Our Team
Kaitlyn Pieper is the Executive Director of the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion. Kaitlyn came to UCLI after spending time at the Salt Lake Chamber as the Director of Community Policy, where she led out on housing affordability efforts, supported rural engagement initiatives, and strengthened community partnerships. At the onset of the pandemic, she led Hope Corps’ vanguard program as the liaison for minority and women-owned businesses. She is currently a Research Associate with Utah Women & Leadership Project. In previous positions, Kaitlyn has worked in translation services – both as an interpreter in the local community and as a translation manager, where she traveled globally to deliver training. She has also regularly taught university courses on world literature. Kaitlyn earned her masters degree from SOAS, University of London. She speaks five languages and enjoys people, saunas, and cycling.
Jon Wayas, Associate Director
Jon Wayas is the Associate Director of the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion. Jon came to UCLI after spending the last several years as a stay-at-home dad to his three sons. Jon previously spent time as a legislative fellow in the Salt Lake County Mayor’s office working on municipal code issues and criminal justice reinvestment. Jon earned a BA in English from Brigham Young University. While there, Jon worked as a research assistant on an oral history project gathering interviews from Utah World War II and Korean War veterans. Jon also received a JD from the University of Idaho College of Law. During law school Jon served as the editor-in-chief of the Idaho Critical Legal Studies Journal. Jon also studied abroad in Madrid, Spain learning about international human rights and international environmental law. After law school Jon received an MPA from the University of Utah focusing his major research on increasing volunteerism among men and minority groups. In his free time Jon enjoys coaching his sons’ soccer and little league baseball teams, hiking in Utah’s national parks, and having Lego building contests with his wife and kids.
Emily Zárate, Administrative Coordinator
Emily Zárate is the Administrative Coordinator of the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion. Emily attended Utah State University, where she graduated in May of 2022 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and a Certificate in Law and Society Studies. While at USU, Emily worked at the Latinx Cultural Center, an organization which focuses on academic, educational, personal, and professional growth within the Latinx community on campus. During her time at the LCC, she worked closely with first-generation Latinx students to ensure their success on campus by helping them navigate through college. Emily intends to pursue a J.D. next year. Her interests include technology law, immigration law, and criminal justice reform. In her free time, Emily enjoys weightlifting, reading, and hanging out with her family.
Winter 2024 Interns
Utah Goh
Program Development Intern
University of Utah
My name is Urah Goh and I am a sophomore at the University of Utah majoring in Political Science and International Studies with a minor in Korean Studies. In the future, I plan on going to law school and pursuing a career in international or human rights law. In my free time, I enjoy reading, going on walks and runs, watching movies, and playing instruments. I volunteered with UCLI in the past and loved getting to meet new people and contribute to UCLI’s message of diversity and equity within the legal field. I am very excited to continue my journey with UCLI!
Christina Rodriguez
Program Development Intern
University of Utah Graduate
My name is Christina Rodriguez. I was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. I am a first-generation University of Utah graduate, I received two BS degrees in Political Science and International Studies. Right before I graduated I started working as a legal assistant and have been working as one ever since.
Aileen Vargas
Program Development Intern
Utah Valley University
Hi there! Name is Aileen Vargas. Born in California and moved to Utah fairly young. Currently studying at UVU for my bachelors in criminal justice and plan to go to law school to achieve my goal of becoming an immigration attorney. On my free time I like to read and hang out with my dogs!
