Meet our 2024 - 2025 Student Leadership Team!

Y Rising College Achievers

Laisha Martinez, Program Assistant

Hello! My name is Laisha Martinez, and this is my 4th year at the U of MN, majoring in Human Resource Development.  I chose to serve through the University Y beginning 2021 as a Mentor, and now am stepping up into a leadership role with Y Rising  College Achievers, as a Program Assistant.

What I like/love about the UY is that there are so many different opportunities to grow your leadership skills. We mentor and learn from each other. It's become a place where I have been able to grow into myself and have support from those around me. Being valued by my peers and leaders has helped me value myself more too. I love the support we have here!

Having spaces where you are able to be yourself and express all the identities you hold create belonging for us at the UY. As college students many of us come from all over holding very different identities from each other. It’s sometimes hard adjusting and can be alienating. That’s why it’s important to embrace the new ideas and experiences of our peers. Create spaces where we can share these parts of ourselves that are different and feel comfortable doing so. No judgement and an open mind that there are a million different worlds outside of your own. I think the same can be said for youth too!

I started volunteering at the UY my first semester at the U and found  Y Rising College Achievers shortly after I started. It became a space for me to feel at home and welcomed. As a first gen student it was nice to be around people with similar backgrounds experiencing higher education for the first time together. Having student leaders to go to for advice and support on things I couldn’t ask an advisor or professor. It humanized the University for me as a Freshman. Reminded me I belonged here, and I deserved to be here. Having that as a Freshman meant a lot. 

Nichole Jacquez, Program Intern

Hello! My name is Nichole, and this is my third year at the U of MN, majoring in Environmental Science, Policy & Management, and double majoring in Geographic Information Sciences.  

I chose to serve through the University YMCA beginning Fall '22 as a youth mentor, and now am returning as a mentor as well as an intern with the YCAP program at the UY!

What I like about the UY is that everyone is super supportive of each other! The main floor is always a supportive space, and people are open to chatting about their site, school, or otherwise!

Entering spaces, and be authentic and unafraid to be imperfect is what creates a belonging experience for college students

I think college, especially those for first years, is a time when people feel extra pressured to fit in and find their spaces as soon as possible. Showing college students that they can be themselves is important to creating belonging.

Y RISING College Achievers is where college students can find their footing and have a bit of serenity while navigating the overwhelming number of responsibilities and events that college offers.

Y Step N’ Stones

Peyton Ducke, Program Manager

Hello! My name is Peyton Ducke, and this is my third year at the U of MN, majoring in Elementary Education.

My “why” I choose the Y:  I chose to serve through the University YMCA beginning Sophomore year as a mentor, and now am stepping up into a leadership role with Y Mentors, as a program manager.  What I love about the UY is how welcoming and encouraging the community is. Everyone is so supportive of each other and wants to work together to help all in as many ways possible.

I think that having an open minded and excepting environment helps create a sense of belonging for college students and youth. Building strong relationships aids in this process and greatly contributes to the feeling of belonging for all. Allowing for inclusivity and acceptance of everyone. It relaxes anxiety and helps to form a sense of belonging.

For me, Y Mentors are youths' ability to have a positive role model, in which they can form great connections and have strong relationships that support them academically, mentally, and emotionally. Y mentors are a highlight in many students lives during their school day and they help students feel accepted and encouraged within various aspects of their lives.

Kelly Fung, Program Manager

Hello! My name is Kelly Fung, and this is my 2nd year at the U of MN, intending to major in MIS and International Business with a minor in Asian Middle Eastern Studies.

I chose to serve through the University YMCA beginning Fall 2023 as a mentor in the SNS (Step N Stones) program. After a semester serving, I became the SSC (School Site Coordinator) for Webster, and now am stepping up into a leadership role with Y Mentors, as a program manager for SNS. What I love most about the UY is its mission to positively impact the youth in the community. The UY is a community where any student from any background and any walk of life, driven to create change, can gather.

Belonging to me means surrounding myself in a space where I can be my true self and be accepted for who I are. The UY staff and Y mentors are the sincerest group on individuals I’ve never met! I feel welcomed every time I enter the UY.

Y Mentors are individuals that choose to sacrifice their time to help their community. They make sure every youth gets the opportunity and support to be the best versions of themselves and achieve what they thought they could never do!

Simon Ky, School Site Coordinator, Maxfield

Salutations! My name is Simon Ky and this is my fourth year at the U of M and I am majoring in Biomedical Engineering.

I choose to serve through the University YMCA as a freshman in 2021 and now I am returning to a leadership role with Y Mentors as a School Site Coordinator. What I really love about the UY is the friendly atmosphere and environment that makes you feel like you can instantly fit in and make connections!

Things that I think create a belonging experience for college students is feeling validated and supported whether that be concerns or compliments, everyone likes to know that they’ve been heard. In the case of youth, I think the same thing applies if not more so! As kids grow up, they must experience so many new things for the first time and helping them along in those experiences is what build a sense of community and kinship between youths and their mentors!

Y Mentors to me is a way for me to give back to the community and help inspire youth in the same way I was inspired to pursue higher education.

Evelyn Taylor, School Site Coordinator, Nellie Stone Johnson

Hell! My name is Evelyn Taylor and this is my final year at UMN. I am majoring in Psychology, and I am minoring in Family Therapy and Communication Studies.

I chose to serve through the University YMCA, beginning the fall semester last year as a mentor, and now I am returning for a second semester as a school site coordinator with UY!

What I like/love about the UY is the community and support. There is constant room for growth and learning from the UY in a variety of ways.

Something that we hear a lot at the UY is the "power of yet". This is something that can be used for all ages. Everyone has the potential for growth, and this is a community where that is supported and encouraged entirely

Y Step N’ Stones has really fostered opportunities for career growth for me. I have been trying to hone in on what I want to do, and I feel as though I finally found it through the help of this program! 

Y Adventures with Mentors

Kacy Anderson, Program Manager

Hi everyone! My name is Kacy Anderson, and this is my 3rd year at the U of M, majoring in Physical Activity and Health Promotion.  

I chose to serve through the University YMCA beginning December 2023 as a youth mentor for Step N’ Stones. I’m excited to now be stepping up into a leadership role with Y Mentors, as a Adventures with Mentors Program Manager.

What I love most about the UY is our monthly meetings. The food, the activities, and the people, offer a sense of belonging and breath of fresh air from our hectic lives.  

Being a part of the Y Mentors has been very rewarding and I’m so excited for another year at the UY!

Isabella Lepak, Program Manager

Hi, my name is Isabella Lepak. I am a junior at the U majoring in strategic communications. I chose to serve through the University YMCA beginning as a mentor, then a site lead. Now this year I am stepping up as a program manager. I love the UY because this is a place where we build community and that is something I find special.

Going along with that to me what builds a sense of belonging for college students is finding people you relate to and feel accepted to be your true self. For youth I would say the same thing. All through life being accepted and building community around common interests is important.

Y mentors means growth, acceptance, and friendships to me.

Abednett Browne

Hello! My name is Abednett, and this is my junior year at the U of M, majoring in biology (pre-med) and a minor in developmental psychology.

I chose to serve through the University YMCA for my love of working with kids and I started as a mentor with Kids N Motion and then Adventures with Mentors. I wanted to become a Site lead to gain leadership experience and make sure that everyone has a great experience.

What I love about the UY is the sense of community and friendship that it has.

Colleen Hopkins, Site Lead

Hello! My name is Colleen Hopkins, and this is my 2nd year at the U of MN, majoring in Developmental Psychology!

I chose to serve through the University YMCA beginning February 2024 as a Freshman and now am stepping up into a leadership role with Y Mentors, as a Site Lead!  I also wanted to get more involved in the community and at the U, as well as make a positive impression on the students in Minneapolis!

What I like/love about the UY is how connected everyone is and the teamwork and community that is built between the mentors and students! I believe creating a sense of belonging begins with inclusion and treating everyone with kindness!! Being a Y Mentor was such an amazing opportunity last semester and it really helped me find my passion in childcare and youth work! It means a lot to me and I have truly found my community here at the U through this organization! 

Hannah Breunig, Site Lead

Hi! My name is Hannah, and this is my second year at the U. I am majoring in Human Physiology and minoring in Medical Spanish with the intent of going to Pharmacy School.

I chose to serve at the YMCA beginning last spring and am excited to step into leadership this year as a site lead for Adventure with Mentors.

One of my favorite things about the UY is the opportunity to not only benefit the university, but also the surrounding communities and meet amazing people in the process.

Jared Kleppe, Site Lead

Hello! My name is Jared Kleppe, and this is my senior year at the U of MN, majoring in Philosophy and political science. I chose to serve through the University YMCA beginning three years ago as a mentor, and now am returning to a leadership role with Y Mentors, as a site lead.

I return to the UY every year because of the community that we have and the connections we make with young people and other mentors.

The friendships and genuine care that exists in the UY is why everyone feels welcome.

Y mentors is a community of people dedicated to spending their time helping others while also laughing and having fun.

Maggie Nyhaus, Site Lead

Hello! My name is Maggie Nyhus, and this is my second year at the U of MN, majoring in developmental psychology!  I chose to serve through the University YMCA beginning 2023 as a freshman and now am returning to a leadership role with Y Mentors, as a site lead!  What I like/love about the UY is: it is a really fun environment to work, and I get to work with young people, which i obviously love!  I think that the UY community creates a belonging experience for both college students and youth!

Y Mentors allows me to be able to help young people, and I get to work with coworkers that make the job even more fun!

Max Leberman, Site Lead

Hey everyone! My name is Max Leberman and I’m going into my 2nd year at the U majoring in biology!

I chose the “Y” as a mentor for one semester and then became a site lead spring semester of last year and am returning as a site lead this year.

I loved the message the UY brought to the world. Being able to help everyone, no matter the circumstance, and doing it with a group of likeminded people is such a great thing to be a part of. Plus I think it’s one of the most rewarding work studies that campus can offer!

Noley Guthrie, Site Lead

Hi! My name is Noley Guthrie and this is my second year at the University of MN, as an elementary education major. I chose to serve through the University YMCA beginning in Y mentors as a Freshman and now am stepping into a leadership with Y Mentors as a Sophomore.

What I love about the Y is how welcoming and inclusive everyone at the Y is. Finding a community where you can be your genuine self is the best environment to create a belonging experience for both college students and youth.

Y Mentors have given me the confidence to step into a supported leadership position for the first time in a work environment, and it’s also so much enjoyment for what I get to do!

Riddhi Bhakta, Site Lead

Hello! My name is Riddhi Bhakta, and this is my 2nd year at the U of MN, majoring in Sociology of Law, Criminology and Justice.  

I chose to serve through the University YMCA beginning of March as a freshman. I was a mentor in the Adventures with Mentors (AWM) program, and now am stepping up into a leadership role with Y Mentors, as a AWM site lead. Something that I love about the UY is that I get to work with kids and make connections with them. I love being able to see the growth and progress that children make throughout the year.  

I think campus and student clubs are super helpful in creating a belonging experience for college students. Joining clubs and activities is such a helpful way for you to meet new people and make connections. I think for the youth, building connections with classmates and joining activities they enjoy is a great way to better belonging.

Being a Y Mentor means a lot to me. I love being able to make connections with the youth and being able to make a difference in their lives. I love being able to see the growth that children make, whether it is in school or outside of school.  

Sarah Zenaye, Site Lead

Hi, my name is Sarah Zenaye and I’m currently a junior studying Psychology. This is going to be my 3rd year at the UY and 2nd year being a Site Lead.

I was first introduced to the UY by a friend, and I just loved what the UY was about, and thought it was a great way for me to do some form of service back to the community.

Overall, the University Y is a place where you can find community and be proud of the work you do. It is something I personally enjoy and find fulfilling.

Sarai Montano

Hello! My name is Sarai Montano, and this is my second year at the U of MN, my areas of concentration are in developmental psychology, psychology, and family social science.  

I chose to serve through the University YMCA beginning this Fall 2024 semester as a site lead because I want to make an impact in the lives of others. What I love about the UY, even though I’m still relatively new, is how welcoming everyone has been. There’s a strong sense of community that makes me feel supported and valued.

A sense of belonging for college students comes from being in an environment where they feel seen and heard. It’s important for them to have spaces where they can create meaningful relationships, find common ground, and grow both academically and personally. For youth, a belonging experience comes from consistency, positive role models, and knowing that they matter. Creating safe spaces where they can express themselves without judgment is key to their growth.

To me, Y Mentors represent the opportunity to be a guide and supporter in someone’s life. It’s about building genuine connections with youth and helping them see their potential. Mentorship isn’t just about offering advice; it’s about being present, listening, and empowering them to overcome challenges.

Tharun Inturi, Site Lead

My name is Tharun, and this is my 4th year at UMN, majoring in Human Physiology. I chose to serve through the UY in January 2023 as a youth mentor, became a site lead last school year, and now am returning as a site lead this year. I love working with students of all ages and interests through the UY, it keeps me on my toes and I feel like I learn from them as much as they (hopefully) learn from me.

A belonging experience to me, for any age group, is created by people with open minds. In a world with so much diversity, it is crucial for us as leaders to accept all people, regardless of backgrounds and perspectives. This nurtures a healthy environment for us to grow, whether it is as children or adults.

Y mentors, to me, is an opportunity to learn and grow while giving to the community. The students I work with have so many personalities, talents, and interests. It has been a pleasure learning from them and being able to help them grow into great people is so fulfilling for me.

Community Service Interns

Cole Gilbertson, Intern

Hello, my name is Cole Gilbertson and I’ll be interning at the University YMCA this fall through the Step N’ Stones program. I chose the University Y because I wanted to support the Y’s mission of youth development and community building. As a senior studying Global Studies, I am hoping to work in intelligence and national security after I graduate. My goals in serving through the UY are to foster the growth of young students and to analyze the objectives and goals of global UY’s.

Dawn Johnson, Intern

Hello, my name is Dawn Johnson and I'll be interning at the University YMCA this fall 2024. I chose University Y because of the programs that they offer and I believe that it aligns closely with my future career goals. My major at U of M is Developmental Psychology and I am hoping to eventually become a pediatric mental health therapist after I graduate. I am hoping to gain these mental health skills and knowledge through my internship, My goals in serving through the UY are to develop my interpersonal and problem-solving skills with children and youth and to gain more insight into mental health first aid techniques. With these goals, I look forward to expanding my experience in childhood and youth mental health in real-world settings this fall.