Londan Duffin is a goal-oriented junior at Utah Valley University, pursuing a major in Graphic Design with a double minor in French and Art History. Thanks to a strong foundation in student leadership from various departments on campus, he currently interns for Kara Schneck and her Chief of Staff duties. He’s found exceptional care from various UVU professors and mentors that have led him to create award-winning graphic designs and magnify the Social Media Project Lead position for the Wolverine Ambassador Program.
Outside of the office, Londan enjoys the simple pleasures of thrift shopping, playing card games with his family, and peeling an orange in one peel. He is also the Digital Creative Director for Wayfare Magazine, combining his love for art curation and theology. After graduation, he’s committed to furthering his education by pursuing a graduate degree. Londan takes pride in being a Wolverine and looks forward to future campus engagement.
Abbie Fisher is a social equity researcher and senior at UVU completing her undergraduate in Psychology. As a hobbyist, she enjoys movie nights in with homemade treats and the occasional hike through our beautiful mountains. She’ll also never say no to a night out at the roller rink!
Her campus involvement includes a history of mentoring at the Melissa Nellesen Center for Autism and acting as the research assistant for the Women in Business Impact Lab. Abbie has also been recognized at UVU as the UVU 2023 Oxford Map the System Research Competition winner and as a UVLC highlighted speaker on Person-First Leadership.
She now works as a Strategy and Design Fellow for the Center for Social Impact and the Presidential Intern to University President Astrid Tuminez. As a Presidential Intern, Abbie works with executive university leadership at UVU to drive impactful change on campus through strategic research, design, and collaboration.
As a student and professional, Abbie is passionate about creating positive social change through connecting interdisciplinary research with systems design and policy development. In the future, she hopes to work with private and public sector organizations to develop policies prioritizing social/environmental equity and sustainability.
Kacie Huff is a growth-minded senior majoring in Applied Communication with a minor in Public Relations and Strategic Communication. Although she has always been interested in strategic messaging and connecting personally with diverse audiences, her previous work in the Public Speaking Lab created her passion for writing and communication skills at UVU. As a Presidential Intern, Kacie brings her ambition and eagerness to work with Kara Schneck in the Marketing & Communications Department, where she is gaining valuable experience in her field. She loves sharing how proud she is to be at UVU and how it has strengthened her education, talents, and interests.
As a first-generation student who transferred from southern Indiana, Kacie values the importance of building a community and meaningful connections with people. Her dedication is evident in both her academic and personal life. She enjoys staying active, shooting 35mm film, hiking, thrifting, and sharing her love of music. She is committed to seeking chances to learn and grow, and UVU has opened many opportunities for her.
Grace Wingate is pursuing a degree in Operations and Supply Chain Management with a minor in Applied Economics and is expected to graduate in Spring 2026. With a solid foundation in data analysis, Grace is dedicated to optimizing business processes and enhancing decision-making. Following her undergraduate studies, Grace hopes to attend law school and work in business law.
During her time at UVU, Grace has shown her commitment to student leadership and UVU values in various roles. She participated in the Residential Community Leadership program, where she played a key role in connecting students to UVU resources. She currently serves as an Honors Ambassador with a focus on setting program goals and shaping the future of the program. Grace is passionate about UVU student life and has worked to advocate for students and their needs. At UVU, she discovered her passion for leadership, learning, community building, and higher education.
Outside her academic and leadership pursuits, she enjoys crafting, crocheting, and sewing. She is also an avid musician, finding joy in singing and playing the guitar and piano.
Tracee Jones, majoring in Personal Financial Planning with an emphasis in Data Analytics and a minor in Business Management, is passionate about leadership, growth, and making a difference. As a second-year LEAD program member and now Team Lead, Tracee mentors a dozen students through UVU's leadership development program, helping them build confidence through hard work. Her involvement with UVUSA’s Green Team sparked her passion for student engagement and its positive impact on academic success.
While working at UVU’s Food Pantry in the CARE Hub, Tracee became more aware of the hidden hardships students face, deepening her commitment to community service and nonprofits. Outside of her leadership roles, she enjoys gardening, where watching things grow mirrors her personal journey. Despite challenges like her knee surgery, which taught her resilience, Tracee is determined to reach her goal of becoming a public speaker. She aspires to use her voice to advocate for financial independence, educating others on how to achieve their dreams while giving back to their communities.
Kaleb Rodriguez is a professional drummer entering his senior year at UVU. He is majoring in University Studies with a minor in Event Planning and a completed certificate in Leadership for Personal and Social Impact. Kaleb is passionate about student stories and program development, which he continues to work on as the intern of the VP of Institutional Advancement.
In his free time, Kaleb likes to maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising and cooking homemade meals. He also enjoys riding motorcycles, playing board games, and spending time with loved ones.
Kaleb grew up performing music with violin at the age of 3 and later learned percussion at the age of 11. He performed frequently at Murray High School and graduated with honors in 2021. After graduating high school, he continued his pursuit for music where he has been able to become the captain of the UVU Drumline. He has pursued many other paths of interest with job experiences in the medical field, nature preservation, education, and many more. Kaleb hopes to stay involved with the music industry using his events and leadership experience.
Ralph Tuminez is a senior at UVU pursuing a major in Business Management and a minor in Finance. He is set to graduate in the spring of 2025 and plans on pursuing a career in commercial banking after graduation.
Born in Iloilo City, Philippines, and raised in Orem, Utah, Ralph’s parents taught him the importance of education early on, causing him to be a strong academic. His pursuit of higher and enhanced education led him to UVU’s Honors Program, where he has enjoyed an enriched educational experience at UVU.
Ralph also has an enthusiasm for helping and working with people. This desire to help others was strengthened during his volunteer mission in Brazil and California and is what led him to pursue business and the Presidential Internship. During his time at UVU, Ralph has had many opportunities to work in cooperation with other students and organizations, including a study on gender in the workplace for the Women in Business Impact Lab.
Outside of his studies, he can be found at the gym or outdoors, where he enjoys weightlifting, fishing, hiking, and camping with family and friends.
Macie Savage, from Draper, Utah, is a senior majoring in Art and Design. She is also pursuing a double minor in Art History and Marketing. Working in the Office of the Provost, Macie is the Presidential Intern for Deputy Provost, Kat Brown. Macie has a passion for higher education and has enjoyed her time working at UVU. Before starting this internship, she worked as the Employer Relations Assistant in the Career and Internship Center. Following graduation in May of 2025, Macie plans to pursue a career in Graphic Design and Marketing.
As a Presidential Intern, Macie is the student voice in academic policy. She also sits on the committee for Academic Scheduling and serves on the UVU Ira A. and Mary Lou Fulton Library Advancement Board. Some of her responsibilities include the faculty newsletter, working on faculty issues related to students, and other projects as assigned.
Diego Alejandro Martinez Cardenas is a junior majoring in Software Engineering with a minor in Finance. Originally from Ecuador, Diego moved to Utah to find new educational and personal growth opportunities. As a Presidential Intern, he works on enhancing UVU’s digital experiences for students and staff, driven by his passion for technology and innovation. Diego is also deeply involved in the UVU community. In addition to his internship, he mentors international students through the International Student Council, helping them adjust to life abroad and building a strong campus community. He also volunteers as a Trip Leader with the Outdoor Adventure Center, organizing outdoor trips that encourage students to explore and connect with nature.
Before his current role, Diego worked as a back-end developer with the Excellence and Innovation Initiative, where he helped create an AI-driven chatbot. He also co-led an Alternative Spring Break trip to San Diego with the Center for Social Impact, blending his love for technology and community service. Outside of work and school, Diego loves nature and adventure. He enjoys hiking, fishing, and discovering new trails. He is passionate about travel and always looks for new experiences and places to explore. Diego believes in stepping out of his comfort zone, whether it's trying new foods, learning about different cultures, or enjoying the outdoors.
Keila Herrmann is a first-generation college senior at UVU planning to graduate Spring 2025 with a BA in Public Relations and a double minor in Marketing and Event Planning. Though originally from Washington and Idaho and a Texan at heart, Draper, Utah, has been home for most of her life.
Keila started her UVU experience in 2019. Shortly after enrolling, COVID-19 impacted her education, and she moved home to support herself financially and decided to pursue and complete her Master Esthetician’s license. In 2022, she returned to UVU and changed her major from Marketing to Communications to better fit her career goals of working with brands to create consumer experiences and develop campaigns for brand engagement.
Keila loves UVU and firmly believes in the many opportunities the university provides its students. Having received exceptional care and guidance from professors and mentors, she desires to give back by creating memorable events to ensure every student and staff member feels valued.
Keila plans to pursue a career in brand marketing and event planning in beauty, fashion, or sports-related industries. She is grateful for her husband and family members who support her and encourage her to follow her dreams. She loves traveling, exercising, the outdoors, her husband Chase, and their energetic golden retriever, Trout.
Jake Allen, a senior at UVU, currently serves as the presidential intern for Clark Collings, the General Counsel. Pursuing degrees in Art and Design and Business and Analysis, he brings a unique blend of analytical thinking, creativity, and strategic leadership that he leverages to build a legally compliant, ethical, and safe campus environment. In addition to his internship, Jake is the Lead Ambassador of the UVU Honors Program. Chosen for his visionary and tailored approach, he has been instrumental in launching new student success initiatives.
Jake’s passion for law and student success began at UVU’s Center for Constitutional Studies. His creative skills contributed to award-winning marketing that encouraged student engagement with civic virtues and the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution.
In addition to his dedication to work and school, Jake enjoys spending time with his family, playing guitar, and creating art. After graduating, he plans to pursue a J.D. and engage with mission-focused organizations.
Estrella Chinchay is a junior at Utah Valley University, striving for a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photography. Beyond her photography studies, Estrella has dedicated her time to student leadership. She has contributed to campus culture through her roles as a Social Impact Fellow, University Innovation Fellow, and currently as a Presidential Intern for Dr. Rasha Qudisat in the Office of Institutional Engagement & Effectiveness. In these positions, she has played a key role as a change-maker by creating long-lasting projects with positive impacts, including presenting at national conferences, publishing research, and working closely with first-generation students.
In addition to her leadership roles, Estrella enjoys engaging in the worlds of art and social impact. She is a published artist in art education journals, has exhibited several pieces in museums along with solo shows, and works closely with local creatives in mixed media productions. She is also the current president of Raices, a Latine club on campus. Her long-term goals include acquiring an MFA in Photography and continuing to work in the fashion and music industries. Driven by her passion for student leadership and community impact, Estrella is dedicated to using her skills and experiences to inspire positive change and foster a collaborative environment both on and off campus.
Zachary McEwan is a business management student focusing on international business. He will graduate in May 2025. After his freshman semester with the UVU Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), Zachary joined the Utah Army National Guard as a carpentry and masonry specialist. This was an incredibly formative experience that increased his passion for leadership, loyalty, and resilience. As a current leader in the ROTC program, he continues the tradition of exceptional mentorship and care his past leaders showed him.
Upon graduating, Zachary hopes to be commissioned as an Infantry officer in the active duty component of the U.S. Army, with the goal of graduating from Ranger School and serving as a platoon leader. Zachary has a habit of choosing the harder path to test and develop himself. For this reason, he applied to become a Presidential Intern with Val Peterson in the Administration and Strategic Relations Division for UVU.
For much of his college career, he worked as a life coach at a local residential treatment center for traumatized adolescent children in the healing process. Among his hobbies are sports, spending quality time with family, and learning through podcasts and books. Chop Wood Carry Water by Joshua Medcalf is a recent favorite.
Bryson Finley, a senior at UVU currently pursuing a BFA in photography, boasts a dynamic background in student leadership. Prior to his involvement in the presidential internship program, Bryson dedicated three years to UVUSA student government. He embarked on his journey as the Entertainment Chair, cultivating a deep appreciation for student engagement. This passion led him to seek further leadership roles, and he successfully campaigned for both the positions of VP of Engagement and VP of Activities. Beyond his academic pursuits, Bryson loves being creative, investing his time in various artistic endeavors such as cooking, baking, photography, and drawing. His love for the outdoors includes activities like hiking, walking, and fishing. As he approaches graduation, Bryson aspires to carve a career path in brand design, blending his creative talents and leadership skills.
David Nelson is a senior majoring in Accounting with minors in Business Management and Russian Studies with an intent to pursue the audit/assurance and consulting field. David is doing an assurance internship at Ernst & Young in the summer of 2024. After his bachelor’s degree, David plans to get his Master of Accountancy at Utah Valley University, after which he plans to work for Ernst & Young full-time. David hopes to become a great strategic leader. He is passionate about seeing organizations and people reach their potential. He has strong interests in real estate development, technology, and Finance.
David also serves in the Office of Student Leadership & Involvement, where he ultimately found his passion for representing UVU which led him to pursue his role as a Presidential Intern.
David was born and raised in Provo, Utah in a neighborhood almost a stone’s throw from campus. He grew up an avid fan of basketball and has a love for weight training, volleyball, and any other social sport. On a long weekend, you could find him camping up in the mountains or hitting the slopes.
Avery Green is a driven and enthusiastic Public Relations and Strategic Communication major set to graduate in the spring of 2024. With a rich background in PR, focusing on social media and creative brand development, Avery has honed her passion for effective communication. Her love of words began at a young age, driven by involvement in theater, music, and public speaking. In her high school years, Avery demonstrated her leadership abilities as the president of the drama club and the captain of the debate club, showcasing her ability to excel in both creative and analytical domains. This early experience laid the foundation for her career in strategic communication.
During her time at Utah Valley University, Avery has fully immersed herself in her chosen field, gaining lots of hands-on experience. She really loves UVU and firmly believes in the multitude of incredible opportunities it provides for its students. Beyond her academic pursuits, Avery enjoys wake surfing, baking, and playing her guitar. After graduation, she aspires to continue her journey in the field of PR and brand development, with a particular interest in the beauty industry.
Day Rodriguez is a Senior at Utah Valley University studying Civil Engineering. She is originally from Mexico, but moved to Provo, Utah when she was 16 years old. Upon graduation, she hopes to work in the Transportation Engineering Industry.
During her college journey, Day has assumed various leadership roles. She served as a mathematics developmental mentor, held the position of Student Senator for the College of Engineering and Technology at Utah Valley University Student Association, and even took on the role of President of the Student Chapter for the American Society of Civil Engineers at UVU.
Currently, as a Presidential Intern under Dr. Wayne Vaught in Academic Affairs, Day's primary focus centers on strategic decision-making within the academic domain. She participates in multiple committees, including the University Executive Council, Academic Affairs Council, Utah Board of Higher Education's Student Advisory Council, and the Professional Association of Campus Employees, among others.
Day takes immense pride in being a Proud Wolverine. At UVU she discovered her true passion for leadership, advocacy, community development, and higher education.
Lexi Elswood is in her senior year at UVU, studying Digital Marketing and pursuing a minor in Business Management. After an anonymous donor paid for her first semester of school after losing her college savings due to COVID-19, she made sure she would always be on the lookout for scholarship opportunities to take advantage of them and pass along scholarship information to others. This promise led her to UVUSA, where she spent two years as a student advocate. When Lexi was the Woodbury School of Business Senator, she learned the importance of involvement here at UVU. She loved UVUSA so much that she became Student Body President to promote student voices, scholarships, and involvement opportunities.
As a Presidential Intern in People and Culture for Marilyn Meyer, Lexi has shifted from student voice to promoting staff and faculty voices around campus and the community. Her goal is to give PaC a distinct voice in recruiting and retaining UVU employees through marketing efforts: social media, email marketing, and external communications.
With a versatile degree, Lexi wants to work for an agency to learn what it takes to start her own Digital Marketing Agency. She loves getting to work out with her husband, Kasen Elswood. Playing tennis, snowboarding, and high fitness are her favorite activities to do with family and friends.
Ashley Casupanan Nelson is a first-generation Filipina-American from Richland, Washington. She is in her senior year at UVU, majoring in Applied Communication and double-minoring in Public Relations and Strategic Communication, as well as Sociology.
Ashley has previously been a research assistant and presenter for the UVU communication department, with an emphasis on media literacy regarding artificial intelligence in education. She has also been involved with the Center for Social Impact (CSI), though which she had the opportunity to go to New Mexico to research indigenous history, sustainably regenerating resources, and deconstructing colonial frameworks. Furthering her research, Ashley competed in the Design for Impact competition in which she presented on the lack of indigenous representation in environmental decision making, especially in regards to the Great Salt Lake.
Ashley has also participated in various multicultural dance groups and choirs. She currently dances for Legacies, a nonprofit multicultural dance group representing Asian, African, Polynesian, Native American, and Latin cultures.
As the intern for Institutional Advancement (IA), Ashley is passionate about telling student stories. Upon graduating, Ashley plans to pursue a Master’s degree and work in nonprofits.
Henry Freeman is a junior studying finance and is set to graduate in the spring of 2025. Working in the Division of Finance and Auxiliary Services, he operates as the presidential intern to Vice President Jim Mortensen.
Henry was born and raised in Lake Ridge, Virginia. Being a proud Virginian, he loves to bring his East Coast perspective to his assignments at UVU. After graduation, he plans to work as a financial analyst back on the East Coast while pursuing a graduate degree.
Henry is very active within the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement at UVU, currently serving as a senior team lead for the Action Learning program. He has experience in other leadership roles as a Wolverine and always strives to be involved.
When he’s not on campus, you can find Henry working as a pole vault coach, helping young athletes touch the sky -albeit momentarily. He also enjoys dissecting films with his friends, practicing his Portuguese alongside Brazilian Bossa Nova music, and ardently supporting Manchester City Football Club.
Timberlyn is a born-and-raised Utahn and first-generation senior studying philosophy and ethics at UVU; they are hoping to use this education to eventually practice either civil rights or labor law. Once joining the UVU philosophy department, Timberlyn quickly found a home on UVU’s ethics bowl team where they, along with their teammates, have consistently ranked in regional and even national competitions. They have recently begun working with UPEP to go into the Utah state prison to teach/coach the prisoners about ethical theories and applied ethics. Timberlyn’s experience working as an instructor’s assistant at UVU has given them a new respect for education and university faculty, giving them a unique perspective for working in academic affairs.
From a young age they have become familiar with the many struggles that come with poverty and equality issues, and they are excited to use their perspective to make UVU a more supportive space for students and faculty alike. They have had always a passion for education and helping others, and they are thrilled to have the opportunity to combine both in their position working with Kat Brown in academic affairs.
Timberlyn loves attending Utah Valley University and likes to proclaim themselves a born Wolverine due to their fathers role at the University in ethics bowl and in the philosophy department. Outside of school, volunteering, and their work in academia, they spend most of their time taking care of their two younger sisters or playing guitar. They also enjoy photography, writing poetry, and writing music.
Dongook Kim, a UVU computer science student, serves as the presidential intern for Christina Baum, the VP of Digital Transformation. Dongook, who was born in South Korea and grew up in the United States, offers a unique viewpoint and a strong work ethic to his profession. He is enthusiastic about making a difference in the technology sector, specializing in data engineering, machine learning, and web development.
He actively contributes to the Digital Transformation department as an integral component of the UVU Presidential Intern team, playing an essential part in projects such as the development of the myUVU website. Beyond his academic pursuits, Dongook has a diverse set of hobbies that include sports, travel, and music, demonstrating his commitment to constant personal growth and learning.
Dongook is excited about the opportunity to combine his passion for inclusiveness with his technology expertise, with the goal of supporting UVU's objective of providing great care via innovation and cooperation.
Addison Hansen is studying Sociology at Utah Valley University and is a presidential intern to Vice President Michelle Kearns in Student Affairs. She plans to graduate in spring of 2023 and pursue a graduate degree in Sociology, in hopes of working in the realm of higher education. As a transfer student to UVU, Addison quickly became passionate about the importance of student involvement on campus. During her time at UVU Addison has served as the Executive Assistant to the Student Body President, she has worked as a fellow for the Center for Social Impact, and has competed in the Oxford Map the System research competition designed for systems thinkers to analyze social challenges. As part of her internship, Addison serves on UVU’s Women’s Council, Undocumented Student Support Taskforce, Refugee Initiative Taskforce, Emerging Hispanic Serving Institution Taskforce, and the Student Communication Governance Committee. Addison is passionate about equal opportunity in higher education and hopes to help create a supportive environment for all UVU students while working in this role.
Kanuiokalani "Kanui'' Peck is studying PR and Strategic Communication with a minor in Family Science and is the Presidential Intern to Clark Collings in General Counsel. After graduating from high school, she was fortunate enough to play collegiate soccer in Hawaii and was later accepted into the Broadcast Journalism program at Brigham Young University. There, she was able to pursue her interest in sports media and solidify her passion for entertainment and sports.
Kanui took a short break from her studies to enjoy her greatest accomplishment of becoming a mom to two incredible baby boys. During this time, she began to develop an interest in contract law and negotiation. She decided to complete the remainder of her degree at UVU because of its inclusive environment and now hopes to pursue a career as General Counsel at a sports organization.
During her time at UVU, Kanui has advocated for numerous causes, including as a PR and marketing intern for the Women’s Leadership Institute. An organization that is committed to elevating women in business and politics.
When she is not at school, Kanui enjoys paddle boarding, playing pickleball, exploring new places and cultures, and cheering on her favorite sports teams.
Angela Montzerrat Alcala is a first-generation Mexican-American from Salt Lake City,
Utah. She is in her senior year, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Criminal
Justice. She also holds a license in Real Estate.
She previously served on the Multicultural Student Council as the Activities Coordinator
in which she had the opportunity to represent and celebrate our diverse student population.
Last year, she participated in the Center for Social Impact Map the System competition
in which she presented on the exploitation of undocumented agricultural workers in
the U.S. She continued her involvement with the center as an Impact Associate and
attended the San Diego alternative break trip which analyzed the history of the Chicano
freedom movements and gentrification. Currently, she is researching mental health
barriers in the BIPOC community focusing on the accessibility to services, funding,
and cultural stigmas. Her goal is to bring more awareness within the community and
connect others to resources.
Upon graduating, she plans on volunteering abroad during the summer before she begins
graduate school in the fall, where she will pursue a Ph.D. and continue her work for
the BIPOC community through advocacy and educational awareness.
Henry R. Wolthuis is studying National Security Studies at Utah Valley University and will graduate in the Spring of 2025. As a Presidential Intern, he works for Vice President Val L. Peterson in the Division of Administration and Strategic Relations. Henry is proud to be a Wolverine where he can contribute and magnify his talents whilst being enriched and educated by the skills and passions of his peers and professors.
Henry has a passion for leadership. He has worked in the office of Idaho Governor Brad Little as well as a Page in the Idaho State Senate. He is currently serving as the lead writer for the podcast, "In the Interest of National Security", a project run by UVU's own Center for National Security Studies. The podcast analyzes and dissects geopolitical and national security issues.
In his free time, you can find Henry lifting weights, tinkering on old cars, dancing, cheering on UVU sports, spending time with family, or operating tractors and ATVs on a family farm.
2018-2019
Taylor Bell is studying Political Science with an emphasis in Public Law and Political Philosophy. Upon arrival to UVU, Taylor became involved with the student association as a volunteer with activities. Taylor has since served as a senator for the University College, worked as a mentor for the Developmental Math Department, and has sat on the Re-envisioning the Undergraduate Experience and Faculty Connections & Academic Experience committees.
Taylor currently acts as Chief Justice and chairs the Judicial Council within UVUSA. In this role, Taylor promotes civic engagement across campus through voter registration drives and political discussions. He is passionate about UVU’s core themes and hopes to contribute to the culture of being seriously inclusive and civically engaged. Through the academic year, Taylor will be a student representative for Campus Appeals and Disciplinary Hearings. He is also a member of the Strategic Web Action Team and Sustainability Committee.
Taylor is passionate about international development and humanitarianism. In the non-profit sector, his work has included initiatives focusing on clean water, hygiene, women empowerment and developmental education in the countries of Nepal, Peru and Belize. He hopes to continue this work and broaden his reach across the world. After graduating from UVU, Taylor plans to receive his juris doctorate and hopes to work for the U.S. Government abroad or in Washington D.C.
As a freshman at Utah Valley University, Anna quickly became involved on campus through UVU’s Honors Program and Women’s Rugby team. Since then, she has furthered her involvement on campus through multiple organizations including the First Year Experience Department as an orientation team lead, the National Society of Communication Scholars Honors Society as vice president, the National Communications Association of Students as vice president, and the Latter-Day Saint Student Association as a council executive. She has also done humanitarian work in several areas of China.
Currently, Anna is in her senior year studying Communication. Aside from this internship, she is an honors student and also works with an international company that runs English-learning camps in China.
Anna hopes to draw valuable leadership skills and experience from this internship that will assist her in pursuing a career in leadership coaching. After her time coaching, she has plans to attend graduate school for a Master’s degree and Ph.D. specializing in interpersonal relations and organizational communication and become a professor of Communication.
Tuvae Nerveza-York is originally from Hawaii and her first language is Hawaiian. She is currently a senior at Utah Valley University gaining a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science, with a minor in finance. Her hobbies include outdoor activities, cultural dancing, and eating amazing foods. Her previous professional experience consists of serving two political internships; one for a U.S. Congresswoman and one for a Utah lobbyist.
Tuvae is passionate about being a part of the UVU student community because of the culture and guidance UVU provides. Tuvae has chosen to be a Presidential intern to better present herself and the UVU student population. She also strives to engage students in the culture and mission UVU is achieving.
She would like to learn how the University operates at an executive level and what makes UVU so successful and unique compared to other universities in Utah. The Presidential internship will help Tuvae gain a unique perspective that will benefit her in law school as she strives to become a corporate lawyer. She also has the desire to become a consultant to help assist and guide businesses to success. The Presidential internship is also an opportunity for Tuvae to represent her cultural background and present herself as a Hawaiian from Hawaii achieving her goals at a professional and executive level.
Skyler graduated from Pleasant Grove High School and soon after left to serve a two year sabbatical for his church in the Czech Republic. Upon returning home, Skyler quickly began his schooling as a Personal Financial Planning student in the Woodbury School of Business at UVU.
Skyler found a passion for being involved and has served as a director and VP for alumni relations of the UVUSAA (Student Alumni Association). He has worked with the Universities Foundation as a “Foundation Ambassador”. There he represented the student body to the Foundation Board in an effort to build stronger student donor relationships. He is heavily involved with his degree and is serving as the PFPSA (personal financial planning student association) president. And this year is a founding member of a student run Venture Capital program titled “The Wolverine Fund”.
He is married to his best friend McCall, and they recently celebrated their one year anniversary. Skyler plans on attending graduate school after finishing his bachelors this spring. After completing his masters Skyler plans on following an entrepreneurial route and aspires to one day own his own wealth advising firm.
Nathan Roundy is a senior majoring in Political Science and double-minoring in Humanities and Philosophy. Nathan received a High Distinction in leadership from the UVU Center for the Advancement of Leadership for his work over the past two years a member of the LEAD program and the Wolverine Ambassador program. While at UVU, Nathan has volunteered on the Transgender Task Force, has worked as an intern in the Policy Office, currently co-chairs the Homelessness Task Force, has participated on InQueery panels, and worked on several original research projects about LGBT Political Behavior that have received over $10,000 in funding. Nathan spent the summer studying at the University of Cambridge where he conducted research analyzing the effects that conservatism within the Queer community has on LGBT rights and culture.
By participating in the Presidential Internship, Nathan can continue to build his research and leadership skills. Nathan interns in the Office of Planning, Budget, and Human Resources, where he often conducts research on university policy, future plans, and working conditions within the university.
After UVU, Nathan plans on earning a PhD in Political Science. He plans to continue researching LGBT politics and culture with the intent to improve conditions for LGBT people within our society.
Brett is a senior at UVU majoring in Behavioral Science with an emphasis in Family Studies. He plans to attend graduate school and become a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist.
While attending UVU Brett has been presented with numerous opportunities to become involved on campus. He has enjoyed participating in and working with clubs on campus starting in the Family Studies club; he later co-founded the Photo Fam photography club. His involvement led to him becoming a Club Ambassador in the UVUSA office and then was voted in as the Vice President of Clubs in UVUSA leadership. Brett’s involvement has allowed him to become more knowledgeable about and in the university’s inner workings while sitting on various committees on campus including the Course Fees committee.
Brett is currently working with professors conducting research for the American Families of Faith project. His focus in the project is working with Hispanic and Latino families in various religions to explore the values and beliefs that help their family stay strong. Brett also volunteers with the Bradley Grief Center working with youth and teens, helping them learn and use positive coping skills when dealing with the passing of family and friends. He is also currently serving as a county delegate in his local precinct.
Aloha mai! ‘O wau nō ‘o Lluvia Koali Santiago. ‘O O‘ahu ku‘u one hānau. He hiapo au o ‘elima keiki no ku‘u mau mākua na‘au ali‘i. He huaka‘i kēia ola no‘u e kūlia i ka nu‘u.
Lluvia was born and raised on Oahu, Hawaii. After high school at Kamehameha Schools Kapalama, she obtained an Associate’s of Architecture at Rio Hondo College in Whittier, California. Subsequently, she served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Missouri and Kansas.
She currently is a Pacific Islander Section Leader in UVU’s Cultural Envoy Leadership Program, whose mission empowers her to become an exceptional leader and achieve success. Lluvia participates in CAL’s LEAD program. She is also Miss Pacific Islander Utah 2018, which is part of the Miss America program. “Changing the world one kind act at a time” is her message as a title holder, which she shares as Alohakind on Instagram.
In an effort to bring her different experiences together, Lluvia has switched her major from Construction Management to Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations, and looks forward to a career as a licensed architect or perhaps a public figure.
Kim is pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in communication with an emphasis in journalism and a minor in Latin American studies. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Kim is the proud daughter of Mexican and Guatemalan parents.
She is the communications branch coordinator for UVU’s Multicultural Student Council. From 2017-18 she served as the editor-in-chief of UVU’s independent-student newspaper, the UVU Review. In 2016 Kim traveled to Minnesota and reported on protests caused by the officer-involved killing of Philando Castile. This event inspired her to focus on issues pertaining to race, class, civil unrest, and social justice.
She’s worked for the Provo-based newspaper the Daily Herald, local-affiliate station ABC4, and the alternative-newspaper Salt Lake City Weekly. In 2018 she was recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists Mark of Excellence Awards as a finalist for best in general news photography and best in breaking news reporting. Recently, Kim was named an honorary recipient of the 2018 Utah SPJ Sunshine Award for pushing to keep police records open to the public. Kim currently serves on the board of the Utah Headliners SPJ.
Kim strongly believes that she can make the world a better place through storytelling and investigative reporting. She hopes to work in print journalism and dreams of working for the Los Angeles Times or Washington Post, and pursue a master’s degree in journalism.
After serving a service mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Portland Oregon, Mat came home and worked for a Global Logistics company in freight forwarding as an account manager. Two years later he took an internship in Washington D.C. where he worked as a research staff member for the Joint Economic Committee contributing to papers on the opioid crisis and shotgun marriage for the Social Capitol Project.
Currently Mat is studying Behavioral Science with an emphasis in Family Studies and a Minor in Marketing. In his role in Alumni and Development, Mat is working to network the different colleges on campus with student and alumni entrepreneurs’ and helping them gain accesses to necessary business resources. He also is the co-creator and Vice President of UVU’s Fight Against Porn Club, and teaches a local religious institute class.
Mat’s passion is human development and has wanted to be a husband and father since he was young. He loves helping people recognize and reach their full potential, and plans on going into leadership coaching and development. He believes in shooting for the stars and hopes to one day be an inspirational speaker, author, and President of UVU. He wants to inspire other UVU students that anything is possible if they are just willing to put themselves out there and try.
2017-2018
Khaliun Amarjargal or simply Holly was born and raised in Mongolia, the land of eternal blue sky. After moving to Utah, homesickness began to build up, and that is when she found herself getting involved in many programs such as: Honors, UVU Mentor, and International Student Council. She believes these are some of the best decisions she could have made. Holly is an advocate of engaged learning and believes that that is what helped her do many things she would never have thought of doing, such as aspiring to be a professor in STEM.
Holly is a Junior, majoring in Technology Management with an emphasis on IT. Currently working on a Tsunami Mitigation research project in Indonesia with collaboration of UVU, BYU faculty and students. After graduation she hopes to complete a Masters as well as PhD program in Educational Technology.
Tanner, dog lover born in Utah but growing up in Australia, England, and Canada, has spent much of his life around international business because of his father's work. He came to UVU to study Business Management with an International emphasis, and Chinese 1 year ago after returning from an LDS mission to California for 2 years. He has been a teacher in the LDS Provo Missionary Training Center for the past 2 years, and is involved in research projects revolving around business economics, and organizational leadership, and is learning Portuguese as well as Chinese. He is involved in the leadership training group The Millennial Agenda, and currently volunteers at the Boys and Girls club in Provo.
He is hoping to pursue to an MBA, then a PhD in organizational or educational leadership after graduating in the spring of 2019. He would like to spend his career traveling to developing nations, and consulting for their governmental and organizational leadership.
Elizabeth has a passion and a love for Learning and Leadership. She has involved herself in leadership roles of management in the Wolverine Ambassador Program and Residential Engagement Coordinator Program. She graduated from the Center for the Advancement of Leadership with an Engaged Learning University Distinction in Leadership, and she served on the Institute Council at the LDS Institute of Religion. She has absolutely loved her experience at UVU.
Elizabeth is a senior and is studying Communication with an Emphasis in Speech. She looks forward to her senior year and continuing her service to her university as a Presidential Intern.
McKenna was raised in Panguitch, UT where she was raised on a little bit of land with horses, dogs, and the occasional lambs and steers. After graduating high school in 2013 she spent a year studying at UVU before serving a LDS mission in Madrid, Spain. She loves volunteering and is currently a family mentor for the Habitat for Humanity. At UVU she has participated in the Wolverine Ambassadors, the LEAD program, and currently serves as a team lead for the CAL program.
Since returning home she has interned at an immigration law firm in Omaha, Nebraska and a financial planning branch in Salt Lake. She plans on attending graduate school after finishing her bachelor's in History this spring. She loves UVU for the opportunities and experiences it has provides to her and the doorways it opens up for all students willing to get outside of themselves and experience new things.
KC was born and raised in Heber City, UT and came to UVU in 2011. He planned to transfer to BYU after receiving an associate’s degree but quickly realized that he wouldn’t find higher quality faculty, students, or staff at any other university. KC served a mission for the LDS Church in Texas and Louisiana, discovering along the way a love for BBQ and Cajun food. He is passionate about music, plays several instruments, and has played in bands that have opened for acts such as Bastille and X-Ambassadors.
KC is a Senior at UVU majoring in Philosophy and Literary Studies. He is also the associate editor-in-chief for UVU’s literary criticism journal, Essais. Upon graduation, KC plans to attend law school and work as an attorney. He is married to his best friend, Marnie, and they have a beautiful daughter that was born on his birthday.
James is a senior at UVU majoring in Behavioral Sciences, with an emphasis in psychology and a minor in Religious Studies. While working for Dr. Reyes, James has the opportunity to combine his love for research and passion to help UVU’s belonging efforts. Currently, James is working with various departments at UVU to conduct research on several underrepresented populations (e.g., LGBT students, students of color, and non-LDS students) in order to further understand their experiences on campus and how to best direct future inclusion plans.
James has published in several academic journals including Issues in Religion and Psychotherapy and the Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Criminology. He has aspirations of earning a PhD in Clinical or Counseling Psychology. James is a Provo native and is married to his best friend, Leann. He and his wife enjoy spending time together and with their amazing daughter, Georgia.
Brooke is a San Diego native who started at UVU two years ago, originally planning to simply complete the Substance Use Disorder Counseling program; however, faculty inspired her to pursue a degree, and she is now a Senior Behavioral Science major with a forensic focus. Starting school with six years of work with addicts under her belt, she finished the Substance Use Disorder Counseling program and interned for Utah County’s Drug Court. She is the recipient of several competitive research grants, with projects focused on improving the justice system’s understanding of addiction. While working with Vice President Scott Cooksey, Brooke has met amazing local leaders and legislators, and her hard work in the division ultimately led to her nomination as a Utah Legislative Intern for the Spring 2018 session.
Brooke recently completed training at Stanford and Google for the University Innovation Fellowship, a program which encourages students to facilitate innovative thinking in their unique fields of study. She knows this training will benefit her as she continues to combine the worlds of psychology and law, and plans to pursue a dual PhD/JD after she graduates in the Fall of 2018. Ultimately, Brooke dreams of one day retiring in the mountains, reading nothing but poetry, and opening a dog rescue facility.
Ryan Stephenson is a Junior at UVU majoring in Communication with a minor in Human Resource Management. During Ryan’s tenure as a UVU student he has had the opportunity to serve next to and work with his peers in multiple leadership roles across campus. Because of the many leadership opportunities that UVU has given Ryan, he has developed a passion for people and their personal development and performance. Ryan hopes one day to work as a HR director in a higher education or corporate setting, engaging each employee and maximizing their potential to help them perform at their highest capacity. Ryan’s ultimate career goal is to see the employees he serves progress and develop into someone better than they were before.
Ryan currently lives in Draper, Utah with his wife Brynn. In his free time, Ryan enjoys an intense pickup game of corn hole or croquet. Ryan has a firm belief that life is to be enjoyed and conducts his life around the mantra, “Living in the blessing.”
Nick’s passion for education has led him to be involved in a number of education projects. When he was in high school, he founded a free academic credit recovery program at Pleasant Grove High School. After serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, he worked for the federal education grant GEAR UP where he tutored and mentored over one hundred low income high school students throughout Utah Valley. During the 2016 Legislative Session, he served as the legislative intern for the State Superintendent’s Office.
In 2017 Nick was invited to shadow the education policy staff at the National Governor’s Association as a Program Scholar. During his time with the NGA, he gained a detailed knowledge of the Every Student Succeeds Act and the Common Core. Nick currently serves as the Associate Director of the Center of Innovation in Education Task Force. In this capacity he is working closely with members of the Utah State Office of Education, the Utah State Legislature, and Utah Education Policy Center to create a Utah Center of Innovation in Education.
2016-2017
2015-2016
2014-2015
