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 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, 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
My name is Camron Anderson, and I am a 2nd-year graduate student in the RPTA program here. I enjoy being able to connect with people through the MCC while also building my own interpersonal skills for my field of study and exploring new things and points of view.
Giovanni Donato
Pronouns | He, Him, His
Graduate Assistant - Casa Latina Cultural Center
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.
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.
Walter Williams
Pronouns | He, Him, His
Graduate Assistant - Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center
Email: w-williams@wiu.edu
Walter Williams, a first-generation college student from Chicago, earned his B.S. in Law Enforcement & Justice Administration from Western Illinois University in 2024 and is currently in his second year of pursuing a master’s degree in Public Safety. As an undergraduate, Walter served as president of the Preeminent Gentlemen’s Society and Chapter President of the Zeta Mu Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., where he gained valuable leadership experience and a commitment to service.
In his role at the Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center’s Multicultural Center, Walter works to create inclusive and engaging programs that celebrate culture, foster student success, and promote leadership development. His academic and professional journey reflects his dedication to public safety, community engagement, and empowering the next generation of students at WIU.
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 on public administration. She was previously the president of the Preeminent Ladies Society, Vice-President of the 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, and 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 an MCC Student Ambassador and an Undergraduate Admissions Ambassador as an 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 am 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
My name is Yinka Ogunlana. I’m a graduate student at Western Illinois University pursuing dual master’s degrees in Instructional Design & Technology and Political Science. As the Marketing & Outreach Graduate Assistant at the Multicultural Center, I’m passionate about creating welcoming spaces and using storytelling, events, and outreach to highlight and celebrate the diverse voices that make our campus community thrive.
Before joining the MCC, I served as a Graduate Ambassador, Student Ambassador, and nonprofit consultant, where I planned identity-based events, built connections with underrepresented communities, and contributed to advocacy projects focused on accessibility and inclusion. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to fostering a genuine sense of belonging for every student.
Outside of work and school, I enjoy reading, writing, exploring creative projects, and spending time with family and friends. I look forward to meeting new people, reconnecting with familiar faces, and helping make the MCC a place that truly feels like home.
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