Mai Yer Yang (she/her)
Director, Advocacy and Engagement
Mai Yer is a first-generation college student who was born and raised in Ban Vinia Refugee Camp, Thailand. Her family immigrated to the United States when she was 9 years old and resided in Akron, OH but later moved to Sheboygan, WI. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and a Master’s Degree in Professional Development with an emphasis on Higher Education Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She has over 15 years of experience working in higher education specifically with traditionally underserved student populations, cultural programming, and DEI. Mai Yer loves to travel and eat local authentic food. She believes that the best way to learn about a culture is through food. Her strengths are communication, adaptability, organization, and event planning.
Mai Yer’s role is to work across the Division of Student Affairs (DSA) and within the institution to advocate for the equity and inclusion priorities held within DSA and identified by the University. Part of her responsibilities include providing leadership to the Centers for Advocacy and Student Engagement (CASE) staff. The members of CASE include the First-Generation+ Resource Center, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Plus Resource Center (LGBTQ+RC), Military and Veteran’s Resource Center (MAVRC), and the Women’s Resources Center (WRC).
Amanda Soika (she/her)
Director
Amanda Soika is a first-generation college student who grew up in Southeastern Wisconsin. In her role as Director of the First-Generation+ Resource Center, Amanda serves as a support system for students, a sounding-board for their future plans and pathways, and an advocate for the students she serves. Amanda has over 15 years of experience working in the field of education within the higher education, K-12, and non-profit sectors in the City of Milwaukee. In previous roles at UWM, she has served as an Academic Advisor for Pathway Advising, the Enrollment Coordinator for the Honors College, and an Admissions Advisor within the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. In her free time, Amanda enjoys baking, cooking, reading, singing, listening to podcasts, camping, hiking, and enjoying all that the City of Milwaukee has to offer!
Makayla Brame (she/her/hers/they)
Interim Assistant Director
Makayla was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from UW-Milwaukee in 2023. She began working at the First-Generation+ Resource Center in Summer of 2021 as student staff, and is excited to continue her work as a professional staff. Makayla is excited to use her position to encourage diversity, equity, social justice, and promote an accepting and safe environment for everyone. When she is not working, Makayla enjoys hanging out with her 2 cats (Jude and Penni), watching crime shows, crocheting, playing video games like Stardew Valley, and spending time with friends.
Lauren Glos (she/her/they/them)
DREAMER’s Assistant
Lauren Glos is currently a sophomore in JAMS at UWM with a focus on Advertising and a specialty in American Sign Language. She is an author, artist, and creative director currently serving as the DREAMER’s Assistant for the First-Generation+ Resource Center and as the social media Instagram representative for the Cornerhouse Love Campus Ministry.
Ed Barth (they/them)
Graphic Designer
Hi there! Ed is a PSOA student pursuing a dual-focus BFA in Printmaking and Narrative Forms and Creative Technologies. Their art is focused on storytelling and learning about the voices of groups that have been erased from Western art history. They enjoy learning about different languages, cultures, and meeting new artists. They believe that art is the universal dialect, and they use design to connect and empower students through the FG+RC. Outside of art, Ed likes learning new recipes, watching Impractical Jokers, and riding their bike.
In Loving Memory of Stephanie Narvaez
Stephanie was creative, kind, authentic and extraordinarily beautiful on the inside and out. She lit up any room and was the most wonderful addition to our team. Stephanie will always be in our hearts and a part of our family; we will treasure our memories and time spent with her forever. A beautiful soul is never forgotten.
Rest in peace Steph.