Meet your 2023 WOW Captains!
Kavya Sajeev
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Senior
Major: Allied Health with a Concentration in Public Health
WOW has not only introduced me to so many new people, but consists of an amazing community of student workers who care about the work they do. I love working with this team to make first year students get excited for their future at UConn!
Jeremy Garskof
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Senior
Major: Finance
WOW is a special program that helped me find my best friends my first year. I want to help other students find their friends. I want to help first year students feel welcome as a part of the UConn community.
Cami Connolly
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Chemical Engineering
I want to be a friendly face and help first year students get acclimated with the UConn campus.
Keshav Desibhatla
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Sophomore
Major: Pathobiology
I became a WOW leader because I want to help first year students transform college into another home, where they feel comfortable and excited about what lies ahead.
Hallie LeTendre
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Senior
Majors: Journalism and Political Science
I want to help first year students ease their transition to college as much as possible. I hope to help them make UConn really feel like home for their next four years.
Evan Wood
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Senior
Majors: Communication and Political Science
I want to give a supporting hand to first year students as I remember when I was in their shoes and want their transition to UConn to be as comfortable and exciting as possible. I aim to help first year students in any way they need my support.
Mikayla Williams
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Senior
Major: Geoscience
This will be my 3rd year in the WOW Program, and I am so excited to help another group of incoming students. I love the community that I have found at UConn and the experiences that I have had and I love being able to help students feel at home as well!
Rhea D'Costa
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Senior
Majors: Economics and Political Science
I’ve been lucky enough to participate in WOW the past 3 years as a student, leader, and captain. The sense of community and fun that WOW creates for freshmen students is so amazing to be a part of, and I look forward to getting to do it one last time!
Courtney Balerna
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Nursing
I want to have the opportunity to serve as a resource and to assist first year students through the anxious and overwhelming transition to college all while working with a team of other passionate and kindhearted students.
Akshatha Nair
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Majors: Computer Science and Engineering
WOW helped make my transition to college welcoming and less intimidating. I wanted to help incoming students adjust to the UConn atmosphere, and give them the same welcoming experience I had.
Kennedy Evans
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Digital Media and Design
I first participated in WOW 2022 as a WOW leader. I became a WOW leader and now a captain, because I felt that being an out-of-state student at UConn WOW was crucial to helping me get acclimated to the campus and finding my sense of belonging here. Therefore I wanted to take my experience and make sure that I give the first year students the same feeling I had when I came to UConn.
Aaron Christian Saga Abrina
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Senior
Major: Allied Health Sciences Minor: Communications
This will be my third year in WOW with this being my first year as captain. I love being a leader and positive influence to others. WOW has given me opportunities to meet new people and make new connections that will last me a long time. I cannot wait to finish my time in WOW with a bang!
Emma Griffin
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Majors: Mathematics and Statistics and Sports Management
We all know the transition to college life is extremely difficult, but WOW is a program that allows first year students to easily make lasting connections and memories. I found my own group of amazing friends through participating in WOW, so it fills me with so much joy to help other incoming students do the same. I am so grateful to be a part of such a great experience!
Khushi Patel
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Senior
Majors: Psychological Sciences and Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
I want to help first year students transition into college, aiming to ease a process that can sometimes be stressful and intimidating. In the process I hope to make UConn feel like home and show them all the wonderful things UConn has to offer.
Maddie Brunnock
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Senior
Majors: Marketing and Women’s Studies
I became a WOW Captain because I want to help first year students adjust to college and be a positive leader for their first few days on campus. I was a freshman during 2020 so I never had an in person WOW, so I want to help first year students experience something special that I never got my first year!
Carlos Lopez
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Senior
Majors: Psychological Sciences and Communications
I became a WOW captain because I wanted to be someone students can trust during that first weekend of moving in and onward. This next chapter for the incoming class is thrilling and uneasy as they being to write their story of who they are and what it means to be a husky.
Reece Salinas
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Majors: Communication and Psychological Sciences
It was through the WOW program that I met some of my closest friends that I am still with today. I really appreciated how welcoming my WOW Leaders were, and as a previous WOW Leader, I loved creating an inviting environment for incoming students. I am glad that I have been given the opportunity to continue working for WOW as I am able to give back to the program and people that helped make my transition to UConn much easier.
Horacio Honoret
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Senior
Major: Communications
I became a WOW captain to help incoming students learn about campus and help them make connections with their fellow peers that could last them a lifetime. I believe that this program is a valuable experience that set our first year students up for success.
Abby Gardiner
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Chemistry
I became a WOW captain to help facilitate lasting friendships and help people feel welcome.
Adrianna Empaynado
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Marketing
My favorite part of WOW is being a guide to incoming first year students and setting their foundations for their experience at UConn! That is why I choose to become a captain.
Julianna Wiseman
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Business
My favorite part about WOW is getting to meet lots of new people and to know the other students on your floor. I loved all of the events they had for the first year students and being able to make friends that have stuck with me throughout my entire first year. That is why I decided to become a WOW Captain.
Moksha Chimbili
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Molecular and Cell Biology
I choose to become a WOW captain because I wanted to foster a sense of home and a positive community for the incoming first years as it is a difficult time for many. This position allows me to make this transition to college a little smoother and a shoulder to lean on for anyone!
Brianna Bradley
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Majors: Economics and Mathematics
I choose to become a WOW leader to help first year students create a stronger foundation of UConn and develop strong relationships.
Mimi Marella
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Social Work
I think the WOW program is an important piece of helping first year students make the transition to UConn. I remember feeling overwhelmed being on campus the first weekend and looking for familiar faces to help me navigate things. I was a WOW leader last year and it was a great experience meeting first year students and helping them. I look forward to building more connections with the next group of students and making them feel welcomed on campus. The WOW program is a lot of fun and I’m excited to be a captain!
Gianna Teh
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Diagnostic Genetic Sciences
I met some of my best friends during my WOW weekend, and I look forward to watching others have that same great experience! I was also a leader last summer and cant wait to meet some of our new first year students.
Aadil Malik
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Junior
Major: Financial Management
I joined the WOW program to be a leader because I wanted to give first year students a good welcome to UConn. It’s very scary coming into a big school especially if you don’t live in CT. As someone who first commuted, it can be scary and stressful, but with WOW, I can give other students the assurance that it gets better! I hope I can make the transition into college easier and more entertaining for the students.
Meet your WOW 2023 Leaders!
Claire Ruocco
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Real Estate and Digital Media and Design
I wanted to help first year students get acclimated to life in college like my WOW leader helped me! Moving to a new place can be a very scary process, so I wanted to try to help make the transition as smooth as possible!
Emma Wiser
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Environmental Sciences
I want to be a positive influence on other people’s lives and I believe being a WOW leader will help me me a positive influence on our incoming first year students. I want to help the new incoming class and ease them into the college experience.
Liz Hinkson
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Nursing
I became a WOW leader because I want to be able to help incoming students acclimate to life at UConn!
Emily Cervantes
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Senior
Major: Political Science
I love being able to impact people's lives in a positive way, and I want to help ease the transition for incoming students!
Hannah Quintin
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Physiology and Neurobiology
I want to show our new huskies what UConn has to offer and help them as they acclimate to life at college and begin this new adventure!
Callie Lacey
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Elementary Education
I joined WOW because I want to help incoming first year students feel more welcomed on our campus just like my WOW leader did for me! 🙂
Lily Pelletier
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Physiology and Neurobiology
Through WOW I met some of my closest friends. I want to give the incoming first year students the same opportunity to connect with one another!
Kaitlin Biggin
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Nursing
As a first year student I loved and enjoyed my WOW experience and the program at large. It helped me adjust to life at UConn and I want to help and give that same support and experience to our new huskies!
Sarah Daniel
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Senior
Major: Psychology Minors: Political Science and Sociology
I became a WOW leader to help first year students adjust to life on campus and to get them excited about being a husky!
Andrea Durwin
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Molecular and Cellular Biology (pre-med)
I decided to join WOW because the program helped me find my best friends of three years. I hope to help incoming first years to have a positive experience like I did with the program!
Lin Pan
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Senior
Major: Finance and Economics Minor: Math
I want to be a WOW leader because I want to give back to the UConn community and ensure a smooth transition for incoming first year students by serving as a resource and support.
William Rodrigues
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Sophomore
Major: Nursing
I am passionate about being a WOW leader because I understand the importance of our first weekend and its significance in allowing our first year students to become comfortable on campus and create meaningful relationships that they will cherish throughout their time at UConn. I am stoked to meet the class of '27!
Amelia Antonucci
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Senior
Major: Mechanical Engineering
I decided to join WOW because I was unable to participate in the program as a transfer student, and I want to ensure first year students know about all the great things UConn has to offer!
Sumedha Sabbani
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Psychology
I joined WOW because I want to be able to help the incoming first year students feel connected to their peers and campus and give them the same positive, exciting, and memorable experience that I had.
Yashvi Gupta
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Biomedical Engineering
I wanted to be apart of the WOW community because I want the incoming first year students to adjust to campus in the most entertaining and comfortable way possible, and becoming a WOW leader will help me accomplish this goal.
Asirva Alahari
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Management and Engineering for Manufacturing
I am passionate about WOW because I had the best experience my first year and want to ensure that the class of 2027 starts off their UConn careers in a fun, exciting, and successful way!
Elizabeth Overchuk
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Senior
Major: Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and Psychology Minor: Spanish
I wanted to be a WOW leader in order to help create a welcoming environment for first year students. I am so excited to meet everyone and show them around campus!
Emmanuel Hernandez
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Junior
Major: Molecular and Cellular Biology and Physiology and Neurobiology
I wanted to join WOW because the WOW program helped me make friends early on in my first year, and I want to do the same thing for the new incoming class!
Jaylanie Rivera
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Allied Health Minor: Human Development and Family Sciences
Through WOW I was able to get the experience as a first year to make UConn feel like a home away from home. With such a positive experience, I wanted to be able to give incoming first years the same comforting and positive experience I had when arriving on campus for the first time.
Carolyn Jewett
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Biomedical Engineering
I wanted to join WOW because I was super nervous for college, especially as an out of state student, and the WOW weekend and leaders helped me make friends and adjust to college. I want to be a part of that great community and help give others the same experience I had!
Julia Brereton
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Finance Minor: Economics
I wanted to join WOW because my experience with WOW as an incoming first year was super helpful and I loved meeting everyone. I would like to give the incoming first year class the same great experience as I had!
Amruth Banavara
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Junior
Major: Management Information Systems
I wanted to be a WOW leader because during my first year I had a really fun experience and want to give that same experience to the new huskies!
Andrew Tompkins
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Senior
Major: Finance
I wanted to be a WOW leader because during my first year, my WOW leaders were very kind and helped me out a lot. I hope to follow in their footsteps and create a positive impact.
Sarah Khouja
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Elementary Education Minor: Sociology
Being a first generation college student, I know adjustment to college can be hard. I want to ease that transition as much as possible in the first few days of new students' college experience through the WOW program!
Will Sapatanga
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Sophomore
Major: Undecided
I wanted to become a WOW leader because I remember how anxious I was during my first weekend on campus so I’d like to be a person to help and welcome the incoming class on their first weekend at UConn!!
Shravani Deptardar
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Management Information Systems
I want to be a WOW Leader to help new students adjust to college life and get the same, fun experience I did when I came to UConn. I also want to help the UConn community which I can through being a WOW Leader.
Abhay Kohli
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Sophomore
Major: Civil Engineering
I want to be a WOW leader to make a positive impact on the incoming first year students and help them call UConn home!
Alice Durso
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Accounting
I want to be a WOW leader to help incoming first year students get acclimated to campus. I am a campus change student, so I truly understand how hard it can be in the beginning to adjust to a new environment. Additionally, I want to be a reliable resource for new students and provide them with any and all information they may need to become a proud and successful huskie here at UConn!
Suraj Kalaria
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Junior
Major: Molecular and Cell Biology
I wanted to be a WOW leader to help the incoming class familiarize themselves with each other, the campus, and the amazing opportunities UConn has to offer. My WOW leader was an amazing influence and helped me feel their enthusiasm; I hope to do the same for my WOW group.
Infanta Antony
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Allied Health Science
I want to be a WOW leader because I want to create a positive and smooth transition into campus life! My WOW experience helped me find meaningful relationships, and familiarize myself with campus, and I wanted to give first years a similar experience!
Sam Garskof
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Sophomore
Major: Undecided
I want to be a WOW leader to help the incoming students have a fun and positive transition into college!
Sidharth Masarur
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Sophomore
Major: Molecular and Cell Biology
I want to be a WOW leader in order to bring the same welcoming experience to the incoming first year students that I received when I first came to campus. I am excited to introduce them to all that our campus has to offer!
Swetha Chandu
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Psychology
I am excited to be a WOW leader to help incoming students transition to the campus and show them opportunities while welcoming them to UConn!
Lauren Villanueva
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Molecular and Cellular Biology (Pre-Dental)
I became a WOW leader because I had a positive experience my first year and want to serve as a familiar face on campus that incoming students can go to for advice or just to talk! I'm excited to welcome new students to the UConn community!
Sarah Bradley
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Biomedical Engineering
I became a WOW leader to help the incoming students transition into college and introduce them to the amazing UConn community we have! I want to help them meet new people and get excited for the year.
Caroline Szajda
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Molecular and Cell Biology
I joined WOW because I want to help the incoming first year students feel welcomed at UConn. I want to show them how much UConn has to offer and help them make some new friends!
Fahad llyas
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Senior
Major: Allied Health
I joined WOW because I wanted to give first year students experiences that I was not able to participate in since I was a first year student during the first year of COVID.
Sarah Ahmed
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Management Information Systems
I joined WOW to help first year students feel more connected to their peers and the UConn campus as a whole. My WOW leaders were super welcoming and I hope to be the same for the Class of 2027!
Melissa Tian
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Animal Science and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
I joined WOW to help out of state students like me find a home away from home through WOW Weekend!
Aidan Karpicz
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Junior
Major: History and Secondary Education
I hope that through my position as a WOW leader, I can be the person who can create a positive environment for the incoming students and successfully integrate them into college, so that they can feel part of a community as early as possible, just like I did!
Aidan Galish
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Junior
Major: Psychology and Physiology and Neurobiology
I joined WOW to assist first year students to learn and understand everything UConn has to offer!
Madeline Haefele
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Majors: Philosophy, Political Science, and American Sign Language and Deaf Culture (Pre-Law)
I am beyond excited to be a WOW Leader to help welcome the incoming first year class to campus! WOW was when I met the friends I am still close with now. I cannot wait to help instill a sense of Husky Pride in new students and guide them through their first weekend.
Gretl Josselyn
Pronouns: She/Her/They/Them
Class: Junior
Majors: Philosophy and Anthropology Minor: Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
I’m excited to be a WOW leader to help incoming students find communities where they feel comfortable to be themselves. WOW helped me to find some of my closest friends and join campus organizations that make me feel included in the UConn community.
Jaclyn Armetta
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Secondary Math Education
I wanted to become a WOW leader because I wanted the opportunity to help the incoming UConn students get the most out of their UConn experience and help introduce them to their new home!
Ahmya McCoy
Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs
Class: Junior
Major: Individualized Major, Concentration in Entrepreneurship, Fashion, and Gender Minor: Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
I am involved in WOW because for me the process of WOW jump started some of my best relationships and friendships that I hold dear to my heart now in my sophomore year, and I want to instill those same experiences and connections for incoming first year students. I want to make sure everyone is comfortable to be themselves and reassure them that this is a new space and finding yourself here can take some time, but you'll get there as long as you stay true to you.
Akshita Jindal
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Senior
Major: Management Information Systems
I’m so incredibly excited to be a WOW Leader to help incoming freshmen ease their transition from high school to college. WOW helped me find organizations to be involved in and my leaders were so helpful with answering questions and helping me navigate through campus. I hope to also have just as positive of an impact on the first year students.
Hazel Patel
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Allied Health Sciences
As a freshman, adjusting to UConn WOW helped me become comfortable in a new environment and helped me step outside my comfort zone. I want to have the same impact my WOW leader had on me and help incoming first year students navigate their next 4 years.
Sherina Sauveur
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Nursing
I want to help the incoming students get comfortable with their new home. I want them to know that they have someone they can look to for help and advice before the semester even starts. I want to provide students with the WOW weekend, I never got to experience it.
Emily Poulter
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Pre-Teaching
I am so excited to be a WOW leader because I want to help the incoming freshman adjust to the new environment they will be in, especially because I know how overwhelming it can be. Also, I want to impact students and help them feel comfortable and try to navigate them to have a smooth transition into the college experience. Having a positive impact from my WOW leader inspires me to impact others to feel excited and safe to start their first semester in college!
Kathryn (Katie) Hanrahan
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Nursing
I became a WOW leader because I really enjoyed the WOW program last year. It helped me acclimate to UConn, meet so many people, and made a hard transition more fun. I want to help incoming freshmen by giving them the same experience that I had, and making sure their first experiences at UConn are as positive and as fun as they can be.
Nicole (Storm) Young
Pronouns: She/Her/They/Them
Class: Sophomore
Major: Molecular Cell Biology (Pre-Med) Minor: Chinese
I became a WOW leader because they were such a huge part of my transition into UConn. Coming from Louisiana and never being far from my mom for long periods of time like this was a huge move that the WOW leaders helped with. I want to be a part of that transition period for the incoming class of huskies to give them community and maybe a friend on campus like my WOW leaders were to me.
Abby Mousa
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Biological Sciences (Pre-dental)
I want to be a part of the WOW program to help the incoming first year students transition into their college experience with ease. Through the WOW program, I became close with my best friends now and I want the new freshmen to step out of their comfort zone and speak up.
Audrey Walters
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Actuarial Science
I wanted to be involved in WOW because WOW Weekend helped me adjust to life in college at my own pace. I want to help incoming freshmen to feel the sense of community I felt during my first week at UConn.
Michael Fullman
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Senior
Major: Political Science
I wanted to become a WOW leader because as a Covid first year I never had the official Weekend of Welcome experience; however, seeing how much of an impact these few days have on incoming students drove me to wanting to help these students start their UConn journey on the right foot.
Trevor Boyaji
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Sophomore
Major: Physiology and Neurobiology
I had a really great experience with WOW and ended up meeting my closest friends during the weekend. I want to try and help create an environment that helps more first year students find what I found!
Linnea Primeau
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Physiology and Neurobiology (Pre-PA) Minor: Micro and Cell Biology
I joined WOW because I feel it is a really great program to help first year students get acclimated to the campus. I also really enjoy helping them meet new people and form connections with the people living in their building!
Medha Illindala
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Physiology and Neurobiology Minor: Crime and Justice
I joined WOW because some of my closest friends that I still have today are people that I met during WOW weekend and who lived on my floor. I don’t think I would have really interacted with them otherwise, or felt comfortable enough to explore campus on my own without the WOW program.
Suheera Haq
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Molecular and Cell Biology
I decided to become a WOW leader because when I was a first year I was inspired by my WOW leaders, and I would like to take the opportunity to inspire other freshmen. As a WOW leader, I’ll make sure to tell the new students all the ins and outs of UConn that might not be as obvious when you first arrive.
Kayla Brand
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Senior
Major: Digital Media and Design
I decided to become a WOW leader because during my freshman year, WOW weekend is where I met some of my best friends and it is a good way to ease the adjustment to college!
Alyna Beardslee
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Molecular and Cell Biology
I became a WOW leader because I would like to help the incoming huskies make new and lasting friendships. I also want to share some useful tips and tricks to help make their WOW/overall college experience amazing!
Chloe O'Brien
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Allied Health Sciences
I became a WOW leader because I want other students to have someone they can go to like how I did when I first started. I want others to have a good start and feel comfortable, especially transitioning into their first year. My WOW leaders helped me because it can be hard being from out of state. I want to help alleviate the students by providing advice and guidance.
Jaden Astle
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Junior
Major: Cognitive Science Minor: Computer Science
I became a WOW leader because I feel that everyone needs the good reminder that college is all about having fun, finding yourself and your interests, and finding those similar to you. I want to help incoming students adjust to these goals and make their transition as easy as possible.
Ryan Hagin
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Sophomore
Major: Design and Technical Theater
I want to help freshmen get to know the space because it is their first time experiencing the campus truly on their own most likely.
Lakshaanya Saravanan
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Senior
Major: Finance Minor: Analytics
I joined WOW because I wanted to help first year students with their transition into UConn. As a second year WOW leader, I am excited to again be a resource for students and support them through this process.
Kexin Zou
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Senior
Major: Psychological Sciences
I became a WOW leader because I enjoy helping others and want to provide any help with the incoming Huskies. I want to introduce the beautiful campus to them and welcome them to this warm UConn family!
Ava Buckmir
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Psychology and Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences Minor: Human Development and Family Sciences
I became a WOW leader because I want to help incoming first year students feel welcomed on our campus. I want to help students become acclimated with the transition to college and feel ready to start this new part of life!
Taylor Moran
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Political Science
I became a WOW leader because I had a great first semester at UConn because I had an easy adjustment, and I want to help other students also have easy adjustments and not be held back by unknowns/other lifestyle changes.
Akhmed Zhanaidarov
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Sophomore
Major: Computer Science
I'm excited to be a part of the WOW program because it gives me the opportunity to connect with other students, learn about the university, and get involved in the community. As a new student, I want to make the most out of my college experience and WOW is a great way to get started. I'm looking forward to meeting new people, exploring campus, and participating in the various events and activities planned throughout the week.
Tori Tolisano
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Allied Health Sciences
I became a WOW leader because I wanted to serve as a guide and a resource to incoming first year students. By providing a safe and welcoming environment, individuals will be able to thrive and meet their full potential as a UConn husky.
Osir Adu-Maafo
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Digital Media and Design with a Business Strategies Concentration
I’m excited to be part of the WOW program because I want to help create a positive transition for the freshman. My WOW leader did a great job of making us feel welcome and we were able to connect better as a group. I want to do the same and help first year students transition well into the role of a UConn husky and have a great first start to their UConn career.
Chloe Gallares
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Theatre Studies
I wanted to be a WOW leader to help guide the upcoming first year class! I think it’s important to help the freshman transition into a new environment and provide them with the resources they need. I remember my WOW weekend, and it was very reassuring to know that there were people whom I could rely on.
Nicole Eugenio
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Allied Health Sciences
I decided to join WOW because I had such a great experience when I first got to campus. I met some of my best friends through WOW and I’m so grateful, I hope to offer the same experience to new incoming students as well!
Zachary (Zack) Harter
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Sophomore
Major: Robotics Engineering
I wanted to be a WOW leader because during my first weekend at UCONN, they gave me a place to find and meet people. The organization really helped my anxiety and I want to give that positive impression on the incoming classes and help them with their first weekend experience.
Jacob McCormick
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Sophomore
Major: Computer Science
I wanted to become a WOW leader because I really enjoyed all of the WOW events during my first weekend at UConn. It really helped me to get settled in, meet lots of new people, and make friends.
Hannah Koshy
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Finance
I joined WOW to welcome the incoming students and help them adjust to college as they start their new journey here at UConn!
Mahima Shah
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Biological Sciences
My WOW experience was really fun and I wanted to welcome future huskies to UConn the same way my WOW leader did for me. 🙂
Brandon Allen
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Sophomore
Major: Marketing
I wanted to become a WOW Leader because I really enjoyed my WOW experience last year and want to give incoming students as great of an experience as I had. I’m looking forward to helping first year students get excited about UConn!
Shannon McNally
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Marketing
I wanted to become a WOW Leader because I want to be able to help transition freshmen. When I was moving in, my WOW leader helped clear my anxieties and got me excited to be a husky. I would love to be this person for other students now, too.
Kanika Chaturvedi
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Environmental Studies Minor: Psychology
I wanted to become a WOW leader to ensure that future huskies are able to have a smoother transition into college life and that they are able to do the best they can here at UConn!
Elizabeth Brassart
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Finance
Moving into college is a huge transition. As a WOW leader, I hope to create a positive experience for our newest huskies and to give them a great start to their first year at UConn!
Juleydi Ramon
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Senior
Major: Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences Minors: Psychology and Human Development and Family Sciences
I wanted to become a WOW Leader to help incoming students with their transition to UConn! I want to help students feel more comfortable and confident here by introducing them to all the wonderful opportunities and things UConn has to offer.
Christina Snicer
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Diagnostic Genetic Sciences
My WOW leaders created a smooth and enjoyable first year experience for me, and I wanted to pay that forward to the incoming class. I’m so excited to meet all the new huskies and introduce them to UConn at Weekend of Welcome!
Sadé Montgomery
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Healthcare Management
I remember how nerve-wracking it was when I first arrived at UConn. Taking part in the WOW program helped me make lasting friendships and feel at home here at UConn. I was inspired to provide the incoming students with that same warm welcome.
Raymond Consiglio
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Sophomore
Major: Psychological Sciences
When I first arrived on campus my WOW leaders were the first connections I made. They made coming to college such a smooth transition, providing me with so much new information and advice for the upcoming year. For my WOW group, I want to provide the same experience and feeling of involvement and inclusion because I think that is what set my year off right to a good start.
Pranitha Kancharla
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Pathobiology Minor: Animal Science
I understand how daunting a large college like UConn can be. Just like my WOW leader, I hope to show the new freshmen the kind of opportunities UConn has to offer. I’m excited to welcome incoming Huskies and help them feel comfortable in our wonderful community!
Hannah Hidalgo
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Nursing Minor: Human Development and Family Sciences
Being a first generation, out of state student, I know how nerve wrecking coming to college is. I wanted to become a WOW Leader because I had an amazing WOW experience this year and want to give incoming students as great of an experience as I had and show them all UConn has to offer. Moving into college is a huge transition and I want to be able to help incoming huskies have a smoother transition.
Mario Tomaino
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Junior
Major: Applied Math Minor: Economics
I am involved in WOW because I had such a great experience with the program my freshman year and met some of my closest friends. I hope to help the upcoming freshman have the same great experience as I did.
Josh Lanzuela
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Sophomore
Major: Biology (Pre-med)
I joined WOW because I had a great experience during the first few days of moving in by going to the WOW events, and I would like to help the incoming first years adjust to their transition into UConn. I would also like to introduce the freshmen to all the resources and organizations our school has to offer!
Julia Ghagare
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Marketing
Especially during the high school to college transition, having mentors and upperclassmen to learn from can significantly help you reach your goals and expose you to new opportunities. I joined WOW to be a guide for the incoming classes in the same way that others were for me! A friendly face and support can make all the difference in your journey. Welcome to UConn!
Allison Kalva
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Majors: Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and Human Development and Family Sciences
I joined WOW because I want to help freshmen in their transition to UConn by being a friendly face, a resource, and introducing them to campus and all the opportunities here.
Kendall Davis
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Environmental Engineering
I joined WOW because I learned a lot while transitioning from high school to college life and my WOW experience helped me with that transition. I feel like I can be helpful to the incoming class and make them feel comfortable with this new change in their lives and give them the awesome WOW experience I had.
Samantha Eldridge
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Human Rights and Political Science
I decided to join the WOW Leader community because I want to show incoming students all UConn has to offer. With a double major, I can help guide new huskies around campus and answer many different questions. With my bubbly personality I hope to make the incoming UConn class feel at home due to their WOW experience.
Bethany Loto
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Economics and Healthcare Management
I decided to join WOW to share my love of the UConn campus and community with the newest class of huskies!
Abhishree Kaushik
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Biomedical Engineering
I decided to join WOW because it gives me the amazing opportunity to be able to make the first experience on campus the best it can be for the incoming students. I hope to be able to help them become accustomed to campus life and offer any advice and insight I have gained in my time here.
Xiomara Egocheaga
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Business Management
I decided to join WOW because I wanted to be someone that our incoming huskies could go to for guidance and advice about transitioning into UConn!
Lianna Policano
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Senior
Major: Biological Sciences Minor: Psychological Sciences
I decided to become a WOW Leader because I want to make sure that first year students feel welcomed, comfortable, and excited during their first weekend here at UConn. I look forward to seeing new faces on campus and being someone that they can come to for guidance and advice. My past three years at UConn have offered me some of the best experiences of my life, and I want to be able to share that with new students!
Gabrielle Zettler
Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs
Class: Junior
Major: Psychology Minor: Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
I’m a WOW Leader because I want to help incoming first years who may be struggling to adapt to their new environment, like I was.
Mayra Vasquez
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Senior
Major: Business Management
I decided to become a WOW leader because I want to be able to share my advice and tips to incoming students. Throughout my time at UConn, I have been able to learn so much and I hope to provide insight on how to make the transition into college easier.
Emily Niger
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Theatre Studies
I chose to become a WOW leader because I wanted the chance to make a difference for incoming huskies! Move in weekend has the chance to be something special as long as we all spread a little kindness!
Antonia Tzepos
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Undecided
I decided to become a WOW leader to help incoming students who are in a position that a lot of us were in not too long ago. I am excited to guide the incoming huskies as they get accustomed to campus life while also sharing experiences and advice of my own that I have gained throughout my own time at UConn.
Olena Yatsechko
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Senior
Major: Pathobiology
I wanted to become a WOW leader since I had my WOW experience my first year! Big transitions like this one can be very uncomfortable and difficult. I certainly thought so when I moved in. My WOW leader helped ease my discomfort and made me feel much better about starting this new chapter of my life. I want to give incoming huskies the same impression!
Siya Patel
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Allied Health Sciences Minor: Healthcare Management
I decided to become a WOW Leader because I want to help the incoming students feel comfortable with their transition into a new place. I made some of the greatest memories and best friends through this program and I would like to help the incoming students have a similar experience as it will help them transition into college easier.
Sahildeep (Sahil) Singh
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Sophomore
Major: Pharmacy
I appreciate the chance to be involved in the WOW program. I joined to be able to help create a welcoming and comfortable environment for new students, while emphasizing getting out of their comfort zones, and to be able to share tips and advice that hopefully will make their first weekend and year experience even better. I want to provide that helping hand that my WOW leaders did for me!
Kara Sciglimpaglia
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Biological Sciences
I decided to become a WOW leader because I really wanted to help others get transitioned to college. I hope I can help them feel welcomed, comfortable, and at home here at UCONN as they start their new journeys. I am excited to meet the new huskies!
Joshua Rushing
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Sophomore
Major: Physiology and Neurobiology
I decided to become a WOW leader to help the new first year students arriving on campus. As an out-of-state student, I was scared out of my mind, but my previous WOW leaders helped me settle in and provided comfort, which I truly appreciated. I want to do the same for the upcoming first year students, helping them feel welcomed and providing any assistance they need.
Adia Scarmack
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Accounting
I wanted to be involved in WOW because I had such a great experience my first year, and wanted to give back to my community. Transitioning to college can be a daunting task and I wanted to help make that process easier for the incoming huskies!
Camila Porras
Pronouns: She/Her/They/Them
Class: Senior
Major: Business Fundamentals Minor: Business Fundamentals
I decided to become a WOW leader because I wanted to provide a great experience to all incoming students. As someone who had a fully online freshman year, I want to be able to give advice and support to students. I also wanted to be able to give back to my university before I graduated.
Cassidy Morgan
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Psychological Sciences Minor: Crime and Justice
I decided to become a WOW leader because of the incredibly strong impact my WOW leaders and my WOW Weekend had on me. I want to provide the same, or an even greater, experience to the incoming freshman. Coming to college and living away from home can be scary so I want them all to know that they have support here. I want to make their new transition as comfortable and exciting as possible. I plan to not only be an excellent mentor to them, but also a friend that they know they can rely on!
Amanda Wainwright
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Allied Health Sciences Minor: Psychological Sciences
I decided to be a WOW leader as I wanted the opportunity to help all the incoming first years feel acclimated to this brand new place. I am so excited to aid in the transition and help encourage them to step out of their comfort zones while also sharing all the different opportunities UConn has to offer!
Madison Koval
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Molecular & Cell Biology (Pre-dental)
I wanted to become a WOW leader because I want to help first year students adjust to college life more comfortably. My first semester was a huge mental challenge for me, and my WOW leader gave me a lot of advice that helped with the adjustment. We still get meals when we can, and I want to continue that for the incoming first years.
Grace Sacco
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Allied Health Sciences
I got involved in WOW to help incoming students feel comfortable, supported, and excited during their first weekend on campus. My WOW leader gave my group the best experience and I hope to do the same as I lead others through their transition into college life.
Aminieli Hopson
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Sophomore
Major: Real Estate and Urban Economics Minor: Global Studies
I decided to be a WOW Leader to provide an opportunity for support, guidance, and encouragement for any first year student who needs it. I have lived in CT for 2 years, as well as 3 other states and internationally. Coming to college can be a huge transition, so I hope to give tips on adapting to a new environment, resources available, and a perspective on how to maximize the first year experience!
Evan Carlson
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Junior
Major: Applied and Resource Economics
I decided to be involved in WOW because I want to help make a difference and give back to the community. Being given the chance to show incoming students what a positive impact UConn can have on them is an opportunity I am grateful and excited about.
Caroline Donelan
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Senior
Major: Nursing
I am excited to return to WOW because there is no better way to start the school year! It is incredible to connect with the next class of huskies and help them adjust to college while providing a weekend of fun.
Uthara Sunderesh
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Senior
Majors: Physiology and Neurobiology and Global Health and Reproductive Rights
I joined WOW because I know the transition from home to college can be pretty intimidating and I would love to help first year students on their journey to making new connections and feeling more comfortable on campus.
Aansh Jha
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Junior
Major: Statistical Data Science
I joined WOW because of the fantastic experience I had when I first arrived on campus! I met some of my closest friends through WOW, and I'm incredibly grateful. I can't wait to help create the same amazing experiences for new incoming students!
Diondra Owusu
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Senior
Major: Nutritional Sciences
I wanted to get involved with WOW because I desire to assist incoming freshmen with adjusting to UConn in a fun way! As a first-generation student, I understand how nerve-wracking it can be to enter such a new environment, therefore I hope to ease the transition for freshmen in the same great way I was able to experience WOW.
Karina Cordova
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major : Molecular and Cell Biology Minor: Communications
I knew I wanted to join the WOW program because I understand how difficult the transition into college can be and I would love to help the incoming class feel welcomed into such a big community. I had a great experience with my WOW leader when I was a first year and I am looking forward to having that similar experience from a different perspective.
Yianni Stefanidis
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Junior
Major: Economics
I got involved in WOW because my experience was so memorable when I first moved in my first year, and I want to help younger incoming students have that same experience.
Fariha Fardin
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Molecular and Cell Biology Minor: Bioinformatics (Pre-Med)
I joined the WOW because I am passionate about helping incoming students transition smoothly into college life. I understand the challenges and excitement that come with starting this new chapter, and I wanted to play a role in making that experience positive for others. Being a part of the WOW program allows me to connect with new students, share my experiences, and offer guidance and support as they navigate their own college journeys.
Preston Hunt
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Sophomore
Major: Environmental Science
I wanted to be a WOW leader because I had such a great experience with it my first year and I want to give that experience to others.
Neil Komma
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Junior
Major: Biology
I wanted to join the WOW program to help new undergraduates get familiar with the campus and enjoy UConn's fun activities. I also want to help them feel comfortable in the new environment and make friends during the fun experience.
Megha Rana
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Senior
Major: Molecular and Cell Biology Minor: Sociology
I wanted to join WOW because I wanted to give freshman students an experience that allows them to grow comfortable with what will be their new home for the next four years. I hope that this weekend creates a smooth transition for them and I want to be there for any questions or concerns that they may have.
Roshni Vasudevan
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Senior
Major: Finance Minor: Information Assurance
I joined WOW because I want to be able to help new huskies get adjusted to their new home and be a resource for them on campus so they can be comfortable with the campus.
Anandita Punnamaraju
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Senior
Major: Business Management Minor: Digital Marketing & Analytics
I joined the WOW program because being a first year student is nerve wracking and I wanted to make that transition smoother. The college lifestyle is stressful and I want to be able to help the freshmen get adjusted to UConn.
Grace Ndabian
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Allied Health Sciences
I joined the WOW leader program because the great impact it had on me my freshman year. It allowed me to meet new people and to become accustomed to our huge campus. Being in the WOW program would allow me to help incoming freshman transition smoothly and be familiar with our campus.
Alyssa Bredefeld
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Sophomore
Major: Allied Health Sciences
I am involved with WOW because I want to give incoming students the same positive experience I had in the WOW program. The transition to college is intimidating, but having a friendly and knowledgeable face on campus makes this time exciting. I am looking forward to welcoming the next generation of UConn students to campus!
Henenda Dourdan
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Senior
Major: Nursing
I decided to become a WOW leader because I want to make our new huskies’ first week on campus as memorable as mine was! The transition to college is difficult, but creating new friendships and making great memories makes it a little bit easier.
Emilah Mumthanu
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Class: Junior
Major: Analytics Information Management and Human Development and Family Sciences
Eric Pinos
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Class: Junior
Major: Computer Science and Engineering