Future Alumni
Student Alumni Ambassadors
Student alumni ambassadors are a group of ten students hired to serve as the link between the UW Alumni Association and current UW students. They engage with the wide range of people who make up our Husky community, from alumni and university officials to prospective and fellow students.
Meet the 2020–2021 student alumni ambassadors
Juliana Bushnell
Hometown: Edmonds, WA
Class: Senior
Major: Public Health/Global Health
What do you love most about the University of Washington? I love how many opportunities there are available at the UW. From research to clubs and beyond, every student has the chance to make as much of their time here in any way they want, which I think helps a huge school feel more personalized.
Why is it important for students to get connected to the UWAA? The UWAA has so many inclusive programs to help enhance students’ Husky experience while at the UW and their trajectory beyond graduation.
Fun fact: One time when I was working in Alaska, I stumbled upon a brown bear in the wild.
Dream job: Professional chef
In my free time I like to: Explore!
Trinity Chhay
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Class: Sophomore
Major: Political Science and (intended) Communications
What do you love most about the University of Washington? I love how many opportunities there are in such a diverse school. With every interest, there is an activity for it and it allows all students to try out new activities and interests.
Why is it important for students to get connected to the UWAA? The UWAA allows students to interact with other fellow Huskies to learn from them and provide them with opportunities. Students can begin connecting with professionals and it sets them up for a career after graduation.
Fun fact: I was named after a character from “The Matrix.”
Dream job: Working at the UN or at a digital marketing agency
In my free time I like to: I love to do anything that involves exploring someplace new, concerts, and trying new food places!
Nick Chindavongsa
Hometown: Auburn, WA
Class: Senior
Major: Business Administration: Accounting and Marketing
What do you love most about the University of Washington? The abundance of communities! There are so many opportunities and clubs that anyone can take part of and it’s easy to find your place here.
Why is it important for students to get connected to the UWAA? The UWAA has so many opportunities for students to jumpstart their career and grow personally and professionally, such as Huskies@Work and Career Treks.
Fun fact: I really enjoy baking. I am trying to perfect my chocolate chip cookie recipe.
Dream job: Government Special Agent
In my free time I like to: Explore new restaurants!
Mihret Haile
Hometown: SeaTac, WA
Class: Senior
Major: Business Information Systems
What do you love most about the University of Washington? I truly love the amazing advocates who support my pursuit of higher education. From Undergraduate Diversity Services to the Educational Opportunity Program, there is always an adviser ready to assist me.
Why is it important for students to get connected to the UWAA? It is crucial to understand all the resources available to you as a Husky. After graduation, the connection to the purple and gold community does not go away. With UWAA, your relationship with the University continues as you begin your career. This UWAA network is massive and here to support your future endeavors.
Fun fact: I cannot live without my native food, ingera. I eat it at least every other week.
Dream job: International business liaison
In my free time I like to: Dance at salsa socials and dog sit.
Olivia Harber
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Class: Junior
Majors: Community, Environment & Planning | Law, Societies & Justice
What do you love most about the University of Washington? The Husky community and availability of opportunities and resources.
Why is it important for students to get connected to the UWAA? Students can see how willing alumni are to provide opportunities and connect with current Huskies. We have a great deal we can learn from those who were in the same position we are in and how they built off their UW education.
Fun fact: My neighbor is the actor who played the butler on the Disney show, “Jessie.”
Dream job: Lawyer for the ACLU
In my free time I like to: Read, explore Seattle and all its food, pet dogs and run.
Kayla Kenyon
Hometown: Kent, Washington
Class: Senior
Major: Medical Anthropology and Global Health
What do you love most about the University of Washington? I love all the opportunities that are available at the UW. It’s possible to get involved in everything from research to student activism. Also, our campus is beautiful and our student body is so amazing!
Why is it important for students to get connected to the UWAA? The association helps students make the most of their Husky Experience! I think feeling anxious about our future beyond college is a shared feeling among many students at the UW. Being connected with the UWAA helps students meet individuals that have navigated life beyond university and can dispel a wealth of knowledge and support to us.
Fun fact: I’ve spent a lot of time in Japan and the Czech Republic. Ask me about it!
Dream job: Epidemiologist
In my free time I like to: Try new restaurants and try to recreate their dishes myself!
Madeleine Kopf-Patterson
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Class: Junior
Major: Political Science and Environmental Science & Terrestrial Resource Management
What do you love most about the University of Washington? I love the enormous number of opportunities available to students and the incredible mixture of cultures I have had the chance to learn about from all of the other students.
Why is it important for students to get connected to the UWAA? The association can forge connections between students and alumni. Students get a unique understanding of their options for the future and get to see the range of applications for degrees from the UW. Many of the UWAA programs allow students to explore the opportunities that are available to them thanks to being able to connect with alumni.
Fun fact: My family and I submitted Mt. Adams the summer of 2018.
Dream job: I’m not sure yet, but I would love to do something to bridge the gap between environmental science and the environmental policies being made.
In my free time I like to: I love to do pretty much anything outside. In particular, I love skiing (mostly cross-country). I also love to hang out with my clubs around campus.
Rachna Kumar
Hometown: Sammamish, WA
Class: Sophomore
Major: Business Finance
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.
Why is it important for students to get connected to 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.
Fun fact: I’ve met Demi Lovato twice!
Dream job: Finance Manager and/or Social Entrepreneur
In my free time I like to: Explore the outdoors, hang out with friends and rewatch “New Girl” for the millionth time.
Rakshith Mullukatte
Hometown: Olympia, Washington
Class: Junior
Major: Political Science/ Law, Society and Justice
What do you love most about the University of Washington? I love the numerous opportunities available to students within the University of Washington and to learn more about the unique groups of students and faculty members. I also love the beautiful campus, football and basketball season.
Why is it important for students to get connected to the UWAA? The UWAA creates the bridge between students at the University of Washington and alumni. As students connect to the UWAA, they will not only expand on their Husky experiences, but they will have a chance to grow professionally and personally in their career.
Fun fact: I love to travel around the world and have been to about 20 countries.
Dream job: Anesthesiology Medical Attorney
In my free time I like to: I love to play basketball and football. I love the outdoors such as camping, hiking and biking. I am also a big movie lover.
Henry Vickers
Hometown: Kenmore, WA
Class: Junior
Major: Economics
What do you love most about the University of Washington? A major part of what makes the UW great in my eyes is the community at large. Every day on campus I see myself surrounded by driven students, staff and alumni. To be able to develop my character among these people is a truly great opportunity.
Why is it important for students to get connected to the UWAA? Students that engage with the UWAA now have the opportunity to create community that they will be a part of beyond their time as a student. This will not only benefit themselves but also new and longtime members of the Husky family.
Fun fact: A favorite quote of mine, for it’s simplicity and guidance in life: “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” – Dr. Seuss
Dream job: One that puts food on the table and happiness in many hearts.
In my free time I like to: Go on adventures! Downtown? Mt. Rainier? Really anywhere? Sounds great!
Apply to be a Student Alumni Ambassador
Applications for 2021-2022 ambassadors are now CLOSED.
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 being hired in May to begin training and working in fall 2021.
Responsibilities, learning outcomes and considerations
Responsibilities:
- Encourage today’s students to see themselves as future alumni and valuable lifelong members of the UW community
- Promote UW Alumni Association student programs, such as Huskies@Work, Dinner w/ the Pack & Husky Landing, at campus events and via social media
- Host alumni, prospective students, university officials and students at UWAA and Seattle-area events
- Ensure the success of UWAA events through participating in day-of event coordination
Provide insight and feedback on student interests and trends
Learning Outcomes:
- Develop campus/community relation skills essential to fostering positive relationships with UW/UWAA community constituents (students, alumni, faculty, staff, parents & friends)
- Improve marketing & promotion techniques as part of the goal to connect the UW student population with UWAA’s student programs/membership
- Learn effective event management practices (set-up/tear-down, greeting/hosting, tabling)
- Gain an in-depth understanding of the University of Washington Alumni Association from both a student and alumni perspective
- Meet, interact, and network with the University of Washington Alumni community of over 500,000
Considerations:
- Will be expected to work at least 20 hours/quarter
- Must intend to work three consecutive quarters during the first year of employment
- Must be able to attend ambassador training and monthly meetings
- Expected to represent the UWAA, its mission, values, and programs in a positive manner
- A valid Washington State driver’s license may be required to operate the UWAA van
- Ability to lift 20 pounds regularly/up to 40 pounds occasionally for event setup/tear down
