The TRIO Rising Scholars Peer Mentoring Program is a cornerstone of our support system, designed to foster academic success and personal growth. Required for all first-year participants and optional for returning scholars, the program connects students with experienced peers who provide guidance, encouragement, and practical support.
Each peer mentor works with a group of mentees, developing meaningful relationships grounded in trust and mutual respect. Mentors serve as role models and offer advice on academic strategies, time management, and campus resources.
TRIO Peer Mentors
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Natalie Avila
Peer Mentor
Hola! I’m Natalie Avila, and this is my second year mentoring for the TRIO program. I’m also a senior majoring in Finance in the College of Business and Economics. Outside of TRIO and school, you can find me outdoors, reading a good book, or spending time with my family, friends, and my dog! I’m looking forward to supporting students and building relationships by sharing the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained throughout my academic journey. Whether it’s navigating campus resources, setting academic goals, or exploring new opportunities, I am happy to help!
Fun Fact: I recently studied abroad in Verona, Italy, so if you’re interested in applying or simply curious, I’d love to share about my experience!
Hola! I’m Natalie Avila, and this is my second year mentoring for the TRIO program. I’m also a senior majoring in Finance in the College of Business and Economics. Outside of TRIO and school, you can find me outdoors, reading a good book, or spending time with my family, friends, and my dog! I’m looking forward to supporting students and building relationships by sharing the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained throughout my academic journey. Whether it’s navigating campus resources, setting academic goals, or exploring new opportunities, I am happy to help!
Fun Fact: I recently studied abroad in Verona, Italy, so if you’re interested in applying or simply curious, I’d love to share about my experience!
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Jackie Cisneros Moncada
Peer Mentor
Hello!! My name is Jackie Cisneros, and I am incredibly excited to serve as a TRIO Peer Mentor. As a second-year Accounting major with a Finance minor, I know firsthand how vital support is during your transition to Boise State. TRIO made a massive impact on my own first year, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to give back.M goal is to allow my mentees to feel deeply connected, supported, and confident as they navigate their own journey here. Outside of academics, you can usually find me doing arts and crafts, hanging out with my family, or watching my favorite TV shows.
Fun Fact: I absolutely love to travel and have been on at least 50 planes in my lifetime! I’m always down to talk about dream trip destinations or just chat about life. I can’t wait to meet you all!
Hello!! My name is Jackie Cisneros, and I am incredibly excited to serve as a TRIO Peer Mentor. As a second-year Accounting major with a Finance minor, I know firsthand how vital support is during your transition to Boise State. TRIO made a massive impact on my own first year, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to give back.M goal is to allow my mentees to feel deeply connected, supported, and confident as they navigate their own journey here. Outside of academics, you can usually find me doing arts and crafts, hanging out with my family, or watching my favorite TV shows.
Fun Fact: I absolutely love to travel and have been on at least 50 planes in my lifetime! I’m always down to talk about dream trip destinations or just chat about life. I can’t wait to meet you all!
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Payton Rohrer
Peer Mentor
Hi! My name is Payton Rohrer, and I am beyond excited for my first year as a peer mentor in the TRIO Program. I am a sophomore majoring in communication, and I was part of TRIO during my freshman year. As a first generation college student, TRIO has meant a lot to me, so I am really excited to now be in a position where I can support and connect with other students in the program. I know that starting college can feel overwhelming, and having someone to answer questions, offer encouragement, and help connect you with campus resources can make a big difference. I hope to create a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable asking for help, building confidence, and making meaningful connections throughout their college journey.
I love meeting new people, learning about their interests, and building relationships with those around me. Outside of school, I love reading, going to the beach since I’m from San Diego, and watching movies with friends.
Fun fact: I have four dogs and one cat! If I see a dog anywhere, there’s a very good chance you’ll hear me talking about how cute it was.
Hi! My name is Payton Rohrer, and I am beyond excited for my first year as a peer mentor in the TRIO Program. I am a sophomore majoring in communication, and I was part of TRIO during my freshman year. As a first generation college student, TRIO has meant a lot to me, so I am really excited to now be in a position where I can support and connect with other students in the program. I know that starting college can feel overwhelming, and having someone to answer questions, offer encouragement, and help connect you with campus resources can make a big difference. I hope to create a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable asking for help, building confidence, and making meaningful connections throughout their college journey.
I love meeting new people, learning about their interests, and building relationships with those around me. Outside of school, I love reading, going to the beach since I’m from San Diego, and watching movies with friends.
Fun fact: I have four dogs and one cat! If I see a dog anywhere, there’s a very good chance you’ll hear me talking about how cute it was.
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Noemi Tapia
Peer Mentor
Hi everyone! My name is Noemi Tapia, and I’m excited to be entering my third year in the TRIO Program at Boise State University. I’m double majoring in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship.
Over the past few years, I’ve become deeply involved in the Boise State community, which has allowed me to gain valuable experience navigating campus resources, leadership opportunities, and student involvement. As a Peer Mentor, I’m excited to use that experience to support, encourage, and help fellow students feel connected and confident throughout their college journey. Giving back to my community is something I truly value, and I enjoy finding ways to serve others while continuing to grow personally and professionally. Outside of school, you can find me exploring the outdoors, getting lost in a good book, or enjoying a well-deserved nap.
Fun Fact: I grew up in Indianapolis, and no matter where life takes me, I’ll always bring a little city-girl energy with me!
Hi everyone! My name is Noemi Tapia, and I’m excited to be entering my third year in the TRIO Program at Boise State University. I’m double majoring in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship.
Over the past few years, I’ve become deeply involved in the Boise State community, which has allowed me to gain valuable experience navigating campus resources, leadership opportunities, and student involvement. As a Peer Mentor, I’m excited to use that experience to support, encourage, and help fellow students feel connected and confident throughout their college journey. Giving back to my community is something I truly value, and I enjoy finding ways to serve others while continuing to grow personally and professionally. Outside of school, you can find me exploring the outdoors, getting lost in a good book, or enjoying a well-deserved nap.
Fun Fact: I grew up in Indianapolis, and no matter where life takes me, I’ll always bring a little city-girl energy with me!
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Paul Victoriano
Peer Mentor
Hello! I’m Paul Victoriano, a Biology major with a Cellular, Molecular, and Biomedical Emphasis. I’ve been part of TRIO as a student, as a tutor, and am now entering my second year as a Peer Mentor. I’m passionate about helping students feel connected, supported, and confident as they navigate college life. I especially enjoy building relationships with students, helping them find resources, and encouraging them through both the exciting and challenging parts of college. Outside of school, I enjoy being outdoors, spending time with my family, and exploring my interest in the medical field.
Fun Fact: I’m a former CNA! I love blending my healthcare background with my passion for student mentorship. I’m always happy to talk about anything medical, science related, or college life related with you!
Hello! I’m Paul Victoriano, a Biology major with a Cellular, Molecular, and Biomedical Emphasis. I’ve been part of TRIO as a student, as a tutor, and am now entering my second year as a Peer Mentor. I’m passionate about helping students feel connected, supported, and confident as they navigate college life. I especially enjoy building relationships with students, helping them find resources, and encouraging them through both the exciting and challenging parts of college. Outside of school, I enjoy being outdoors, spending time with my family, and exploring my interest in the medical field.
Fun Fact: I’m a former CNA! I love blending my healthcare background with my passion for student mentorship. I’m always happy to talk about anything medical, science related, or college life related with you!
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Danielle Virrey
Peer Mentor
Heya there, I’m Dannielle Virrey! I have an Associate of Arts degree from College of Eastern Idaho and am working towards my bachelors degree in Communication as well as my minor in Creative Writing here at Boise State. This is my first year being a peer mentor, and I am excited to be able to help incoming TRIO students in thriving academically, professionally, and personally! This past summer I worked as an Orientation Leader for BSU and that position has shown me how eager I am to support other people as much as I can. Outside of campus, I love trying new food spots, watching movies/shows, and playing video games!
Fun fact: I have a small Funko Pop collection I’m slowly growing! I’m hoping to get more Mandalorian, Invincible, and Superman Funko Pops!
Heya there, I’m Dannielle Virrey! I have an Associate of Arts degree from College of Eastern Idaho and am working towards my bachelors degree in Communication as well as my minor in Creative Writing here at Boise State. This is my first year being a peer mentor, and I am excited to be able to help incoming TRIO students in thriving academically, professionally, and personally! This past summer I worked as an Orientation Leader for BSU and that position has shown me how eager I am to support other people as much as I can. Outside of campus, I love trying new food spots, watching movies/shows, and playing video games!
Fun fact: I have a small Funko Pop collection I’m slowly growing! I’m hoping to get more Mandalorian, Invincible, and Superman Funko Pops!