Maja Gillespie
Director
I started college as a traditional first year student and quickly found out I was not quite ready. After a handful of years of working and making some big financial mistakes, I ended up going back to school. I am a University of Idaho alumna, where I completed both my bachelor’s and master’s degree with a focus on family relations and financial literacy.
I have faced similar financial challenges as our students are facing and learned a lot of things the hard way as I did not receive any type financial education growing up, nor did we talk about money in our home. Through my own experiences and education, I’ve built a healthy relationship with finances, and I am passionate about helping students in their personal finance journey.
Dashaun Wilmore-Jones
Financial Education Advisor
I am currently a senior at Washington State University double majoring in Accounting and Finance. As a first-generation college student, I understand how challenging it can be to navigate college finances, school, work, and other responsibilities. As someone who participated in the Cougar Money Matters program as a freshman it will allow me to further relate to the students I work with and serve as a reliable source while they navigate their own financial journey.
As a Financial Education Advisor, I am passionate about helping students better understand budgeting, credit, saving, and other financial decisions that can impact their future. Financial literacy is important and I hope to use my background in finance to make financial information easier to understand and help students feel confident and build skills they can carry beyond college.
Jocelyn Mendoza
Financial Education Advisor
I am a fourth-year student majoring in Public Relations with a minor in Business Administration. I was born in Vancouver, Washington, but spent most of my life living in Yakima, Washington. As a first-generation Mexican American college student who transferred to WSU during my junior year, I bring a unique perspective that helps me understand and connect with students from different backgrounds. I believe public relations can be integrated into many different fields, and financial literacy is no exception.
I first learned about Cougar Money Matters as an Invest in Cougs participant. My passion for financial literacy and helping my peers led me to pursue this role. As a college student, I understand the many stresses that come with balancing school and life, with finances being one of the biggest. As a financial education advisor, I want to be someone students can turn to for guidance, support and learning opportunities. Through a combination of social connection, advising and financial skills, I hope to educate students about their finances and help them build the confidence to enjoy life.
Abel Castaneda
Peer Advisor
I am currently a third year in Mechanical Engineering. As a first-generation low-income student, the biggest challenge I faced when thinking of college was finances. Having to navigate financial aid, scholarships, work and classes was and is difficult.
As a peer advisor for Invest in Cougs I hope to give students in similar situations, or those who ask for it, the help they need or want navigating college and their goals for the future. Whether that be financially, academically or emotionally. After graduation I hope to have a fulfilling career in automotive engineering.
Mak Clemmons
Peer Advisor
I am a fourth-year student majoring in Earth & Environmental Sciences and earning a Minor in Leadership. I come from a low-income background and college was a huge uncertainty due to my financial upbringing. Invest in Cougs instilled me with the confidence to take control of my finances and begin building a better financial future for myself.
As a Peer Advisor, I want to make a positive impact on my students and build meaningful relationships with them during their time in our program. I look forward to meeting you
Levi Englebright
Peer Advisor
I am currently a third year student majoring in Finance. I was born and raised in Washington and have been a Coug since birth. I am a huge Wazzu sports fan, and love outdoor activities. I want to be able to help any student who joins the program; creating and continuing a relationship with students is very important to me.
As a Peer Advisor I am passionate about helping the students who come through the Invest in Cougs program. Financial Literacy is an important skill to have, and being able to guide students through that is amazing. After school, I hope to either continue working towards my goal of becoming a financial analyst or pursue a career as a financial advisor, where I can focus on spreading financial education and helping others achieve their financial goals.
Yolett Escalera
Peer Advisor
Hello everyone, I am currently on my junior year here at WSU and am majoring in Biology and minoring in chemistry and public health. I was born and raised here in Washington, and I love being a part of the PNW. On my free time I enjoy doing outdoors activities, more specifically hiking during summer. The career path I want to go into is pediatrics so after my undergrad I will be attending medical school.
I am a first-generation student and the first out of 6 siblings to attend a university; therefore, I know how hard it can be to find a right path to start on. This will be my first year being a peer mentor, but I am very excited to be able to help you all navigate with any WSOS, scholarship, and any financial questions you may have.
Liam Gunn
Peer Advisor
I am currently a senior majoring in Accounting and originally from Austin, Texas. I moved out of my parents’ house while I was still in high school, which taught me to budget and manage my finances from an early age. Throughout college, I also had to gain financial independence in order to become an independent, in-state student, giving me firsthand experience navigating financial challenges and resources.
I am excited to work as a Peer Advisor with Invest in Cougs and help other students feel more confident in managing their finances. After graduation, I plan to earn my CPA and work for a CPA firm here in Washington.
Aidan Hoogstad
Peer Advisor
I’m currently a second-year student majoring in Finance & Hospitality business management. I come from a small town here in eastern Washington and I was always taught from a young age to value integrity and transparency. While working at a family business since the age of 6 years old, I learned at an early age the importance of managing money correctly. I knew every penny I made was hard-earned, but it was a lot easier to spend it rather than saving it. Luckily, I can say I’ve already made most of my financial mistakes by buying too many video games and candy bars, which over time is what taught me to save more and spend less.
If I can help teach people to do the same without having to spend too much on video games or candy bars too, then that’s a lesson I deem worth teaching.
Mariana Lombera
Peer Advisor
I am a first gen senior double majoring in Criminal Justice and Women, Gender, and Sexuality studies, while also minoring in Psychology. Growing up financial literacy was not taught or practiced due to low income and resources. Coming to WSU there were more opportunities to learn about finance, one of those opportunities was the Invest in Cougs program. Through this program I was able to gain knowledge about credit, goals, budgeting, and more. Finances have become less intimidating, and I am now able to apply healthy financial habits to have a better future. Along with financial literacy, I found a great community that welcomed and encouraged every question and financial decision made.
I really value this program, which is why I decided to become part of the team and help current and upcoming cougars that are feeling intimidated or overwhelmed by finances. The Invest in Cougs and Cougar Money Matters are incredible programs. I encourage you to try it out! GO COUGS!