About Us

Sarah Elizabeth Garza-Levitt

Sarah Elizabeth Garza-Levitt, MSW, CSW, E-RYT, C-IAYT is a first-generation college student who earned an Associate of Science at Salt Lake Community College, a Bachelor, and a Masters of Social Work at the University of Utah. Since joining the U in 2016, Sarah Elizabeth has been an active member of the campus community advocating for the importance of basic needs security as a key to academic success. Informed by her experience as a single working parent, taking many years to attain higher education, she believes basic needs such as the financial, food, and housing security among students directly impacts their health and well-being. In 2020 Sarah Elizabeth led efforts to found the health campus FEED U Pantry satellite in EHSEB, and partnered with University Hospital Nutrition Care Services on a food recovery project. Over 25,000 lbs. of food have been recovered and distributed through the pantry. Additionally, Sarah Elizabeth is pursuing a Ph.D. in Social Work at the University of Utah and is studying college student poverty and its impact on health, academic performance, and degree completion outcomes.

Martha Hernandez

Basic Needs Program Manager

Martha Hernandez is a University of Utah alumna. She graduated from Salt Lake Community College with an Associate of Arts in Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in History Teaching from the University of Utah. Martha is thrilled to be part of the BNC team and hopes to continue supporting student success and wellbeing through her program manager role which includes managing the program “Adulting 101”, supporting student staff, continuing and expanding partnerships with campus and community partners, and more. Martha believes in the importance of supporting students in meeting their basic needs to foster academic success, retention, and graduation. She is a teacher at heart and life-long learner who enjoys reading, visiting new places, and learning new languages. 

Jennifer Rodela

Basic Needs Programming Lead

Jennifer Rodela is attending The University of Utah as a sophomore student aiming to pursue her bachelor's degree as a first-generation student. She loves the social work profession and wishes to dedicate her career to it. She has been a part of the BNC team since the Fall of 2022 and hopes to be a part of it for a long time! As an underrepresented student, she understands the challenges and difficulties one can face, especially in a higher education environment where everything is different. She believes supporting students with their basic needs is important because it increases their overall well-being and their likelihood of graduating with a college degree. Her role is to support and provide resources to students from the university while at the same time coordinating events, activities, and collaborations with campus/community partners, and colleagues around campus.

Alastair Dunn

Basic Needs Programming Intern

Alastair Dunn is a first-generation student studying Economics and Physics at the University of Utah. He has chosen to work with the Basic Needs Collective because it is a great opportunity to make a positive impact on campus and create meaningful relationships with other individuals. He sees the Basic Needs Collective as a very powerful tool to improve the campus atmosphere and improve the lives of fellow students. Eventually, Alastair would like to get a master's degree in economics and wishes to study how good public transportation can be used to alleviate poverty and meet the universal basic need for means of transport as well as bridge the gap between rural and urban environments. Down the line, Alastair wishes to work in the field of public transportation in order to continue making a positive impact on the lives of everyday people as well as the environment. In his spare time, Alastair enjoys reading about political economy, philosophy, and sci-fi, watching movies, and learning other languages.

Jay Chaudhari

Basic Needs U Service Corps Member

I'm Jay Chaudhari, an upcoming sophomore and first-generation student pursuing a bachelor's degree in Accounting with a minor in Psychology. I'm really excited to be joining the Basic Needs Collective as a U Service Corps member. I'm here because I want to make a positive impact on the community and love connecting with others. I'm looking forward to an amazing year ahead! In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis, hanging out with friends and traveling. 

Sophia Mann

MSW Practicum Student

Sophia is a University of Utah graduate with a bachelor's degree in psychology. She's currently pursuing a Master of Social Work, also at the University of Utah. Sophia's passion lies in supporting students. She believes that meeting basic needs is essential for academic success, which is why she's chosen to work with the Basic Needs Collective. This organization empowers and supports students on their educational journey. In her free time, she enjoys Rock climbing, hiking, and cooking.

Kim Ponce Gonzalez

MSW Practicum Student

Kimberly Ponce Gonzalez is a first-generation college student pursuing her Masters in Social Work. She has earned an Associate of Science at Salt Lake Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Ethnic Studies at the University of Utah. She is involved with research on college student poverty with Sarah Elizabeth, and the university community, such as Caring Connections at the University of Utah Health to help individuals experiencing grief and loss. She believes in de-stigmatizing mental health and giving access to underrepresented communities. Her role is to support students to their health and wellbeing by giving compassionate care coordination. Kim is excited to be a part of the Basic Needs Collective and make differences among the campus community. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, reading, and baking.