Mira Jain
About Mira Jain
Mira Jain is a Junior at Walter Payton College Prep and serves as the President of the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition. Mira is hard-working and ambitious student who plans to follow a pre-med track in college and eventually study medicine. Mira is significantly involved with the Payton Community. She serves as the Junior Chair of Student government, is a member of the Girls Varsity Lacrosse team, is the Junior tutoring chair for Payton's National Honor Society, is a member of WPCP BioMed and is a member of Payton's Bollywood dance team - Masti. Outside of school, Mira is a part of the Uniting Voices of Chicago choir, is an intern at the Rush Medical Hospital and sings Hindustani classical music compositions.
"Hi! I'm Mira Jain, the President of the CSRC. I am so excited to continue executing Jayen and Sou Lynn's mission for the CSRC. I have been a member of the organization from the beginning, and have seen how our work has helped foster a more united community across Chicago. What was initially intended to support newcomer youth in the city, has also grown into a place for life-long relationships between the CSRC members and these young children. For this reason, I strongly believe the CSRC and its mission is crucial for Chicago and the nation to progress to a welcoming environment where youth are encouraged to form strong connections with one another, regardless of their diverse backgrounds."
Desmond Opoku-Ware
About Desmond Opoku-Ware
Desmond Opoku-Ware is a senior at Walter Payton College Prep and serves as the Director of Development for CSRC. At Payton, Desmond plays basketball and runs track. Outside of athletics, Desmond works with many clubs including Boys with Books (a club dedicated to sparking a passion for reading in underprivileged individuals), Special Olympics/Best Buddies(building friendships with children with disabilities and teaching/helping them play sports ), and he is a Co-president of the Work Foundation ( Help under resourced kids in their academic journeys). After high school, Desmond strives to major in computer science!
"Greetings! I’m Desmond Opoku-Ware, the Director of Development for CSRC. As the child of two immigrants and a member of a predominantly immigrant community, I have witnessed both the challenges and resilience of those seeking a better life in a new country. CSRC gives me the opportunity to support and uplift this often-overlooked community—just as others once supported mine—while working toward a more inclusive and compassionate world."
Asha Lulla
About Asha Lulla
Asha Lulla is a junior at Walter Payton College Prep and serves as the director of volunteering and community engagement of the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition. She is on the girls Varsity Volleyball Team, Varsity Basketball Team, and Varsity Lacrosse Team. Along with sports, Asha is a part of the school orchestra and was selected to be a part of the 2025 Illinois All-State Orchestra. Outside of the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition, Asha is the PR chair of Special Olympics, Junior Service Chair of Payton's National Honor Society, and a Junior representative on Student Government. After high school, Asha hopes to study Sports Medicine in college!
"I got involved with the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition when I was a freshman. I was immediately inspired by the mission of this organization and think that the work we do is incredibly important especially considering the current state of our nation. I believe it is essential that we continue to foster a safe environment for refugee students and do all that we can to make them feel welcome. I will never be able to fully understand what refugees have gone through (as I am a third-generation immigrant), but I want to do all that I can to educate myself, learn from their experiences, and have a positive impact on their lives. I truly think that the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition has the capability to bridge communities of people and help create relationships that will last a lifetime."
Diego del Castillo
About Diego del Castillo
Diego del Castillo is currently a Junior attending Walter Payton College Prep. Apart from serving on the executive board for the CSRC, he also serves as the Action Chair for Payton's Latin American Coalition, Vice President of Allies & Immigrants Club, and a bilingual mentor and tutor for both Salazar's Futures and Boys with Books club. After high school, Diego intends to follow a career path into immigration law after majoring in political science or public policy at a prestigious university. Outside of school, Diego is an ambassador for the Coalition of Advocates for Undocumented Students' Education, frequently volunteers at the Common Pantry and enjoys playing lacrosse!
"Hey, I'm Diego and I'm a junior at Payton. I serve as the Director of Internal Management and Expansion for the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition. CSRC stood out to me most because of my experience working with immigrants and refugees alike. I enjoy doing what I can for these communities so that one day, these children can experience the same stability and fortune that many of us are lucky enough to experience today."
Gabriel Moy
About Gabriel Moy
Gabriel Moy is a Junior attending Walter Payton College Prep. He is passionate in the classroom as well as in his community. At Payton, Gabriel is the Vice-President of Boys with Books (a club dedicated to improving elementary school boys' reading and literacy skills), Co-Founder of WPCP Martial Arts Club, and a member of both National Honor Society and National Chinese Honor Society. Outside of school, Gabriel trains karate full time, is a national champion, and a Junior AAU coach for his dojo. Additionally, he volunteers with the Chicago Dragons Athletic Association (an organization which provide opportunities for young kids to make positive contributions to their community through participation and leadership in public activities and cultural events) as a basketball coach and a member of the Lion Dance team. He has also dedicated time as a volunteer to Project: Vision.
"Hello. I'm Gabriel and I serve as the Director of Marketing and Promotion for CSRC. In my free time, I like playing sports, learning about business, listening to music, and hanging out with my friends. Upon joining this organization and supporting this extraordinary mission, I have come to realize the importance of helping newcomer students settle into their new homes. Creating a strong community is something the CSRC strives for and I'm proud to be a part of it."
Brady Eng
About Brady Eng
Hi, I'm Brady Eng and I'm a junior at Walter Payton. I'm the Director of Outreach and Partnerships at the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition. Outside of school, I enjoy playing sports, hanging out with my dog, Hunter, and spending time with my friends. Through my work with the CSRC, I've learned the significance of our work and have become more and more passionate every day. Our work helps to support the lives of student refugees all around the Chicagoland area!
Niccolo Lozada
About Niccolo Lozada
Niccolo Lozada is a junior 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 his school's volleyball team and has a deep interest in healthcare, aspiring to become a doctor after college. To further his interests, he works at a children's hospital during the week and leads an ambassadorship partnered with UIC that introduces students to the field of biomedical engineering.
"As the Director of Events at the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition, I believe that a strong, close-knit community--one that feels like family-- is the best way to support and uplift those around us. In this organization, my personal goal is to help create a space where everyone feels safe, welcome, and encouraged by their peers. A supportive environment fosters healthy growth, and I hope to help build that for our newcomers!"
-Niccolo Lozada
Email: nlozada@chicagosrc.org
LinkedIn: Niccolo Lozada
Keller McGovern
About Keller McGovern
Keller McGovern is a junior at Walter Payton College Prep and serves as the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition's vice president of fundraising. He plays varsity soccer and basketball and will play any chance he gets. In addition to Basketball and Soccer, he is the vice president and co-founder of the Walter Payton Irish Club! Outside of school, he plays AAU basketball for Adidas All-In Athletics. After high school, he hopes to pursue finance in college.
“Hello! My name is Keller McGovern and I’m a Junior at Walter Payton. I’m the vice president of fundraising at the CSRC. I love to play sports like basketball and soccer. I also love listening to music, meeting new and hanging out with my friends. I believe this organization is very Important in making changes for Chicago! "
Salma Quito
About Salma Quito
Hi!! My name is Salma Quito and I’m a junior at Walter Payton. I love traveling and having fun with friends. I am the Vice President of Donation Collection and Distribution at CSRC. When I first started volunteering for CSRC I saw how much a group of people could help a community and immediately knew I wanted to support their mission.
Nimay Piparia
About Nimay Piparia
Nimay Piparia is a Sophomore attending Walter Payton College Prep. Nimay loves to work with his classmates and is very motivated in school. He is involved in many clubs including the Payton dance team, Masti, South Asian American Club. He loves playing soccer and is on the team for Payton. In his life after high school, he wants to pursue a career in finance and economics.
"Hey everyone, I am Nimay and I'm a sophomore at Payton. I am passionate in the classroom and outside of the classroom including many clubs and sports. I am the Vice President of Research and Grants for CSRC. I think CSRC is a great way to build community within Chicago so we can all grow together."
-Nimay Piparia
Shaan Datta
About Shaan Datta
Shaan Datta is a Sophomore at Walter Payton College Prep. At Payton, he is A part of the Payton chess team as well as a member of clubs such as the South Asian American Club and Payton Masti. Outside of school, he loves to play basketball. During the summer he works at different summer camps as a camp counselor. After High school, he hopes to pursue a degree in Engineering.
"Hi, My name is Shaan and I am a sophomore at Walter Payton. I love to go to the gym bake different desserts and build Legos. I serve as the VP of finance in the CSRC. The reason it stood out to me was the opportunities to help kids. "
Diego Vazquez
About Diego Vazquez
Diego Vazquez is currently a Junior at Walter Payton College Prep. He loves interacting with and learning from new people in and outside the classroom. Diego also appreciates opportunities to expose himself to different cultures and communities that expand his way of thinking. As a leader of the Recycling club and a member of other non-profit organizations at Payton, such as Team Sweetness and Cradles to Crayons, Diego loves giving back or helping out in any way he can. Outside of school, he boxes and likes spending time with family and friends. After high school, he aims to pursue a major in anthropology.
“Hey, I’m Diego Vazquez, the Vice President of Data Analysis here at Chicago Student Refugee Coalition. My motivation and passion for what we do here at CSRC stems from curiosity. Every day after taking the bus home from boxing, I would see a line stretching a block long of immigrant families collecting aid from a Human Service Department building near my house. Not only is my mother also an immigrant, but she insisted I find a way to help. So, I reflected on how fortunate I was and felt I had a duty to give back.”
- Diego Vazquez
Dureti Irkiso
About Dureti Irkiso
"I am the Vice President of Volunteering of CSRC, and it has been so impactful being a part of this organization. It has a deep commitment to creating meaningful change, and volunteering is at the heart of that mission. When I first joined, I was inspired by the opportunity to work alongside so many passionate individuals who are all dedicated to making a difference. Volunteering not only allows us to give back to the community but also establishes personal growth while building long-lasting relationships. "
William Glunz
About William Glunz
Will Glunz is a junior at Walter Payton College Preparatory located in Old Town, Chicago. He serves as the Vice President of Internal Communication of the Chicago Student Refugee Coalition. He is a member of the Walter Payton Soccer, Basketball, and Tennis team. He is also the President of the Best Buddies chapter and the Special Olympics chapter at Payton. Outside of school he is a caddy at Bob'O Link Golf Course and he works for his Parish Rectory.
"My name is Will and I am the Vice President of Internal Communication at Chicago Student Refugee Coalition. When I became a member of this club, I never imagined the impact I would have on my cities community. The amount of friendships and connections I have created is vast. I belive that friendships and conections are so important and life and provide you with a support system where you can help other and otherts can help you. I look forward to the growing impact we will have on our communties and communties all over the country."
Eytan Lanski
About Eytan Lanski
Hi, I am Eytan Lanski, and am a junior at Walter Payton. I serve as the vice president of chapter management at CSRC. I love talking with others whether it be with friends or when I meet new people. From a young age I have learned the importance of having a strong community and creating relations with others that build each other up. I believe CSRC's mission is both unique and necessary and am excited to continue growing the positive impact it has on many students.
Matthew Lerch
About Matthew Lerch
Matthew Lerch is a Junior attending Walter Payton College Prep in Chicago. He is a hardworking student who is extremely passionate about learning. At Payton, Matthew is a very involved member of his school community. He has been a part of the Payton soccer team for 3 years along with being a dedicated member of the Cradles to Crayons Club and the Boys with Books Club. After high school, Matthew hopes to pursue a career in finance!
"I serve as the Vice President of Promotion for CSRC. Volunteering at events, I have been able to see the substantial impact this organization has on refugee students. CSRC fosters a community built on empathy, inclusivity, and growth, ensuring each student feels seen and welcomed. These opportunities have allowed me to meet a diverse group of passionate students and connect with them through our shared values. This organization has done tremendous work in creating a strong youth community, and I hope to continue developing its mission."