Success Stories

Alumni Success Story: Valeria Popolizio

Valeria Popolizio (she/her) graduated from UConn in 2020, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Humans Rights with a minor in Latino Studies. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Educational Transformation with a concentration in Advocacy and Policy on an accelerated track at Georgetown University.

By Heidi Pineda
Heidi Pineda DE&I Career Ambassador Program Coordinator
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How UConn Junior Danielle Livingston is Helping to Make Career Dreams Come True

From a very young age, almost all children dream of what they want to be when they grow up; from teachers to astronauts or zookeepers to firefighters the possibilities and interests are endless! Some children go on to pursue those …

By Kristen Soprano
Kristen Soprano Career Consultant | she, her, hers
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Alumni Success Story: Breno Donatti

As a first-generation immigrant born in Brazil, Breno encountered some challenges when he moved to the United States without knowing how to speak English. Prior to founding Winfield Street Coffee in 2015, Breno worked in some renowned restaurants and pizzerias in New York. Hear Breno’s story and how he took advantage of the resources of the UConn Stamford campus.

By Ayane Reis Da Conceicao
Ayane Reis Da Conceicao
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Student Success Story – Michael Hernandez

Michael Hernandez ’22 (CLAS), a rising senior at UConn, has been named one of 20 students nationally to be selected as a Key into Public Service Scholar by Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s most prestigious academic honor society.

The award recognizes …

By Mike Enright
Mike Enright Media Services Associate
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Student Success Story: Jenifer Gaitan

Jenifer Gaitan attended the UConn Stamford campus and earned a Bachelor’s degree in History with a minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies in May 2021. Upon graduation, Jenifer landed a position as an Associate for Media and Content at

By Tara Malone
Tara Malone Associate Director, Regional Campuses Pronouns: she/her/hers
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Student Success Story: Efrain Torres III

Efrain Torres (he/him/his) earned a Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Community Studies and a Minor in Human Development and Families Science in May 2020. Since graduation, Efrain has gone on to pursue certifications in Construction Project Management and secure a …

By Susan Hyde-Wick
Susan Hyde-Wick Career Counselor
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Student Success Story: Nikita Rodriguez

Nikita Rodriguez earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychological Sciences from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at UConn Stamford in May 2020. Since graduation, Nikita has secured employment with Florida International University as an Assistant Residential Life Coordinator. She …

By Tara Malone
Tara Malone Associate Director, Regional Campuses Pronouns: she/her/hers
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Student Success Story: Michelle Pesantez

Michelle Pesantez is a current Allied Health senior at UConn-Storrs, graduating in the spring of 2021. Her path to success took advantage of every opportunity UConn had to offer, from regional campus stepping stones to Student Support Services. Michelle’s hard …

By Ethan Couillard
Ethan Couillard
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Student Success Story: Pedro Argueta

Pedro Argueta (he/him/his) earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychological Sciences from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in May 2019. Since graduation, Pedro has secured employment with Aetna – CVS Health as a Talent Development Associate. Hear Pedro’s story …

By Francesca Crivello
Francesca Crivello Assessment & Technology Coordinator
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Student Success Story: Leila Shwayhat

Leila Shwayhat (she/her/hers) earned her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering from the School of Engineering at UConn in May 2018. After graduation, Leila secured employment with Loureiro Engineering Associates as an Engineer. Hear Leila’s story and how the resources …

By Francesca Crivello
Francesca Crivello Assessment & Technology Coordinator
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