About Us

The College Corps at UCLA Staff is dedicated to serving our fellows by building community, providing support, and upholding our Bruin values.

Meet Our Staff

Amanda Finzi-Smith | Director

Amanda (she/her/hers) received both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Florida International University before joining UCLA in 2015. She has served in many capacities since her arrival; most notably, Amanda is responsible for helming the #CaliforniansForAll Initiative for UCLA and securing the funding for the College Corps Bruin community.

Fun fact: Amanda is a frequent traveler and has traveled to more than 15 countries!

A smiling Black woman, with long curly hair, in a blue shirt

Constance "Cee Jaye" Joyner | Community Outreach & Engagement Program Coordinator

Ms. Cee Jaye (she/her/hers) received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of California - Riverside. She began her career as a nurse, which led to becoming a vocational instructor, and ultimately, transitioning to a social justice educator in Higher Ed. In addition to her dedicated years of service in the healthcare realm, her service to the community-at-large includes volunteering for numerous hospital and charity events, as well as the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, the LA Convention Center, and LACMA. Fun Fact: She collects and wears unique Crocs!

A smiling Black woman, with short gray hair, and glasses, in a blue shirt

Zainab Nicholas | Leadership & Development Program Coordinator

Zainab (she/her/hers) attended HBCU Morgan State University where she received a B.A. in History. She then graduated with a Master's in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs from University of Southern California. She aims to provide an ideal vehicle for students to apply their academic skills toward community-based learning through engagement and collaboration with marginalized communities.

Fun fact: She has a part-time pup named Harley!

A smiling Black woman, with dark brown hair, in a blue shirt

Jewel Bourne | Program Coordinator

Jewel Bourne (she/her/they) received her AA degrees from Santa Monica College, bachelor's degrees in English and Gender Studies from UCLA (GO BRUINS!), and Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from California State University, Northridge. Jewel is currently a Ph.D. student in the Department of Education Policy, Organization & Leadership with a concentration in higher education and community college leadership at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign.

Jewel's work in higher education revolves around the promotion of access, persistence, and empowerment of traditionally underrepresented populations in higher education.

Fun Fact: Jewel has a very active Golden Retriever/Labrador Retriever named Honey!

A smiling Black woman, with long black braids, and glasses, in a blue shirt

Astrid Colop | Program Coordinator

Astrid (ella) Attended the University of California Los Angeles, where she received her B.A. in Psychology. She initially served as a program coordinator for UCLA First To Go, but her passion for AB540 students brought her College Corps.

Fun Fact: Astrid used to be a part of Grupo Folklorico!

Orange circle with simple outline of a person inside

Saul Maganelles | Program Coordinator

Saul (he/him/his) Attended University of California Santa Barbara where he received his B.A. in Political Science and Technology Management certification. He initially served as a Financial Manager specializing in trust funds in the Seattle area, Then pivoted into education sector where his focus was driving STEM initiatives in the greater Los Angeles area.

Fun Fact: Saul enjoys hiking, camping, or anything outdoors and has a deep passion for sports!

A smiling man, with short black hair, in a blue shirt

Isaiah Bailey | Graduate Student Researcher

J. Isaiah Bailey (he/him/his) is a Political Science PhD student at the University of California – Los Angeles. His research focuses broadly on the psychological aspects of political ideology, as well as Black public opinion and political behavior. Having worked previously within various state-level government bodies and in the nonprofit sector, Isaiah has spearheaded numerous polling and survey research projects related to the study of race and political behavior.

A smiling Black man, with long locs, in a blue shirt

Jackson Fletcher | Graduate Student Researcher

Jackson (she/her/hers) is a PhD Student in Electrical & Computer Engineering at UCLA Samueli. She graduated with a BS in Physics from HBCU Hampton University and currently serves on the ASUCLA Board of Directors.

Fun Fact: Jackson is the creator of Action Jackson, an animated series that teaches physics in bite-sized animated shorts!

A smiling Black woman with long braids, in a blue shirt