Staff Advisory Council

Mónica Hernández Williams
Staff Advisory Council member respresenting staff in the Office of Communication, 2023–2026

I was born, raised, and spent most of my life in the Walla Walla Valley. I earned my degree in Communications specializing in journalism and media production from Washington State University. After moving around the PNW, I returned to Walla Walla and joined the Whitman College community in 2021. Currently, I work in the Office of Communication and serve on the college’s Inclusive Excellence Council as well as the Staff Advisory Council. Outside of work, I enjoy creating makeup videos, being outdoors, spending time with my family, and traveling to new places around the world.

Alison Wallisch ’05
Staff Advisory Council member representing staff in the offices of Development & Alumni Relations, 2023–2026

I am originally from the Midwest but came to Walla Walla to attend Whitman, graduating in 2005. While I was working in Boston, I joined the Whitman College Alumni Board and decided I wanted to return to the West. As a development officer at Whitman, I travel around the country meeting with alumni and building support for the school. When I am home, you can find me DIYing house projects, walking or hiking my two dogs, reading with my cat, or socializing with friends.

Peter Shultz
Staff Advisory Council member representing the Division of Finance & Administration, 2022–2025

I grew up in several states in the midwestern and southern US before moving to Scotland for a few years. I came back to the US for higher education, studying music theory at Princeton University and the University of Chicago. In 2014 I arrived at Whitman when my partner was hired as permanent faculty, and I taught courses in General Studies, Film & Media Studies, and Music (also at Walla Walla University) before joining the Technology Services department in 2021.

I enjoy just about every kind of food, musicking, languages, my cats, community-developed technology, and other people’s cats.

Sarah Bell
Staff Advisory Council member representing staff in the offices of the Provost & Dean of Faculty, 2023–2026

Sarah Bell joined the athletic department at Whitman in 2015. She has been serving as the program assistant for the last three years, being elevated to that role in 2019, previously serving as the administrative assistant.

Currently, Sarah works with all 17 teams in a variety of capacities, including budget management, scheduling classrooms and field usage, assisting SSRA faculty and registrar, serving as a liaison across campus on a variety of business matters, as well as helping to ensure all department members have access to the tools and resources they need. She has also lead or planned a variety of department functions and events, including the W Club Golf Tournament, Northwest Conference and NCAA tournament events, as well as the senior banquet and annual SAAC back to school BBQ.

Prior to Whitman, Sarah had been in customer service and billing in both the financial and medical industries. This attention to detail and fiscal management is what has allowed her to be responsible for filing the EADA and NCAA reports to ensure Whitman’s compliance with Title IX and fiscal spending for the Blues.

Sarah is a Washington State University graduate and a Walla Walla native. When she’s not at the office, she’s usually spending time with her two boys, Nathan and Hayden, and her dog Tess.

Kat Jimenez
Staff Advisory Council member representing staff in the offices of Development & Alumni Relations, 2022–2025

I was born and raised in Walla Walla and have grown to truly love this town and everything it has to offer. I earned my BA as a double major in Political Science - Global and Foreign Languages and Culture - Spanish from Washington State University, and an MA in Organizational Leadership with a focus in Strategic Digital Marketing from Colorado State University. I joined the Whitman College community April 2021, as the Social Media Specialist in the Office of Communications. In May of 2023, I took on a new role as the Assistant Director of Alumni Relations for the Alumni Office. Outside of work, you’ll find me drinking an iced lavender oat latte, walking my dog, running with friends or wine tasting in our beautiful valley.

Tebraie Banda-Johns
Staff Advisory Council member representing staff in the Division of Inclusive Excellence and the Office of the President, 2024–2027

As a community collaborator, I am committed to advocating for individual well-being, empowering others in their identity development, and collectively working to disrupt systems of oppression. Originally from Southern California, I have a B.A. in Communication from Biola University as well as an M.S. in Higher Education from California State University, Fullerton.

Prior to joining Whitman College, I served as the Senior Coordinator for Student Organization Engagement at Boise State University, where I supported student clubs and organizations with a specific focus on affinity groups and created inclusive programming for underserved, marginalized students.

Everardo Carranza
Staff Advisory Council member representing staff in the Division of Finance & Administration, 2022–2025

I live in Milton-Freewater and have been working as a custodian for Residence Life for nine years. I’ve worked in different buildings around campus and currently work in Stanton Hall.

Veronica Ortiz
Staff Advisory Council member representing stafff in the Office of Admission & Financial Aid, 2022–2025

Working in the Office of Admission gives me the good fortune to travel around the USA and Internationally to recruit students for Whitman, which I enjoy tremendously. I am based in Los Angeles as a regional admission representative. I am an avid snorkeling enthusiast and have been stung by jellyfish in every ocean but one.

Nadir Ovcina ’17
Staff Advisory Council member respresenting staff in the offices of the Provost & Dean of Faculty, 2024–2027

I was born in Croatia, yet as refugees, my parents raised me in Aloha, OR. I attended Whitman College and received a degree in History and Philosophy. After graduation, I taught at a military university in the People's Republic of China, and soon after the global pandemic subsided, I was hired by Whitman to work as the Assistant Director of Off-Campus Studies.

In my freetime, I play bass and read. I also write, and I have been published several times.

Victoria Wolff ’12
Staff Advisory Council member respresenting staff in the offices of the Provost & Dean of Faculty, 2022–2025

I grew up in Berlin, Germany, and also went to college there. I received my B.A. in English, History and Education from Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin as well as my Masters of Education with a focus on English and History. Fun Fact: During the 2010–2011 academic year I came to Whitman to teach in the German department and I lived in Das Deutsche Haus (The German House) in the Interest House Community. I am also married to a fellow Whittie and I feel deeply connected to the College.

I have been working in higher education for close to 15 years now, always with a focus on student learning. As mentioned, my background is in education and teaching and I am passionate about coaching students and advising them on their academic and professional paths. I enjoy creating meaningful, educational experiences for them through my work in the Career and Community Engagement Center. I've been with the Center since 2014 (in various positions) and now oversee all aspects of Career Education, from one-on-one appointments with students to leading workshops for student groups, and presenting in the classroom. As part of my role, I also manage the Student Career Advisor program which provides peer-to-peer career education for our students.