University of South Florida
Helen Nga Nguyen
President
Artificial Intelligence & Business Analytics '27
Econometrics & Quantitative Economics '27
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Originally from Vietnam, Helen Nga Nguyen studies at the University of South Florida and is passionate about fashion, business, and leadership. She joined Women in Business during her first year, inspired by its mission to empower women and create community. The mentorship she received motivated her to stay involved and give back by helping other members grow personally and professionally. She also serves as a Peer Leader in the Corporate Mentor and Muma Compass Programs, guiding students in their academic and career development.
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Professionally, Helen gained experience working remotely for a garment and fashion company in Vietnam, where she learned about logistics, operations, and international business. The role deepened her passion for fashion and inspired her goal of launching her own clothing brand that blends creativity with entrepreneurship. Outside of academics, she enjoys yoga, exploring fashion trends, and finding balance through mindfulness.
Maria Ortiz
Vice President
Finance (Corporate Finance) '26
Econometrics & Quantitative Economics '26
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Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Maria Ortiz joined Women in Business in Fall 2022 and now serves as Vice President on the Executive Board for the 2025–2026 term. She was inspired to take on this role by her passion for empowering women in male-dominated fields and her desire to contribute to a strong, supportive community that fosters growth and confidence.
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Beyond WIB, Maria is highly involved across campus. She joined the Investment Club as a sophomore, progressing from Professional Development Analyst to Director of Strategy & Logistics, then Head of Executive Office, and now serves as an Advisor to the Board. She also participates in the Corporate Mentor Program and has held several campus roles, including Orientation Leader, PASS Leader, Statistics Tutor, and Peer Advisor Leader.
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Maria hopes to use her leadership and finance experience to continue uplifting women in business and creating opportunities for others to succeed. In her free time, she enjoys interior design, tailoring, and reading.
Julia Hynes
Head of Finance
Accounting '28
Finance '28
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Julia Hynes moved from New Jersey to study accounting, analytics, and finance at USF. She joined WIB as a freshman, looking for a supportive network and professional development opportunities. Julia, now a sophomore, is a proud student at the Judy Genshaft Honors College, using her planning skills to manage her schedule. She also serves as the Director of Fundraising for the American Marketing Association.
Outside of USF, she works as a manager at Richman’s Ice Cream and has found inspiration from her female boss, guiding her professional journey. Julia might be found swimming, going for walks, or baking gluten-free or other allergen free goods.
Julia Burd
Head of Communications
Business Administration '26​​
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Originally from Upstate New York, Julia Burd is a senior studying Business Management with a strong passion for hospitality. She joined Women in Business during her first semester at USF, seeking professional development and a supportive community. Her leadership experience includes serving as an Event Coordinator for CHAARG, a women’s fitness organization, and as a Marketing Associate for the Real Estate Society. Over the summer, she worked at Tru by Hilton as a Front Desk Associate, where she discovered her love for hospitality, and now applies her skills as an Operations Intern for the Gasparilla Distance Classic.
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Julia is an organized and driven individual who hopes to one day open her own inn and event venue. Inspired by role models like Anna Archer, she strives to combine creativity with business leadership. Outside of academics and work, she enjoys working out, running, and reading. In Women in Business, Julia is passionate about creating a welcoming environment and empowering other women to make a lasting impact in their communities.
Veronica Thomas
Head of Operations
Accounting '27
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Originally from Connecticut, Veronica Thomas is pursuing a degree in Accounting at the University of South Florida. She joined Women in Business in Fall 2024 to explore career opportunities and connect with peers who share her passion for growth and success. For Veronica, WIB is a space for guidance, connection, and empowerment.
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At USF, she is also active in Gamma Iota Sigma and the Accounting Society, where she develops leadership skills and expands her professional network. She previously interned at New London County Mutual Insurance Company in Connecticut, gaining hands-on experience with accounting principles, reconciliations, and reinsurance. Looking ahead, Veronica hopes to combine her love of business and community by opening a coffee shop that fosters connection and creativity. Outside of academics, she enjoys hiking, camping, reading, and keeping a daily gratitude journal.
Sophia Loubriel
Head of Marketing
Global Business '27
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Originally from Puerto Rico, Sophia is a Global Business major and currently serves as Head of Marketing for Women in Business. She joined the organization her freshman year, inspired by its mission to empower women and foster community. Through WIB, she has built confidence, leadership skills, and lasting connections with like-minded peers.
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Beyond WIB, Sophia is active in several organizations, including the Latin Dance Club and the American Marketing Association. She also spent two years in the Bulls Business Community, serving as a Peer Leader for incoming students. Professionally, she works as a Social Media Associate at Absolute Marketing Solutions, where she creates and edits marketing content. In the future, Sophia hopes to open her own bakery and explore business ventures like house-flipping. In her free time, she enjoys cycling, dancing, and reading.
Camila Rodriguez
Communications Analyst
Management '26
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Originally from Venezuela, Camila Rodriguez Galindez joined Women in Business in Spring 2024 to connect with like-minded women and grow both personally and professionally. She values the community’s focus on collaboration, support, and empowerment, which has helped her build confidence as a future business leader.
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Outside of WIB, Camila manages her own nail business, combining creativity with entrepreneurship. She enjoys creating a welcoming environment for her clients and hopes to expand her business into a full salon that offers opportunities for other professionals. In the future, she also dreams of opening a bakery and creative studio. In her free time, Camila enjoys baking, working out, and exploring new activities. Inspired by her mother and the women around her, she carries with her the values of ambition, resilience, and love.
Ishika Sonthalia
Communications Analyst
Health Sciences '27
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Originally from Mumbai, India, Ishika Sonthalia joined Women in Business to connect with ambitious women and gain leadership experience. She values WIB’s mission of empowering women to pursue their goals with confidence and has found inspiration through its supportive community and professional development opportunities.
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At USF, Ishika explores her interests across healthcare and technology. She has worked in the Office of Admissions, held a research role in the College of Public Health studying bioinformatics, and completed a hospital internship focused on patient care. Looking ahead, she hopes to build a career at the intersection of healthcare and innovation—possibly in biomedical engineering or prosthetics—and dreams of starting her own venture to improve accessibility in healthcare. Outside academics, Ishika enjoys singing, traveling, and adventure, inspired by her mother’s resilience and leadership.
Adilya Amantayeva
Communications Analyst
Artificial Intelligence & Business Analytics '27
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Originally from Kazakhstan, Adilya Amantayeva studies at the University of South Florida and joined Women in Business for its welcoming, empowering community. She values WIB as a place for both professional growth and genuine friendship, where ambitious women support and learn from one another.
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Beyond WIB, Adilya serves as the Financial Officer for the Central Asian Student Association and the Professional Development Lead for the Association for Computing Machinery, roles that have strengthened her leadership and creativity. She dreams of opening a themed restaurant inspired by iconic movies and games, bringing fictional foods to life. Outside of academics, Adilya enjoys skiing, reading, and analyzing films over a calming tea break.
Emma Nguyen
Finance Analyst
Accounting '28
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Originally from Hanoi, Vietnam, Emma Nguyen joined Women in Business to build meaningful connections and grow alongside other motivated women. She looks forward to contributing to the organization while developing both personally and professionally.
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Beyond WIB, Emma is an Investment Banking Analyst in the Private Equity and Venture Capital Club and recently completed an internship at AASC Auditing Firm in Hanoi, where she gained hands-on experience in accounting and auditing. Inspired by her mentors, she hopes to one day start a tutoring business that helps students grow in confidence and curiosity. Outside of academics, Emma enjoys dancing, cooking, photography, and staying active to maintain balance. She credits her mother’s planning and resilience as her biggest inspiration.
Huyen Nguyen
Finance Analyst
Business Analytics & Information Systems '27
Finance '27
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Originally from Vietnam, Huyen is double majoring in Business Analytics & Information Systems and Finance at USF. She joined Women in Business to connect with a community that empowers women across different business disciplines and values the organization's events that promote career exploration and growth.
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Beyond WIB, Huyen works at USF tour guide, sharing her college experiences with prospective students and families, and as an Accountant Specialist at Perspective1, where she supports bookkeeping and reconciliations. In her free time, she enjoys running, solving Sudoku puzzles, and relaxing whenever she can.
Swetha Vijayasankar
Finance Analyst
Accounting '28
Artificial Intelligence & Business Analytics '28
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Born in India and raised in Chile, Swetha brings a global perspective to her studies at USF. She joined Women in Business in June 2025 to help amplify women's voices and create space for confident leadership.
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At USF, Swetha also serves as the Director of Events and Logistics for the Data Science Club, participates in research and the Corporate Mentor Program, and will soon begin her role as a Peer Mentor. She previously interned with 9 Yaps, a startup advertising firm, where she collaborated with entrepreneurs to build partnerships and gained insight into the human side of business.
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Outside of academics, Swetha enjoys singing, traveling, and reading. She aspires to one day launch her own education-focused venture.
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Bruna Cavalcanti
Marketing Analyst
Marketing '28
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Originally from Brazil, Bruna is pursuing a degree in Marketing at the University of South Florida. She joined Women in Business in July 2025 to be part of a community that empowers women and fosters a sense of belonging.
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Beyond WIB, Bruna serves as a Marketing Analyst for BRASA, where she applies creativity and strategy to strengthen the organization's outreach. She is also an Orientation Leader at USF, a role that has allowed her to guide new students and build meaningful connections on campus.
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Bruna dreams of starting her own skincare brand that blends wellness, confidence, and innovation. In her free time, she enjoys working out, listening to music and reading.
Camden Schultze
Marketing Analyst
Marketing '26
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Originally from Lincoln, Nebraska, Camden joined Women in Business in Fall 2024 and became an executive board member in June 2025. She was drawn to WIB for its supportive environment and its mission to empower women pursuing careers in business.
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Outside of WIB, Camden works as a digital marketer for a healthcare company in her hometown, gaining valuable hands-on experience and confidence in her fields. She hopes to continue growing in marketing and one day lead a team that uplifts and inspires others.
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In her free time, Camden enjoys reading, baking, writing, and styling her curly hair—a self-care ritual that helps her feel refreshed and ready for the week.
Lorelei Solet
Marketing Analyst
Marketing '28
​From Pensacola, FL, Lorelei joined Women in Business in Fall 2024 to build meaningful connections within the business college and to prepare for her future career. She is also involved in Chi Omega Sorority and the American Marketing Association, where she continues to grow her leadership and networking skills.
​Lorelei enjoys staying active through pickleball and going to the gym, as well as expressing her creativity through fun crafts. She is excited to use her time in WIB to strengthen her professional skills, expand her network, and explore opportunities in the business world. ​
Larissa Medeiros
Director of Content Creation
Artificial Intelligence & Business Analytics '28
Integrated Public Relations & Advertising '28
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Originally from Brazil, Larissa joined Women in Business in Spring 2025, inspired by its mission to empower women in business. She is pursuing dual majors in Artifical Intelligence & Business Analytics and Integrated Public Relations & Advertising at USF.
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On campus, Larissa is involved with BRASA, BRASA Connect, and the Google Developer Group, contributing to marketing and event initiatives. She also works as a USF tour guide, sharing her college experience with prospective students.
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Outside of school, Larissa co-founded a small breakfast basket business with her family and enjoys exploring new restaurants, watching TV, and spending time with friends.
Laurent Arias
Director of Social Media
Marketing '26​
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Originally from Colombia, Laurent joined Women in Business in Fall 2025 to connect with ambitious women and grow as a leader. As director of Marketing, she combines creativity and strategy to strengthen WIB's presence and community. ​
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At USF, Laurent is involved in research and projects focused on financial literacy and community impact. Beyond campus, she manages operations at a dental office and runs her own marketing agency, helping businesses grow through social media and creative storytelling.
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In her free time, Laurent enjoys lifting, Pilates, and yoga, as well as taking time to recharge with a matcha break. She's passionate about empowering women to feel confident in academic, professional, and creative spaces.
Emily Pagnano
Director of Strategic Affairs
Finance '26
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Originally from Maine, Emily joined Women in Business her freshman year to surround herself with ambitious, inspiring women and to grow as a leader. She is also a member of Delta Gamma at USF, where she served as Director of E-Communications for the Delta Kappa chapter, strengthening her skills in digital communication and community engagement.
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Emily hopes to continue developing her leadership and creative abilities to make a positive impact wherever she goes. Outside of academics, she enjoys painting, traveling, going to the beach, and taking daily walks outdoors. She credits her mom's resilience and compassion as her biggest source of inspiration.
Keertana Gadamsetty
Operations Analyst
Business Analytics & Information Systems '26
Economics '26
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Born and raised in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Keertana joined Women in Business her freshman year to connect with driven women and gain guidance as she navigates college and her future career.
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At USF, she is an active member of her dance team and previously served on the E-Board of American Cultured Desi, experiences that have strengthened her leadership, teamwork, and creativity.
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Inspired by her grandmother's resilience, Keertana approaches every challenge with focus and determination. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, reading, and exploring new cafés.
Gaurika Adlakha
Operations Analyst
Marketing '28​
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Originally from New Delhi, India, Gaurika joined Women in Business in Summer 2025 to connect with driven peers and grow through professional development opportunities.
At USF, she has served as an Orientation Leader, Student Engagement Ambassador, and Workshops & Social Media Manager for the USF Dance Club. She's also gained experience as an Outreach Intern with Teens4Teens and as a Housing Clerk, strengthening her leadership and communication skills.
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Gaurika hopes to one day start her own home décor and design business. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, painting, and exploring new foods.
Mai Pham
Operations Analyst
Business Analytics & Information Systems '27
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Originally from Vietnam, Mai joined Women in Business in Summer 2025 to step outside her comfort zone and connect with a community that encourages growth and leadership.
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She works as a Research Assistant in the Customer Experience Lab, where she collects and analyzes data to support academic research and strengthen her skills in business analytics.
Inspired by her mother's perseverance, Mai hopes to one day open a maternity care center that supports new mother both physically and emotionally. In her free time, she enjoy's reading, cooking, and gaming.