Foluke Akinkunmi

Foluke Akinkunmi is a senior majoring in political science with minors in human rights and Africana studies. She has demonstrated leadership, co-founding the BSOUL Living and Learning Community and serving as a student manager and Black Coalition leader at the African American Cultural Center. She has also been a program director for the Racial Justice in DC Alternative Spring Break Program and served as president of the NAACP at UConn for two years, where she was instrumental in restarting the chapter. While her leadership roles have shaped her journey, the organization that has had the deepest impact on her is In the Vein, a Bible-believing, Jesus-centered fellowship. In the Vein provides a safe space for students on campus to grow their faith and connect with like-minded individuals on their spiritual journeys, encouraging peers to confidently live for Jesus and authentically worship God during their college years. This fellowship has become an integral part of her college experience, providing personal growth and the opportunity to uplift and support others in their faith walk.

Isabel Ayala Rodriguez

Isabel Ayala Rodriguez is a senior at the University of Connecticut majoring in Allied Health Sciences with a minor in Entrepreneurship. She serves as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager in the Undergraduate Student Government, President of Creating Caring Communities, and President of Hilltop Apartments Hall Council. Isabel is passionate about advocacy, health equity, and creating inclusive spaces for students. After graduation, she hopes to continue her work in leadership, community engagement, and social impact, ensuring equitable access to resources for underserved communities.

Krista Beltran-Lemus

Krista Beltran-Lemus is a senior double-majoring in psychological sciences and human development and family sciences. As co-president for UConn's Central American Student Association (CASA), she has pursued greater engagement and connection for Central American and Latine students—within their own community and in the landscape of the university at large. Central America is comprised of 7 countries, which each encompass complex and historied cultures, traditions, and people; creating a space to celebrate this and educate others about the cultural richness in Central America has been incredibly rewarding for Krista. Carrying this mission of connection, visibility, and education into her professional life, Krista intends to promote cultural competence in mental health work and in legal representation.

Ashley Cruz

As vice president of the Afro-Latinx Alliance at UConn, Ashley Cruz has been instrumental in fostering a supportive space where Afro-Latinx students can embrace their identities, engage in meaningful dialogue, and build community. Through organizing events that encourage self-development and open conversation, she has worked to create an environment that uplifts and empowers underrepresented voices. This experience has reinforced her passion for policy development and implementation that addresses systemic barriers and expands opportunities for marginalized communities. By advocating for equitable representation and resource accessibility, she aims to drive lasting change that ensures underrepresented students can succeed in higher education and beyond.

Ayah Elrefaei

Ayah Elrefaei is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health with a minor in Healthcare Management and Insurance Studies. As vice president of Al-Nisa (NISA), she fosters a sense of community and belonging for women on campus. Through this newly founded sisterhood, Ayah organizes events and initiatives that challenge misconceptions about Islam’s treatment of women and promote inclusivity. Once searching for a space of understanding and support herself, she is now committed to providing that for others. Her dedication to combating bigotry and discrimination has not only set a new standard but has also amplified awareness and representation for Muslim women.

Micah Fleischman

Micah is a physiology and neurobiology student interested in the healthcare field. He is vice president of the UConn chapter of United Against Inequities in Disease, where he works on projects addressing food insecurity and nutritional needs. He has volunteered with Mansfield Public Schools food rescue, as well as making resource pamphlets to distribute at nearby food pantries and soup kitchens. He hopes to use the field research of community health needs to further inform the campus community on the prevalence of food insecurity.

Dylan Kormylo

Dylan Kormylo (she/her/hers) is a junior at the University of Connecticut Avery Point campus majoring in English with a focus on secondary education. Upon graduating, Dylan plans to attend graduate school and obtain her master's in instruction and curriculum for secondary education. Dylan was elected president of the Avery Point Gender-Sexuality Alliance (GSA) in Fall 2023, after being elected the vice president her freshman year of college. During her presidency, Dylan has grown GSA’s roster from two students (including herself) to 15 registered members. She also organized an annual Pride Week in October for National Coming Out Week, a yearly feminine hygiene product drive with all proceeds donated to Husky Harvest, and a RENT movie night during HIV Is Not a Crime Awareness Week, all while working to create an open and safe community and environment for all students, faculty, and staff on the Avery Point Campus. Dylan plans on continuing to fight for gender inclusivity, LGBTQ+ mental health awareness, and eliminating discrimination on and off campus.