EMBARK Volunteers

Abdul Olagbenro

My name is Abdulahi or normally referred to as “Lito” and I’m a junior studying Systems Engineering and Design. I enjoy late night walks, watching/playing sports, cooking, and photography. This year, I'm serving as the Pre-Collegiate Initiative Chair in NSBE so I’m excited to meet new people and work towards establishing a fun and supportive community.

Aisha Salua

Heyy! My name is Aisha Salau. I am a sophomore majoring in Computer Engineering. During my free time I love to crochet and knit. A fun fact about me is that I have a twin and my siblings are twins also.

Andrea Martinez

Hey my name is Andrea! I'm a rising third year majoring in Aerospace Engineering :p. I love playing volleyball whenever I have time and walking around to look for bunnies!

Andy Guzman

Hey everyone! My name is Andy Guzman and I’m a junior majoring in Bioengineering with a minor in Electrical Engineering. My biggest involvement in campus is SHPE, as it’s the community where I feel at home! In my free time, I love listening to and finding new music and playing my violin or guitar. Looking forward to meeting everyone!

Antonia Silva

My name is Antonio Silva I am a sophomore in Electrical Engineering. I love playing soccer and hanging out with friends in my free time and I can’t wait to get the year started!

Benjamin Cerda-Menchaca

Hello! I am a freshman studying Systems Engineering & Design, with a Secondary Field elective in Digital Prototyping. On campus, I'm involved with OPERA, HackIllinois, I-Robotics, and SHPE. In my free time I love to tinker around with different design concepts in Fusion360, and create new writing scripts. One day I hope to design a giant mech!

Berenice Sanchez

Hi! My name is Berenice and I'm a sophomore majoring in Civil Engineering. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with friends, playing video games, and reading. I’m extremely excited to meet all of you!

Bitania Negash

I’m Bitania, an Agricultural and Biological Engineering major with a concentration in Renewable Energy. I’m the Internal Vice President of the National Society of Black Engineers and Treasurer of Kappa Theta Tau, and I love getting involved in organizations that help build community and support students. Outside of engineering, I enjoy reading mystery books, crocheting, and trying new restaurants, and I’m excited to help new students find their place at UIUC!

Daniella Anighoro

Hi, I’m Daniella Anighoro, a sophomore majoring in Bioengineering with an intended minor in Chemistry. Outside of academics, I enjoy running, binge-watching TV shows, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family. I’m always excited to meet new people and learn from different experiences.

Elise Tejeda

Hey everyone! My name is Elise Tejeda, and I'm a senior majoring in Materials Science and Engineering. Along with MEP, I am involved in the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Material Advantage, and have participated in undergraduate research. Outside of academics I love baking, running, and trying new coffee places!

Fatima Ahmed

Hi! My name is Fatima Ahmed, and I am a Junior studying Neural Engineering with a minor in Psychology! I serve as the Internal Vice President for Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and am involved in WIE, Neurotech, on-campus research, and am a Grainger Social Media Brand Ambassador. Outside of RSOs, you can find me concocting new coffee/matcha drink, weightlifting and running, reading, working on an artistic project, playing piano, or hanging out with friends! :D

Isaiah Neal-Webster

Hey everybody! I’m Isaiah, a senior in Mechanical Engineering. On campus I’m involved with organizations like MechSe MakerWork as a volunteer, Mechanical Engineering undergraduate office as a student assistant, NSBE (National Social of Black Engineerings) as a general member. In my free time I like to hang out with friends, play video games, watch anime and occasionally play the bass guitar.

Jasmine Plata

Hello! My name is Jasmine and I'm a senior+ in Systems Engineering graduating this upcoming December! My SFO is in Manufacturing Engineering and in my free time you can find me at SHPE events or exploring new food spots on campus.

JD Gamboa

Hey everyone! My name is JD and I am a junior in Nuclear Engineering with minors in Business and Data Science. I love all things Sci-Fi and Superhero-related, and I am excited to meet yall!

Kathure Kiunga

Kathure is a rising senior in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Technology and Management at UIUC. Outside of class, I enjoy watching movies, traveling and going to concerts! On campus, I am involved with NSBE, MEP, and is an Engineering Learning Assistant.

Landon Lindsay

My name is Landon Lindsay, and I'm a Senior in Mechanical Engineering with a focus in Fluid Mechanics. In my free time, I love to stay active, create music, and take pictures! I'm also big about my faith, so I attend On-Campus Ministries as well.

Leo Mandujano

Hello! My name is Leo an I am a rising sophomore majoring in Computer Science. On campus he serves as the Treasurer of Black, Indigenous, Latinos in Tech (B[U]ILT by ColorStack), and is also a part of ALPFA and SHPE. This summer he spent his time interning at Country Financial!

Nayely Sandoval

Hello, my name is Nayely!! I am a senior studying Civil Engineering and minoring in International Engineering specializing in Latin America. On campus, I am involved with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), Engineers in Action Bridge Program (EIA), participated in a handful of study abroad programs, and of course part of the Morrill Engineering Program (MEP). In my free time I love to read, run, thrift, take pictures of my cats, and see live music :3

Paloma Pichardo

Hi everybody! My name is Paloma a junior majoring in Computer Science and minoring in Business. On campus, I serves as Vice President of Black, Indigenous, and Latinos in Tech (B[U]ILT by ColorStack) and is part of the CS STARS program. I also love MEP and EMBARK!

Scott Kozien

Hi, I'm Scott, I am a sophomore in Aerospace Engineering looking to add on a Material Science Minor!. I like to watch movies, listen to music, and hangout with my friends in my free time. I'm looking forward to meeting new people this year and joining some more RSO's!

Sophia Witola Reyes

Hi I'm Sophia, a senior in Bioengineering with a minor in Computer Science! I love long runs, books, and music. I'm so excited to welcome you to our community :)

Sylvia Velazquez

Hi my name is Sylvia, and I’m a sophomore in Mechanical Engineering and on campus I am involved with Women in Engineering (WIE) and of course part of the Morrill Engineering Program (MEP). In my free time I love to bake and do arts and crafts and I can’t wait to meet you all!

Yasmin Navarro

Hello! My name is Yasmin Navarro, and I am a sophomore studying Civil Engineering from Chicago IL! On campus, I am involved with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), where I will serve as the MemberSHPE Logistics Lead, as well as a Professional Engineering Fraternity Theta Tau, where I will serve as Diversity Chair, and of course, the Morrill Engineering Program (MEP)! In my free time, I enjoy trying out new food spots, crafting, hiking, collecting trinkets, side-questing random pop-up concerts, and talking with others!

Yohali Bopeya

Hello! My name is Yohali and I'm a rising Junior studying Computer Science and I participated in EMBARK when I was a freshman. The MEP community is amazing and we’re super excited to meet you all!