Hannah Bruno
Graphic Design/Multimedia Intern for the Program Development and Marketing Project Area
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.
Ashley Cruz
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Intern for the Latine Affinity Community
Name: Ashley Cruz
Pronouns: She/Her
Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: Outreach and Engagement Intern for Affinity Communities
Languages Spoken: English and Spanish
Bio
Hometown: Franklin Township, NJ
Things I Enjoy: Concerts, horror movies, traveling, and hanging out with friends.
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: Senior
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?: Aside from my internship at the Center, I work as an Involvement Ambassador for the Office of Student Organization Support and Involvement and an Office Assistant at Busby Suites Residence Hall. Additionally, I am President of the Afro-Latinx Alliance, a Gateway Mentor for Individualized Majors, and a cohort member of Leadership Legacy Experience.
Varshini Gopinathan
Operations, Technology and Data Intern in Career Content & Course Engagement
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.
Kira Kiraly
Corporate Partner Relations Intern
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, pickle ball, traveling, watching comedies and thrillers, learning new languages, and trying new foods.
Something unique about me: I was born in Budapest, Hungary!
Education
Major: Psychology
Minor: HDFS
Current Academic Year: Senior
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.
Lauren Mangarelli
Work+ Intern
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.
Dani Salas
Name: Daniela Salas
Pronouns: She/Her
Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: Content Marketing Intern
Languages Spoken: English – I speak English! Español – Hablo español!
Hometown: Darien, CT
Things I enjoy: Finding new music, traveling, playing video games, trying new food, drawing, film photography, and playing soccer.
Something unique about me: My hands are freakishly double jointed!
Major: Marketing
Current Academic Year: Senior
What are your future career goals?: I hope to work in a marketing-related role where I am able to express myself creatively through social media, digital content, or brand design! Additionally, I want to branch out into the international realm of business by looking for opportunities across different parts of the world. I hope to create candid content with intention that connects with people from all walks of life!
What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with?: I recently came back from an exchange semester in South Korea at Korea University where I was a Marketing Fellow in the International Business Initiation, I led Spanish-English language exchange in the Language Exchange Communication Association, and I was part of the KU Elise Women’s soccer team! Prior to that, I was the president of Husky Art Pack at UConn Stamford for two years.
Madison Thomas-Ferguson
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Intern - Black Affinity Community
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!
Luis Walker
Business Operations Intern
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!
Sam Wisniewski
Content Marketing Intern
Bio
Hometown: Farmington, CT
Things I Enjoy: In my free time I enjoy making art, reading, cooking, and working out!
Education
Major: Business & Fine Arts
Current Academic Year: Junior
What are your future career goals? My goal is to work in a business-oriented role that calls for creativity, such as Creative Director or Director of Product Marketing. I’m eager to gain this experience working for companies I’m passionate about and explore other career opportunities along the way!
What are some activities, student clubs or organizations you are involved with? I’m the Treasurer of UConn CHAARG, a women’s fitness & wellness organization, and a Leadership Board Member for the Werth Institute.
