A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Lopéz attended University of Oklahoma and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in human relations with a focus on human resource diversity and development. She is actively engaged in the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), has served in various roles on the planning committee for the National Conference for Race and Ethnicity (NCORE), and is the recipient of the Oklahoma Gazette’s 2018 Forty under 40 for her philanthropic work in the community.

Having dedicated her career in education to advocating and creating opportunities for underserved and underrepresented students, Lopez believes that “… leading with passion, integrity, and service is what drives intentional community transformation and empowerment.”

What attracted you to the DMC? (i.e. community, friends, food, loving environment) *
I started going to the DMC because most of the clubs I got involved in early on met there. I’d spend hours in the main room going to meetings for LV & QSU (now GSU) and loved spending time in the Rainbow Room whenever I needed to get work done. I grew attached to the people there and have been involved ever since.

What does social change mean to you?
Social change for me represents advancement in the wellbeing of everyone in all communities. This in part relates to documenting the history of where systems of oppression stem from and figuring out ways to address those underlying historical and systemic issues.

What is your favorite part about working at the DMC?
I love being able to introduce new people to the DMC. It makes me so happy to see new people getting involved in whatever they resonate with the most.

Favorite song, quote, book, or podcast.
My favorite work of literature is “Ficciones” by Jorge Luis Borges.

What attracted you to the DMC? (i.e. community, friends, food, loving environment) *
I was attracted to the DMC since my Freshman year because it has always been a welcoming space. The DMC is a place where you can meet up with friends at any time of the day to watch a movie, cook something, or study. I was also attracted to the DMC because of the impactful programming and events that make students feel seen and give them a voice.

What does social change mean to you?
Social change means being able to work with people with different backgrounds and perspectives to create a space where everyone is included and welcomed. Social change involves people working together to reach a common goal of acceptance and inclusion.

What is your favorite part about working at the DMC?
My favorite part of working at the DMC is hosting community dinners because all the organizations under the DMC come together and brainstorm ways to collaborate. Overall, community dinners create a space where passionate individuals motivate each other, which is something I am glad to be a part of!

Favorite song, quote, book, or podcast?
Currently, I have been listening to El Ultimo Tour del Mundo, Bad Bunny's new album, and I am obsessed! I've also been enjoying the Between Sessions podcasts, which focuses on mental health in Black and Latinx communities. I encourage everyone to listen to it!

What attracted you to the DMC? (i.e. community, friends, food, loving environment) *
I joined the DMC team to help build a community of students with the intention of systemic change.

What does social change mean to you?
It is a goal that must be continuously worked towards to better the lives and future of BIPOC.

What is your favorite part about working at the DMC?
My favorite part is getting to know the community under the DMC, I have met some of my favorite people here!

Favorite song, quote, book, or podcast.
My favorite book is Homesick for Another World by Ottessa Moshfegh.

What attracted you to the DMC? (i.e. community, friends, food, loving environment) *
I was attracted to the DMC by the comfortable and warm environment and community that supported me throughout my first year.

What does social change mean to you?
Social change is the change in how we function as a community and the institutions we function under to improve our everyday life experiences.

What was your favorite part of working at the DMC?
I enjoy working with the DMC ambassador team and campus partners as I develop programming and student affairs skills.

Favorite song, quote, book, or podcast? Song: Pick Up Your Feelings- Jazmine Sullivan

What attracted you to the DMC? (i.e. community, friends, food, loving environment) *
The community of people and friends attracted me to the DMC. There would always be people hanging around, talking, doing work together, cooking, or watching something, so it always felt cozy and loving at the DMC.

What does social change mean to you?
Social change means a shifting of culture and consciousness around issues of race, gender, sexuality, ability, and class.

What is your favorite part about working at the DMC?
My favorite part about working at the DMC is growing as a person and educationally through my fellow ambassadors and the director.

Favorite song, quote, book, or podcast.
My favorite podcast is The Receipts Podcast.

What attracted you to the DMC? (i.e. community, friends, food, loving environment) *
I was originally attracted to the DMC because I needed a quiet place to study. But I soon realized it was a thriving community of love and acceptance, which is why I chose to apply.

What does social change mean to you?
Social change to me means changing or eliminating systems that marginalize our community members.

What is your favorite part about working at the DMC?
Working with the other student ambassadors is really great. I love that each of us has a powerful vision for Hamilton that is reflected in the work we do together. Access to the snack closet is pretty nice too.

Favorite song, book, quote, or podcast.
Favorite song: A Boy is a Gun by Tyler the Creator

What attracted you to the DMC? (i.e. community, friends, food, loving environment) *
Ever since attending the Open House my freshman fall, the DMC has been a space of comfort and security for me. I was also drawn to many of the student orgs under the DMC umbrella. Plus it's a nice study space.

What does social change mean to you?
Cultural shifts working towards equity on the personal and institutional levels. In these changed spaces, inclusion should be prioritized and marginalization combatted so as to uplift and liberate all people.

What is your favorite part about working at the DMC?
Learning new communications skills, and being part of an amazing community of Ambassadors who are committed to social change.

Favorite song, quote, book, or podcast.
My favorite song is Mercury by Sleeping at Last; I could listen to his music all day.