Mentors and Staff
Meet Our Mentors
Mentors are central to the ASPIRE community, living alongside students to provide guidance, support, and mentorship throughout the two-week program. They help create a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment by leading activities, facilitating community-building experiences, supervising excursions, and supporting students’ day-to-day residential experience.
Abi Bailey
ASPIRE MentorHi! I’m Abi and I’m from South Carolina. I am a rising sophomore at Mudd, interested in studying Math and Climate. While on campus I love to hang out with friends, rollerblade, and watch Disney movies in lecture halls. I also love to write, play Stardew Valley and do crafts. My favorite color is orange and I love thunderstorms!
Trace Loveday
ASPIRE MentorTrace is a rising sophomore and prospective engineering major passionate about accessible, sustainable technology. He is active in the Makerspace and Machine Shop, including through Adaptive Design at Mudd (ADAM), where he helps create custom tools for the Claremont community. He also enjoys connecting with others through games and is involved in the Mudd Tabletop Games club.
Mia Alexander
ASPIRE MentorMia is a recent CS-Math graduate from the class of 2026 and an incoming law student passionate about policy, equity, and algorithms. A former JB Chair of the Honor Board, she loves connecting computer science to everyday life—especially through Mario games—and is excited to meet ASPIRE scholars over Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or Mario Party Jamboree!
Charlie Medina
ASPIRE MentorHi! My name is Charlie Medina and I’m from Los Angeles, California. I am a sophomore Engineering major at Harvey Mudd College!
Oliver Flor
ASPIRE MentorOliver is a rising Harvey Mudd sophomore from New York City with an intended major in engineering. He is a member of the CMS cross country team and the new Formula Society of Automotive Engineers team. He’s looking forward to discussing his Mudder experience with students and having a blast at ASPIRE this summer!
Natalie Huang
ASPIRE MentorNatalie is a rising sophomore and plans to major in Mathematical and Computational Biology. She is excited to join the ASPIRE team as a mentor and support the students as they explore Mudd’s opportunities. Natalie has really enjoyed her time at the 5C’s and hope to share her enthusiasm for both STEM and humanities with students!
Meet Our Staff
Cindy Martinez, PhD
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of StudentsDr. Cindy Martinez (she/her) serves as the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at the Harvey Mudd College. With more than 25 years of experience in higher education leadership, she is passionate about fostering student success, leadership development, and inclusive campus communities. Through ASPIRE, Dr. Martinez is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for students to grow in confidence, build community, and navigate higher education with support and purpose. She believes in fostering spaces where students feel empowered to embrace their identities, develop as leaders, and thrive both personally and academically.
Karina Cruz-Casas
Student Affairs Administrator and Special Projects LeadKarina (she/her/ella) is a first-generation Latina higher education professional passionate about student leadership, college access, and youth empowerment. She earned her B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Education from the University of California, Santa Barbara and her Master of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs from the University of Southern California. Her background includes student affairs, youth development, and college access work through organizations such as College Access Plan and Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara, where she supported first-generation and working-class students through mentorship, leadership development, and educational programming. Through ASPIRE, Karina is committed to creating meaningful student experiences grounded in mentorship, authenticity, leadership, and holistic care. She believes in the transformative power of community and strives to help students recognize their potential both inside and outside the classroom.
Charlie Morris
ASPIRE Program CoordinatorCharlie brings extensive experience in youth programming, mentorship, and residential summer leadership. Most recently, he served as a Director for Summer Springboard’s MIT campus, where he oversaw student life, staff coordination, and daily program operations. A Pitzer College graduate with a B.A. in Economics, Charlie remains actively engaged in the greater Claremont community and is currently pursuing his MBA at Claremont Graduate University. Passionate about athletics, leadership, and youth development, he also directs seasonal basketball clinics for the City of Newton, Massachusetts. As Program Coordinator for ASPIRE, Charlie looks forward to creating a supportive, engaging, and enriching experience for all students.