About The Exec Board

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, 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, 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 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, 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, 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 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 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.