Soar-In-4 Scholars
The College of Business is proud to introduce our Soar-in-4 Scholars!
2023 Scholars
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.
2022 Scholars
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.
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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.
2021 Scholars
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.
2020 Scholars
Mackenzie Chin
Major: Hospitality and Tourism Management
Minor: Spanish
About Me: I grew up in New Jersey and moved to FAU in 2020, which gave me a new point of view in life. I have always been interested in hotels and restaurants, and moving down here has strengthened that interest. As I continue my studies at FAU, I am excited to learn more and pursue a future career in the hospitality industry.
Nadia Cherkaoui
Major: Health Administration
About Me: I will be earning my bachelor’s and master's degrees in Health Administration here at FAU. My career goals consist of becoming an administrator to a large dermatology clinic. Dermatology is a specialty that has kept my interest for years, and I will be dedicated to ensuring a successful facility that can benefit the lives of all patients as well as employees.
Kesona Hanson
Major: Accounting
About Me: I'm 19 years old, and I was born in Jamaica. My short-term career goal is to become an accountant, while my long-term goal is to be an auditor. Of all the various career paths one could choose, I chose Accounting and Business Management because I really enjoy working with the quantitative and numerical subject areas. I possess the innate ability to comprehend and analyze mathematical and financial situations, thereby making Mathematics and Accounting my strongest subject areas.
Binrong Liu
Major: International Business
About Me: I'm Chinese, born in Japan, and now living in Miami. I want to work in a company connecting East Asian markets and the North American market to put my multilingual skill to use.
William Androphe Occean
Major: Accounting
About Me: I hope to use my accounting major to become a forensic accountant. Right now, I'm taking every opportunity to achieve that, from internships to networking events. The Soar in 4 Scholars Program is one of those opportunities that has been instrumental to my success so far at FAU in more ways than one.
Sofia Ballesteros
Major: International Business
Minor: Finance
About Me: I am from Medellin, Colombia. I aspire to work with wealth management and help individuals achieve financial security for the future.
Carleigh Smith
Major: Marketing
Minor: Commercial Music
About Me: I joined SOAR4 as a freshman in 2021. My hopes are to work in the music marketing business. My career goal is to become an executive of a record label or to represent a successful artist in their marketing journey.
Shu Jun Liang
Major: Economics
Minor: Management Information Systems
About Me: I am from China. I live in Boca Raton, Florida now. This year is my junior year at FAU. I am planning on earn a master's degree at FAU to achieve my career goals.
Emonnie Lahai
Major: Accounting; member of the Accounting Scholars Program
Minor: Finance
About Me: I am currently a Sophomore here at FAU. I aspire to become a CPA and take my career as far as it can go!
Yongting Shi
Major: Economics with Concentration in Business Economics
About Me: I am from Coral Springs, Florida. I plan to pursue a master's degree in business to support my future career. I would like to thank my family for their support, financially and emotionally; they have always been there for me.
Antonietta Pakula
Major: Finance
Minors: Economics and Health Administration
About Me: Hello, my name is Antonietta but my friends and family often call me Netta. I live in Sunrise, Florida. My intent throughout life is to help other people and use my knowledge to make a positive difference in the lives of others. One day I hope to become a financial analyst or a chief financial officer.
Mary Leventelis
Major: Accounting
About Me: I am from Tampa, Florida. I am a sophomore here at FAU, and I have the goal to one day become an accountant.
2019 Scholars
Roshanna Bcheecham
Majors: Economics and Anthropology
About Me: In addition to my double majors, I am also in the Accelerated Master of Science Economics program. I am very interested in the socio-economic aspects of international developmental studies. In the future, I hope to become a research analyst in the study of international economic development.
Sarah Cohen
Major: Accounting; member of the Accounting Scholars Program
Minor: Finance
About Me: I am currently a Junior. Originally I am from Boston, and I came to FAU for the warm weather! I joined SOAR in 4 as a freshman in 2019 and couldn’t be happier with the program. I hope to continue on to my master's degree and become a Certified Public Accountant working in external audit.
Ashley Dukhu
Majors: Marketing and Management
About Me: I am from West Palm Beach, FL. My career goals include finishing my bachelor’s degree, getting my master’s degree in Sustainable Development Practice, and impacting the world in a positive way by applying business practices to current and future global happenings.
Kendra Murray
Major: Accounting
Minor: Management Information Systems
About Me: I am from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In the future, I plan to obtain my CPA license and work for a major accounting firm.
Cynthia Proctor
Major: Marketing
About Me: I have a passion for anything art and technology related! My dream is to travel abroad and study either advertising or computer science. I hope to be able to use my marketing degree for a plethora of career choices and to be able to use my creativity in my everyday life and future job!
Heidi Sayre
Major: Marketing
About Me: I am open to many career paths, but I know that whatever I choose, I will always strive to be as hardworking as my parents. They are my role models and have taught me that success really does come from doing what makes you happy. Go Owls!
Madison Ellis
Major: Hospitality and Tourism Management
About Me: I hope to one day become an events director for a hotel or an organization. I am originally from Orlando, Florida, but I choose to live in Boca Raton to attend Florida Atlantic University. I have always had an interest in the hospitality field when growing up with my parents in the industry. I was a participant in the Disney College Program, and I also completed a study abroad program at the University of Plymouth in England. I'm looking forward to graduating in December 2022 as a FAU Alumni!
