
Undergraduate Student Spotlights
2021-2022
Amaya Childes
Outstanding Graduating Senior
Alana Godoy
Outstanding Graduating Senior
Alana Godoy is graduating with honors earning a degree in both Anthropology and Sociology. A transfer student from Southwestern Community College, Alana is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society and Tau Sigma Honors Society. She is also on San Diego State University’s Mortar Board. While studying at SDSU, Alana has also been earning an associate degree in Hawaiian Studies from Windward Community College.
As the first person in her family to graduate from college, she hopes that she’s made her family proud and has set an example for her three younger siblings that they can accomplish whatever they put their heart and mind to.
Growing up as a Polynesian dancer, she has spent much of her life volunteering and staying active in San Diego’s Pacific Islander community. From 2017 to 2020, Alana served as Miss Pacific Islander of San Diego First Princess and Miss Charity, allowing her the opportunity to create several service projects, attend a variety of community events, and grant her with the financial support to continue pursuing higher education. She completed a fellowship in 2020 with APPEAL, the Asian Pacific Partners for Empowerment, Advocacy, and Leadership, advocating and promoting tobacco-free policies for AANHPI communities. As a Polynesian dancer, Alana has travelled with her dance group Kaleo Onalani, to Spain where they performed and taught workshops at the Pacific Islander Festival of Europe. Inspired by her work in the community, Alana created a YouTube channel and website called Sincerely, Alana, where she educates minority youth about current social issues, the effects of historical trauma, opportunities to pursue higher education, and promoting self-confidence.
Throughout her high school and college career, Alana has worked in a variety of corporate positions at several companies including Umpqua Bank, Guild Mortgage, the Asian Real Estate Association of America, and Maeva Tours. Despite enjoying roles such as executive assistant, event coordinator, and project manager, Alana finds more enjoyment in her roles as a nanny, travel agent, and content creator where she is able to educate, help, learn from, and connect with people from around the world.
Diego Smith
Award for Excellence in Sociological Research
Jolyana Jirjees
Award for Excellence in Community Engagement
Abigail Tamayo
Award for Excellence in Community Engagement