Student Success Peer Leader Program

The Student Success Peer Leader Program connects new students with experienced mentors. Wake Tech's Peer Leaders understand the challenges of college life and are here to provide guidance, share their wisdom and experiences and support students through their college journey.

Peer Leaders draw from their own experiences as students and mentor others, increasing the sense of belonging and community at Wake Tech. They provide a variety of support, including study skills, time management, connection and resources.

Benefits of connecting with a Peer Leader:

Increased confidence and self-esteem
Ease of navigating campus, resources and programs
Enhanced self-motivation and goal-setting
Gain fresh perspective and insight
Leadership development
Skill development

Peer Leaders are Certified Peer Educators through the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators.

Connect with a Peer Leader

2025-26 Peer Leaders

Fiorella "Elle" Ruiz

Peer Leader Program Assistant

~ Contact Info ~

[email protected]

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Program of study – Associate in Science

Clubs/organizations – SGA senator, DECA Chapter president

Favorites – Traveling and finding new cafés

I'm a Peer Leader because ... I want to help others realize how many opportunities Wake Tech has to offer when it comes to professional, personal and academic growth. I have gotten to experience so many great things and would love to help others do the same.

When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew ... that there is every reason to be proud of being a community college student.

Annie Anglin

~ Contact Info ~

[email protected]

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Program of study – Public Safety Administration

Favorites

Movies/shows – My favorite movie right now is "The Lord of the Rings."
Hobbies/interests – Cooking and baking, and really into exploring, whether trying out different foods or just discovering unique spots in places

I'm a Peer Leader because ... I want to help guide people in any direction they're taking in their time at Wake Tech. I know that college can be challenging, and it's important to have someone you can turn to for advice, support and encouragement. As a Peer Leader, I hope to create a welcoming atmosphere where students feel comfortable seeking help and know they're not alone in their journey.

When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew ... where to find the best study spots, how to balance my course load with personal time and who to go to for help with things like financial aid or academic advising.

Kaitlyn Arias-Cornejo

~ Contact Info ~

[email protected]

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Program of study – Associate in Arts pursuing a major in Political Science

Favorites

Music/musicians – Tyler the Creator and Kali Uchis are my favorite artists recently, but I love all music!
Hobbies/interests – I am a competitive Olympic weightlifter under USA Weightlifting, and I currently train with Shoofly Barbell Club, a program within Shoofly Athletics.

I'm a Peer Leader because ... I enjoy contributing to any community and connecting with those around me. My main goal is to help my fellow peers be the most successful students they can be while also maintaining a healthy mindset!

When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew ... that I did not have to struggle alone and there should be no guilt or fear around reaching out and finding those who are more than happy to help you on your path to success.

Malexis Barinotto

~ Contact Info ~

[email protected]

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Program of study – Associate in Arts to achieve Bachelors in Business Administration

Clubs/organizations

Favorites

Hobbies/interests – I love to draw and listen to music. I also love spending time with my family and friends.

I'm a Peer Leader because ... I want to motivate my peers around me. I once struggled with not being able to believe in myself, and it is not an easy path. I want to be able to help those who may feel how I once did. I want every student to acknowledge and be proud of the journey they are taking, handling life situations while balancing their education.

When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew ... that it is OK to step outside comfort zones. Wake Tech offers so many resources, and it is all about taking as many opportunities as you can. Never be afraid to try something new. Always reach for excellence and always go above and beyond.

Apollo Bobier

~ Contact Info ~

[email protected]

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Program of study – Pre-Associate in Nursing

Clubs/organizations – Student Government Association (SGA) vice president, DECA, Engineering Club, Math Club

Favorites

Hobbies – Rock climbing and reading
Books – Some of my favorite authors include Rupi Kaur, Schuyler Bailar, and Amber Smith.

I'm a Peer Leader because ... I understand how hard college can be, especially when balancing other responsibilities. Everyone has unique educational needs, and I hope that, by working together, we can find what works best for you.

When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew ... everyone is worthy of help no matter their situation. Utilize every resource Wake Tech offers, and remember that, as a student, these resources are for you.

Justin Gonzalez-Padilla

~ Contact Info ~

[email protected]

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Program of study – Associate in Engineering and Associate in Science

Clubs/organizations – Student Government Association (SGA) vice president, DECA, Engineering Club, Math Club

Favorites

Food – Sushi
Sports – Soccer
Movies – Sci-fi movies

I'm a Peer Leader because ... I want to provide the resources for students off all backgrounds and demographics to thrive personally and academically – just like many others did for me.

When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew ... about the endless resources and support accessible from faculty and fellow students.

Sanai Mccoy

~ Contact Info ~

[email protected]

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Program of study – Associate in Arts

Clubs/organizations – Student Government Association (SGA) secretary

Favorites

Hobbies/interests – Trying new activities, exploring different food spots, walking, reading

I'm a Peer Leader because ... I want to help build a stronger community here at Wake Tech. My goal is to support students in finding their crowd and making the most of their college experience. There are so many valuable resources available at Wake Tech, and I want to make sure students know about them and feel empowered to take full advantage.

When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew ... how big of a time commitment school really is. It's a huge adjustment from high school, and learning how to manage your time effectively is key to staying on top of everything.

Justin Prince

~ Contact Info ~

[email protected]

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Program of study – Architectural Technology

Clubs/organizations – Engineering Club, African and Caribbean Club, Korean Club

Favorites

Music – I listen to multiple different genres of music, but my favorite would be jazz R&B.
Movies/TV – Out of the few recent movies I've watched, my favorite is "Fantastic 4."
Hobbies/interests – Playing and composing music, engineering projects and fixing computers

I'm a Peer Leader because ... I want to help students know what Wake Tech has to offer through its resources and connections.

When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew ... about the gym and the TLC (as well as online tutorial videos)

Shelbie Stamps

~ Contact Info ~

[email protected]

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Program of study – Associate in Science

Clubs/organizations – volunteer at "Raleigh Dream Center," contributing to outreach in the Raleigh area

Favorites

Books – I love to cuddle up with a good romance novel. There's nothing better than getting lost in a story.
Hobbies/interests – Anything creative – nails, hair, makeup, you name it. I believe having a creative outlet is essential at every stage of life. It's a way to express yourself, boost confidence and simply have fun.

I'm a Peer Leader because ... I want to be like a big sister to all the new students joining the Wake Tech community. Starting college can be exciting but also overwhelming, and I want every student to know they're not alone. My goal is to be someone they can lean on, offering guidance, support and encouragement as they navigate the beginning of their college journey.

When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew ... that being organized is the best way to be successful. Keeping a planner, calendar and reminders helped me so much, especially when having a full load of classes.

Thomas Wilkie

~ Contact Info ~

[email protected]

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Program of study – Cybersecurity

Favorites

Movies/TV – Most anime, such as Bleach, Ergo Proxy and Claymore
Books/authors – "360° Leader" by John C. Maxwell
Hobbies/interests – Fishing, hiking, cycling and most outdoor activities

I'm a Peer Leader because ... I want to encourage others to follow their chosen path to completion. It is often easier to complete major tasks with some guidance and assistance.

When I was a first-year student, I wish I knew ... more about the resources available to Wake Tech students. There are many resources available for every student that can assist with completing their academic goals. Ask me for more information about these resources.