Meet the Ambassadors

Madison Bailey

Katie Camp

Cynthia Ferlin

Major:  Biology
Hometown: The Bahamas
Fun Fact: I love Harry Potter
Thoughts on Belonging: “True belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world"

Natalie Franklin

Major: History 
Fun Fact: I work with a cat rescue and foster program 😊 
Thoughts on Belonging: College is a fantastic place to explore the groups you want to belong in. There is a significant epidemic of loneliness among young adults, and that can only be combated by having the bravery to step out of your comfort zone and connect with others. UARK has such an incredible range of diverse people to experience community with, which is an essential part of developing as you explore your own identity and grow as a person. 

A'Laila James

Major: Social Work
Minor: Child Advocacy
Hometown: Dumas, AR
Additional Organizations: Gateway to Hope, Days for Girls UArk, Diversity and Inclusion Student Council, Social Work Action Group
Fun Fact: I'm named after Muhammad Ali's daughter, Laila Ali!
Thoughts on Belonging: To me, belonging means being part of a community where I feel seen, valued, and understood. Belonging isn't just about fitting in, it's about being accepted as my authentic self. 

Caleb Jones

Major: Biology
Minor: Chemistry
Hometown: Mcalmont, AR
Additional Organizations: Kappa Kappa Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, Success Center Mentor, Premed Hogs, and ASG
Fun Fact: My favorite breed of horses is the Tennessee Walker
Thoughts on Belonging: "As a student ambassador for the University of Arkansas, I am honored to embody the spirit of belonging by fostering connections, embracing diversity, and championing inclusivity within our campus community. Together, let's create an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive." 

Alekhya Kavi

Major: Biology
Minor: Medical Humanities, Computer Science
Hometown: Conway, AR
Additional Organizations: ICA, Honors College Ambassadors
Fun Fact: My favorite fruit is pineapple but I eat it with a little salt sprinkled on top to enhance the flavor!
Thoughts on Belonging: Belonging is very important for college students and cultivating it is key in making everyone feel at home. Everyone wants to feel safe and to relate to others around them because it makes them feel part of something. 

Will Lambley

Major: Communications
Hometown: Owasso, OK
Additional Organizations: Baptist Collegiate Ministry
Fun Fact: I love to meet new people! 
Thoughts on Belonging: I believe everyone should go out of their way to make sure others feel like they belong.

Sophie Le

Major: Biology
Hometown: Little Rock, AR
Additional Organizations: CORD Academic Tutor, EMPOWER Program Treasurer and Social Mentor, Passionate About Literacy Mentor, Dream BIG Program Mentor, Vietnamese Students Association Intern and Dance Choreographer, Lead Hogs, Alpha Episilon Delta, Active Neuro Club
Fun Fact:  I enjoy skiing!
Thoughts on Belonging: Belonging is about more than just fitting in; it is about feeling seen, heard, and valued. It is important to form deeper connections with others through every experience. 

Breanna McCall

Major: Psychology
Hometown: Bentonville, AR
Additional Organizations: NSFP Orientation Team Leader, Honors thesis research assistant in the ASCAN lab, Neuroscience RSO
Fun Fact: My favorite hobby is making keychains and jewelry out of clay!
Thoughts on Belonging: Belonging looks so different for everyone which is why I want to make sure everyone has access to any resources, clubs or other groups that make them feel most at home 

Abbi Melton

Major: Social Work
Minor: Legal Studies
Hometown: Midlothian, Texas
Additional Organizations: Chi-Omega, Honors College
Fun Fact: I have lived in 12 different houses and am the Chaplain of my sorority!
Thoughts on Belonging: Belonging to me means finding a community where you feel loved and valued as you are. When I moved to Arkansas, I found a community of people who made me feel like I was always supported. They are encouraging, kind, genuine, and have helped me grow into a better person. If given the choice all over again, I would choose this university every time because of the community I have found here. I believe everyone deserves to find a place where they feel as if they belong.

Jayakumari Nair

Major: Arabic, Middle East Studies, Asian Studies
Minor: Chinese
Hometown: St. Petersburg, FL
Additional Organizations: Diversity and Inclusion Student Council (DISC)
Fun Fact: I have 2 cats, Ten-C and Q (their names are from Star Trek!)
Thoughts on Belonging: Belonging is being in a space where you are welcomed and valued, you are respected as a human being no matter how different you are or your background, and you are empowered to create a welcoming community for others.  

Ashlynn Oyemola

Major: Criminology and Sociology
Minor: Psychology
Hometown: Little Rock, AR
Fun Fact: My last name means royalty and wealth in Nigeria.
Thoughts on Belonging: I believe everyone no matter their race, class, or social status deserves to feel as though they belong! Furthermore, being unique is what allows us to contribute to a diverse and inclusive community here at the University of Arkansas! 

Taksh Patel

Major: Physics
Hometown: Fayetteville, AR
Additional Organizations: Treasurer of Society of Physics Students, Fulbright Peer Mentor, Physics Research
Fun Fact: I used to build model bridges and houses out of popsicles in my free time

Thoughts on Belonging: I think belonging does not only mean one's cultural beliefs or traditions are respected in their community. It can also mean finding the right clubs, friends, and fulfillment in their career. A sense of belonging can mean various things depending on one's point of view. 

Olivia Ramirez

Major: Communications
Hometown: Edwardsville IL
Additional Organizations: Delta Gamma/ Lambda Pi Eta/ Order of Omega
Fun Fact: I studied abroad in Rome
Thoughts on Belonging: Everybody belongs whatever it may be you belong somewhere.

Alexis Roque Jimenez

Major: Psychology
Minor: Business
Hometown: Russellville, AR
Additional Organizations: Volunteer Action Center, Rotaract, Mexican-American Student Association
Fun Fact: I am originally from Mexico. I work at Chick-fil-A during the summer. I have two cats named Jimmy and Carly. I lived in Valencia, Spain for a summer.
Thoughts on Belonging: There is a difference in belonging and fitting in. You should be able to  be your full, authentic self to feel a true sense of belonging.

Charlee Scruggs

Major: Biology
Minor: Nutrition
Hometown: Kansas City, MO
Additional Organizations: Kappa Kappa Gamma, Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Med Honor Society, and Women in Medicine
Fun Fact: I love to golf!
Thoughts on Belonging: Belonging means finding a group of people, organization, or environment that will hold you accountable and support you in all your endeavors. Especially in the college environment, it is important to have people that will support you when you succeed and also when you don't. A sense of belonging fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment that allows for overall well-being and motivation to accomplish your goals.

Shelby Stone

Major: Double Major with International Relations and Global Studies with a Transatlantic and European concentration and Political Science
Minor: Double Minor in History and Legal Studies
Hometown: Conway, AR
Additional Organizations: VAC, Honors College Ambassador, and Fulbright Honors College Peer Mentor
Fun Fact: I tried out for the girls' golf team in high school despite never having played golf before. I made the team and even received a varsity letter from my school.
Thoughts on Belonging: Belonging is a fundamental human need, crucial for fostering meaningful connections and discovering people who genuinely understand and resonate with us. This sense of belonging is not merely a pleasant addition to our lives but a delightful privilege that enriches our existence. It allows us to form deep, supportive bonds with individuals who enhance our confidence, inspire us to explore new horizons, and provide a reassuring foundation that bolsters our sense of security and self-worth. Through these connections, we experience a profound sense of community and mutual understanding, which is vital for our emotional and psychological well-being, and allows us to thrive and grow into our own identity. 

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Anthony Zaffater

Major: Biology
Hometown: Shreveport, LA
Additional Organizations: Kappa Sigma Fraternity
Fun Fact: I love to Ski!
Thoughts on Belonging: Belonging is about finding the people in your community that make you feel valued and appreciated for who you are.

Nia Taylor

Major: Broadcast Journalism, Pre-Law
Minor: STEM Education
Hometown: Marion, AR
Additional Organizations: Mock Hogs Mock Trial Team
Fun Fact: I want to eventually become a teacher or professor.
Thoughts on Belonging: I've deeply embraced belonging at the University of Arkansas through leadership and involvement. From being an A-Week leader, working in Admissions, and serving as a Conference Ambassador to competing on the Mock Trial team, I strive to create spaces where student -- especially those who look like me -- feel they belong. Programs like ASAP jumpstarted my journey, and mentors like Don Nix have been instrumental. Whether speaking on panels or guiding prospective students, I aim to inspire others to step out of their comfort zones and see themselves here. Belonging takes time, but with courage, anyone can find their place.

Jada Voltz

Major: Social Work
Hometown: Fayetteville, AR
Additional Organizations: Sustainable Fashion Club and Black Student Association
Fun Fact: I’ve been to 3 different countries
Thoughts on Belonging: A person gets a feeling of belonging when they are able to truly be themselves despite their differences.