Mohammed Cato

Title IX Director and Director, Civil Rights Office, Investigations and Resolutions

Raised in Southern California, Mohammed Cato received his bachelor’s degree from U.C. Irvine before obtaining a J.D. and master’s in urban planning here at UCLA. From 2014-2017, Mohammed served as the Assistant Director of the Equal Opportunity Office and Deputy Title IX Coordinator at Western Washington University. Prior to this post, Mohammed spent multiple years working directly with students in Western Washington University’s Department of Residence Life.

Maria Carmen Hinayon

Title VI Officer

As UCLA’s inaugural Title VI Officer, Maria Hinayon works closely with the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights, the entire CRO Team, and key partners from UCLA and UCLA Health to ensure the University’s prompt, thorough, and impartial resolution of Title VI complaints under the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy. She also coordinates appropriate supportive measures and accommodations for impacted individuals and leads preventative training and educational initiatives.

Maria has extensive experience as a civil rights attorney and investigator with a deep background in public education and healthcare. A member of the California State Bar and an Association of Workplace Investigators Certificate Holder (AWI-CH), Maria earned her JD from UCLA School of Law and a BA in Economics, Int’l Studies Minor from California State University, Long Beach. She is currently pursuing an MPH with a Health Equity concentration at Boston University.

Maria is bilingual in English and Tagalog (Filipino). She has served in a voluntary capacity on the boards of various nonprofits, professional legal organizations, and governmental bodies. She loves exploring LA’s food and art scenes and enjoys fencing, with the foil and epee as her weapons of choice.

Lillie Hsu

Interim Director, Civil Rights Office, Investigations and Resolutions

As Interim Civil Rights Director, Lillie Hsu oversees investigations and resolutions of discrimination and harassment complaints involving UCLA community members. Before this role, Lillie supervised investigations of discrimination and harassment complaints brought against faculty and other academic personnel.

Lillie received her undergraduate degree from Harvard University and her J.D. from Stanford Law School. After serving as a law clerk in federal trial and appellate courts, she practiced civil litigation and appellate law for many years at major law firms in Los Angeles. She has represented public entities and handled cases in areas ranging from employment and civil rights to contracts, medical malpractice and antitrust, including in the California Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court. She also taught as a lecturer at UCLA School of Law.

Lillie is an Association of Workplace Investigators member and Certificate Holder, and an active member of the State Bar of California.

Yonit Kovnator 

ADA/Section 504 Compliance Officer 

Yonit Kovnator joined UCLA in 2022, bringing over a decade of knowledge as an attorney with intersectional expertise on education and disability. Prior to her role as ADA/Section 504 Compliance Officer, Yonit dedicated her legal skills to helping serve California’s public schools and county offices of education, counseling clients at both the school site and administrative levels. She regularly advised her clients on numerous topics including issues related to the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as related state and federal law. Yonit earned her JD, with distinction, from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and her BA from the University of California, San Diego.

Adriana Ovalle Stevenson 

Director, Civil Rights Office, Intake and Support 

Adriana Ovalle Stevenson brings over a decade of experience in civil rights compliance to her role as Director of Intake and Support. Adriana joined UCLA in 2018 and most recently served as Director of the Staff Diversity & EEO Compliance Office, where she oversaw the resolution of discrimination complaints involving UCLA campus and UCLA Health staff. Prior to joining UCLA, Adriana held a range of civil rights roles at two other public universities, working with students, staff, and faculty on matters involving discrimination, harassment, and civil rights compliance. 

In her current role, Adriana is focused on fostering strong collaborative relationships across the institution while ensuring that the CRO's intake and support functions reflect best practices in fairness and responsiveness. She is committed to making sure that every person who contacts the office receives a respectful and supportive experience. Adriana earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California and her JD from Arizona State University.

Intake and Case Management Team 

Jessica Corona Senior 

Intake Specialist 

Jessica Corona is a Senior Intake Specialist within the CRO Intake and Support Team. Jessica graduated from the University of California, Irvine, where she majored in Sociology and double minored in English and Business Management. Upon graduation, Jessica interned with the Legal Aid Society of Orange County's Fund Development department, and shortly thereafter, attended and graduated from Notre Dame Law School, receiving her JD. Upon graduation, Jessica had a fellowship with the California Charter School Association, researching education law matters and the growing demographic of charter schools and their role in education. Jessica has worked with different nonprofits throughout Southern California, always aspiring to find a way to make a difference and contribute to those in need. In her last role as the Program Assistant with Kids in Need of Defense, Jessica managed data, conducted client intakes, ran the intern program, assisted with office management, and served as the first contact for families looking for immigration assistance.

Nicole Lewis

Case Manager 

As the Case Manager for the UCLA Civil Rights Office (CRO), Nicole Lewis leads CRO’s case management team. In addition to overseeing the management of CRO’s case files, Nicole is responsible for preparing compliance and other data reports related to complaints and reports of discrimination, harassment and retaliation. With a focus on accuracy and confidentiality, Nicole supports the CRO's mission to uphold equity for the campus and UCLA Health System, providing critical insights that guide policy and procedural improvements. 

Kimberly Alvarez

Intake Specialist 

As an Intake Specialist, Kim responds to complaints and other reports of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Kim also coordinates supportive measures for parties. 

Mary Bellomy 

Office Manager 

Mary Bellomy is the Office Manager in UCLA’s Civil Rights Office. 

Alayzha Booth 

Intake Specialist 

Alayzha Booth is an Intake Specialist with the UCLA Civil Rights Office. Alayzha responds to complaints and other reports of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation and she coordinates supportive measures for parties. She joined UCLA in 2025 and holds a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Northridge, and a Master of Science from Pepperdine University. 

Anashe Hakopiannik 

Intake Specialist 

As one of the intake specialists for UCLA’s Civil Rights Office (“CRO”), Anashe Hakopiannik responds to complaints and other reports of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation and she coordinates supportive measures for parties. In her role, Anashe ensures all reporters and complainants receive information about their rights and resources, as well as the opportunity to feel heard. It is a priority of Anashe’s to provide care and support to all individuals who cross CRO’s doors. Anashe has been with UCLA in similar roles for 10 years. Anashe holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine. 

Linda Harris 

Intake Specialist 

As an Intake Specialist, Linda Harris responds to complaints and other reports of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Linda also coordinates supportive measures for parties. She is committed to fostering a respectful, supportive, and accountable UCLA community. 

Genevieve Mayer 

Administrative Specialist 

Genevieve Mayer earned her Bachelor of Arts in History, summa cum laude, from UCLA, and JD/MBA from NYU. While attending law school, Genevieve represented undocumented workers in wage claims to obtain back wages at Bet Tzedek Legal Services. At Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A, Genevieve collaborated with the Fair Housing team where she provided legal and factual analyses of proposed strategies and approaches used in addressing endemic patterns of racial/religious discrimination in public housing in local neighborhoods. Genevieve began her career at UCLA in the Technology Development Group where she was a Patent Prosecution and Compliance Analyst. At TDG, Genevieve provided analytical and administrative support to the Chief IP Officer, attorneys, and inventors. Genevieve joined the CRO team in 2021 as an Administrative Specialist where she is responsible for responding to reports received by CRO and ensuring empathetic and supportive care for individuals who contact CRO.

Vanessa Saucedo

Intake Specialist 

As an Intake Specialist, Vanessa responds to complaints and other reports of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Vanessa also coordinates supportive measures for parties. 

Ramona Villagra (she/her/ella) 

Response Team Coordinator 

Ramona (Mona) Villagra is the Response Team Coordinator in the Civil Rights Office. She is responsible for tracking active investigations, managing a case load of hearings, and overseeing the logistical and operational aspects of the hearing and appeal process. Mona also supports case and data management and training for students.

Investigative Team

Joshua Bonin, J.D. (he/him)

Investigator

Josh Bonin joined the UCLA Civil Rights Office in 2025 as an investigator. Prior to coming to California, Josh worked as an investigator at the University of Texas at Austin, in the Department of Investigation and Adjudication, where he handled cases implicating Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, and EEOC, in addition to other university policies and obligations under VAWA and Clery. 

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Josh received his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University and his law degree from South Texas College of Law Houston. Josh is a die-hard fan of all Houston sports teams and Manchester United. 

Linda Cardenas 

Investigator 

As an investigator with the UCLA Civil Rights Office (CRO), Linda Cardenas works to uphold UCLA’s policies prohibiting discrimination and harassment (including sexual assault), as well as retaliation. This includes conducting fair, thorough and impartial investigations when potential violations of those policies are reported or come to the attention of CRO. 

Prior to joining the UCLA Civil Rights Office in 2023, Linda studied psychology at UCLA and graduated from the UC Berkeley School of Law. She has worked in the public and private sectors, focusing on employment law and human resources. Her education is supplemented with certification by the Association of Workforce Investigators (CH-AWI), a Senior Professional in Human Resources certification (SPHR), and a Professional Designation in Human Resources Management from UCLA Extension.

Agustin Corral (he/him/his)

Investigator

Agustín Corral conducts investigations, carries out counseling conversations, works with parties to arrive at Alternative Resolutions, and trains folks campuswide on UCLA policies. In addition, Agustín helps to ensure UCLA community members have meaningful access to the Civil Rights Office by providing training and hosting meetings in Spanish. 

Agustín joined the office in 2019 with extensive labor relations and investigatory experience. While employed with the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), Agustín led efforts to revamp LACOE’s Title IX practices, rewriting LACOE’s Title IX and Sexual Harassment policies, training LACOE school administrators on conducting prompt and equitable Title IX investigations, and providing Title IX technical assistance to county districts. Agustín previously worked as a Labor Relations Advocate for a public sector union and in homelessness prevention and higher education access programs for low-income clients. 

Agustín is available to talk through any of your questions, including helping you navigate responsible employee obligations or policy concerns. 

Dominica Dela Cruz

Investigator 

Dominica Dela Cruz joined UCLA’s Civil Rights Office in 2024. Prior to joining CRO, Dominica worked at a public university investigating civil rights complaints. Dominica previously served as a public defender in Utah and Colorado. Dominica earned her bachelor’s degree from St. Mary's University and her law degree from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law. 

Dominica is also an Association of Workplace Investigators Certificate Holder.

Dennis DePalma

Investigator

Dennis DePalma joined UCLA’s Civil Rights Office in 2017 after seventeen years as an employment law specialist at a variety of firms. As an employment litigator, Dennis conducted investigations into discrimination and harassment matters, trained supervisors and other personnel about anti-discrimination and anti-harassment laws and policies, developed anti-discrimination and antiharassment policies and practices, and mediated and resolved discrimination and harassment disputes, in addition to other matters. Dennis earned bachelor’s degrees in English and Political Science from Bradley University and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Southern California. 

John Fuentes

Investigator

John Fuentes is a California-licensed attorney and certified by the Association of Workforce Investigators (CH-AWI). John joined UCLA’s Civil Rights Office as an Investigator in 2021. 

Prior to joining CRO, John earned his bachelor’s degree at U.C. Berkeley and law degree (J.D.) at American University, the Washington College of Law in Washington D.C. John practiced law, litigating matters in state and federal court regarding claims of harassment, discrimination, retaliation in the employment context and civil rights lawsuits involving peace officers in Los Angeles County. With his experience in employment and civil rights law, John is committed to providing fair, impartial, and equitable resolutions to complaints brought to UCLA’s Civil Rights Office. 

Vanessa Himeles (she/her)

Investigator

Vanessa Himeles is an investigator in the Civil Rights Office. Prior to joining UCLA, Vanessa worked as an investigator at a private firm, conducting third-party Title IX and workplace investigations. She is also a Certificate Holder of the Association of Workplace Investigators (SWI-CH). An attorney licensed to practice in California, Vanessa has represented employees in workplace claims of sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. Previously, she served as a fellow for the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center’s Legal Clinic, working with clients of the Anti-Violence Project. While attending Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, Vanessa spent two years working to exonerate those wrongfully convicted as part of Loyola’s Project for the Innocent. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, San Diego.

Sharon Marchushamer 

Investigator 

Sharon Marchushamer is an investigator in UCLA’s Civil Rights Office. 

Lily Patel (she/her)

Investigator

Lily Patel has been an investigator for more than a decade, working to prevent discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, which are barriers to the educational process and to academic excellence. In her spare time, Lily is a screenwriter, film producer, rower, and classically trained opera singer, and she infuses her dedication to fighting against civil rights violations in all aspects of her life. 

Angela Pelaske 

Investigator 

Angela Pelaske is an investigator in UCLA’s Civil Rights Office. 

Sanjeev Srinivas 

Investigator 

Sanjeev Srinivas is a California-licensed attorney, AWI-CH certificate holder, and seasoned investigator who resolves complex and sensitive matters through independent investigations and strategic ADR. He earned his J.D. from George Washington University Law School and holds degrees from UC Berkeley and UC Irvine.

Investigative Team—Health

J. Nicola (“Nico”) Anwandter

Health Investigator

Nico Anwandter joined UCLA’s Civil Rights Office as a health investigator in 2022 with an extensive employee relations and civil rights background. As a California-licensed attorney with years of litigation experience, Nico has represented both employees and employers in a wide variety of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, accommodation, and assault claims. As an HR Consultant, he developed several employment policies for clients and provided essential guidance to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment and labor laws. Nico graduated from the University of California, Irvine School of Law, where he interned with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing and defended prisoner rights before the Ninth Circuit. 

Sarah Attar 

Health Investigator

Sarah Attar joined UCLA’s Civil Rights Office in 2022. Sarah is a California-licensed attorney with experience in healthcare law. She earned her Juris Doctor from the UCLA School of Law. 

Brynn Cai 

Health Investigator 

As a health investigator, Brynn Cai is responsible for conducting prompt and impartial investigations into complaints of harassment, discrimination and retaliation within the UCLA Health Enterprise.

Asmara Carbado 

Health Investigator 

As a health investigator, Asmara Carbado is responsible for conducting prompt and impartial investigations into complaints of harassment, discrimination and retaliation within the UCLA Health Enterprise. 

Ana Contreras, Esp., AWI-CHI (she/her) 

Health Investigator 

As a health investigator, Ana Contreras is responsible for conducting prompt and impartial investigations into complaints of harassment, discrimination and retaliation within the UCLA Health Enterprise. Ana earned her Juris Doctor from UCLA, where she specialized in Critical Race Studies. She also has a degree in Political Science from Williams College, with a concentration in Borders, Exile, and Diaspora Studies. Prior to joining the CRO team, Ana was an employment law litigator.