Business Honors Program
Students
Cohort 2021
Paola Arnaldes
Paola Arnaldes is a finance major from Caracas, Venezuela. In high school, she served
as president of the Arts and Humanities Club, was a member of the Best International
Delegation in Harvard Model United Nations 2019 and an advocate for children’s education
in underprivileged areas. After college, she hopes to obtain a PhD in law and continue
promoting equal opportunities for students in her country.
Sumair Handa Bakshi
Born in Botswana and raised in India, Sumair Bakshi is a global business and finance
major who aims to work in the renewable energy industry – a family passion. At a young
age, Bakshi founded an organization to help protect marine life and he has since started
a widely acclaimed movement to clean the River Ganga in India, attracting the support
of celebrities, world leaders, industrialists and thousands of volunteers.
James Franch
James Franch is a business analytics and information systems major with a concentration
in cybersecurity. In high school, he was member of the football team and was twice
awarded academic all-conference. He plans to study abroad and get an internship during
his time at USF. After graduation, Franch plans to pursue a career in cybersecurity.
Sho Ishizuka
Sho Ishizuka is a finance major from Tokyo. He is a member of the Business Honors
Program, Bulls Business Community, Bulls Business Network, Judy Genshaft Honors College
and the Innovation Scholars Career Exploration Program. Ishizuka is bilingual in Japanese
and English and earned a black belt in karate in his freshman year of high school.
After graduation, he hopes to work for a Big Four accounting firm and eventually start
his own business.
Ahhyun Joh
Ahhyun Joh is a business analytics and information systems major, who is aims to double
major in corporate finance. Joh is part of the Academic Engagement Committee and aspires
to study in Shang Hai, China as an exchange student. She was the president and founder
of Cultural Appreciation Organization in high school. She hopes to pursue management
information systems/financial analytics for a large corporation and gain an MBA.
Abdul Muqeet Khawaja
Abdul Muqeet Khawaja is a double-major in business analytics and information systems
and accounting from Lahore, Pakistan. He is in the USF Business Honors Program, the
Judy Genshaft Honors College and Leadership Community. His strengths radiate from
his ownership of Eco-Topia, a sustainable self-cleaning water bottle, management of
an NGO striving to spread mental awareness under “The Depression Project”, and experiences
in the field of journalism to liberate women from the shackles of patriarchy. He is
an all-rounder aiming to dominate the financial sector, tomorrow.
Justin Kwitchoff
Justin Kwitchoff is a finance major from Fairfax, Virginia. In high school, he co-founded
the first hockey club in school history and captained the varsity baseball team. He
is part of the Business Honors Program, the Judy Genshaft Honors College, and the
Bulls Business Community. He hopes to explore the psychological aspect of investing
and leverage his learning experiences to pursue a career in the financial services
industry.
Owen Leckie
Owen Leckie is a finance major with the Bulls Business Community Program from Orlando.
Leckie was a nationally ranked team captain for the congressional speech and debate
team at Lake Highland Preparatory School. He is involved in the Business Honors Program
and the Judy Genshaft Honors College. Separately, Leckie manages an investment portfolio
which will be utilized for graduate school. He is also rushing for Sigma Phi Epsilon.
After graduation, Leckie hopes to complete a master’s degree in finance or business
administration.
Ivanna Lizardi
Ivanna M. Lizardi is an accounting major from San Juan, Puerto Rico. She is a member
of the Business Honors Program and Bulls Business Community. Lizardi graduated as
class valedictorian and was extensively involved in student government. She is passionate
about public speaking and service and after graduation, she aspires to gain a master’s
degree and lead a company.
Julia Lokay
Julia Lokay is a business advertising major aspiring to double major in environmental
science with a concentration in policy and sustainability. Lokay is a member of the
Business Honors Program and the Zimmerman Advertising Program. Her success has led
to positions working alongside business owners and advertising creatives. Lokay plans
to study abroad and research sustainable business and advertising practices during
her time at USF.
Jason Miller
Jason Miller is a supply chain management major from Hudson, Ohio. He graduated high
school as part of the National Honors Society and the Spanish National Honors Society.
He is also part of both the Judy Genshaft Honors College and the Business Honors Program.
Miller wishes to work in either the automotive or golf industry, as those are two
of his passions.
Nikola Nasto
Nikola Nasto is a business analytics and information systems major from Albania. Nasto
is a bilingual math tutor and the marketing manager of the Bulls Business Community.
He graduated high school with an associate’s degree and fast-tracked his path toward
a J.D. degree. As a member of the Business Honors Program and the Honors College,
he hopes to build a strong profile with internships and research experience.
Thomas O’Halloran
Thomas O’Halloran is a business analytics major from Westerville, Ohio. He is in the
Bulls Business Community, Business Honors Program and the Judy Genshaft Honors College.
O’Halloran finished high school with a 4.4 GPA and in the top 8 percent of his class
while playing both football and baseball. After completing his undergraduate degree,
he is interested in joining a sports organization in the business department.
Saif Saeed
Saif Saeed is a finance major from Islamabad, Pakistan, who is a member of USF’s Bulls
Business Community and the Green and Gold Investment Club. He has lived in eight different
countries and hopes to enhance his international outlook by studying abroad. Saeed
has a special interest in cryptocurrencies, real estate and entrepreneurship and hopes
to be involved in his country’s booming real estate sector after graduation.
Jade Sharon
Jade Sharon is a marketing major from Miami, who is a member of the Bulls Business
Community and Bulls Honors Program. She graduated from the Academy of Finance at Coral
Reef Senior High and was involved in several clubs including: Future Business Leaders
of America, National Business Honor Society and National Honor Society and she interned
for the CUDA Credit Union. After graduation, she hopes to obtain a master’s degree
in marketing.
Avery Stauffer
Avery Stauffer is a marketing major from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She graduated high
school in the top 10 of her class where she served as captain of the varsity soccer
team and member of the National Honors Society. After taking multiple introductory
marketing classes, she was able to land her first internship in the spring of 2021.
At USF, Stauffer is a member of the Bulls Business Community, Business Honors Program,
and Judy Genshaft Honors College.
Josh Streitmatter
Josh Streitmatter is a pre-global business major from Sarasota. He is a part of the
Bulls Business Community, the Business Honors Program and the Judy Genshaft Honors
Program. He graduated in the top 10 percent of his class while getting his diploma
from the International Baccalaureate Program. He also won a district championship
for lacrosse while being a part of four honors societies. Streitmatter intends to
attend law school and is looking forward to playing with the Bulls this upcoming lacrosse
season.
Cohort 2020
Arlette Brito
Arlette Brito is a double-major in Marketing and Management from Tampa, Florida. Arlette
is a first-generation American that graduated in the top 10% of her class as well
as with an Associates in Arts Degree. Arlette is a member of the Bulls Business Community,
the Business Honors Program, and is a George W. Jenkins Scholar. Her history with
and passion for student government has led her to pursue management.
Teju Calambakkam
Teju Calambakkam is a Business Advertising major with the Zimmerman Advertising Program
from Lake Mary, Florida. Calambakkam was Editor-in-Chief of her high school’s award-winning
yearbook. Her experiences helped her earn a marketing internship, which turned into
her current part-time job. Separately, Calambakkam does graphic design work for a
non-profit organization, Girls For Science. She is also involved with two choirs at
USF. After graduation, Calambakkam hopes to complete a master’s degree at USF.
Aaditya Daga
Aaditya Daga is a Finance major from Tampa, Florida. Daga graduated from the International
Baccalaureate program in high school where he was also a member of the speech and
debate team. In addition to his education, Daga is a cofounder of the BestFit Foundation,
a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking down socioeconomic barriers
for high school students. After his undergraduate degree Daga hopes to return to school
for his MBA and work for an investment firm.
Delaney Dean
Delaney Dean is an advertising major from Pensacola, Florida. She is a proud member
of the Zimmerman Advertising Program and the Business Honors Program. In highschool,
she interned through the Pensacola Children’s Chorus, and served as both the drama
club president and varsity golf captain. Delaney is an advocate for Rally for Childhood
Cancer, and strives to use knowledge learned from her major to spread awareness and
raise funds.
Ashton DeMarse
Ashton DeMarse is a Finance major from Tampa, Florida. He is a member of the Bulls
Business Community, Business Honors Program, and Judy Genshaft Honors College. He
was Captain for an award-winning speech and debate team, during high school, as well
as having received the Student of the Year Award from the National Speech and Debate
Association Sunshine District. He is planning on working towards his MBA and PhD.
Madison Farrens
Madison Farrens is a Supply Chain Management major from Ormond Beach, Florida who
is aiming to double major in Industrial Engineering. She is a part of the Judy Genshaft
Honors College, Business Honors Program, Bulls Business Community, Bulls Business
Network, and the Judy Genshaft Student Council. She is hoping to take part in Semester
in Exeter Program, Intramural sports when they open again and one or more of the hundreds
of research opportunities offered by USF. She hopes to gain a management position
at a large international company to give her opportunities to travel while working.
Reaney Haskell
Reaney Haskell is an Advertising major from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She graduated
from the Cambridge Program in high school where she founded and supervised the chess
club. After her internship at a local digital advertising company, she found her passion
in demographical and analytical advertising. Now, Haskell is a part of the Zimmerman
Advertising Program (ZAP), Bulls Business Network (BBN), and the Business Honors Program
(BHP) where she is pursuing her Master’s degree.
Lucas Hill
Lucas Hill is a Finance major from Saline, Michigan. Lucas is a part of the Bulls
Business Community and the Business Honors Program. In high school he was a part of
DECA as well as a volunteer at Food Gatherers. Lucas enjoys traveling and plans on
studying abroad during his time at USF. After USF, Lucas hopes to move New York and
work in financial services.
Sophia Hower
Sophia Hower plans to major in Global Business with a concentration in Business Analytics.
In high school, Sophia was the cofounder of the Empowerment Club and was an active
member of the Freeport Board of Directors. Sophia is involved in the Bulls Business
Community and Business Honors Program at USF. She hopes to do research on the effects
of the ever-changing economy in regard to refugee families.
Nathan Johnson
Nathan Johnson is a first-year student from Worthington, Ohio. He is a finance major.
When he was in high school, he competed in the state meet for Cross Country twice
and was a three-year captain of the bowling team. During Johnson’s time at USF, he
hopes to research things he is passionate about, including finding ways resources
can be used more efficiently.
Jamee Kopnicky
Jamee Kopnicky is a Business Advertising major from Daytona Beach, Florida. She is
currently a member of the Zimmerman Advertising Program, The Bulls Business Network
and The Business Honors Program. She’s had internships working alongside graphic designers
as well as business managers which sparked her passion for creativity. After graduation,
she plans to further her education in marketing and head to New York city to work
as an advertising director for reputable fashion magazines.
Noah Levin
Noah Levin is a Business Advertising major from Pembroke Pines, FL. Along with completing
his studies in the Zimmerman Advertising Program, Noah wants to learn how to manage
a business along with his fellow cohorts. He was one of 16 individuals to make it
to the state level in a scholastic music competition. After college, Noah hopes to
work in the business field before returning to school for his Doctorate.
Ishika Patel
Ishika Patel is a first-generation, Business Advertising major from Lake Worth, Florida.
She started her first business 17 during a global pandemic and hopes to inspire others
to take action in the face of adversity. Her continued interest in studying market
trends and creative advertising in addition to her admiration for business leadership
pushed her to pursue the Zimmerman Advertising Program. Currently, Ishika is also
a member of the Business Honors Program and serves as the Senator for Hall Council.
She hopes the benefits from the programs she is currently involved in will help her
achieve her goal of being the chief-creative-officer of a successful company.
Anthony Porras
Anthony Porras is Finance major from Laurel, Maryland. He is a very driven and determined
student and leader. Porras is a member of the Bulls Business Community and the Business
Honors Program. Porras was the captain of his varsity basketball team throughout high
school. He hopes to do research on the affect the sports and entertainment industry
has on the economy. After completing his undergraduate degree, Porras plans on gaining
work experience and traveling the world before he gets his master’s degree.
Pablo Puga
Pablo Puga is a marketing major from Miami, Florida. Throughout high school, Pablo
was vice president of Key Club, captain of the varsity water polo team and founder
of Teach Hope Spread Love, an organization focused on aiding the homeless communities
of South Florida. Pablo hopes to use his leadership experience to allow him to eventually
pursue his dream of being able to work for a nonprofit organization that has commendable
values and eventually be the chief-executive-officer of a nonprofit organization.
Claire Rauh
Claire Rauh is a Marketing major student from Madrid, Spain. Claire is a member of
USF’s Bulls Business Community, Judy Genshaft Honors College, and Business Honors
Program. Claire has lived in China, Spain and the US and wants to continue growing
in her international outlook by doing a year abroad while at USF. As an ambassador
to Blue Missions, a water and sanitation initiative, she wants to contribute to underserved
communities. She has a special interest in digital marketing, real estate and entrepreneurship.
She hopes to start her career with a large multinational in the field of Marketing.
Yuki Shao
Yuki Shao is a first-generation Management major from Tampa, Florida. She is interested
in minoring in finance and getting her master’s. Bilingual in Chinese and English,
she wishes to study abroad to enhance her professional endeavors. Shao is part of
the Genshaft Honors, Bulls Business Community and Business Honors Program at USF.
Graduating high school as the environmental club president and National Honor Society
officer, she wishes to consult sustainable businesses to become vastly more efficient
and expand globally.
Ainsley Vermost
Ainsley Vermost is an Accounting major from Clearwater, Florida. She is a member of
the Bulls Business Community, the Business Honors Program, and the Business Honors
Service Association. She devoted over 300 hours to community service in high school
and is currently working towards finding service opportunities in the Tampa area.
Vermost plans to get her CPA and work for an accounting firm in the Tampa Bay area
after graduation.
Leah Whitney
Leah Whitney is a Marketing major from Cincinnati, Ohio. Leah is a member of the Bulls
Business Community, Business Honors Program and Sigma Delta Tau sorority. Outside
of her education, Leah is passionate about helping children with special needs and
led camps where she taught kids with disabilities to play baseball and softball. After
graduation, Leah plans to get her MBA and land a job in medical or pharmaceutical
sales.
Cohort 2019
Jack Barrios
Jack Barrios is a Finance major from Miami Florida. In addition to his education he
is passionate about serving the community. Barrios was the captain of his varsity
golf team throughout his high school career. He hopes to do research on the effects
of decreasing immigration rates on the economy. After completing his undergraduate
degree Barrios plans on gaining work experience before returning to school for an
MBA.
Olivia Blakley
Olivia Blakley is a first-generation student and marketing major from St. Augustine,
Florida. Olivia graduated valedictorian of her high school and is now a member of
the Bull Business Network, Bulls Business Community, Business Honors Program, and
Kappa Delta Sorority. Her success landed her a marketing internship at 16 that sparked
an interest in the career field. She hopes the benefits from the programs she is currently
involved in will help her achieve her goal of being the chief-marketing-officer of
a successful company.
Rajeev Chachad
Rajeev Chachad is a finance major from Lakeland, Florida. Rajeev is a member of USF’s
Bulls Business Community, Judy Genshaft Honors College, and Business Honors Program.
Rajeev is affectionate about puppies and was once a volunteer at the SPCA. He plans
to study abroad and get an internship during his time at USF. After graduation, Rajeev
desires to receive a Master’s in Business Administration and work in a career related
to financial services.
Sanal Gupta
Sanal Gupta is a Finance major from Tampa, FL. Sanal graduated from the International
Baccalaureate program in high school, where he was also part of the varsity tennis
team. In university Sanal is part Bulls Business Community, Bulls Business Network,
and the Business Honors Program. He is also involved in the Student Investment Club
at USF and plans to research cryptocurrency. After university, Sanal plans to go into
private equity or investment banking.
Derek Hines
Derek Hines is a Business Advertising major, aiming for a minor in Mass Communications.
He is apart of the Zimmerman Advertising Program, Bulls Business Community, and most
recently a Mayor for Endeavor Hall Council. His history in student government coincides
with a passion for service and helping the community around him. Hines hopes to follow
the ‘Masters in 5’ path and get a job in professional sports advertising in Florida,
Texas, or Pittsburgh.
Roshan Jayaraman
Roshan Jayaraman is a Finance major from Tampa, Florida. With an interest in human
decision-making, he hopes to research how habit-formation impacts consumer behavior.
Jayaraman enjoys analytical tasks, and is a chess Candidate Master and a math enthusiast.
He also placed 3rd in FBLA nationals for the team public speaking event “Emerging
Business Issues”. Jayaraman plans on pursuing a concentration in asset management
and becoming an investor.
Caleb Krassner
Caleb Krassner is a Business Advertising major from Palm Coast, FL. He is a part of
the Zimmerman Advertising Program, the Judy Genshaft Honors College, the Business
Honors Program, and Mayor for Hall Council. Throughout high school, Caleb was president
of National Honors Society, Interact Club, and Creative Writing Club. Caleb hopes
to use his numerous leadership positions throughout high school and college as a stepping
stone to a successful career in the advertising/marketing field. Upon graduation,
he will use the resources and opportunities USF gave to him to hopefully work for
a non-profit or company with admirable morals.
Kimberly Nakamura
Kimberly Nakamura is a Global Business major with a concentration in Marketing. In
addition to the Business Honors Program, she is an active member in the Japanese Language
Club and the Women in Business Society. She is considering a minor in Japanese language,
and plans to study abroad in Japan during the summer of 2020. After graduation, she
hopes to find a career in international marketing that would allow her to travel.
Katelyn Payne
Katelyn Payne is a Business Advertising major from Tampa, Fla. Payne was Editor-in-Chief
of her high school’s newspaper and a student speaker at the Florida Scholastic Press
Association state convention. Her love for journalism production and business leadership
led her to the Zimmerman Advertising Program and the Business Honors Program. Payne
intends to use the resources offered at USF to make a difference in her community
and in the world of advertising.
Hannah Proctor
Hannah Proctor is a marketing major from Collierville, TN. Hannah is very creative
and loves to use her innovative thinking in her classes. She is a part of the Bulls
Business Community and Business honors program and hopes to expand her learning experience
by being apart of these communities. Hannah plans to study abroad in the summer and
aspires to work for a company that promotes ocean conservancy or a creative environment
like Disney.
Marina Roberts
Marina Roberts is a management major from Tampa, Florida. Roberts was an active member
of the sports marketing program in her high school. She competed at the international
level in DECA while holding the position of VP of Competition in her chapter due to
her recognition at the state level for her test and role-play performance. Upon graduation,
Roberts hopes to further her education in the Vinik Sports and Entertainment Management
program.
Gary Ruderman
Gary Ruderman is a third year Business Management major and History minor from Fort
Lauderdale, Florida. As a leader, Ruderman has past experience volunteering as a lead
mentor in USF's Business LLC and recently joining the Legislative Internship Program.
Ruderman also loves to travel, having been to twenty countries, and he plans to become
a Fulbright Scholar after graduating from USF in Spring of 2022. Ruderman plans on
attending law school with eventual plans to be a trial attorney.
Andrew Skidmore
Andrew Skidmore is a first-year student pursuing a degree in finance. Andrew is a
member of the Bulls Business Community and Business Honors Program; Andrew is also
looking to start a boxing club at USF and is applying to be on the volunteer dive
and rescue team for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. In high school, Andrew played
varsity football, varsity soccer, and co-founded the school’s Ping Pong Club. After
graduation, Andrew plans on pursuing an MBA at USF.
Zachary Slezak
Zachary Slezak is currently a Business Analytics and Information Science major aspiring
to minor in Entrepreneurship. In addition to the Business Honors Program, he is also
a member of the USF Honors College, Phi Chi Theta Professional Fraternity, and USF
Ice Hockey Team. Slezak intends to focus research on the art of person to person interaction
and how it affects the processes within the business world.