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 has been a Research Associate with Utah Women & Leadership Project. In previous positions, Kaitlyn 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 a master’s degree from SOAS, University of London. She speaks multiple languages and enjoys people, travel, and hot springs.
Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy, Associate Director
Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy is the Associate Director at UCLI. She is excited to serve the Utah County community and bring her background in environmental studies and international development from Brigham Young University. Growing up in South Florida, she was guided by values of civility and justice, especially in social and environmental spaces, and she aspires to live those values daily in this role. Sabrina grew up with mentors who cared so much about her and for that she is beyond grateful. Now she is here to be that support for others. One phrase from Sabrina’s family resonates deeply with her: De muchos, ser uno. Be the one to show kindness, to lend support, to speak up, to stay curious, and to inspire change. As she prepares to enter the field of law, she looks forward to working alongside like-minded individuals who are both resolute and compassionate, committed to building a more just and inclusive Utah.
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.
Fall 2024 Interns
Monique Alires
Program Development Intern
University of Utah Graduate
Monique Alires is a professional with diverse experience across various roles. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Utah, where she served as the Graduate Assistant and the Associate Director of the Arts and Special Events Board. Monique’s achievements include receiving the Suazo Social Justice Marco Practice Award from the College of Social Work and the Larry H. and Gail Miller Enrichment Scholarship. Building on her extensive community service experience, Monique is dedicated to furthering her education by pursuing a J.D., with the goal of making a meaningful impact in the field.
Mirabella Keogh
Program Development Intern
Brigham Young University
Mirabella is an international student at BYU, majoring in Public Health Promotion with a focus on Middle Eastern Studies and Arabic. She is passionate about the intersection of policy, migration, and health, and aims to dedicate her future legal career to assisting migrant and refugee populations by revitalizing international health policy. Mirabella has experience volunteering as the BYU student body director of Diversity and Inclusion, competing as a BYU Model United Nations delegate, and leading a research team within the BYU Life Science Department. She is excited to join the UCLI team and is deeply committed to their mission and values.
Melesisi Pau'u
Program Development Intern
Brigham Young University Graduate
My name is Melesisi Lorisa Pau’u. I was born and raised in Santa Ana, California. I am the youngest of 7 kids. I am a first generation Tongan American and aspiring law student. I graduated with a BS of Exercise Science from BYU. I love running and playing sports. I also love spending time with family and friends.
