Student Alumni Ambassadors

Mia Brittingham

Class Year: Fourth+ Year (Senior)
Hometown: Simi Valley, CA
Major (and minor): Political Science/ Communications (minor in Law, Society and Justice)
What do you love most about the University of Washington? I love the atmosphere at the University of Washington. Whether it is a dawg Saturday, studying in Suzzallo, or just walking through campus, the energy inspires me and lifts my spirits.
What is your dream job? Lawyer
Why do you think it’s important for students to connect with alums/the UWAA? The UWAA gives students opportunities to network in a low-risk environment. This is one of the few times in your life where you will have access to so many alumni who truly want to help in whatever way they can to make a difference for you.
In my free time, I like to: Explore different restaurants with my friends.
What is a fun or interesting fact about yourself? I broke my collarbone when I was little and now my right arm is longer than my left arm.

Makayla Hsu

Class Year: Second Year (Sophomore)
Hometown: Marysville, WA
Major (and minor): MCD Biology and a minor in Bioethics
What do you love most about the University of Washington? The community and opportunities! Although I’ve been in Washington for quite some time now, I have made so many new friends after entering the UW, and being a part of different Registered Student Organizations and activities has created a really great community for me. There are also tons of different opportunities here, academic and extracurricular, so I always find myself learning something new and improving.
What is your dream job? I want to become a physician! I think it really encompasses my academic interests as well as my desire to pursue a career where I get to meet and form meaningful connections.
Why do you think it’s important for students to connect with alums/the UWAA? Everyone goes into college with a different background. Some students already have a specific goal and plan while others are still exploring their options, but both groups could benefit greatly through connecting with alumni. Students have a chance to gain internships and jobs in their desired fields or explore career options and hear about previous experiences at the UW that could guide their own. Connecting with the UWAA is such a great idea for every student regardless of their plans.
In my free time, I like to: Look for new cafes and restaurants! I have a huge sweet tooth so I love dragging my friends out to try new desserts and drinks with me. I also really enjoy reading or playing games at home.
What is a fun or interesting fact about yourself? I used to make Instagram story filters; my most popular filter reached over 1.7 million views!

Isha Jodh

Class Year: Fourth+ Year (Senior)
Hometown: Sammamish, WA
Major (and minor): Computer Science
What do you love most about the University of Washington? All of the opportunities and people that are here! Currently, I’m one of the UWAA Student Ambassadors, and a Peer Adviser and Ambassador in the Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) department as well. I enjoy the software engineering field a lot and have done a couple of internships at Google, and one at Microsoft which were all a lot of fun! Also, while at the UW, I’ve been a TA in the CSE department, and in clubs such as Impact++ and Engineers Without Borders. Last year, I was part of the Neah Bay Riverways program where we did a lot of teaching and mentoring with elementary school students in Neah Bay, WA. So, as you can see, there are tons of cool opportunities at the UW and I encourage everyone to try some out while in college. Plus, I’ve met so many students across various majors and departments (who also come from around the world) who are all working for a better future.
What is your dream job? Founding a company or nonprofit in the Tech + Social Good space.
Why do you think it’s important for students to connect with alums/the UWAA? The UWAA has so many cool programs for current students to get more connected to our school and our alumni community, while also having fun and learning valuable advice. Also, you can get connected and build your network for post-graduation.
In my free time, I like to: I really enjoy traveling, rocketry, hiking/anything outdoors, painting, water sports/activities, baking, road trips and sunsets. I practice martial arts (tae kwon do and modern arnis), and know how to fly a helicopter. Feel free to reach out, I love meeting new people and I’d be happy to talk about anything!
What is a fun or interesting fact about yourself? I flew a helicopter around the Seattle area!

Anya Kasturi

Class Year: Third Year (Junior)
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Major (and minor): Biochemistry
What do you love most about the University of Washington? I love the student life at the UW! It is amazing to see so many people who have different pathways and opinions on campus. I also love that there is always a place for someone at the university!
What is your dream job? Helping people! I really want to pursue a career in medicine.
Why do you think it’s important for students to connect with alums/the UWAA? I think it is an important connection so students can be more prepared for their future!
In my free time, I like to: I love hiking and visiting National Parks. An ideal day would be to visit new National Parks and hike all day long. The air in the hiking trails is always so crisp and fresh.
What is a fun or interesting fact about yourself? I have the biggest crush on Jason Momoa and found out only a year ago that we have the EXACT same birthday! 🙂

Rachna Kumar

Class year: Fourth+ Year (Senior)
Hometown: Sammamish, WA
Major (Minor): Finance and Information Systems
What do you love most about the University of Washington? I love how there really is something for everyone here. A huge school of over 45,000 people might feel overwhelming at first, but the UW offers so many niche programs and opportunities that really allow every single student to embrace their passions and find a community. And of course, the campus being absolutely beautiful definitely doesn’t hurt either.
What is your dream job? I would love to work in the intersection of business and social impact.
Why do you think it’s important for students to connect with alums/the UWAA? As boundless students at the UW, it can sometimes feel intimidating to have so many potential career paths to choose from. The programs offered by the UWAA allow students to explore their career interests in a real-world environment and learn from the insider perspectives of Husky alumni who were once in our shoes. Getting connected with the UWAA not only allows us to further our professional careers through networking, but also allows us to enrich our college experience and create meaningful connections that last a lifetime.
In my free time I like to: Explore the outdoors, hang out with friends and rewatch “New Girl” for the millionth time.
What is a fun or interesting fact about yourself? I’ve met Demi Lovato twice!

Katherine Li

Class Year: Third Year (Junior)
Hometown: Morgantown, WV
Major (and minor): Finance
What do you love most about the University of Washington? I love the opportunity to connect with people from diverse backgrounds! Currently working as a resident advisor, I get to talk to many people who have different pathways and am glad to know that there is always a place for someone at the university. I also love seeing the wildlife around campus!
What is your dream job? Financial Analyst
Why do you think it’s important for students to connect with alums/the UWAA? The UWAA provides programs that would allow students to connect to alumni who were once in their shoes. It will help students get a clear understanding of the range of real-world setting applications for their degrees and career interests as well as creating meaningful connections that would last a lifetime.
In my free time, I like to: I enjoy doing a lot of physical activities such as working out, playing basketball, and hiking. I also enjoy spending time with my friends.
What is a fun or interesting fact about yourself? I love roller coaster and I want to try bungee jumping once.

Nicole Nobbay

Class Year: Third Year (Junior)
Hometown: Des Moines, WA
Major (and minor): Informatics Human-Computer Interaction
What do you love most about the University of Washington? I love the commitment that the UW has to building community within the students, staff, and alumni of the UW through events, opportunities, and resources shared. The beauty of campus can be found anywhere!
What is your dream job? Traveling UX Designer!
Why do you think it’s important for students to connect with alums/the UWAA? The UWAA can connect students with a variety of opportunities, resources, and programs that can support students in their learning through college and beyond. This connection can help strengthen and build students’ experiences with career development, networking, personal growth, and so much more!
In my free time, I like to: Work on my Bullet journal, paint, make collages, try out new baking recipes, play volleyball, rewatch my favorite tv shows, find new boba places, and crochet cute clothes!
What is a fun or interesting fact about yourself? I went to the One Direction concert when 5 Seconds of Summer opened for them 🙂

Noah Yamashita

Class Year: Third Year (Junior)
Hometown: Sammamish, WA
Major (and minor): Finance
What do you love most about the University of Washington? I love how the school has so many clubs, sports, and opportunities for students to be as involved as they want. Even though the UW is such a large school, there are so many spaces and niche groups for students to find community. Not to mention an awesome Husky Stadium right on Montlake.
What is your dream job? Helping others with a focus in finance.
Why do you think it’s important for students to connect with alums/the UWAA? The UWAA provides events for both students and alumni to stay connected. Students can gain great exposure to future careers they are interested in and have access to valuable networking opportunities.
In my free time, I like to: Hit the slopes, win intramural championships, and work with the Husky Football Team.
What is a fun or interesting fact about yourself? I went skydiving last summer and would go again.

Houston Zhang

Class Year: Fourth+ Year (Senior)
Hometown: Huainan, Anhui Province, China
Major (and minor): Economics; Mathematics (Philosophy)
What do you love most about the University of Washington? I’ve got the chance to know and make friends with so many people at the UW. And I think I would appreciate this valuable experience when I get into my 30s or 40s. The UW has a large campus to explore and is home to many large libraries. Among them, I love the East Asia Library the most as it is often quiet and hidden in Gowen Hall. A nice place to study.
What is your dream job? Funds manager! And I hope I can have my own startup company in the future when I am experienced enough.
Why do you think it’s important for students to connect with alums/the UWAA? Even though the UW is a public university, it doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy and share superb resources like private ones. And the UWAA was founded to strengthen the connections between current students and alumni. There are so many opportunities waiting for you to explore!
In my free time, I like to: Play guitar, sing, work out, watch movies, travel, etc.
What is a fun or interesting fact about yourself? A quote of mine, “keep busy and never get lost.”