Sandra Nip

Sandra Nip is an accounting major from Shelton, CT. She has a wide range of musical interests and finds joy in playing instruments such as the clarinet, piano, and vibraphone. In her free time, Sandra loves to bake for her friends and family and crochet. Her passion for crochet led her to start her own crochet business, StitchesbySandra. On campus, she is involved in the business connections learning community, Asian mentoring program, and was an associate at Ascend, a pan-Asian business council.

As a Werth Innovator, Sandra looks forward to learning more about networking, entrepreneurial ventures, collaborating with more mentors and peers, as well as turning passions into meaningful projects.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandranip/

Laura Park

Laura Park is a computer science and cognitive science dual degree major from Glastonbury, CT. She is interested in diving deep into her passions of technology, language, music, and dance in UConn’s diverse community. Currently, Laura serves as the founding social chair of UConn’s Undergraduate Linguistics Society (ULS). She is also a part of the UConn Wind Ensemble where she plays the oboe.

As a Werth Innovator, Laura looks forward to challenging herself to develop something that will add value to the lives of others.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-park-uconn/

Princesse Ashley Hyppolite

Princesse Ashley Hyppolite is a management and engineering for manufacturing major from Middletown, CT. With a background in student leadership, she aims to explore her interests in consulting, product strategy, and building scalable solutions that create meaningful impact. Outside of academics, Princesse enjoys creating faith-based content, making art, playing chess, reading, and skiing.

As a Werth Innovator, Princesse looks forward to collaborating with others who are passionate about innovation and positive change.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/princesse-ashley-hyppolite/

Naina Khan

Naina Khan is an international business and marketing major from Milford, CT. On campus, she enjoys interacting with the community and is part of various organizations such as the outreach committee in SUBOG and the external relations committee for Women in Business. Outside of campus commitments, Naina is usually updating her Goodreads with thoughts on whatever classic she’s reading, watching day-in-the-life videos from YouTubers across different fields, or indulging in her deep love for fashion.

As a Werth Innovator, Naina looks forward to exploring how marketing, data and creativity work together in beauty. She’s eager to dig into skincare trends and business analytics, to create campaigns addressing colorism and representation.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naina-khan/

Alyssa Kapouralos

Alyssa Kapouralos is a political science major from Manhasset, NY. She aims to strengthen her dedication to service at UConn through various volunteering initiatives. Currently, Alyssa is taking on the role of North Residential Campus Senator, representing her school spirit through the Husky Ambassador program. She is also a member of UConn’s Best Buddies club.

As a Werth Innovator, Alyssa to learn more about governmental institutions and how they affect everyday life in order to explore solutions and endless possibilities for progression.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-kapouralos-a85b4b388/

Rin Wolfe

Rin Wolfe is a marketing major with a minor in personal brand entrepreneurship from San Diego, California. She is especially passionate about fashion and mental health support, with a long-term goal of blending both fields to create her own business focused on promoting self-expression and well-being. In her free time, Rin enjoys listening to music, vintage shopping, and spending time with loved ones.

As a Werth Innovator, Rin hopes to connect and collaborate with peers to help create a happier experience for students on campus and beyond.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rin-wolfe-90aa47353/

Jenevera Abena Addai Mensah

Jenevera Mensah is currently undecided with a minor in political science from Accra, Ghana. Jenevera is motivated by the belief that meaningful change begins with small, intentional actions and that supporting others- one person at a time- can lead to lasting impact. She is currently Treasurer for Towers Hall Council, where she helps manage funds. Outside of academic and leadership pursuits, Jenevera enjoys doing hair and braiding, an interest that reflects her creativity, attention to detail, and appreciation for cultural expression.

As a Werth Innovator, Jenevera hopes to explore entrepreneurial pathways, develop practical business skills and learn how to transform ideas into solutions.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenevera-mensah-0bbb98353/

Brianna Flores

Brianna Flores is pursuing a mechanical engineering major with a concentration in Aerospace from Vernon, CT. She is a member of UConn’s hip-hop dance team, Encore, and the K-pop team, Seoular. This semester, Brianna looks forward to beginning undergraduate research in Dr. Luyi Sun’s lab which focuses on the creation of new multifunctional nanostructured materials for various applications. In addition, she has accepted the position of programming intern for the Asian American Cultural Center (AsACC).

As a Werth Innovator, Brianna looks forward to bringing energy and creativity to all programs she takes part in at UConn and hopes to grow as a professional through the Werth Innovators program.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianna-flores-18102a318/

Jordan Ng  

Jordan Ng is a sophomore majoring in animal science on the pre-veterinary track. As a Werth Innovator, Jordan enjoys connecting with her peers and brainstorming new ideas. Jordan currently works as a student administration assistant for the Werth Institute which allows her to meet with current and future Werth Innovators and use it to help improve the programs! Jordan is the Chair of the Leadership Board.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanng07/ 

Raaga Pulya  

Raaga Pulya is a senior majoring in physiology and neurobiology. As a Werth Innovator, she enjoys collaborating with other students from diverse backgrounds and exploring interdisciplinary approaches to problem solving. Her role on board is to support the UConn Gives campaign for the Werth Institute!   

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/raaga-pulya

Samantha Wisniewski  

Sam Wisniewski is a sophomore majoring in fine arts and marketing. She thoroughly enjoyed her time as a Werth Innovator with quality mentoring she received from her peers, advisors, and personally-assigned mentor. She’s excited to continue working as a social coordinator on the leadership board next year and help Werth Innovators network and bond.  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-wisniewski 

Maleekha Fong  

Maleekha Fong is a sophomore majoring in psychology with a minor in cognitive science. One thing she enjoys about being a Werth Innovator is the mentoring. She has learned from many wonderful people who gave her equally wonderful advice. She is excited to be one of the social coordinators on the leadership board, working along side the rest of the leadership board.    

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maleekhafong/  

Dino Capilupi 

Dino Capilupi is a junior majoring in finance. One of the things he enjoys most about being a Werth Innovator is being surrounded by driven, like-minded individuals who are always pushing each other to think bigger and take action on new ideas. On the leadership board, he focuses on alumni engagement by connecting past and present Werth Innovators together.   

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dino-capilupi/  

Tiana Harley 

Tiana Harley is a sophomore studying communications and analytics and information management. One thing she enjoys about being a Werth Innovator is the connections she gets to make with other students and alumni. She is works as one of the social coordinators on the leadership board.  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianaharley/  

Arkesh Ramesh Kumar  

Arkesh Ramesh Kumar is a sophomore majoring in physiology and neurobiology. One thing he truly enjoys about being a Werth Innovator is the opportunity to push others forward — learning new things and growing together as one unit. Arkesh works as Skills Workshop lead on the leadership board.  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arkesh-ramesh-kumar/  

Kitan Arole   

Kitan Arole is a sophomore majoring in journalism and political science. She is passionate about entrepreneurship, comminications, and turning ideas into impactful projects. She became a Werth Innovator during her first year at UConn where she founded her own clothing business, RunGal. Kitan’s role on the leadership board is to support the UConn Gives campaign for the Werth Institute.  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kitan-arole/  

Juliana Algeri  

Juliana is a sophomore from Holtsville Long Island, NY, pursuing an individualized major in strategic communications and well-being. As a proud member of the Honors Program, she serves on the board of ARSA (Argentinean Student Association) where she connects with her roots and uplifts her community. She enjoys singing, dancing, photography, and crafting projects that bring both joy and meaning to her life. 

As a Werth Innovator, Juliana is motivated by a vision of a bright future and embraces every opportunity to grow.   

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliana-algeri-49a502323/ 

Dino Capilupi 

Dino is a junior from Brookfield, CT, majoring in economics. Currently interning with Charles Schwab to gain hands-on experience in the financial services, he is proactive in his intentions of pursuing a career in financial advising or wealth management. Outside of school, Dino enjoys traveling, exercising, golfing, and hanging out with friends.   

As a Werth Innovator, Dino looks forward to putting his entrepreneurial mindset to the test with like-minded individuals.  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dino-capilupi/  

Sophia Doumas 

Sophia is a sophomore planning on majoring in evolutionary and ecological biology with a potential minor in writing. She enjoys testing her creative limits and is fearless when it comes to new experiences and challenges. Her diverse range of interests include sports/fitness, music, academics, and casual baking.  

As a Werth Innovator, Sophia looks forward to fostering community and connection as well as promoting action for wildlife conservation as a lifetime nature lover.  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-doumas-492b57317/  

Isabella D’Attilo  

Isabella is a sophomore from Norwalk, CT, studying marketing with an interest in management and entrepreneurship. She is treasurer of UConn’s marketing society. Bella enjoys exercise, spending time with loved ones, cooking, and working as much as she can outside of her studies.  

As a Werth Innovator, Bella is eager to learn from others as well as collaborate with her peers, connect, interact, and gain more valuable insight in the field of entrepreneurship.  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelladattilo/  

Arkesh Ramesh Kumar  

Arkesh is a sophomore from Lexington, MA, studying physiology and neurobiology with a deep passion for medicine and addressing healthcare disparities. As co-founder of Assets for Aspirers, a non- profit focused on providing educational resources to underprivileged students in India and Boston, he hopes to empower others by tackling the root causes of educational and healthcare inequities.  

As a Werth Innovator, Arkesh will continue to find creative ways to provide underrepresented communities with access to opportunities they deserve.  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arkesh-ramesh-kumar/  

Tiana Harley 

Tiana is a rising sophomore from Portland, CT, with an academic interest in communication, business management, and entrepreneurship. As an active member of Delta Zeta and UConn’s Women in Business organization, she continues to build meaningful connections and deepen her understanding of collaboration and professional growth.  

As a Werth Innovator, Tiana is eager to learn from experienced mentors, work alongside other driven students, and gain the skills needed to turn ideas into meaningful impact  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianaharley/  

Brandon Nagle  

Brandon Nagle is a Junior from Woodstock, CT, majoring in accounting. He is the founder of Applewood Exterior Cleaning as well as Aurify AI, a company that helps small businesses grow through automated marketing and AI-powered appointment-setting systems. He is passionate about building solutions that solve everyday problems and make work more efficient.  

As a Werth Innovator, Brandon is eager to learn from others, expand his knowledge, and continue growing his businesses.  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-nagle12/  

Ragan Medeles  

Ragan is a sophomore from Evans, CO, majoring in molecular and cellular biology. Aside from her academic passions of optometry and biology, she also has a large interest in music whether it is attending concerts or collecting physical media and analyzing music videos.  

As a Werth innovator, she is eager to pursue her ideas relating to her variety of passions, in hopes of creating something helpful, useful, and worthwhile.  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ragan-medeles-b87b25359/  

Joshua Kuteesa  

Joshua is a sophomore from Brockton, MA, majoring in finance. As an out-of-state student, Joshua came to UConn feeling led toward the campus life and the countless opportunities for him to explore.  

As a Werth Innovator, Joshua looks forward to utilizing the opportunities and relationships Werth Institute provides as a stepping stool for new ways to innovate and collaborate for his foreseeable career.  

Ayana Walters 

Ayana is a sophomore from Washington, D.C., majoring in economics with a focus on pre-law studies. She is actively involved in many organizations on campus, including the real estate society and women and minorities in economics society. Through many internships in the government sector, including positions with the NSA and the U.S. Patent and Trademark office, she has gained many valuable experiences.  

As a Werth innovator, Ayana is eager to explore her passion for the intersection between economics and legal systems.  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayana-walters-241996331/  

Julia Cirone

Julia is an Accounting student, graduating in 2027, and pursuing her entrepreneurial passions through her business ReBalance. ReBalance is working to build a motivational community and brand that encourages each other to balance time effectively and to accomplish goals.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-cirone/

Theresa Dobbins

Theresa Dobbins, originally from Greenwich, CT, is dedicated to her Mechanical Engineering studies, particularly in the field of aerospace and mathematics education. She aspires to broaden her horizons by exploring project management, networking, and drawing inspiration from the diverse ideas and stories of others.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-dobbins/

Lakshita Ganesh Kumar

As a first-year Computer Science and Engineering Honors student, Lakshita is excited to pursue her passions in both coding and fashion. Through the Werth Innovators program, she has been able to develop her idea for a fashion-based social networking app that will allow college students and young adults truly express and explore their styles without being bombarded by mainstream trends and media. Moving forward, she plan sto scale this project into something that students at UConn and beyond can partake in.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakshita-ganesh-kumar/

Jordan Latta

From Stamford, Connecticut, Jordan Latta is channeling her entrepreneurial passion through her business, Latta Plans. This service provides personalized digital itineraries that include detailed plans for restaurants, activities, and events throughout the Fairfield County area. Jordan is eager to explore Digital Media and Design, as she enhances her creativity and expresses her ideas through various multimedia platforms.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-latta-10450a299/

Sarah McCarthy

From Merrimack, New Hampshire, Sarah McCarthy is a dedicated student majoring in Cognitive Science. With a profound passion for cognitive science, human happiness, and literary analysis, she is driven by a quest for deeper understanding. Sarah hopes to further explore the art of effective self-presentation, storytelling, and cultivating genuine connections, aspiring to become a compelling individual to network and collaborate with.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-m-3b02aa308/

Rosemary Moyo

From Kwekwe, Zimbabwe, Rosemary Moyo is a dedicated student pursuing a major in Biomedical Engineering. With a passionate interest in the intersection of technology and medicine, science fairs, finance, economics, and languages, she is committed to exploring diverse fields of interest. Rosemary aspires to enhance her skills in effective communication, building lasting connections, problem-solving approaches, and generating innovative, impactful ideas for the future.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosemarymoyo/

Juliana Portal

From Avon, CT, Juliana Portal is a driven student pursuing a major in Biomedical Engineering. With a desire to help others, she seeks to broaden her horizons by delving into various interests beyond her major. Juliana is eager to gain insights into business operations and entrepreneurship, aspiring to understand the intricacies involved in creating and managing a successful venture.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliana-portal-259a2a29b/

Raaga Pulya

Raaga Pulya, from Acton, MA, is dedicated to her studies in Physiology & Neurobiology. Her passion for medicine, entrepreneurship, and research drives her to seek knowledge in various fields. Raaga is eager to delve into the realm of marketing and hopes to gain insights into effectively promoting products to interested audiences.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raaga-pulya-185129194/

Director, Clark Construction Group

As a Director at Clark Construction, covering Southern California, Joss Tillard-Gates ensures Clark Construction wins work in the region, delivers on Clark’s commitment to maximizing its opportunities to partner with small and diverse business entities for each of its projects, supports workforce development programs, and grows existing relationships while creating new relationships with industry partners throughout Southern California. Prior to joining Clark Construction in 2022, the bulk of Joss’s experience was in policy and government as he spent time as a registered lobbyist representing Los Angeles County, held the role as Legislative Director for a State of California official, while also leading in various capacities on political campaigns, including serving as Deputy Director of Policy for Mike Bloomberg 2020. Joss holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Connecticut, a Juris Doctor and Real Estate Law certificate from Western State College of Law, and a Construction Management certificate from UCLA. He also serves on the following boards: Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation, Los Angeles Business Council, Build California, ACE Mentor Los Angeles and Orange County, Crete Academy, and Urban Alchemy. While Joss has made Los Angeles his home, he is from Kansas City, Missouri and loves going back home to enjoy his family’s barb-b-q restaurant, Gates BBQ.

Joss Tillard-Gates is doing things WerthWatching:

• Maximizes opportunities to support small and diverse businesses as a director with Clark Construction Group
• Shares his leadership advice as a featured speaker with NetWerx: “I’ve always thought about leadership as leading from the front, and planning for the success of those that are following your guidance.”
• Joss is supporting the power of mentorship by matching donations made during the upcoming UConn Gives 36-hour fundraising campaign

What sparked your interest in policy, community affairs and construction? 

It was never lost on me that my family was in the service business although most would say that we are in the restaurant business, which is true. But our longevity stems both from our product and our service. Couple that with my attending a Jesuit high school, The Rockhurst High School, and living a life of “servant leadership” was pretty much ingrained in me during my formative years. Construction has come into play because I’ve also had a keen interest in real estate and development, watching my grandfather operate the real estate company over the course of my life. Each of his restaurants is a free-standing building, which is required to build a bar-b-q pit, and he is involved in the process from start to finish. From financing, to design, to construction, to completion. The construction industry gave me the opportunity to move out of the public sector in my career, while also providing a more tangible outcome for my work.  

You are part of a group of generous alumni matching donations made during the upcoming UConn Gives. Why did you choose to support The Werth Institute, and how does its mission resonate with your experiences and values?  

I have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for the Werth Institute, its mission, and its leadership in David Noble. As more and more of our tasks are being automated, and will continue to be automated moving forward, people who fill voids in various markets and meet consumer needs will be the driving force in our society. Entrepreneurship and small business ownership have always been the bedrock of our society and our economy and I’m happy to support Werth as it fosters that environment at the University of Connecticut. I’ve always had an interest in entrepreneurship, both because of the experiences of growing up in an entrepreneurial family, and because entrepreneurship gives you the opportunity to reach your full potential in many ways. It’s a growth opportunity professionally, emotionally, ethically, mentally, etc. etc. and the idea of growing and bettering myself is fundamental to my life. 

Why is giving back important to you, both personally and professionally? 

Giving back is important because I learned very early in my life that when you have more, you should do more. That doesn’t mean charity and sharing of resources should be limited to the wealthy, which I certainly am not. It does mean, that if you really care about a cause, a community, or even a person, you must consider the excess resources you may have and whether you’re really willing to share them. I’ll share a short story to help illustrate my point. When I was a young kid, let’s say 6th grade, I got a pair of basketball shoes for Christmas, among other gifts. One of my best friends, in a less fortunate position, was spending Christmas morning at my house and my mother must have noticed something in his mood or a look on his face when he saw me open that box of shoes. In that moment, my mother told (not asked) me to give him the shoes. They were now his gift. I did, and I’ll never forget it because my friend died in a tragic car accident that following spring. The point is this, if you love people, tell them. If you care about people, act like it. All of our time is limited, and we should be sharing the good things as much as we can. 

How has your entrepreneurial mindset influenced your approach to leadership? 

Watching my mother, grandfather, and others in my family that drive the family business on a day-to-day basis helped me understand that you must earn the right to be a leader. It involves setting a high standard, meeting it, then doing all you can to help others reach it. Leaders have to plan, teach, encourage, motivate, and act among so many other things. My mother has both an MBA and a PhD and does not let that stop her from frying French fries in one of our restaurants because she knows that ultimately, she’s responsible for the overall mission of the business. Which is to provide a high-quality product with high level service. For reasons like that, I’ve always thought about leadership as leading from the front, and planning for the success of those that are following your guidance. 

As a past guest speaker in the UNIV 1820 Conversations in Entrepreneurial Leadership course, what advice do you share with students interested in entrepreneurship or aspects of entrepreneurship?  

Entrepreneurship is not easy, but it’s worth it. Don’t get distracted by what looks like success on social media. Find something that you’re incredibly passionate about and go for it. You might fall, and you might fail, but when you go all in the lessons seem to stick. So ultimately, either you’ll end up with a successful business out the gate, or you’ll learn enough lessons to direct your steps to the business ultimately. Just don’t lose confidence and determination. Success doesn’t have a deadline.  

Can you share an instance where you took a risk? Did it pay off? If not, what lesson did you learn from the experience? 

Without going into many details, prior to my time at Clark I took the chance to become a real estate investor on a large project out of state. It was the first time I probably took a large sum of money to invest in something like that and ultimately the investment was lost, and the outcome was unsuccessful. But I’d compare the lessons to about two years of undergrad in less time and for less money, so I think I still came out ahead. Perspective is important. 

How did your time at UConn prepare you for where you’re at today?  

My time at UConn prepared me for where I am today by putting me in an environment where I didn’t know anyone else. I didn’t know of anyone else that was from the same time zone I was from when I first got to UConn. So, it was very important for me to build relationships both with my peers and with faculty. The ability to create relationships has been foundationally important to any amount of professional success I have had up to this point in my life. 

What’s your favorite UConn memory and how has your connection to the university influenced your professional journey? 

My favorite UConn memory is without a doubt the time I spent as a UConn football player from 2006-09. There were plenty of highs and plenty of lows, but the relationships and bonds that grew from that experience are second to none. Half of the groomsmen in my wedding were teammates, my oldest daughter’s Godfather was a teammate, a teammate married one of my cousins after moving to Los Angeles (lol). Ultimately, it has influenced my professional journey because sports and teams bring people from different backgrounds together to meet your ultimate goals. Football is the consummate team sport. It teaches resilience and selflessness, which is something I bring with me professionally. 

Which business tool or resource do you recommend to others, and why?  

Read the autobiographies of entrepreneurs, champion caliber athletes, world renowned artists. After that, read philosophy and books like Antifragile by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. These resources will provide a deep understanding that what you’re trying to accomplish is possible (many of the people will discuss traumatic hardship in their early years) as well as the shared mindsets, levels of determination, and personality traits that make these same people successful. Biographies and philosophy are like historical playbooks of how to create your own success and all the traits are transferrable to any industry or field.   

What’s your go-to karaoke song? 

My go to karaoke song is “I’d Rather Be with You “by Bootsy Collins. Classics never fail. 

What are you passionate about outside of work? 

I’m passionate about my family. In addition to the family I grew up with in Kansas City, I am now married and have daughters. Family is everything to me. My wife, Alexandria, is an entrepreneur and licensed therapist, and is the founder of HerHealing LA. My oldest daughter, Sadie, will be turning 4 this summer and is killing it at school. And Stella, the 5-month-old, has already done multiple modeling gigs…very LA lol. 

Owner & Creative Director, Lowbrow Studios

Mike Parker graduated from UCONN in 2001 with a degree in Graphic Design and Illustration and is now the owner and creative director of Lowbrow Studios, a full-service animation studio in Fairfield, CT.  Lowbrow has produced, written and directed animated shorts and series for TV, web and streaming.

Mike Parker is doing things WerthWatching:

• Providing mentorship to Huskies through The Werth Institute’s NetWerx program
• Lowbrow Studios has worked with clients such as Disney, Nickelodeon, MTV, Mattel, CollegeHumor, Machinima and more
• Lowbrow Studios is famous for producing the web series Sonic For Hire

What sparked your interest in 2D animation?   

I grew up loving Looney Tunes, The Simpsons, Ren & Stimpy and art in general. The way you could tell any sort of story with any sort of character was always amazing to me.  

Can you describe your experience as a mentor as part of the NetWerx program? What motivated you to become a mentor?  

I got invited to be a guest at a couple classes in the Art Department and loved seeing the students’ work and their thought processes. It was also great just helping students to try and navigate school or the transition from school to a job environment.   

What specific skills or insights do you aim to impart to your mentees?  

What to expect for life after school. Going from a regular job, to freelance, to running a company. The skills required for staying motivated and organized. 

In your mentoring role, have you encountered any common challenges or obstacles that students face when entering the field of 2D animation (or the workforce in general) and how do you help them overcome these challenges?  

I think a common problem is a broader working knowledge of animation software. It’s not an easy thing to try and tackle – but being more aware of Toon Boom, Animate, Procreate, After Effects or even things like Premiere. Knowing more about what these programs can offer, how they operate or how they fit into an animation pipeline. I feel like the more a student knows the full process of the pipeline and what software would be a good fit for each section, the more prepared or well-rounded they are for an animation position. 

How did UConn prepare you for where you’re at today?   

Oddly enough, UConn didn’t really have an animation program when I was there, so I taught myself the ins and outs. But one of the best opportunities was my Independent Study course with Cora Lynn, where I produced a couple episodes of a web series. That prepared me for learning all the steps in the process and being held accountable more than a regular assignment.  

Can you describe a time you took a risk? Did it pay off? If not, what lesson did you learn?  

Biggest risk was leaving my regular job (Graphic Designer) with a steady paycheck to do freelance animation and not knowing if I would be able to make enough on a regular basis. It took a ton of hard work, but paid off  

Describe a professional moment you are most proud of, and why?   

Everyone deals with imposter syndrome all the time. Several years ago, I sold a show to Disney, and we were in development with them for a couple years. During that time, I’d be in creative meetings with executives and higher-ups at the company and I was able to contribute some meaningful ideas and saw a positive response. That was a very reassuring moment and helped me realize that I can do this.  

What’s your favorite UConn memory?  

I had a bunch, but probably seeing my first comic strip “The Nature Show” in the Daily Campus. I got so excited I just got up and left class without realizing it.  

What are you passionate about outside of work?  

Being creative is such a big part of what I do every day and it’s really what I enjoy at all times. So, if I’m not at work, I’m usually trying to think of ideas for shorts. Or I like to go running, and of course just relax with my wife and our cats.   

President & Chief Commercial Officer, Wellinks

Geoff is President and Chief Commercial Officer at Wellinks, a virtual-first care company on a mission to help the 25 million Americans with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) live fully and breathe freely. Through its personalized approach to care, Wellinks partners with health plans and value-based care delivery organizations to help members live well with COPD and break the cycle of frequent hospitalizations. Wellinks has been named a Connecticut “Innovator of the Month” by Senator Chris Murphy and was recently awarded the Next Gen Telemedicine Rising Star Award from the UCSF Digital Health Hub Foundation. 

Over the course of Geoff’s six-year tenure with Wellinks, he has raised over $40 million in venture capital funding and has built partnerships with leading health systems, including Hartford HealthCare in Connecticut, and national payers.

A 2022 Hartford Business Journal “40 under Forty” honoree, Geoff is a founding member of the Digital Medicine Society’s IMPACT initiative for virtual-first care, an Entrepreneur-in-Residence with Connecticut Innovations, and serves on the regional Board of Directors of the American Lung Association and the Executive Committee for the New Haven Chapter of the American Heart Association. He resides in West Hartford with his family and is a proud and active alumnus of UConn. Go Huskies!


Geoff Matous is doing things WerthWatching:

• President and chief commercial officer of Wellinks, a healthcare company offering the first-ever integrated, virtual COPD management solution.
• Guided the company’s evolution from its original medical device focus and helped develop its current vision in digital health.
• Geoff is a startup mentor through CTNext and UConn, advising local businesses on topics like company formation and commercialization.

What sparked your interest in the medical device and technology field? 

It all started with a referral from a friend who had recently entered the field, a few years after graduation. I’ve now been in healthcare for over 15 years, and I can’t see myself doing anything else professionally. The combination of the quality of the people you work with, the intensity of the problems you’re partnering to solve and the impact that innovation in this field can have on the patient and our world — it’s incredibly rewarding.  

You are part of a group of generous alumni matching donations made during the upcoming UConn Gives. Why did you choose to support The Werth Institute, and how does its mission resonate with your experiences and values?  

I’m in awe, frankly, of what David and the entire team at the Werth Institute have built and are growing. The common knock on Connecticut, and specifically entrepreneurship or innovation in this state, is a tendency to think too small. Everything that The Werth Institute stands for is larger-than-life but what makes it special is how practical and hands-on the work is. You have this program meeting students where they are and giving them resources and access to mentorship, all wrapped around this incredible education at a Top 10 public university in UConn. Having spent some time with many of the students coming through The Werth Institute over the past few years, I know we’re in a position to leave that knock behind.   

I hope to be in a position someday where I can be philanthropic to the University at a larger scale. In the meantime, I’m looking for opportunities to sort of “lever up” donations by trying to be helpful to students, being an advocate for the University, and just staying connected as an alum. The Werth Institute and its mission provides a unique venue for that.
 

Why is giving back important to you, both personally and professionally? 

I’m lucky and grateful to have a number of mentors in my life, and I can’t imagine where I’d be without them. Giving back to the community, and to the University in particular, is about honoring them and giving others access to the same opportunities that people have given to me.  

How has your entrepreneurial mindset influenced your approach to leadership? 

I think I’ve built a strong appreciation and empathy for what it takes to exist in an entrepreneurial environment. I see my leadership role as keeping the heads and hearts of the team in shape to take on the challenges and opportunities that come our way. I’m always working towards being able to consistently do what former Ford Motor Company CEO Alan Mulally put as—lead with a compelling vision, comprehensive strategy and relentless execution plan.  

As a startup mentor working with companies through CTNext and UConn, what advice do you share with young entrepreneurs?  

At least recently, I’ve been talking a lot about two things.

First, find comfort in the questions. We’re wired to seek answers to everything. I’m not particularly good at this yet myself, but I think it’s important to spend more time in the unknown as an entrepreneur and to really break down big questions into sets of smaller questions before we try to construct the perfect answer. There’s a lot of value in those next levels of thought. If we immediately try to put a nice clean answer around the first question

The second is around entrepreneurship through acquisition, or ETA. Being a startup or zero-to-one entrepreneur isn’t the only path and there might be unique opportunities in a more buy-then-build type approach.  

Can you share an instance where you took a risk? Did it pay off? If not, what lesson did you learn from the experience? 

I suppose it was a bit of a risk to move from the big companies and relative safety of the medical device sales career I was in for nearly a decade and make the leap to a startup. Though it didn’t feel like it. I’m happy with that decision, it’s opened up a world of opportunity and the journey has been gratifying.  

What’s your favorite UConn memory and how has your connection to the university influenced your professional journey?

Last fall we lost a great man and teacher with the passing of Charles (Pete) Peterson, who founded and built up the Program for Sales Leadership which has since become the Professional Sales Leadership minor in the School of Business. Pete had such a positive impact on the lives and careers of everyone who went through his program. I’ll always cherish the fond memories of Pete, his courses, his friendship, and how intensely he cared about helping people be their best.  

Which business tool or resource do you recommend to others, and why?  

If you’re an entrepreneur in Connecticut, I recommend building a relationship with Connecticut Innovations. 

What’s your go-to karaoke song? 

Mr. Big “To Be with You” 

What are you passionate about outside of work? 

Spending time with my family, rooting on the UConn Huskies and playing golf.  

Aya Amoudi

Aya is an accomplished and driven individual with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Connecticut. She is a proactive leader and community builder as she serves as the President of the North African Student Society and the Secretary of the Biomedical Engineering Society Student Chapter, where she facilitates communication and event planning. Her role as a Resident Assistant and her involvement in the Undergraduate Student Government as an Operations Director and Women in Math, Science, and Engineering as an Events Coordinator underscore her commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and dynamic community. Fluent in Arabic and French, with conversational proficiency in Spanish, Aya brings a global perspective to her endeavors, making her a remarkable asset in any field she chooses to pursue. In addition to her academic pursuits, she has been a member of research teams focusing on tissue slicing and musculoskeletal system modeling, employing sophisticated techniques and software engineering.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aya-amoudi/

Brendan Barnett

Brendan Barnett is an ambitious Computer Science and Engineering honors student passionate about building businesses. His current focus is Green Elm Web Solutions, a website design and development company tailored to serve startups and small businesses in CT. Despite his technical background, he is drawn to the challenges and intricacies of the business world. Currently, Brendan is an AI Research Assistant, an Analyst at Hillside Ventures, the Team Lead at UConn ITS, and a CSE Teaching Assistant. These diverse experiences allow him to practice essential entrepreneurial skills like leading technical teams, evaluating businesses, and communicating complex ideas intuitively. When he’s not working on a business or developing trading algorithms, Brendan is probably running, snowboarding, or at Starbucks.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanabarnett/

Krishna Benzy

Krishna Benzy is a sophomore at the University of Connecticut, majoring in finance and actively participating in the Werth Innovators program. Outside of his coursework, he is deeply involved in various co-curricular activities, including playing for the Men’s Club Rugby Team, participating in the Investment Banking Society, and contributing to the Business Connections Learning Community (BCLC). He is also engaged with the Asian Mentoring Program and has been selected as a Resident Assistant for the BCLC. Krishna has demonstrated his leadership and entrepreneurial skills through various ventures and competitions. Krishna is passionate about health and wellness, real estate investment, and personal finance. He constantly seeks to enhance his knowledge and skills in these areas, driving his entrepreneurial spirit and ambition to create value and make a positive impact. Guided by a commitment to excellence and a desire to learn from those around him, Krishna expects the Werth Innovators program to be a catalyst for his entrepreneurial journey. Through his involvement in the program, he aims to accelerate his growth and contribute to his long-term vision of leading innovative ventures, leaving a lasting impact in his field.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krishnabenzy/

Kate Boget

Kate is a rising sophomore at the University of Connecticut pursuing a dual-degree with a Bachelor’s of Business in Marketing and a Bachelor’s of Science in Sport Management. She is active on campus as the Lead Coordinator and Chief of Marketing for the UConn Sport Business Conference, a Graphic Designer and multimedia specialist for Championship Labs–a student-led NIL activity and content creation team, and a member of UConn Women in Sport and UConn Women in Business. Additionally, Kate is a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, and a two time Dean’s List honoree. She is thrilled to begin her work as a Werth Innovator, and excited for the opportunity to expand her entrepreneurial abilities. In her free time, Kate enjoys spending time with friends and family, working out, baking, and hopes to one day, be an avid traveler.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlyn-boget

Ethan Carty

Ethan is majoring in Data Science & Engineering with a minor in Mathematics to pursue a career in human-computer interaction. Before the innovators program, he worked for the National Science Foundation’s REU program at Cornell Tech to perform research into improving automated vehicles and analyzing driving differences between cultures. Furthermore, Ethan gained experience in surgical robotics as an engineering intern at Medtronic. He plans to combine his experiences in research and the industry to engineer tools that streamline everyday tasks using artificial intelligence. Additionally, he aims to develop his entrepreneurial skills by working with like-minded Werth Innovators while learning how to commercialize his ideas. In his free time, Ethan enjoys running, gaming, playing chess and cello, and tutoring math at local high schools in his hometown of Fairfield, Connecticut. He believes that long runs help him cultivate his best ideas and relax his mind. After graduating, he plans on pursuing a PhD in computer science to improve and apply machine learning algorithms related to human-computer interaction.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethan-carty/

Jenaliz Cordero

Jenaliz Cordero is a sophomore during the 2024-25 academic year. They are a Geoscience major with a concentration in Earth Science. Jenaliz attended Ella T. Grasso Technical High School where they studied in the trade for Bio-Environmental Technology and achieved valedictorian status for the graduating class of 2023. Now at UConn, Jenaliz is a part of the Honors Program and striving to achieve University Honors Laureate status. Jenaliz is also a member of the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation and the First Generation College Student Society. They are also a part of many organizations and clubs on campus. They are Treasurer of Geoclub, a club run by the geoscience department for anyone with an interest in geology, they are the representative for Decolores, a queer and Latin support group, and they are a mentor for the FAMILEE program run by the Rainbow Center to promote success and sense of belonging for incoming queer undergraduates. Ever since working for Nature’s Art Village in Montville, Connecticut, Jenaliz has held a passion for sharing knowledge of paleontology to the public, especially children who are just learning about the wonders of dinosaurs, plant life, and other prehistoric organisms that roamed the Earth before humans did. Jenaliz’s current dream career is to work for a museum that allows her to curate pieces related to paleontology while also allowing her to continue research in the field of paleontology.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenaliz-cordero-b2b048293/

Ari Gerard

Ari Gerard is a Finance major at the University of Connecticut School of Business, seeking continuous learning and growth as he navigates his path in the world of Finance. Outside the classroom, Ari’s professional journey is marked by a blend of corporate and entrepreneurial experiences. As a Wealth Management Summer Intern at Fidelity Investments, he played a key role in developing advanced financial planning products. His analytical skills are further honed through his role as an Analyst with Hillside Ventures, the student-led venture capital fund, where he conducts due diligence and identifies high-potential startups for investment. He is an active member of the UConn Finance and Investment Banking Societies, and serves as a mentor within the Financial Literacy Innovation Program, educating at-risk high school students on personal finance and fundamental principles of investing. Additionally, Ari is a leader of the UConn Jewish community, serving as treasurer and board member of the Chabad on campus. In his spare time, Ari operates a successful e-commerce business selling pre-owned menswear, currently generating $250k+ in annual revenue. Beyond his academic and professional pursuits, Ari is an avid runner and is currently training for his third full marathon.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ari-gerard/

Drew Harrington

Drew is a third-year Finance major and Entrepreneurship minor from Melrose, Massachusetts. He is a former member of the Business Connections Learning Community and a past Get Seeded contestant. This summer, Drew delved into the world of venture capital as a Loeb.nyc intern, where he worked with their portfolio company RubyWell. He is now pursuing his passion for sports innovation as he takes on the role of Sports Tech Analyst at Hillside Ventures.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewharrington5/

Kaan Ozuolmez

Kaan is a quite handsome young fellow dual degreeing in Business Management & Philosophy. When asked, “Why philosophy?” Kaan explains that he enjoys pondering the intricacies of the universe. Sources say that at 6 feet in height, Kaan stands tall in facing entrepreneurial challenges (the tape measure says 5’ 9 ¾”). In his free time, Kaan enjoys saving kittens from trees, stopping crime, and getting involved with the Werth Institute. The most impactful lessons come in the form of failure – Kaan has learned a lot. With this knowledge and perseverance, he hopes to bring these characteristics to engage and grow in this community.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaan-ozuolmez-934145299/

Abdulhaq Sani

Abdulhaq Sani, a devout Muslim and rising junior at the University of Connecticut pursuing a degree in Management Information Systems (MIS), proudly represents the first-generation college students of Hartford, embracing the responsibility of paving the way for future scholars in his community. At UConn, he serves as a mentor for incoming Hartford Promise Scholars and volunteers in the Uconn Multicultural Business Society(MBS), actively supporting students and championing values of diversity and inclusion. Being an active member of organizations like NABA (National Association of Black Accountants) and NESBE (National Society of Black Engineers), Abdulhaq has continued to develop vital skills in leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, enhancing his potential not only as a Werth Innovator but as a future leader. Abdulhaq’s dedication to helping others extends far past campus boundaries, where he’s helped supervise youth programs and distribute garden beds to underprivileged families, demonstrating his commitment to servicing his community. As a Werth innovator, Abdulhaq is ready to leverage his unique experience (being a member of an underrepresented, marginalized community) to explore new opportunities for growth, channeling a passion for community service and technology to create tangible solutions to issues in healthcare and regarding food insecurity. Beyond the classroom, Abdulhaq is an open-minded individual with interests ranging from classic media to exploring the latest advancements in information technology and generative AI.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdulhaq-sani-350143201/

Kortney St Preux

My name is Kortney St Preux, I’m a rising Sophomore currently in ACES but applying for the School Of Business in Healthcare Management major with a minor in Psychological Sciences. As part of UConn, I am the community enrichment chair for the Global Business Ambassador. I love traveling and diving into new perspectives, I am a Brand Ambassador for GIVE Volunteers and volunteered over the summer in Nicaragua through them. I am a Facilitator at UConn’s Women Center for a support group named In-Power which focused on empowering survivors of non gender base violence. At the women center, I advocate and educate students on campus to bring awareness and raise conversation about women issues. I am also a floor mentor at Innovation Learning Community. I am passionate about advocacy, community building and mental health awareness. I hope to combine my entrepreneurial spirit with my interest in philanthropy to make the world a slightly better place.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kortney-st-preux-b4b600294/

Kitan Arole

Kitan is double majoring in Journalism and Political Science at UConn, with dreams of becoming a political correspondent or pursuing a career in law. Inspired by her Nigerian heritage, she is passionate about problem-solving and community impact.

As a Werth Innovator, Kitan is excited to meet new people, explore entrepreneurship, and challenge herself to grow her skills and ideas.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kitan-arole/

Maleekha Fong

Maleekha is a Psychology major at UConn with aspirations of becoming a psychiatrist. Passionate about mental health and creativity, she enjoys fashion, crocheting, and writing as outlets for self-expression.

Through the Werth Program, Maleekha looks forward to learning about networking and entrepreneurship while continuing her journey of personal and professional growth.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maleekhafong/

Jennifer Gearin

Jennifer, a Physics and Linguistics/Psychology major with a minor in Astrophysics, grew up in Merritt Island, FL, inspired by the space industry. Beyond academics, she enjoys figure skating, painting, and learning new languages.

Through the Werth Innovators program, Jennifer aims to expand access to resources for adolescents and is excited to gain new skills while collaborating with a supportive community.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-gearin/

Suhaana Jadia

Suhaana Jadia is pursuing dual degrees in Finance, with a focus on Corporate Finance, and Economics at the University of Connecticut. Passionate about analyzing market trends and understanding business strategies, she developed her interest in these fields through her high school coursework.

As a Werth Innovator, Suhaana looks forward to connecting with fellow students, diving deeper into entrepreneurship, and turning ideas into reality.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suhaana-jadia/

Jordan Ng

Jordan Ng, an Animal Science major from Greenwich, CT, blends her love for nature and animals with her passion for education and advocacy. Whether teaching about animal welfare or promoting mental health awareness, she is committed to fostering understanding in her community.

As a Werth Innovator, Jordan is eager to personalize her summer internship to align with her goals and connect with mentors who can offer valuable insights on her interests.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanng07/

Maryanne Pepin

Maryanne Pepin is pursuing a degree in Finance, driven by her passion for financial literacy and helping others understand personal finance. She combines her academic interests with community service, volunteering at her local library and thrift store.

As a Werth Innovator, Maryanne is excited to explore her passions, apply her skills, and create solutions that make a meaningful impact.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryanne-pepin/

Hannah van Rijnswou

Hannah van Rijnswou is a Psychology major at UConn, planning to pursue a dual degree in Criminal Studies. She is the President of BuckShip Hall Council and founder of InkWellness, a global creative writing initiative promoting healing through self-expression. Passionate about addressing trauma to prevent criminal behavior, she enjoys vintage fashion, writing, collecting vinyl, and antiquing.

Through the Werth Innovators program, Hannah looks forward to dedicating time to her passions and applying her learning beyond the classroom.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hvanrijnswou/

Samantha Wisniewski

Sam Wisniewski, a Fine Arts major specializing in Painting and Drawing, combines her passion for creativity with community impact. As a commissioned artist and vendor of handmade crochet products, Sam has used her talents to serve others, including donating her art to local organizations.

Through the Werth Innovators program, Sam aims to explore new ways art can make a difference, connect with fellow artists, and gain insights into unique career paths. In her free time, she enjoys playing piano, hiking, cooking, and spending quality time with her family.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-wisniewski-49207b332/

Heaven Buckham
Heaven joined the First-Year Female cohort last fall. She is working towards a dual degree in the business school as a Management Information Systems major and in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences as a Psychology major. Outside of class, Heaven is a tour guide within the Lodewick visitors center, a business academic senator, and the Vice President’s Chief of Staff in the Undergraduate Student government.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heaven-angel-buckham/

Tania Cruz
Tania joined UConn’s Werth Innovators as a member of the First-Year Female cohort last fall. She is a double major in Political Science and Economics with a Pre-Law track and a double minor in American Sign Language and Crime and Justice. Apart from academics, Tania is involved in the women’s club ice hockey team as well as the law and society club.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taniaacruz/

Claire Dobbins
Claire joined the F3 cohort during the fall of her first year at UConn. She is majoring in History and Economics, works for the UConn Archives and Special Collections, and is a member of the UConn Fed Challenge Team. Her interests include oral history preservation, financial markets, and entrepreneurship. She is also passionate about art and design, and has worked as a professional calligrapher. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and playing the piano.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-dobbins-059037203/

Rachel Harris
Rachel joined the First-Year Female cohort last fall. She is majoring in Materials Science & Engineering. This summer, she plans on working to improve access to horses and horseback riding. When she isn’t busy studying or working, she enjoys hiking, horseback riding, and skiing.

Karla Perez
Karla joined UConn’s Werth Innovators as a member of the First-Year Female cohort last fall. She is majoring in communications and journalism. Apart from academics, Karla is also involved in The Daily Campus and the UConn Dance Company.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karla-perez-a03833271/