HHS Student Leadership Program

HHS Ambassadors

HHS Ambassadors are graduates of the HHS Student Leadership Program. They serve as representatives of the School of Health and Human Sciences, contribute to university programming, and support student connection and wellbeing initiatives.

Bethany Allen

Department: Sport Management & Recreational Therapy
Expected graduation: 2027
Cohort: 2024-25

Read Bethany’s Story

Bethany was inducted into the Kappa Omicron Nu (KON) Honor Society in April 2026 and this summer she’ll complete her practicum at Victory Junction.

Through the Student Leadership Program, she has strengthened her professional development, built alumni connections, and represented her program at events.

“I really love the community we’ve built as ambassadors. We get to have so much fun together, but we also get to grow together. At every event we attend or project we do, we support each other so well. Being in this program has shown me that I’m never alone and I’m so thankful for it!”

NyAsia Dawson

Department: Social Work
Expected graduation: 2027
Cohort: 2025-26

Imani Eugene

Department: Public Health Education, minor in Social Work
Expected graduation: 2027
Cohort 2025-26

Gabrielle Harris

Department: Communication Sciences and Disorders,minor in Human Development and Family Studies
Expected graduation: 2028
Cohort: 2025-26

Destin Oparaugo

Department: Human Health Sciences
Expected graduation: 2027
Cohort: 2025-26

Emmanuel Perez

Department: Human Health Sciences
Expected graduation: 2027
Cohort: 2025-26

Yarinex Rivera

Department: Social Work, Peace and Conflict Studies
Expected graduation: 2027
Cohort: 2024-25

Yarinex served as a program teaching assistant for the Student Leadership Program in Spring 2026, where she led several initiatives, including two student wellness series events.

Further, she received a UNCG iBelong grant to coordinate an HHS Student-Alumni & Friends Interviews and Reception event, focused on building meaningful connections across generations of students and alumni.

Yarinex secured a School Social Work Liaison internship for fall 2026 as she pursues her LSSW.

“One of my favorite memories from the past year as an Ambassador and a TA has been watching the new cohort grow from when they arrived in Fall 2025 to where they are now in Spring 2026. Being able to offer guidance, share advice, and witness their personal and leadership growth has been one of my proudest moments. A key experience for me in both roles was working behind the scenes planning, coordinating, and making intentional moves to support events and long-term initiatives. Knowing that the work I helped build will continue into 2025-2027 year and beyond, even after I graduate, has been especially meaningful.”

Ethan Rubio

Department: Nutrition
Expected graduation: 2028
Cohort: 2025-26

Malachi Ward

Department: Human Health Sciences
Expected graduation: 2026
Cohort: 2024-25

Read Malachi’s Story

Malachi earned both Oral Radiology (X-ray) and Oral ID certifications this year. He secured a general dentistry internship in Durham, NC, through a UNCG connection at an alumni event where he was serving as an ambassador. He also served as a Program Assistant for the Student Leadership Program in Spring 2026, and on the executive boards for the Undergraduate Student National Dental Association and the Human Health Sciences Club. Looking ahead, he plans to apply to dental school in the upcoming cycle. He shared that the Student Leadership Program helped him feel more confident speaking with alumni and helped him build direct connections through on- and off-campus events.

A’myah Wilson

Department: Public Health Education
Expected graduation: 2027
Cohort: 2025-26

Read A’myah’s Story

A’myah’s year included a meaningful full-circle moment: returning to her high school internship with Novant as a guest speaker to encourage 2025 graduates and share a message about grit. This summer she plans to continue building clinical experience by shadowing providers and working as a CNA to gain patient care hours. Looking ahead, she’s excited to finish her degree next year and continue her path toward becoming a Physician Assistant.