Soar-In-4 Scholars

Deniya R. Capers

Major: Accounting

About Me: As a first-generation college student, I am honored to be part of the Soar-in-4 Scholars Program. After earning my degree, I aspire to establish my own accounting firm that will offer affordable services to clients from all socioeconomic backgrounds while providing essential financial advising. My vision extends beyond my undergraduate studies, as I intend to earn my master's degree in the near future to enhance my expertise in the field, allowing me to better serve others and deepen my understanding of accounting principles. When not focused on academics, I find fulfillment in serving others through community volunteer work, which aligns with my professional goal of making financial services more accessible. My personal interests include cheerleading, which has taught me discipline and teamwork, and fashion, which allows me to express my creativity outside the structured world of accounting. Through this academic journey and community involvement, I aim to create pathways to financial literacy and security for communities that have traditionally lacked access to such resources.

Sara Gallo

Major: Marketing

About Me: I am originally from Tampa. I plan to utilize FAU's resources to study abroad, apply for internships and begin work after my graduation. I am passionate about working in a corporate environment and exploring paths marketing has to offer. 

Maia Garcia 

Major: Management

About Me: I'm from Orlando, Florida. My goal is to get my CPA credential and potentially get an MBA degree. I hope I can one day live in a big city and make an impact in the business field. My hobbies include reading, going to the gym, and running an online business.

Isleny Mendez

Major: Marketing

About Me: My family is Dominican, but I was born and raised in Upstate, New York. I came to FAU because I wanted to see what living in South Florida had to offer. I am grateful to have this opportunity with Soar in 4 to see where my education can take me. I have always had a love for sports and traveling. I plan to use my degree in Marketing to pursue a career in the sports industry. 

Gabriella Romig 

Major: Marketing 

About Me: My career aspirations include becoming a successful business owner and pursuing a role within the marketing industry. I have a deep interest in real estate, particularly in having multiple properties. Additionally, having spent several years in the food industry, I am passionate about it and feel I could thrive in that business. I prosper in project-driven environments and love outlets to be creative. 

Noris Salomon

Major: Marketing  

About Me: I'm originally from Brooklyn, New York. In addition to my major, I also plan to minor in international business. My interests include fashion, yoga, traveling, and modeling. My career aspiration is to be a marketing director or creative director for an organization or company, whether that's related to fashion or social media. Due to my passion for traveling and fashion, I would love to incorporate the two in my future career and use my creativity to leave a lasting positive impact.

Emma Sherrod

Major: Marketing

About Me: I am from Newport, Rhode Island. Although I am 1400 miles from home, I chose Florida Atlantic University for the opportunities that South Florida has to offer. In addition to my major, I plan to also complete a minor in Real Estate. I am a member of Sigma Delta Tau sorority. Greek life has enhanced my college experience and taught me how to balance schoolwork, social life, and service-learning initiatives. I am looking forward to utilizing all the Soar-in-4 Scholars Program has to offer including internship guidance and priority course registration.

Jocelyn Simmons

Major: Management - Leadership

About Me: I am currently training to be an Officer in the United States Army through FAU’s ROTC program. I am also affiliated with Dream All Stars.I enjoy going to the beach, boating, traveling, listening to country music, and skydiving! Some of my goals include creating and owning a wedding venue, going to Airborne School, and learning how to buy and sell real estate. I am currently working on getting my real estate license.

 

 

Brooke Waters

Major: Hospitality and Tourism Management

About Me: I'm from Maryland and pursuing a Business degree in Hospitality. I’m excited to start my career in the resort industry and look forward to traveling around the world. Major goals for me are to continue to excel in my studies and continue to volunteer for the Center for Infant and Child Loss. I have a part time job as an event manager for Campus Rec. In my free time, I love hitting the gym, journaling, and being with friends and family. 

 

Jordan Weisman

Major: Accounting

About Me: Some of my career goals include passing the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) exam and founding my own accounting firm. While not working on my degree, I enjoy running, lifting, playing lacrosse, and playing basketball. 

 

 

Ryan Virr

Major: Accounting  

About Me: I plan to pursue a five-year Master of Accounting degree at the FAU College of Business and will focus on Forensic Accounting. My career aspirations remain fluid, but I plan to consider both public and private sector roles after graduation. I am a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and outside of class, I enjoy baking, lacrosse, volunteering, and spending time at the beach.    

 

Glory Cadet 

Major: Health Administration

About Me: I’m from West Palm Beach, FL. After graduating with my bachelor's degree, I plan to either get a job in the health or pursue a master's in health administration. In my free time, I enjoy watching Korean dramas.

 

 

Mallory DeBlauw

Major: Accounting and Finance double major

About Me:  My career aspiration is to work on Wall Street. After graduation with my bachelor's degree, I plan to continue in a master's program and become a CPA (certified public accountant). I have a strong passion for both learning and working with numbers. I am excited to be a part of this program as it will enhance my knowledge and help me achieve my professional goals.

 

James Denofa

Major: Accounting

About Me: I came to Florida Atlantic University from Pennsylvania and am completing my undergraduate degree in accounting, ultimately pursuing my master's degree. I hold an Office Manager position within the College of Business, more specifically for the Department of Finance and Business Communications, while also having the pleasure of being an Officer for Finance Student's Association. Upon graduation, I am eager to apply my extensive knowledge of the Business career in the workplace.

 

Luciano DiValerio

Major: Finance 

About Me: I am originally from southern New Jersey. In addition to my finance major, I am very interested in economics and learning more about how businesses operate. Some things I enjoy doing outside of my education include hanging out with friends on campus, exercising, and playing sports. My goals are to graduate with a 4.0 GPA, find a good internship position, and create a successful business. As for my career aspirations, I have not yet decided on anything specific, but I can say it will definitely be in the field of business.

 

Chloe Laplanche

Major: International Business and Finance double major

About Me: I was born and raised in Haiti and moved to FAU in Fall 2023. I have always been interested in entrepreneurship and global trade. Besides being interested in the business world, I also love playing and watching sports like tennis, soccer, dance, track and several others. In the future, I hope to work in different companies around the world as a business and foreign exchange advisor. Later, I intend on going back to Haiti to maintain my parents' businesses and hopefully open some of my own. 

 

 

Stefan Melnick

Major: Finance

About Me: I am passionate about the stock market and wealth management. After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in finance with the goal of becoming a CEO. I also aspire to be an inspiring leader in the army, gaining valuable experience through multiple deployments and graduating from prestigious combat schools. Eventually, I wish to start and grow my own business, achieving high levels of success in both finance and entrepreneurship. In my spare time, I enjoy working out in the gym and riding my motorcycle. I also have a deep passion for traveling to foreign countries and exploring new cultures.

 

 

 

 

Nicholas Mesa

Major: Finance

 

 

 

Taylor Smith

Major: Finance

About Me: I am originally from Jacksonville, Florida and have come to FAU for the opportunities South Florida has to offer. I am majoring in finance, and I am interested in economics as a possible minor. I am passionate about traveling, and my aspiration is to become part of a financial corporation that works internationally. 

 

Annika Zarazua

Major: Management (Leadership Concentration) and Marketing double-major 

About Me: I came to FAU from Germany in 2023 orgiinally planning to major in Management but decided to take advantage of the opportunity to complete a second major in Marketing.  Coming from a multicultural German/Mexican family, I am very interested in getting to know different cultures and enjoy being in the US. I am planning on pursuing a master’s degree in marketing once I finish my bachelor's degree. I joined the SOAR-IN-4 program as a freshman. 

Ibrahim Adawiya

Major: Accounting

About Me: I am originally from Qatar and moved to Florida for my freshmen year at FAU. I am majoring in Accounting with hopes of continuing on to my master's and becoming a Certified Public Accountant.

Alex Argyros

Major: Finance. 

About Me: I am originally from Long Island, New York, however I moved to Boca Raton in 2022 to begin college and to be closer to my immediate family. I am pursuing a degree in Finance with hopes of becoming an actuary or financial analyst in the future. 

 

Zeanna Azari

Major: Management - Leadership

About Me: I plan to one day become a business consultant. I am originally from California but moved to Florida three years ago with my family. I have always had an interest in business as I grew up watching my parents have their own. I'm excited to continue my education at FAU and look forward to learning more about the business industry.

Achilles Barakos

Major: Finance

About Me: I am originally from Fort Lee, New Jersey.  I chose Finance as my field of study because I am a strong student interested in economics, business, and money, and I am extremely determined. So far, I have loved my time here at FAU and am looking forward to graduating and pursuing my career goals in the business world. 

.

Abigail Casagrande

Major: Marketing

About Me: I'm from Rhode Island. I joined SOAR in 4 last year as a freshman, and I am so grateful for all of the amazing opportunities this program has provided me. I have a huge passion for travel so I am hoping to focus on Digital Marketing and pursue a career working with the Hospitality and Tourism Industry. That way I can utilize my Marketing degree in a career field that will allow me to work remotely and travel.

 

Ben Durdack

Major: Finance

About Me: I came to FAU from New Jersey in 2022 to pursue a major in Finance and have since discovered the possibility to dual major in Management Information Systems with a concentration in Business Analytics. Out of college, I plan to analyze data for financial institutions. Once in the job market, I am excited to display my invaluable skills while gaining new experience.

Ashley Rodriguez-Vallejo

Major: Management Information Systems.

About Me: My family is Colombian but I was born and raised in Springfield, Virginia. I came to FAU because it has always been my dream to move to Florida. I joined SOAR in 4 as a freshman in 2023 and am so grateful for this opportunity that highlights my academic success. I am hoping to graduate early, get my masters, and become a program manager in the tech industry.

Henrique Schalldach

Major: Management - Entrepreneurship

About Me: Originally I am from São Paulo, Brazil, and I came to FAU to burst out of my bubble and live entire new experiences! I joined SOAR in 4 as a freshman in 2022 and couldn’t be happier with the program. In addition to studying entrepreneurship, I am currently the FAU Club Golf President. My dream is to create a successful company directed to the sports industry. 

Andreas Uudmae

Major: Finance.

About Me:  I'm from Estonia, which is a really small country in Europe.  I hope to become successful in my career and make a positive impact on my community, but maybe even society as a whole. I look forward to meeting as many like-minded people at FAU as possible. GO OWLS!

Giana Vilme

Majors: Finance; Management Information Systems (Business Analytics Concentration)

About Me: I have always been drawn to the monetary aspect of our economy, so it only makes sense that I pursue this degree with a double major. Throughout my time here, I wish to learn more about the different types of investment strategies. 

 

 

Jesse Zipes

Major: Business

Minor: Real Estate and Business Law

About Me: I was born and raised in South Florida. I became a member of the SOAR-in-4 program as a freshman and am glad to be a part of it during my time here at FAU.

Rebecca Cosentino

Major:  Accounting

About Me: I am originally from Italy.  I moved to Florida seven years ago, and have been living here ever since. After completing my bachelor's degree in Accounting, I plan to continue on to a master's degree.

 

 

Ava Davison

Major:  International Business

About Me: I am originally from a small town in Pennsylvania. I decided to attend FAU for a change in environment and to meet new people. My entire life I have always been very intrigued with fashion and traveling, and I plan to use my International Business major to pursue a career in this industry.  

 

 

 

Grace Dolan

Major:  Management Information Systems

About Me:  I am originally from Orlando, Florida.  I have always loved technology and the idea of working for a huge company in a big city, so MIS seemed like a perfect major! I am excited to learn more about the industry and all it has to offer for my future. 

 

 

 

 

Ivanka Flores

Major: Hospitality and Tourism Management

About Me:  I was born in California, raised in Honduras, and now I am living in Boca with my family. I’ve always been passionate about creating experiences, and I wish for my Hospitality major to help me spread the energy of adventure. 

 

 

Jessica Gonzalez Enriquez

Major:  Marketing

About Me: I was born and raised in Quito, Ecuador, and moved to the United States in 2016. I chose the Marketing major because it is a flexible career in which I can connect the two things I am good at: creativity and analysis. I hope to one day do marketing for big creative musical or fashion companies and travel all around the world doing what I love most.

 

 

James Rawls

Major: Finance

About Me:  My goal in life is to make a positive impact on as many people as possible.  I see myself working as a financial analyst/advisor for a global company in the future.

 

 

Charles (CJ) Schmidt

Major: Finance

About Me: Hello, my name is Charles, but I often go by CJ. I am originally from New Jersey. I joined SOAR in 4 as a freshman in 2022 and am very proud to be a part of it. After graduation, I hope to have a career as a financial analyst or financial advisor. I look forward to working hard and learning about finance and all other sides of business.

 

 

Calee Scott

Major:  Marketing

Minor:  Digital Marketing

About Me:  Marketing has always appealed to me because it allows me to be creative and help businesses excel. I grew up in Orlando, Florida, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision to stay in Florida and attend FAU. I joined soar in 4 as a freshman and I am looking forward to my future here.