Professional Staff
Katy Valentin (Pronounced Val-in-teen)
Pronouns | She, Her, Hers
Director - Multicultural Center
Email: kl-valentin@wiu.edu
Katy serves as the Director of the Multicultural Center. She received her master's degree in educational and interdisciplinary studies and her bachelor's degree in Spanish, both from WIU. She is in the process of completing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership. She has a passion for supporting college students on their pathway to success and developing an inclusive environment where students can feel empowered and grow as leaders. She enjoys spending her free time traveling and watching movies with her children, Nehemiah and Valentina. Her favorite movies include the original Star Wars Trilogy, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Avengers: Endgame, and Encanto.
All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” - Gandalf, The Lord of the Rings
LeRon Williams (Pronounced La-Ron)
Pronouns | He, Him, His
Associate Director - Multicultural Center
Email: la-williams2@wiu.edu
LeRon Williams serves as the Associate Director of the Multicultural Center. He graduated from the University of Nebraska with a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Sociology and is currently pursuing his masters in Sport Psychology. LeRon has a passion for developing leaders and working with organizations that prioritize mentorship in underserved communities. He is a proud husband to his wife of 10 years, Brittney, and a proud father of his 6 year old son, Adam. His favorite movies are: The Harder They Fall, All About the Benjamins, Meteor Man, John Wick (I, II, III).
~Swedish Proverb -
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
~Matthew 5:14-16
Cam'ron Anderson
Pronouns | He, His, Him
Graduate Assistant - Admin Support & Operations
Email: ck-anderson2@wiu.edu
Cam'ron is an ambitious student specializing in parks, recreation, and tourism administration. He is passionate about enhancing community experiences and aims to merge his creative skills in art with event planning expertise. He is looking forward to being apart of creating memorable events that celebrate diversity and enrich campus life.
Giovanni Donato
Pronouns | He, Him, His
Graduate Assistant - Casa Latina
Email: g-donato@wiu.edu
Gio recently graduated from WIU with a bachelor’s in law enforcement and a minor in homeland security. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public safety. He previously served as Marketing & Social Media Executive Board Member for the United Greek Council and is a brother of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity Inc.
Walter Williams
Pronouns | He, Him, His
Graduate Assistant - Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center
Email: w-williams@wiu.edu
Zsayla Simlin
Pronouns | She, Her, Hers
Graduate Assistant - Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center
Email: z-simlin@wiu.edu
Zsayla graduated from WIU with a bachelor's in political science and a minor in African-American studies. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in political science with a focus in public administration. She was previously the president of the Preeminent Ladies Society, Vice-President of NAACP, and a member of the Good Girl Movement. She is excited to continue helping others and furthering the development of students on campus.
Patience Thomas
Pronouns | She, Her, Hers
Graduate Assistant - Women's Center
Email: pa-thomas@wiu.edu
My name is Patience Thomas I’m from Springfield Illinois. I am a first year graduate student pursuing my Master’s degree in Sociology. I graduated from WIU with a Bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration -with a minor in Sociology spring 2024. I previously worked as a MCC Student Ambassador and an Undergraduate Admissions Ambassador as a undergraduate student. Two of my biggest goals are to make a positive difference in a person’s life and to advocate for those who feel their voices aren’t being heard. I enjoy reading, writing, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends. I am also a proud sister of Alpha Psi Lambda National, Inc. I look forward to working as a GA in the Women’s Center and excited to see new and familiar faces.
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