Learn more about the dedicated team behind our LGBT+ programs. Meet our passionate staff members who are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the community. Discover their roles, expertise, and contributions as they work tirelessly to support and advocate for LGBT+ individuals.

Dae Romero (they/elle) was born and raised in El Paso TX. They obtained a master's degree in Communication Studies from New Mexico State University and have been a part of the NMSU community in various roles since 2015. As a queer, Mexican, first-generation, and non-traditional student and scholar, they understand how difficult it can be to navigate higher education. They are dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility to hopefully create a brave and transformational environment for all NMSU students to grow as humans and scholars.

In addition to leading LGBT+ Programs as Interim Director, Dae is the Basic Course Director for Introduction to Communication (COMM 1115G). They teach through culturally relevant pedagogical approaches that revolve around the importance of intersectionality and empathy. They intend to bring critical consciousness, curiosity, choice, accessibility, and diverse knowledge to their classroom through the use of intersectional communication.

Fun Facts: Dae loves playing Apex Legends in their spare time.

Emily Burr is the temporary Administrative Assistant to NMSU's LGBT+ Programs, American Indian Program, and Asian and Pacific Islander Program. Before stepping into this role, Emily could be found in the LGBT+ Programs office serving as an undergrad student aide and official bibrarian. She has also previously worked in county government, and she recently graduated with her bachelor's degree in English from NMSU.

Fun Fact: Emily sings in a local choir, and she enjoys visiting the local library to browse the seasonal displays and play mahjong. She wants you to know that all of the five OLGIM programs have lending libraries in their offices available to students, staff, and faculty.

Lore Falls is the Program Coordinator for LGBT+ Programs. They are a queer nonbinary medical anthropologist originally from Tijeras, NM whose academic work focuses on improving access to and quality of healthcare for LGBT+ people in southern New Mexico. Lore is also involved in research with Drs. Sangwanthong and López regarding campus climate and understanding intersectional student experiences with the goal of improving policy, programming, and practices related to EID at NMSU. Their primary capacities are outreach (tabling, presenting at orientations, etc.), education (SafeZone trainings and academic lectures), event support, and general Program support under Dr. Sangwanthong’s direction. You may recognize them as DJ Falls at the last several Pride Season and OUTober Drag Shows. Lore received a Bachelor of Science in Cultural Anthropology from Eastern New Mexico University and will receive a Master of Arts in Anthropology from NMSU.

Fun Fact: Lore is forklift certified. They also learned how to sew in 8th grade and have been part of the cosplay and convention scene in New Mexico since at least 2013.

Sara Hipps (she, her) is a master's level social work student and President of the Graduate Student Social Work Association. Her experience as a McNair Scholar supported her research in STEM student identity with Dr. Vincent-Ruz and prepared her for graduate school and beyond. Sara plans to be a school social worker after graduation and is focusing on enhancing her school-based practice skills to help students strengthen their sense of identity, develop self-efficacy, and build the foundation for both academic and life-long success.

Fun Fact: Sara has worked professionally as a custom cake baker and designer before switching careers to social work.