WILD

2025 First-Year Women Werth Innovators

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Kitan Arole

Kitan is double majoring in Journalism and Political Science at UConn, with dreams of becoming a political correspondent or pursuing a career in law. Inspired by her Nigerian heritage, she is passionate about problem-solving and community impact.

As a Werth Innovator, Kitan is excited to meet new people, explore entrepreneurship, and challenge herself to grow her skills and ideas.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kitan-arole/


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Maleekha Fong

Maleekha is a Psychology major at UConn with aspirations of becoming a psychiatrist. Passionate about mental health and creativity, she enjoys fashion, crocheting, and writing as outlets for self-expression.

Through the Werth Program, Maleekha looks forward to learning about networking and entrepreneurship while continuing her journey of personal and professional growth.

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


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Jennifer Gearin

Jennifer, a Physics and Linguistics/Psychology major with a minor in Astrophysics, grew up in Merritt Island, FL, inspired by the space industry. Beyond academics, she enjoys figure skating, painting, and learning new languages.

Through the Werth Innovators program, Jennifer aims to expand access to resources for adolescents and is excited to gain new skills while collaborating with a supportive community.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-gearin/


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Suhaana Jadia

Suhaana Jadia is pursuing dual degrees in Finance, with a focus on Corporate Finance, and Economics at the University of Connecticut. Passionate about analyzing market trends and understanding business strategies, she developed her interest in these fields through her high school coursework.

As a Werth Innovator, Suhaana looks forward to connecting with fellow students, diving deeper into entrepreneurship, and turning ideas into reality.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suhaana-jadia/


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Jordan Ng

Jordan Ng, an Animal Science major from Greenwich, CT, blends her love for nature and animals with her passion for education and advocacy. Whether teaching about animal welfare or promoting mental health awareness, she is committed to fostering understanding in her community.

As a Werth Innovator, Jordan is eager to personalize her summer internship to align with her goals and connect with mentors who can offer valuable insights on her interests.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanng07/


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Maryanne Pepin

Maryanne Pepin is pursuing a degree in Finance, driven by her passion for financial literacy and helping others understand personal finance. She combines her academic interests with community service, volunteering at her local library and thrift store.

As a Werth Innovator, Maryanne is excited to explore her passions, apply her skills, and create solutions that make a meaningful impact.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryanne-pepin/


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Hannah van Rijnswou

Hannah van Rijnswou is a Psychology major at UConn, planning to pursue a dual degree in Criminal Studies. She is the President of BuckShip Hall Council and founder of InkWellness, a global creative writing initiative promoting healing through self-expression. Passionate about addressing trauma to prevent criminal behavior, she enjoys vintage fashion, writing, collecting vinyl, and antiquing.

Through the Werth Innovators program, Hannah looks forward to dedicating time to her passions and applying her learning beyond the classroom.

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


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Samantha Wisniewski

Sam Wisniewski, a Fine Arts major specializing in Painting and Drawing, combines her passion for creativity with community impact. As a commissioned artist and vendor of handmade crochet products, Sam has used her talents to serve others, including donating her art to local organizations.

Through the Werth Innovators program, Sam aims to explore new ways art can make a difference, connect with fellow artists, and gain insights into unique career paths. In her free time, she enjoys playing piano, hiking, cooking, and spending quality time with her family.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-wisniewski-49207b332/


2025 Werth Innovators

Juliana-Algeri

Juliana Algeri  

Juliana is a sophomore from Holtsville Long Island, NY, pursuing an individualized major in strategic communications and well-being. As a proud member of the Honors Program, she serves on the board of ARSA (Argentinean Student Association) where she connects with her roots and uplifts her community. She enjoys singing, dancing, photography, and crafting projects that bring both joy and meaning to her life. 

As a Werth Innovator, Juliana is motivated by a vision of a bright future and embraces every opportunity to grow.   

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliana-algeri-49a502323/ 


Dino-Capilupi

Dino Capilupi 

Dino is a junior from Brookfield, CT, majoring in economics. Currently interning with Charles Schwab to gain hands-on experience in the financial services, he is proactive in his intentions of pursuing a career in financial advising or wealth management. Outside of school, Dino enjoys traveling, exercising, golfing, and hanging out with friends.   

As a Werth Innovator, Dino looks forward to putting his entrepreneurial mindset to the test with like-minded individuals.  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dino-capilupi/  


Sophia-Doumas

Sophia Doumas 

Sophia is a sophomore planning on majoring in evolutionary and ecological biology with a potential minor in writing. She enjoys testing her creative limits and is fearless when it comes to new experiences and challenges. Her diverse range of interests include sports/fitness, music, academics, and casual baking.  

As a Werth Innovator, Sophia looks forward to fostering community and connection as well as promoting action for wildlife conservation as a lifetime nature lover.  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-doumas-492b57317/  


Isabella-Dattilo

Isabella D’Attilo  

Isabella is a sophomore from Norwalk, CT, studying marketing with an interest in management and entrepreneurship. She is treasurer of UConn’s marketing society. Bella enjoys exercise, spending time with loved ones, cooking, and working as much as she can outside of her studies.  

As a Werth Innovator, Bella is eager to learn from others as well as collaborate with her peers, connect, interact, and gain more valuable insight in the field of entrepreneurship.  

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


Arkesh Ramesh Kumar  

Arkesh is a sophomore from Lexington, MA, studying physiology and neurobiology with a deep passion for medicine and addressing healthcare disparities. As co-founder of Assets for Aspirers, a non- profit focused on providing educational resources to underprivileged students in India and Boston, he hopes to empower others by tackling the root causes of educational and healthcare inequities.  

As a Werth Innovator, Arkesh will continue to find creative ways to provide underrepresented communities with access to opportunities they deserve.  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arkesh-ramesh-kumar/  


Tiana-Harley

Tiana Harley 

Tiana is a rising sophomore from Portland, CT, with an academic interest in communication, business management, and entrepreneurship. As an active member of Delta Zeta and UConn’s Women in Business organization, she continues to build meaningful connections and deepen her understanding of collaboration and professional growth.  

As a Werth Innovator, Tiana is eager to learn from experienced mentors, work alongside other driven students, and gain the skills needed to turn ideas into meaningful impact  

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

 


Brandon-Nagle

Brandon Nagle  

Brandon Nagle is a Junior from Woodstock, CT, majoring in accounting. He is the founder of Applewood Exterior Cleaning as well as Aurify AI, a company that helps small businesses grow through automated marketing and AI-powered appointment-setting systems. He is passionate about building solutions that solve everyday problems and make work more efficient.  

As a Werth Innovator, Brandon is eager to learn from others, expand his knowledge, and continue growing his businesses.  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-nagle12/  

 


Ragan-Medeles

Ragan Medeles  

Ragan is a sophomore from Evans, CO, majoring in molecular and cellular biology. Aside from her academic passions of optometry and biology, she also has a large interest in music whether it is attending concerts or collecting physical media and analyzing music videos.  

As a Werth innovator, she is eager to pursue her ideas relating to her variety of passions, in hopes of creating something helpful, useful, and worthwhile.  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ragan-medeles-b87b25359/  

 


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Joshua Kuteesa  

Joshua is a sophomore from Brockton, MA, majoring in finance. As an out-of-state student, Joshua came to UConn feeling led toward the campus life and the countless opportunities for him to explore.  

As a Werth Innovator, Joshua looks forward to utilizing the opportunities and relationships Werth Institute provides as a stepping stool for new ways to innovate and collaborate for his foreseeable career.  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshk716/  


Ayana-Walters

Ayana Walters 

Ayana is a sophomore from Washington, D.C., majoring in economics with a focus on pre-law studies. She is actively involved in many organizations on campus, including the real estate society and women and minorities in economics society. Through many internships in the government sector, including positions with the NSA and the U.S. Patent and Trademark office, she has gained many valuable experiences.  

As a Werth innovator, Ayana is eager to explore her passion for the intersection between economics and legal systems.  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayana-walters-241996331/  


2020-2021 First-Year F3 Cohort

Georgiette Adejayan
Major: Allied Health Sciences
Graduation Year: 2024


Allie Davenport
Major: Undecided
Graduation Year: 2024


Zoey England
Major: Public Health
Graduation Year: 2022


Serene Feng
Major: Electrical Engineering
Graduation Year: 2024


Ilana Goldner
Major: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Graduation Year: 2024


Sasha Hussain
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Graduation Year: 2024


Raina Jain
Major: Undecided
Graduation Year: 2024


Madeline Kizer
Major: Marketing
Graduation Year: 2024


Rachel Laemle
Major: Communications
Graduation Year: 2024


Phoebe Liou
Major: Biological Sciences
Graduation Year: 2024


Sudiksha Mallick
Major: Political Science | International Relations
Graduation Year: 2024


Marianella Salinas
Major: Computer Science | Math
Graduation Year: 2024


Yuliana Tsapar
Major: Marketing | Spanish
Graduation Year: 2024


2020-2021 Sophomore/Junior Cohort

Celine Aliko
Major: Neuroscience
Graduation Year: 2023


Kathryn Atkinson
Major: Classics & Ancient Mediterranean | Nutritional Sciences
Graduation Year: 2023


William Baofo
Major: Computer Science
Graduation Year: 2022


Bryce Bisset
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Graduation Year: 2023


Alexander Candow
Major: Management & Analytics
Graduation Year: 2022


Jamison Cote
Major: Digital Media and Design
Graduation Year: 2022


Florencia De Armas
Major: Chemical Engineering | Chinese
Graduation Year: 2023


Astou Diallo
Major: Management Information Systems
Graduation Year: 2023


Taylor Domingue
Major: Molecular and Cell Biology
Graduation Year: 2023


Aditi Dubey
Major: Computer Science and Engineering
Graduation Year: 2022


Nishitha Edupuganti
Major: Management Information Systems | Economics
Graduation Year: 2022


Zoey England
Major: Public Health
Graduation Year: 2022


Gabriel Millan Garcia
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Graduation Year: 2023


Mahitha Juttu
Major: Physiology and Neurobiology | Anthropology
Graduation Year: 2023


Sumeet Kadian
Major: Molecular and Cell Biology
Graduation Year: 2023


Jack Kassimis
Major: Finance
Graduation Year: 2023


Neal Krishna
Major: Physiology & Neurobiology | English
Graduation Year: 2026


Katie Lavigne
Major: Allied Health Science
Graduation Year: 2023


Rachel Poulos
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Graduation Year: 2023


Hannah Resnick
Major: Management & Communications
Graduation Year: 2022


Tyler Shoban
Major: Computer Science Engineering
Graduation Year: 2023


Yazmine Uvidia
Major: Digital Media & Design
Graduation Year: 2023


Zac Will
Major: Business Management
Graduation Year: 2023


Ava Zahedi
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Graduation Year: 2022

2019-2020 Sophomore Cohort

Michael Aisevbonayea
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Graduation Year: 2022


Jessica Daley
Major: Human Development and Family Studies | Nursing
Graduation Year: 2022


Aditya Dubey
Major: Computer Science & Engineering
Graduation Year: 2022


Sabaa Fayazi
Major: Physiology & Neurobiology
Graduation Year: 2022


Kevin Fiddler
Major: Economics
Graduation Year: 2021


Mitchell Hornak
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Graduation Year: 2022


Sana Kasmani
Major: Physiology & Neurobiology
Graduation Year: 2022


Jody Kung
Major: Management Information Systems
Graduation Year: 2022


Natalie Lacroix
Major: Digital Media and Design
Graduation Year: 2022


Devin McNamara
Major: Economics
Graduation Year: 2021


Sarah Nedwick
Major: Exploratory
Graduation Year: 2022


Eva Quigley
Major: Animal Science
Graduation Year: 2022


Faith Sporbert
Major: Digital Arts | Computer Science | French
Graduation Year: 2022


Olivia Tirelli
Major: Spanish | Physiology & Neurobiology
Graduation Year: 2022


Raisa Vasquez
Major: Undecided
Graduation Year: 2022


Jake Winter
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Graduation Year: 2022

2018-2019 Sophomore Cohort

Lauren Boulay
Major: Electrical Engineering | Early College Experience
Graduation Year: 2021


Andrew Burns
Major: Computer Science & Engineering | Early College Experience
Graduation Year: 2021


Carlie Cassells
Major: Nursing | Early College Experience - EOS
Graduation Year: 2021


Stanley Chen
Major: Liberal Arts & Sciences
Graduation Year: 2021


Andi Duro

Major: Computer Science | Early College Experience
Graduation Year: 2021


Everett Grethel
Major: Computer Science | Digital Media and Design
Graduation Year: 2021


Benjamin Grosse
Major: Management
Graduation Year: 2022


Patrick Hocking
Major: Biomedical Engineering | Early College Experience
Graduation Year: 2021


Priscilla Ly
Major: Pre-Pharmacy
Graduation Year: 2021


Gordon Markman
Major: Individualized Major - Product Design
Graduation Year: 2021


Ashley Nelson
Major: Biomedical Engineering | Early College Experience
Graduation Year: 2021


Bethany Pilon
Major: Animal Science
Graduation Year: 2021


Paul Roach
Major: Computer Science & Engineering
Graduation Year: 2021


Michael Russell
Major: Game Design/ Studio Art
Graduation Year: 2021


Noah Sobel-Pressman
Major: Management | Early College Experience
Graduation Year: 2021


Carson Stifel
Major: Communication/ Design, Creativity & Innovation
Graduation Year: 2021


Zach Zambuto
Major: Computer Science & Engineering
Graduation Year: 2021