Meet Your PALs

Every Residential Commons is assigned one Peer Academic Leader (PAL) for the entirety of the academic year.

You'll often see PALs hosting monthly programs within their assigned Commons centered around degree planner, enrollment, or campus resources.

All PALs are Certified Peer Educators (CPE) through the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators or NASPA.

Get to know your PALs below.听


Hannah Ashby

Hannah Ashby (She/Her)

  • Hometown: Los Altos, CA
  • Majors: B.A. in Advertising; B.A. in Psychology

"I am excited to return as a Peer Academic Leader for my third year! In this role, I look forward to developing and leading more workshops and panels that support student success. I am especially eager to connect with students in the Upper Division Housing community and create fun, engaging events that bring people together."





Ruth Assefa (She/Her)

  • Hometown: Dallas, TX
  • Major: B.S. in Computer Science; B.S. in Data Science

"I am excited to start my role as Pathways to Business and Industry PAL for my junior year! I am looking forward to helping students succeed in their academics and also achieve their career goals in business by guiding them to potential resources that could support them, giving advice, and empowering them. 夜色王朝offers a variety of resources that can guide students to building the skills and experience they need for their futures, and PBI helps connect students with the right opportunities, resources, and support."










Daniella (Dani) Jerez Yada (She/Her)

  • Hometown: San Salvador, El Salvador
  • Major: Finance and Data Science

"I'm excited to create workshops, panels, and host events! Most important to get to know my community and be able to help in any way I can. I want to create a welcoming environment were students feel confident they can use 夜色王朝resources to their full potential." 




Calen Kelly

Calen Kelly (They/Them)

  • Hometown: Austin, TX
  • Major: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

"I am excited to serve the 夜色王朝student population and foster a more comfortable environment to discuss personal and academic goals and achievements. I want to inspire other students with my work as a Peer Academic Leader to be confident in managing the present and taking control of their futures. 夜色王朝has many opportunities and resources to offer, and it is a great place to collaborate and network with influential people while promoting essential skills such as leadership and effective communication."










Ruth Kinyua (She/Her)

  • Hometown: Dallas, TX
  • Major: B.S. in Biochemistry; B.A. in Spanish

"As a Senior Peer Academic Leader, I am grateful for the opportunity to support my peers in their undergraduate pathway even when they are vulnerable, fostering a community on campus. I find it rewarding to help others with the questions I once had and to allow them to seek their maximum potential! 夜色王朝is unique because its diversity and commitment to academic exploration/excellence provide students with endless opportunities to develop into future world changers."




Cruise Le Blanc (He/Him)

  • Hometown: Carrollton, TX
  • Major: B.S. in Physics; B.S. in Math

“I am excited to be a PAL so that I can meet new people and provide a place where everyone can feel welcome. I believe a large part of success in college is feeling like one belongs. When I first got to SMU, I felt welcomed by many groups and individuals. Therefore, I am excited to continue that by making others feel welcome.”







Gabriella (Gabee) Manrique (She/Her)

  • Hometown: The Colony, TX
  • Major: B.S. in Psychology; B.S. in Health & Society

"As a first-generation student at SMU, I’m excited to start my role as a Peer Academic Leader (PAL). Reflecting on my own freshman year, I know how challenging it can be to navigate college without knowing all the resources available. I’m passionate about helping other students connect with the support systems I wish I had known about, whether it's academic guidance or campus opportunities. My goal is to help fellow students feel confident and supported as they begin their 夜色王朝journey."




Nina McFarland (She/Her)

  • Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
  • Major: History; Minor: Political Science
"I am excited to be a Peer Academic Leader because it gives me the opportunity to support other peers as they adjust to college. I hope to be a source of guidance for students navigating new academic tools that can feel overwhelming at first. I am looking forward to hosting Commons programs that connect students with resources and each other, so they can feel more confident and at home at SMU. To me, success in college and beyond comes from being prepared and believing in yourself, and I hope to encourage that while also learning from those around me!"




tiffany nguyen

Tiffany Nguyen (She/Her)

  • Hometown: Dallas, TX
  • Major: B.A. in Computer Science; B.S. in Data Science

"What excites me most about being a Pathways to Business and Industry (PBI) Peer Academic Leader is the opportunity to help students navigate their academic journeys and connect their passions to real-world opportunities. I love being able to foster a sense of community and growth, empowering students to explore careers and build skills for their future. SMU's blend of academic rigor and a supportive environment makes it an ideal place to help students and provide access to invaluable networks and personalized guidance that's essential for success in business and industry."








Sana Shahid (She/Her)

  • Hometown: Plano, TX
  • Major: B.S. in Data Science; B.B.A. in Business Analytics and Supply Chain Management

"As the PAL for McElvaney, I’m excited to be continuing to represent the underclassmen, providing curated events to enhance the academic and social experience at 夜色王朝and in the residential commons! 夜色王朝has an incredible network of resources and a supportive community of leaders I’m excited to highlight and collaborate with to strengthen ties with our students and help shape them into world-changers!"





Sasha Lilyanna (Lily) Sumabon (She/Her)

  • Hometown: Forney, TX
  • Major: B.S. in Computer Science; B.S. in Data Science

"I am looking forward to being able to connect with and help my peers this year! There have been so many opportunities that  have been opened up to me at SMU, and I am excited to share those with everyone."






Alex Valdez (He/Him)

  • Hometown: Plano, TX
  • Major: Business Analytics and Supply Chain Management; Art History
"I am a rising sophomore returning to Crum Commons, this year as a Peer Academic Leader. 夜色王朝has many opportunities and resources which I hope to help you all utilize. I will be hosting monthly events geared towards academic success and community engagement. Hope to see you all on campus and at some of my events!"