engineering at SLCC. I plan to transfer to the U and graduate with a degree in electrical engineering. Some of my hobbies include gaming and consuming media to the point of no return. I enjoy watching TV shows, movies, anime, and reading manga. I love hip-hop and rap music and use it to study everyday!
Monique "Mona" Reynoso
Senior Peer Mentor
Hello, my name is Mona Reynoso, I am a Senior Peer Mentor specifically for ESL Bridge. I was a Bridge Student in 2022 and I loved the program and the support I received. I am a Writing Studies major and a first-generation student originally from California. My goal is to transfer to Utah Valley University to get my Bachelor's in Writing Studies with an English Teaching minor. Some of my hobbies are reading, watching anime and horror movies, and hanging out with friends. I can't wait to meet ya'll!
Eduardo “Lalo” Trujillo
Senior Peer Mentor
Hello, my name is Eduardo Trujillo, but I go by Lalo. I am a first generation student and I was a student for the Bridge Program. My area of study originally was Computer Science, but I recently decided to switch over into Computer Engineering. I love playing tennis, skateboarding and going to concerts. I love listening to music, but my favorite genres are indie rock and rap. I look forward to meeting y'all!
Kayden Beckstead
Peer Mentor
Hello! My Name is Kayden J. Beckstead, I am a Caucasian/Ute Native Mix (Dog Breed) I was born and raised here in Utah just like my ancestors in 10,000 BCE. I’m majoring in International studies focusing on East Asia and am working on my awful Japanese. I plan to transfer to the U or UVU for my bachelor’s degree and then go on the JET Program to teach English/Translate to English. My favorite hobbies are Language Learning, reading fantasy, playing Minecraft and Dark Souls.
Jesus Ojeda
Peer Mentor
First generation Mexican America college student studying computer science and hoping to specialize in Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning. My hobbies include playing the guitar, listening to audiobooks, video games, and collecting collectables from my favorite games and tv shows. I hope to transfer to the University of Utah to complete my bachelors in Computer Science and possibly even a Masters with a focus on Artificial Intelligence.
Seileni Tapueluelo
Peer Mentor
Mālō e Lelei and Hello! My name is Seileni (Say-Lenny) Siaosi Tapueluelu I go by any pronouns and was a part of the 2023 Summer Bridge Program. I am a first-generation student and the oldest son of six siblings. I am working towards an Animation Degree and hope to transfer to the U of U to continue learning and someday work in the industry, indie or studio animation! In my free time, I like to play video games, make art either personal work or fan art, read, listen to music and I’m getting into D&D!
Yoshegui Olvera Villa
Peer Mentor
Hello, my name is Yoshegui Olvera. I am a first-generation student and currently taking classes at the University of Utah. I work at SLCC as a Bridge Peer Mentor, and I was also a Bridge student in 2024. My area of study is Health Science, and I’m interested in pursuing a career in the medical field, possibly in radiology. Some of my hobbies include playing soccer or volleyball, volunteering, and spending time with friends and loved ones.
Pronouns:
She/Her/Ella