Dr. Raven Jones (she/hers)

Director
rljones@central.uh.edu

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.

Gabriel Grady (he/his)

Assistant Director
ggrady@central.uh.edu

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
joogbonn@central.uh.edu

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
kaguzman4@uh.edu

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.