Ivan Olay

Program Specialist

Phone: 505-277-5492
Email: iolay@unm.edu

Ivan Olay was born in Mexico City where both of his parents were born and raised. At the age of seven, his parents and two siblings migrated to Albuquerque, New Mexico in search of a new life. As most immigrants with little resources, they struggled for many years. Although from a low-income background, their lives were rich with struggles and triumphs. His father’s persistence to succeed was imbedded in him even although he realized those lessons later in life. His mother’s unconditional love was unyielding even when he “rebelled”. Ivan attended the University of New Mexico and in the fall of 1994 where he became a Lobo and graduated from the Anderson School of Management in 2002 Currently he is working to finish his graduate degree in Educational Leadership. In 2003 he was hired by the Educational Opportunity Program under Special Programs now known as the Department of College Enrichment and Outreach Programs. In 2004, he had the honor to begin his work with many wonderful and talented students through the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP). He began his work as the Academic Advisor for CAMP and currently serves to lead the program. He recently has had the honor to become part of the High school Equivalency Program (HEP), like CAMP serves the same farm working background but to attain their High school equivalency diploma. He currently serves as the National HEP/CAMP Association Treasurer.

Cynthia Padilla

Sr. Student Program Advisor

Phone: 505-277-0744
Email: cypadilla11@unm.edu

Cynthia Padilla was born in Chihuahua, Mexico. Her and her family migrated to Dallas, Texas when she was six years old. They lived in Texas for six months and then relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her mom recalls seeing Cynthia’s love for books and curiosity develop at an early age. Consequently, her mom always encouraged her to strive for her education as it would allow her to have greater opportunities. Cynthia’s appreciation for education, literature, and her parents’ sacrifice led her to the University of New Mexico in 2013. She pursued her Bachelor of Arts in English Language & Literature and graduated in 2017. She worked at South Valley Academy as a program assistant coordinator where she worked with high school students. However, Cynthia’s mentor, Dr. Jesses Alemán, inspired her to aim for her graduate studies. In 2019, she started her Master’s program and she took on a teaching assistantship with the English department. She taught English composition courses. Through her teaching, she realized she was passionate about working with students in higher education. Cynthia graduated with her Master of Arts in English Language and Literature in the Spring of 2021. After she graduated, she was hired as a Sr. Academic Advisor at University College Advisement Center. She worked there for two years before transitioning into CAMP as the program advisor. Her goal is to continue to inspire students (as her mentors inspired her) to embrace the opportunities that education has to offer.

Samantha "Sammi" Williams

Program Coordinator for CAMP/HEP

Phone: 505-277-0276
Email: skwilliams@unm.edu

Sammi graduated from CNM with an Associates in Liberal arts in 2014. She is new to CAMP and HEP, and the school in general. She is going to UNM for her BBA in Management Information Systems and plan to also receive my MBA from UNM for Marketing, then eventually going to school for the culinary arts. She loves helping people and bringing joy any time she gets the chance, and is excited to get to help CAMP and HEP help students get the education that they need and want!

Jesus Hernandez

Phone: 505-340-4856
Email: jhernandez213@unm.edu

My name is Jesus Hernandez I was born in a small town in Durango Mexico. When I was 12 years old my mom decided to bring my two sisters and I to the United States (Albuquerque). As many people do, we came to this country for a better life. Growing up in Mexico my family worked on agriculture. At the age of five I started working on the field with my cousins and uncles; it may seem crazy, but I had the best time when I was on the field working, it was like nothing else matter. My mom decided to move to Albuquerque and for me it was extremely hard at first to adapt to the point I kept begging my mom to go back. I was not great in High School and barely graduated with the support of my family and teachers. When I became I Dreamer (DACA) it changed my life and I decided that I was going to take this opportunity and make the best of it. I graduated with a major in Psychology and Spanish, and I am hoping to go for a master's in clinical psychology. One of my biggest goals is to be able to give back to the community, that is why I decided to be part of CAMP. I feel like it is going to give me the opportunity to reach many people and help them achieve their dreams.