Azara Branch Tucson
Officially Recognized by the ASUA
About us
Azara Branch Tucson carries the same passion with a different location. ABT is a certified ASUA organization dedicated to serving the unsheltered population of Tucson. The organization is primarily made up of dedicated and caring students who aim to better improve the homeless situation by providing humanitarian relief. As always, we carry the same principles and morals of our previous branches in regards to compassion, dignity, and respect. Our mission is to foster a community where everyone, regardless of their housing status, has access to basic needs, support, and opportunities for a better future.
If you are a student and are interested in volunteering with the Azara Branch, please email our secretary acervantes03@arizona.edu
Community..... Makes Us Whole
By listening to the native community of tucson we are able to understand how to treat, help, and liberate the individuals who helped build this incredible city. Thus far we have gained insight's on the living situations in relation to the local government as well as precious information on how to better serve the community we thrive in every single day. By having this genuine connection to a community of hard spirited individuals, we are able to truly encapsule the stuggles being fought for every single day by the unsheltered population. By working together, we are able to change lives with love and support from both our volunteers and the peoeple we serve.
Kiyan Saissan
President & Founder
Hello, my name is Kiyan Saissan, I am currently a senior studying Physiology and Biochemistry. My future career aspirations include pursuing healthcare and becoming an emergency room physician. Some of my hobbies include hiking, swimming, weight lifting, mountain biking, and paintballing. My favorite Azara Branch moment was the first event we collaborated with the Mobile Health Unit.
Ahmad Riyad
President & Founder
Hello, my name is Ahmad Riyad. I study ‘Philosophy, Politics, Economics & Law,’ and Psychology. I’m also pursuit a minor in Middle Eastern and North African Studies. In the future I aim to go to law school in furtherance of my career in international law. I’m an advocate for human rights no matter the spectrum or demographic and I plan on living selflessly till our inequalities are solved. Some of my hobbies include: reading philosophy and political theory, paintballing, writing and conducting research, tea, and professional sleeping. My favorite Azara Branch moments have been the restless and long nights with our board, tackling seemingly impossible obstacles. But we still pulled through.
Eli Rades
Recruitment Chair
Hi, my name is Eli Rades and I am currently a junior and I am studying Computer and Information science. I enjoy moving my body so lots of my hobbies are physically oriented. I enjoy skiing, hiking, and working out. I also like to read, watch movies, and learn about different things in aviation, which I aspire to have a future career in. Azara branch has created the opportunity for me to learn and connect with people from all walks of life, and my favorite memories with Azara branch revolve around our work to positively impact and be the voice for people that need it most.
Allison Mannon
Recruitment Chair
Hi! My name is Allison Mannon, I'm currently a sophomore studying Molecular and Cellular Biology, Neurobiology, and Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Biochemistry. I love animals, and I have a silver lab named Shark and an orange cat named Mitochondria. I enjoy working directly with people the way we do in Azara, so I also work as an Operations Assistant for the Basic Needs Center, and I am hoping to practice neurosurgery! My favorite Azara memory is my first kit distribution at 100 Acres seeing the community that had been built there (complete with plenty of dogs).
Jewelya Brambila
Director
Hi, my name is Jewelya Brambila and I am currently a junior studying Environmental Science and Chemistry at the University of Arizona. My future career aspirations include pursuing environmental science/ chemistry in the field of water reclamation. In my free time I like to hike, read, listen to music, workout, and spend time with friends and family. My favorite Azara Branch Moment was this summer when we passed out heat relief kits around the Santa Cruz River and spoke with unhoused residents.
Ava Lopez
Government Laison
Hello! My name is Ava Lopez and I am a junior studying Molecular and Cellular Biology with a minor in Spanish. I hope to pursue a career in medicine as either a Radiologist or Immunologist after I finish my undergraduate degree. Some hobbies of mine include playing volleyball and tennis, coaching volleyball, drawing/painting, and reading! I’ve had a lot of great memories being a part of Azara Branch but my favorite will always be the first event I went to. I met so many great people and reinforced my desire to help others.
Shruthi Sadhasivam
Director
My name is Shruthi Sadhasivam. I am a junior at the University of Arizona. I am majoring in Pharmaceutical Sciences as well as minoring in Physiology and Medical Sciences. This summer I became one the directors and social media managers for Azara Branch Phoenix. One of my favorite moments about our Azara Branch is our rides to shelters. It gives us a chance to together with the rest of the volunteers and create different bonding experiences through them.
Collaborations
Here are a few of the organizations we have collaborated with during our time at the UofA!