Luis Olivas (he/him) is the Peggy J Koenig ’78 Associate Dean of Students for Student Empowerment & Director of First-Generation & Low-Income Student Support. A proud first-generation college graduate, Luis brings a deep personal understanding of the barriers and opportunities that shape the experiences of first-gen and low-income scholars. In this role, he leads efforts to expand equitable access, strengthen student agency, and advance institutional practices that support persistence and degree completion.

Shannon (she/her) brings more than 13 years of dedication to higher education and a passion for supporting trailblazing first-generation college students and those navigating college from limited-income households. Shannon has a rich background crafting impactful student experiences and innovative programmatic approaches with experience at Bloomsburg University, Mansfield University, Susquehanna and now Cornell University.

Victor Cuicahua (he/him) is the Associate Director for Student Empowerment, Undocumented and DACA Support.

Dr. Michael Loeffelman (he/him) joined Cornell University's First-Generation & Low-Income Support Student Support in January 2026 and currently serves as Assistant Director for Student Empowerment, within the Centers for Student Equity, Empowerment, and Belonging. In this role, he supports initiatives that foster belonging, student engagement, and holistic success for first-generation and low-income students.