TUS Team

Program Coordinator

As the Program Coordinator for the UCSD Underground Scholars Program, Shawn Khalifa is committed to empowering formerly incarcerated and system-impacted students on their academic and personal journeys. In his role, Shawn provides mentorship, facilitates access to essential resources, and advocates for policies that promote equity and inclusion for system-impacted populations. He also serves as a bridge between students and campus administration, fostering a supportive environment that amplifies the voices of those with lived experiences. Shawn’s dedication to restorative justice and transformative education underscores his work to create meaningful change within the university and beyond.

Email: skhalifa@ucsd.edu

Christopher James Tobias

Recruitment Coordinator

Also known as Kasper, serves as a Recruitment Coordinator while majoring in Psychology with a minor in Cinema Arts. A third-generation Italian American and first-generation college graduate, Christopher brings profound lived experience to his work. After spending over half a decade of his teenage and early adult years in state prison, he made the courageous decision to leave behind gang and prison-gang life and fully commit to transformation. Today, he channels both accountability for past harm and empathy born from lived struggle into purposeful outreach, using his story to connect authentically with prospective students from marginalized and justice-impacted backgrounds. Whether engaging with youth through skateboarding culture or supporting individuals navigating the prison-to-school pipeline, Christopher embodies recruitment rooted in trust, hope, and genuine community impact.

Pablo Asencio

Student Admin Coordinator

Major : International Business

Minor : Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Pablo Asencio approaches his journey with a spirit of innovation and a drive for meaningful impact. As the Student Admin Coordinator for TUS at UC San Diego, he applies his expertise in International Business and Entrepreneurship to create efficient, supportive, and forward-thinking structures for the community. His passion for organization and leadership allows him to foster an inclusive space where students can thrive, collaborate, and build a strong foundation for their futures. Through his role, Pablo strives to bridge opportunities and empower others to navigate their own academic and personal growth with data-driven confidence and ambition.

Danae Kelly

Wellness Coordinator

Major: Sociology

Minor: Environmental Studies

Danae is dedicated to personal growth and embraces the journey of self-discovery with resilience and compassion. As the TUS Wellness Coordinator at UC San Diego, she channels this mindset into her work, fostering an environment where individuals can heal, grow, and reclaim their narratives. Her holistic approach to wellness prioritizes respect, empowerment, and meaningful connection, ensuring that everyone has the space to explore their own path to well-being. Through her role, Danae hopes to serve as a bridge for those seeking self-discovery, strength, and a deeper sense of purpose.

Yesenia Gonzalez

Student Retention Coordinator

Yesenia majoring in Structural Engineering, consistently goes above and beyond to support students with care, dedication, and integrity. She brings a rare balance of technical discipline and deep empathy to her role, ensuring that students feel seen, supported, and empowered to persist academically and personally. Known for her unwavering commitment, Yesenia regularly extends herself beyond her formal responsibilities—advocating for students, guiding them through challenges, and fostering a sense of belonging grounded in genuine love and encouragement. Her presence strengthens retention efforts not just through strategy, but through trust, compassion, and authentic human connection.

Kristina Lombard

Advocacy Coordinator

Major : Sociology Law and Society

She serves as the Advocacy Coordinator while majoring in Sociology–Law and Society, bringing both deep compassion and a strong sense of justice to her work. Kristina leads with care, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to standing alongside students as they navigate complex systems and challenges. She has a natural ability to listen, uplift, and advocate—ensuring that students feel seen, valued, and protected. Guided by her academic grounding in law and society and her genuine concern for others, Kristina approaches advocacy not just as a role, but as a responsibility to create safer, more equitable spaces where students can heal, grow, and thrive.