HESA M.A. Program
Entry Term: Fall 2024
Entry Term: Fall 2023
Fatima Ali
Undergrad: University of Connecticut
Major: Human Development & Family Sciences
Minors: Business Fundamentals, Human Rights, Women's Gender & Sexuality Studies
Hometown: Stratford, CT
Assistantship/Employment: UConn Hartford Academic Achievement Center
Bio: As-Salaam-Alaikum! My name is Fatima Ali. I am a Pakistani Muslim American immigrant woman. I graduated in May 2020 from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor's of Arts in Human Development and Family Sciences with minors in Human Rights, Business Fundamentals, and Women's Gender and Sexuality Studies. I took a nice break after college and spent time with my family during the pandemic. I traveled to Pakistan in 2021 experienced many pivotal moments. I married the love of my life, and had my reception last year in May 2022. I have met wonderful people a long the way while working many different roles. All of my experiences ignited a beautiful period of self actualization.
When I leave this earth, I want to be remembered as compassionate, hardworking, articulate, a lifelong learner, and an individual who made a positive contribution to society. The field of Higher Education combines my passions, skills, and dreams into one space. Working in higher education will allow me to support the next generation of leaders into achieving their personal and professional goals. I am so grateful to be apart of the HESA program and excited for what the future holds.
Kelly Bernatzky
Undergrad: Vassar College
Major: Anthropology
Hometown: Amherst, Mass
Assistantship/Employment: Leadership & Organizational Development
Bio: Hi! My name is Kelly Bernatzky (she/her/hers) and I grew up in Amherst, Massachusetts. I went to Vassar College for my undergraduate degree, where I studied Anthropology and minored in Education and Greek/Roman Studies. While at Vassar, I served as a Student Fellow in Residential Life (similar to an RA) and was involved in multiple student organizations. The Vassar Residential Life model emphasizes restorative practices & non-violent communication as well as peer mentorship, which was influential in my undergraduate experience and inspired my decision to pursue a career in higher education.
Between graduating from Vassar and entering the HESA program, I held professional roles as the Program Coordinator for a college preparation program primarily serving low-income & first-generation students in the Poughkeepsie area, as a Development & Communications Associate at a non-profit organization, and most recently as an Area Coordinator in Residential Life at Mount Holyoke College. As a higher education practitioner, it is my goal to implement and sustain holistic, trauma-informed, and intersectional approaches to supporting students as they navigate their undergraduate experience. I love learning and growing in the HESA program among equity-driven colleagues who share aspirations of creating more inclusive and supportive institutions of learning.
Kelsey Bowers
Undergrad: SUNY Cobleskill
Major: Animal Science BT, Liberal Arts & Sciences: Psychology AA
Hometown: Croghan, NY
Assistantship/Employment: Pre-College Summer
Bio: Hey everyone!! My name is Kelsey and I use she/her pronouns. I am originally from a small town in Northern New York called Croghan. I graduated in May of 2023 with a BT in Animal Science and an Associates in Psychology with minors in Agricultural Education and Honors. Throughout my time in undergrad, I found myself involved in many different ways on campus, and the connections I made with professional and student staff alike that helped me discover my love for student life.
The most impactful opportunities I was apart of were being a Senior Resident Assistant and Resident Assistant for three years, in addition to an Orientation Leader, VP and President of the It’s On Us Chapter, Campus Engagement Leader, and Multicultural Educator. Through this work, I’ve discovered my passion for advocating for students in addition to teaching them the tools they need in order to advocate for themselves. As a first-generation student, I have developed a passion for helping first year students navigate the transition to college and supporting them through one of the biggest changes in their young lives. In my free time, I enjoy hammocking, hanging out with my cat, spending time with friends and family, listening to podcasts/music, bingeing my latest tv show obsession, or making my lastest Target run!
Sarah Cooper
Undergrad: College of the Holy Cross
Major: English with Minors in Education & Middle Eastern Studies
Hometown: Port Orchard, WA
Assistantship/Employment: Residential Life Student Welfare
Bio: Hi! My name is Sarah Cooper (she/her) and I am from a small town outside of Seattle, WA. I come from a military family so I have lived all over the country, but I call Washington State my home! In my free time, I like to spend time with my friends, FaceTime my family way too much, and play games on my Switch! I recently graduated from the College of the Holy Cross with my Bachelor of Arts degree in English.
While at Holy Cross, I was involved in the Office of Residence Life and Housing as a Head Resident Assistant and Summer Intern, served as a Peer Career Assistant at the Center for Career Development, and was involved in the Student Government Association! These experiences and the mentors I gained along the way ultimately drove me to the field of Higher Education. I hope in my future to serve as a mentor for students to help them be successful in their college journey!
Alexis Greene
Undergrad: University of Bridgeport
Major: English, Creative Writing
Hometown: Bridgeport, CT
Assistantship/Employment: African American Cultural Center (AACC)
Bio: I’m Lex Greene (they/she). I am a multimedia artist and aspiring English professor within higher education. Within my poetry and academic writing, I combine my knowledge of language systems, literary terminology, and poetic structures with my knowledge of traditional classical studies and contemporary psychological and philosophical theories. I hope to use my unique voice as a writer and positionality as an educator to expose the oppressive epistemological frameworks of which comprise our daily speech and behavioral patterns.
My creative backgrounds in music, performing arts, makeup artistry, and poetry inspire passions for activism, digital learning, and grassroots community-building. During my time as a graduate assistant at the AACC, I have introduced Ink Drip creative writing workshops as well as strategized the re-branding of The Vision, the Black Arts & Wellness journal. I hope to provide students with the language and tools to creatively express themselves—and provide social and cultural tools for navigating the higher education system. As someone who is the product of the undergraduate transfer process, I hope to inspire students with my non-linear educational journey. My mission is to remind students that they are divine architects of their academic careers, capable of infinite methods of academic and artistic expression.
Ruth Mahoney
Undergrad: University of Connecticut
Major: Allied Health Science
Hometown: Kingston, NH
Assistantship/Employment: Center for Students with Disabilities
Bio: Hi all, I’m Ruth (she/her) and I am from a small town in southern New Hampshire. I graduated from UConn in 2022 with a B.S. in Allied Health Science. Coming into college, I intended to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant. However, upon getting involved with UConn’s First Year Programs and Academic Achievement Center, I developed an interest in working with college students. I also enjoyed being involved with UConn’s Adventure Center and Women’s Center.
Currently, I have a graduate assistantship with UConn’s Center for Students with Disabilities - specifically their Beyond Access program. I’m passionate about learning about, working with, and advocating for students with disabilities.
In my free time I enjoy listening to music, going to the movies, reading, spending time outside, and hanging out with my loved ones <3
Sara Martin
Undergrad: Louisiana State University (LSU)
Major: Political Science & Sociology
Hometown: Watson, LA
Assistantship/Employment: Major Events and Programs; Department of Student Activities
Bio: Hi Everyone! My name is Sara Martin (she/her). I was born and raised in Louisiana and graduated with dual degrees in political science and sociology from Louisiana State University (LSU) in May 2023. During my time at LSU, I was a student in the Ogden Honors College where I was a part of the Louisiana Service and Leadership (LASAL) program and the director of the honors college service organization Project 225.
I became interested in the higher education field as an LSU student employee. I first became a Student Coordinator of the Student Success Help Desk under the LSU Office of Retention and Student Success where I aided LSU students and supporters in any LSU related questions. Under this same office I transitioned into the role of Orientation Team Leader where I helped to program orientation for incoming LSU students and managed a team of orientation leaders. I decided to pursue a masters in higher education because I want to help students make the most of their college experience. I think it is a great place to explore yourself and your goals! I chose UConn because of HESA’s focus on experiential learning through the graduate assistantship and practicums.
Gabriela Nique
Undergrad: University of Connecticut
Major: English
Hometown: Stamford, CT
Assistantship/Employment: Office of Leadership and Organizational Development
Bio: Hi everyone! My name is Gaby (she/her) and I am originally from Stamford, Connecticut. I graduated from UConn in May of 2023 with my undergraduate degree in English with a focus in teaching as well as literary histories and legacies.
During my time in undergrad I had the opportunity to work in several high school districts near the Storrs campus which exposed me to the most amazing and intelligent students from all different backgrounds. The time that I spent over several semesters serving as a teacher's aid caused me to pursue HESA because I am passionate about education and working towards equity within these spaces. Additionally, as a first generation college student and Peruvian-American individual, my hope in the future is to support other Latinx identifying students along their journey in higher education. Outside of my academic pursuits, I enjoying spending time with my family and my dog Cubby, as well as listening to bachata music!
Lene Reynolds
Undergrad: University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
Major: Sociology, LGBTQ Studies Minor
Hometown: Riverside, CA
Assistantship/Employment: Rainbow Center
Bio: Hello! My name is Lene [pronounced like “Lean” in “Lean on me”], my pronouns are they/them. I grew up in the Greater Los Angeles area, and moved to LA in 2017 for my undergrad at UCLA. I graduated in June 2021, then continued living in LA and working full time until moving out here to Connecticut! In my full time roles before coming to UConn, I worked for Snapchat and for the LA County Department of Public Health, Division of HIV and STD Programs, working on health education projects for community members and healthcare providers in Los Angeles.
At UCLA, I worked in UCLA’s LGBTQ Campus Resource Center, UCLA Residential Life, the UCLA School of Theatre, Film and Television, and as a Campus Ambassador for GLAAD. All of these roles are where I found my passion for working in the HESA field, and I especially want to focus on student identity development and equity-focused support, advocacy, and community-building among queer and trans students. In the period between UCLA and UConn, I grew a passion for supporting the needs of students at community colleges. Now at UConn, I'm happy to be returning to this work, both at the Rainbow Center where I oversee the Center's peer mentoring program and serve on a task force dedicated to inclusion, retention, and support of trans and nonbinary students interested in Experiential Global Learning (or study abroad).
I am deeply passionate about LGBTQIA2S+ representation in TV, Film, and Music. I've led discussion groups, written articles, and guested on podcasts and panels on the subject! I'm so excited to be at UConn to learn from the students I work with in my graduate assistantship, as well as the other students in my cohort.
Arianna Rodriguez
Undergrad: University of Mary Washington
Major: Sociology
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Assistantship/Employment: Human Rights Institute- Human Rights and Action Learning Community
Bio: Hi everyone! My name is Arianna Rodriguez (she/her), I’m a first generation student originally from Brooklyn, NY. I graduated from the University of Mary Washington in 2022 with my bachelors in Sociology and I also double-majored in Women, Gender, and Sexuality studies. During undergrad, I was really involved in a number of different organizations and held some on-campus jobs as a student. It was through the job I held my senior year where I got to help create a program for incoming first year students that I discovered my interest in connecting with students and working within student affairs.
This past year, I spent working back at my undergrad in their Student Activities office, where I got to lead their leadership program for first year students. I learned a lot about Student Affairs and decided that this was a career that I wanted to pursue. My goal is to create more spaces where first generation and BIPOC students can feel empowered and safe within higher education.
During my free time I love to read, romance and fantasy are two of my favorite genres, bake and cook! I also really enjoy writing when I’m not doing class work or work for my GAship!
Lillian Schaefer-Calderon
Undergrad: Merrimack College
Major: English & Teacher Education
Hometown: Palmer, MA
Assistantship/Employment: Office of Institutional Equity (OIE)
Bio: Hi all, my name is Lily Schaefer-Calderon (she/her). I graduated from Merrimack College in May 2023 with a degree in English and Teacher Education and a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies. During my undergraduate studies, my time was marked by many experiences that were hugely influential in my life and ultimate decision to pursue higher education. From being an Executive Board member for the Admissions Ambassador program, volunteering as a DEI Ambassador, serving as the Dean of Students Intern in Community Standards, to working as an Orientation Coordinator, I was heavily involved in the community. Following graduation, I completed an internship at New York University in their Office of Residential Life assisting and supporting the summer program residents and RAs in Founders Hall.
I joined UConn HESA not just to further my education, but to continue my journey as a lifelong learner who aims to pursue diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in all my future endeavors.
In my free time I can be found curled up on the couch with a book, in the kitchen trying a new recipe, or spending time with my biggest supporters, aka my family!
Jennifer Steszewski
Undergrad: Roger Williams University
Major: Psychology & Elementary Education
Hometown: Tolland, CT
Assistantship/Employment: UConn School of Engineering Advising Team
Bio: Hi! I’m Jen Steszewski and I am from Tolland, CT. I graduated from Roger Williams University with a B.A. in Psychology and Elementary Education. After graduation, I served as an elementary school teacher and a service coordinator at Wake Forest Baptist Health in Winston Salem, NC. During my time as a service coordinator, I counseled families and the oversight of services for my assigned caseload ensuring equal access to services for children as outlined in federal law IDEA, Part C.
Upon relocating back to Connecticut, I began working at UConn as an office assistant. I had a passion for coaching and mentoring students and after a year as an office assistant, I took a position in the School of Engineering here at UConn directly supporting students. Over the past few years, my position has evolved and I am currently an Advising Program Coordinator and co-manage the Engineering Peer Advisor Program along with many other student support services within Engineering. In addition, I am a mom of two boys who bring so much joy to my life.
I am proud to be a member of the UConn HESA community! I look forward to building upon my knowledge of best practices within higher education and implementing strategies in my career that directly impact student success.
I joined UConn HESA not just to further my education, but to continue my journey as a lifelong learner who aims to pursue diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in all my future endeavors.
In my free time I can be found curled up on the couch with a book, in the kitchen trying a new recipe, or spending time with my biggest supporters, aka my family!
Elisa Tolentino
Undergrad: Southern Connecticut State University
Major: Interdisciplinary Studies: Concentrations in Psychology & Exercise Science
Hometown: Wallingford, CT
Assistantship/Employment: Asian/Asian American Cultural Center
Bio: Hi there everyone! My name is Elisa Tolentino (she/her/hers), and I am a proud Latinx (Dominican) student from Wallingford, CT!
My undergraduate journey into Student Affairs in my path of being a being a Resident Advisor, Orientation Ambassador, Special Projects, and Research Intern in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, along with working in Student Conduct and being a part of the Anti-Bias Task Force, have led to my desire to create meaningful and mindful positive change in the communities I enter! My passion for pursuing Higher Education stems from challenges in witnessing and experiencing injustice and having my undergraduate journey be super nonlinear.
Please have faith and trust in yourself as all things will work out the way they were meant to be! My main goal is to push positive messages forward based on intentionality and create brave spaces for individuals to use their differences and life barriers as tools to connect in acknowledgment and acceptance.
In my free time, I love to spend time with my partner, family, and friends! I love shopping, all things health and wellness, along with binging Netflix shows and taking way too many cooking tips from Gordon Ramsay!
Alanna Torres-Laboy
Undergrad: University of Connecticut
Major: Psychological Sciences with Minors in Crime and Justice & Human Development and Family Sciences
Hometown: San Juan, PR
Assistantship/Employment: Dean of Students Office
Bio: My name is Alanna Torres-Laboy (She/her/Ella), and I am a proud Afro-Latina from San Juan, Puerto Rico. I was raised in Hartford, CT for most of my life.
I recently graduated from the University of Connecticut in May 2023. During my time as an undergrad, I was involved in various roles. I worked as a Senior Resident Assistant (SRA) for the La Comunidad Intelectual Learning Community for three years. I became a sister of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., and served as the Chapter Recruitment and Retention Advisor. I worked as a Peer Advisor in the Psychological Sciences Undergraduate Advising Office. Lastly, I was lucky enough to work at the UConn Child Development Laboratories in the Infant Blue/Green Room which was truly rewarding. Working as an SRA in the only Latinx cultural learning community on campus brought me great joy and purpose. As someone who deals with multiple intersecting forms of marginalization, I understand the importance of enhancing the student experience specifically, for those with marginalized backgrounds. I have spent hours counseling students who face issues with their identity, socioeconomic background, lack of academic support, and difficulty navigating within the collegiate environment.
One of my many gifts is “The ability to make people feel like home”. This is why I put more effort into creating a safe environment where students are supported culturally, socially, psychologically, and academically. Within higher education, I intend to create a holistic approach to supporting students that accounts for their various identities and experiences. Outside of HESA, I love to dance, spend quality time with family, visit my amazing sorority sisters, read, play with my dog, and cook/eat. Ask me about my goddaughter and nephew, I can talk for hours.
Andrea Faith Ybanez
Undergrad: University of Connecticut, Hartford Campus
Major: Honors BA Psychological Sciences, Minor in HDFS
Hometown: Plainville, CT; Cebu, Philippines
Assistantship/Employment: Student Health & Wellness: Health Promotion Team & School of Engineering
Bio: Kumusta! My name is Andrea Faith (she|her). I was born in Cebu, Philippines and migrated to the United States with my mom when I was 5 years old. I graduated from UConn Hartford with an Honors B.A. in psychological sciences and a minor in human development and family sciences.
During my undergraduate career at UConn, I held many on-campus positions including: Vice President of the UConn Hartford USG, President of the Asian American Pacific Islander Association, President of the UConn Hartford Tennis Club, Vice President of the Student for Diversity Alliance, Orientation Leader, and Academic Advisor. As an immigrant, I value the opportunities that UConn provided for me to engage in my growth as a leader.
When I am not studying, I love engaging with my community. I volunteer with the Bristol B&G Club as a performer during our annual fundraiser shows and on my weekends I coach junior tennis clinics in my hometown. As a form of stress relief, I like to go shopping with my best friends, listen to music, play the piano, and sing (karaoke machine readily available – Filipinos wya?).
I am beyond excited to join the HESA program and grow with this cohort!