Meet the Staff

Carina Olaru
Director, Latino Cultural Center & Director, Student Advocacy and Education

Ebelin (She/Her/Hers), was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She is the daughter of Mexican immigrants and a first-generation college graduate. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of California, Riverside. She also received her Master’s degree in School Counseling from California Baptist University, along with her Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential. Prior to joining the LCC, Ebelin led and managed the alumni program for a network of charter schools in the Westlake/MacArthur Park area of Los Angeles, where she equipped first-generation college students with the tools and resources necessary to persist through college. There, she also led the Avanzando Through College program for three years. She comes to the LCC with seven years of experience working with first-generation Latinx students and diverse populations.
During her free time, she enjoys baking, reading, running, and spending time with her husband and two pugs, Romeo and Frida. She is new to the Midwest and is looking forward to experiencing all seasons! She is excited to connect with students at the LCC and provide support in building a sense of community and belonging within the Purdue community.

Guillermo Morgado Rodriguez(he/him/his), joined the Latino Cultural Center (LCC) in January 2023 as the senior administrative assistant. Prior to joining the LCC, Guillermo worked for the Office of Recruitment, Retention and Diversity in Purdue Polytechnic for seven years. Guillermo brings experience in working with undergraduate students to maximize their full potential and serves as the supervisor for the LCC's undergraduate student employees.
In 2018 and in 2022, Guillermo received the Purdue University Bravo Award for Operational Excellence, showing extraordinary efforts during times of critical department need exceeding expected or required performance.
Guillermo is a licensed esthetician and truly enjoys make up! He also enjoys dancing, the outdoors, and healthy food options! He is always willing to lend a helping hand and can’t help but spread his positive attitude. While working at Purdue, he has helped many students and staff reach their potential and increases positivity wherever he goes. He is truly one of a kind.
Lucía Ureña Rodríguez
Graduate Assistant
lurenaro@purdue.edu
Lucia Ureña-Rodriguez (she/her/hers) is a Ph.D. candidate in Learning Design and Technology. Lucia joined LCC as a graduate assistant in May 2023. She grew up in Dota, a coffee-growing area in Costa Rica. She moved to the city to start her undergraduate studies at Universidad de Costa Rica. There, she studied her B.A. and master’s in English teaching. She moved to West Lafayette with her husband and daughter in 2019 for her doctoral studies at Purdue University.
Before coming to Purdue, Lucia worked as an assistant professor at Universidad de Costa Rica where she taught English integrated skills, oral communication, and pronunciation courses, mainly. She also taught in the senior citizens program and conversational courses program at this university.
During her free time, Lucia enjoys spending time with her daughter, going for walks, and crafting.

Moacir Fonseca Becker
Graduate Assistant
Moacir Fonseca Becker (he/him/his) joined LCC in January 2023 as a Graduate Assistant. Currently, Moacir is studying for a Master's in Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue University with a focus on space systems and a minor in control. Moacir was born and raised in Costa Rica and also holds a Brazilian citizenship. He was raised in a bicultural environment. He graduated as a mechanical engineer from the University of Costa Rica and spent half a year studying abroad at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Moacir has been an advocate and actor in the development of the space sector in Central America, where he has been involved in space student groups, in charge of running microgravity experiments and, most recently, the development of the first Honduran satellite.
During his free-time, Moacir enjoys surfing and scuba diving anytime he has a chance to go back to his tropical lands. He also enjoys doing calisthenics, playing basketball, drumming, working out, listening to podcasts, and meditation.

Derick Antonio Vanegas
Undergraduate Student Employee
Derick Antonio Vanegas (he/him/his) joined the Latino Cultural Center as an undergraduate student worker in September of 2022. He is a Junior at Purdue majoring in Organizational Leadership. Born to an Ecuadorian mother and a Nicaraguan father, Derick is a first-generation college student who was born and raised in New Jersey. On campus, Derick also works at the France A. Cordova Recreational Sports Center as a Wellness Ambassador based in the Wellness Suite. He is the Director of Special Events for the Latinx Student Union. Derick is a mentor and alumnus of the Avanzando Through College where he works and interacts with other first-generation college students. In his free time, Derick enjoys spending time with family and friends, singing, and playing board games.

Silvana Cuervo
Undergraduate Student Employee

Elizabeth Reyes
Undergraduate Student Employee

Giezzy Chavez-Duarte
Undergraduate Student Employee
Giezzy Chavez-Duarte (he/him/his) is a junior and joined the Latino Cultural Center through the Avanzando Through College program (2021-2022) as a participant. He is majoring in Nuclear Engineering and pursuing a radiology minor as well. Giezzy participates in the American Nuclear Society Purdue Chapter and is also an active member of Alpha Phi Omega where he is currently Historian Co-Chair for the chapter. Giezzy was born in Orange County, California and grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana before coming to Purdue. His family is from Guerrero, Mexico. Giezzy enjoys playing tennis, riding around on his longboard, going to the gym, and participating in events with friends.