Team Members

Yasmin Guardarrama is in her sophomore year in NJCU’s Honors Program. She is a member of both the Honors Council and Mock Trial E-board. Yasmin is a double major in Political Science and Philosophy and aims to become an attorney. Yasmin can be found spending time with her friends, family, working, or with her 1-year-old dog in her hometown of Elizabeth. New Jersey. Her main goal is to be the first woman in her family to graduate college and inspire her younger cousins to do the same. Her favorite things include Criminal Minds, Legally Blonde, and reading.

Andrea Izaguirre is a Sophomore in NJCU’s Honors Program, a member of the Mock Trial Team, and a first-generation college student. She’s currently pursuing dual majors in Political Science and Philosophy and a minor in Women and Gender Studies. She was born and raised in Honduras; she is 20 years old.

In the future, she plans to attend Law School and she’s determined to make that happen. She aspires to work as a prosecutor. Andrea loves Taylor Swift, her family, and her country. She wants to help young people in her country fulfill their dreams. She’s humble and very passionate about the people and things she loves.

Isabella Pietroski is currently a sophomore at NJCU.  She is a full-time student majoring in Criminal Justice and minoring in Fine Art. Isabella describes herself as energetic, passionate, and hard-working. She joined the Mock Trial Team in her freshman year, where she performed as an expert witness. Her goal is to graduate and pursue a career involving law.

Ariana Garro is currently a sophomore at NJCU. She is pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice. She started on the Mock Trial Team last season as a freshman, where she learned from her older peers to be a witness. This season, she’s looking forward to competing and learning more roles. Ariana wants to pursue law school in the future and be the first in her family to graduate college. Outside of the classroom, Ariana can be found spending time with her family, friends, and dog. She also works at CVS where she gains valuable work experience. She loves to watch crime documentaries and movies. Her love for Criminal Justice started from her watching shows and reading books. She is excited for this new season!

Iris Gonzales is currently a Junior at NJCU pursuing a Bachelors degree in Political Science with a Pre-Law and Global Studies minor. She is part of the Student Activities Board (SAB) E-board as Project Manager, Vice President-elect of the Federación de Estudiantes Latino Americanos (FELA), an active member of the Drea[me]rs club, Orientation Leader, Student Ambassador, and a mentor for NJCU’s Gear Up pre-college program. She first joined the Mock Trial team during her sophomore year and is eager to keep growing with the team.

Outside of Mock Trial, Iris enjoys traveling, exploring, spending time with friends and family, and giving back to the community by volunteering her time to a range of good causes. In the future, she plans to attend law school to become a licensed attorney!

Abdulbasit O. Junaid is a dedicated senior majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Pre-Law. His passion for justice and advocacy drives him toward his career goal of becoming a criminal defense attorney. Outside of school, Abdulbasit is a budding entrepreneur, and finds solace indoors, enjoying quiet moments. His commitment to legal studies and his entrepreneurial spirit make him a valuable asset. Hailing from Nigeria, Abdulbasit is a proud Yoruba boy who brings a global perspective to the team.

Ivanna is currently a Sophomore at NJCU pursuing her bachelor's degree in Sociology and Social Work along with a minor in Pre-Law. Ivanna is currently a mentor for the Peer Knight Mentoring Program and Vice President for the Advisory Student Committee of TRIO Learning Community. She is working hard towards her goal of becoming an attorney. Currently, she is working as a paralegal in a law office in North Bergen.

Outside of school, Ivanna enjoys reading, cooking, and baking. When she can, she loves going to concerts and to Broadway shows. 

Ryan Caley is a sophomore in the NJCU Honors Program. He is the sophomore representative for the Honors Council. He is currently majoring in Education English K-12. His post-grad plans consist of joining the National Guard, going back to school for a fire science degree and becoming a firefighter. When he is not on campus, he is at the gym or spending time with his family and friends in Bayonne, NJ. You can catch him writing or watching movies.

David Jaipersaud is currently a junior at NJCU. He is majoring in Political Science with a double minor in Pre-Law & Criminal Justice. David’s alma mater is Union County College where he received his associate’s degree in Criminal Justice and began his first semester at NJCU in the Fall of 2023. He aspires to create a safer community and environment by using his skills in community outreach, politics, and government. 

Beyond being a commuter student on campus at NJCU, you can catch David working at the NJCU BNED Bookstore! During his free time, he likes to volunteer, dabble in culinary arts, and review films. He also enjoys keeping up with current events and literature.

Ashley Martinez is a Junior in the NJCU Honors program. She is a Finance major at the School of Business. Ashley is planning on getting her master’s in finance after graduating and then working while trying to pursue her CFA certification. Her main goal is to be able to provide her family with a well-off life. She joined the team in Fall 2023. She is thrilled to compete and learn from all the members of the team. When she is not on campus, Ashley likes to feed the cats in her neighborhood, going hiking, and spending time with her family.

Samantha Jaipersaud is a junior at NJCU pursuing a major in Philosophy and a double minor in Pre-Law and Political Science. Sam transferred from Middlesex County College where she acquired her associate degree in philosophy and began her studies at NJCU in fall of 2023. She is working towards going to law school and ultimately beginning a contract law career.

Outside of work and school, Sam can be found doing what she loves the most: spending time with her friends. She likes to bring her friends to art exhibitions, cafes, and concerts. She enjoys making clay sculptures, painting, and scrapbooking. On a sunny day, you might even catch her rollerblading.