Mission Statement
B[U]ILT (Black, Indigenous, and Latino in Tech) by ColorStack is a non-profit student organization at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. We strive to become a strong support system for minorities in computing-related fields that fosters scholarship, professional development, and a sense of community. We seek to improve the diversity of the workplace in computing fields by holding technical and professional events for current students, in addition to running outreach programs to encourage the next generation of students from underrepresented communities to pursue careers in computing fields.
Our Values
Academic Support
We provide resources and mentorship to help our members excel academically. From study groups to tutoring sessions, our goal is to support students in achieving their educational goals and overcoming challenges in their coursework.
Professional Support
Preparing for a successful career starts here. Through networking events, resume workshops, and mock interviews, we equip our members with the skills and connections needed to thrive in the professional world.
Community Support
A strong sense of community is at the heart of our organization. We foster a welcoming environment where members can connect, collaborate, and build lasting friendships, creating a support system that extends beyond the classroom.
Meet the E-Board!
President
Steven Uruchima
scu2@illinois.edu
Hey everyone, I'm Steven and President of B[U]ILT! I'm a senior studying Computer Science from Chicago, IL. This year I'm looking forward to continue fostering, uplifting, and elevating our community by working closely with our members and community partners. In my free time I like running, hiking, taking photos, collecting smiskis, and being with friends and family. Always feel free to reach out!
Vice President
Paloma Pichardo
palomap3@illinois.edu
Hi! I’m Paloma Pichardo and I’m a junior majoring in Computer Science and minoring in Business. I’m from Houston, Texas and am a huge fan of running and all-you-can-eat sushi. I’m excited to help foster community through B[U]ILT this year!
Secretary
Owen Funke
ofunk2@illinois.edu
Hey y'all! My name is Owen Funke, and I'm a senior in Computer Science, minoring in Legal Studies. I'm from Chicago, and transferred from City Colleges of Chicago. I enjoy sports, technology, and philosophy. I love to help people and talk about my experiences. I'm trying to compete with Tyler for B[U]ILT office rat, and I'll be there most days to come and yap
Treasurer
Leo Mandujano
leom5@illinois.edu
Internal Director
Tyler Ramsay
trams4@illinois.edu
Hi! My name is Tyler! I'm a junior studying Computer Science and Economics with a minor in Dance. I'm from Chicago, IL. As you can tell, I love to Dance but I love to play video games and listen to music! I'm the current Internal Director for B[U]ILT for the 26-27 academic year, and my goals are to make B[U]ILT the safe space it needs to be, encourage members to come to events, find community, and to meet and greet new members who want to be apart of it. I'm always in the office! Come talk to me! Ask me about Minecraft, Just Dance, The Sims 4, or C++ and Economic Theory! Or anything your heart desires. I'm here for you!
Social Director
Kay Rivera
krive5@illinois.edu
I'm a rising senior in Computer Science with a minor in Game Studies & Design. I'm very excited to be this year's social director, leading the social committee in planning fun events for B[U]ILT including collab events, Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History Month, Women's History Month, and other socializing opportunities. Outside of school, I love cooking, baking, reading, drawing, painting, and fitness. Slack me if you have any new social ideas or want to know how to get more involved in B[U]ILT!
External Director
Saniya Sanders
saniyas3@illinois.edu
Infrastructure Director
Eduardo Aranda
earanda2@illinois.edu
Hi, I am Eduardo Aranda a senior in Econometrics and Quantitative Economics with minors in Computer Science and Computer Engineering. I am the 26-27 Infrastructure chair and am excited to help develop B[U]ILT's technical skills!
Outreach Director
Erick Gutierrez
egutie44@illinois.edu
Hello, my name is Erick Gutierrez. I am a first-generation Sophomore student at UIUC majoring in Computer Science from Chicago, Illinois. I love to play sports, go to the gym, play Pokémon, and watch Anime. I'm super excited to be a part of B[U]ILT's mission in supporting underrepresented groups and fostering a tight-knit community. Feel free to reach out to me or say hi if you see me in person!
Graduate Affairs Director
Bridget Agyare
bagyare2@illinois.edu
Hi, I'm Bridget! I am a third-year PhD student in CS studying CS education. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, watching YouTube and TV shows, and interior decorating. I am excited to foster community among graduate students in B[U]ILT this year!!
Marketing Director
Esther Valentin
evale8@illinois.edu
My name is Esther Valentin and I'm currently studying information science with a minor in health technology! My upbringing in Chicago has provided me with a rich passion for UI/UX Design, healthcare, and information systems and I am proud to represent B[U]ILT as this years marketing chair.
Campus Relations Director
Brasen Asiedu
brasena2@illinois.edu
Hi! I’m Brasen, a junior at UIUC pursuing Information Science with interests in data science, technology, and digital innovation. As B[U]ILT’s Campus Relations Director, I’m passionate about building connections across campus and creating opportunities for students to find community within tech. Outside of B[U]ILT, I’m involved in modeling, dance, and step, which allow me to explore my creative side. I love styling outfits, traveling, and trying new things, and I’m always excited to meet new people and explore new opportunities!
