Diversity Recruitment

Hi! I’m Kadija Conteh, a senior psychology and sociology double-major. I am originally from Columbus, Ohio, and I am a first-generation American and college student. I currently plan to pursue a career in the fashion marketing and merchandising space and/or be a brand creative for a fashion brand. This summer, I had the opportunity to intern for Converse on their Global Product Merchandising, Women’s Footwear team. On campus, I am currently a MLT Turn Pro Fellow and a stylist on KRNL Lifestyle and Fashion Magazine. I chose the UK for its focus on professional development and career readiness. My advice to those coming to UK is to be open-minded and utilize your resources.

Hi! I'm Nevaeh, a senior majoring in mathematics with a minor in Africana Studies and statistics. I am a 4+1 Scholar getting my masters in statistics while also pursing my bachelor’s degree. I work for the Department of Statistics as an undergraduate teaching assistant and I am active in several organizations, such as NAACP and Aspiring Sports Professionals. I also hold honors from Phi Sigma Theta National Honor Society and National Society of Collegiate Scholars. This past summer, I interned for the U.S. Army Cyber Command in Augusta, Ga. My goal is to apply my mathematical background and history of African Americans to an industry I love. I would also like to continue working with the NAACP helping to fight for injustices. I chose UK because it felt like a home away from home and has given me numerous opportunities as a young African-American female majoring in STEM.

My name is Benjamin Estrada. I am a first-generation sophomore who was born in Guatemala and raised in California right outside of Los Angeles. I am currently double majoring in pre-public health and sociology. With those majors I plan on becoming a mental health advisor/counselor, strongly advocating for minority men and the youth. Aside from serving as a DSA, I also serve as an ambassador for My Brother’s Keeper, one of the Martin Luther King Center’s signature programs where men of color gather in a space and cover a wide variety of topics in the form of intimate discussions. I chose the University of Kentucky because I live fairly close and already a sense of community built in here which made me feel welcomed from the jump. My advice to prospective students is don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Get as involved as you possibly can whether it be by joining an organization or two or just attending events with friends.
 

Hello, my name McKenna and I am from the southside of Chicago. I am a sophomore and majoring in psychology, minoring in cognitive science, and getting an undergraduate certificate in diversity and inclusion awareness. I plan to pursue a career as a board-certified behavior analyst. I currently have an internship as a tutor for the psychology department and I plan to be getting involved in more this year. My advice to prospective college students is to enjoy your time in college; college is what you make of it, and you deserve the best experience!

I’m Shandin, a merchandising, apparel and textiles major in my final year at the University of Kentucky. I chose this major in high school because I was interested in fashion but as I’ve gone through school I realized my passion for marketing and branding. I'm from Louisville and am heavily involved on campus. I have been a resident advisor, am a host for the KRNL Fashion Podcast and have served on the Executive Board of Diversity Student Ambassadors. I’m also a Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) Fellow and plan to pursue a full-time marketing role upon graduation.

My name is Camryn Mason and I’m from Paducah, Ky. I am a junior majoring in merchandising, apparel, and textiles with a minor in journalism hoping to become a Public Relations Specialist within the Fashion or Beauty Industry. Aside from my role as a Diversity Student Ambassador on campus, I am also newly involved with the Kentucky Kernel, a marketing intern for University of Kentucky’s Auxiliary Services department, and a campus ambassador for well-known fashion and beauty brands. I chose UK because it is relatively close to my hometown and the university already offered me many opportunities prior to coming here that helped me feel like I could excel within my 4 years of attendance. My advice to incoming students is to take advantage of ALL of the resources UK has to offer and take advantage of all opportunities that present themselves to you by applying even if you feel you aren’t qualified and saying yes to opportunities when applicable.

Hi! My name is Nidhi Patel, and I am a junior majoring in psychology on the pre-medicine track. I am of Indian descent but was born in Canada. I have lived in the states all my life and am from Bowling Green, Ky. I am an active member of the campus community and take part in organizations such as Asian Women’s Alliance, Phi Delta Epsilon, the Lewis Honors College and am part of a research lab. Outside of school I love to cook, read and even try my hand at painting. As a first-generation student I was really overwhelmed with the application process because I had very limited guidance. My advice for incoming students would be to go out of your way to understand what resources are provided to you, take advantage of them and become the best version of yourself!

Hi! I am Daniela, a junior studying agricultural and medical biotechnology with a minor in entomology on a pre-med track. My hometown is London, Ky. My ultimate career aspiration is to become a dedicated and accomplished physician with the goal of establishing my own medical clinic in Mexico. On campus, I am a part of Take a Tampon, Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participaction (LSAMP), undergraduate research and work as an interpreter and a nursing care technician. My advice for prospective students is to explore your interests thoroughly, seek mentorship and set goals for your academic and personal growth which is all possible through UK.

Hi! I'm JC, and I'm a first-generation senior majoring in foreign language and international economics with a minor in Islamic studies. I’m a Louisville native and this shaped my reasoning to come to UK. I work for the Martin Luther King Center as an undergraduate intern for My Brother’s Keeper and am vice president of a non-profit called Roots of Purpose. I study the Arabic language because I wish to focus on culture in the Arab world and hopefully become a United Nations ambassador. I chose to come to the University of Kentucky because it gave the most opportunities as well as being close to home. I would advise all those pursuing college to always remember your end goal, because it’s so easy to get off track.

My name is Terra Yarbrough and I am from Louisville. I am currently working on obtaining my bachelor’s degrees in neuroscience and psychology on a pre-med track. My career plans consist of eventually owning my own private practice, but in the meantime, I strive to become a pediatric neurosurgeon. On campus, I serve as the Vice President for the UK Lexington chapter of NAACP, a Diversity Student Ambassador, a Lewis Honors College Ambassador and a member of the Illustrious Iota Sigma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated®. Outside of my academics I love trying new things and finding the next adventure. I spend most of my free time enjoying nature, spending time with friends and making new memories. My advice to prospective students is to allow your mind to open up to all the opportunities UK has to offer, and during your time here, optimize your involvement with the hopes of making this campus better for the next group.

Hi! I’m Sarah, a junior majoring in sports journalism with a minor in French. I’m a first-generation college student. I was born and raised in Northern Virginia just outside of Washington D.C. I chose UK because it had a good journalism program and it’s also a big sports school which was a plus! On campus, I work at the Office of Philanthropy as a call leader, networking with alumni and raising money for the multitude of funds we have on campus. I’m also on the community service subcommittee for the Muslim Student Association. After I earn my bachelor’s degree, I plan on getting my master’s in broadcast journalism. My goal is to work overseas for a couple of years covering sports in francophone countries and covering either college basketball or the NBA long-term. My biggest piece of advice to prospective students is to go after everything you want and get out of your comfort zone! College is an adjustment so make sure to utilize all the resources UK has to offer.

Hi! My name is Noor Chishti, and I am a sophomore majoring in psychology on the pre-medicine track. On campus, I also serve as a supplemental instruction leader for BIO 148; a Lewis Honors College ambassador; a research assistant in the Emotion, Stress and Health Lab; and a member of the Muslim Student Association. My advice to anyone coming to UK is to never hesitate to reach out and ask for help, because there is always someone willing to support you!