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.

Pa Nhia Yang (she/her) is the Assistant Director of First-Generation & Low-Income Student Support. Hailing from South Sacramento, CA, she is a first-generation college graduate and queer Hmong American who is passionate about equitable access to quality education. She practices from a person-centered and strengths-based framework.

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