Trailblazers

 
My Journey in the Innovation Academy: Embracing Opportunity, Finding Balance, and Building a Dream

Hello everyone! My name is Kieran Boodram, and I am a second-year student in the Innovation Academy majoring in Business Administration-Management with minors in Innovation and Agriculture & Natural Resource Communication.

Growing Through Curiosity and the Power of Community

Allison Tivvis is a sophomore at the University of Florida majoring in Computer Science. Her journey in the Innovation Academy (IA) has been shaped by a deep commitment to curiosity, resilience, and community-driven growth. Originally unsure of her academic path, Allison found her passion for problem-solving through IA’s hands-on approach to innovation, which inspired her to switch to Computer Science. Embracing challenges as opportunities, she’s learned to tackle obstacles with creativity and confidence, gaining valuable insights into the power of collaboration and adaptability along the way.

Building a Pathway for Diversity in Tech and Learning from the Innovation Academy

Mya Ramsey is a dedicated third-year Digital Arts and Science student in the College of Engineering at the University of Florida, Mya Ramsey is passionate about harnessing technology for positive change.

How the Innovation Academy Transformed My UF Journey

Ava Rathet is a Business Administration major specializing in Law with a minor in Innovation. Through IA she has been able to get involved in organizations such as Student Government, the Business Undergraduate Mentorship Program, Heavener Leadership Challenge and Moot Court

My experience at UF through Innovation Academy

Cynthya Castro Gonzalez is an Advertising major with a minor in Innovation. During her time off, she is interning at Éliou, a clothing and jewelry brand in Miami, and working as a Social Media Assistant for the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business.

How my Passion for Marketing Grew with the Innovation Academy

Samantha is a Marketing major pursuing her Master’s in Marketing with a minor in Innovation. Through her involvement in case competitions, peer mentoring, and internships, she has demonstrated perseverance and a commitment to growth.

Freshman to Senior year: How IA helped structure my future

Angelina Rose is a Media Production, Management, and Technology major with a minor in Innovation. Supported by Innovation Academy and her fellow ambassadors, Angelina has found her path through the Florida Institute for National Security working in marketing communications.

Navigating Innovation and Mentorship: Cultivating my Path through UF Innovation Academy

Aracelly Valdes is a Pre-med Psychology and Biology major with a minor in Innovation. Possessing a passion in healthcare, she is researching individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and applying her skills as a Mental Health Technician.

Discovering My Inner Innovator: From Uncertainty to Confidence

Innovation Academy ambassador, Callahan Adams is an Anthropology major with a minor in Innovation making impactful connections with students. Through IA she has expanded her skills in AI to join Florida Institute of National Security and then EVI holdings.

Only the Beginning: My Story of Freshman Year

Hi, my name is Stephanie Barbosa a first year Finance major here at the University of Florida with a minor in Innovation. Join me as I share my insights, struggles, and triumphs in navigating the transition from high school to university life.

Embracing the Ambition: Building Dreams with Discipline

Hello everyone! My name is Andres, I am a Computer Science Hispanic student minoring in Innovation.

Redefining Horizons: My College Expedition of Innovating for a Better Tomorrow

As an advocate for mental health awareness and resilience, I believe in the power of surrounding oneself with motivated individuals, especially in academic settings like the Innovation Academy. My own journey has taught me the importance of navigating challenges with persistence and self-awareness, particularly when facing the complexities of today’s socio-political landscape.

Innovation and You

Leyla Karimova is a creative and innovative individual with a diverse background in entrepreneurship, marketing and business administration. Her academic journey reflects a commitment to both marketing and technical subjects. Starting as a marketing major, she later transitioned to STEM-related courses, prospects of product design and innovative startups.

Navigating Through the Lens of a Focused Fool—A Journey of Ambition, Resilience, and Innovation

Hello, I’m Saif Odeh, an Information Systems student with a minor in AI. Being a first-generation student, I was forced to overcome challenges and embrace growth. I learned to be comfortable with the uncomfortable; diverse experience has shaped my identity.

The Art of Networking

Hello, I’m David Zepeda, a fourth-year Advertising student with a minor in Innovation at the University of Florida. As a first-generation Nicaraguan student, I’ve overcome challenges and actively contributed to the UF community.

The Journey of Innovation: Evaluating Your Past, Present, and Future

Hello! My name is Jordan Anderson (she/her), and I am a second-year Innovation Academy student majoring in Finance. I am originally from Minnesota, #GoViks.

Experience the Power of Innovation

Julen Arriaga (he/him) is a junior pursuing a major in Information Systems through the Warrington College of Business and a minor in Innovation. He is currently an Innovation Academy ambassador and interns at an engineering startup in Gainesville, FL.

You Deserve a Seat at the Table

Matthew is a senior studying Information Systems at the Warrington College of Business and minoring in Innovation. Matthew held positions as Vice President of Gator Sports Management Organization and Director of Outreach for UF Club Pickleball.

When Innovation Meets Opportunity

My name is Hayden Hawes, and I am an upcoming sophomore studying Agricultural Education and Communication with a specialization in Communications and Leadership Development (AEC-CLD). I find myself where I am today thanks to a particular mindset. This mindset is one I will sincerely encourage you to adopt.

Dive Headfirst into Your Growth

Hi! My name is Abigail Nedved. I am a sophomore majoring in advertising through the Innovation Academy here at the University of Florida.

Learning About Yourself as Much as What You Study

My name is David DeVore. I am a senior computer science major in the Innovation Academy here at UF!

Monica Schiller

Monica Schiller (she/her) is currently a senior in the Innovation Academy at the University of Florida. She majors in marketing and has a passion for business, entrepreneurship, technology, and beauty.