Our Staff

Tamara Austin MSW, LSW

Director, W-HUB, Womxn's Space

I am a Philadelphia native who loves to be a catalyst for change.  Being the middle child, I learned early the gift of good mediation.  My favorite question to ask students is “What are you prepared to do?”  “ I think often people want to give you advice but I want to challenge students to think about what feeds them and how they can move in their personal direction towards being their best self. I completed my undergraduate degree in Education at Temple University in Philadelphia.  I then went on to get my Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania.  I completed Post Master’s Certifications in Forensic Social Work and Adolescent behavior at New York University.  I keep current with continuing education on topics that include but are not limited to; alcohol and drug awareness, sexual identity, sexual assault and violence, feminist thought and power dynamics, gender equality, parenting skills and intersectionality. My favorite relaxation activity is baking for friends and family.  I also enjoy biking and skydiving.  I can often be found enjoying a cup of tea.  My personal mantra is “ life is short, eat dessert first”.  I am always ready to assist and be a resource to anyone who wants to access the HUB and me.  Take a minute, drop by have a piece of chocolate or a cup of tea. 

We are here, we are here, we are here…see you soon.

Chynah Thomas

Hello there! My name is Chynah Thomas, and my gender pronouns are she, her, hers. I am currently in my third year of undergrad, and I am studying biology. In my future, I see myself having a career in reconstructive surgery, but as of right now, I'm just a girl trying to get through school. I am also an intern here at the WHub! I love it here because of all the women who come in and see us, because they’re the ones who keep the space lively, and fun. Other than the W-Hub, my other obligations on campus include running the Minority Association of Pre-Health Students. MAPS is an organization that provides resources and advice to students who are on the pre-health/ pre-med track. I’m really passionate about helping others through any means, so never hesitate to ask for help! When I’m not doing my day job, I’m studying or going to class, and when I’m not studying or going to class, I’m sitting in my room snacking and binge watching vlogs on YouTube. It’s kind of my strange addiction. But yeah, that’s just me.

Janani Venkateswaran

I am pursuing a double major in Psychology & Social Behavior and Drama with a minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies. I plan to graduate June 2018. I love to read and have my own library/collection of 200+ books. I also adore theatre and am an amateur lighting designer. I perform spoken-word poetry and I am a loud and proud feminist. I look forward to seeing YOU in the W-Hub! I know all that I listed can seem overwhelming, but these are all things I developed and picked up on through my time here at UCI so feel free to talk to me and I would be happy to hear about your interests and talk to you about mine.

Jessika Garrett

My name is Jessika and I am a senior. My major is Psychology and Social Behavior with a minor in Criminology. I love to write poetry or books, love to read mystery thriller books, watch movies plus football, play volleyball and hang out with family/friends. Favorite football team for College is USC and favorite team for NFL is New York Giants. Another thing about me is I'm very outgoing, always up for meeting new people and that I love Reese's peanut buttercups. I also like to try to cook new meals that I find on the internet or through a friend. 

Jonna Amparo

Hi, hello! My name is Jonna Mae Amparo and I am a fourth year studying Psychology & Social Behavior. I love art (participating in creating/admiring others’ work(s))! & I have a deep love for human development. What brought me to work at the womxn’s hub was my passion for the empowerment of women. We live in a society that marginalizes those who identify as females, and that is definitely something we must change. It is imperative that we, as womxn, are given a space that provides us with the resources to thrive and succeed.

Zainab Khan

Hi, my name is Zainab!! I am a second year currently majoring in Biological Sciences, and this year I want to add a minor in Gender and Sexuality. 

I love exploring new places to eat with my friends, burying my head(and heart) in a good book, catching up on the latest episode of Masterchef (Season 5 will always be my favorite), and baking with my two younger sisters. Although I live in California, my roots originated from India and my ethnicity is South Asian. 

I look up to quite a few people in my life for inspiration, and one of my favorite quotes (that I basically live by) was said by MLK: "If you can't be a highway, just be a trail. If you can't be the sun, be a star. For it isn't by size that you win or you fail, be the best at whatever you are." 

Be the best at whatever you are.

I'm still trying to find out what my life's work will be, but until I know, I aspire to be the best at whatever I am currently pursuing.

Carissa Singh

Carissa Singh is a fifth year student majoring in Psychology and Social Behavior with a minor in Medical Anthropology. She is currently pursuing graduate school programs in Clinical Psychology. In the W-Hub she helps with planning programs, putting on workshops, organizing Tamara (just kidding), and promoting on social media. She is committed to social justice as well as to helping womxn reach their potentials on campus and in life. Carissa is always open to assisting students in any way she can. She also works at a peer mentoring hotline for mental health consumers. In her free time she engages in mindfulness practices such as yoga and meditation.

Chynah Thomas

Hello there! My name is Chynah Thomas, and my gender pronouns are she, her, hers. I am currently in my second year of undergrad, and I am studying biology. In my future, I see myself having a career in reconstructive surgery, but as of right now, I'm just a girl trying to get through school. I am also an intern here at the WHub! I love it because of all the women who come in and see us (shout out to our lovely WHub team), because they’re the ones who keep the space lively, and fun. When I’m not in the WHub, I’m studying and going to class, and when I’m not studying and going to class, I’m sitting in my room snacking and binge watching vlogs on YouTube. It’s kind of my strange addiction. But yeah, that’s just me.