Name: Jayden Appel  

Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: Program Development and Marketing Intern with Alumni Relations Support

Bio

Hometown: Mamaroneck, NY  

Things I enjoy: Listening to music, playing with animals, reading, going to the beach. 

Something unique about me: I like to collect figurines.

Education

Major: Undeclared – aiming for Econ or Finance

Current Academic Year: Sophomore

What are your future career goals?: A future career goal of mine is to own a business and use that money to donate to animal shelters across the globe. 

What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with?: Global Business Ambassadors and Pi Beta Phi.

Name: Hannah Bruno  

Pronouns: she/her/hers  

Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: Graphic Design/Multimedia Intern for the Program Development and Marketing Project Area 

Languages Spoken (optional): English- I speak English!, French- Je parle français!, Haitian Creole: Mwen pale kreyòl!

Bio

Hometown: Bridgeport, CT   

Things I enjoy: I enjoy drawing, napping, crocheting, baking, listening to music, playing video games, creating, and learning new things!

Something unique about me: I attended a choir school program for over 5 years. I enjoy singing!

Education

Major: Digital Media and Design

Current Academic Year: Junior  

What are your future career goals?: In the future, I will be a freelance designer/animator or open an animation studio.  

What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with?: I am on the executive board of the Animation Club at UConn, and I am involved in the Paint Club and Anime Club. I was also previously a member of the Fine Arts learning community for two years, as well as the BSOUL learning community.

Name: Peyton Calhoun    

Pronouns: She/her/hers  

Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: DEI Intern for the LGBTQ+ Affinity Community  

Bio

Hometown: Glastonbury, CT  

Things I enjoy: In my free time, I love crafting and spending time with my friends and family, including my two dogs. I am always up for running errands with anyone, especially if it involves shopping. I also love watching sports, mostly basketball! I am a big fan of all Boston teams.   

Something unique about me: I have been fostering dogs for the past six years and have had the joy watching them be adopted into amazing homes.  

Education

Major: Political Science  

Minor: Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies  

Current Academic Year: Junior  

What are your future career goals?: After graduation, I plan to attend law school with the aspiration of becoming a sports agent, representing either a collective team organization or individual players.     

What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with?: I am involved with different campus organizations such as Empowering Women in Law, UConn Law Society, and I am also a Video Services Trainee for the UConn Athletic Department.   

Name: Ashley Cruz

Pronouns: She/Her

Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Intern for the Latine Affinity Community

Languages Spoken: English and Spanish

Bio

Hometown: Franklin Township, NJ

Things I Enjoy: Watching horror movies & Oreo milkshakes.

Something unique about me: I’ve re-watched all 26 seasons of Law and Order Special Victims Unit more than 5 times!

Education

Major: Equitable Public Policy and Engagement (Individualized Major) on a Public Policy Fast-Track

Current Academic Year: Junior

What are your future career goals?: My future career goal is to work in higher education, supporting first-year and incoming college students—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—as they navigate the transition into university life and access the resources they need to succeed.

What are some of extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with?: I am the president of the Afro-Latinx Alliance and a Gateway Mentor for the Individualized Major Program.

Name: Ava Dell’Orfano 

Pronouns: she/her  

Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: Multimedia Intern – Programming/Marketing  

Bio

Hometown: Durham, CT 

Things I enjoy: I enjoy movies (watching and making them, especially the spooky kind), photography, cooking, singing, drawing, and hanging out with my pets. 

Something unique about me: My first job was in a luxury chocolate shop where I specialized in painting chocolate sculptures.  

Education

Major: Digital Media and Design – Digital Film/Video Production 

Current Academic Year: Senior 

What are your future career goals? I want to make movies! I love directing and producing, and I think the idea of starting an indie production company in the future is super cool. If I can make creating horror movies my career someday, I’d be super happy with that. 

What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with? I’m very involved with Page to Stage Productions. I have been with them since I was a freshman, and I have participated with them as a performer, crew member, director, and E-Board member. 

Name: John Ellis

Pronouns: He/Him

Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: Outreach and Engagement- CLAS

Bio:

Hometown: New Milford, CT

Things I enjoy: I enjoy going to the movies and watching sports, specifically basketball. I enjoy hanging out with friends and family in my free time as well as listening to music. I love to go hiking as well.

Something unique about me: I have hiked the complete length (73 miles) of Hadrian’s Wall in England.

Education:

Major: English

Current Academic Year: Senior

What are your future career goals?: I hope to work in the field of Human Resources for a corporate company.

What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with?: I am a member of Alpha Kappa Lambda Fraternity.

Name: Genesis Escobar

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: Marketing Content Intern- Career Everywhere

Languages Spoken: English- “I speak English”, Spanish- “Yo hablo Español”

Bio

Hometown: Stamford, CT

Things I enjoy: I enjoy reading, experimenting in the kitchen, discovering new coffee spots, and exploring new creative outlets. When I need a break, you’ll usually find me binge-watching my favorite shows.

Something unique about me: I love anything that gets my heart racing—rollercoasters, being upside down, and hopefully skydiving soon—but my peak adrenaline moment was the week I survived both sliding down a mountain and getting chased by a bull in Colombia.

Education

Major: Communication

Current Academic Year: Junior

What are your future career goals?: My goal is to work in Public Relations, focusing on social media and communications, either for a beauty brand or a nonprofit I’m passionate about. I’m also eager to explore opportunities to live and work abroad!

What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with: UConn Latinas for Change, UConn Creating Caring Communities

Name: Luigi Chagas   

Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Intern within the Undocumented and DACAmented Students. 

Bio: 

Hometown: Stratford, CT  

Things I enjoy: I enjoy playing electric guitar, I have been playing for over 7 years, so it has become a big part of who I am. I also like watching movies, bonus points if it’s a horror movie at the theater. I like traveling to different places with my family and learning about new cultures. Reading is also something I try to do in my free time; my favorite writer is Rubem Alves.  

Something unique about me: I can name every Formula 1 champion in order.  

Education:

Major: Mechanical Engineering 

Current Academic Year: Sophomore   

What are your future career goals?: I aspire to work in the Aeronautical/Aerospace industry, hopefully working for Embraer as a designer. 

Name: Varshini Gopinathan 

Pronouns: She/her 

Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: Operations, Technology and Data Intern in Career Content & Course Engagement 

Bio

Hometown: Bangalore, India 

Things I enjoy: Reading fiction, writing, sketching, photography, listening to and making music, watching animated (and non-animated) movies, travelling the world, cooking, playing video games and spending time with my family and friends! 

Something unique about me: I’m an avid hiker and I’ve hiked in the Himalayas! 

Education

Major: Digital Media Design with a concentration in Web and Interactive Media Design. Minor in Industrial Design.

Current Academic Year: Junior

What are your future career goals?: I want to be a UX/UI or product designer in the healthcare industry who focuses on accessibility, functionality and comfort of patients or be involved in the entertainment industry as a designer for theme parks. Either way, I want to make magic happen using technology and put a smile on people’s faces!

What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with?: I am involved in the Disney at UConn club as the Secretary and Asian American Cultural Center (AsACC). I am also a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society.

Name: Kira Kiraly

Pronouns: She/Her

Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: Corporate Partner Relations Intern

Languages Spoken: I speak English!, Beszélek magyarul! (Hungarian)

Bio

Hometown: Hamden, CT

Things I enjoy: Hiking with my dog, traveling, watching comedies and thrillers, working with children, and trying new foods.

Something unique about me: I was born in Budapest, Hungary!

Education

Major: Psychology

Minor: HDFS

Current Academic Year: Junior

What are your future career goals?: I want to become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.

What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with?: I am a member of the Early Childhood Specialization Program, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, and the Psychology Club.

Name: Courtney Kopko

Pronouns: She/her

Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: Program Development and Marketing Intern: Event and Program Coordinator 

Bio

Hometown: Marlboro, NJ 

Things I enjoy: I love watching movies, baking, and spending quality time with friends and loved ones.  

Something unique about me: I danced for 15 years of my life!

Education

Major: Business Management  

Current Academic Year: Sophomore 

What are your future career goals?: My goal is to work in HR for a well-known company where I can contribute to employee development and organizational success. 

What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with?: I’m part of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, Women in Business, and Husky Ambassadors. 

Name: Juliana LaQuinta 

Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: Program Development and Marketing Intern – Content

Bio

Hometown: Staten Island, New York   

Things I enjoy: Spending time with family and friends, reading, photography, listening to music, playing + watching sports, traveling, and cooking!  

Something unique about me: I am in the National Football League Hall of Fame!  

Education

Major: Digital Marketing and Analytics 

Current Academic Year: Senior 

What are your future career goals?: After graduation, I see myself working in advertising or operations, gaining experience in optimizing campaigns and processes before advancing into a leadership role where I can drive innovation and strategy.  

What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with?: I serve as President of UConn’s Women’s Club Flag Football Team and am also involved with the Women in Sports Club and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. 

Name: Stanley Lu

Pronouns: He/Him

Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Intern for the First-Generation Students Affinity Community

Languages Spoken: English, Mandarin Chinese

Bio

Hometown: South Windsor, Connecticut

Things I enjoy: I like watching sci-fi and thriller movies, professional wrestling, and reality competition shows. I’m also a long-distance runner and enjoy playing video games.

Something unique about me: I keep shrimp as pets!

Education

Major: Management

Current Academic Year: Senior

What are your future career goals?: I hope to build a career in management, focusing on operations while also dealing with human capital to develop strong teams.

What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with?: I’m involved with Husky Ambassadors, the Asian American Cultural Center, and I’m also a production member for Survivor UConn.

Name: Atif Madad

Pronouns: He/Him 

Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: Diversity Equity & Inclusion Intern- International Students 

Languages Spoken: English, Urdu, Burushaski, Khuwar, Shina

Bio

Hometown: Gilgit, Pakistan 

Things I enjoy: I love playing sports, including cricket, soccer, and badminton. I enjoy debating topics related to international affairs, and I am very interested in taking welfare initiatives for students from underprivileged backgrounds.

Something unique about me:  I have been involved with volunteering and community service for more than 10 years.  

Education

Major: Economics & Computer Science 

Current Academic Year: Sophomore 

What are your future career goals? After graduation, I see myself working for a fintech company for some years before starting my own initiative related to fintech. 

What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with?: I am a Peer Tutor in the UConn Department of Economics, President of the UConn Majlis, and Treasurer of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society. 

Name: Lauren Mangarelli

Pronouns: she/her 

Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: Work+ Intern  

Bio

Hometown: Wakefield, MA  

Things I enjoy: Listening to music, lifting, walking my dogs, and spending time with friends and family.  

Something unique about me: I’ve performed on the stage where the Boston Pops play for the 4th of July.

Education

Major: Actuarial Science

Current Academic Year: Sophomore

What are your future career goals?: Becoming an actuary in home or auto insurance.  

What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with?: I am involved with Club Track & Field, UConn Actuarial Society, UConn Red Cross Club, and Husky Pep Band.

Name: Christopher Monge

Pronouns: He/Him

Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: Social Media Marketing Intern  

Languages Spoken: English & Spanish 

Bio

Hometown: Bridgeport, CT  

Things I enjoy: Lifting, Hiking, Reading, and hanging out with friends!

Something unique about me: I’m Left-Handed and I can make a mean Bandeja paisa.

Education

Major: Accounting

Current Academic Year: Junior 

What are your future career goals?: Hit the Big 4 and go from there

What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with?: ALPFA (Association for Latino Professionals for America), Accounting Society, Cannabis Club, UConn Outing Club

Name: Mihika Sinha

Pronouns: She/Her

Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: DEI Intern, Women Affinity Community

Languages Spoken: English, French, (Basic) Bengali, (Basic) Hindi

Bio

Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Things I enjoy: Cooking, Reading, Spending time outdoors, and working out!

Something unique about me: I was born in and have been living in Massachusetts for a long time now, but I grew up in Ontario and am equally Canadian at heart!

Education

Major: Double in Anthropology and Political Science

Current Academic Year: Senior

What are your future career goals?: As a second-generation immigrant, I am deeply passionate about the preservation of culture and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). My future goals center on combining my knowledge of people and culture with skills in organizational administration to strengthen DEI initiatives and support the growth of cultural institutions. I hope to create spaces that honor heritage, foster cross-cultural understanding, and empower communities to thrive!

What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with?: I am most involved with Sanskriti, UConn’s Indian classical arts collaborative, particularly Shakti, our premiere competitive classical dance team. I’m a big music person, I also sing, play the piano, guitar, ukulele, and alto saxophone!

Name: Noah Steinberg

Pronouns: he/him

Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: Outreach and Engagement Intern

Bio

Hometown: Marlboro, NJ

Things I enjoy: I enjoy watching and playing sports, especially basketball, soccer, and football. I am a huge fan of the UConn men’s and women’s basketball teams (I even went to the 2024 Men’s Championship Game in Phoenix). In my free time, I like to hang out with my friends and watch tv shows and movies.

Something unique about me: I can name and locate every single country in the world on a map.

Education

Major: Computer Science

Current Academic Year: Junior

What are your future career goals?: I hope to work for a large IT company as a Software Developer.

What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with?: I am in several organizations here at UConn. I am a member of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity. I am also a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society, Spikeball Club and work as a private tutor for my fellow peers.

Name: Madison Thomas-Ferguson

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Intern for the Black Students Affinity Community

Bio

Hometown: Stratford, CT

Things I enjoy: Reading books of various genres (fantasy, fiction, murder mystery, romance, etc), going to movie theaters, eating ice cream, crafting, curating playlists, spending time with friends/family, and going to UConn Women’s Basketball Games.

Something unique about me: I have ridden in a helicopter!

Education

Major: Communication and English

Current Academic Year: Second Year

What are your future career goals?: I intend to pursue a career in the Human Resources field. Whether it’s promoting work opportunities for underrepresented communities or building safe work environments, I want to make a positive impact in my place of work.

What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with?: I am a member of Women in Business, UConn SIS (Sisters Inspiring Sisters), UConn NABA, and Voices of Equity. I also serve as a UNIV Facilitator for incoming Freshmen!

Name: Hailey Velasquez

Pronouns: she/her  

Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: Outreach and Engagement Intern for CAHNR  

Languages Spoken: English and Spanish  

Bio

Hometown: Lynbrook, NY 

Things I enjoy: I enjoy reading, going on runs, playing my bass, and watching movies. I also love to spend time with my family and friends.  

Something unique about me: I play both the upright and electric bass. 

Education

Major: Pathobiology  

Minor: Animal Science  

Current Academic Year: Sophomore  

What are your future career goals?: I hope to become a veterinarian and own my own practice.   

What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with?: I am involved in the Run Club and Pre-Vet Club.  

Name: Luis Walker

Pronouns: He/Him

Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: Business Operations

Bio

Hometown: Houston, Tx

Things I enjoy: Reading, working out, hanging out with friends, and collecting vinyl records.

Something unique about me: I have two different colored eyes.

Education

Major: Finance

Current Academic Year: Junior

What are your future career goals?: After graduation, get into a corporate financial planning and analysis role, climb the ranks and give back to the community.

What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with?: Currently, none. However, I plan on getting involved with the Finance Society, and join other club that aligns with my interests!