EOP Student Ambassadors

Mark Hammond is originally from Glens Falls, NY, and a sophomore at SUNY Adirondack majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in History. The EOP program provided Mark with the tools and help with getting through college as a person with Autism creating a proper work life balance structure. Mark was the president for SUNY Adirondack’s EOP club and has worked in landscaping, home health, and tech repair.

Mark’s main objective as an EOP ambassador is to help students plan and learn how to navigate college and maintain proper work life balances. He will share how EOP can provide a community and a smoother transition from high school to college or back into college. If it were not for the EOP program, Mark wouldn’t have made multiple friends and built communities of support throughout his college journey. He will continue to uphold the values of EOP and create an opportunity for students to learn about the amazing program and how it can be the cornerstone of their development.

Chriss-Ann Pryce is a senior studying Human Biology at the University at Albany and a second-year SUNY Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Student Ambassador. Chriss-Ann earned her Associate of Science degree from Dutchess Community College, where her leadership journey began as a Resident Assistant, Peer Mentor and EOP Social Media Director. She is a recipient of the Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence and was nominated for the SUNY Chancellor's Award. At UAlbany, she continues to support student success as an Academic Resource Mentor, New York State Certified Mental Health Leader and Peer Educator, and Teaching Assistant. She has represented EOP across New York State and spoken alongside SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. on multiple statewide panels focused on educational access, equity, and opportunity.

Her passion for healthcare has been strengthened through the SUNY Chancellor's Pre-Medical Opportunity Program. She now works as an Emergency Department Technician at Albany Medical Center, gaining direct patient-care experience while continuing her path toward a career in medicine.

She interned with New York State Senator Robert G. Rolison, participated in the SOMOS New York State Model Senate, and was honored on the New York State Senate floor for her leadership, advocacy, and accomplishments. Her journey from childhood through higher education, along with the transformative role EOP has played along the way, was also featured in the Times Union. Shaped by her own experiences, Chriss-Ann carries forward EOP's mission of "lifting as we climb" by striving to be the mentor she once needed.

Haljazir Headley is a Brooklyn, New York native and a junior at the University at Albany, SUNY, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Communication Studies. He is a returning EOP Ambassador and transfer student from SUNY Plattsburgh, where he built a strong foundation in leadership, advocacy, and student engagement.

Haljazir currently serves as President of the Educational Opportunity Program Student Association (EOPSA) at the University at Albany, State Advocacy and Policy Chair for the NAACP New York State Youth & College Division, and Director of Government Relations for the SUNY Student Assembly. Through these roles, he advances policy initiatives, supports student advocacy efforts, and works to strengthen engagement across campuses statewide.

During his time at SUNY Plattsburgh, Haljazir served as President of the Educational Opportunity Program Student Association (EOPSA) and President of the NAACP College Chapter, laying the groundwork for the leadership he continues to build today.

As an EOP Ambassador, Haljazir is committed to amplifying the transformative impact of the Educational Opportunity Program. EOP gave him the opportunity to grow as a person and a leader, and access to life-changing opportunities he might not have found otherwise, so he is dedicated to making sure every student who qualifies gets that same chance. Over the past year, he has spoken to hundreds of prospective students about EOP and is committed to doing the same again this year. He is tired of hearing "I would've qualified for EOP, but I didn't know what it was," and he shows up every time to make sure fewer students ever have to say it. He also spends his summers mentoring incoming EOP freshmen, helping them recognize their potential, embrace opportunity, and pursue excellence. He always remembers to be 'Proud to be EOP.'

Christain Moore is a senior majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies at Alfred State College. Christain is dedicated to making an impact on those around him. For his first two years at Alfred State, he was a nursing major, but throughout college he increased his leadership skills and started to realize his true calling in life is to be a higher education professional which caused him to switch his major. Christain hopes to encourage, advocate and give people a sense of belonging and security in themselves not only as rising college students but also as the professionals of the future.

Christain serves in many leadership roles on his campus such as President of Pi Rho Zeta fraternity, the Executive Vice President of Student Senate, and being an EOP peer mentor. Christain feels that it is his life's purpose to pour into others as the Educational Opportunity Program has poured into him. As a SUNY EOP Ambassador, he wants to show the students of the future that while success is not always linear, it is possible, and it doesn’t matter where you come from, just how far you’re willing to go.

Abraham Olatunde is a junior at Binghamton University, majoring in Economics, with plans to pursue an MBA concentrating in Management Information Systems. As a proud EOP student, he is committed to leadership, service, and academic excellence. On campus, Abraham serves as a SUNY EOP Ambassador, representing students statewide and leading initiatives to expand opportunity for others. He also serves as a Student Manager at the Multicultural Resource Center, a Resident Assistant, and the Faculty Senate EOP Student Representative, working alongside faculty and administrators to make sure underrepresented student voices are heard.

Beyond his campus leadership, Abraham is active in the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), the Black Student Union (BSU), and serves on the Executive Board as the Audio Engineer for Black Dance Repertoire. Abraham has brought together his passions for business and technology through prior experience in AI-focused business development and his current work as an IT & Operations Assistant for Revelation Praise Prayer Tower Ministries, where he supports the church's technical and operational needs.

Emily Vasquez is a junior majoring in Philosophy, Politics, and Law at Binghamton University. On campus, Emily serves as Vice President of Corazoncitos, a philanthropic organization whose mission is community service, advocating for Latin America & the Caribbean, and donating to a non-profit organization yearly. She also serves as Secretary of ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals for America) whose mission is to empower and develop Latin@ as leaders of character for the nation, in every sector of the global economy.

During the college application process, Emily had struggled and the next step felt incredibly unattainable. EOP helped her find people who came from similar backgrounds and experiences who were actively working towards success, a community she never had before growing up in a very privileged area. As an EOP ambassador, she hopes to give back to the community that always made her feel she could accomplish anything. Emily wants to help other students who could be going through the same struggles and help them see there is opportunity for them to flourish as well. EOP has granted a sense of belonging and countless opportunities for Emily, which has helped her navigate the road of higher education.

Born in Rochester, NY, Amaar Kelly is a rising senior pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations and Advertising at the Buffalo State University. Amaar is also an alumnus of Genesee Community College, where he graduated in Spring ’23 with an Associate degree in Fashion Business Management.

Through his determination and ambition for success, Amaar was the recipient of the Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for EOP Student Excellence and Resilience. Amaar also has a strong presence in the Buffalo community, serving as the Director of Advocacy and Policies for the debuting EOP Student Association, as well as the Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator for the renowned local fashion organization, Buffalo Fashion Week. Amaar is also an official powerlifter for the United States Powerlifting Organization and, since the age of 18, has owned and managed his own fitness and lifestyle clothing brand, CLOUDNXNE.

Amaar is determined to serve as an ambassador for the campus that started EOP by being a strong leader who is proactive in the community, assertive through advocacy, and a recognizable example of what EOP stands for.

Lia Lazare is a junior at SUNY Canton enrolled in the Bachelor's program of Veterinary Technology and minoring in Veterinary Service Administration. She aspires to open a veterinary clinic and/or non-profit organization for the animals of her community.

Much like the profession of advocating for voiceless animals, Lia believes that being an EOP ambassador is the necessary bridge between the known and unknown for prospective and current students. She makes it her top priority of being a recognizable face for students looking for a helping hand. Coming from a household that didn't think she had the financial means to enroll in higher level education, EOP was able to make college possible.

Lia was born and raised in upstate New York on the reservation of Akwesasne. She is a proud Native American Mohawk and is extremely grateful for the position of being an EOP ambassador, where she will be committed to maintaining the lifeline that EOP provides for students. Lia promotes that knowledge is something that shouldn't be restricted.

Tyrell is a sophomore at Corning Community College majoring in Humanities & Social Sciences. Growing up, school was seen as a luxury for Tyrell. In his neighborhood, he saw more people experience life sentences than celebrate birthdays, and the opportunity to get out of that environment did not seem possible. In high school, he was told he could not succeed due to lack of attendance and academics. He knew he just needed to believe in himself and receive an opportunity to help him achieve. Tyrell attended the High School Learning Center, located on the campus of Corning Community College, which introduced him to a college campus and the possibility of being on the other side of the courtroom.

Today, Tyrell is a proud SUNY EOP Ambassador for Corning Community College, dedicated to civil rights advocacy and youth mentorship. As a Corning CC Campus Trustee and Founder of the Legacy club, Tyrell actively advocates for his peers. He represented his entire campus student body through a presentation that showcased steps to belonging to the entire college staff. Tyrell has the goal of transferring to a 4-year college institution with hopes of attending law school thereafter. He is already building a foundation in public service as he completed a summer internship at the Elmira Public Defender's Office and serves as a youth mentor through the Empire State Service Corps, where he served on a panel with SUNY Chancellor King. As a recipient of the Civic Ambassador Award from NYS Attorney General Letitia James, he is passionate about using education and advocacy to create equitable opportunities for his community.

Out of all the educational help, opportunities, and connections provided by his EOP Director and staff, the biggest thing EOP has given Tyrell is the opportunity to think about his future. That's why he is proud to be EOP, because without it he would not be who he is today.

Khadijat Oladejo is a Healthcare Management and Nursing student at SUNY Delhi and a graduate of Nassau Community College, where she first joined the EOP. Born in Nigeria, Khadijat has traveled extensively and lived in various countries, experiences that have shaped her adaptability, resilience, and appreciation for community. Despite constantly adjusting to new environments, she found a true sense of home and belonging through the EOP program.

Previously serving as President of the Muslim Student Association at Nassau Community College, Khadijat currently leads the African Student Union at SUNY Delhi. As an EOP Ambassador, she aims to create a similar sense of belonging for other students, encouraging them to seize opportunities, overcome challenges, and recognize their potential.

Roosvelly Charles is a Business Management major at Farmingdale State College. From his hometown of Williston Park, NY, his journey to college has been shaped by overcoming adversity. Growing up his dream was to make it to college through football. He worked every day on the field and in the weight room believing that was how he would pay for school. But everything changed when I was diagnosed with a heart murmur. After years of checkups and hoping for clearance, his last doctor visit ended with the words an aspiring football player would never want to hear: He would never play football again. Losing that dream was one of the hardest moments of his life, and he didn't know how he would afford college without it.

During my senior year of high school, an advisor told him about the Educational Opportunity Program and how they support students academically, financially, and personally. He took a chance, applied, and got accepted into almost every school he applied to including Farmingdale State College. EOP became the support system he didn't have. EOP helps him with tuition, guides him through college, and continues to give him a community that truly wants to see him succeed. Because of EOP, Roosvelly is able to pursue his degree and build a future he once thought he had lost. As an EOP Ambassador, he is committed to giving back, supporting incoming students, and showing them that even when life changes your path, you can still succeed.

Tara Mia Ventura Mercedes is a sophomore at SUNY Fulton Montgomery Community College. She is a General Studies major, planning to transfer to a four-year institution to continue in her studies towards becoming a Spanish teacher. She is a part of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor society, an EOP mentor, and has obtained several awards as a freshman. She works part time at the YMCA working with children ages 2 months to 12 years to gain experience towards her future goals. She creates an enriching and safe space for all the children to build confidence, foster social growth, and thrive under positive mentorship.

Originally from the Dominican Republic, Tara has had many barriers to overcome in her life from a comfortable life in her home country to abruptly struggling in the US. Tara had to overcome language barriers, financial struggles, and a limited family support system. Tara felt that she did not excel in high school, not putting in the hard work it takes to go above and beyond. By attending FMCC, she realized it was her fresh start to define her future. She knows with the help of EOP she will succeed and reach her goals. As an EOP Ambassador, her biggest goal is to be relatable and an inspiration to everyone who faces economic, social, and academic barriers. Tara hopes to become a light and trusted mentor for anyone who feels like they can't succeed because they lack support.

Rancelli Marie Burdier is a Psychology major at SUNY New Paltz and a senior anticipating graduation in May 2027. As a first-generation college student and transfer student from SUNY Orange, Rancelli now serves as an EOP Ambassador and EOP Mentor at SUNY New Paltz. Her previous experience as an EOP Ambassador at SUNY Orange, along with her own transition between institutions, taught her the importance of community, mentorship, and asking for help. These experiences inspire her commitment to supporting students through the pivotal moments of their college journeys. During her time at SUNY Orange, her academic excellence and resilience were recognized with the Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for EOP Student Excellence and Resilience and received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence. At SUNY New Paltz, she serves as a Peer Coach with the Center for Student Success, supporting students as they navigate their academic experiences and connect with campus resources.

Rancelli is also a member of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, and Tau Sigma National Honor Society for transfer students. In 2026, she completed New Leadership® New York through the Center for Women in Government & Civil Society, strengthening her interests in civic engagement, public policy, and community leadership. Her own journey has reinforced the importance of not playing it small, recognizing that asking for help is a strength, and to seek opportunities. She believes the journey is not about being perfect or doing the most, but about being true to who you are and being intentional about the work you choose to do. Through her leadership and mentorship, Rancelli hopes to empower students to believe in themselves, recognize their own strengths, and use that power to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Brian Amaya is a Senior at SUNY Old Westbury. He is from Long Island, NY. He majors in Accounting with a micro-concentration in Forensic Accounting. As someone who did not apply himself in high school and changed the rhetoric of his life, Brian completely understands the value of hard work, challenging capabilities, and redefining self-improvement. The EOP program provided the best opportunity to restructure his career development and personal growth. Brian is a presidential ambassador for his college, an EOP tutor, a volunteer firefighter and EMT, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, and currently a prospective intern at EY.

Brian's main objective as an EOP ambassador is to help students realize their potential and how EOP can aid in maximizing their potential. If it were not for the EOP program, Brian could have never imagined the position he is currently in. He will continue to uphold the values of EOP and create an opportunity for students to learn about the amazing program and have it been the cornerstone of their development.

Ahmad Quadri is a senior at SUNY Oswego, majoring in Information Science with a minor in Electrical Engineering. He moved to America in 2022 from Pakistan. Since being accepted as an EOP student at SUNY Oswego, he has been motivated to pursue many opportunities that EOP has to offer. He started by taking ESL classes to help improve his English-speaking skills. He was selected as an EOP Academic Peer Coach, where he has been paired with students each semester to help them develop successful academic skills in college. Ahmad has served as an EOP Summer Peer Leader, assisting prospective EOP freshmen in completing their summer bridge program. Later on that year, he was nominated for and selected as one of the SUNY EOP Ambassadors to represent SUNY Oswego. He participated in the EOP Summer Research Internship for 2026, where he spent his summer at the University at Buffalo experimenting on CIGS (a type of thin-film photovoltaic technology) solar cells for use in outer space.

"If it weren’t for EOP, I wouldn’t have been given these opportunities or met the people that have helped me go after and accomplish these goals. EOP has helped build me into someone who is in a position where I can make a difference."

Jesli Chopin is a junior at SUNY Potsdam, majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Psychology. Originally from Bayville, New York, she is proud to be continuing her education as a first-generation college student where she understands the importance of creating her own path and taking advantage of opportunities that allow her to grow. Her experiences as an older sister and daughter of a single mother have motivated her to become independent, determined, and supportive of those around her. She hopes to use her journey to encourage other first-generation students to pursue their goals and recognize their own potential.

At SUNY Potsdam, Jesli is an active member of the SOCA LOCA Club and currently serves as Treasurer. She also works in the Office of Admissions as a Student Ambassador, where she represents SUNY Potsdam and interacts with prospective students and families. Her role allows her to use her strong communication skills while sharing her experiences and helping others feel welcomed and confident in their college search.

Looking toward the future, Jesli hopes to pursue a career in marketing or management, where she can combine her knowledge of Business Administration and Psychology. Her strong communication skills, outgoing personality, and natural leadership abilities have inspired her to pursue a career where she can lead teams, build relationships, develop creative strategies, and make a positive impact. Her goal is not only to build a successful career but also to inspire others to believe in themselves and pursue opportunities beyond what they may have initially imagined. She is committed to becoming a successful professional while staying grounded in the values of family, hard work, kindness, and community.

Raised in the Soundview part of The Bronx, Jada Villanueva is a sophomore at SUNY Purchase majoring in Theatre and Performance with a minor in Art Management. Thanks to the EOP program, Jada can shape her future into what she always dreamed it to be. Without the help of her EOP counselors, staff, and friends, she wouldn’t be thriving the way she is now.

As an ambassador, she hopes to give back to the program that has guided her, by supporting and welcoming new students with open arms, encouraging them to make the best of the adventure that is college. One way she's done this is by being a mentor to the freshmen at Purchase during the EOP summer academy.

She believes that students should be allowed to pursue what inspires them and makes them happy. EOP has been a family Jada could always trust and rely on, she hopes everyone can find the type of community the program has fostered for her.

Sebastian Adams is a senior at Stony Brook University, majoring in Psychology Bachelor's degree with a specialization in Marketing. He intends to pursue a Master's degree in Higher Education Administration with a goal to support future generations of college students throughout their careers outside of the classroom.

Sebastian is an EOP scholar who has committed every summer to EOP as a Residential Coach since his time as an incoming first-year within the rigorous EOP Summer Academy. He has also taken on Success Coaching for first-year EOP Students. His work within numerous organizations on campus that are focused on Campus & Student Life has left a major positive impact on the campus community. His involvement in the Undergraduate Student Government, serving as the Vice President of Student Life during the 2025-2026 academic year included direct oversight over numerous major campus traditions that each with record breaking attendance showing his commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive and exciting environment for the Stony Brook campus community. He is a founding member of the Sigma Chi Zeta Fraternity, Associate Chapter at Stony Brook. He has dedicated his time at SUNY to fostering community and cultivating a fun and inclusive campus community through numerous outlets.

Arianna Sinclair is a senior nursing student at SUNY Sullivan Community College, a two-time EOP Ambassador, and a fellow in the Catskill Hudson Area Health Education Center Fellowship Program. Throughout her college journey, she has embraced opportunities to grow as a leader, advocate, and future healthcare professional. She previously served as Student Government Association President, an experience that strengthened her passion for student advocacy, leadership, and building community.

Originally from Jamaica, Arianna has always understood the importance of community and having people who believe in you. Her experience as an EOP student has helped her grow in ways she could have never imagined, not only academically, but personally and professionally. Through EOP, she has gained meaningful relationships, opportunities, confidence, and a stronger sense of purpose.

Outside of school, Arianna works primarily as a babysitter, caring for children and working closely with their parents. This experience has helped her develop patience, communication, adaptability, responsibility, and people skills that will continue to serve her throughout her nursing career. Working with both children and parents has also given her valuable experience in building trust and communicating with families, an important part of providing compassionate care as a future nurse.

As a returning EOP Ambassador, Arianna is especially excited to continue to give back to the program that continues to give her so much. She hopes to be a source of encouragement and support for students while helping them recognize their potential and make the most of their own EOP experience. For her, being an ambassador is more than a title, it is an opportunity to represent a community that has played such an important role in her growth.

Keily Montes is a Psychology major, entering her sophomore year at Westchester Community College (WCC) on track to pursue a Bachelors in Neuroscience. Before becoming WCC's first EOP ambassador, Keily graduated from Westchester's Educational Opportunity Center (WEOC) in 2024 with a certificate in Medical Billing and Coding intending on hitting the ground running into the workforce. However, in the pursuit of her certification she realized she wanted more for herself as this sparked a new passion for learning. At WEOC, she met with a counselor who assisted in her transition to college as well as informing her about EOP. Within a year, she went from being the average student to working closely with her EOP Director, who saw something in her enough to nominate her to be an EOP ambassador.

As this is the start of her academic journey, Keily aims to inspire those at WCC through her story of finding motivation and ambition through adversity. Her main drive for success is providing her mom with a better life. Being the youngest of 4 who was raised in Downtown Yonkers by a woman who did it all on her own, Keily wishes to embody that strength to achieve her goals. Coming from that place of hardship, she has seen the value of putting a face to the statistic and has the privilege of learning that through struggle you can be the voice of those that have a similar story. While her journey didn't start out with higher education in mind, seeing what it has done and can do for her through EOP has inspired her to reach for the stars as only the sky is the limit.