Author: Setiadi, Julian A

2023 Stamford Werth Innovators

Victoria Almazan
Victoria is a junior majoring in Psychological Sciences and English with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences. As part of UConn, Victoria has been the treasurer and member of the scholastic resources committee of First Generation Club. She also was awarded a SHaW seed grant to fund the creation and implementation of the Mind Body Wellness Workshop Series for Stamford students. Most prominently, Victoria was a research assistant in the Family Resilience and Mindfulness Empowerment (FRAME) Lab under Dr. Na Zhang. She was recently awarded an IDEA grant to fund her independent research project on Latina mothers and co-residential grandparents’ communication as it relates to parenting under the mentorship of Dr. Cristina Mogro-Wilson, PhD, MSW. Through her involvement on campus, Victoria was awarded the Stamford Emerging Leader of the Year award in Spring 2023. When she’s not busy studying and researching, Victoria stays on campus playing with her dog, Elvis, reading, and finding new vegetarian recipes to try. As a Werth Innovator, Victoria hopes to combine entrepreneurship with her passions for mental health equity and accessibility.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victorialmazan/


Danielle Bernard
Danielle Bernard attended a small catholic high school in Bridgeport, CT, where she graduated as the salutatorian of her class. She is a member of the National Honors Society. She received over ten awards, some of them being The Bridgeport Rotary Club Service Above Self Award, the Philip Broadhurst Award, and The Cornell Book Award. Danielle is also the Co-Founder of the mentorship and scholarship program, T.O.P. She is currently working towards her degree in Human Development and Family Sciences. She is on the Dean’s list and finished her first year of college with a 3.9. Danielle hopes to mentor and educate students while enforcing diversity, equity, and inclusion principles in the education system. She hopes to bring opportunities and introduce entrepreneurship skills to students. Danielle is committed to change, activism, education, inspiring others, and making a difference in the community.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-bernard-42a945228/



Allen Counts
Introducing Allen Counts, a student with a strong entrepreneurial drive. He is passionate about learning and personal growth as he charts his path in the business world. Allen's diverse interests define his dynamic personality. Books are Allen's constant companions, offering insights and fueling his creative thinking. Whether immersed in business strategies or captivating fiction, he believes in the transformative power of literature. Outside the realm of books, Allen's adventurous spirit finds expression through biking. Exploring the world on two wheels energizes his mind, sparking innovative ideas. Among his diverse interests, finance holds a special place for Allen. He recognizes its crucial role in business and seeks to understand financial management to build ventures that are both innovative and financially sustainable. Driven by curiosity, an adventurous spirit, and a keen eye for opportunities, Allen Counts is determined to make his mark as an entrepreneur. He embraces challenges and eagerly anticipates a future full of exciting possibilities.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allen-counts/


Nathaly Herrera
Nathaly is an incoming junior Honors student studying Financial Management on the UConn Stamford campus. At school, Nathaly is a part of the Business Connections Learning Community, heavily involved in the Honors program as a Communications Coordinator and PATH Mentor, a part of the Student Government Association, and is a School of Business Peer Advisor on campus! One of her passions is playing tennis, coaching tennis, and giving back to the community! With this, her goal is to create a program that would support and teach students tennis while also giving back to their local community. This could be through volunteering efforts, community service efforts etc. Nathaly hopes to find others within the Werth Institute to work together on this project, or even possibly merge her ideas with someone else’s. More than anything she is excited to network with and meet other entrepreneurial students and get to share ideas with them! One of her goals is to also obtain a leadership position within the Werth Institute, and try and recruit more UConn Stamford students to join the new Stamford cohort! Outside of school and tennis, Nathaly enjoys cooking, reading, traveling, going to concerts, working, and playing with her cat!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathaly-herrera/


Alexa Molina
Alexa is a sophomore majoring in Political Science and Psychological sciences. She is on a fast track to the Master’s in Public Health program. At UConn, Alexa has been involved with Honors in leadership as the Chair of the Honors Student Leadership Board and secretary for Politics and First Generation Club. This summer, Alexa will present a paper at the 2024 National Academy of Public Administration Social Equity Leadership Conference focused on the intersection of Latino youth and insurance disparity rates. Currently, Alexa is a research assistant for the Cirights Human Rights Data Project and a congressional intern at the US House of Representatives, where she is learning more about human rights at the federal government level. Alexa is very passionate about giving back to marginalized communities and, as a Werth innovator, hopes to create a solution for refugees adapting to new living conditions.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexamolina25/



2022 First-Year Women Cohort

Heaven Buckham
Heaven joined the First-Year Female cohort last fall. She is working towards a dual degree in the business school as a Management Information Systems major and in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences as a Psychology major. Outside of class, Heaven is a tour guide within the Lodewick visitors center, a business academic senator, and the Vice President's Chief of Staff in the Undergraduate Student government.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heaven-angel-buckham/


Tania Cruz
Tania joined UConn’s Werth Innovators as a member of the First-Year Female cohort last fall. She is a double major in Political Science and Economics with a Pre-Law track and a double minor in American Sign Language and Crime and Justice. Apart from academics, Tania is involved in the women's club ice hockey team as well as the law and society club.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taniaacruz/


Claire Dobbins
Claire joined the F3 cohort during the fall of her first year at UConn. She is majoring in History and Economics, works for the UConn Archives and Special Collections, and is a member of the UConn Fed Challenge Team. Her interests include oral history preservation, financial markets, and entrepreneurship. She is also passionate about art and design, and has worked as a professional calligrapher. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and playing the piano.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-dobbins-059037203/

 


Rachel Harris
Rachel joined the First-Year Female cohort last fall. She is majoring in Materials Science & Engineering. This summer, she plans on working to improve access to horses and horseback riding. When she isn't busy studying or working, she enjoys hiking, horseback riding, and skiing.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelcharris/


Karla Perez
Karla joined UConn’s Werth Innovators as a member of the First-Year Female cohort last fall. She is majoring in communications and journalism. Apart from academics, Karla is also involved in The Daily Campus and the UConn Dance Company.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karla-perez-a03833271/


2023 Werth Innovators

Victoria Almazan
Victoria is a junior majoring in Psychological Sciences and English with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences. As part of UConn, Victoria has been the treasurer and member of the scholastic resources committee of First Generation Club. She also was awarded a SHaW seed grant to fund the creation and implementation of the Mind Body Wellness Workshop Series for Stamford students. Most prominently, Victoria was a research assistant in the Family Resilience and Mindfulness Empowerment (FRAME) Lab under Dr. Na Zhang. She was recently awarded an IDEA grant to fund her independent research project on Latina mothers and co-residential grandparents’ communication as it relates to parenting under the mentorship of Dr. Cristina Mogro-Wilson, PhD, MSW. Through her involvement on campus, Victoria was awarded the Stamford Emerging Leader of the Year award in Spring 2023. When she’s not busy studying and researching, Victoria stays on campus playing with her dog, Elvis, reading, and finding new vegetarian recipes to try. As a Werth Innovator, Victoria hopes to combine entrepreneurship with her passions for mental health equity and accessibility.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victorialmazan/


Katelyn Archambault
Katelyn Archambault is going to be a sophomore during the 23-24 school year at UConn. She is originally from Connecticut and attended Pathways Academy of Technology and Design for highschool. While she is currently undecided, she hopes to major in Mechanical Engineering or Material Sciences with a minor in manufacturing. A passion she found through the classes she took at her highschool as well as the manufacturing internship she held in the past. She enjoys the arts and you can catch her creating a piece of art, making something or playing an instrument. Her hobbies also include hiking, reading, or exploring a new place with friends. Currently Katelyn is working as a Process Engineering intern, and will be joining the Makerspace team at UConn in the fall. Through the positions she currently holds she hopes to learn more and advance her skills within her field, while helping and working with others. Katelyn’s current dream job is currently a place of employment that will allow her to continue to participate in the process of creating new things or fixing current items. As well as allow her to travel and keep learning about the world and others around her.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katelyn-archambault/


Allen Counts
Introducing Allen Counts, a student with a strong entrepreneurial drive. He is passionate about learning and personal growth as he charts his path in the business world. Allen's diverse interests define his dynamic personality. Books are Allen's constant companions, offering insights and fueling his creative thinking. Whether immersed in business strategies or captivating fiction, he believes in the transformative power of literature. Outside the realm of books, Allen's adventurous spirit finds expression through biking. Exploring the world on two wheels energizes his mind, sparking innovative ideas. Among his diverse interests, finance holds a special place for Allen. He recognizes its crucial role in business and seeks to understand financial management to build ventures that are both innovative and financially sustainable. Driven by curiosity, an adventurous spirit, and a keen eye for opportunities, Allen Counts is determined to make his mark as an entrepreneur. He embraces challenges and eagerly anticipates a future full of exciting possibilities.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allen-counts/



Joseph Foy
Joseph Foy III is a dedicated student at the University of Connecticut's School of Business, where he is pursuing a degree in finance. As a Werth Innovator, he eagerly embraces new opportunities for growth. Beyond his academic pursuits, Joseph's life is anchored in his Christian faith, which guides his actions and values. In addition to his studies, Joseph finds fulfillment in a diverse range of interests. He enjoys engaging in sports, appreciating films, and exploring the world of auto-motives. These passions provide him with inspiration and a well-rounded perspective on life. With a goal to learn from those around him, Joseph strives to make a positive impact on the world. Through a combination of his strong educational background and the experiences gained at UConn he hopes to develop his skills further, and gain new ones. Joseph is determined to not only tackle challenges, but remain open to new ideas and fresh perspectives. His academic prowess, passion for finance, and diverse interests make him a well-rounded individual ready to leave a lasting mark in his field. In sum, Joseph is a dedicated student at UConn's School of Business. He embraces opportunities for growth and finds joy in sports, films, and auto-motives. With a strong educational background and a drive to make a positive impact, Joseph is poised to excel in any industry he finds himself.


Julia Ghagare
Julia Ghagare is a sophomore Marketing major and tentative Economics minor in the Honors Program from South Windsor, CT. Julia is a first-gen American college student and eldest daughter of Mexican and Indian parents. She enjoys biking and reading books from inspirational females authors in her free time. In the UConn community, Julia strives to be heavily involved in activities that support the student body's success and development. Julia serves as Vice President of External Relations for UConn Women in Business, member of the Special Events Committee in SUBOG, UNIV Facilitator for UNIV 1784 (a first-year Honors experience course), Mentor for the Financial Literacy Innovation Program (F.L.I.P.), volunteers for Husky Ambassadors, and works as an Intramural Official at the Rec Center. As a Werth Innovator, Julia wants to explore sustainability through an entrepreneurial lens, or in other words, ecopreneurship. Her eyes are set on discovering ways to change population habits surrounding overconsumption/production, and increase awareness of the environmental impacts caused by consumer choices. Leadership, authenticity, and persistence have been the cherished values contributing to Julia's success and will continue to be the driving forces behind her goals.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliaghagare/


Nikhil Ghosh
Nikhil is a sophomore majoring in Computer Science with the goal of using technology to support people. Currently, he is working on GoalTac, a UConn-based startup encouraging people to complete their tasks by unifying a productivity app with motivators like social accountability and gamification. In GoalTac, Nikhil leads a small team in software development, business strategy, marketing, and research, and also works in recruiting and networking. He has previously worked in teaching, business development, bookkeeping, and customer service roles. Nikhil's recent projects include prototyping an AI graphic novel generator at HackUConn and leading a semester of calculus classes as a Supplemental Instructor. In the UConn community, he is involved as a Floor Mentor in the Public Health Learning Community, an E-board leader in the club Diversability, and a volunteer at the Storrs Congregational Church food pantry. Nikhil is an explorer passionate about well-being and relationships. He joined Werth Innovators to cultivate his entrepreneurial mindset and enhance his ability to create value for others through innovative products and services. He is excited to grow and connect with others in this community.

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/n-ghosh


Hannah Ginste
As a writer, music lover, smoothie enthusiast, and a pluviophile, Hannah is thrilled to begin her adventures as a Werth Innovator and put her entrepreneurial ambitions to the test. She's currently a rising sophomore at UCONN, aiming to study in the business school and continue to learn more about communications/public relations, anthropogenic global climate change and solutions, and programming throughout her academic career. Seeking to connect people and make the environment around her a happier, more accepting place, Hannah hopes to unite her creative aspirations with her dreams for a better world and create positive change for women, college students, and anybody else she happens to meet along the way :). In her free time, Hannah enjoys songwriting and playing her guitar and ukulele, skateboarding, spending time with her family and two dogs, and being outside in nature as much as possible!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahginste/


Tina Ngo
Tina is a sophomore Business Management with a concentration in Entrepreneurship Major and a prospective Real Estate Minor. Tina is an administrative assistant for Global Business Programs in the Dean’s Suite of the business school; at this position, Tina and her team function as a hub for all global business related information such as study abroad opportunities, networking opportunities, internships, and scholarships. Through her experience at Global Business Programs, Tina has gained immense knowledge on global business concerns and also learned how to integrate into a corporate setting. Tina has helped to direct and lead Global Business Ambassadors, a community of like-minded individuals who have a passion for international issues and sustainability. Tina is also Vice President of the Net Impact Undergraduate Chapter, a new SOLID organization on campus that she is excited to initiate. Tina was also an editor for Her Campus where she wrote articles pertaining to fashion and lifestyle. In her free time, Tina loves to read and indulge in art. She also is an avid traveler and an ambitious individual.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinamngo/


Spencer Thompson
Spencer is a rising sophomore, studying economics. He is active on campus participating in the UConn Investment Banking Society, Fed Challenge, Finance Society and other student groups across UConn. Spencer enjoys traveling and has a particular passion for international business. He previously studied in Ghana, working with various fintech, supply chain, and commodity companies, based in Accra. He is currently studying in London, where he will intern with a local consultancy group. In his free time, Spencer enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and trying new experiences. After his studies, Spencer is aspiring to a master's in quantitative economics.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-thompson-69ab4924a/



2022 Werth Innovators

Laura Braddick
Laura is a Management student at the University of Connecticut School of Business. Outfit Insider is her start-up, establishing an unbiased platform for communities to review, share, and analyze their purchases transparently. Formerly, she was on the UConn Division I women's rowing team. Originally from Kennebunk, Maine, she's passionate about entrepreneurship and sustainable fashion. She studied luxury design management at Parsons the New School in Paris and Polimoda in Florence.

Laura gained experience through a venture capital internship at Loeb.nyc this summer with their portfolio company Nunbelievable. She is a Werth Innovator and incoming Hillside Venture analyst. Currently, she's engaged in ClimateWerx and Build Hartford cohorts as well as continuing my position at Loeb.nyc this semester.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-braddick/


Charlotte Chen
Charlotte Chen is from Weston, Connecticut pursuing a dual major in Materials Science and Engineering and Molecular and Cell Biology with a minor in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology in the Honors Program. She has experience as the Digital Editor of The Daily Campus and as the Vice President of Origami Club. She is also one of the co-founders of Geomate, an app that helps to ensure safe walking at night. When she's not working or in classes, Charlotte can be found crocheting the days away, tending to her mini plant army, and making noise with her violin.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-chen-64563616a/


Kristina DeMichiel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinademichiel/







Nathan Catapano
Nathan is studying Communications at the University of Connecticut College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball and disc golf. Nathan is also the founder of Swipestorm, a software company that offers digital solutions for restaurant management. He is passionate about entrepreneurship, leadership, and communication.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathancatapano/


Arav Parikh
Arav is a third year Honors Computer Science student at the University of Connecticut with minors in Mathematics and Computer Science. Arav is interested in applying the emerging fields of AI and data science for the social good and has already had countless opportunities in his time as an undergrad to do so. One of these opportunities as the Lead Data Scientist at UConn startup PatentPlus not only allowed Arav to hone his technical skills but also discover his passion for entrepreneurship. As a NursEng Fellow this year, he hopes to be able to explore entrepreneurial opportunities in the world of healthcare with a multidisciplinary team. In his free time, Arav enjoys playing and watching sports, running, cooking, and listening to music. As a Werth Innovator, Arav hopes to be able to network with like-minded individuals, refine his softer skills, and kickstart his entrepreneurial journey.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arav-parikh/



Asley Perez
Asley Perez, a third-year undergraduate majoring in Physiology and Neurobiology with a minor in Communications at the University of Connecticut, is a versatile and detail-oriented professional. As an EMT with a strong commitment to healthcare, she has provided timely and compassionate emergency medical care at New Britain EMS. Simultaneously, Asley is an entrepreneur, owning Asley's Backyard LLC, a landscaping and masonry company in New Haven County, which champions women's empowerment in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her involvement in the Werth Innovators Leadership Development Program Cohort showcases her commitment to making a meaningful impact on her entrepreneurial journey. Her assistant research in Allied Health, focusing on the impact of social media on health promotion, demonstrates her commitment to improving the well-being of individuals and families, particularly pregnant or postpartum individuals. Asley's academic prowess, entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, and dedication to healthcare have shaped her into a versatile and driven professional.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asley-perez-7517b0223/




Jonathan Schoelkopf
Jonathan Schoelkopf is a 3rd-year Management & Entrepreneurship student extremely passionate about the ever-revolving door of businesses. He's been a part of the Werth Institute since the Fall of 2022 and currently participating in the Fall 2023 ClimateWerx cohort. Beyond that, he's involved with Hillside Ventures investing in early-stage startups and a former member of the Business Connections Learning Community. A few of his interests include sustainable fashion, small businesses, and seeing the world.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-schoelkopf/



2024 First-Year Women Werth Innovators