Author: Setiadi, Julian A

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

Julia Cirone

Julia is an Accounting student, graduating in 2027, and pursuing her entrepreneurial passions through her business ReBalance. ReBalance is working to build a motivational community and brand that encourages each other to balance time effectively and to accomplish goals.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-cirone/


Theresa Dobbins

Theresa Dobbins, originally from Greenwich, CT, is dedicated to her Mechanical Engineering studies, particularly in the field of aerospace and mathematics education. She aspires to broaden her horizons by exploring project management, networking, and drawing inspiration from the diverse ideas and stories of others.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-dobbins/


Lakshita Ganesh Kumar

As a first-year Computer Science and Engineering Honors student, Lakshita is excited to pursue her passions in both coding and fashion. Through the Werth Innovators program, she has been able to develop her idea for a fashion-based social networking app that will allow college students and young adults truly express and explore their styles without being bombarded by mainstream trends and media. Moving forward, she plan sto scale this project into something that students at UConn and beyond can partake in.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakshita-ganesh-kumar/


Jordan Latta

From Stamford, Connecticut, Jordan Latta is channeling her entrepreneurial passion through her business, Latta Plans. This service provides personalized digital itineraries that include detailed plans for restaurants, activities, and events throughout the Fairfield County area. Jordan is eager to explore Digital Media and Design, as she enhances her creativity and expresses her ideas through various multimedia platforms.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-latta-10450a299/


Sarah McCarthy

From Merrimack, New Hampshire, Sarah McCarthy is a dedicated student majoring in Cognitive Science. With a profound passion for cognitive science, human happiness, and literary analysis, she is driven by a quest for deeper understanding. Sarah hopes to further explore the art of effective self-presentation, storytelling, and cultivating genuine connections, aspiring to become a compelling individual to network and collaborate with.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-m-3b02aa308/


Rosemary Moyo

From Kwekwe, Zimbabwe, Rosemary Moyo is a dedicated student pursuing a major in Biomedical Engineering. With a passionate interest in the intersection of technology and medicine, science fairs, finance, economics, and languages, she is committed to exploring diverse fields of interest. Rosemary aspires to enhance her skills in effective communication, building lasting connections, problem-solving approaches, and generating innovative, impactful ideas for the future.

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


Juliana Portal

From Avon, CT, Juliana Portal is a driven student pursuing a major in Biomedical Engineering. With a desire to help others, she seeks to broaden her horizons by delving into various interests beyond her major. Juliana is eager to gain insights into business operations and entrepreneurship, aspiring to understand the intricacies involved in creating and managing a successful venture.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliana-portal-259a2a29b/


Raaga Pulya

Raaga Pulya, from Acton, MA, is dedicated to her studies in Physiology & Neurobiology. Her passion for medicine, entrepreneurship, and research drives her to seek knowledge in various fields. Raaga is eager to delve into the realm of marketing and hopes to gain insights into effectively promoting products to interested audiences.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raaga-pulya-185129194/


2024 Werth Innovators

Aya Amoudi

Aya is an accomplished and driven individual with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Connecticut. She is a proactive leader and community builder as she serves as the President of the North African Student Society and the Secretary of the Biomedical Engineering Society Student Chapter, where she facilitates communication and event planning. Her role as a Resident Assistant and her involvement in the Undergraduate Student Government as an Operations Director and Women in Math, Science, and Engineering as an Events Coordinator underscore her commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and dynamic community. Fluent in Arabic and French, with conversational proficiency in Spanish, Aya brings a global perspective to her endeavors, making her a remarkable asset in any field she chooses to pursue. In addition to her academic pursuits, she has been a member of research teams focusing on tissue slicing and musculoskeletal system modeling, employing sophisticated techniques and software engineering.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aya-amoudi/


Brendan Barnett

Brendan Barnett is an ambitious Computer Science and Engineering honors student passionate about building businesses. His current focus is Green Elm Web Solutions, a website design and development company tailored to serve startups and small businesses in CT. Despite his technical background, he is drawn to the challenges and intricacies of the business world. Currently, Brendan is an AI Research Assistant, an Analyst at Hillside Ventures, the Team Lead at UConn ITS, and a CSE Teaching Assistant. These diverse experiences allow him to practice essential entrepreneurial skills like leading technical teams, evaluating businesses, and communicating complex ideas intuitively. When he’s not working on a business or developing trading algorithms, Brendan is probably running, snowboarding, or at Starbucks.

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


Krishna Benzy

Krishna Benzy is a sophomore at the University of Connecticut, majoring in finance and actively participating in the Werth Innovators program. Outside of his coursework, he is deeply involved in various co-curricular activities, including playing for the Men's Club Rugby Team, participating in the Investment Banking Society, and contributing to the Business Connections Learning Community (BCLC). He is also engaged with the Asian Mentoring Program and has been selected as a Resident Assistant for the BCLC. Krishna has demonstrated his leadership and entrepreneurial skills through various ventures and competitions. Krishna is passionate about health and wellness, real estate investment, and personal finance. He constantly seeks to enhance his knowledge and skills in these areas, driving his entrepreneurial spirit and ambition to create value and make a positive impact. Guided by a commitment to excellence and a desire to learn from those around him, Krishna expects the Werth Innovators program to be a catalyst for his entrepreneurial journey. Through his involvement in the program, he aims to accelerate his growth and contribute to his long-term vision of leading innovative ventures, leaving a lasting impact in his field.

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


Kate Boget

Kate is a rising sophomore at the University of Connecticut pursuing a dual-degree with a Bachelor’s of Business in Marketing and a Bachelor’s of Science in Sport Management. She is active on campus as the Lead Coordinator and Chief of Marketing for the UConn Sport Business Conference, a Graphic Designer and multimedia specialist for Championship Labs–a student-led NIL activity and content creation team, and a member of UConn Women in Sport and UConn Women in Business. Additionally, Kate is a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, and a two time Dean’s List honoree. She is thrilled to begin her work as a Werth Innovator, and excited for the opportunity to expand her entrepreneurial abilities. In her free time, Kate enjoys spending time with friends and family, working out, baking, and hopes to one day, be an avid traveler.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlyn-boget


Ethan Carty

Ethan is majoring in Data Science & Engineering with a minor in Mathematics to pursue a career in human-computer interaction. Before the innovators program, he worked for the National Science Foundation's REU program at Cornell Tech to perform research into improving automated vehicles and analyzing driving differences between cultures. Furthermore, Ethan gained experience in surgical robotics as an engineering intern at Medtronic. He plans to combine his experiences in research and the industry to engineer tools that streamline everyday tasks using artificial intelligence. Additionally, he aims to develop his entrepreneurial skills by working with like-minded Werth Innovators while learning how to commercialize his ideas. In his free time, Ethan enjoys running, gaming, playing chess and cello, and tutoring math at local high schools in his hometown of Fairfield, Connecticut. He believes that long runs help him cultivate his best ideas and relax his mind. After graduating, he plans on pursuing a PhD in computer science to improve and apply machine learning algorithms related to human-computer interaction.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethan-carty/


Jenaliz Cordero

Jenaliz Cordero is a sophomore during the 2024-25 academic year. They are a Geoscience major with a concentration in Earth Science. Jenaliz attended Ella T. Grasso Technical High School where they studied in the trade for Bio-Environmental Technology and achieved valedictorian status for the graduating class of 2023. Now at UConn, Jenaliz is a part of the Honors Program and striving to achieve University Honors Laureate status. Jenaliz is also a member of the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation and the First Generation College Student Society. They are also a part of many organizations and clubs on campus. They are Treasurer of Geoclub, a club run by the geoscience department for anyone with an interest in geology, they are the representative for Decolores, a queer and Latin support group, and they are a mentor for the FAMILEE program run by the Rainbow Center to promote success and sense of belonging for incoming queer undergraduates. Ever since working for Nature's Art Village in Montville, Connecticut, Jenaliz has held a passion for sharing knowledge of paleontology to the public, especially children who are just learning about the wonders of dinosaurs, plant life, and other prehistoric organisms that roamed the Earth before humans did. Jenaliz's current dream career is to work for a museum that allows her to curate pieces related to paleontology while also allowing her to continue research in the field of paleontology.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenaliz-cordero-b2b048293/


Ari Gerard

Ari Gerard is a Finance major at the University of Connecticut School of Business, seeking continuous learning and growth as he navigates his path in the world of Finance. Outside the classroom, Ari's professional journey is marked by a blend of corporate and entrepreneurial experiences. As a Wealth Management Summer Intern at Fidelity Investments, he played a key role in developing advanced financial planning products. His analytical skills are further honed through his role as an Analyst with Hillside Ventures, the student-led venture capital fund, where he conducts due diligence and identifies high-potential startups for investment. He is an active member of the UConn Finance and Investment Banking Societies, and serves as a mentor within the Financial Literacy Innovation Program, educating at-risk high school students on personal finance and fundamental principles of investing. Additionally, Ari is a leader of the UConn Jewish community, serving as treasurer and board member of the Chabad on campus. In his spare time, Ari operates a successful e-commerce business selling pre-owned menswear, currently generating $250k+ in annual revenue. Beyond his academic and professional pursuits, Ari is an avid runner and is currently training for his third full marathon.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ari-gerard/


Drew Harrington

Drew is a third-year Finance major and Entrepreneurship minor from Melrose, Massachusetts. He is a former member of the Business Connections Learning Community and a past Get Seeded contestant. This summer, Drew delved into the world of venture capital as a Loeb.nyc intern, where he worked with their portfolio company RubyWell. He is now pursuing his passion for sports innovation as he takes on the role of Sports Tech Analyst at Hillside Ventures.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewharrington5/


Kaan Ozuolmez

Kaan is a quite handsome young fellow dual degreeing in Business Management & Philosophy. When asked, “Why philosophy?” Kaan explains that he enjoys pondering the intricacies of the universe. Sources say that at 6 feet in height, Kaan stands tall in facing entrepreneurial challenges (the tape measure says 5’ 9 ¾”). In his free time, Kaan enjoys saving kittens from trees, stopping crime, and getting involved with the Werth Institute. The most impactful lessons come in the form of failure – Kaan has learned a lot. With this knowledge and perseverance, he hopes to bring these characteristics to engage and grow in this community.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaan-ozuolmez-934145299/


Abdulhaq Sani

Abdulhaq Sani, a devout Muslim and rising junior at the University of Connecticut pursuing a degree in Management Information Systems (MIS), proudly represents the first-generation college students of Hartford, embracing the responsibility of paving the way for future scholars in his community. At UConn, he serves as a mentor for incoming Hartford Promise Scholars and volunteers in the Uconn Multicultural Business Society(MBS), actively supporting students and championing values of diversity and inclusion. Being an active member of organizations like NABA (National Association of Black Accountants) and NESBE (National Society of Black Engineers), Abdulhaq has continued to develop vital skills in leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, enhancing his potential not only as a Werth Innovator but as a future leader. Abdulhaq's dedication to helping others extends far past campus boundaries, where he’s helped supervise youth programs and distribute garden beds to underprivileged families, demonstrating his commitment to servicing his community. As a Werth innovator, Abdulhaq is ready to leverage his unique experience (being a member of an underrepresented, marginalized community) to explore new opportunities for growth, channeling a passion for community service and technology to create tangible solutions to issues in healthcare and regarding food insecurity. Beyond the classroom, Abdulhaq is an open-minded individual with interests ranging from classic media to exploring the latest advancements in information technology and generative AI.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdulhaq-sani-350143201/


Kortney St Preux

My name is Kortney St Preux, I’m a rising Sophomore currently in ACES but applying for the School Of Business in Healthcare Management major with a minor in Psychological Sciences. As part of UConn, I am the community enrichment chair for the Global Business Ambassador. I love traveling and diving into new perspectives, I am a Brand Ambassador for GIVE Volunteers and volunteered over the summer in Nicaragua through them. I am a Facilitator at UConn’s Women Center for a support group named In-Power which focused on empowering survivors of non gender base violence. At the women center, I advocate and educate students on campus to bring awareness and raise conversation about women issues. I am also a floor mentor at Innovation Learning Community. I am passionate about advocacy, community building and mental health awareness. I hope to combine my entrepreneurial spirit with my interest in philanthropy to make the world a slightly better place.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kortney-st-preux-b4b600294/


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

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/


Lily Dworak

Lily Dworak is a junior studying finance from Cromwell, Connecticut. Throughout her first two years at UConn, she discovered deep passions in health, entrepreneurship, and philosophy. She is currently working on a food product within the Werth Innovators program designed to make it easier for people to maintain a healthy diet from wherever they are. She is also a founding member of the Opportunity Fund, the first women-focused student-managed fund in UConn’s history. In her free time, Lily enjoys meditation, reading, and exercising. She prides herself on being a lifelong learner and wants to continue using education as a vehicle for personal growth and creating innovative solutions to problems. As a Werth Innovator, Lily hopes to further cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset and meet people with similar interests.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-dworak/


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.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-anthony-foy-iii/


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/


Lenie Urbina

Lenie Urbina is a current junior pursuing a degree in Management with a focus on pre-law studies. With a keen interest in the music industry, Lenie aspires to specialize in intellectual property law. Her strong dedication to entrepreneurship and innovation is evident, complemented by her ownership of the widely-streamed podcast, "The Guud Life." Lenie's commitment to her academic and professional pursuits sets her on a promising path toward making significant contributions in the legal and business spheres. When she isn't in class, you can find her on a long run, trying new foods, or spending time with her 3 month old puppy, Ozzie!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenie-urbina/