Dr. Rashida Love was born and raised in California’s San Fernando Valley. After graduating high school, Dr. Love and her family relocated to Washington State, where she attended South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia. Dr. Love then transferred to The University of Southern Mississippi, where she completed her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Counseling Psychology. Over the course of the last 15 years, Rashida has worked in a variety of staff, administrative, and faculty roles within higher education at several colleges and universities around the country, most notably in senior leadership roles at Multicultural Offices at The Evergreen State College and University of Nevada Las Vegas.
In 2021, Rashida completed her doctoral degree in Higher Education Leadership from Colorado State University. Her doctoral dissertation: We Are Not The Same: The Experiences of Black Women Multicultural Directors at Predominantly White Institutions examined the experiences of Black Women Multicultural Directors at Predominantly White Universities, and reflected her ever-evolving commitment to centering the experiences and voices of women of color at predominantly white institutions. Rashida is passionate about supporting women of color in academic and professional spaces where they often experience intersectional oppression, and believes this journey starts with our students. As the Director of the Sisterhood Initiative, Rashida strives to build a community where women of color are uplifted, acknowledged, and celebrated for their authentic selves. She believes the University of Washington is made stronger and richer by the women of color who attend and work here, and is deeply proud to serve in this role.
Outside of work, Rashida is a devoted daughter, sister, and friend. She can be found enjoying live music, spending time with family and friends over a good meal, cuddling with her dog Kahbee, and sharing endless celebration, laughter, and conversation with the people she loves.
Lauren Cataldo is the Student Success Specialist with the Sisterhood Initiative. Originally an east coaster with proud Boston roots, Lauren relocated to Seattle in 2020. She received her Bachelor’s in Political Science and International Affairs from Northeastern University in 2019 and graduated with her Master’s in Education Policy from the University of Washington in 2022. Professionally, Lauren has worked in the non-profit sector, where she focused on economic development and increasing educational opportunities for underserved communities. She later transitioned into higher education, where she developed a passion for equitable admissions practices, accessible education, and supporting first-generation students of color as they navigate their college experiences.
As a multiracial individual and daughter of a Vietnamese immigrant, Lauren deeply values the educational opportunities she has been afforded that were made possible by the women who came before her. Being able to work with the Sisterhood Initiative and specifically serve women of color has been a full-circle journey that has been healing, empowering, fulfilling, and transformative. Outside of work, Lauren loves baking, a good memoir, indulging in reality TV, and exploring Seattle’s vibrant (and delicious) restaurant scene.
Briana Quintanilla is the Community Liaison and Student Development Specialist with the Sisterhood Initiative. Briana moved from Guam to Washington to pursue her Bachelors degree in Sociology and Cultural Anthropology at Saint Martin’s University in Lacey,WA. Following her graduation, she spent a year serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA for the Vermont Army National Guard. During her service she discovered her continued passion for personal and professional development and went on to receive her Masters in College Student Affairs Administration from the University of West Florida, with a desire to help college students find and enjoy their path to success.
Her career in higher education over the last six years has allowed her to work at various institutions across the U.S. with notable involvement in facilitating training for multicultural competence, social emotional learning, and leadership development for students and professionals of all levels. Briana is passionate about supporting the growth of everyone around her and is excited to dedicate this season of her life to specifically uplifting other women of color. Outside of work, Briana enjoys spontaneous adventures, DIY projects, powerlifting, traveling and connecting with her community.
Christelle Silue is the Teaching Associate for Sisterhood Initiative FR and SO seminars. She is a dedicated and compassionate Mental Health Clinician, and the founder of Truly You Therapy PLLC. With a Master of Social Work from the University of Washington and as a Licensed Associate Independent Clinical Social Worker in Washington, Christelle is deeply committed to supporting individuals on their journey toward healing and self-discovery. Growing up within the African Diaspora, she understands the complexities of identity and belonging, and she passionately integrates this understanding into her work.
Specializing in trauma recovery, racial trauma, emotion regulation, and navigating life transitions, Christelle creates a safe and empowering space for clients to explore their experiences and embrace personal growth. Her approach focuses on helping clients discover liberation and resilience, supporting those facing the impacts of trauma and systemic oppression.
Christelle is dedicated to community engagement outside her practice and enjoys discovering new ways to foster connection, growth, and empowerment for herself and others. She is passionate about uplifting marginalized voices and contributing to the collective healing of her community.
Peer Mentor Leads
Aleia Hofschneider Santos – When she’s not at home in the Northern Marianas Islands, Aleia enjoys thrifting, eating her way through the city, listening to music, and yapping around campus. If she’s not chilling with the Sisterhood at the BTB, you can find her volunteering at the Husky Food Pantry, teaching with the BIOL113 team, or indulging in what is most likely a little too much caffeine. After graduating from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Aleia intends to pursue her MD and practice psychiatry in her home islands. For now, she is excited to start as a Peer Mentor Lead for the Sisterhood Initiative’s newest cohort and batch of mentors for the 24-25 school year.
Devon Castillo – Devon Castillo is a current third year born and raised in San Diego, CA. She is pursuing a degree in Human Centered Design & Engineering with a minor in Diversity. She is hoping to go into product design or user interface, focusing on making products and systems more equitable for underrepresented groups. Outside of education, Devon enjoys thrifting, exploring different cities and cultures, a good iced caramel latte, fidgeting with her digital camera, and being in nature.
Nyla Hassan – Nyla Hassan is majoring in Public Health with a minor in Nutrition. Nyla is a member of Green Greeks, Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP), and she is the President and Cofounder of Food Transparency and Health Optimization. She is also in Delta Gamma, where she serves as the Director of Special Events. She is also a student liaison for 3W Medical, aiming to increase awareness and accessibility to Women’s Healthcare. As a first-gen Latina student, Nyla is passionate about education, as well as fostering meaningful communities and relationships. She enjoys spending time with loved ones while exploring the outdoors, trying new foods, crafting, or relaxing.
2024-25 Peer Mentor Team
Alexandra Crooks-Moreno – Alexandra Crooks-Moreno is a sophomore studying Public Health with minors in Microbiology and Law, Societies & Justice at the University of Washington. As an Honors Program student, she has engaged in undergraduate research through the Disability Inclusive Development Initiative, presenting her findings to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Currently, she is interning as the Document Record Management Intern at Seattle City Light. Alexandra aspires to become a patent lawyer, aiming to support researchers in developing accessible medicines and treatments for individuals with disabilities. She is passionate about yoga, spirituality, music, fashion, and art.
Hansa Saetia – Hansa is a second-year student at the University of Washington from Seattle! She currently works as a nursing assistant and is an intended nursing major. She is in Delta Gamma where she serves as the Director of Merchandise, and over the summer, she will begin working in a research lab in UW’s division of Cardiology. Outside of school, Hansa enjoys spending time with friends, trying new foods, thrifting, and hiking.
Jaquilynn Narozniak – Jaquilynn is currently an undergraduate student intending to study Psychology. She finds herself here in Seattle after residing in the town of Hoquiam Washington. Jaquilynn is a first-generation college student and has used the Sisterhood Initiative to learn the collegiate ropes. She is an extrovert who is always looking for something fun she can do, unless she is in bed reading a book. Jaquilynn is also a member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority on campus and prides herself in her involvement in her chapter.
Kalea Yamada – Kalea is a second-year student at the University of Washington intending to major in Informatics. On campus, Kalea is part of Black in Informatics, A Vision for Electronic Literacy Access (AVELA), Web Impact, Women’s Leadership Academy, and is part of the founding board of Sisters in Color. Kalea is a first-generation college student, and as a Black woman aspiring to work in the tech sector, she enjoys connecting with people across the industry and accessing opportunities on and off campus that empower women of color in tech.
Noelia Garcia Rivera – Noelia Garcia Rivera is a third year student at the University of Washington majoring in Political Science with a minor in Law, Societies & Justice and Human Rights. Some of her involvement in school includes being part of the LACS undergraduate research group, being part of the board for Women in Law Society, and a student ambassador for the Multicultural Outreach & Recruitment team at UW. Outside of school she enjoys going to the gym, reading, going to concerts, exploring different coffee shops, and watching movies. She eventually hopes to attend law school and become an immigration lawyer.
Riley Selden – Riley is a second-year student majoring in Medical Anthropology on the Pre-Med track from Charlotte, North Carolina. On campus, she is on the executive boards of the Black Student Union and the National Society of Black Health Professionals. Riley enjoys going to concerts, getting boba, dancing, and spending time with family and friends.
Sharon Gutierrez – Born and raised in Washington, Sharon Gutiérrez is a third year student at UW. She is majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Spanish. Her career goal is to pursue medical school and become a pediatric doctor. Sharon commutes from home in Lynnwood, WA. Even though she is a commuter, Sharon is part of three RSO’s: Chicanx/Latinx for Community Medicine (CCM), Husky Running Club, and SHPEP (Summer Health Professions Education Program) at UW. She is the event coordinator for Husky Running Club, part of the fundraising committee for CCM, and the outreach director for SHPEP at UW. Sharon is also involved in research at SLU UW Medical Center under Schwartz Lab. Alongside academics and research, being part of RSO’s that correlate with her different areas of interest (medicine and running) have been an essential part of making her UW experience enjoyable and memorable!
Sophia Keogh – Sophia is currently an undergraduate student majoring in Psychology with a minor in Business at the University of Washington. She likes to spend her free time with her friends and family, stay active outdoors, read, and play and perform music (especially rock). As a biracial, first-generation American, Sophia is passionate about pursuing a career that works to establish an equitable and representative education system in her community.
Talile Geleto – Originally from Vancouver, Washington, Talile Geleto is a second-year student at the University of Washington, with an intended major in informatics! On campus, Talile is involved in A Vision for Engineering Literacy and Access and is a representative on the Black in Informatics (BINFO) board. In the future, she hopes to empower patients to take control of their health with the use of technology in personalized medicine. Additionally, she is passionate about bridging the gap in education by being a vessel of information for underrepresented students. In her free time, Talile enjoys trying new foods, hiking across the PNW, and spending time with friends and family.
Teryona Williams – I am a second-year student who is majoring in Public-Health Global-Health with a minor in Bioethics at the University of Washington. With my degree, I hope to work in the medical field to help people get better, especially underrepresented communities. I am from Federal Way Washington and my birthday is February 3rd (Aquarius). On campus, I am involved in RSOs such as RETRO, National Society of Black Healthcare Professionals, and BSU. I also plan on joining more this upcoming school year. Outside of school, I like spending time with friends and family and going to different places to try new foods, shopping online, reading, watching movies, and working out occasionally.