Multicultural Center
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 master's 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, and 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
Camron is a 2nd-year graduate student in the RPTA program at WIU. He enjoys being able to connect with people through the Multicultural Center while also building his interpersonal skills for his field of study, and exploring new things and points of view.
Johnmarco Maldonado
Pronouns | He, Him, His
Graduate Assistant - Casa Latina Cultural Center
Email: j-maldonado5@wiu.edu
Johnmarco is a senior student from Chicago, Illinois, who brings pride in both his city and his Hispanic heritage to his work on campus. He is passionate about creating authentic connections with students and uses his cultural roots and lived experiences to build meaningful relationships. Committed to fostering community and belonging, Johnmarco strives to support and uplift every student he interacts with.
Christian Carson
Pronouns | He, Him, His
Graduate Assistant - Casa Latina Cultural Center
Email: zc-carson@wiu.edu
Christian graduated from WIU with a bachelor’s in law enforcement. He is currently pursuing his master's degree in public safety. As a brother of Lambda Theta Phi, he enjoys spending time at different events on campus with his brothers or being at home with his adorable blue-nose pit, making music, or watching movies.
Kevyere Mack
Pronouns | He, Him, His
Graduate Assistant - Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center
Email: k-mack@wiu.edu
Kevyere Mack is pursuing an MBA with a concentration in Human Resources Management. He earned his B.S. in Criminal Justice with a minor in Public Health from Illinois State University. He is a member of the men’s track and field team, competing in the hurdles and short sprints, and is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., where he has strengthened his leadership and community engagement skills. Kevyere is passionate about fostering inclusive spaces that support student success.
Charlyne Banks
Pronouns | She, Her, Hers
Intern - Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center
Email: cm-banks3@wiu.edu
Charlyne is a senior studying Social Work at WIU. She is a dedicated member of the MCC who strives to create a safe, welcoming environment for all students. She hopes to bring a unique perspective to the GBBC events, using her background as a social work major and a triplet. As a resident assistant and future social worker, she is thrilled at the opportunity to work with students with different personalities, backgrounds, and perspectives. She thoroughly believes that everyone should be treated with kindness and respect, regardless of how they identify.
Patience Thomas
Pronouns | She, Her, Hers
Graduate Assistant - Women's Center
Email: pa-thomas@wiu.edu
Patience is a second-year graduate student pursuing her Master’s degree in Sociology. She graduated from WIU with a Bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, with a minor in Sociology spring 2024. She previously worked as an MCC Student Ambassador and an Admissions Ambassador as an undergraduate student. Two of her 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. She enjoys reading, writing, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends. She is also a proud sister of Alpha Psi Lambda National, Inc. She looks forward to working as a GA in the Women’s Center and is excited to see new and familiar faces.
Elizabeth Oyeniyi
Pronouns | She, Her, Hers
Graduate Assistant - Women's Center
Email: EA-Oyeniyi2@wiu.edu
Elizabeth is a first-year graduate student pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Health. She is also a medical doctor with experience in clinical practice, health education, and community engagement. Elizabeth has worked on several projects involving women’s sexual and reproductive health, with a strong focus on empowering underserved communities and promoting health equity. Her biggest goal is to create inclusive spaces where people feel valued and to inspire others to reach their full potential. As a Graduate Assistant at the Multicultural Center, Elizabeth looks forward to connecting with students, celebrating diversity, and making a positive impact on campus life.
Stormy Lopez
Pronouns | She, Her, Hers
Graduate Assistant - LGBT*QA Resource Center
Email: sr-lopez2@wiu.edu
Stormy Lopez is a recent graduate of Western Illinois University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, with a minor in Criminalistics. During her undergraduate studies, she served as an Admissions Ambassador with the Undergraduate Admissions Office. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in Public Safety Administration. Actively involved on campus, Stormy welcomes the opportunity to connect—feel free to approach her with questions or for a friendly conversation whenever you see her around.
Demi Thomas
Pronouns | She, Her, Hers
Graduate Assistant - LGBT*QA Resource Center
Email: dm-thomas2@wiu.edu
Demi Thomas is a first-year graduate student at Western Illinois University, pursuing a Master’s in Public Safety Administration. She serves as a Graduate Assistant for the LGBT*QA Resource Center at WIU and holds a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement & Justice Administration with a minor in Homeland Security from WIU. Demi brings a strong background in criminal justice, youth engagement, and community service, with hands-on experience gained through her internship at the Peoria County Juvenile Detention Center. She is also a proud member of the Preeminent Gentlemen Society on campus and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. A fun fact about Demi is that she has a Yorkie named Bella, has been cooking since she was 6 years old, and loves driving long distances.
Yinka Ogunlana
Pronouns | He, Him, His
Graduate Assistant - Marketing & Outreach
Email: ys-ogunlana@wiu.edu
Yinka is pursuing dual master’s degrees in Instructional Design & Technology and Political Science. He is passionate about creating welcoming spaces and using storytelling, events, and outreach to highlight and celebrate the diverse voices that make our campus community thrive. He previously served as a Graduate Ambassador, Student Ambassador, and nonprofit consultant, where he planned identity-based events, built connections with underrepresented communities, and contributed to advocacy projects focused on accessibility and inclusion. Yinka enjoys reading, writing, exploring creative projects, and spending time with family and friends. He looks forward to meeting new people, reconnecting with familiar faces, and helping make the MCC a place that truly feels like home.
Connect with us: