Leiry Santos

Name pronunciation: ley-Dhee sAHn-tos | Pronouns: she/her/hers

Leiry Santos is the assistant director for the Center of Multicultural Education and Programs (CMEP). In her role, she leads the FOCUS mentorship program—which aims to help first-generation students of color create a foundation on campus through leadership development—and is responsible for CMEP programming and events, often collaborating with various departments in support of NYU’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Leiry began her professional trajectory at the University at Albany as the C.H.A.R.G.E peer educator director, where she led the C.H.A.R.G.E program’s transition from a diversity based program to an inclusive framework program that centered dialogue- based conversations. Prior to the CMEP role, Leiry served as the residence hall assistant director at NYU Palladium Hall and co-chaired the Committee of Diversity and Inclusion for Residential Life.

Leiry earned her Masters of Arts in Latin American Caribbean Studies, a program that centers decolonization as its framework. Leiry’s passion lies in supporting the creation of spaces and environments that further advance the experience for students of underrepresented backgrounds.