Zeynep Acun
Name: Zeynep Acun
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: Outreach and Engagement
Languages Spoken (optional):
Turkish – Ben Türkçe konuşiyorum!
English – I speak English!
German – Ich spreche Deutsch!
Bio:
Hometown: Ankara, Turkey
Things I enjoy: The Mediterranean, EDM/Techno, collecting records, learning new things
Something unique about me: I can solve a Rubik’s cube!
Education:
Major: Political Science/German Studies
Current Academic Year: Junior
What are your future career goals? To pursue a career in international business so I can leverage my language skills as well as work in a capacity I love!
What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with? Travel Model United Nations, UConn German, Undergraduate Student Government
Melanie Burgos Montero
Name: Melanie Burgos Montero
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers/Ella
Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: DE&I Intern- Women’s Affinity Community
Languages Spoken: English, Yo tambien hablo español
Bio:
Hometown: Waterbury, CT
Things I enjoy: I really enjoy running, love reading on my time off, painting, watching/learning about film, and listening to artists like Frank Ocean and Lana Del Rey.
Something unique about me: I am a nationally certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), was born in the Dominican Republic and have watched Jane the Virgin 4 times over.
Education:
Major: Allied Health Sciences
Current Academic Year: Sophomore
What are your future career goals? I am studying to become an emergency room Physician Assistant, to provide marginalized and underrepresented communities access to proper and quality healthcare services!
What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with? I am involved with Rowe Scholars, the Honors Program, Alpha Lambda Delta, the West Indian Students Organization and PRLACC!
Eadaoin Clarke
Name: Èadaoin Clarke
Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: Outreach and Engagement Intern within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Project Area
Bio:
Hometown: Greenwich, CT
Things I enjoy: I enjoy chatting with friends, watching the sunset, and spending time with my family. I also love running, hiking, and swimming.
Something unique about me: Growing up I was an Irish Dancer for 8 years along with other styles of dance. I also have a very interesting food palate, can sleep for an eternity, and have a blog with my best friend!
Education:
Major: Psychological Sciences with a double minor in Cognitive Science and HDFS (Human Development Family Sciences)
Current Academic Year: Senior
What are your future career goals? I aim to live abroad for a few years post-graduation and pursue an MBA.
What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with? This year I am an analyst for Hillside Ventures!
Ashley Cruz
Name: Ashley Cruz
Pronouns: She/Her
Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: DEI Intern for the Black Students Affinity Community
Languages Spoken: English and Spanish
Bio:
Hometown: Franklin Township, NJ
Things I Enjoy: Watching old 2000’s movies, traveling, taking pictures, and hanging out with my loved ones.
Something unique about me: I have traveled out of the country five times!
Education:
Major: Communications
Minor: Social Responsibility and Impact in Business
Current Academic Year: Sophomore
What are your future career goals? I want to open non-profit organizations throughout South America.
What are some of extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with? I am involved with the Afro-Latinx Alliance Organization, the Life Purpose Ambassador Program, and the Black Sisters Optimizing Leadership Learning Community.
Ellenese Espaillat
Name: Ellenese Espaillat
Pronouns (optional): she/her/ella
What is your Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: DE&I Intern – Latine Focus Group
Languages Spoken (optional): English, Spanish
Bio:
Hometown: Queens, NY
Things I enjoy: I enjoy cooking, baking, reading, traveling, listening to music, and doing skincare.
Something unique about me: I have watched Greys Anatomy 7 times. I have also been to 3 continents.
Education:
Major: Finance
Minor: Real Estate
Concentration: Corporate Finance
Current Academic Year: Senior
What are your future career goals? My goal is to provide financial education and further financial literacy in any capacity in the communities I grew up in. Giving back has always been a big part of my life and a major focus for my career aspirations. I also want to work to help diversify the world of business which can tend to lack that, providing representation to encourage others to follow their passions.
What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with? I am the president and founder of the Afro-Latinx Alliance, a club that runs in PRLACC and the AACC. We are centered around celebrating the diverse experience of Afro-Latine students here at UConn! I am also involved with Business Leaders of UConn, the Dominican Students Association, the West Indian Students Organization, and the Women in Finance Society.
Yashira Fernandes
Name: Yashira Fernandes
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Title: Outreach and Engagement Intern- Corporate Partner Relations
Hometown: Brookfield, Connecticut
Languages Spoken: Spanish and Portuguese
Things I enjoy: Running, weightlifting and pilates
What is something unique about you? I am a first-generation college student!
Education:
Major: Business Management
Current Academic Year: Senior
What are your future career goals?I am pursuing a career in Human Resources. My goals for my future in Human Resources are to collaborate with others, build relationships, and create an environment that embraces individuality and inclusivity.
What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with? I am involved with the Brazilian Students Association and Women in Business.
Lucia Ferreira
Name: Lucia Ferreira
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: Outreach and Engagement Intern for the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources
Bio:
Hometown: Trumbull, Connecticut
Things I enjoy: Being at the beach is my all-time favorite past time especially with friends and family. I could sit there for hours just relaxing and hanging out. I have been surfing for a few years now and to me there is no better feeling than being on the water. I will always say yes to a good coffee date as I love trying new coffee spots.
Something unique about me: I transferred to UConn after my freshman year!
Education:
Major: Environmental and Natural Resource Economics Current
Academic Year: Junior
What are your future career goals? One day in the future, my goal is to attend law school and work as an environmental lawyer.
What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with? I am a member of Gamma Phi Beta here at UConn and within my sorority I am an assistant social media manager! I also am a part of EcoHusky, an environmental advocacy group here on campus!
Varshini Gopinathan
Name: Varshini Gopinathan
Pronouns (optional): 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 and Design with a concentration in Web and Interactive Media Design
Current Academic Year: Sophomore
What are your future career goals? I want to be a designer in the healthcare industry who focuses on accessibility, functionality and comfort of patients or involved in the entertainment industry as a designer for theme parks. Either way, I want to 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 and Asian American Cultural Center (AsACC)
Madison Jolley
Name: Madison Jolley
Pronouns: She/Her
Title: Career Consulting and Services Intern
Résumé Critique Hours: Monday: 11-1, Tuesday 1-2, Thursday 1-3
Hometown: Milford, Connecticut
Things I enjoy: I love chasing the thrill in life by going on challenging hikes, skydiving, and traveling in my free time.
What is something unique about you? I was born in San Diego, CA.
Education
Major: Management
Current Academic Year: Junior
What are your future career goals? I ultimately want to travel the world in pursuit of environmental sustainability.
What extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations are you involved with? I am the Communications Officer for the Business Management Society and a member of HuskyTHON Rising Leaders. I also participate in a few intramural sports such as basketball, volleyball, and flag football!
Mia Keazer
Name: Mia Keazer
Pronouns (optional): She/Her
What is your Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: Program Development and Marketing Intern – Alumni Relations
Bio:
Hometown: Dover, NH
Things I enjoy: I love going on long walks, reading a good book, and writing for Her Campus.
Something unique about me: I am obsessed with Canva.
Education:
Major: Communications
Current Academic Year: Senior
What are your future career goals? After graduation, I’d love to work in public relations, specifically in the beauty or fashion industry. Eventually, my goal is to have my own public relations firm.
What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with? I am a member of the Her Campus organization, where I am both a contributing writer and the Instagram manager. My articles focus on fashion, college life, and marketing/branding.
Nick Lanza
Name: Nick Lanza
Pronouns (optional): he/him
Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: Work+ Intern
Bio:
Hometown: Mansfield, Connecticut
Things I enjoy: I love going on morning runs, cooking and playing board games with family. I am a big traveler and enjoy exploring new places. And I play pickle ball. If you ever need a fourth player come find me in the career center!
Something unique about me: I went sky diving and I grew up right down the road from UConn.
Education:
Major: Political Science & Public Policy
Current Academic Year: Senior
What are your future career goals?
Although I don’t know specifically what I want to do, I do know I want to travel and be involved in community outreach efforts. I hope to find a career that has me constantly learning and trying new things!
What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with? I am External Affairs Director in the Undergraduate Student Government, and I currently serve on a local board of education here in Mansfield.
Atif Madad
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 but not limited to cricket, soccer and badminton. I enjoy debating on topics related to international affairs. Also, I am very interesting in taking welfare initiatives for students of 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 an executive board member of the Alpha Lambda Delta honors society and the Pakistani Community at UConn. I am also involved with the cricket club at UConn and the Asian & Asian American mentoring program. I have also establish a new organization named “UConn Majlis” this year which I will be leading as the founding president.
Ramon Peters
Name: Ray Peters
Pronouns: He/Him
Internship Title/Project Area: Business Operations Intern
Hometown: Bristol, CT
Things I enjoy: Running, Basketball, Comedy
What is something unique about you? I have moved around a lot throughout my youth which meant navigating four different states, multiple cities, and countless schools, each with its own challenges. I have developed the ability to converse with anybody about anything.
Education
Major: Finance
Current Academic Year: Senior
What are your future career goals?I want to become a successful businessperson in whatever field I decide to specialize in while building connections and growing along the way. Currently, I am interested in Investment Banking and Asset Mangement.
What extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations are you involved with?
Daniela Ramos
Name: Daniela Ramos
Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Intern, First-generation Affinity Community
Languages Spoken: Hablo Español!
Bio:
Nice to meet you! I’m Daniela. I am a first-generation student, having to navigate college on my own was – and is – no easy feat. I have appreciated the career center in so many ways, especially when they guided me through my major change. I went from Psychology to the possibility of business school, to finally choosing Communications. I am very grateful to be a part of such a welcoming and amazing team, and I’m more than excited to help other students and peers!
Hometown: Greenwich, CT
Things I enjoy: art, movies, country music, bass guitar, church, gym, YouTube, Super Smash Bros.
Something unique about me: I played rugby for a few years, and soccer for a few more
Education:
Major: Communications
Current Academic Year: Senior
What are your future career goals? Possibly a UX/UI Designer or do something with Project Management! So many possibilities…
What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with?
I was on the e-board for the Central American Student Association, and still a member of Women in Business club and Latinas in Tech. I’m planning on playing for soccer intramurals this year, and I’m also currently in the process of joining the Army Reserve.
Kara Rondinelli
Name: Kara Rondinelli
Pronouns: she/her
What is your Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: Graphic Design and Multimedia Specialist Intern
Bio:
Hometown: Glastonbury, Connecticut
Things I enjoy: I enjoy thrifting, indoor bouldering/rock climbing, weightlifting, attending concerts, listening to music, and spending quality time with my lovely friends.
Something unique about me: Before going on a vacation as a kid, I broke my finger and rode a dolphin while wearing my cast. Despite the injury, I still had a fun time though.
Education:
Major: Digital Media & Design with a concentration in Web/Interactive Media Design
Current Academic Year: Senior
What are your future career goals? I want to be a User Interface/User Experience Designer, leveraging the user experience design process to address user problems by finding accessible digital technology solutions.
What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with? I work for the UConn Digital Experience Group as a Student UI/UX Designer, specializing in web design, website building, branding design, and graphic design for the UConn Provost’s Office and the UConn Research Community.
Nickolas Rouskas
Name: Nickolas Rouskas
Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: Program Development and Marketing Intern – Event and Program Coordinator
Languages Spoken: English
Bio:
Hometown: Avon, CT
Things I enjoy: I enjoy many things like hanging out with my friends and family, snowboarding, hiking, fishing, golfing, and all things outdoors! On my down time, I also enjoy playing video games with my friends and working on my car. Automotive work has been a hobby of mine for a few years now, and I have taught myself everything I know about an engine and its components. I love the car scene and culture as well as automotive sports like F1, NASCAR, and drifting.
Something unique about me: When I was a kid, I became a 2nd degree blackbelt in Taekwondo after progressing through all of the belts. I also competed in national competitions for medals.
Education:
Major: Communication
Current Academic Year: Senior
What are your future career goals? In the future I want to be involved in the business world, whether it is starting my own or being involved in a larger business. The sports business industry has sparked my interest, and I hope to gain more experience in the field. I hope to network and expand my horizons within the world of business in my future career. These actions can propel me to where I am comfortable and to where I have established life-long relationships with those like-minded.
What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with? Here on campus, I am involved with the UConn Car Club. It’s a tight-knit group of people and it is a lot of fun! I am also interested in participating in a business club of sorts this year as I am invested in learning as much as I can.
Dyanee Spencer
Name: Dyanee Spencer
Pronouns (optional): She/Her
Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: Career Development Intern
Bio:
Hometown: Bridgeport, Connecticut
Things I enjoy: I love beautiful landscapes and places. I enjoy discovering new hobbies and improving on old ones. I especially like to try new recipes from diverse cultures.
Something unique about me: I have never broken a bone, and I cannot ride a bike.
Education:
Major: Medical Laboratory Sciences
Current Academic Year: Sophomore
What are your future career goals? I eventually want to achieve a career in the medical field specifically neuroscience and neurobiology.
What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with? I am a part of Diversity in Health, Women Leaders of Tomo
Lydia Sutton
Name: Lydia Sutton
Pronouns: she/her
Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: DE&I Intern for the LGBTQ+ Affinity Community
Bio:
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Things I enjoy: I love to go to the beach, read, listen to music, and spend time with my friends and family. I also enjoy running to stay fit. I am an avid coffee drinker and sushi eater. I also am a huge art nerd!
Something unique about me: I have my own radio show called Takes and Tunes!
Education:
Major: Sociology and HDFS(Human Development and Family Sciences) Double major on a Pre-Law track
Current Academic Year: Junior
What are your future career goals? I want to attend law school in California after completing my undergraduate degree and become a family lawyer.
What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with? Outside of the Career Center I am a fellow for Teach for America, I volunteer for Big Brothers and Big Sisters, I am on the executive board for Alpha Lambda Delta the honors fraternity, and I am a member of Empowering Women in Law.
Noah Steinberg
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: Sophomore
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.
Benjamin Talty
Name: Ben Talty
Pronouns: He/Him
Intern Title and Project Area/Affinity Community: Program Development and Marketing – Content Intern
Bio:
Hometown: Westchester, New York
Things I enjoy: Listening to music; learning new languages; playing guitar
Something unique about me: I am dual minoring in Human Rights and Entrepreneurship
Education:
Major: Communication Studies
Current Academic Year: Senior
What are your future career goals? I would love to do marketing or A&R in the music industry, or any career that allows me to travel
What are some extracurricular activities/student clubs or organizations you are involved with? Alpha Kappa Lambda Fraternity; Former InterFraternal Council Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Marketing Society; Law Society; Chinese and American Cooperation Association; UConn Ski & Snowboard Club
