The CSHA Foundation proudly launched our inaugural cohort of Foundational First Scholars, a group of 15 exceptional undergraduate students committed to pursuing graduate studies in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by traditionally underrepresented students, we’ve designed this program to provide vital mentorship, guidance, and resources. These scholars, now in their junior years, are receiving personalized support to navigate the complexities of graduate school applications and professional development. Their participation in Convergence 2025 will provide invaluable networking and learning opportunities, empowering them to achieve their full potential. By investing in these future leaders, we are building a more equitable and diverse future for our profession, ensuring that talent and passion are not limited by circumstance.

Danya Batres Aguilar
California State University, Fresno
My name is Danya Batres Aguilar. I am currently a first-generation third-year junior at California State University, Fresno. I became interested in pursuing a career as a speech-language pathologist because I have always wanted a career that allowed me to help better people’s lives. Communication has always interested me since it not only lets us express our ideas but allows us to connect with others.

Nayeli Calderon
California State University, Long Beach
Hello! My name is Nayeli Calderon and I am a senior at California State University Long Beach. I am studying speech-language pathology with a minor in translation studies. My personal experience with a stutter has inspired me to immerse myself in every aspect of this wonderful field. Since stuttering is a neurological condition, I have gained a deep interest in how the brain manifests communication disorders. As a first-generation college student, I pride myself in the well-being of diverse populations. Therefore, I am pursuing a bilingual certification with the goal of becoming culturally competent and well-versed in multidisciplinary approaches. I am truly honored to participate in the Foundational Firsts Scholars Program and to collaborate with esteemed individuals, while building my professional network.

Simone Caruthers
San Diego State University
I am a junior at San Diego State University majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. I love music, going to the gym, and spending time with my dogs. Some of my speech-related passions are accessibility in non-speech communication and neural processing.

Sophia Castellanos
California State University, Long Beach
Hi! My name is Sophia Castellanos and I’m currently a third year Speech Language Pathology undergraduate major at California State University, Long Beach. After graduating, I hope to continue my education and obtain my masters in SLP! I’m very interested in early intervention, specifically in the school setting. Growing up in a low income housing and going to a title 1 school has made me aware of the very little resources available to children in these situations. My goal as an SLP is to bridge this gap and provide adequate services to children who need them.

Kendra Eickmann
Loma Linda University
I’m a junior at Loma Linda University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with the goal of becoming a speech language pathologist. I have a strong interest in language development, literacy, and helping children with speech and language delays. I’m passionate about making communication easier, more accessible, and even more fun. My goal is to help individuals express themselves with confidence while sharing a few laughs along the way!

Jennifer Gutierrez Lopez
California State University, Fresno
My name is Jennifer Gutierrez Lopez, and I am a first-generation Chicanx/Oaxaqueña bilingual undergraduate student. I attend California State University, Fresno, as a Speech Language Pathology major. I am interested in serving bilingual students from diverse backgrounds within many communities in an Elementary School setting.

Andrea Luevanos
California State University, Los Angeles
Andrea Luevanos is a junior at CSULA with a passion for understanding how we produce and perceive speech. Fascinated by speech mechanisms, she loves diving into the science behind communication and how our voices shape the way we connect with the world. When Andrea is not studying, you can probably find her exploring new ideas, practicing yoga, or enjoying time with loved ones.

Uyen Nguyen
San Jose State University
Hello! My name is Uyen Nguyen, and I am currently a third-year student at San Jose State University, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Communicative Disorders and Sciences. I am still navigating the process of preparing for graduate school and finding the right resources to support my journey toward becoming a speech-language pathologist. My main focus is working with children on the spectrum. I also want to open my own clinic, widely introducing my Vietnamese/Asian community to awareness and resources, helping make a difference within the speech community.

Stephanie Phu
San Jose State University
Nice to meet you all! My name is Stephanie Phu, and I am an undergraduate student in my 3rd year at San Jose State University, pursuing a BS in Communicative Disorders and Sciences. I am deeply passionate about helping clients achieve their goals in swallowing and speech difficulties. Throughout my studies, I have developed an interest in working in the NICU and hospital setting to learn more about interests such as swallowing and feeding disorders, aphasia, and dysphagia.

Jessica Selg
California State University, Sacramento
My name is Jessica Selg and I currently attend Sacramento State. I am a junior and plan to graduate with my undergraduate in CSAD in the spring of 2026! I am currently more interested in the medical side of speech pathology; specifically TBI andStroke therapy as well as cognitive communication and any and all hospital settings that are open!

Elvia Silva
San Jose State University
My name is Elvia Silva. I was born and raised in San Jose California. I have a son who is my biggest motivation. I’m so proud of my Mexican heritage and am proud to say I’m bilingual in Spanish which is one of the many reasons why I love my job. I currently work in a Spanish-Dual Immersion school as an Instructional Assistant for Reading Intervention. I love supporting my students which is why I would love working in a school setting as an SLP one day. I’m currently an undergrad junior attending San Jose State. My speech-related interests are fluency disorders, articulation, and language disorders.

Veena Thao
California State University, Fresno
My name is Veena Thao. I attend California State University, Fresno as a Speech Language pathology major. I love working with speech sound disorders, and am open to learning about all settings a Speech Language Pathologist can work in.

Christina Toapanta
California State University, Los Angeles
My name is Christina Toapanta, I’m a senior majoring in Communicative Disorders at California State University, Los Angeles. My career goals are centered around early intervention and Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

Khanh (Karley) Tran
California State University, Northridge
Khanh (Karley) Tran is an undergraduate student at California State University, Northridge majoring in Communication Disorders. She has been a member of the Speech-Language Science Lab and a current Secretary for CSUN NSSLHA. With a bilingual background in Vietnamese and English, Karley is passionate about researching bilingualism, particularly bilingual advantages. Her clinical interests are in neurogenic communication disorders. Her goals are to attend higher education and become a competent bilingual Speech Language Pathologist. She also works as a Peer Mentor for transfer students through Badge Project. Outside of academics, she loves swimming, hiking, andreading books on Minimalism or the workings of the human body while sipping on her Vietnamese iced coffee.