Gabe Peña

Having collaborated with TRIO for almost 10 years, I am extremely excited to begin my time as the Director for the TRIO McNair Scholars Program. As a first-generation college student at the University of Michigan, I was equally excited and nervous about the experiences that awaited me. This is why I am so grateful to serve the students in the SSS Classic program and help them to not only overcome barriers, but to expand and exceed their academic and personal limits.

I received my BA in Sociology from the University of Michigan and my M.Ed from Grand Valley State University.  Before moving into this position, I spent 5 years as a Success Coach in the Student Academic Success Center and 2 years as a professional advisor here at GVSU. I am a voracious football fan and you can usually catch me at a local high school football game on Fridays, cheering on GVSU on Saturdays, and watching the Miami Dolphins on Sundays in the fall.

If you would like to make an appointment with me, send me an email at [email protected] and we can get something on the books!

Jenna Mazurek

I am so excited to start serving as the Program Advisor for the TRIO McNair Scholars Program! I'm looking forward to learning more about what my students are passionate about, their research ideas, and watching them pursue their dreams as they work towards their Ph.D programs. I love learning new things, and by listening to my students and all of their different ideas in their respective fields, there is no doubt in my mind that I will accomplish that. My passion for student success and student development shows in the way I do my work, and I'm looking forward to my journey in this position.

I am a Laker for a Lifetime, having received my Master of Education degree from GVSU in 2024 and have also obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science and Psychology in 2022. During my graduate program, I worked in the Office of Student Life as the Programming Graduate Assistant, working to advise and support students that were a part of the Campus Activities Board. I love to spend time with friends and family, check out coffee shops and other small businesses in Grand Rapids, and work part-time at Wax Poetic Candle Bar in East Grand Rapids.

Schedule an appointment with me if you need help with graduate school application preparation and/or are graduating in the next year!

Hello! I’m Lester, but I also go by Les, and I’m excited to serve as the newest Program Advisor on the team. I was born and raised in Detroit and still have a lot of love for the city. I’m also a proud fan of all things Detroit sports. Outside of work, I enjoy life as a husband and father of two. I’m a man with too many hobbies, but I’m an avid collector of sneakers, vinyl records, and plants. Please know that I’m always up for a conversation about any of these!

I’m thankful for the opportunity to help students navigate their educational journeys and empower them to recognize their potential, build confidence in their abilities, and connect with the resources and support that will help them thrive. I have a deep commitment to student development, shaped by both my professional roles and personal experiences. As a first-generation student, I faced my own challenges, and looking back, I can identify moments during undergrad when I could have really used some extra support. That reflection motivates me today to be the resource I needed back then for students now.

I’ve previously served as a Youth Advocate with Grand Rapids Public Schools and as a Program Advisor for GVSU TRIO Talent Search, where I supported students in achieving their goals. I earned my B.S. in Physical Education with an emphasis in Sport Management and a minor in Nonprofit Administration from GVSU, and I’m currently pursuing my M.A. in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration.

I look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact through this role.

Schedule an appointment with me if you are looking to expand research opportunities and/or not graduating within the next year!