This group of proud students is hired to serve as the link between the UW Alumni Association and current UW students.
The UWAA student alumni ambassadors engage with a wide range of people who make up our Husky community, from alumni and university officials to prospective and fellow students.
Meet the current UWAA student alumni ambassadors
Ebubechi Abonyi
Palak Banthia
Monse Diaz
Natalie Holiday
Tegan Holt
Gianna Lampert
Carrie Li
Sam Pasarakonda
Olivia “Olive” Rice
Kazu Someya
Annabelle Rockne
Ebubechi Abonyi
Class Year: Fourth Year (Senior) Hometown: Moses Lake, WA Major: Architecture What do you love most about the University of Washington? One of the aspects that I love most about the University of Washington is its remarkable ability to offer a plethora of opportunities that cater to a wide array of interests. The university’s expansive and diverse nature creates an environment where virtually every student can find something truly engaging and enriching. With its extensive range of academic programs, extracurricular activities and vibrant campus life, the University of Washington stands as a beacon of learning that not only imparts knowledge but also nurtures the individual passions and aspirations of its students. What is your dream job? My dream job is to become a Commercial Architect. Why do you think it’s important for students to connect with alums/the UWAA? I think that it is important for students to connect with alums and the UWAA because there are a lot of resources that students can gain by doing so. I also think that this is a great way of fostering community and expanding your connections. In my free time, I like to: I find immense joy and fulfillment in the realm of creativity. I dabble in different creative avenues such as painting, drawing and embroidery, and right now my current obsession is sewing. This recent obsession has opened up a whole new avenue of creativity for me, inviting me to experiment with different stitching techniques, explore diverse materials and bring to life garments that reflect my personal style. What is a fun or interesting fact about yourself? I went to a boarding school in Nigeria when I was in middle school.
Palak Banthia
Class Year: Third Year (Junior) Hometown: Bangalore, India Major: Art What do you love most about the University of Washington? What I love most about UW is the mix of opportunities and people it’s brought into my life. I’ve been able to explore so many new things here, and along the way I’ve met some of my closest friends. The community is what stands out the most, everyone’s supportive and genuinely wants to see each other succeed. And honestly, having all of this on such a beautiful campus, with the cherry blossoms in the spring and the views around, just makes it even better. What is your dream job? I’d like to be the founder of a successful start-up Why do you think it’s important for students to connect with alums/the UWAA? I think it’s really important for students to connect with alums and the UWAA because it builds a sense of community that goes beyond just the years we spend on campus. Alums have so much experience and perspective to share, they’ve been through the same classes, challenges, and transitions, so their advice can be really valuable. It’s also a great way to learn about opportunities, whether that’s internships, jobs, or just different paths we might not have thought of. Most of all, it reminds us that being a Husky doesn’t end at graduation, it’s a lifelong network we’re part of. What is your favorite UWAA program? My favorite UWAA program is Huskies@Work because it’s such a good way to connect with alumni and hear about their career paths In my free time, I like to: Explore the city through sunset points and cafes, pottery, got on treks, learning how to play tennis (as complete beginner!)
Monse Diaz
Class Year: Fourth Year (Senior) Hometown: Prosser, WA Major: Nursing What do you love most about the University of Washington? The thing I love most about the University of Washington is the scenery and all the places there are to study! What is your dream job? My dream job is to become a trauma nurse, then eventually become and EMT/Firefighter. Why do you think it’s important for students to connect with alums/the UWAA? I think it’s important to connect with alums so that they continue to know what it is that is going on at the University of Washington. As well as continue to connect with current students as well. In my free time, I like to: Crochet, go to the gym and hang out with friends. What is a fun or interesting fact about yourself? I speak three different languages: English, Spanish, and French.
Natalie Holiday
Class Year: Fourth Year (Senior) Hometown: Singapore Major (and minor): Economics (Business) What do you love most about the University of Washington? What I love most about the University of Washington is how it fosters an environment of inclusivity and embraces the diverse backgrounds of its students. Being here has allowed me to connect deeply with people from all walks of life, and this diversity has greatly expanded my worldview. The sense of community and the opportunities to engage with so many different perspectives has made my experience at UW both unique and transformative. What is your dream job? I’d like to be the founder of a successful start-up, but as a kid my big plan was to be a florist at my own flower shop. (I’d like to eventually do this too one day!) Why do you think it’s important for students to connect with the alums/the UWAA? There is nothing more important than having a support system while navigating one’s college years, and the opportunity for UW students to connect with alums through the UWAA provides just that. By engaging with alums, students are able to gain clarity on post-grad career choices and receive valuable advice from those that have been through it all. What is your favorite UWAA program or event? Huskies@Work! This is a great avenue for students to begin planning their future by heeding the advice from past Huskies. In my free time, I like to: Have movie nights with friends, get outdoors, attempt to cook, and play pickleball!
Tegan Holt
Class Year: Fourth Year (Senior) Hometown: Spokane, WA Major (and minor): Human Centered Design & Engineering What do you love most about the University of Washington? Seattle summers! What is your dream job? Gameday Experience for the Seahawks. Why do you think it’s important for students to connect with the alums/the UWAA? Being involved with the UWAA opens doors to connecting with amazing people across the world. What is your favorite UWAA program or event? Welcome to Washington tour. In my free time, I like to: Hike, play basketball, and 3D print.
Gianna Lampert
Class Year: Fourth Year (Senior) Hometown: Tucson, AZ Major (and minor): Business Administration (Certification of International Studies in Business) What do you love most about the University of Washington? I love how there is something for everyone at the UW, whether it is RSOs, sports or Greek life. Everyone can find a group of people that share common interests; if that group does not already exist, they can make it themselves. (All you need is five members to create an RSO!) What is your dream job? To found and be the CEO of my own company. Why do you think it’s important for students to connect with alums/the UWAA? Alumni can be vital to a student’s academic and post-academic careers because they have experienced everything students are currently going through. Alumni can advise students going down a similar path as them and help students discover opportunities they didn’t even know existed. In my free time, I like to: Explore Seattle! I love visiting touristy spots like Pike Place and Gas Works Park with my friends. I can’t wait to explore more this year and hopefully go on hikes and check out some of the Washington islands! What is a fun or interesting fact about yourself? I love traveling! I have traveled to 10 countries and can’t wait to visit many more.
Carrie Li
Class Year: Second Year (Sophomore) Hometown: Puyallup, WA Major (and minor): Accounting Why do you think it’s important for students to connect with alums/the UWAA? It’s important because you gain so much knowledge and resources from alums who were in your same exact position. In my free time, I like to: Dance, take a walk, and play video games
Sam Pasarakonda
Class Year: Third Year (Junior) Hometown: Bellevue, WA Major (and minor): Computer Science What do you love most about the University of Washington? What I love most about UW is the incredible diversity of people and experiences on campus. Every student brings a unique perspective, and being surrounded by so many different backgrounds has expanded my own way of thinking. What is your dream job? My dream job is to be a product manager at a health tech company. I’ve always been passionate about technology, and over time I’ve seen how deeply access to healthcare shapes people’s lives. I want to bring those two worlds together, working with engineers, designers, and medical professionals to create products that improve patient care. My hope is to make healthcare more accessible, equitable, and impactful for people everywhere! Why do you think it’s important for students to connect with the alums/the UWAA? I think it’s important for students to connect with alumni because they’ve already walked the path we’re on. Hearing their stories helps us see the different directions a UW education can take us, and their advice often opens doors to opportunities we might not have found on our own. What is your favorite UWAA program or event? My favorite program is Huskies@Work. It’s such a great way to learn directly from alumni about their career journeys and to imagine what our own next steps might look like. In my free time, I like to: Spend time outdoors, exploring photography, and going on runs with friends!
Olivia “Olive” Rice
Class Year: Fourth Year (Senior) Hometown: San Anselmo, CA Major (and minor): Honors Law Societies and Justice, Minor in Business Administration What do you love most about the University of Washington? My favorite thing about UW has been working with dedicated and inspirational faculty members. The UW campus architecture and access to nature and green space make me feel important as a student. What is your dream job? I aim to work in marketing for a cause I care about, and then obtain a law degree to utilize for a good cause: immigration law, employment law, public defense, or human rights law. Later in life I hope to start my own social enterprise and eventually become a college professor. Why do you think it’s important for students to connect with alums/the UWAA? I want all students to have equal opportunity to receive mentorship from someone who was once in their shoes, and to learn about career options from someone with years of experience. Many students don’t have professional role models to give them insight into different career fields, and the Alumni Association bridges this gap. What is your favorite UWAA program? Dawg Dash! Promoting exercise and movement while supporting students! In my free time, I like to: Go on bike rides, swim, hang out with friends, explore new places, crafts, spend time in nature.
Kazu Someya
Class Year: Fourth Year (Senior) Hometown: Florida Major: Psychology What do you love most about the University of Washington? I love how interconnected everyone is in some shape or form! So many times, I have been walking with a friend on campus when one of us runs across someone from near or distant memories ranging from recognizing a friend of a friend to an elementary classmate. It makes such an immense campus feel less intimidating. What is your dream job? Psychiatrist Why do you think it’s important for students to connect with the alums/the UWAA? I firmly believe that within any practice, you get out what you put in. The UWAA is a platform that allows students to benefit from this university by connecting with alumni who have walked the path they are on. Thinking about future career options can be very scary and lonely at times. Students must know what resources are available to make college and the future seem less frightening. In my free time, I like to: Run to various areas to witness beautiful breathtaking views posted on ASICS Runkeeper, cook Instagram-aesthetic food, venture and explore new areas especially different college campuses, and draw whatever comes to mind!
Annabelle Rockne
Graduate Intern
Class Year: Graduate Student Hometown: West Jordan, UT Major (and minor): Master of Public Health, Community-Oriented Public Health Practice What do you love most about the University of Washington? I love the old buildings and how many trees there are! Perfect place to walk around. What is your dream job? Not 100% sure, but I would love to work in a community-facing public health program Why do you think it’s important for students to connect with alums/the UWAA? As an undergrad, I found it incredibly daunting to engage with alums, but once I connected and learned more about them, I was able to figure out my path postgrad! Alums are incredible connections to aid students along their journey — frankly, without an alumni mentor I would not be pursuing the career that I am today, and the UWAA makes these connections possible. What is your favorite UWAA program? Dawg Dash! In my free time, I like to: Crochet, explore new restaurants, hang out with any and all animals, get outside, and read!
Want to join the team?
Become a student alumni ambassador!
Are you passionate about connecting with fellow students and alumni? Do you want to gain valuable leadership experience while representing the University of Washington? Applications for 2026-2027 student alumni ambassadors will open soon!
As an ambassador, you’ll:
Promote exciting UWAA and Alumni-Student programs & events to students
Plan events for students to raise awareness of the alumni association
Help foster connections between students and alumni
Play a key role in supporting a variety of events throughout the year
This is your chance to develop your professional skills, expand your network, and make a lasting impact on the Husky community!
This is a PAID position. If you’re a solid communicator who enjoys meeting new people, you could be a good fit to join us! (The hourly rate for this role is Seattle’s minimum wage, currently $20.76. Read the official position description.)
Student alumni ambassadors engage with alumni, prospective students, University officials and — most importantly — fellow students. You’ll be part of promoting exciting programs designed to connect students with alumni, help students as they begin to think about their careers and celebrate what it means to be a Husky. This position is paid. Ambassadors are hired in late May and begin training and working in the fall.
