SYDNEY BOOGAARD

LEAD AMBASSADOR

Class of 2019

Majors: Environmental & Sustainability Studies with an emphasis in Air, Water & Health; Health, Society & Policy

Hometown: Salt Lake City, UT

Fun Fact: I had foreign accent syndrome. 

What inspires you to #bethesolution?:  "We have always done it this way." This is a dangerous saying that I have heard far too often. I don't want to continue doing things the way we always have. Why? Because that means we are not improving, not growing, and not ensuring the best possible outcome for our future. I want nothing more than to leave this world knowing I played my part in creating a more equitable and sustainable future for all of those that call Earth home. 

NINA CASTELLANOS

LEAD AMBASSADOR

Class of 2020

Majors: Political Science, Peace & Conflict Studies, Gender Studies, Ethnic Studies

Hometown: Idaho Falls, ID

Fun Fact: I was a Page at the Idaho House of Representatives.

What inspires you to #bethesolution?: I study a lot of feminist politics philosophy and it can seem impossible to ever see a future where systems of oppression are dismantled; but even studying the theory, creating dialogue, educating, and believing in utopian thought is what makes the preconditions possible. 

ANA ASCENCIO

Class of 2020

Majors: Political Science, Communications (Strategic Communications Sequence)

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Fun Fact:My first internship was at the age of 15 at the Stanley Mosk Superior Court in Los Angeles. 

What inspires you to #bethesolution?: My goal to be the voice for women and Latinos is what inspires me to #bethesolution. I want to play a role in political legislation and bring about changes to those underrepresented. I want to be the voice of those who don't feel a sense of belonging and ensure my legacy in this world is that I was a champion for change. I want to serve as an inspiration for future generations to #bethesolution. 

ANTHONY DAM

Class of 2020

Major: Economics

Hometown: West Jordan, UT

Fun Fact: My favorite Disney movie is Toy Story

What inspires you to #bethesolution?: ·  "Knowledge is power" is one of my favorite mottos in life. I have a goal to inspire others in pursuing and reigniting their passions in life through education. I believe that we can focus on creating solutions for all the problems within our society by enabling, influencing, and supporting others in their endeavors. I Want to be able to leave a possible impact on the those around me, and assist them in achieving their goals.

NATALIE FILLERUP

Class of 2020

Major: Geography, Environmental & Sustainability Studies 

Hometown: Ogden, UT

Fun Fact: I work as a florist.

What inspires you to #bethesolution?: With climate change being a major concern for our generation and those to come, I am studying environmental science and geography so that I have the skills and knowledge to create innovative solutions. I'd like to earn a Masters in Urban Planning so that I can one day help create sustainable cities.

SARAH FREDERICK

Class of 2020

Major: Anthropology

Minor: Business

Hometown: Salt Lake City, UT

Fun Fact: I was born at the United States Military Academy where my dad taught in West Point, New York.

What inspires you to #bethesolution?: Being with a cohort of like-minded individuals and learning more every day about the world around us. WE can create a better future for ourselves and for generations to come. 

JENNY HUYNH

Class of 2020

Majors: International Studies with an focus in Trade & Commerce, Environmental & Sustainability Studies with an emphasis in Ecological Literacy and Social Change

Minors: Ethnic Studies and Business

Certificate: Diversity

Hometown: West Valley City, UT

Fun Fact: I have a mini rock collection from different places around the world. 

What inspires you to #bethesolution?:  My ultimate goal is what inspires me to #bethesolution which is to achieve a more sustainable environment and provide for those in need. I am ready to be the solution in order to solve environmental issues on campus and in my community. I believe that the skills I have acquired through my customers and community service have made me a very proactive, responsible, reliable, outgoing, and caring individual. I am truly dedicated to making a change that will not only benefit me but also future generations to come.

OLIVIA KAVAPALU

Class of 2022

Majors: International Studies; Health, Society & Policy

Minors: Sociology

Hometown: Taylorsville, UT

Fun Fact: I am a die-hard Beyonce fan. From Dreamgirls to Everything is Love, her powerful work constantly captures my heart.

What inspires you to #bethesolution?: As Starr Carter from Angie Thomas' "The Hate U Give", articulately puts it, “What’s the point of having a voice if you’re gonna be silent in those moments you shouldn’t be?” With an ability to speak up and dismantle oppressive systems, I choose to #bethesolution because the moment we decide to silence ourselves is the same moment where we surrender. #Bethesolution means more than speaking out against instances of injustice and strife. It asks individuals to sacrifice their complacency and use their privilege for good. #Bethesolution is the conscious decision to evolve; to grow; to move.

SANILA MATH

Class of 2022

Majors: Honors Degree in Anthropology with emphasis in Health

Minors: Integrative Human Biology

Hometown: South Jordan, UT

Fun Fact: I like dipping my grilled cheese in mayo.

What inspires you to #bethesolution?:  Being able to provide the same opportunities I have to other people who may not be as privileged as I am (all thanks to my parents!)