Meet your Journey Leaders

Journey leaders are students in New Student & Family Programs (NSFP) that help welcome our newest class of CU Buffs to campus. Journey leaders will be at your summer orientation helping you find your way around, learn about campus and connect with other new Buffs. Check out the following info to start getting to know the journey leaders.

Interested in becoming a journey leader?

Journey Leader Mentors

Miquela Abeyta

She/her

New students can talk to me about commuting to campus, sports passes and creating or joining a student organization.

Miquela is a senior from Alamosa, CO, majoring in Integrative Physiology with a minor in Public Health. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader Mentor, she is involved in the American Medical Student Association and enjoys hiking, dancing, concerts and staying fit. This is Miquela's second year as a Journey Leader Mentor and third year as part of the Journey Leader program.

Nadia Janus

She/her

New students can talk to me about on-campus jobs and the transfer and out-of-state student experiences.

Nadia is a junior from Massachusetts, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Queer and Trans Studies. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader Mentor, she is a member of Tea Club and works as a Peer Advisor in PES and a Student Manager in Dining Services. She also enjoys crafting, thrifting, reading and binge watching shows. She's excited to talk to new students about how getting involved on campus can help you find a sense of belonging at CU. This is Nadia's first year as a Journey Leader Mentor and second year as part of the Journey Leader program.

Destiney Micou

She/her

New students can talk to me about being a military child and having multiple jobs while going to school full time.

Destiney is a junior from Superior, CO, majoring in English and Secondary Education. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader Mentor, she holds a board position in African Students' Association. She also loves trying new food with friends, the mall and spending her money on matcha. She can't wait to meet all of the new students this summer. This is Destiney's first year as a Journey Leader Mentor and second year as part of the Journey Leader program.

Olivia Nusbaum

She/her

New students can talk to me about Community Council, the Honors RAP and 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó's publlic transportation options.

Olivia is a junior from Denver, CO, majoring in Environmental Studies with a minor in Business. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader Mentor, she is involved in the Sustainable Business Club and loves going to concerts, thrifting, hiking and visiting the 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó Farmers Market. This is Olivia's first year as a Journey Leader Mentor and second year as part of the Journey Leader program.

Megan Welly

She/her

New students can talk to me about STEM classes, RAPs and on-campus jobs.

Megan is a junior from Aurora, CO, majoring in Integrative Physiology with a minor in Public Health. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader Mentor, she is part of the Arts & Sciences Honors Program and works at the Waltz Music Library. She spends her free time cooking, crafting and playing volleyball. This is Megan's first year as a Journey Leader Mentor and second year as part of the Journey Leader program.

Sami Zebroski

She/her

New students can talk to me about being a first-generation college student, commuting to campus and finding community at CU.

Sami is a senior from Idaho Springs, CO, majoring in Psychology. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader Mentor, she is in the Arts & Sciences Honors Program and president of the Delta Sigma chapter of the Phi Sigma Pi honor fraternity. She enjoys video games, sports, writing, drawing and music. She's also an expert at various ways to navigate to campus and how to prepare for Colorado weather on your commute. This is Sami's second year as a Journey Leader Mentor and third year as part of the Journey Leader program.

Journey Leaders

Meg Avery

She/her

New students can talk to me about health and wellness, Greek life and coming to CU from out of state.

Meg is a junior from Charlotte, NC, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Journalism. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, she is a member of Delta Gamma, and her hobbies include yoga, hiking, reading and hanging out with her cat, Stevie Nicks. She's excited to talk about anything and everything with new students this summer.

Katie Barcroft

She/her

New students can talk to me about the out-of-state student experience, Greek life and coffee shops around 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó.

Katie is a junior from Flower Mound, TX, majoring in Strategic Communication with minors in Business and American Sign Language. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, she is President of Delta Delta Delta and works as a costume shop assistant in the Department of Theatre and Dance. In her free time, she enjoys sewing, reading, crafts, hiking and wake surfing. This is Katie's second year as a Journey Leader.

Chris Belew

He/him

New students can talk to me about sports passes, sustainability, pre-law and navigating campus.

Chris is a junior from Golden, CO, majoring in Pollitical Science with a minor in Atmostpheric and Ocean Sciences. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, he is involved in the Conference on World Affairs, Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity and the Environmental Center. He also enjoys photography, fishing and sports.

Jake Belloit

He/him

New students can talk to me about the transfer student experience, moving to a new place and making friends in your first semester.

Jake is a senior from Jacksonville, FL, majoring in Computer Science. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, he is an officer in Hiking Club and enjoys biking, film, video games and reading sci fi and fantasy books, and he is a Jacksonville Jaguars fan.

Lucas Bellomo

He/him

New students can talk to me about Greek life, navigating campus and staying fit.

Lucas is a sophomore from Denver, CO, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, he is also involved in Delta Tau Delta, Green Greeks and Residence Hall Association and enjoys exercise and reading. He hopes to help new students feel safe, welcome and supported at CU.

Tyler Bendell

She/her

New students can talk to me about on-campus jobs, disability accommodations and accessibility resources, research opportunities and getting involved on campus.

Tyler is a senior from Florence, CO, majoring in Psychology with minors in Sociology and Leadership. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, she is also part of the President's Leadership Class and the Miramontes Arts & Sciences Program, and she works as a 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó Assistant and Student Assistant. In her free time, she enjoys planting, baking and attending concerts. She wants new students and their families to know that no question is too small to ask. This is Tyler's second year as a Journey Leader.

Emma Burnett

She/her

New students can talk to me about campus resources, Community Council, living on main campus and getting around without a car.

Emma is a sophomore from Durango, CO, major in Integrative Physiology. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, she is a member of the Cheyenne Arapaho Community Council and enjoys going to the gym, cheer and gymnastics, stargazing, photography, thrifting and line dancing.

Aubrie Burress

She/her

New students can talk to me about the Arts & Sciences Honors Program, Jewish life at CU and campus a cappella groups.

Aubrie is a sophomore from Colorado Springs, CO, majoring in Political Science with a minor in History. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, she is involved in a cappella and Hillel and will also be a Residential Support Leader in Stearns in the fall. She enjoys reading, running, crochet and cross stitch, gaming and singing.

Brooke Castro-Rueda

She/her

New students can talk to me about changing majors, the Rec Center, outdoor activities and finding second-year housing.

Brooke is a sophomore from Dana Point, CA, majoring in International Affairs with a minor in Political Science. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, she is a member of CU Hiking Club and enjoys snowboarding, paddleboarding, hiking and backpacking.

Abbie Clark

She/her

New students can talk to me about the transfer student experience and 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó's public transportation options.

Abbie is a senior from Centennial, CO, majoring in Cinema Studies. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, she is involved in ROAM 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó and Friends of Chip, and she spends her free time crafting and watching movies.

Gabrielle Eckles

She/her

New students can talk to me about the Rec Center and Greek life.

Gabrielle is a sophomore from Highlands Ranch, CO, majoring in Political Science. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, she is involved in Greek life and Pickleball Club, and she likes reading, exploring, going to the gym, ceramics and traveling to new countries. She can't wait to meet all the new students this summer.

Zoey Findley

She/her

New students can talk to me about the Buff Bus, time management, roommates and class schedules.

Zoey is a sophomore from Loveland, CO, majoring in Sociology. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, she is involved in GSA, and she loves chess, gaming, skating, and politics. She's excited to help new students learn hour to build their social life on campus.

Kaz Fowler

They/them

New students can talk to me about sports passes, living in Williams Village and LLCs.

Kaz is a junior from Longmont, CO, majoring in Sociology with a minor in Queer and Trans Studies. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, they are engaged in research through Queer Endeavour and enjoys movies, makeup, sports and collecting funky earrings. They've been around CU their whole life, as their grandfather works on campus.

Bilen Guilfoyle

She/her

New students can talk to me about first year Business classes, Greek life, sports passes and places to eat in 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó.

Bilen is a sophomore from Lafayette, CO, majoring in Strategy and Entrepreneurship. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, she is involved in Kappa Kappa Gamma, Wellness Society, Diverse Scholars Program, African Students' Association and Women in Business. She enjoys going to concerts, hiking, traveling and shopping.

Temsalet Haile

She/her

New students can talk to me about Leeds School of Business and living on main campus.

Temsalet is a sohopmore from Aurora, CO, majoring in Finance. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, she is a member of Diverse Scholars Program and African Students' Association.

TJ Hayes

He/him

New students can talk to me about being far from home, student organizations, honors classes and pre-med.

TJ is a sophomore from Philadelphia, PA, majoring in Psychology. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, he has been involved with Collar Scholars, Scuba Diving Class, and campus gaming. He enjoys going on walks around campus, skiing, gaming and meeting new people. He knows how daunting it can be to go to school far from home and wants new students to know that it's going to be okay.

Colton Kominski

He/him

New students can talk to me about double majoring, finding good balance and getting involved on campus.

Colton is a sophomore from Longmont, CO, double majoring in Journalism and Political Science, with a minor in Sports Media. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, he is involved in Residence Hall Association, Community Council and CMDI Student Government and is a Community Engagement Mentor in Kittredge Central. He enjoys reading, playing games, staying active and meeting new people, and he's excited to help new students find their place on campus.

Linh Le

She/her

New students can talk to me about living in Kittredge Central, being a student of color at CU and making friends in your first semester.

Linh is a sophomore from Colorado, majoring in Finance. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, she is involved in Mock Trial, Kittredge Community Council and CU Country Swing Club and enjoys karate, piano, writing, exploring and trying new activities.Ìý

Daniel Mandeville

He/him

New students can talk to me about traveling and pets.

Daniel is a senior from Longmont, CO, double majoring in Chinese and Asian Studies. He commutes to campus and has experience with the process of declaring a major after starting out in Exploratory Studies. In his free time, he enjoys writing and listening to music. This is Daniel's second year as a Journey Leader.

Prarthana Mathad

She/her

New students can talk to me about CU Student Government, Leeds School of Business and finding community at CU.

Prarthana is a junior from Colorado Springs, CO, majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Leadership Studies. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, she is Senior Vice President of Delta Sigma Pi, Director of Homecoming and Athletics in CUSG and a 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó Assistant at the Business 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó Division at Leeds. She enjoys discovering new music, reading, good coffee and hanging out with friends. This is Prarthana's second year as a Journey Leader.

Sylvia Medicus

She/her

New students can talk to me about double majoring and outdoor activities.

Sylvia is a junior from Littleton, CO, majoring in English and Secondary Education. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, she is also a member of Survivor Club and president of Creative Writing Club. In her free time, she enjoys reading writing, hiking and exploring 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó. She's ready to talk to new students about any worries for the fall semester.

Cidney Moore

She/her

New students can talk to me about academic tips, being a student of color at CU, maintaining your faith in college and getting around without a car.

Cidney is a sophomore from Milwaukee, WI, majoring in Cinema Studies. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, she has two other campus jobs and is part of a campus bible study group. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting and knitting, painting, drawing, vlogging and self-care. She's here to answer any and all questions new students have, even if they seem silly.

Quinci Owen

She/her

New students can talk to me about club sports, living in Williams Village and balancing a social life with a STEM major.

Quinci is a junior from Littleton, CO, majoring in Aerospace Engineering. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, she is an officer for the Cycling Team and also enjoys hanging out with friends and getting outside.

Gopi Patel

She/her

New students can talk to me about student organizations, professional fraternities and the best study spots on campus.

Gopi is a sophomore from Aurora, CO, majoring in Economics. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, she is involved in CU Gold, South Asian Student Association, CU Milana, AKPSI, and the Miramontes Arts & Sciences Program. In her free time, she enjoys tennis, cooking, hiking and shopping.

Amelia Pennell

She/her

New students can talk to me about School of Education, choirs on campus and coffee shops around 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó.

Amelia is a sophomore from Golden, CO, majoring in History and Secondary Education. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, she is a part of University Choir and Kappa Alpha Theta and is a Community Engagement Mentor in Baker. She loves choir, baking, lifting, traveling and West Coast Swing dancing.

Gisselle Sales Rodriguez

She/her

New students can talk to me about student leadership, being a first-generation college student and health and wellness.

Gisselle is a sophomore from Longmont, CO, majoring in Psychology. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, she is also involved in CU Gold, Residence Hall Association, Community Council, PEEPS, TRIO SSS, Stampede, NSLS and Greek life. She is bilingual and loves hiking, working out, playing piano and reading.

Isha Shah

She/her

New students can talk to me about the transfer student experience, STEM courses and living in Williams Village.

Isha is a sophomore from Longmont, CO, majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Data Science. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, she is part of Women in Computing and South Asia Student Association. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, reading and creative writing.

Maahir Shaik

He/him

New students can talk to me about the transfer student experience, intramural sports, living in Williams Village and pre-med.

Maahir is a junior from Atlanta, GA, majoring in Integrative Physiology. He has experience balancing life inside and outside of school and adjusting to a more challenging academic environment, and he hopes to be able to help new students better understand how to be successful and find friends at CU. He enjoys basketball, tennis, pickleball and swimming.

Heather Springer

She/they

New students can talk to me about student organizations, the Arts & Sciences Honors Program and hidden gems around 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó.

Heather is a sophomore from Broomfield, CO, majoring in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, she is part of Crochet & Conversations and the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association. She enjoys crochet and knitting, reading, cooking and learning new words.

Leia Sterling

She/her

New students can talk to me about the Rec Center, being part of a campus affinity group and getting ahead before the semester begins.

Leia is a junior from Denver, CO, majoring in Integrative Physiology. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, she is involved in Black Student Alliance, African Students' Association, Black Women's Alliance and Miramontes Arts & Sciences Program. She also loves drawing, word search puzzles and the Rec. She's excited to bring her laughter and energy to orientations this summer. This is Leia's second year as a Journey Leader.

Trey Thomason

He/him

New students can talk to me about sports, music, TV shows and anything else they want to talk about.

Trey is a junior from Parker, CO, triple majoring in Psychology, Neuroscience and Integrative Physiology. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, he is involved in intramural sports, the Miramontes Arts & Sciences Program, Black Student Alliance and Community Central. He enjoys playing basketball, lifting weights, hiking, watching horror movies and playing video games.

CeCe Tinan

She/her

New students can talk to me about being a student of color at CU and the best places to hike or get outdoors.

CeCe is a sophomore from Colorado Springs, CO, majoring in Strategic Communication with a minor in Business. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, she is part of the Black Student Alliance, African Students' Association, Young Life and Women in Business, and she loves sewing, hiking, playing harmonica, and photography. She hopes to help new students feel welcomed and included.

Greta Vianello

She/her

New students can talk to me about being an international student and STEM classes.

Greta is a sophomore from Mexico City, Mexico, majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Mollecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, she is involved in Backcountry Squatters and enjoys music and hanging out with friends.

Jake Watts

He/him

New students can talk to me about campus housing, Greek Life, sports passes and the 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó music scene.

Jake is a junior from Montgomery, TX, majoring in Media Production with a minor in Sports Media. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, he is a member of the Filipino Student Association, and his hobbies include playing drums and guitar, as well as collecting records and vintage clothing.

Ben Zabikow

He/him

New students can talk to me about marching band, theatre, business and video games.

Ben is a sophomore from Parker, CO, majoring in Business with minors in Spanish and Theatre. In addition to serving as a Journey Leader, he is a Peer 2 Peer Mentor and is involved in Survivor 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó, Umbrella Improv Initiative and the Golden Buffalo Marching Band. He also enjoys video games, music, writing, reading, and D&D. He hopes to help neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ students feel at home at CU.

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