STAFF & CAREERS

Sonia Zárate, PhD, MLS, is the Interim Executive Director of the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS). A longtime member and former SACNAS National President and Board Chair, Sonia brings more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, STEM education, organizational strategy, and professional development.

Sonia's connection to SACNAS began as an undergraduate when she attended the SACNAS National Conference, her first scientific conference. Having benefited firsthand from the organization's programs, opportunities, and community, she is honored to return as a steward of the organization that helped shape her own path in science. She is committed to ensuring that SACNAS continues to create opportunities and foster a sense of belonging for future generations of scientists.

Prior to returning to SACNAS in this role, Sonia held leadership positions at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), the University of San Diego, and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Throughout her career, she has led national initiatives in scientific leadership, mentorship, undergraduate research, and professional development. Her work across higher education and philanthropy has focused on expanding opportunities for scientists, strengthening institutional cultures, and developing emerging leaders.

Sonia holds a PhD in Plant Biology from the University of California, Riverside, and a Master of Legal Studies in Public Interest Law from UCLA School of Law.

Outside of work, Sonia enjoys cheering on the Los Angeles Dodgers as a proud season ticket holder. Go Blue!

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A staff member since 2016, Daniela currently oversees SACNAS’ membership strategies, providing vision and leadership for member recruitment, engagement, retention, and growth of SACNAS' national network of college students and professionals in STEM across the United States. Daniela earned a Bachelors in Geology and Journalism from the University of Southern California. Daniela is honored to serve SACNAS in supporting underserved groups to find their voice and inspire the next generation.

In her spare time, Daniela enjoys true crime podcasts, playing the piano, and taking her daughter on new adventures.

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Desiree oversees the execution of the Development and Communications team which blends fund development, communications, and marketing functions to create a seamless voice and powerful revenue engine. She also provides leadership to the organization’s efforts to sustain its work, including grant management and individual giving. Desiree also manages the overall marketing and promotional functions to construct and market an appropriate and seamless image of the organization as a national thought leader in STEM and develop ties with the community.

Desiree has a BA in Business Management with an emphasis in marketing along with a Master's degree in Nonprofit Management. She has spent her entire career working in the non-profit sector, including work at a private foundation. 

Desiree spends as much time as possible at baseball games or exploring with her pup, Lucy. 

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Elizabeth provides strategic and operational leadership across the full SACNAS portfolio of programs, spanning Student Programs, Native Initiatives, Professional & Leadership Programs, and the SACNAS Annual Conference. She works across the organization to align programmatic strategy with the SACNAS mission, organizational priorities, and long-term impact, while supporting the development and execution of programs serving individuals across the STEM career continuum.

A longtime SACNISTA, Elizabeth has been actively engaged with SACNAS since her undergraduate years, serving in chapter leadership roles and presenting research at the SACNAS Annual Conference (formerly NDiSTEM). This lived experience informs her leadership philosophy and reinforces her commitment to creating accessible, high-impact learning environments where emerging scientists and leaders can thrive.

Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, and German shepherd. She enjoys board games, puzzles, all things true crime, and making traditional carne asada when the weather permits.

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Patricia supports the planning and execution of events including program events, initiatives, and the annual NDiSTEM conference, which is central to the organization’s mission.  She is a management professional with 25 years of experience in the meetings and events industry.  

Patricia has a B.S. in Management from the University of Southern Mississippi and received the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation in 2005.  She served on the Board of Directors of the Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter of Meeting Professionals International as the Director of Member Care.  In this role, she was instrumental in reinstating the Chapter’s mentoring program and encouraging professional growth among the members. 

Since Patricia (and her husband) are now “empty nesters,” she enjoys early morning walks and sipping coffee on the patio while perusing articles about the latest home decorating trends.

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Priya oversees SACNAS' Operations, providing leadership and oversight on all aspects of the employee life cycle.

With undergraduate degrees in Communication and International Relations from UC Davis along with a Master's in Organizational Leadership & Development from USF, Priya has a passion for helping others organizations and individuals thrive. She is very honored to be working with such an amazing team.

In her spare time, Priya enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the outdoors, interior decorating and traveling.

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Marilú Chávez-Leyva is Executive Assistant to the Executive Director (ED) and Board Liaison. She supports the ED in all administrative responsibilities and serves as the contact and support person to the Board of Directors, executive officers, and Council of Senior Advisors. Ms. Chávez graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 2001 with a BA in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and has worked with SACNAS since June of 2001, in a variety of roles such as Student Presentations Manager, Accounting Coordinator and Human Resources Coordinator. Ms. Chávez was originally drawn to work with the organization because of the profound sense of community at SACNAS and she is proud to be part of a movement that is opening paths to science, education, and leadership to Hispanics/Chicanos and Native Americans in STEM.

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Alexandra (AJ) Holder, BS is the current Assistant, Programs Assistant at SACNAS. She helps with our TCU students and different programing for our students throughout the year as well as helping with our Indigenous events at the annual conference. AJ is enrolled in the Winnebago tribe of Nebraska but she is also Oglala Lakota, Wichita, Northern Cheyenne and Sauk & Fox. She graduated from Haskell Indian Nations University in 2023 where she obtained her Bachelors Degree of Environmental Science.

Prior to joining the SACNAS staff she was a student member for four years where she got to learn the true meaning of what being a Sacnista is. AJ has a deep passion for serving her community and helping our youth in any way that she is capable of which is why she loves working for SACNAS. Outside of her work at SACNAS she spends her time sewing, beading, dancing in powwows, and participating in community events. 

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Alex supports multiple projects across all departments, focusing on strengthening operational efficiency and impact. She is proud to join the SACNAS team in supporting the new generation and the positive impacts they will make in their communities.

Alex enjoys attempting new recipes, roller skating, and hiking with her dog.

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Angel is the point of contact for the National SACNAS Chapter network and helps to provide logistical support for the Chapter and Member Services department. Having pursued a Business degree as a minority in college, Angel is honored to serve historically undeserved groups and be part of a historical change in this next generation. In his spare time, Angel likes to go thrift shopping, playing/watching soccer, listening to music, explore new coffee shops and going out for spontaneous adventures!

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Ashanti currently serves as the Giving Manager here at SACNAS! Prior to joining our SACNAS team, she worked for Positive Childhood Alliance NC where she served as the Annual Giving Manager. Ashanti received her bachelors from Winston Salem State University where she studied political science and began her 13 year career in Development!

In her spare time, Ashanti enjoys making fun memories with her 6-year-old son, curating content for her balloon styling business, POPPD, and traveling to new places!

Ashanti is very excited to be on the team! 

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As Associate Director Partnerships & Sales, Dawn seeks creative ways to connect SACNAS students and postdocs to opportunities for college and career advancement with our partners from educational institutions, corporations, and government agency partners.

Dawn was hooked after the first SACNAS conference she was part of. The enthusiasm and gratitude of the students in attendance continue to fuel Dawn’s commitment to the mission of SACNAS.

Family and friends are the focus of Dawn’s free time, from spending time together at the beach to sharing a cup of coffee at a café, to (most importantly) watching her grandkids grow.

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Tribal Affiliation: Navajo/Diné

Elisabeth works with SACNAS to support the development, coordination, and growth of programs that strengthen pathways and opportunities in STEM. She is a first-generation college graduate and brings over three years of experience supporting students and professionals across the higher education and nonprofit sectors. Her work has included engagement with individuals from high school through early and mid-career stages, with a focus on program development, participant recruitment and retention, and cross-platform outreach. Through her professional experience, Elisabeth has contributed to the refinement and expansion of key initiatives, strengthened engagement strategies, and supported collaboration across teams. She holds a master’s degree in the science of health care delivery and a bachelor’s degree in forensic science from Arizona State University, where she also graduated from Barrett, the Honors College. 

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Emily coordinates various student-focused programs and applications and acts as the primary point of contact for current and prospective members interested in SACNAS student programs & services. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in English, Emily began working directly with students in various phases of their academic careers, and is honored to continue working to increase accessibility for students and equity within educational opportunities developed.

In her spare time, Emily enjoys getting outdoors with her family, eating sushi, reading, and making resin art.  

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Liliane provides support for the SACNAS Annual Conference and logistics coordination for year-round events. Raised in an international and humanitarian environment, Liliane has always been passionate about social justice and leaving this world better than she found it. Outside work, you can find Liliane enjoying concerts or marveling at Southern California’s natural beauty.

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Natalie manages the organization's social media channels, graphic designs, and merchandise for the National Diversity in STEM (NDiSTEM) Conference. A Communication Studies graduate of Columbia Basin College and Western Washington University, Natalie excels in crafting engaging content and enhancing brand outreach. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her husband and husky, reading, knitting, and baking bread.

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Through the foundation of fostering a collaborative environment within the SACNAS team, Saryne develops and implements strategies to achieve fiscal stability, growth, longevity, and connection to the mission.

Saryne has dedicated the last 15 years to non-profits who support and uplift our underserved, SACNAS is the perfect place to bring together her heritage as a member of the Leech Lake band of Ojibwe and her passion to serve.

Having grown up in Lake Tahoe, Saryne takes any chance to be in nature from hiking in Thailand, to stand-up paddle-boarding with her family.

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