Monica Arceo Mendoza 

Host Agency:  NeighoborWorks Umpqua 

University: University of Oregon 

Monica Arceo Mendoza is a first-generation college student at the University of Oregon (UO). She is majoring in Architecture with a minor in Interior Architecture. The architecture program at UO is a five-year program and she is currently on the fast track towards graduation to complete her studies in four years. During her time at UO, Monica has been involved in the TRIO Program, which is a program that helps non-traditional and low-income students navigate college. She has served as a tutor and a mentor for students entering their first year in the architecture program. In her studies, Monica has focused on Spatial Justice, Trauma Informed Design, Refugee Housing and sustainability.  

Monica was born in Mexico and migrated to the United States when she was young. Throughout her youth, her family struggled with financial and housing insecurity which exposed her to the struggles that arise from the lack of affordable housing at an early age. These experiences are what led her to want to pursue a career in housing development.  

Through the CCRH program and NeighborWorks Umpqua, Monica is hoping to better understand all the aspects of affordable housing that are not covered in her current degree path. With the skills that she will learn, she aims to be able to integrate them into affordable housing programs and development to give back to communities like the one she is from.