Meet the Leadership Team

The ELP is a collaborative effort, including the contributions of faculty, administrative professional staff and students who make up the Leadership Team. Read below for more information about the team members.

  • ELP Mentors

    Sabrina Bubis headshot
    Sabrina Bubis
    Name:  Sabrina Bubis (she/her)
    Major(s)/minor(s):
    Biology, pre-med
    Class Standing: 
    Senior
    Hometown:  Staten Island, New York
    Knowledge Community:  Business and Entrepreneurship

    Why are you working with the Emerging Leaders Program? What do you hope students gain from the experience?
    As a rising senior, I am interested in becoming an ELP mentor for the opportunity to give back to the program that gave so much to me. As a freshman during COVID, resources were incredibly limited and I was in fear of having little connection to the Binghamton Community. Through ELP workshops and meetings, I met incredible leaders in the Binghamton community while also connecting with like-minded students. I would love the opportunity to be a role model for someone else and supply them guidance during their initial stages at Binghamton University. I would hope incoming students learn that there are a plethora of leadership opportunities Binghamton has to offer! Specifically, the leadership qualities you acquire from this course such as communication, organization, and deligation set you up to take a part of other leadership opportunities with a working framework for success. 

    What is your definition of leadership? What qualities make a good leader?
    I define the word “leadership” as the ability to serve as a guide for those around you and efficiently unify a group of people in pursuit of a common goal. Along with internal drive and an ambitious attitude, a good leader is someone who can be patient and empathize with and knows how to communicate with people from various backgrounds. I believe drive, patience, and communication are vital components of becoming a leader! 

    What is your best advice for incoming students?
    Have fun! As stressful times come ahead, keep reminding yourself of why you are doing what you are doing and the purpose behind your actions! 


    Bryan Cabrera headshot
    Bryan Cabrera
    Name: Bryan Cabrera (he/him)
    Major(s)/minor(s): Industrial systems engineering with a minor in Biomedical Engineering
    Class Standing: Sophomore
    Hometown:  Bronx, New York
    Knowledge Community: Global Awareness and Citizenship

    Why are you working with the Emerging Leaders Program? What do you hope students gain from the experience?
    I want students to be acclimated to a brand new environment so they avoid making the same mistakes I did.

    What is your definition of leadership? What qualities make a good leader?
    Knowing how to read a room and knowing when its time to social and when its time to work. Someone that earns the respect of everyone and people trust

    What is your best advice for incoming students? 
    It is very easy to get distracted in college, take it slow. You aren’t going to be missing out if you take breaks along the way. Learn to say no when needed.


    Daniel Chavarria headshot
    Daniel Chavarria
    Name: Daniel Chavarria (he/him)
    Major(s)/minor(s): Business Administration
    Class Standing: Senior
    Hometown: Chihuahua, Mexico
    Knowledge Community: Business and Entrepreneurship

    Why are you working with the Emerging Leaders Program? What do you hope students gain from the experience?
    Coming to Binghamton University I was filled with an immense mix of emotions. I was excited but I also didn’t know what to expect. Because of that I applied to ELP and was able to have an incredible experience as a first year student at the University. Having multiple mentoring roles in the past I thought it would be the perfect opportunity for me to guide, mentor, and be friends with the upcoming ELP students looking to have an opportunity to make an impact in the community while also making friends and having fun.

    What is your definition of leadership? What qualities make a good leader?

    In simple words, leadership to me represents the ability to use your life experiences and personality traits to guide and help others succeed. Leadership also means to be a good team player, and having passion for making an impact.
    What is your best advice for incoming students? 
    My best advice is to not take anything too serious! We are all in this together, we are all trying to figure life out. Just try your best at everything you do and have fun while you are at it:)


    Brett Colucciello headshot
    Brett Colucciello
    Name: Brett Colucciello
    Major(s)/minor(s): Biochemistry Major, History Minor
    Class Standing: Sophomore
    Hometown: Scotia, New York
    Knowledge Community: Environment and Ecology

    Why are you working with the Emerging Leaders Program? What do you hope students gain from the experience?
    I enjoy giving back to my local communities and find that by doing so, I become more fulfilled and create new connections with individuals or groups within the community. The Emerging Leadership Program will help me achieve this while also helping other students achieve their goals. I hope students that go through this program gain more effective communication skills, find enjoyment in helping others and create new friendships.

    What is your definition of leadership? What qualities make a good leader?
    Leadership is one’s ability to unite a group together and successfully guide them to a goal. A good leader should have strong communication skills, is open to criticism, and can create bonds and connections well with others.

    What is your best advice for incoming students? 
    Keep an open mind and take this program less as a class or obligation and more as an experience to be looked back upon.


    Joseph Darrell headshot
    Joseph Darrell
    Name: Joe Darrell (he/him)
    Major(s)/minor(s): Biological Sciences
    Class Standing: Sophomore
    Hometown: Middletown, New York
    Knowledge Community: Sports, Recreation, and Wellness

    Why are you working with the Emerging Leaders Program? What do you hope students gain from the experience?
    After being a mentee in my freshman fall semester, I really enjoyed not only the time spent helping the community, but also the time I spent with fellow incoming freshman. With this program, I was immediately involved with a group in which I grew a strong bond with. These bonds are still very strong to this day, and I hope that all incoming students for this program are able to experience this sense of belonging. I also hope that all incoming mentees can connect with the community and feel as though they have had a significant impact on the area around them. 

    What is your definition of leadership? What qualities make a good leader?
    My definition of leadership is being able to lead others to a greater goal through collaboration, hard work, and dedication. I believe a good leader is someone who does the right thing regardless of what is said against them, and who is also dedicated and willing to influence others towards a desired goal. 

    What is your best advice for incoming students? 
    My best advice for incoming students is to enjoy every moment and to get involved. Time flies, trust me, so enjoy every little moment as it unfolds. Also, get involved on campus, as it implements you with a group of students with similar interests, and these bonds that are created will last a lifetime. 


    Andrew Gonzalez headshot
    Andrew Gonzalez
    Name: Andrew Gonzalez
    Major(s)/Minor(s): Political Science
    Class Standing: Junior
    Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
    Knowledge Community:  Public Service

    Why are you working with the Emerging Leaders Program? What do you hope students gain from the experience?
    My friend was a mentor last fall and told me it was a great experience. I hope the students become comfortable with the college environment and increase their communication skills to help them socialize and in their academics

    What is your definition of leadership? What qualities make a good leader?
    Leadership is a role that can be looked at as a guiding hand for other members of a group. A good leader should be flexible in their decision making as there will be times something happens that is out of their control. A leader must also know when to be more involved and to back away

    What is your best advice for incoming students? 
    Don’t be shy. You are one of many other incoming students possibly not knowing anyone at the school. This campus provides a welcoming environment that encourages you to explore things that you are passionate about and is very accommodating


    Sara Kotz headshot
    Sara Kotz
    Name: Sara Kotz (she/her)
    Major(s)/Minor(s): French Language and Linguistics and Mathematical Sciences Majors and Music Minor on the Pre-Med track
    Class Standing: Sophomore
    Hometown: Rochester, New York
    Knowledge Community: Environment and Ecology

    Why are you working with the Emerging Leaders Program? What do you hope students gain from the experience?
    I’m working with the Emerging Leaders Program because I want to provide incoming students with an environment that I was granted with when I first came. I hope that students are able to develop not only as a leader but also as a person, and I hope they are able to form meaningful connections with other students.

    What is your definition of leadership? What qualities make a good leader?
    To me, leadership is not only being able to direct others within some sort of project, but it is also being able to cooperate within a team while being compromising and sympathizing.

    What is your best advice for incoming students? 
    My advice for incoming students is to enjoy every moment; there will be times that college may be stressful, but make the most of what you have and have fun!


    Hannah Machingo headshot
    Hannah Machingo
    Name: Hannah Machingo (she/her)
    Major(s)/Minor(s): Business Administration & Psychology 
    Class Standing: Sophomore
    Hometown:  Warwick, New York
    Knowledge Community: Global Awareness and Citizenship

    Why are you working with the Emerging Leaders Program? What do you hope students gain from the experience?
    I am working with the Emerging Leaders Program because I want to help incoming student reach their full potential and meet their goals when starting school at Binghamton. I really hope students find good friends, learn new skills, and make new habits to help them succeed. 

    What is your definition of leadership? What qualities make a good leader?
    My definition of leadership is a person who is an able to help others lean and be successful, while also leaning from their experiences. I think that good leaders are great listeners and can make others feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. 

    What is your best advice for incoming students? 

    My advice for incoming students is to be yourself and attend as many events as possible. There are so many great opportunities available and there are always other students that go. It is an amazing way to meet new people whether it is for networking or making friends. 


    Riley Peckman headshot
    Riley Peckman
    Name: Riley Peckman (she/her)
    Major(s)/Minor(s): Biological Sciences
    Class Standing:  Sophomore
    Hometown:  Bellmore, New York
    Knowledge Community: Sports, Recreation and Wellness

    Why are you working with the Emerging Leaders Program? What do you hope students gain from the experience?

    I loved being a mentee my first semester of college. It helped to build my confidence, especially since I was nervous with how to start getting involved on campus. ELP helped me to make friends and understand how to be proactive, even though I thought I wasn’t capable. I hope students gain the same confidence and insight that I did and I hope they are able to feel comfortable on campus as quickly as I did thanks to this program!

    What is your definition of leadership? What qualities make a good leader?
    I think leadership involves an equal balance of confidence and insecurities. A good leader is someone that isn’t afraid to speak their mind, even though they might be wrong. A leader is also someone who has the ability and courage to accept help. 

    What is your best advice for incoming students? 
    College is what you make of it and how much you involve yourself. Binghamton has so many options, including clubs you’ve never heard of, so why not give it a shot? You may be the next ballroom dancer!


    Anthony Ragone Moletteri headshot
    Anthony Ragone Moletteri
    Name: Anthony Ragone Molotteri (he/him)
    Major(s)/Minor(s): Environmental Science (Ecosystems)
    Class Standing:  Sophomore
    Hometown:  Brooklyn, New York
    Knowledge Community: Arts and Humanities

    Why are you working with the Emerging Leaders Program? What do you hope students gain from the experience?

    I hope ELP mentees begin to develop a stronger connection to Binghamton, whether it be with their fellow mentees and the campus community, or the local area through the organizations the program works with.

    What is your definition of leadership? What qualities make a good leader?
    Leaders are those who rally others around a common goal. They need to be inspiring, brave, and driven, without becoming overconfident or overbearing. One of the most important qualities in a leader is listening to others, so that the common goal they are trying to accomplish is beneficial to everyone.

    What is your best advice for incoming students? 
    My best advice is to not be afraid to put yourself out there and talk to people, because unlike high school, college friendships require a lot more effort on your part. No one is going to come get you out of your dorm, you have to take it upon yourself to go out and meet people.


    Mariana Schultz Enge headshot
    Mariana Schultz Enge
    Name: Mariana Schultz Enge (she/her)
    Major(s)/Minor(s): English: Creative Writing, Theater: Design/Tech; Minor in Classical Civilizations
    Class Standing: Sophomore
    Hometown: São Paulo, Brazil
    Knowledge Community: Arts and Humanities

    Why are you working with the Emerging Leaders Program? What do you hope students gain from the experience?

    ELP helped me connect to other freshmen and campus resources, along with the BC community and some organizations Binghamton has to offer, while teaching me to broaden my definition of leadership. I hope students can gain close friends, a better understanding of the community they’re a part of as a Binghamton University student, and a more comprehensive approach to leadership and being a leader.

    What is your definition of leadership? What qualities make a good leader?
    A leader is both a good communicator and an active listener. They make decisions confidently and are able to delegate tasks. They can work as a team and know when to step up and employ their skills and step down and let others do their thing. Most important of all, they are empathetic and compassionate and know how to adapt when things go wrong.

    What is your best advice for incoming students? 
    Connect, connect, connect. Create connections with other students, faculty and staff, and on and off campus resources and organizations. Make sure you have a support network at Bing that you trust and are able to rely on.


    Jestina Tam headshot
    Jestina Tam
    Name: Jestina Tam (she/her)
    Major(s)/minor(s): Biological Sciences
    Class Standing: Sophomore
    Hometown: Queens, New York
    Knowledge Community: Public Service

    Why are you working with the Emerging Leaders Program? What do you hope students gain from the experience?
    I'm working with ELP because I gained a lot of confidence from this program. ELP was a lot of fun for me and I want everyone to experience the sense of community and empowerment you get from it. 

    What is your definition of leadership? What qualities make a good leader?
    My definition of leadership is the ability to strengthen and continue uplifting a community and its people. I believe a good leader should be able to actively listen to concerns and incorporate feedback, while also being able to relate.

    What is your best advice for incoming students? 
    At your most stressful days, remind yourself that you're doing your best, and try to give yourself time to do something just for you <3

  • Faculty program advisors


    Megan Benson headshot
    Megan Benson
    Name: Megan Benson
    Title: Assistant head of instruction and outreach
    Department: Libraries
    Knowledge Community: Arts and Humanities

    Why are you working with the Emerging Leaders Program? What do you hope students gain from the experience?
    I love working with first-year students and ELP allows me to work more closely with students and also see how much they grow in one semester. I hope students will gain confidence in their abilities.

    What is your definition of leadership? What qualities make a good leader?
    Leaders are folks other people look to. One doesn't have to be in a position of leadership to be a leader. 

    What is your best advice for incoming students? 
    Ask questions, say yes to new experiences and opportunities. Get enough sleep!


    Robert Cline headshot
    Robert Cline
    Name: Robert (Bob) Cline
    Title: Adjunct faculty
    Department: School of Management 
    Knowledge Community: Business and Entrepreneurship 

    Why are you working with the Emerging Leaders Program? What do you hope students gain from the experience?
    To help new/interested students who are looking to increase their skill set. I hope they self analyze and get better at utilizing their strengths and add new skills and techniques to their capability.

    What is your definition of leadership? What qualities make a good leader?
    A process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to acheive a common goal.

    What is your best advice for incoming students? 
    Listen, volunteer, identify what you are good at and like to do, and periodically review your goal,your skills, and the environment BECAUSE they are always changing.


    Corinne Farrell headshot
    Corinne Farrell
    Name: Corinne Farrell
    Title: Former adjunct
    Department: Health and wellness, School of Management 
    Knowledge Community: Sports, Recreation and Wellness; Global Awareness and Citizenship

    Why are you working with the Emerging Leaders Program? What do you hope students gain from the experience?
    Coming from both a Management and Health and Wellness background, I am particularly interested in the transition students face freshman year. It’s a multi faceted experience and I’m confident that programs like ELP help students gain confidence, exposure and experience that aid in the transition in a positive and productive way. 

    What is your definition of leadership? What qualities make a good leader?
    Being a good observer and listener are paramount in being a good leader. Individuals that can empower others through their leadership are most successful. Communication and kindness are key. 

    What is your best advice for incoming students? 
    You are not the only one feeling the way you may be feeling on any given day! Go for it! Get out of your comfort zone!! Make mistakes!! Have fun!! Work hard! YOU GOT THIS!


    Dylan Horvath headshot
    Dylan Horvath
    Name: Dylan Horvath
    Title: Steward of natural areas
    Department: Environmental studies
    Knowledge Community: Environment and ecology 

    Why are you working with the Emerging Leaders Program? What do you hope students gain from the experience?
    I started because I like helping students, but my reasons have morphed into liking to see students team up and accomplish things. The ELP has been great for making connections between students and even between students and faculty or other professionals. I hope students have a positive learning experience, learn some leadership skills, make connections, and have fun. 

    What is your definition of leadership? What qualities make a good leader?
    Leadership is guiding and hopefully positively influencing others to progress, improve, and/or to accomplish a task or change. A good leader recognizes the qualities of those whom they are leading and lead by example while compromising when necessary. 

    What is your best advice for incoming students? 
    Take advantage of opportunities to see invited speakers or speaking to professors. Even if you're just a little interested in something, you may find that someone inspires a whole new direction.


    Kun Wang headshot
    Kun Wang
    Name: Kun Wang
    Title: Assistant professor
    Department: Social work
    Knowledge Community: Public Service

    Why are you working with the Emerging Leaders Program? What do you hope students gain from the experience?
    Help students succeed! Teamwork.

    What is your definition of leadership? What qualities make a good leader?
    Guide the student to get 1+1>2. The balance of giving and receiving.

    What is your best advice for incoming students? 
    Work hard; play hard.

  • Staff Program Advisors

    Dan Auber headshot
    Dan Auber
    Name: Dan Auber
    Title: Academic advisor
    Department: Harpur Advising
    Knowledge Community: Global Awareness and Citizenship

    Why are you working with the Emerging Leaders Program? What do you hope students gain from the experience?
    I'm working with the Emerging Leaders program as it is so exciting to see what incredible ideas you leaders come up with! 

    What is your definition of leadership? What qualities make a good leader?
    Leadership is about helping others realize their potential and inspiring them to work with you to achieve a shared vision for the future. A leader must empower people and help them grow and build on their strengths while practicing to improve on their blind spots.

    What is your best advice for incoming students? 
    Faculty and Staff are here because we love working with college students. We all want to see you thrive here at college. Let us know when you need help and support.


    Alyssa Cohen headshot
    Alyssa Cohen
    Name: Alyssa Cohen
    Title: Assistant director
    Department: New Student Programs
    Knowledge Community: Arts and Humanities

    Why are you working with the Emerging Leaders Program? What do you hope students gain from the experience?
    I love working with first-year students and helping them grow into leaders and active members of the community. It is so rewarding to see these students plan a service learning project from start to finish and I am excited to be a part of that process again! I'm hoping to get to know my students and help them in any ways I can, while learning about a new Knowledge Community.

    What is your definition of leadership? What qualities make a good leader?
    My definition of leadership is someone willing to step up and get things done. A good leader knows how to communicate, collaborate, organize, and bring people together!

    What is your best advice for incoming students? 
    My advice for incoming students is to take advantage of all the resources Binghamton University has to offer! There are so many departments, faculty, staff, and organizations designed to help students.


    Katie Collette headshot
    Katie Collette
    Name: Katie Collette
    Title: Director of undergraduate advising
    Department: School of Management 
    Knowledge Community: Business and Entrepreneurship 

    Why are you working with the Emerging Leaders Program? What do you hope students gain from the experience?
    I enjoy being able to work with students outside of my professional role at the University. I hope students gain confidence in their natural strengths, grow in their decision making skills all while creating lifelong friendships. 

    What is your definition of leadership? What qualities make a good leader?
    A good leader is someone who uses their talents and strengths to help others reach a common goal. 

    What is your best advice for incoming students? 
     Ask for help frequently and often.


    Emily Ziemba headshot
    Emily Ziemba
    Name: Emily Ziemba
    Title: Coordinator
    Department: New Student Programs
    Knowledge Community: Sports, Recreation, and Wellness

    Why are you working with the Emerging Leaders Program? What do you hope students gain from the experience?

    In the Fall of 2022, I served as a Graduate Intern with the Emerging Leaders Program and it was one of the most impactful experiences of my academic career. I watched students gain confidence in their program planning capabilities, I watched students thrive in their Knowledge Communities after having found lifelong friends, and I watched students become more comfortable on campus and within the Binghamton community at large. I hope students this year have similar experiences and walk away with newfound connections and knowledge.


    What is your definition of leadership? What qualities make a good leader?
    Difficult to define, but a strong leader is someone who prioritizes relationship building in their leadership philosophy. A good leader is someone who takes time to learn about their team member’s strengths and weaknesses and helps them hone in on them for continuous improvement. A good leader is someone who genuinely cares about their team, both personally and professionally.

    What is your best advice for incoming students? 
    Give yourself grace while you are learning and adjusting! When you first arrive at Binghamton, there will be much for you to learn about academic expectations, social success, and well-being. Please do not feel as though you have to have everything figured out right away. Take your time familiarizing yourself with campus resources, try different time management strategies to see which works best for you, slowly step out of your comfort zone by attending on-campus events, etc. College is full of new opportunities, but you do not have to try/ know everything immediately.


    Tyler Lenga headshot
    Tyler Lenga
    Name: Tyler Lenga
    Title: Assistant director for first year success
    Department: Student Transition and Success
    Knowledge Community: Public Service

    Why are you working with the Emerging Leaders Program? What do you hope students gain from the experience?
    Personal leadership development is a continuous process and something we all need to reflect and refine upon! I hope students open themselves up to everything that is the ELP, have fun, and truly reflect on the process they go through as new students in this program.

    What is your definition of leadership? What qualities make a good leader?
    Leadership can be viewed and acted upon in many different ways. Good leaders listen, learn, and inspire.

    What is your best advice for incoming students? 
    Get involved! Try things that you could never imagine yourself doing and be open to everything. You just might be surprised with where that takes you!


    Emily Whitaker headshot
    Emily Whitaker
    Name: Emily Whitaker
    Title: Academic Advisor
    Department: Harpur Advising 
    Knowledge Community: Environment and Ecology

    Why are you working with the Emerging Leaders Program? What do you hope students gain from the experience?
    I enjoy working with first-year students, and helping them with the transition from high school to college. This program allows students to make connections, gain leadership skills early on, and carry out a project for the community, all great things to start their college career with! I hope students gain a sense of community and confidence from the experience, allowing them to thrive as they move forward. 

    What is your definition of leadership? What qualities make a good leader?

    Leadership is knowing how and when to respond to a situation. A good leader is not always the first to speak or the loudest in the group, rather someone that can read their situation and effectively respond. Communication is key!

    What is your best advice for incoming students? 
    Get involved and try new things! It can be scary to branch out and meet new people right away, but you will be happy you did. Try not to overwhelm yourself and join everything, rather pick a few things and focus on those. You are adjusting to a new chapter in your life, so give yourself grace in the process! Remember, there are so many people on campus here to help you!

  • Graduate Staff

    Kylie Gottlieb headshot
    Kylie Gottlieb
    Name: Kylie Gottlieb
    Title: Graduate Assistant
    Program: Master of Science, Higher Education and Student Affairs 
    Year: First year
    Hometown:  Hawthorne, New York

    Why are you working with the Emerging Leaders Program? What do you hope students gain from the experience?

    I was a mentor for the Arts and Humanities KC in the Fall of 2022 semester after never having worked with ELP before and absolutely fell in love with the program and the work it does for both the on-campus and off-campus community. My mentees flourished during their first semester at BU and I hope that all of the mentees for this year’s program feel the same way!

    What is your definition of leadership? What qualities make a good leader?
    My definition of leadership is someone who is willing to dedicate their time and energy to others as well as to themselves. A good leader has an open mind and heart; they have a desire to work with everyone and make sure all needs are met and voices are heard!

    What is your best advice for incoming students?
    Give yourself credit! You’ve just taken a major step by coming to BU; this is your first semester here, and joining this program is already something to be proud of and excited about. You’ve got this! :-)


  • Undergraduate Program Assistants

    Sarah Crawford headshot
    Sarah Crawford
    Name: Molly Battaglia

    Major(s)/Minor(s): 
    Class Standing:  Senior
    Hometown: 

    Why are you working with the Emerging Leaders Program? What do you hope students gain from the experience?

    What is your definition of leadership? What qualities make a good leader? 

    What is your best advice for incoming students? 


    Briana Lopez-Patino headshot
    Briana Lopez-Patino
    Name: Jonathan Gee (he/him)
    Major(s)/Minor(s): Integrative Neuroscience and Economics
    Class Standing: Junior
    Hometown: Little Neck, New York

    Why are you working with the Emerging Leaders Program? What do you hope students gain from the experience?
    I first got involved with the Emerging Leaders Program because I wanted to continue and expand on my leadership experience from high school to college. As time went on in the program, I stayed involved because I wanted to help the future leaders in the program get a better sense of leadership and also give back to the local community. I hope new students are able to learn more about leadership through the program and find their own way to help benefit the local community.

    What is your definition of leadership? What qualities make a good leader? 
    My definition of leadership is being able to bring out the best in a group of people. In my experience, I think the best qualities that make up a good leader is being able to lead by example and being able to delegate tasks effectively.

    What is your best advice for incoming students? 
    The best advice I have for incoming students is to be a good communicator within your KC. Being a good communicator will help your KC stay on top of the deadlines given by the program.


    John Lauricella headshot
    John Lauricella
    Name: John Lauricella (he/him)
    Major(s)/Minor(s): Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Pre-Dental
    Class Standing: Junior
    Hometown: Glenmont, New York

    Why are you working with the Emerging Leaders Program? What do you hope students gain from the experience?
    I am working with the Emerging Leaders Program because of all the great times it provided me when I was a mentee of Envi and Ecology and then mentor of Business and Entrepreneurship. I have made special relationships along the way through my involvement with the program while helping other people in the surrounding community. The leadership of this program is excellent and will continue to do amazing things in the future. I hope students are able to form relationships with all the different kinds of people they will meet and have a comfortable transition into college through this program. I also hope they take away valuable lessons, such as the importance of collaboration, teamwork and helping others through community service.        

    What is your definition of leadership? What qualities make a good leader? 

    My definition of leadership is being able to lift up the effort of others in a unified direction through your own actions. Leadership involves making others feel good about their contributions towards a goal. Some qualities that make a good leader are hard work, responsibility, and passion for what you do. 

    What is your best advice for incoming students? 

    My best advice for incoming students is to explore all of the opportunities Binghamton has. Your time in college is going to fly by, so it is important to take advantage of all the university has to offer. Don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone! Try new things and meet new people. After all, it is the relationships that you make that will really make your college experience special. Work hard and do your best with classwork, but remember to enjoy your time at Binghamton!


    Emma Sarinick headshot
    Emma Sarinick

    Name: Emma Sarinick
    Major(s)/Minor(s): Integrative Neuroscience
    Class Standing: Junior
    Hometown: Flemington, New Jersey

    Why are you working with the Emerging Leaders Program? What do you hope students gain from the experience?

    I am working with the Emerging Leaders Program as a program assistant because I want to help build this community to become the welcoming experience that I once had as a freshman. I hope students gain confidence in their own abilities to lead and deliver on a project that can impact the lives of others in a positive way.

    What is your definition of leadership? What qualities make a good leader? 

    Leadership to me is a skill that one develops in order to accomplish a group oriented goal through support and their own hard work. Communication, empathy, active listening, and problem solving skills are all qualities I believe good leaders should possess.

    What is your best advice for incoming students? 

    My advice for incoming students would be to take this opportunity to learn as much as possible. The Emerging Leaders Program is a great way to grow professionally but it also will allow you to learn so much about yourself if you fully take advantage of it!


    Name: Jenifer Weng
    Major(s)/Minor(s): Political Science and Sociology
    Class Standing: Senior
    Hometown: Queens, New York

    Why are you working with the Emerging Leaders Program? What do you hope students gain from the experience?

    ELP has been one of the most formational programs and experiences that I have participated in during college. I cherish the memories and bonds I have made as a mentee, mentor, and soon as a PA. I want to give back to the community and imbue a legacy of leadership and volunteerism to mentees and mentors alike. I hope students gain an understanding of the importance of volunteering and the time and effort it takes to plan and execute events. Most of all, I encourage everyone to have fun and treasure the time they have at Binghamton!

    What is your definition of leadership? What qualities make a good leader? 

    Leadership is less about the singular individual and more about how a team succeeds. Instead of taking a forward approach to leadership, it is imperative to lead and guide from behind. Building a strong foundation and supporting team members is an equally powerful approach to leadership.

    What is your best advice for incoming students?

    Take the time to network with students, mentees, mentors, and alumni! You never know the reach and the networks that others in your community can connect you with. 

    Shruti Venkatesh headshot
    Shruti Venkatesh

    Name: Shruti Venkatesh
    Major(s)/Minor(s): Integrative Neuroscience, Scholars and General Anthropology
    Class Standing: Junior
    Hometown: Vestal, New York

    Why are you working with the Emerging Leaders Program? What do you hope students gain from the experience?

    Reflecting on my experience with ELP for the past 2 years, I have been truly thankful for
    how the program has allowed me to gain a larger sense of purpose while helping me to give
    back to my home in meaningful ways. As a Program Assistant for ELP, I wanted to continue
    working with enthusiastic and like-minded students who share my passions for community
    service. From this experience I hope ELP students are able to take the opportunity to further
    develop their leadership skills while discovering the impact that a team can make on the lives of
    others.

    What is your definition of leadership? What qualities make a good leader? 

    I believe that leadership is defined as a learning process that gives an individual the
    opportunity to grow to be the strongest version of themselves to better inspire others within and
    outside their community. A good leader should be able to challenge themselves to think in new
    ways and be able to engage with new perspectives to bring out the successes in others.

    What is your best advice for incoming students? 

    For incoming students, I highly suggest that you participate in as many opportunities that
    you can here at BU. During your first year as an undergrad at BU you will be able to have many
    experiences that will help build your confidence, create lasting memories. I am excited to hear
    about the amazing accomplishments that future students will share with each other, the community, and the ELP team!