Meet the Transfer Student Center Staff 

Paolo Velasco
Transfer Student Center Acting Director
pvelasco@saonet.ucla.edu

Paolo has served as the Director of the Bruin Resource Center since 2012. He is very appreciative to be in this role and have the opportunity to work closely with many amazing students and colleagues. Paolo received his B.A. from UCLA in American Literature & Culture, and following college worked as a high school English teacher and basketball coach. Upon returning to UCLA, Paolo worked in the Health Education department, received his M.A. in Higher Education & Organizational Change, and also taught classes as a Lecturer in Community Health Sciences. Paolo’s proudest accomplishments at UCLA include developing the Guardian Scholars Program, supporting the establishment of the Transfer Student Center and the Veteran Resource Center, and helping to raise millions of dollars to support student scholarships and services. Beyond work, Paolo loves coaching his kids’ club basketball teams, and he enjoys following the Lakers and UCLA Athletic teams. He also loves talking about movies and tv shows and some of his favorites include The Godfather, The Wire and Stranger Things.

Sarah Molitoris
Transfer Student Center Assistant Director 
smolitoris@saonet.ucla.edu 

It is a sincere honor to serve as the Assistant Director for the Transfer Student Center. Working with transfers to create connections, advocate for change, and build a transfer receptive culture throughout UCLA brings me joy every day in this role. I am passionate about making UCLA a welcoming, accessible & inclusive place for all students. Outside of work, you can find me baking.

Karina Arzate-Arenivaz

Office Management and Volunteer Program Co-Coordinator
karzatearenivaz@saonet.ucla.edu

I am a 2nd year Transfer student transferring from College of the Sequoias in Visalia California. I am majoring in Political Science and Art History. I have a passion for museums and art spaces, and especially enjoy becoming involved in any artistic community or endeavors. As a part of the transfer center staff I hope to gain insight for future career path in education, either as a teacher or counselor.

Sam Kaplan

Office Management and Volunteer Program Co-Coordinator
skaplan@saonet.ucla.edu

I am a second year transfer student, from Moorpark College, studying Chemistry - Materials Science and minoring in Biomedical Research. I intend to eventually pursue a Ph.D. after graduating from UCLA. In my spare time, I enjoy exploring the city and visiting museums. I also like non-fiction reading and creative writing. I look forward to helping build community and advocating for transfer students in my role as a staff member at the Transfer Student Center.