Mira Jain
About Mira Jain
Mira Jain, a senior at Walter Payton College Prep, serves as the President of the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition (CSRC) and has been a part of it since its founding. She is deeply passionate about CSRC’s mission to support newcomer youth and build a more united, inclusive community across Chicago. Mira has witnessed firsthand how the organization fosters lifelong relationships between members and the children they serve, and she is committed to carrying forward this impactful work. At Payton, Mira is an active leader—serving as Vice President of Student Government, Senior Tutoring Chair for the National Honor Society, and participating in WPCP BioMed and the school’s Bollywood dance team, Masti. Beyond school, she sings Hindustani classical music, performs with the Uniting Voices of Chicago choir, teaches, and interns at Rush Medical Hospital. Mira plans to major in neuroscience and pursue a career as a neurologist, combining her academic ambition with a passion for service and community connection.
Diego del Castillo
About Diego del Castillo
Diego del Castillo, a senior at Walter Payton College Prep, serves as Vice President of the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition (CSRC), where he combines his passion for advocacy with his experience working closely with immigrant and refugee communities. His commitment to supporting marginalized youth is also reflected in his roles as Vice President of the Allies & Immigrants Club and as a bilingual mentor and tutor for Salazar's Futures and Boys with Books. Deeply inspired by the potential to create lasting change, Diego plans to study political science or public policy at a top university and pursue a career in immigration law. Outside the classroom, he is an ambassador for the Coalition of Advocates for Undocumented Students' Education, volunteers regularly at the Common Pantry, and enjoys playing lacrosse. Diego is driven by the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to experience safety, stability, and success.
Desmond Opoku-Ware
About Desmond Opoku-Ware
Desmond Opoku-Ware, a senior at Walter Payton College Prep, is the Director of Development for the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition (CSRC), where he channels his passion for advocacy and equity. As the child of two immigrants, Desmond brings a personal understanding of the challenges faced by immigrant communities and is committed to uplifting those often overlooked. At Payton, he’s an active student-athlete, playing basketball and running track, while also engaging in service-oriented clubs like Boys with Books, Special Olympics/Best Buddies, and serving as Co-President of the Work Foundation, which supports under-resourced students academically. Desmond plans to major in computer science and hopes to continue using his skills and experiences to build a more inclusive and compassionate future.
Salma Quito
About Salma Quito
Salma Quito is a Senior at Walter Payton College Prep and serves as the Executive Director of Marketing and Promotion for the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition. She loves traveling and spending time with friends. After witnessing the powerful impact a dedicated group can have on a community, Salma was inspired to support the CSRC’s mission and remains passionate about helping newcomer students feel welcomed and supported.
Asha Lulla
About Asha Lulla
Asha Lulla, a senior at Walter Payton College Prep, serves as the Director of Volunteering and Community Engagement for the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition (CSRC), a cause she’s been dedicated to since freshman year. Inspired by the organization’s mission, Asha is passionate about creating safe, welcoming spaces for refugee students and believes deeply in the power of community to foster lasting connections. At Payton, she’s a three-sport varsity athlete—playing volleyball, basketball, and lacrosse—and is also a talented violinist, selected for the 2025 Illinois All-State Orchestra. Beyond CSRC, Asha is PR Chair for Special Olympics, Junior Service Chair for the National Honor Society, and a Senior Representative on Student Government. She plans to study sports medicine in college, combining her love for athletics with a drive to support and uplift others.
Gabriel Moy
About Gabriel Moy
Gabriel Moy, a senior at Walter Payton College Prep, serves as the Director of Marketing and Promotion for the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition (CSRC). Since joining the organization, Gabriel has been inspired by its mission to help newcomer students feel at home and build a strong, supportive community. At Payton, he is Vice President of Boys with Books, Co-Founder of the Martial Arts Club, and a member of both the National Honor Society and the National Chinese Honor Society. Outside of school, Gabriel is a dedicated karate athlete and national champion, a Junior AAU coach, and a basketball coach and Lion Dance performer with the Chicago Dragons Athletic Association. He also volunteers with Project: Vision, combining his interests in sports, leadership, and community service. Gabriel hopes to continue exploring his passion for business while staying engaged in efforts that uplift those around him.
Brady Eng
About Brady Eng
Brady Eng is a Senior at Walter Payton College Prep and serves as the Director of Outreach and Partnerships for the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition. Outside of school, he enjoys playing sports, spending time with friends, and hanging out with his dog, Hunter. Through his involvement with the CSRC, Brady has developed a deep passion for the organization’s mission and has seen firsthand the impact it has on the lives of student refugees throughout the Chicagoland area. He is proud to be part of a team dedicated to creating a more supportive and inclusive community.
Niccolo Lozada
About Niccolo Lozada
Niccolo Lozada is a Senior at Walter Payton College Prep and serves as the Director of Events and Programs for the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition. He is an active member of the school’s volleyball team and is passionate about healthcare, aspiring to become a doctor. Niccolo works at a children’s hospital and leads an ambassadorship program partnered with UIC that introduces students to biomedical engineering. Through his role with the CSRC, Niccolo aims to build a close-knit, supportive community where everyone feels safe, welcome, and encouraged, helping newcomer students thrive and grow.
Keller McGovern
About Keller McGovern
Keller McGovern is a Senior at Walter Payton College Prep and serves as the Vice President of Fundraising for the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition. He is a dedicated varsity soccer and basketball player and co-founder and Vice President of the Walter Payton Irish Club. Outside of school, Keller plays AAU basketball for Adidas All-In Athletics. He enjoys sports, music, and spending time with friends. Keller plans to pursue a career in finance after high school and is passionate about the important impact the CSRC has in creating positive change for Chicago’s refugee community.
Nimay Piparia
About Nimay Piparia
Nimay Piparia is a Junior at Walter Payton College Prep and serves as the Vice President of Research and Grants for the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition. He is passionate about both academics and extracurriculars, participating in the Payton dance team, Masti, the South Asian American Club, and playing on the school’s soccer team. Nimay is motivated to pursue a career in finance and economics after high school. Through his work with the CSRC, he values the organization’s role in building a strong, connected community across Chicago.
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Shaan Datta
About Shaan Datta
Shaan Datta is a Junior at Walter Payton College Prep and serves as the Vice President of Finance for the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition. At Payton, he is a member of the chess team, the South Asian American Club, and Payton Masti. Outside of school, Shaan enjoys playing basketball and works as a camp counselor during the summer. He plans to pursue a degree in engineering after high school. Shaan is motivated by the opportunity to help youth through his work with the CSRC and values the organization’s impact on the community.
Diego Vazquez
About Diego Vazquez
Diego Vazquez is a Senior at Walter Payton College Prep and serves as the Vice President of Data Analysis for the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition. He values learning from diverse communities and is passionate about giving back through leadership roles such as leading the Recycling Club and participating in organizations like Team Sweetness and Cradles to Crayons. Outside of school, Diego boxes and enjoys spending time with family and friends. Inspired by his mother’s immigrant experience and his own observations of immigrant families in need, Diego is motivated to support refugee communities. He plans to study anthropology after high school to deepen his understanding of cultures and societies.
Dureti Irkiso
About Dureti Irkiso
Dureti Irkiso is the Vice President of Volunteering for the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition and finds being part of the organization deeply impactful. They are inspired by CSRC’s strong commitment to creating meaningful change, with volunteering at the heart of its mission. Since joining, [Name] has valued the opportunity to work alongside passionate individuals dedicated to making a difference. She believes volunteering not only helps give back to the community but also fosters personal growth and builds lasting relationships.
William Glunz
About William Glunz
Will Glunz is a Senior at Walter Payton College Prep in Old Town, Chicago, and serves as the Vice President of Internal Communication for the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition. He is a dedicated athlete, participating on the school’s soccer, basketball, and tennis teams, and leads as President of both the Best Buddies and Special Olympics chapters at Payton. Outside of school, Will works as a caddy at Bob O’Link Golf Course and assists at his Parish Rectory. Through his role with CSRC, Will has formed meaningful friendships and connections, believing that these relationships create a vital support system. He is excited to continue growing the coalition’s impact both locally and across the country.
Eytan Lanski
About Eytan Lanski
Eytan Lanski is a Senior at Walter Payton College Prep and serves as the Vice President of Chapter Management for the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition. He enjoys connecting with others, whether friends or new acquaintances, and values the importance of building a strong, supportive community. Having understood from a young age how meaningful relationships uplift individuals, Eytan is passionate about CSRC’s unique and necessary mission and looks forward to helping the organization expand its positive impact on students.
Matthew Lerch
About Matthew Lerch
Matthew Lerch is a Senior at Walter Payton College Prep and serves as the Vice President of Promotion for the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition. A dedicated student-athlete, Matthew has been on the Payton soccer team for three years and is actively involved in the Cradles to Crayons and Boys with Books clubs. Passionate about learning and community service, he has witnessed firsthand the meaningful impact CSRC has on refugee students by fostering empathy, inclusivity, and growth. Matthew values the opportunity to connect with diverse, like-minded peers and is committed to advancing the organization’s mission. After high school, he plans to pursue a career in finance.
Leilani Diaz
About Leilani Diaz
Leilani Lee Diaz is a senior at Walter Payton College Prep, ensuring that the CSRC mission is widely shared as a part of the CSRC marketing team. Leilani is a varsity cheerleader, tennis manager, is on the Females for Finance executive team, and is a volunteer for several other clubs/nonprofits. She joined the team because she loves CSRC’s welcoming community. She has created remarkable connections with kids all around Chicago and continues to impact them directly. Leilani believes that friendly and supportive relationships are essential in life. Because of this, she’s excited to continue supporting our mission through volunteering and marketing!
Jason Beerkens
About Jason Beerkens
Jason Beerkens is a senior at Walter Payton College and is a varsity volleyball player whose involvement in competitive athletics has helped him develop resilience, leadership, and a strong sense of teamwork. These experiences have shaped his approach to challenges both on and off the court. Academically, Jason is passionate about the sciences and plans to study Biology in college, with a particular interest in human anatomy and health. He is exploring future paths in medicine, research, or another field where he can make a meaningful impact. In his free time, he enjoys staying active through the gym and outdoor activities, especially spending time at the beach with friends, which helps him maintain balance and stay connected to the things that bring him joy.
Killian Stevens
About Killian Stevens
Killian Stevens is a senior at Walter Payton College Prep and serves as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Outreach of the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition (CSRC). He is committed to CSRC’s mission to help facilitate the settlement and integration of student refugees. He leads efforts to build partnerships with local schools, coordinate donation drives, and organize community engagement events. Killian serves as Co-Captain of Payton's Varsity Tennis Team, a member of the Varsity Soccer Team, and Social Media Manager for both teams. He is also a National Honor Society member, a Cradles to Crayons Teen Leader and Volunteer, a Junior Altar Server to Cardinal Blasé Cupich at Holy Name Cathedral, and a Teen Leader at Sheil Park District, where he spends his summers. Killian plans to major in Business, combining his interest in finance, leadership, and strategy with his long-term goal of pursuing law school. A passion for service, advocacy, and personal growth drives him.