Meet the Ambassadors

Mimi Abochale

Katie Camp

Olivia Contreras

Major:  Criminology and Sociology
Hometown: Aledo, TX
Additional Organizations: Zeta Tau Alpha
Fun Fact: I love baseball! 
Thoughts on Belonging: We all crave a sense of belonging. It is universal but may not be easy for all. Genuine, authentic connection is key. I want to be a part of something that is a champion for helping bring people together. One of my favorite quotes is "Do more than belong: participate. Do more than care: help. Do more than be fair: be kind. Do more than forgive: forget. Do more than dream: work." - William Arthur Ward

Olivia Dean

Major:  Social Work, Criminology, Sociology
Minor: Child Advocacy
Hometown: Marshall, AR 
Additional Organizations: Arkansas Crisis Center Volunteer
Fun Fact: I used to do colorguard and was the senior drum major for my high school band!
Thoughts on Belonging: Belonging means finding a place that you feel comfortable and connected to.

Savanna Duey

Major:  Biochemistry
Minor: Mathematics
Hometown: Camden, AR 
Additional Organizations: Pre-Optometry Club, American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Honors College, ICA
Fun Fact: I can make a clover with my tongue.
Thoughts on Belonging: Belonging is about giving people a sense of home, even when they’re far from it. It’s the comfort of being valued not for blending in, but for being yourself.

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"

Emma Graham

Major:  Biochemistry
Hometown: Bossier City, LA 
Additional Organizations: Pre-Dental Society, Delta Gamma
Fun Fact: My favorite place I have been able to travel to is Canada!
Thoughts on Belonging: Belonging is all about finding the places, people, and moments where you can be your truest self. It is knowing that you are valued just as you are!

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."

Jae Juarez

Major: Physics and Latin American Studies
Minor: Spanish
Hometown: Little Rock, AR
Additional Organizations: UArk Pride, oSTEM
Fun Fact: I used to live in Chicago!
Thoughts on Belonging: Belonging is wanting to feel seen by the people you’re around , and feeling like you can relate to people even in the smallest of ways.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Shalese Treadwell

Major: Communication
Hometown: Pine Bluff, AR
Additional Organizations: Residents' Interhall Congress, Volunteer Action Center, Accelerate Student Achievement Program
Fun Fact: I am a huge Disney fan and have been to both Disney World and Disney Land.
Thoughts on Belonging: My thoughts on belonging is that everyone here on campus deserves a place to belong and its one of my goals to strive to make that a reality so I want to make that possible for all students!

Gracie Turk

Major: Biology
Minor: Human Development and Family Sciences
Hometown: Bixby, OK
Additional Organizations: Tri Delta, Women in Medicine, Pre-Med Hogs
Fun Fact: I love pickleball!
Thoughts on Belonging: It’s very important that every student finds belonging. When you feel like you belong, you can reach your full potential.

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.

Allison Williamson

Major: Psychology
Hometown: Siloam Springs, AR
Additional Organizations: Psi Chi, National Society of Leadership and Success
Fun Fact: I love Wingstop!
Thoughts on Belonging: Belonging is a feeling that everyone must experience in their lifetime.