Senator Biographies

I am a Junior at UWL studying Economics and Politics. As a CBA senator I strive to equally represent members of the student body. Outside of being a senator I am also president of the Student Philanthropy Council, I'm a philanthropy fellow at the UWL Alumni and Friends Foundation, I'm vice chair of the Student University Fee Allocation Committee, and I volunteer at the State Public Defenders Office in La Crosse. I enjoy being involved in the La Crosse community and the campus community. In my free time I enjoy baking, reading, and hiking. I am looking forward to this year and to meeting my constitutions.

My name is Helena Alisch. I am an International Business Major with a concentration in Business Management and on the Pre-Law Track. As a College of Business Administration Senator, I strive to represent the student body, especially within the CBA. I am passionate about equal rights and sustainability on campus. Maintaining a safe campus environment where everyone feels accepted and heard is essential. Outside of Student Association, I am a member of Delta Sigma Pi, the business fraternity on campus. I am also a waitress/bartender at Big Al’s Pizza. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns!

Hi everyone! I'm Kiersten and I am a junior studying Marketing with an emphasis in International Business. I am excited to be representing the College of Business and my interests include sustainability, financial management and international relationships. I aim to represent the student body's voice, so please reach out with any questions or concerns you have! Outside of Student Association I am a waitress at Pato Azul and am involved with International Student Organization. I love to visit coffee shops, spend time outdoors, and hangout with friends.

Hello! My name is Easton, and I'm currently in my third year at UWL. I am pursuing a major in Political Science, complemented by a minor in Communications. It's an honor to serve as a senator in the College of Social Science, History, and Humanities within the Student Association this year.  In addition to this role, I am the Multimedia Editor for the Racquet Press. Making voices heard is one of my biggest priorities! If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out! 

Hey! My name is Natalee and I am a third year student at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. After completing my Psychology BA with a Leadership Development minor I have plans to go to graduate school to become a Clinical Psychologist! Studying the complexities and vastness of mental health has always been a true passion of mine. This passion has only grown throughout my undergrad. During my position as a C.A.S.S.H Senator position I will focus mainly on improving sustainability and mental health efforts on campus through my involvement on the Green Advisory Committee and the Wellness Weekend Task Force. If any students have questions/concerns regarding UWL I encourage them to reach out me to me and I will try my best to help and/or connect you with someone who can!

My name is Isabel Piarulli. I am a junior majoring in Psychology and Political Science with a minor in Communication Studies on the Pre-Law Track. I am passionate about informing students of the resources available to them, advocating for the prevention of sexual assault, and promoting inclusive environments on and off campus. I am looking forward to representing the College of Arts, Social Science, and Humanities this semester. Outside of Student Association, I serve as Executive Editor of The Racquet Press, an Admin Assistant for University Centers, and more. Please contact me with any questions or concerns!

Hi everyone! My name is Amelia Fortner and I am a senator representing the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities. I am currently a junior and majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry on the pre-dental track. This is my second year with Student Association (I was the Local Affairs Director last year), and I am very excited to serve as a senator this year!

Hi! I am Paige Vang. I am a second-year College of Science and Health Senator. I am a current senior studying Public Health and Community Health Education on a Pre-Law track. My areas of interest include food security, health equity, as well as advocacy and policy. I am super excited to be serving you all this year! Please feel free to say "hi" and come to me with any questions or resolution ideas!

My name is Alexa Fleegal and I am a second-year student at UWL majoring in Biology on the Pre-Genetic Counseling Track. I also have minors in Chemistry and Psychology. I am excited to serve as a CSH Senator for a second term! I feel strongly about advancing Prairie Springs Part 2, raising student awareness of supplemental resources, improving sustainability on campus, and increasing student engagement with student orgs. In my free time, you can find me with my friends, enjoying the outdoors, or at a concert. If you have any ideas or questions about improving student life while at UWL, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at fleegal7170@uwlax.edu!

My name is Anastasia, and I am a Junior majoring in Biology with minors in Chemistry, Spanish, and Interpersonal Communication. I am honored to be serving my second term as a representative of the CSH. I work as a CNA at Gundersen-Lutheran Medical Center and am proud to also represent students who work part-time on top of a full course load. I am very passionate about increasing student engagement on campus and promoting the usage of tutoring and student/office hours. If you have any ideas for how to improve student life, please reach out to me at grochowski8548@uwlax.edu - I look forward to hearing from constituents!

Hello, my name is Morgan Hahn and I am from DeForest, WI. I am honored to be serving as a CSH senator for a second year! I am currently a junior on a pre-med track, majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry, neuroscience, and psychology. Apart from school, I work as a CNA and love to spend time with my friends, workout, and sew.

Greetings! I'm Avery, one of your Student Association Senators proudly representing the College of Science and Health (CSH) at UWL. As a junior pursuing a major in Computer Science and minors in Leadership Development and Business Administration, I am deeply committed to enhancing our campus experience. You can often find me actively engaged on campus, whether it's attending classes, participating in meetings, working out at the REC, or providing tutoring services at the MLC. I'm here to support you with any concerns or questions, whether they're related to campus matters or anything else. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me at ladd-winders2410@uwlax.edu for any assistance or to discuss any topics you'd like. Your input and feedback are always valuable!

I am Anna Giese and I am a senior with a double major in English education and public communications with an emphasis in advocacy. I am the SOE senator but also am involved on campus as a public speaking tutor, PERIOD club member, Reading for readiness tutor, and a representative on the SOE Dean’s Student Advisory Board.

I'm Emma, a first year here at The University of Wisconsin La Crosse, and am currently undeclared for a major, but am on the Pre-Law track. I am also studying to have a double minor in Social Justice and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies! As the daughter/granddaughter of immigrant(s), I was taught from a very early age to advocate for my culture as well as my family. As a young Filipino woman, I've developed an immense passion for the advocacy of marginalized communities as well as women. From attending prestigious programs such as Badger Girls State, to being one of the two representatives for Wisconsin at Girls Nation 2022, a national event held in Washington DC, as well as being a Junior Counselor for the 2023 session, I've spent my time meeting with federal senators such as Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson, and have used my voice to uplift those around me. I truly believe organizations such as The Asian Student Organization are an integral part of dismantling historically racist institutions. I am beyond excited and honored to be ASO's senator, and am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside many other Multicultural Organizations. I hope to use this position to help my fellow minorities on campus, as well as create a safe and welcoming community for my Asian-identifying peers.

Hi! My name is Ava, and I use she/her/hers pronouns. I am from La Crosse and am currently a Junior majoring in Elementary/Middle/Special Education. On campus, I am the Senior Staff of Coate Hall and a member of the Screaming Eagles Marching Band POMS Team. I am also a La Crosse Autism Foundation Board Member. I am honored to represent the DREAM Organization for a second year in Student Association. 

My name is Evelyn Her. I am a sophomore majoring in radiation therapy. I am eager to represent the Hmong students at UWL. The Hmong people have historically been marginalized, ignored, and mis-represented. In this position, I want to be a voice and advocate to ensure the policies and decisions made at the university are inclusive. I will work to improve the community relationship between HOPE, the university and other student groups to ensure a welcoming learning environment for all students.

Hello everyone! My name is Swasthika Selvakumar and I'm a first year student at UWL. I am looking forward to the work I will be doing as a Senator representing the International Student organization. Outside of this role, I love spending time with my friends as well as being creative.

My name is Armando Taurino Garcia. I am a student at UWL for the class of 2027 and I am doing a major in Political Science with a minor in Legal Studies. I was born in near Milwaukee, Wisconsin and grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin where I graduated from East De Pere High School. 

Hi! This is my first year at UW-La Crosse and I am so excited to be involved on campus. I am from Janesville, Wisconsin and I am a first generation college student. I am so thrilled to be representing the Pride Center this year on the Student Senate.

Hi! My name is Summer Palm and I am a first year student from Milwaukee, WI. I am double majoring in International Business and Spanish. I am a grateful to represent and have a voice for other women of color on campus, and I look forward to help making a difference.

My name is Hephzibah Ohihoin and I’m from Edo State, Nigeria. I am a freshman majoring in English with minors in legal studies and creative writing, I plan on going to law school after graduating. I am honored to represent Black Student Unity as their senator and plan on serving the organization and its members to the very best of my ability. Outside of my role in the senate, I work as the General Assignment Reporter in The Racquet Press. I’m also involved in local and campus ministries as well. I’m passionate about helping all voices to be heard especially the ones that are put down, whether that’s due to lack of numbers/size or lack of popularity. And of course, feel free to reach out regardless of the topic of your discussion.

Hello! I am a current junior, and this will be my third year in senate. In my first year in senate, I served as a College of Science and Health senator and switched to the Athletics senator my sophomore year. I am working on obtaining a degree in biochemistry and an interdisciplinary neuroscience minor. I also am part of the UWL women's soccer team! As the athletics senator, I aim to advocate for student-athletes and be a liaison between the Athletic Department and the Student Association. Another goal is to improve the game-day experience for fans and increase attendance at athletic events! If you have any questions or ideas, please do not hesitate to contact me! Go Eags!

My name is Caden Ayala and I am honored to represent the Student Veterans Association this academic year. I am a junior majoring in Public Health and Community Health Education. I originally enlisted with the Army Reserves and now I am currently a cadet with the ROTC program associated with UW-La Crosse. I look forward to adequately representing all students associated with the military, ROTC and all other associations accordingly and being an active voice for all veteran students.

Hello! My name is Michaela, and I am a second-year graduate student completing my master's degree (M.S.Ed.) in student affairs administration here at UWL. I completed my bachelor's degree in psychology and critical studies in literatures, cultures, and film with certificates in LGBTQ studies and EDI leadership at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. I am honored to serve as a graduate student senator this year, and I am looking forward to advocating for and uplifting the voices of our students. Outside of Student Association I work in residence life as the O. White Graduate Hall Director, and I am also completing my practicum in the Access Center this semester as a study skills mentor. I am very passionate about working with and supporting college students as well as promoting collective initiatives toward more accessible postsecondary education, and I love connecting with students and listening to their unique journeys navigating the landscape of higher education. If you have any questions or would like to connect, please email me at smith2807_stu@uwlax.edu!

Hello! My name is Hannah Bauknecht, and I am a freshman from Two Rivers, WI, majoring in Political Science and getting a minor in Sociology. My favorite things are coffee, reading, hanging with my friends, and Taylor Swift. Back home, I work at a small town coffee shop where I love making latte art and talking to the locals. I am excited to get to help represent my class and be a part of such a vibrant and supportive community!

Hi! My name is Em Anderson and I am a first year looking to be as invoved on campus as possible. Along with student senate, I also take part in CORE, PSPAA, College Democrats, and History club. I have always been interested in student associations and helping the communities around me. I am hoping that Student Senate will play a big role at UWL for me, and I look forward to working with the student body and helping to represent them.

Hello, my name is Hannah Duke and I representing the Fraternity and Sorority Life community on campus! I am a junior studying biochemistry on the pre-chiropractic track. This is my first year being on the student senate and I'm really excited for the greek life community to become more known and involved across campus. Feel free to contact me at duke2864@uwlax.edu, with any questions!