Student Advisory Council

Alan Cervantes is a senior at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, studying political science with two supporting minors in philosophy & global labor studies. A first-generation student, Alan is passionate about entering public service and solving the many types of inequalities prevalent in our society, especially among low-income communities. He is excited to learn from his peers in the Student Advisory Council and work together to address the problems preventing people from accessing higher-education. In his free time, Alan enjoys to read about history and building Lego sets.

Kia Clair is a senior University Honors student attending Northern Illinois University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science with a concentration on politics and governance. On a pre-law track, Kia is passionate about education equity and finding solutions to the barriers that contribute to marginalized individuals not completing higher education. In addition to this, she serves on the Young Invincible’s Youth Advisory Board, occupies an e-board position as the president for the Pre-Law Honors Society, and is currently interning for State Representative Carol Ammons as her communications and media aide. Kia is looking forward to raising awareness that promotes dialogue regarding access to education.

Guillermo Franco is a junior at the University of Illinois Chicago, pursuing a degree in electrical engineering with a minor in computer science. Guillermo is passionate about using engineering to solve real-world problems while creating opportunities for others within his community. Through his involvement in projects ranging from autonomous robotics to embedded systems, he has developed both technical skills and a drive to collaborate with others. The Student Advisory Council provides Guillermo with the opportunity to connect with others while creating a meaningful impact for all students, demonstrating that dreams and success are possible for immigrants and those within his community.

Meghana Halbe is a senior at the University of Chicago studying public policy and psychology. She is passionate about making education more equitable and accessible, fighting for human rights and bodily autonomy, and encouraging civic engagement among young people. She is most looking forward to working with other students to influence state decisions that directly affect their demographic.

Maya McGrew is a senior at Illinois Wesleyan University studying educational studies with a focus on education policy and access. As a first-generation college student, Maya is passionate about quality education that cultivates socioeconomic mobility through areas such as early childhood literacy or CTE, environmental sustainability, and creating opportunities for students to thrive both inside and outside of the classroom. She looks forward to serving on the SAC as a chance to collaborate with peers, share ideas, and help create meaningful experiences for campus communities across Illinois.

German Melo is a senior at National Louis University pursuing a degree in psychology with a minor in business administration. He is optimistic about building meaningful connections through the SAC and finding ways to support both his peers and his community during these challenging times. He is most excited about the opportunity to collaborate with other like-minded individuals and create a positive impact on the Illinois student community. He looks forward to growing as a leader while also helping to shape a welcoming and engaging environment for all students. Outside of academics, Guillermo enjoys swimming, the arts, and video editing.

Alexis (Lexi) Muñoz is a senior at Loyola University Chicago studying political science. A Southside Chicago native, Lexi is extremely passionate about equitable education access in the Chicagoland area and looks forward to making a positive impact for other students by being apart of the SAC. She believes that youth voices being part of legislative and philanthropic spaces is important, and is honored to be apart of a motivated group of young civic leaders. In her free time, Lexi enjoys planning trips and reading.

Joana Villa is a junior finance major on a pre-law track at the University of Illinois Chicago. As a first-generation college student, Joana is most excited to support others who want to pursue higher education. She looks forward to helping and inspiring other students with her community through her membership with the SAC.