Y’Noka Bass ’18
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Current Town: Chicago, IL
Majors at the UW: English, Legal Studies
Activities at the UW: Badger Volunteers, Center for Cultural Enrichment, Associated Students of Madison
Current Job/Industry: Attorney
“I joined the Recent-Grad Council as a way to connect back with the university in a new light. It was really a chance to grow on my undergraduate experience by connecting with alumni who I hadn’t had the chance to meet while in undergrad. It’s also a great way to engage with other attorneys who graduated from the UW, whether that be for undergrad or law school.”
Denzel Bibbs ’19
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Schererville, IN
Current Town: Madison, WI
Majors at the UW: Mechanical Engineering
Activities at the UW: Chancellor’s Scholar, Leaders in Engineering Excellence and Diversity Scholar, National Society of Black Engineers, UW Makerspace
Current Job/Industry: Project Manager in Construction Management
“I am thrilled to join the Recent-Grad Council to reconnect with fellow alumni. I think it is a great opportunity to broaden my network with the UW–Madison community. I had a fantastic undergraduate experience while I was on campus. This school is what brought me to Wisconsin, and I would like to give back to the community by building opportunities for recent graduates.”
Olivia Cook ’17
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Mount Horeb, WI
Current Town: Tallahassee, FL
Major at the UW: Human Development and Family Studies with certificates in Scandinavian Studies and Studio Art
Activities at the UW: The Studio Learning Community, Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity Seminars, Study Abroad (Norway), College Democrats, Norwegian Language Table
Current Job/Industry: Postdoctoral Scholar and Quantitative Research
“I am thrilled to serve on the Recent-Grad Council! Specifically, I hope to contribute to the RGC’s advocacy for alumni from minoritized backgrounds and identities, as the UW’s commitment to these students spans beyond graduation. I am eager to facilitate partnerships between the RGC and other UW groups, such as learning and affinity communities, that have served students during their undergraduate experience.”
Abby Grant ’23
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Glenview, IL
Current Town: Chicago, IL
Major at the UW: Civil Engineering
Activities at the UW: Steel Bridge Competition Team, American Society of Civil Engineers, Undergraduate Learning Center Tutor, Kappa Alpha Theta
Current Job/Industry: Engineering Consulting
“When I found out about the RGC, applying was an easy decision for me. Wisconsin brought me some of the most memorable moments and friendships of my life, and I want to be involved in helping people maintain and grow those connections. UW–Madison is not just a place we attend college. It’s also a supportive community for the rest of our lives. I’m excited to start planning events for former Badgers to reconnect with our alma mater!”
Hannah Herbst ’22
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Monroe, WI
Current Town: Milwaukee, WI
Major at the UW: Agricultural Business Management
Activities at the UW: Mercile J. Lee Scholar, Association of Women in Agriculture, AreaRED
Current Job/Industry: Pharmaceutical Software
“I am excited to join the Recent-Grad Council for the opportunity to reconnect and collaborate with fellow alumni. I am committed to connecting local Badgers in a way that positively impacts the community and builds opportunities for recent graduates. I am very excited to start this journey with the alumni association and other council members!
Max Herteen ’21
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Current Town: Evanston, IL
Majors at the UW: English and History with Comprehensive Honors
Activities at the UW: Honors Student Organization, All-University Strings, GreenHouse Learning Community, Dean’s Ambassadors Program
Current Job/Industry: Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement at Northwestern University
“I had a fantastic experience at the UW, and I couldn’t turn down the chance to stay connected to the school in such a meaningful way. I’m thrilled to work with other recent grads and hopefully be a successful advocate for other Badgers around the world. I am also excited to gain new perspectives from other members of the council and translate my passion and pride into ideas and events. I’m definitely a “hype man” type of person, so being on the Recent-Grad Council is a more formal way to share the enthusiasm I already have in my day-to-day life! Once a Badger, always a Badger!”
Juhi Jhaveri ’21, ’22
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Long Grove, IL
Current Town: Chicago, IL
Majors at the UW: Psychology and Nursing
Activities at the UW: Wisconsin Alumni Student Board, Campus and Visitor Relations Tour Guide
Current Job/Industry: Registered Nurse at Northwestern Medicine
“I am excited to join the Recent-Grad Council because it will give me the opportunity to stay connected with the university as well as fellow alumni from all over the world. Since my undergraduate years, I have always been passionate about connecting Badgers from all points of life, and being part of the Recent-Grad Council will give me the ability to do that as a proud alumna. Being part of this council is something that is extremely important to me, and I am so excited to start my journey with the alumni association and my fellow council members!”
Elizabeth Laning ’22
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Pewaukee, WI
Current Town: Madison, WI
Major at the UW: Global Health
Activities at the UW: Wisconsin Alumni Student Board, obstetrics and gynecology research, public health research, Wiscience Service Learning peer leader, Girls Inc. volunteer, Badger Cru
Current Studies: Medical Student at UW School of Medicine and Public Health
“When I applied to UW–Madison, I distinctly remember writing in my personal statement that I wanted to ‘ooze red and white’ and embrace Badger pride. As an alumna, I am so proud that I went to UW–Madison and my experience can speak to not only the traditions we share as Badgers but also the tight-knit community. I know Madison is always a place I will call home. Thus, I joined the RGC to continue the momentum of fostering community within the Badger network, creating a space for all Badgers to feel proud of their alma mater and stay connected to fellow Badgers.”
Laura Miller ’19
Pronouns: She/They
Hometown: Washington, DC
Current Town: Washington, DC
Major at the UW: Geography and Environmental Studies
Activities at the UW: Posse Foundation, Nelson Institute Community of Environmental Scholars, Geography Club, Undergraduate Research Scholars
Current Job/Industry: Program Analyst at the DC Department of Energy and Environment
“I’m excited to join the Recent-Grad Council to connect with fellow alumni in different places and engage with the university in new ways. Although I live far from campus, I am immersed in a vibrant city filled with thousands of alumni. Through RGC, I’m hopeful I’ll be able to foster dynamic relationships and collaborations, and help create spaces for recent graduates to connect, learn, share their talents, and continue to grow professionally with others in the Badger community.”
Caleb Ng’etich ’24
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Nakuru, Kenya
Current Town: Madison, WI
Major at the UW: Actuarial Science
Activities at the UW: Actuarial Club, Wisconsin Alumni Student Board, Finance & Investment Society, African Students Association, Associated Students of Madison, Rotaract Club
Current Studies: Tentative Graduate School Student
“I’m excited to join the Recent-Grad Council as it allows me to stay actively connected with the incredible UW–Madison community while giving back to current and future Badgers. My time at UW–Madison provided me with invaluable experiences, mentorship, and connections, and I am eager to pass that support forward. Through the council, I look forward to strengthening bonds within the Badger network, fostering a sense of community for recent grads, and creating new opportunities for professional growth and lifelong connections.”
Lennox Ochieng ’23
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya
Current Town: New York City, NY
Major at the UW: Actuarial Science, Finance
Activities at the UW: Student Services Finance Committee, Associated Students of Madison, King Morgridge Scholarship Program
Current Job/Industry: Actuarial Assistant
“I am thrilled to become a part of the Recent-Grad Council, as it presents a unique chance to maintain strong ties with the broader UW–Madison community, all the while advocating for the voices of my fellow recent Badger alumni. I eagerly anticipate collaborating with other bright and forward-thinking members of the council to develop impactful programs and resources that benefit Badgers worldwide, with a particular focus on those from underrepresented communities, like the one I hail from. On, Wisconsin!”
Jordan Pasbrig ’20, MS’21
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Wauwatosa, WI
Current Town: Washington, DC
Major at the UW: Marketing and Political Science (BBA), Business Analytics (MS)
Activities at the UW: Wisconsin Alumni Student Board, Associated Students of Madison, Student Council, Student Services Finance Committee, Chi Psi Fraternity (The Lodge), Interfraternity Council, Campus and Visitor Relations tour guide, Wisconsin Model United Nations
Current Job/Industry: Managing Economic Consultant
“I believe that the Recent-Grad Council is uniquely well-positioned to foster some of the most meaningful alumni connections in the history of the university. The RGC serves as a facilitator between young alumni and the university and should create spaces in which recent graduates can build on their relationship with the UW from wherever they are. Serving on the Recent-Grad Council will provide me opportunities to meaningfully engage recent graduates with the university and the broader alumni community, help foster the same shared sense of Badger pride that we feel while singing “Varsity” at Camp Randall, and play a small role in reinvigorating and reinventing preexisting relationships with the university.”
Anthony Pittman ’23
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Current Town: Milwaukee, WI
Major at the UW: Marketing
Activities at the UW: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, Wisconsin Black Student Union
Current Job/Industry: Sales and Marketing
“I joined the Recent-Grad Council to build connections with fellow Badgers, stay engaged with the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and develop my skills as a teammate and leader. The university has been a pivotal place of opportunity for me, shaping me into the person and professional I am today. I’m eager to give back and share the blessings I’ve received by serving on the council. It’s a chance for me to contribute to our community and support others in their journeys.”
Jasmyne Short ’22
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Racine, WI
Current Town: Minneapolis, MN
Major at the UW: Social Work
Activities at the UW: Center for Educational Opportunity Scholar, McNair Scholar, Wisconsin Black Student Union, African Student Association, Wisconsin Association of Black Men
Current Job/Industry: Higher Education Practitioner at University of Minnesota
“I am thrilled to join the Recent-Grad Council because it offers me the perfect opportunity to remain connected to UW–Madison and continue my dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). As a Black woman and first-generation college student, my undergraduate journey was defined by both my academic achievements and my commitment to creating spaces that fostered DEI. I was involved in various campus organizations and initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity. I have a great love for the UW community, and I look forward to contributing to its growth and progress by championing diversity, equity, and inclusion as a part of the Recent-Grad Council.”
Rebecca Sikes ’23, MA’24
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Western Springs, IL
Current Town: Madison, WI
Major at the UW: History and Anthropology (BA), Business (MA)
Activities at the UW: First Nations Cultural Landscape Tour Guide, Indigenous Language Table, AnthroCircle, Archery Club (President), Sports Club Executive Board (Secretary)
Current Job/Industry: Donor Engagement Manager at Morgridge Institute for Research
“Coming to UW–Madison as an undergrad with support from Bucky’s Tuition Promise and later serving as an Enrichment Programs Fellow during grad school, WFAA has significantly impacted the formative years of my young adult life. I’m excited to join the Recent-Grad Council as a way to continue my relationship with WFAA, which provided these opportunities for which I am deeply grateful. In my time on this council, I hope to help WFAA build deep, lifelong relationships with recent alumni.”
Ryan Van Handel ’23
Hometown: Fitchburg, WI
Current Town: Madison, WI
Major at the UW: Marketing and Management
Activities at the UW: Mentor Collective, Phi Delta Theta, Sports Business Club
Current Job/Industry: Alumni Relations Coordinator at the Wisconsin School of Business
“I am excited to join the Recent-Grad Council because I want alumni to cherish the UW as much as I do. As a fourth-generation Badger, my connection to this university runs deep. I’m thrilled for the opportunity to work with fellow recent graduates and build connections with UW alumni all over the world. The Badger community has always been a part of my life, and I’m excited to help foster a strong and engaged alumni community. On, Wisconsin!”
Mia Warren ’24
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Current Town: Madison, WI
Major at the UW: Life Sciences Communications and Gender & Women’s Studies
Activities at the UW: Sex Out Loud (President); Wisconsin Competitive Cheer Club (Treasurer); Rape Crisis Center (Volunteer); Survivor Services (Advisory Board Member); Member of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc.; Undergraduate Researcher within the fields of Sexual Violence, Sexual Health, STI Prevention, and Public Health Communications
Current Studies: Tentative Graduate School Student
“I am ecstatic to join the Recent-Grad Council to reconnect with my alma matter and fellow alumni. My undergraduate experience was a transformative and challenging journey filled with growth, so I am looking forward to taking all I have learned to support facilitating and upholding a welcoming community for our fellow Badgers.”
Tonglu Yang ’24
Hometown: Taiuan, Shanxi, China
Current Town: Santa Clara, CA
Major at the UW: Computer Science
Activities at the UW: Greater University Tutoring Service, Badger Volunteer, UW–Madison Chapter of ACM-W
Current Job/Industry: Software Engineer
“I’m excited to join the Recent-Grad Council to connect with more alumni and give back to the community that has supported me. As an international woman in tech, I want to help amplify diverse voices and create opportunities for others from different backgrounds.”
Helen Yuan ’21
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Wilmington, DE
Current Town: Jersey City, NJ
Majors at the UW: Consumer Behavior and Marketplace Studies
Activities at the UW: Alpha Xi Delta Sorority, Mu Kappa Tau Marketing Fraternity, UW Advertising Club, Student Leadership Program
Current Job/Industry: Consulting, Innovation Strategy
“UW–Madison’s electric school spirit, hard-working culture, and uplifting campus environment are differentiating factors that separate the Badger experience and what initially drew me to the university. I am excited to join RGC to elevate these factors in the postgrad community and continue to build touchpoints where alumni can connect, learn, and grow together. Through RGC, I hope to meet other like-minded young professionals across diverse industries to develop my skills as a leader and give back to the Badger community, which has taught me so much!”
Huaxia Zhou ’19
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Shanghai, China
Current Town: Evanston, IL
Major at the UW: Physics
Activities at the UW: Asian Musical Instruments Community, UW–Madison Concert Band, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers UW–Madison Student Chapter, Madzine, UW–Madison Physics Club, Yuan-Shan Study Society
Current Studies: PhD Candidate at Northwestern University
“Being part of the Recent-Grad Council provides me the exclusive opportunity to connect to Badgers worldwide. As a proud Badger, I’m eager to collaborate with fellow alumni in practicing the values and knowledge we acquired at UW–Madison to contribute beyond the boundaries of the classroom.”