Quinnipiac University

Multicultural Education

Sawhney Leadership Program

Quinnipiac University Sawhney Leadership Program Logo

Multicultural Education

Sawhney Leadership Program

The Sawhney Leadership Program aims to expand leadership development and corporate immersion opportunities for first-generation and similarly situated students in higher education. Participants work collaboratively with partners across campus and in the regional business community to expose students to multiple examples of leadership and prepare them for entry into the workforce.

What is the Sawhney Leadership Program?

The Sawhney Leadership Program prepares our fellows for their future careers by hosting leadership development workshops, engaging with successful alumni, building relationships with faculty and staff, immersing participants in corporate settings and developing a community of supportive, goal-oriented peers.

Sample session topics include:

  • Self Inventory - Locating Yourself in the World

  • Understanding Your Leadership Style

  • Building Interpersonal Skills for Workplace Success

  • The Language and Culture of the Professional/Corporate World

Meet the Sawhney Leadership Fellows

Khalid Abdulraheem

Class Year: 2027
Hometown: Funtua, Katsina State, Nigeria
Major: Biology Pre-Med Pediatric Healthcare

I am a biology pre-med major from Funtua, Katsina State, Nigeria, graduating in 2027. I am passionate about pediatric healthcare and aspire to work in a healthcare center serving children and families. I am especially interested in increasing access to quality care in underserved communities and hope to make a lasting impact through medicine and compassionate service. On campus, I serve as a resident assistant, a QU Global Partner helping to build cross-cultural connections, and an active member of the 1929 Fund, where I contribute to student-led philanthropic initiatives.

Rachael Allen

Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Freehold, NJ 
Major: Accounting 3+1 Program

I am an accounting major in the accelerated dual-degree 3+1 program, pursuing my MBA after I graduate in 2026 and working toward my goal of becoming a Certified Public Accountant. I serve as a peer mentor for Intermediate Accounting 1 students, where I attend lectures and prepare weekly review sessions to help recap the material. I am the chair of the Student Philanthropy Council and a member of honor societies Beta Alpha Psi and Beta Gamma Sigma. Passionate about philanthropy and service, I volunteer with the American Red Cross for the past 4 years, along with recently participating in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program last spring. Looking ahead, I am eager to continue building my leadership skills and expanding my involvement in both the Quinnipiac community and beyond. 

Thamara Benavides

Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Bethany, CT
Major: 3+1 Entrepreneurship & Innovation

I’m Thamara Benavides from Bethany, Connecticut. I am in the 3+1 Business program, majoring in entrepreneurship & innovation. I hope to utilize my skills to support the family business while also creating and operating my own. I’m passionate about helping others thrive and finding creative solutions to problems.

Adriana Bonilla

Class Year: 2027
Hometown: Chester, NY
Major: Biology 3+1

I'm Adriana Bonilla from Chester, New York, and I want to pursue a career in the medical field, specifically as a physician assistant in pediatrics. I am in the Biology 3+1 program with a minor in healthcare management and am scheduled to graduate in 2027. On campus, I have been involved in the International Student Association as public relations officer, the Balkan Heritage Society as secretary, and as a mentor for incoming biology students. Off campus, I am currently involved in volunteer work at the nonprofit CleanEarth4Kids and field work as a medical assistant. Building on these experiences, after graduation I hope to take a gap year to gain more diverse volunteer experience and acquire more patient care hours to apply to PA school.

Adelina Chocho

Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Niantic, CT
Major: 3+1 Computer Science and Cybersecurity

I am a senior in the 3+1 Computer Science and Cybersecurity program. I serve as president of Girls Who Code at Quinnipiac, where I help advance the international organization’s mission of closing the gender gap in technology and inspiring young women to explore coding. After graduation, I hope to begin a career in cybersecurity with an interest in network and systems security, while also pursuing a master’s degree. My long-term goal is to work as a security engineer, helping organizations defend against cyberattacks and protect sensitive information.  

Daina Cleveland

Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Albany, NY
Major:  Biomedical Sciences and Health, Medicine, and Society double major with a minor in Chemistry

I am a biomedical sciences and health, medicine, and society double major with a minor in chemistry. I am a resident assistant and have held this position for 3 years. I also work as a peer catalyst mentor for the learning commons. I am currently a member of Alpha Iota Sigma Honors Society and a mentor for the QUEST Program at Quinnipiac. After college, I plan to apply to medical school in hopes of becoming a neurosurgeon. My passions include healthcare disparities and bridging the gap between doctors and patients from various backgrounds.

Angel Coates

Class Year: 2026
Hometown: New Britain, CT
Major: Biology and Psychology double major

My name is Angel Coates. I was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, and have lived in Connecticut for the latter half of my life. I am currently pursuing certification as a personal trainer and nutrition coach, with long-term goals of becoming a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy and opening my own practice. A major part of my vision is to provide free or low-cost services to underserved communities, ensuring that individuals who cannot afford care still have access to the same quality of treatment as those who can.

Dajon Dort

Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Oakdale, CT
Major: Political Science with a minor in Criminal Justice 

My name is Dajon Dort, and I’m a third-year political science major with a minor in criminal justice at Quinnipiac University. I was born and raised in Connecticut, and I aspire to become an attorney. I'm passionate about many aspects of the law and have had the opportunity to serve as a legislative liaison for a nonprofit organization, where I worked directly with legislators to advocate for the passage of key bills. This experience deepened my interest in legal advocacy and public policy, and I’m committed to using my education and experiences to make a meaningful impact through the legal field. 

Jaelyn Dotson

Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Union, NJ
Major: 3+1 Film and Graphic Design 

I am a 3+1 Film and Graphic Design double major at Quinnipiac University, pursuing a graduate degree in interactive media and communications. During my time at Quinnipiac, I have been the public relations officer for Students for Social Justice, an account executive with The Agency, one of Quinnipiac’s student-run internships, and a digital assets specialist with Quinnipiac Productions. My passion for design has been recognized with a motion graphic featured on Quinnipiac's Graphic Design webpage. After graduation, I aspire to work in South Korea and connect cultures in the beauty or skin care industry through design and global marketing.

Kyle Douglas

Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Prospect, CT
Major: Law in Society major with a minor in Psychology

I am a law in society major with a minor in psychology. I hold several prominent roles on campus, including being a peer catalyst, advising assistant for the College of Arts & Sciences, and IFC delegate chair for the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. I am a member of several honor societies, including Gamma Sigma Alpha and Order of Omega, which recognize my academic achievement and leadership within Greek life. I am actively involved in legal and public service work, including a paralegal internship at Bartlett & Grippe, LLC, and previously an internship with the Town of Hamden Clerk’s Office through the Presidential Public Service Fellowship. I am also engaged with multiple student organizations on campus. I am deeply committed to using my skills and experiences to become a dedicated and effective lawyer, seeking to make a meaningful impact while serving others with integrity and professionalism.

Sarah Ezeh

Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Ashland, MA
Major: Health Sciences in the Entry-Level Masters Physician Assistant (ELMPA) Program

I aspire to becoming a physician assistant who practices with culturally competent care to treat patients in a variety of underserved communities and use culturally competent care to create an equitable and inclusive healthcare environment.
I am president of the Black Student Union (BSU), director’s assistant of FortheQUlture Magazine, pharmacy technician at CVS Pharmacy, and a Patient Care Associate in the emergency department. 

Darrell Jamison

Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Harlem, NY
Major: Game Design & Development with a minor in Film and Television

I’m Darrell Jamison from Harlem, New York. I hope to pursue a career as a film editor in the film industry, developing my skills in creating polished and impactful content across film, television and digital media. I am also passionate about video game design, having produced and contributed to projects that explore creative mechanics and immersive sound design. In addition, I aspire to become a voice actor, building my performance skills through improv comedy and stage plays to prepare for opportunities in both film and gaming.

Gianna Jones

Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Eastchester, NY
Major: Health Science Studies with a minor Sports Medicine  

I am currently a senior, on track to graduate in the spring of 2026, with a major in health science studies and a minor in sports medicine. Starting in my hometown of Eastchester, New York, and continuing during my time at Quinnipiac, I have continuously shown passion for gaining knowledge, helping the community and connecting with people, through volunteering with EMS, working with children at a summer camp, participating in Quinnipiac ASL club, gaining certificates in First Aid, CPR, Stop the Bleed, and participating in on campus events. My career aspirations revolve around the healthcare industry, hoping to use my gained knowledge and skills, along with personal experiences, to help succeed in my chosen path.  

Dae'ja Josey

Class Year: 2026
Hometown: New Britain, CT
Major: Journalism

My name is Dae’ja Josey, and I am a journalism major based in New Britain. I will graduate in May 2026. After graduation, I would like to be an education beat reporter, hopefully at WFSB Channel 3 News in Rocky Hill, Connecticut.

Christian Knight

Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Windsor Locks, CT
Major: Political Science with a minor in Public Diplomacy

I am a senior political science major with a minor in public diplomacy. I am currently a brother of Alpha Sigma Phi, serving as the vice president of standards. I am also a member of the Gamma Sigma Alpha National Academic Greek Honor Society and the Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society. I served as a 2025 Quinnipiac presidential public service fellow, working within the Hamden municipal government in the Hamden Town Clerk's Office. I have interned with the Connecticut Secretary of the State's Office and is also in my second year of their NextGen Elections program, where college students from across Connecticut learn how to be poll workers and serve on-site during elections. I wish to pursue a career in government/public service, with a focus on international relations and public diplomacy.

Isaiah M. A. Lopez

Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Greenwich, CT
Major: Criminal Justice with double minors in Political Science and Sociology 

I aspire to pursue a career as a homicide detective. My commitment to leadership is evident through my service as vice president of the Juvenile Urban Multicultural Program Board, membership on the College of Arts & Sciences Advisory Council, and my role on the Academic Integrity Board. Beyond campus, I have gained professional experience as a public safety intern with the New Jersey Civil Rights Department. I am dedicated to advancing justice and equity while preparing for a career in public service.

Arielys Medina

Class Year: 2026
Hometown: New York City, NY
Major: Health Science Studies/Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program

My name is Arielys Medina. I was originally born in NYC, but I've lived most of my life in Boston. I am currently enrolled in the 4+2 Dual-Degree Bachelor of Science in Health Science Studies/Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. I plan to earn my bachelor's degree in health science in 2026 and my entry-level doctoral degree in occupational therapy in 2028. While I haven't chosen a specific specialty yet, I feel passionate about working with pediatric clients. I also hope to amplify diversity and elevate voices of individuals, regardless of their identity.

Sara Montes

Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Bayonne, NJ
Major: 3+2 Master of Social Work

I am a sociology major with a management minor in the 3+2 Master of Social Work program here at QU. Throughout my time on campus, I have served as a resident assistant, operations manager for the Office of Student Engagement, orientation leader, site logistics chair for The Big Event, and E-Board positions on the Student Programming Board. These experiences have fueled my commitment to creating inclusive, supportive environments both on and beyond campus. After graduation, I aspire to explore the field of social work to help connect people to vital resources in both community and medical settings.

Gaurav Mootha

Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Major: Finance

I am passionate about entrepreneurship and plan to pursue a career where I can build and scale businesses. My goal is to combine my background in finance with my interest in innovation to launch ventures that create value in areas such as sports, hospitality and technology. Long term, I see myself as an entrepreneur, leading companies that not only grow financially but also make a positive impact on the communities they serve.

Ashley Naranjo

Class Year: 2026
Hometown: East Haven, CT
Major: Law in Society with a double minor in Psychology and Sociology

I currently serve as Vice-President for the Latin American Students Organization, and Vice-President of the Multicultural Student Leadership Council. I have participated in a professional internship with the Connecticut General Assembly during the 2025 Session and served under Senator Douglas McCrory. After graduation, I plan to attend law school and aspire to work for a nonprofit law firm, giving back to those in need.

Timofe Oguntolu

Class Year: 2026
Hometown: North Andover, MA
Major: Health Science Studies with a minor in Human Movement

I am a health science studies major with a human movement minor at Quinnipiac University and am on track to graduate in 2026. On campus, I serve as vice president of the African & Caribbean Student Union, am active in the Global Partners program, and work as a student supervisor, all of which have strengthened my leadership and collaboration skills. My long-term goal is to become a pediatric occupational therapist, while using my creativity and empathy to help young clients build confidence and reach their full potential.

Janet Paida

Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Plainfield, NJ
Major: 3+1 Computer Information Systems and Business Analytics with a minor in Accounting

My name is Janet Paida, and I am from Plainfield, New Jersey. I am a senior in the 3+1 program double double-majoring in computer information systems and business analytics and minoring in accounting and have completed the courses to get a micro-credential in foundations of web development. On campus, I am the treasurer for the International Business Society as well as the event coordinator for QU-IRIS (Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services) chapter. I am also a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, the International Business Honor Society, where I have previously volunteered at a local elementary school, teaching the basics about business in collaboration with Junior Achievement. After graduation, I am coming back to pursue my master's in AI & applied data analytics, and I am hoping to get a data analyst role soon after. 

Tysean Price

Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Major: Film, Television and Media Arts

My career aspirations are to make a difference in this world through film, writing and music. The ability to think and challenge the perspectives in the world matter most.

Ethan Jesse Rezende

Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Greenwich, CT
Major: Nursing

I am a senior nursing major at Quinnipiac pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). On campus, he is a second-year resident assistant as well as the vice president of Rituals and Traditions of the Theta Tau chapter in Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity. He is also a member of the Gamma Sigma Alpha National Greek Academic Honor Society. Ethan is involved with Quinnipiac Student Nurses Association's (QSNA) mentorship program, where he guides junior nursing students into their first year of nursing school. He strives to build connections within his community and lead by example. His career aspiration is to become an intensive care unit (ICU) travel nurse and eventually graduate from an accredited doctoral-level nurse anesthesia program to obtain a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and pass the National Certification Examination (NCE) to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). 

Jessica Theodore

Class Year: 2026
Hometown: East Brunswick, NJ
Major: 3+1 Computer Science and Cybersecurity

I am in the 3+1 program at Quinnipiac, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science and a Master of Science in Cybersecurity with minors in artificial intelligence and game design & development. I am a resident assistant, a member of the Honors Program, and a research assistant in the School of Computing and Engineering, working on a comprehensive study on defense against ransomware attacks. Over the summer, I interned at PSEG in New Jersey as a technical intern. After graduation, I plan to pursue a career that combines cybersecurity, business strategy and people-focused innovation to strengthen both organizations and communities.

Tuana Turhan

Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Ankara/ Turkey
Major: Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics

I would like to pursue a career at the intersection of artificial intelligence, game development, and UI/UX design, with a focus on building innovative digital experiences — from immersive games to AI-powered tools that solve real-world challenges.

Christie Volcy

Class Year: 2027
Hometown: Haiti
Major: Political Science with double minors in International Studies and Public Diplomacy

I am Christie Ganya Volcy, an international student from Haiti, currently residing in Norwalk, Connecticut. I am majoring in political science with double minors in international studies and public diplomacy. Expected to graduate in Spring 2027, I aspire to become a diplomat, driven by a lifelong dream to engage with diverse cultures and foster meaningful connections. My ultimate goal is to help transform the political landscape of my home country by embracing diversity and building bridges across communities.

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