May is a time of joy and pride, especially within the Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement (DDEEA). The programs within the DDEEA make achieving a degree an attainable goal for UW–Madison students of all backgrounds.
Each semester, the talented students from this division offer us countless moments of pride, and they have even more to be proud of themselves. Read on to discover the reflections of some of the distinguished DDEEA graduates of the class of 2025 in their own words.
Mara Allen: Psychology and Spanish, BA | Mercile J. Lee Scholars Program
“One of the things I’ll miss most about UW–Madison is the Multicultural Student Center and all of the community activities, spaces, and events they host. I’m also incredibly grateful to have been a part of the Mercile J. Lee Scholars Program. If it weren’t for MJLSP, I likely would not have ended up attending UW–Madison and getting to experience all that I have, especially research! Thanks to MJLSP, I completed my fifth year at UW to pursue a senior honors thesis and spend more time in my labs. It’s ultimately helped open many doors for my future.”
After graduation, Mara will move to Chicago to continue her education at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, where she will work towards earning a Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Psychology with a focus on forensic psychology.
Jesus Barraza Jr.: Human Development and Family Studies, BS; Chican@ and Latin@ Studies, BS | Posse Program
“My favorite part about Posse is how the program truly has your back from the first step you take on campus. As a person of color, it is not easy to be a student at UW–Madison. While Posse holds you to the highest of standards, they also support you to ensure you are successful.
Posse isn’t just the best program within the DDEEA; it’s a movement. It’s about making students feel seen, heard, and genuinely supported throughout their undergraduate journey. Whether you’re a Posse scholar or not, connecting with the Posse community on campus means surrounding yourself with some of the most intelligent, driven, and inspiring individuals you’ll ever meet. It’s more than a scholarship; it’s a family, a network, and a source of strength.”
After graduation, Jesus will join Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy as a candidate for the Master of Science in Higher Education Administration and Policy program.
Kiko Carbonell: Nursing, BSN; Business Entrepreneurship Certificate | Posse Program
“I will miss the people, the friendships, the late nights, the adventures, the mess, and the moments of shared excitement and struggle. UW–Madison has challenged and shaped me in so many ways, and I’ll always cherish the people and experiences that have made this place feel like home.
Posse has been an essential part of my college journey. It has opened doors I never thought possible and provided me with unwavering support, mentorship, and opportunities that shaped my academic and personal growth. I will always be grateful for the Posse pro staff’s dedication and the strong, inspiring community that has helped me thrive on campus. I am eternally grateful to Dr. Marla Delgado-Guerrero for how she has changed the trajectory of UW–Madison Posse Program through her immense dedication and support to all Posse scholars. She truly cares for the community she serves, and we deeply love her.
My favorite part of UW–Madison has been the strong sense of community I’ve found here. I love being in community. I deeply value my connections with peers, staff, and faculty who have supported me throughout my journey. Being part of a community that uplifts and encourages one another has made my college experience truly special.”
After graduation, Kiko plans to work as a nurse in a D.C./Maryland/Virginia area hospital
Ivy Ceballos: Political Science, Legal Studies, and History, BA | Center for Educational Opportunity (CeO)
“CeO has been so incredibly supportive at every step of my journey. I always have someone to turn to, and always have a “homeroom” I can go to. CeO is what you make of it. Seek out help, advocate for yourself, push. As a result, you’ll learn to network and build a village around yourself. CeO wants you to succeed – and they can only help you achieve that if you communicate and anticipate your needs.”
After graduation, Ivy joins the Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies Master’s program here at UW, supported by a CGRS Fellowship. She also plans to apply to UW Law School for next fall.
Sofia Gunaratnam: Nursing, BSN | Center for Educational Opportunity (CeO)
“The CeO program gave me an exceptional foundation upon beginning my college career. I really liked the staff, peer support, and advisor support. My favorite part of UW–Madison is the terrace and seeing the seasons change. I will miss the tailgate culture, taking interesting classes, and meeting new people.”
After graduation, Sofia plans to work as a student nursing assistant in the Carbone Cancer Clinic this summer. In the fall, she will move to Chicago to begin her career as a Registered Nurse.
Kareem Harris: Landscape Architecture, BLA | Posse Program
“My favorite memory about Posse was the community built after a leadership transition. The entire team, from the director to the students, made it a priority to rebuild community. To the next generation of Posse Scholars, never say no to any new opportunities that arise and always be willing to break a leg. These four years go by fast! I’ll miss being a student. The real work begins now.”
After graduation, Kareem plans to travel to 30% of US national parks by August 1.
Areeya Her: Consumer Behavior & Marketplace Studies, BS | Precollege Enrichment Opportunity Program for Learning Excellence (PEOPLE)
“My favorite part about UW–Madison is that I get to interact with so many people from different walks of life. I love the diversity and the education that UW–Madison holds and has to offer. I’ve had many opportunities to grow both personally and professionally—whether that’s through student organizations, academic support, leadership roles, or cultural events. These experiences have helped me better understand myself and the world around me. Being part of a community that values learning, inclusion, and impact has been truly empowering.
The PEOPLE Program is one of the most rewarding and impactful programs that I have ever been a part of. Not only is it engaging, but it also deeply cares for the students that they work with. Offering many resources and connections for the students, including myself.
I’m currently exploring opportunities that align with my passions—marketing, design, event coordination, and community engagement. Whether I continue my education or enter the workforce, I’m excited to apply my skills and experiences to meaningful work that creates a positive impact. I also remain open to new directions and opportunities for growth as they arise.”
After graduation, Areeya plans to pursue graduate studies at the Information School or begin a full-time position.
Osose Inegbenoise: Information Science, BS; Computer Sciences & Cybersecurity, Certificate | Posse Program
“My favorite part about Posse must be the people that I’ve met from the beginning of college till now. Posse consists of the most creative, intellectually inclined, self-raised people I have ever met. Without fail, Posse has saved me multiple times from struggle and has by far been the best part of my college career. For those who don’t know, Posse is not just a scholarship program; rather it’s a family. A family with a goal to see each one of its members succeed, not only in school but in life. Posse exemplifies togetherness, and you see this in everything we do.
Once I leave UW–Madison, I will miss the atmosphere this school provides. Whether a student wants to grow creatively, through research, academically, and so on, there is an opportunity for students to do so. The atmosphere truly inspires you to grow, and I will miss that the most.”
After graduation, Osose will begin a full-time role as an identity access and management engineer at Northwestern Mutual in Milwaukee.
Hali Jama: Marketing and International Business, BBA | Center for Educational Opportunity (CeO)
“I’m the co-founder of EmpOUR; a company focused on equipping university students, graduate students, and early career professionals with the mentorship, career guidance, and resources they need to succeed.
One of the highlights of my time in CeO has been working closely with Ryan Grady. His mentorship, insights, and support have made a lasting impact on my journey, and I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn from him.
I’ll truly miss the communities I’ve been a part of and the wealth of resources the university has provided—CeO included. These spaces have been instrumental in my growth, and while it’s bittersweet to leave them behind, I feel ready and excited to step into this next chapter of adulthood (officially this time!).”
After graduation, Hali will join Nielsen as an analyst and continue her work with EmpOUR.
Victoria Kahite: History, BA | NDGNS_UW
“As a citizen of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, I stand in solidarity with my fellow Indigenous peoples who are not a part of a federally recognized tribe or that reside outside of what we refer to today as the United States. NDGNS_UW creates an avenue for students to learn about Indigenous experiences while also connecting them across differences and shared experiences alike. Students from various majors, schools, and disciplines can feel supported in all aspects of their educational journey. I have had the pleasure of seeing the NDGNS_UW program evolve. Starting as a small cohort and evolving into a much larger program that balances a well-rounded approach to helping students thrive on campus. There are educational and professional development opportunities. The program highlights events happening on campus, encouraging students to show up and making it easier to stay connected across this HUGE campus.
I will miss being in academic spaces with bright minds. UW students are full of great ideas and are fully loaded to produce innovative change. I believe that myself and the students who I’ve studied side by side with have a bright future ahead of us and I look forward to seeing how we shape the world.
After graduating, I will have the opportunity and honor to serve students and help build up the community, which changed my undergraduate experience completely. I’m ready to learn and grow through this experience. This is your reminder that you don’t need to have everything figured out.”
After graduation, Victoria will work in Student Affairs as the Indigenous Student Center program coordinator, hoping to eventually begin Graduate or Law school.
Mwandja Kaluta: Industrial Engineering, BS | Center for Educational Opportunity (CeO)
“CeO was more than just support; it was a family. They believed in me, helped me grow both personally and academically, and always made sure I never felt alone. Being part of CeO was truly one of the best parts of my college experience. My favorite part about the program was meeting with my advisor. She always listened, gave great advice, and truly cared about my success. I’ll miss the amazing people I met: friends, mentors, and classmates who supported me and made my experience so memorable.”
After graduation, Mwandja will begin a leadership development program that focuses on integrated supply chain.
Noah Kohn-Dumbuya: Theatre & Drama, BS; English, BA | Precollege Enrichment Opportunity Program for Learning Excellence (PEOPLE)
“My favorite thing about PEOPLE is how much they’ve changed my life. When I was younger, I complained a lot, but now as I look back, they’ve been my number one supporter. I honestly do not know where I would be if my mother never forced me to attend the recruitment orientation in middle school. I joined PEOPLE in sixth grade. Things might be different now, but remember that even though it seems tough, all your hard work will pay off! You experience and learn so much through them.
After graduation, Noah will spend a year in Madison, training to become a personal trainer, hoping to act in professional and community theater. He will also audition with his Chicago agency for film and TV roles before joining his partner in the UK to pursue a master’s degree.
Grace Licausi: Neurobiology, BS; American Indian Studies, Certificate; Leadership, Certificate | NDGNS_UW
“My favorite thing about UW is the research opportunities and all the experience I gained working on various projects during my undergraduate years. I can’t lie; I am excited to graduate and move on to the next step so I can’t think of much I’ll miss, but I for sure won’t miss the snowy winter walks to classes. One thing I will miss is the best Babcock Ice Cream flavor: chocolate peanut butter.”
After graduation, Grace will do research with the UW School of Medicine and Public Health and apply to medical school for the upcoming cycle.
Surina Martinez: Health Promotion and Health Health Equity BS; Chican@ and Latin@ Studies, BS | Posse Program
“My favorite part of UW–Madison was the space it provided me to self-explore and tap into my identities, passions, and wonders. As a Los Angeles native, experiencing my first snowfall here was so special—and surprisingly, I fell in love with the snow even more in my college journey!
As for Posse, I am forever appreciative of the family it gave me. My Posse and I have seen each other through both our lowest and highest moments. I truly would not be here without this program and the incredible people in it. Posse brings together all types of leaders and challenges them to embark on a new journey together. We lean on and learn from one another in meaningful and transformative ways.
I will deeply miss the amazing friends, faculty, and communities I’ve had the privilege to be a part of during my time here. I feel like I’m taking a piece of each of those relationships with me, and I’ll carry them into my future endeavors.”
After graduation, Surina will enter graduate school at Boston University to pursue a Master’s in Public Health, specializing in Community Assessment, Program Design, Implementation, and Evaluation.
Nicole Mendez: Nursing, BSN | Center for Educational Opportunity (CeO)
“I will overall just miss being a student, being surrounded by other amazing scholars that challenge me, and getting the opportunity to learn and have a routine here at UW-Madison. I will miss all the hours I spent at the library and then on the weekends attending a game.
I would tell other scholars to take advantage of CeO and utilize the resources provided and the amazing staff! They provide the tools for students to become successful and also find a community here on campus. My favorite part about CeO is that it provided me with invaluable guidance and support, helping me navigate academic challenges with confidence. The program also connected me with other scholars and professionals who inspired me to pursue my goals more passionately. Overall, CeO played a key role in shaping my personal growth and career readiness during my undergraduate years.”
After graduation, Nicole plans to work as an obstetrics nurse in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) before returning to grad school to become a Nurse Practitioner.
Aurelie Robert: Computer Sciences, BS; Finance, Investment, and Banking BBA | Mercile J. Lee Scholars Program
“Through this program, I have met incredible mentors and advisors whose wise words and encouragement have kept me going, whether celebrating my successes or helping me navigate enrollment hiccups. They are true cheerleaders who always make time for scholars and turn the university into a close-knit community. Being a Mercile J. Lee Scholars Program scholar has not only allowed me to pursue two bachelor’s degrees and study abroad but has also significantly contributed to my personal growth and career development. I am deeply grateful for the investment MJLSP has made in me, and I hope my journey can inspire other students to make the most of their opportunities.
I will miss the walkability of Madison! Being within walking distance of my friends, work, gym, lakes, running paths, and favorite coffee shops means my community is always around me, and life often feels busy and full. I now know it is important to create a support system and engaging environment wherever I end up, irrespective of walkability! (I will also miss the Farmer’s Market and tasting all the samples. 🤭)”
After graduation, Aurelie plans to travel through Southeast Asia and Oceania before moving to the Pacific Northwest to work as a Software Engineer at Microsoft Corporation.
Emili Robles: Computer Sciences, BS; Data Science, BS; Digital Studies, Certificate; Leadership, Certificate | Center for Educational Opportunity (CeO)
“I’m really passionate about advocacy and social justice, but those topics don’t always show up directly in my coursework as a CS student. CeO has been amazing in bridging that gap by connecting me with resources and experiences that align with my interests and values by attending the NCUR conference and Leadership & Advocacy Summit, for instance.
I wish I had joined CeO earlier! I became part of CeO my junior year, and it’s made such a difference since then. They’ve supported me in preparing for and presenting research, exploring graduate school paths, and most importantly, learning how to use my voice to advocate for my community. It’s a program that truly uplifts and empowers you.
The campus and events, I will miss being able to see my friends anywhere on campus and having the best time, whether it’s going to the group fitness classes at the Nic, grabbing pizza at Memorial Union, or locking in together at College Library. Madison will always be a home to me with all the core memories I’ve made – from discovering new passions, making incredible relationships and learning about who I truly am.”
After graduation, Emili will move to Seattle to work as a software engineer for Starbucks Corp.
Hanna Skenandore: Social Work, BSW | NDGNS_UW
“My favorite part about NDGNS_UW is being a part of community. It’s an awesome program; I’d want other scholars to utilize it.”
After graduation, Hanna plans to join UW–Milwaukee’s Master Social Work Program.
Brianna Villegas: Management and Human Resources, BBA; Leadership, Certificate | Posse Program
“My involvement includes leading as a student supervisor at the Center for Leadership & Involvement, being an ambassador at Bucky’s Classroom, an HR office assistant at the Wisconsin Union, and a member of Women in Business.
The Posse Foundation inspired me to dedicate my undergraduate career to academic achievement and leadership. I navigated UW–Madison alongside a cohort of my closest friends. Posse DC 13 provided strong support for us and became a home away from home. This constant support has given me the confidence to be a leader in every space I contribute to. After graduation, I am looking forward to joining a team of problem-solvers who combine the strength of people and technology to create positive outcomes.”
After graduation, Brianna will join PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), a multinational professional services network and accounting firm, in Washington, D.C., as a Management Consultant in Workforce Transformation.