SLI Team
Meet the SLI Team
The Science Learning Intitute is managed by two teams, our Staff Team and the SLI STEM Impact Team. Meet our teams members below.
Sophia Kim, Director, Science Learning Institute
The Science Learning Institute (SLI) is led by Kim Sophia, whose mission is to advance diversity and equity in STEM by supporting students from underrepresented groups on their academic and career pathways. Under her leadership, SLI offers a range of programs that help students explore, prepare for, and succeed in STEM fields. Building 4400, Room 4408 Building 4400, Room 4408 Before joining Foothill College in spring 2020, Kim worked primarily in the nonprofit youth and education sector, partnering with low-income and immigrant communities to expand opportunities for young people. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and Biology from Williams College and a Master’s degree in Education from UMass Boston. Originally from the East Coast, Kim is now proud to call the Bay Area home.
(650) 949-7455
Jovanah Arrington, MESA Program Coordinator
Jovanah joined Foothill College as the MESA Program Coordinator in September 2023. Prior to this, she was the Athletics Academic Advisor at De Anza College. During this time, she worked closely with student-athletes to support them in meeting their academic and athletic goals. Prior to De Anza, Jovanah interned for UCLA Athletics where she was an Academic Mentor for student-athletes from a variety of teams. Jovanah has an Associate’s degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Merced College, and both a Bachelor’s in Education and Master’s in Sociology degree from Cal Poly Humboldt where she was a former Women’s Basketball student-athlete.
Paty Villegas, MESA Counselor
Patricia Villegas (Paty) server Foothill College students as a Counselor for the MESA Program. She is also a MESA Counselor at Mission College and an Adjunct Lecturer at Evergreen Valley College where she provides educational counseling and teaches courses on career planning and study skills. Paty is highly passionate in working with youth and young adults from underserved communities and guiding them with their academic and career goals.Paty’s life mission is to equip and empower students to pivot their mindset, find career fulfillment, and live a life with purpose and intention. She says, “I recognize the struggle that students experience in identifying their gifts and talents and how to use their strengths in the workforce. I am determined to help them acknowledge their unique traits.” Paty holds advanced degrees from San Jose State University and the University of Southern California in Social Work.
Lillian Swedlow, Student Empowerment Specialist
Lily is an Aerospace Engineering major who found her footing at Foothill College during the pandemic, launching her journey with SLI in the Techcore Cohort. Since then, she’s taken on various roles to empower students and build community—serving as a Peer Mentor for the Techcore Summer Institute (2021), a member of the STEM Impact Team (2021–23), Program Coordinator for the PRE-STEM Summer Institute (2022), and now as the STEM Student Empowerment Specialist. Her passion for space and innovation extends beyond Foothill—she’s participated in two NASA programs, further fueling her drive to make an impact in aerospace. When she’s not championing student success or spreading awareness about SLI, Lily enjoys playing video games, listening to audio books, and spending time with friends, family, her partner, and their dog.
Jordan Bueno, MESA Program Assistant
Fernanda Aboytes, SLI Program Assistant
SLI STEM Impact Team 2024-25
leadership team is dedicated to change efforts to advance SLI's mission both on campus and in the local community. If you're interested in working with SLI, learn more about what we are looking for and how you can contribute. <<link to work with SLI>>
Needs New Student Photos, they are too small.
Carlos Hernandez represents his hometown of Chicago as a first-generation Mexican-American college student. He embarked on his academic journey at Foothill College in 2023 with a passion for Mechanical Engineering and with the support of the PRE-STEM Summer Institute and MESA, he's been navigating the world of STEM with a goal to amplify representation and break barriers.
His curiosity led him to an internship with EMD Electronics, where he dived into the world of semiconductors. Beyond academics and work, you can find find him listening to music, catching concerts, and exploring new hobbies.
Cristian Vasquez is a Computer Science and Engineering major and a first-generation college student. He is an active member of the MESA program and the Business and Entrepreneurship Club, where he is passionate about helping others who are navigating their journey into STEM. Drawing from his own experience of feeling lost and needing guidance in the STEM field, Cristian is dedicated to providing support, opportunities, and resources, especially to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Cristian believes in breaking down barriers and creating inclusive environments where diverse perspectives can thrive. He has a deep love for all things science-related, including technology, the business side of tech, and computer science topics. In his free time, he enjoys surfing, working on projects, and staying active through workouts. Cristian is excited to continue learning and contributing to the SLI/MESA community.
Krizza Shae C Millare is a proud Filipina immigrant who embarked on her college journey at Foothill College in 2020 while working as a full-time medical assistant. During her time here, she was offered admission to Stanford University for a Stanford Summer Session Pilot Program 2022. This opportunity reignited her resolve to pursue a career in medicine. Hence, she is majoring in AST Biology.
Her proudest achievement to date is winning the RSLS Judge’s Award 2023. Her award-winning research, focused on regenerative medicine, was conducted during her participation in the SLI Winter Micro-internship 2023 at the Interventional Radiology Innovation at Stanford Laboratory.
In her leisure time, Krizza enjoys watching Korean dramas and anime series. She cherishes moments spent walking with her mom and siblings. Exploring the world is one of her life goals.
Paulina Cabral is pursuing a major in Data Science. As a SLI summer intern in 2024, Paulina enjoyed the many friendships and connectionsshe was able to form.She also likes reading and drawing, and has a kick for math. As part of SLI impact team, she hopes to bring diversity and growth to STEM while simultaneously forming new friendships.
Contact UsSophia Kim, SLI DirectorBldg 4400, Office 4408 |
