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.
Summer 2023 Interns
Montse Martinez
Program Development Intern
Brigham Young University
Hi! My name is Montse Martinez and I am a first generation student at BYU studying Public Relations. I was born in Mexico, Mexico City and raised in San Diego, California. I love to embrace my culture through food, music, and dance wherever I go which is one reason I decided to become apart of UCLI. I strongly believe that although we come from different backgrounds and different cultures, we all deserve to have equal opportunities as well as have a sense of belonging. As an intern for UCLI, I hope to work hard to help others feel heard and included.
Rachel Simmons
Program Development Intern
Brigham Young University Graduate
Rachel Simmons is a marketing professional with experience in various roles and industries. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Brigham Young, where she served as the Director of Events & Engagement for the Marketing Association and the Marketing Lead for the Marriott Inclusion and Belonging Society. Rachel achieved notable accomplishments, including winning 1st Place at the 2021 Utah SHRM Case Competition and 2nd Place at the 2023 P&G Case Competition. Rachel has gained extensive experience in digital marketing techniques. Her expertise includes search engine optimization (SEO), WordPress website development, social media marketing and utilizing Google Analytics to analyze and optimize online campaigns. Rachel is planning on pursuing her J.D and is dedicated to furthering her education and making a positive impact in the legal field.
