Student Venture Pathways Welcomes New Staff

Jan. 15, 2024
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New SVPAs

We are very pleased to introduce new faces to our Student Venture Pathways team this semester! No matter where your entrepreneurial journey is headed, we have staff available to help.  Drop by one of our outreach events to meet them and learn how they can help you FORGE Your Future!

Marwanga Barack Asande
Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya

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Marwanga Barack Asande

  • Marwanga seeks to pursue a bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering. He enjoys traveling and exploring the world. Having lived in Italy for a while, Marwanga has an interest in cultural diversity and inclusion. His favorite thing about the University of Arizona is the abundance of opportunities and resources that are available for everyone and the great Mexican food. When not studying, he enjoys music, meeting new people, and exploring Tucson. At FORGE, he looks forward to networking and exploring professional development opportunities.
  • "Entrepreneurial Mindset" is all about taking risks, finding new ways to do things, and being quick in shifting and acting.

Esteban Chamberlain
Hometown: Nogales, Arizona

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Esteban Chamberlain

  • Esteban is a junior majoring in Accounting. Currently focusing on continuous improvement, his long-term aspiration includes launching his own business, and blending his academic prowess with real-world entrepreneurial endeavors. At the University of Arizona, he enjoys the dynamic sports teams and the overall fun environment the campus offers. Outside of his academic pursuits, Esteban is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys golfing, fishing, and socializing with friends. In his role at FORGE, he's excited about the prospect of expanding his understanding of entrepreneurship and helping students.
  • "Entrepreneurial Mindset" embodies taking initiative and strategic planning to achieve goals.

Rylee Erickson
Hometown: Mesa, Arizona

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Rylee Erickson

  • Rylee is a Junior majoring in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a minor in Weight Inclusive Health, and hopes to go to medical school to pursue a career as a doctor. Her favorite part about the University of Arizona is the ENR2 building with spectacular rooftop views as well as all lush green surroundings with a variety of flora and fauna. When not studying, Rylee likes to walk around campus with her friends and watch new TV shows. Through FORGE, as a Student Venture Pathways Assistant, she hopes to make a positive impact on the people she works with and help people find answers.
  • "Entrepreneurial Mindset" is a way of overcoming obstacles by using past mistakes to grow and build skills.

Jalen Harvey
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

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Jalen Harvey

  • Jalen Harvey is a freshman and a member of the Hopi tribe. She is majoring in Business Management and American Indian Studies and minoring in Pre-Law. She hopes to return to serve her community on the reservation. Jalen is also the Secretary and Western Regional Representative to the National UNITY (United National Indian Tribal Youth) Executive Committee. Her favorite thing about the University of Arizona is the opportunities given to create a sense of community for Indigenous students. In her spare time, Jalen loves to read, journal, attend youth events, or hang out with friends. At FORGE, she is looking forward to creating more safe spaces for Indigenous students on campus, and creating more opportunities.
  • "Entrepreneurial Mindset" means working together as a team, and creating a variety of ideas in hopes of creating unique opportunities.

Isaac Irumva
Hometown: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

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Isaac Irumva

  • Isaac is majoring in Criminal Justice and hopes to help people in need. His favorite thing about the University of Arizona is the friendly, and safe environment. Isaac loves playing soccer, drawing, and hanging out with friends and family in his spare time. At FORGE, as an SVPA, he hopes to make new connections in a friendly environment.
  • "Entrepreneurial Mindset" is a skill set that relies heavily on positive and resilient thinking, seeing new opportunities, and constantly generating ideas.

Aditi Pandey
Hometown: Lucknow, India

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Aditi Pandey

  • Aditi is a sophomore, majoring in Physiology and Medical Sciences with the aspiration of becoming a surgeon in the future. Her goal is to contribute to the well-being of the community through my passion for healthcare and medical expertise. Her favorite thing about the University of Arizona is the richness of campus life that is amplified by the diverse array of clubs available. When not studying, she likes to hang out with friends or enjoy moments in solitude. At FORGE, Aditi is eager to dive into the dynamic environment and contribute actively to the team's objectives.
  • "Entrepreneurial Mindset" means approaching challenges with a proactive and innovative mindset. For her, it's not just about business but also about seeing opportunities in everyday situations.

Anay Somani 
Hometown: Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

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Anay Somani

  • Anay is a Freshman studying Computer Science. He is deeply passionate about programming, and he uses computer languages to bring his ideas to life. His favorite thing about the University of Arizona is the many opportunities it holds for research along with renowned faculty. When he is not studying, he likes to stay on track with the Indian and U.S. stock markets and invest money in them. He also loves to play sports, cook, listen to podcasts, and travel. In his role at FORGE as a Student Venture Pathways Assistant, he hopes to explore innovative projects, connect with amazing minds, and grow through experiences. 
  • "Entrepreneurial Mindset" is like having a special way of thinking and doing things.

Christina Woodson
Hometown: Los Angeles, California

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Christina Woodson

  • Christina is an English major who hopes to utilize this field of study to run a journal and archival museum in Los Angeles. Growing up in the city of Los Angeles, traveling from neighborhood to neighborhood, she quickly learned the ability to adapt quickly and effectively. Her favorite thing about the University of Arizona is the architecture of the buildings as well as the greenery. When not studying, she likes to write, play, and listen to NPR with her child. At FORGE, she is looking forward to meeting people, working at the school she attends, and seeing how it will help her grow: as a person, as a worker, and as a creative. 
  • "Entrepreneurial Mindset" means the ability to take your ideas and create with them.