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Maria is the Director of Undergraduate Programs at the Paul Merage School of Business at University of California, Irvine.

Maria is a collaborative, evidence-informed and student-centered leader with direct experience in administering student development opportunities related to diversity, equity and inclusion as well as academic advising development; and carries a proven track record of promoting equitable access and positive outcomes through collaborative partnerships that drive holistic support of our students. Committed to an inclusive student-centered culture and to creating a collaborative and diverse work environment.  Dedicated to a career based on integrity, compassion, and a strong desire to assist students in achieving their educational goals.

Her most current role as Director of University Advisement Center, Maria created a campus environment that supported student success through a collaborative process with Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Information Technology to create a holistic advising experience that integrated students’ curricular, co-curricular and career exploration.

Prior roles include Director at West Coast University, Ontario, Director of International and Intercultural Programs at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), Director, Ethnic and Intercultural Services at Loyola Marymount University (LMU), Director of Institutional Research and Campus Diversity at University of La Verne, and Associate Dean at Concordia University, Irvine.

Maria has a Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction - Adult Education (Kansas State University), has her Master of Science in Foundations in Adult, Occupational and Continuing Education (Kansas State University), and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce, PR).  Maria enjoys reading, outdoor running, meditation and traveling.

Justin Javier is the Associate Director of Undergraduate Programs at The Paul Merage School of Business. Prior to joining the Merage School, he worked as a Senior Academic Counselor at UC San Diego Revelle College and Academic Counselor in the Department of Economics at UCLA. 

Justin graduated from UC San Diego with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry Cell Biology and San Diego State University with a Master of Arts in Postsecondary Educational Leadership with a Specialization in Student Affairs. He brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for the field of academic advising and higher education and hopes to empower the next generation of transformative Merage School student leaders.

Jamee Barrios is an Associate Director at the Paul Merage School of Business. Jamee joined Merage in 2017 as Programs Coordinator for the Fully Employed, Executive and Health Care Executive MBA programs. She transitioned to the Full Time MBA program in 2018 as the Admissions Coordinator. Prior to joining the Merage school, she worked in marketing, event planning, client service and customer service roles.

Jamee graduated from Arizona State University with a B.S. in Family and Human Development while working full time. This experience created a passion in supporting students who are first generation, working full time while pursuing an education. Jamee’s leadership skills empower her to support students and faculty in achieving success inside and out of the classroom.

Justin De Toro is an Academic Advisor at the Paul Merage School of Business. Before joining the Merage School, he worked as a Student Affairs Officer and an Administrative Specialist at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs where he helped launch the Public Affairs major.

Justin graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, and he brings over 5 years of professional experience in higher education, program management, and events. As a first-generation college graduate, he is passionate about working with students, supporting organizational excellence, and building a sense of community in a large university setting. He hopes to encourage students to think critically about their academic and professional goals and support them throughout their undergraduate experience at the Merage School.

Sierra Dimapilis is the Programs Assistant for Undergraduate Programs at the Paul Merage School of Business. Before joining the Merage School as professional staff, Sierra served as an Activities Coordinator for UCI's Office of Campus Organizations and Volunteer Programs.

Sierra graduated from the University of California, Irvine Paul Merage School of Business with a B.A. in Business Administration and a minor in Psychological Sciences. Through gained experience in operations, event coordination, and human resources, she has found passion in business, service, and community building. She hopes to serve Merage students with the same enthusiasm and compassion that she received during her time as an undergraduate.

Major: Business Administration  
Emphasis: Marketing, Organization and Management  
Minor: Digital Arts  

What I like about Merage: The easy access to in-person events and opportunities! So often do we get emails about events that anyone would be interested in, and it is very easy to RSVP and attend any event you like or want to try! 
 
Why I became a PAA: I remember trying to navigate college as a freshmen without much help; it was a complicated process, and I want to make sure my peers have an easier and more enjoyable experience when figuring out the ropes of college! 

Major: Business Administration 
Emphasis: Concentration in Accounting 
Minor: International Studies 
Hometown: Roseville, CA

What I Like About Merage?

My favorite thing about Merage is the students that I surround myself with and learn from. I am lucky enough to brush shoulders against the changemakers of tomorrow who are already involved with their own careers, side businesses, and internships with top level companies. When I was in high school, though I loved being able to learn from the teachers, the competitive environment didn’t challenge me enough. Not only do I feel challenged at Merage to think more intentionally, but I feel inspired by my peers to dream bigger. 
 

Why I became a PAA?

I have decided to become a Peer Academic Advisor as the next big step in my college experience to immerse myself deeper into the Merage community, help my fellow students, and build my connections to the opportunities available in college. I am thrilled to be a part of arranging programs meant to help students. I have had such a positive and impactful experience from prior Academic Advisors, and I hope to carry on their impact in this position. 

Major: Business Administration 
Emphasis: Marketing and Information Systems
Minor: Psychological Sciences
Hometown: Burbank, CA

What I like about Merage:

I really love how Merage is such a tight-knit community. Even just walking into the Merage building, I enjoy seeing all these familiar faces and bumping into classmates, friends, and professors. I have felt so supported by the people I have met here in both my academic and career endeavors, and they continue to encourage me to step outside of my comfort zone and reach greater goals.

Major: Business Administration 
Emphasis: Organization and Management
Hometown: Long Beach, CA

What I like about Merage:

What I value most about Merage are the resources it provides for students to grow their passions within the world of business. Merage has given me various opportunities to grow my passion for completing projects and cultivating meaningful relationships with people; two essential components of Project Management, which is my current industry of interest. UCI as a whole has a vast number of resources for students, which can be overwhelming for some to navigate. Merage empowers students by making these resources readily accessible and directly applicable to their unique career aspirations, enabling them to utilize this support for their professional journey.  

Major: Business Administration 
Emphasis: Accounting

Major: Business Administration  
Emphasis: Organization & Management
Minor: Sociology

Major: Business Administration 
Emphasis: Marketing
Minor: Digital Information Systems

Major: Business Administration 
Emphasis: Accounting
Minor: Humanities and Law