Dr. Raven Jones (she/hers)

Director

As Director of the Center for Student Empowerment, Dr. Raven Jones enhances the quality of education for UH students within the CSE program. As an avid researcher, program developer, and trainer, Dr. Jones’s research concentrates on the cultural resources within urban communities that can be utilized to improve the resiliency and psychological development of underrepresented students. Through the program, Dr. Jones prevents minor obstacles from becoming major setbacks to degree achievement.

Steven Samaniego

Assistant Director

Steven brings nearly ten years of experience in social services, with a strong focus on empowering underserved communities. Steven’s commitment to student success has been a driving force throughout his career, and he continues to play a vital role in fostering supportive environments where students can thrive both personally and academically.

In his most recent role as Program Coordinator for TRIO Student Support Services at Dallas College, Steven led the planning, coordination, and execution of initiatives designed to enhance student retention and success. He effectively leveraged internal resources and community partnerships to create impactful programming tailored to the needs of underserved students. Notably, he co-developed the TXWES TRIO Boys to Men Leadership Program, a mentorship initiative for male participants. This initiative significantly improved male student engagement, participation, and retention while strengthening relationships within the TRIO community.
Before joining TRIO Student Support Services, Steven served as a Case Manager for the Dallas Promise and Rising Star programs at Dallas College. In this role, he provided essential advising and support to students, building strong, trust-based relationships that fostered academic and personal growth. These experiences have given Steven valuable insight into the unique challenges faced by marginalized students, as well as the tools and strategies necessary to help them overcome barriers and succeed.

Steven earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Texas at Arlington, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to supporting student well-being. His academic background underscores a holistic perspective, combining physical, mental, and emotional wellness to better address the needs of students.

Steven is excited to join the Center for Student Empowerment (CSE) as the new Assistant Director. With a deep passion for student success and a strong track record of developing meaningful, student-centered programs, he brings a wealth of experience and energy to the role. His commitment to empowerment and equity aligns seamlessly with CSE’s mission to promote student success, well-being, and personal development. We are confident that Steven’s leadership and dedication will make a lasting impact on the students we serve.
 “I’m truly honored to join the Center for Student Empowerment family at the University of Houston,” says Steven. “CSE plays a vital role in supporting some of the most underserved student populations on campus, working tirelessly to promote equity and access. I look forward to upholding the Center’s mission and living out its values in every student interaction.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Steven to the CSE team,” said Raven Jones, Director of the Center for Student Empowerment. “His presence enhances our capacity to drive student success and deepen our support for first gen students on campus.”

Please join us in welcoming Steven Samaniego to the University of Houston community. As the new Assistant Director of the Center for Student Empowerment, we are excited for the experience, passion, and energy he brings to the role. We look forward to the positive impact he will have on our students and the continued growth of CSE’s mission.

Gabriel Grady (he/his)

Associate Director

Grady brings over a decade of social service experiences working with underrepresented population. Most recently Grady served as an Area Coordinator with Campus Living and Housing at Grambling State University. In this role Grady developed programs to enhance student retention for foster care students and underrepresented students. Most creditably “The Quad Living Learning Community,” in which this community was aimed at addressing student’s mental health needs as it relates to: social support, belongingness, and self-efficacy.

Grady served as the Program Director with Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. providing advocacy services for families involved with Child Protection Services and youth in involved in Juvenile justice system. Grady is currently enrolled at Grambling State University pursuing an online degree in Master of Social Work. Grady earned his Bachelor of Arts in International Studies at University of Southern Indiana.

Juliet Ogbonna (she/hers)

Care Manager

Juliet is a seasoned social worker, working tirelessly to ensure health and wellness, thus preventing mental health crises among individuals, families, and communities. Juliet has worked across countries and has outstanding progressive social work experience in non-profit, human services, mental health, and higher education. Through her work, she has helped address social issues such as death by suicide, mental crisis, child neglect and abuse, homelessness, involuntary psychiatric hospitalization and rehospitalization, food and financial insecurity, and social isolation.

Juliet has worked with a diverse client population experiencing chronic mental health conditions and intergenerational trauma.

Juliet received an Associate in Social Work degree from MacEwan University, Edmonton, Alberta, and a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from the University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. She recently graduated from the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, majoring in Clinical Social Work.

As a Care Manager for the Centre for Student Empowerment (CSE), Juliet will continue using evidence-based clinical social work skills to develop and manage innovative services designed to increase student success by assisting students with medical, psychological, psychiatric, social, financial, and academic needs.

Kathleen Guzman (she/hers)

Program Manager

Kathleen has been involved in various youth programs, providing mentorship, tutoring, and resource aid. She has gone above and beyond by offering tutoring services to adults seeking their GED, helping them on their educational journey. Additionally, she has been instrumental in assisting residents with accessing valuable resources and support through the DREAM program.

During her time at the University of Houston Clear Lake, Kathleen worked as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) in ABA clinics, where she provided behavior therapy to children with autism. Her dedication and passion for helping others, particularly those on the autism spectrum, were evident in her work. In addition to her work as an RBT, Kathleen also co-owned a business where she created and sold designs and metal works.

Kathleen completed her associates in Behavior Sciences from San Jacinto College – South and earned her Bachelor's of Science in Psychology from the University of Houston – Clear Lake. She has shown great dedication and commitment to her studies, and she is now looking to further her education by pursuing a master's in psychology to become an LPC. Additionally, she is also interested in obtaining a master's in human resources.

With her unique combination of education, career, and charity experience, Kathleen truly understands the value and importance of earning a college degree. Her passion for helping students succeed is evident in her role as the Program Manager for the Center for Student Empowerment (CSE). She is dedicated to continuing the impactful work of the CSE in providing students with the resources and support they need to achieve their goals.

Eric Callis (he/his)

Program Coordinator

As an educator and community advocate, Eric's approach to service is rooted in creativity and passion for both children and families. Earning a Bachelor's in Sociology from Dillard University, Eric has worked in education and nonprofit services, which spans nearly a decade and has included serving as an academic counselor, social work services, and coordinator of programs. Through these roles, Eric has grown as a community servant and developed a strong knack for curriculum design and implementation, presentation skills, and building relationships across a diverse array of stakeholders.

As a Program Coordinator for the Center for Student Empowerment (CSE) Eric is dedicated to helping students cultivate a sense of belonging on campus, especially underrepresented student groups. Eric is looking forward to continuing a career to be of service while also continuing to grow and develop as a servant leader.