SPARQ Peer Mentors

SPARQ Peer Mentors are trained to provide support for personal, social, and academic concerns to all students who identify as LGBTQ+ or may be questioning their sexual or gender identity. They are also here to help make connections with other LGBTQ+ community members. Meeting with a mentor is private and only the mentor and their supervisor will know you are meeting.

SPARQ Peer Mentors work during the academic year (Fall Semester, Winter Semester, and Short-Term)

Click here to fill out our brief Mentee application to be paired with a SPARQ Peer Mentor. You can also stop by during Peer Mentor drop in hours with no appointment needed.

Meet the 2024-2025 SPARQ Peer Mentors

Nakelm Nicholson (he/him)

Heyy y’all! My name is Nakelm Nicholson and I’m in my fourth-year at Bates College. I’m double majoring in Africana and Gender Studies.

I’m first-generation, queer, and of a Caribbean descent.

I’m so excited to be working with a cohort of students who live with different identities, and I’m hoping to host events throughout the semester in order to create and represent elegance and beauty in queer communities at Bates.

Rosina Makwabe (she/her)

My name is Rosina and I’m a third-year, double majoring in Biology & History with a potential Chinese gec.

I am from Arusha, Tanzania.

I’m an avid tea & coffee drinker, so in my free time you’ll probably find me cuddled up with a mug and book. I’m happy to talk about anything and everything so please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. 🙂

I will be away Fall 2024 studying abroad! See you in the Winter Semester!

Collin Madalena (he/him)

Hi y’all! My name is Collin Madalena and I am from the Navajo Nation and Pueblo of Jemez in New Mexico. I am a fourth-year double majoring in Politics and Gender/Sexuality Studies with legal and queer studies concentrations.

I enjoy watching movies and TV series, listening to music, drinking coffee, and hanging out with friends. My favorite TV series and book is Heartstopper and The Song of Achilles. I also enjoy meeting new people, trying new things, and laughing 🙂

I look forward to meeting everyone! I hope you have a wonderful and exciting year!

Belén Almánzar (she/her)

Hey ya’ll, my name is Belén. I am a third year majoring in Gender and Sexuality Studies (GSS) and minoring in Digital and Computational Studies (DCS) with a possible concentration in Diasporas.

I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. I’m trans and demi.

I know from experience that exploring one’s identity can sometimes feel isolating; but I also know that it doesn’t have to be! This is hopefully where we come in and offer you support and guidance.

Faisal Hossain (he/him)

Hi! I’m Faisal. I am a second-year planning to double-major in Economics and Philosophy.

I am from Tangail, Bangladesh.

I like outdoor hikes, skateboarding, and meditations. Currently I’m involved in Harward Center for Community Partnerships, intramural soccer and volleyball.

Roux Hernandez (she/they)

My name is Roux. I am a second-year, double-majoring in Philosophy and Neuroscience with a minor in Film.

I am a trans Latina woman from Miami, Florida.

I love poetry, philosophy, and all things nerdom. However, I love helping people even more! Please feel free to reach out or drop in to talk about whatever you need. I’m a jack of all trades, so to speak, so I’m sure I’ll be able to assist in anything you may need.

Yuka Enkh-Orgil (she/her)

Hii, my name is Yuka. I’m a second-year planning to major in Biochemistry with a minor in Digital and Computational Sciences (DCS). 

I am from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. 

I love reading and drawing! My favorite pastime is listening to anything indie rock and R&B while enjoying a cup of coffee. I’m always happy to talk about anything so feel free to reach out or stop by my drop-in hours!