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Iris Ayala-Swindell
Program Manager
In her role, Iris manages programs, collaborations, and initiatives to support the success of our military-connected students.
Iris started supporting the military community while in the military herself. She served 10 years in the U.S. Navy — 4 years on active duty as a Logistics Specialist and 6 years on reserve duty as a Unit Career Counselor, where she managed the Career Development Program. Since 2008, Iris has held multiple advising and teaching roles at the university and community college level, supporting the success of military-connected students.
Outside of work, Iris navigates life with her husband and rediscovers the world through the eyes of her two young sons. She enjoys reading, meditation, connecting with family and friends, and spending time outdoors soaking up the sun.
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Military Connection: Veteran, U.S. Navy
Email: iayalaswindell@ucsd.edu
Phone: (858) 534-5460
Program Specialists
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Diana Slade
Program Specialist
In her role, Diana coordinates the daily operations of the SVRC, supervises our student staff, and assists with events.
Diana served in the U.S. Army from 2010–2013 as an Automated Logistics Specialist. Since 2015, she has supported the military-connected student population through advocacy, mentorship, and advisement.
In her free time, Diana enjoys weight lifting, dancing, taking her dogs to the beach, and spending time with her family and friends.
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Military Connection: Veteran, U.S. Army
Email: dslade@ucsd.edu
Phone: (858) 534-5140
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Jenn Henline
Program Specialist
In her role, Jenn coordinates our Peer Navigator Program, co-advises the Student Veterans Organization and supports SVRC projects and events.
Jenn graduated from UC San Diego with a B.A. in Communication before going on to pursue her M.A. in Postsecondary Educational Leadership & Student Affairs at San Diego State University. Being raised in a Marine Corps family, Jenn attributes much of her own success to the opportunities provided to her by her father's service. She is passionate about giving back to the community that raised her and supporting the success of other military-connected students.
In her free time, Jenn enjoys relaxing at the beach, trying out different coffee shops, rollerblading around San Diego's beautiful parks and spending time with her friends and family.Pronouns: She/her/hers
Military Connection: Dependent, U.S. Marine Corps
Email: jhenline@ucsd.edu
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Maria E. Zuniga-Bel
Program Specialist
In her role, Maria coordinates our signature events, supports in-center programming, and assists with daily operations.
She was born and raised in San Diego, California and graduated from UC San Diego with a B.A. in Human Development and a minor in Education Studies. Maria feels very fortunate and privileged to serve student veterans and the military-connected community.
In her free time, Maria enjoys exercising, taking dance classes, and spending time with friends and family.
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Military Connection: Spouse, U.S. Navy
Email: m1zuniga@ucsd.edu
Student Staff
Student veterans and ROTC students can connect with certain student staff members for peer support. Visit our appointments page and choose a meeting with a Peer Navigator.
If you're interested in becoming a part of the SVRC student staff team and are currently using benefits, please email us at svrc@ucsd.edu or stop by the SVRC for an application.
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Angelica Bradley
Peer Navigator
Pronouns: She/her/hers
College: Muir
Major: Marine Biology
Military Connection: Air Force
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Jesley Dionsio
Center Operations
Pronouns: She/her/hers
College: Sixth
Major: Structural Engineer
Military Connection: Marine Corps Dependent
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John Gong
Center Operations
Pronouns: He/him/his
College: Revelle
Major: Molecular Cell Biology
Military Connection: Navy ROTC
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Heather Gorman
Center Operations
Pronouns: She/her/hers
College: Marshall
Major: Political Science-Public Policy
Military Connection: Navy Veteran
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Angel Hernandez-Cole
Center Operations
Pronouns: She/her/hers
College: Sixth
Major: Music
Military Connection: Dependent
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Brandon Mariano
Peer Navigator
Pronouns: He/him/his
College: Marshall College
Major: International Relations
Military Connection: Marine Corps
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Michael Wagner
Center Operations
Pronouns: He/him/his
College: ERC
Major: Masters in Public Policy
Military Connection: Marine Corps
