group of students with fists in the air

Meet Your 2019-2020 Global Ambassadors

Nikhita Azad

Azad headshotCountry of Origin: India

Languages: English

Majors: International relations

Year in College: Second year

About Me: I am an international student, from India.  I know it can be a difficult process leaving home but I will always be there for you every step of your transition to Davis! I love the outdoors and I love being active whenever I can. In my free time I love jamming to Kpop, dancing to Destiny's child, taking long walks at the arboretum, and I absolutely love making new friends. I hope I can introduce you to a part of my culture as well as learn about yours. I am here for you, whether you need advice about academics or just a friend to talk to. I am very excited to meet you all and I hope we can all make lots of memories together.

 


AnnaLisa Barlin

Barlin Headshot

Country of Origin: United States

Languages: English

Majors: International relations and sociology - comparative world development

Year in College: Fourth year

Campus Involvement: PAL Program

About Me: Hi, incoming Aggies! I've lived my whole life in California, being raised in Southern California and moving up here to Davis for college. I've constantly been exposed to a number of Asian cultures and identity as Asian-American. In both my personal and academic lives, I have always sought to learn more about other countries, embracing all kinds of cultures and walks of life. I would love to learn about where you all come from and show you all the beauties of Davis and America as a whole! I'd happily go on any adventures you'd like! I love trying new foods, finding great places to hike and admire nature, cooking and baking, doing art and crafts, and just doing simple things like running errands. I can't wait to help you guys on your journey as first-years at UC Davis and provide helpful academic and/or emotional support. See you all this fall!


Chloe Chen

C Chen Headshot

Country of Origin: China

Languages: Mandarin, Cantonese, English, Korean (basic)

Majors: Managerial economics and statistics

Year in College: Third year

Campus Involvement: PAL Program

About Me: I am excited to be part of the Global Ambassador program and welcome you all to start a new journey together here at UC Davis. During my free time, I like to explore new places to eat and to get coffee, and travel around during holidays. I will be down to any hangouts. Since I have been to UC Davis for 2 years already, if you need any advice or want to discover more about the campus, feel free to ask me. Looking forward to meeting you all and build some great experiences together!


Yuyou Chen

Y Chen Headshot

Country of Origin: China

Languages: Chinese, English 

Majors: Environmental science and management, economics

Year in College: Fourth 

Campus Involvement: UC Davis Table Tennis Team

About Me: I was born in Beijing, China. I was a mentee in my freshman year and I am excited to be back as a mentor! I enjoy outdoor activities like traveling and hiking. I know transitioning to college would be a small or big challenge for the first-year undergrad, but it would make you become a more confident self if you could get through it. I'd be happy to help you if you need any advice on internships, clubs, organizations, and off-campus resources.


Mayela Diaz

diaz headshot

Country of Origin: Mexico

Languages: English, Spanish, French (conversational)

Majors: International Relations

Year in College: Second

About Me: I moved to the U.S. four years ago from Mexico City where I was born and raised. I currently live in Sacramento and would love to show you around if you ever come to visit! I think I'm super friendly and very talkative, I'm always the one breaking the ice in awkward situations. My passions include: music, food and Mexico. I could spend hours talking about any of those three things. One of my hobbies is playing the ukulele and singing. (I'm not very good at it but it's super fun to me) Also I like to swim, do yoga and play volleyball so if you're ever down for any I'm your girl. I'm super excited to meet you all and I'll try my best to help you in any possible way! Welcome to UC Davis!

 


Yu Fu 

Fu Headshot

Country of Origin: China

Languages: Chinese, English 

Majors: Managerial economics

Year in College: Second

Campus Involvement: UC Davis Table Tennis Team

About Me: I am honored to be one of the mentors and I hope to make progress with you in the future. I usually like to watch movies, read books, travel, and listen to music. I also like to think about new things, such as editing videos, teaching myself some musical instruments, researching cooking, etc. I hope we can find common interests! As a Chinese student, I am also happy to introduce you to traditional Chinese culture and specialties. I hope I can help you in your university life and I look forward to being a good friend!


Cece Garofoli

Garofoli Headshot

Country of Origin: United States

Languages: English, Spanish, French (basic) 

Majors: International relations, political science minor

Year in College: Second 

Campus Involvement: Director of Political Affairs for the Davis College Democrats, International Relations Student Association

About Me: Hello there! I am thrilled to meet you all and be there for you throughout your first year at Davis. Although I was born and grew up in the United States, I have traveled to several different countries such as Cuba, Israel, Greece, Nicaragua and Australia, and want to keep learning more about the world to better understand its complexities and my place in it. I am interested in politics from the local to international level, and hope to one day be able to have a job that allows me to work with local communities, write and experience all the riches traveling brings. I love hiking at some of the many hikes in the Davis Area, strumming the guitar, and exploring new food spots. Welcome to Davis -- I look forward to your arrival!


Antonio Grande 

grande headshot

Country of Origin: Mexico

Languages: English, Spanish, French (conversational), Japanese (basic)

Majors: Economics, global and international studies minor

Year in College: Second 

Campus Involvement: Aggie Ambassador, PAL program, Club-I, So-Kpop

About Me: Hello! I am very excited to meet you all! Ever since I started my college education, I have had a lot of interest in working with international students. Because of this interest, I was able to expand my horizons and study abroad and travel to Spain, France, Italy, and Mexico. My next travel destination will, hopefully, be Japan, and to prepare, I am working to improve my Japanese. I love to explore the world around me and take many pictures of it! Some of my hobbies include, walking/hiking, cooking, going to restaurants and shops, watching movies, swimming, and going to the ARC (Gym).
I hope that we can bond and make your experience at UC Davis, and the US, very memorable!


Lora Kim 

Kim headshot

Country of Origin: Mexico / Korea

Languages: English, Spanish, Korean

Majors: Spanish and linguistics

Year in College: Third

Campus Involvement: Spanish tutor

About Me:  I was born in Korea, moved to Mexico when I was four years old, and attended the last two years of high school in New York. I came to Davis as a pre-med, but I switched my career into Speech-Language Pathology. During my free time, I like to watch TV shows and videos, explore new music, and to go out for food or boba with friends! I would love to share my experiences as an international student with all of you and help in any way I can to make your experience at UC Davis better. Looking forward to seeing you all soon!


Audrey Lee

Lee headshot

Country of Origin: Taiwan

Languages: English, Mandarin

Majors: Electrical engineering

Year in College: Third

Campus Involvement: UC Davis Table Tennis Team

About Me: Being a mentee as you during my freshman year, I am looking forward to meet you as a global ambassador. I enjoy doing all types of sports, so hit me up if you want some exercises. I also enjoy eating a lot, especially Chinese and Italian food, and I cook for myself, too. Let me know if you want to hang out and try some delicious food or try out traditional Taiwanese food! Again, looking forward to meeting you!

 


Kelly Li 

Li Headshot

Country of Origin: China

Languages: English, Mandarin, Korean (basic)

Majors: Managerial economics, cinema and digital media

Year in College: Third

Campus Involvement: Chinese Undergraduate Student Union, PAL program, So-Kpop

About Me: I was raised in a multi-cultural environment. I love listening to K-pop, watching anime and suspense movies, traveling, eating, and playing mobile games. Feel free to talk more with me if you have any of the common interests. I know it's not a quick process to get familiar with a new environment in a different country. As a mentor, I would like to share my personal experience and help you with any academic or life problems. And we can explore more about the campus together. Can't wait for meeting you all!


Yishan Lyu

Lyu Headshot

Country of Origin: China

Languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese, French (basic)

Majors: Communications

Year in College: Second 

Campus Involvement: Her Campus at UC Davis

About Me: A big welcome to future mentees out there, I’m Yishan! I became a mentee when I first touched down in Davis and now I’m super down to give back some help and guide to my international/new Aggies coming to town. I am basically into anything fun. We can grab a boba, go explore the campus, or attend some events in Davis. Besides a mentor for international students, I’m also a member of Her Campus at UC Davis(an online magazine club). When I don’t get in a hectic schedule, I spend my time binge-watching Netflix, going for a walk in Arboretum, or drive down to Bay Area to dine in authentic Asian cuisines. Can’t wait for everyone to join the family!


Millenn Mong 

mong headshot

Country of Origin: United States

Languages: English, Vietnamese, Chinese (basic) 

Majors: Community and regional development, communications

Year in College: Second 

Campus Involvement: Korean American Student Association, Mga Kapatid, PERIOD

About Me: Hi friend! Welcome to my profile! Born and raised in San Francisco, California. I ended up attending a boarding school in LA for high school and now I'm here at Davis. Besides that I'm also a big foodie, I love to eat all types of food and I'm down to go out of my way to eat a good meal. Traveling is my favorite thing to do outside of school, I've traveled to Vietnam and Korea; I can't wait to see where I end up next! Something interesting about me is that I work at the Museum of Ice Cream! So, if you like ice cream, we can be good friends. I am hyped to be one of the people to expose you to our amazing school! Congrats and welcome to the Aggie family!


Elisa Morillo

morillo headshot

Country of Origin: Ecuador

Languages: English, Spanish, German 

Majors: International relations, design

Year in College: Fourth 

Campus Involvement: Yoga club

About Me: I have always had an artistic side and and analytical side. That is why I decided to study international relations and design. In international relations I’m specializing in global environment, health and natural resources and in Design I’m specializing in sustainable and biological design.  In my free time I like to go kitesurfing, do yoga or other sports. I also like to go dancing and to hang out with friends. So far I have visited more than 35 countries! Last year I participated on Semester at Sea. I had the change to study around the world on a ship and visit 13 countries such as South Africa, Ghana, Cambodia, India, China and Japan. I can’t to meet you all next fall!


Sarah Mursjid

Mursjid headshot

Country of Origin: Indonesia

Languages: English, Indonesian, French, Arabic (basic)

Majors: Economics, psychology minor

Year in College: Fourth 

Campus Involvement: Womxn in Economics, Omicron Delta Epsilon Honors Society, French Club

About Me: I was born and raised in Indonesia until I came here to pursue an Economics degree. I love traveling and getting to know people. So far 11 countries and counting! I enjoy film photography, watching international movies and learning a new language in my spare time. I also love a good hike and I'm always down for yoga. Other than that, I am passionate about my academics so you will definitely have a study buddy because that's how I spend the majority of my time. I'm also a peer advisor for the College of Letters and Science so I can definitely help you navigate through your first year at Davis. I'm excited to meet you all! 


Bia Myanganbayar

Myanganbayar headshot

Country of Origin: Mongolia / United States

Languages: English, Mongolian

Majors: Psychology, sociology 

Year in College: Third

Campus Involvement: Mental Health Initiative, Campus Rotaract Club of Davis, Public Advisor at the Welcome Center

About Me: I’m so excited to be your mentor for this year! Okay. You’re beginning a new chapter in your life. Where do you begin? How do you get from place to place? How do you stay on top of everything? The first thing I can tell you is that you’re not alone. I’m just one of the many people you’ll meet in this friendly community that will help guide you. I’m looking forward to spending time with you and helping you when you need it!


Sarina Noma

Noma headshot

Country of Origin: United States

Languages: English, Japanese, French (basic) 

Majors: International relations

Year in College: Third

Campus Involvement: Bakuhatsu Taiko Dan, Kendo Club

About Me: I studied abroad in Japan during my sophomore year of high school, so I understand the struggles that international students go through when transitioning into a new lifestyle. During my free time, I love to play video games, play taiko, go on spontaneous adventures, and get boba with friends! I look forward to meeting all of you soon and will do my best to support you throughout the year!


Kabir Sahni

Sahni headshot

Country of Origin: India

Languages: English, Hindi, Punjabi (basic) 

Majors: Communications, global and international studies and technology management minors

Year in College: Second 

Campus Involvement: Student Alumni Association Student Ambassador, intern for plant science (PLS21)

About Me: So was anyone happy with the way Game of Thrones ended? I am sorry, just had to put it across in the odd chance anyone here understood my plight. I'm an international student so I know how you guys would be feeling at this very moment. On campus, you can catch me at the MU getting jalapeño bagels and vanilla coke because I have an innate love for food. My two best friends are my laptop and my phone on which I watch an array of TV and listen to a whole lot of pop & alternative music. I can't wait to hang out with you guys and take you around Davis, whether it is watching movies or getting boba. I promise to attempt at making your first-year experience as comfortable, fun and memorable as possible, while getting to know you all in the process.


Adriana Sanchez

Sanchez headshot

Country of Origin: United States (parents from Mexico)

Languages: English, Spanish, Japanese (basic) 

Majors: International relations

Year in College: Third

About Me: I am a first generation Chicana student from Los Angeles. I want to welcome all of you to Davis and just remember good things come with an open mind. I chose to major in International Relations, because I love interacting and learning with diverse groups of people. Every person and culture has unique qualities, and by sharing our cultures we can help create a greater international community. 

 


Hritvi Sheth

sheth headshotCountry of Origin: India / Japan

Languages: English, Gujarati, Hindi, French (intermediate), Japanese (conversational)

Majors: Economics, computer science and French minors

Year in College: Second

Campus Involvement: Agape (dance team), Associated Students of UC Davis (ASUCD) External Affairs Commission member, senate staffer 

About Me: It can be really tough coming into a completely new environment, but, we're all here to help you make that transition easier and as fun as it can be! 

 


Melvinna Tania 

Tania headshot

Country of Origin: Indonesia

Languages: English, Bahasa Indonesia

Majors: Food science and technology, technology management minor

Year in College: Fourth 

Campus Involvement: Food Technology Club, PERMIAS

About Me: Hello! I am so excited to welcome you to UC Davis. A little bit about me, I enjoy going to new places and new adventures, whether it is sightseeing, hiking, or even eating. I look forward to meeting you all. 

 


Joseph Tiu

Tiu headshot

Country of Origin: Philippines

Languages: English, Tagalog 

Majors: Aerospace and mechanical engineering 

Year in College: Second 

Campus Involvement: Club-I, Mga Kapatid, Asian American Association 

About Me: I am half-Filipino, half-Chinese and I spent most of my life living in the warm archipelago of the Philippines (where the only weather is hot and hotter). As an international student, I hope to help other international students in making their transition to UC Davis more enjoyable and smooth! I am involved in Club-I (International Club), Mga Kapatid (Filipino-American Club), and the Asian American Association. I like taking long bike rides in the Arboretum and exploring Downtown Davis. I look forward to meeting you and hope to make many good memories with you all!


Bella Trezza

Trezza headshot

Country of Origin: United States

Languages: English, Spanish (basic) 

Majors: Neurobiology, physiology and behavior, English

Year in College: Third

Campus Involvement: Global Medical Training (GMT), Sprout Up, Coffee House employee, UCDMC Autism Phenome Project Interns

About Me: I've lived in the U.S. my whole life but hold an innate love to travel and experience things out of my norm. I'm a Pre-Med student who loves to read and write as well and I hope to incorporate my international pursuits with my career to volunteer abroad through medical clinics. I love exploring new places, food, or activities. I'm a big outdoors person and am always down for a bike ride, a hike, a walk, or even just bringing a picnic blanket to the arboretum and listening to music. I really love movies and music and am an avid concert-goer. I hope I'll be able to answer any questions and help with the transition to becoming an Aggie. I'm excited to meet you all!


Diana Valle

Valle headshot

Country of Origin: United States (parents from Nicaragua and El Salvador)

Languages: English, Spanish 

Majors: International relations and managerial economics

Year in College: Third 

Campus Involvement: Chi Omega Sorority

About Me: Hello I am so excited to meet you all! A little about myself is I have interned in Japan and throughout my life I have been traveling the world and hopefully my  future consists of exploring the world.  I love to discover and learn about new things and  I am always down for an adventure especially going to the movies. I am here to help you in any way I can. My hobby is doing makeup.


Harry Wang

Wang headshot

Country of Origin: United States

Languages: English, Mandarin, Japanese, Spanish (basic) 

Majors: Statistics

Year in College: Fourth

About Me: I grew up in Shenyang, China, and then spent three years in New York for high school. I'm a good listener, and I'm always here to listen to you if you have any concerns or stories to share. I love watching and playing soccer and basketball if you're also a sports fan. I love listening to all types of music of any country, so please introduce your favorite musicians to me! Also, please teach me your native language and I'm willing to learn about your culture. I'm always curious and let's explore the world together!


Annemarie Xia 

xiu headshot

Country of Origin: Germany / China

Languages: English, German, Mandarin, Cantonese (conversational), Vietnamese (basic)

Majors: Cognitive science 

Year in College: Second 

Campus Involvement: Sustainability Squad, PAL program

About Me: Hi, future Aggies! I was born in Germany and grew up in China. I’m always excited about meeting people from various backgrounds. Outside of the classroom, I’m a super athletic person and enjoy all kinds of sports (especially badminton, skateboard, and hiking). But in my free time, you may also find me sitting for hours making ceramics or miniature plants. I was a mentee my freshman year, so I know what incoming Aggies might struggle the most with. That’s why I am here for you guys! Again, I’m looking forward to meeting you all and explore Davis together.

 


Fantong Zho

Zhou headshot

Country of Origin: China

Languages: English, Mandarin, Japanese (basic) 

Majors: Economics, mathematical analytics and operations research 

Year in College: Third

Campus Involvement: Undergraduate Womxn in Economics Society 

About Me: I was born and raised in a Chinese family which both my parents encourage me to be curious about anything. I am glad I made it and keep discovering everything around me especially the endless changing global environment. Thus, the mixed food style I cooked, the mixed dressing style I had and even the mixed thinking methods are the evidence and stimulation for me to know and absorb more from other cultures, just like the journey which I could find and collect all the “Pokémon” in the world!