OUR LEADERS
Our Leadership Board is comprised of a intelligent, dedicated, and inspiring students from the University of Houston. Read on to learn more about how hardworking and motivated our officer team is.
SANDRA MORALES
President of Project TREE
Hello! My name is Sandra Morales. I’m a senior majoring in Biology and minoring in Spanish. I aspire to become a health professional. In my free time I watch random YouTube videos, chill with my dogs, and watch bad movies with my friends for the sole purpose of making fun of the plot.
I’m so excited to be a part of Project T.R.E.E. for the third year in a row. I connect with this organization because I have seen first hand how difficult it is for newly arrived adults to navigate this country. It’s truly astounding seeing how people gain a sense of self-sufficiency and confidence in their new home from just learning the language. I’m grateful that I can take part in helping make the transition to this new place easier for many adult refugees through this organization!
TAMIA MARSHALL
Vice President of Project TREE
Bio
VIJAY NITTURI
Data Analyst of Project TREE
Hi! My name is Vijay Nitturi. I am the data analyst for Project TREE for the 2020-2021 academic year. I am a junior majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Medicine and Society. Project TREE is important to me because it helps underserved refugee communities get back on their feet. This goal fits into my passion to become a physician-public health researcher and alleviate health disparities. In my free time, I love to play chess and watch basketball.
STEPHANNIE AMORES
Co-Financial Officer of Project TREE
I’m am majoring in Finance at the Bauer College. One of my goals is to become a CFO at an ethical Renewable Energy company that focus on our world’s well-being. I like project T.R.E.E. because as our mentees, English, is my second language too. I know I appreciate every single person that helped me learn English when I was a little girl. And the idea of facilitating such help for others that are now in a position I was once, gives me a sense of accomplishment and giving back.
MELIDA VELASQUEZ
ESL Curriculum Developer of Project TREE
Hello, my name is Melida Velasquez, and I'm majoring in Psychology and minoring in Health. I decided to join Project T.R.E.E because I enjoy helping others and I find great fulfillment in being part of a mission greater than my own.
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A few things about me: I’m a first-generation student and a DACA
(Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipient. I’m very social and love talking to people- it’s my favorite past time. I like to keep myself busy, so if I’m not working, studying, or checking off things my to-do list you can find me at the gym. After college, I want to keep doing humanitarian work and pursue a master’s degree.
ANGEL VELASQUEZ
Co-Financial Officer of Project TREE
Hello there, I’m Angel. I’m a senior majoring in CM and minoring in business. I am originally from NY, but I love this city. I speak two languages and dislike brain freezes. I enjoy playing soccer, it is my happy place (even though I suck.) I also enjoy a fat bowl of pho ga anytime and anywhere.
The reason I decided to join Project T.R.E.E is because the stories of refugees mirror my parent’s story. Running away from war or natural disaster is not easy. So I wish that the transition to a new culture, place, and language is facilitated. I hope to do my best so that the organization is well funded.
HEBAH AMJAD
Marketing Officer of Project TREE
Hi there, my name's Hebah Amjad, and I'm this year's Marketing Officer for Project TREE! I'm currently a first year at UH, and I'm majoring in Biotechnology. Some interesting things about me are that I love to read, draw, and am trying to pick up calligraphy as a hobby. I also love to teach, and am currently a tutor for elementary school kids. As of right now I'm pursing the pre-med path, and hope to work in pediatrics some day.
I joined Project TREE as it's marketing officer because I admire what it stands for as an organization. The idea that not only does it benefit our mentees, but as well as the greater Houston community for future generations to come, just by helping learn a language, is incredible! By being able to spread that message to newcomers gives me a great sense of joy, and I'm glad to be able to do so!