SBI AMBASSADORS
TEN WEEKS. ONE SUMMER. COUNTLESS POSSIBILITIES.
We invite you to connect with one of our ambassadors below to understand their SBI experience. They are eager to speak about the program, what you can expect, why they decided to apply and enroll - and the return on their investment!
Christinan Allora
COE '25, SBI Summer '22
Major: Civil Engineering
Minors: Business
“SBI has opened countless doors for me as an Engineering major. I have gained a unique perspective that will truly benefit me throughout both my academic and professional careers."
Email: callora@villanova.edu
AJ Balinski
CLAS '26, SBI Summer '23
Major: Communications
Minors: Business, Finance, Writing and Rhetoric
“Enrolling in SBI at Villanova was a transformative experience. This program not only expanded my knowledge of the business world, but it also ignited a new career interest in Finance, which I am now pursuing as a minor. Beyond the academic enrichment, the connections I made with professors, classmates, and professionals have become lifelong resources that will shape my journey, both professionally and personally. SBI is a launchpad for success and opens doors to possibilities you might not have even known existed.”
Email: abalinsk@villanova
Olivia Belasco
CLAS '26, SBI Summer '23
Major: Communications
Minors: Business, Marketing
“SBI has been an irreplaceable experience allowing me to explore my passion for business. It has given me a foundational business knowledge that I know will help me stand out in my academic and professional careers. I would recommend SBI to anyone looking to become a more well-rounded student.”
Email: Obelasco@villanova.edu
Olivia Bernheisel
CLAS '25, SBI Summer '23
Major: English
Minors: Business, Criminology
“SBI is undeniably the best decision I could have made during my undergraduate education. As an English major, SBI has opened so many doors for me and helped my confidence in professional setting tremendously.”
Email: obernhei@villanova.edu
Carolyn Bodner
CON '26, SBI Summer '23
Major: Nursing
Minor: Business
“Pairing a business minor with my nursing major has opened doors to a world of future possibilities. Not only can I care for patients, but I have developed a deep understanding of the business side of healthcare. With this knowledge, I am more equipped to influence positive change, whether it's in hospital administration, leadership in nursing, or other healthcare positions. There are truly countless possibilities, and my business minor is the key that unlocks a well-rounded and impactful future in the field of healthcare.”
Email: cbodner@villanova.edu
Callum Casey
COE ‘24, SBI Summer ‘22
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Minors: Business and Accounting
“SBI improved my networking skills which can be used in any industry."
Email: ccasey18@villanova.edu
Emme Clement
CLAS '26, SBI Summer '23
Major: Chemistry
Minors: Business, Sustainability Studies
“Participating in the SBI program has empowered me with a newfound sense of confidence and a broader perspective on my educational and professional path. I developed the ability to engage in more intellectual conversations about business, improved my networking skills, and unlocked numerous new career opportunities.”
Email: eclemen7@villanova.edu
Ella Cognetti
CON '26, SBI Summer '23
Major: Nursing
Minor: Business
“SBI was one of the best decisions I have made in my Villanova experience! As a nursing major, I have been able to expand my skill set and career options tremendously. Business skills are complimentary to every major and I have already benefited from this investment in my every day life!”
Email: gcognett@villanova.edu
Teeley Dangler
COE '26 SBI Summer '23
Major: Computer Engineering
Minor: Business
“SBI has been one of the best decisions I have made for my undergraduate experience and has created so many opportunities for me as an engineer. Through the program I have become a more well-rounded student and gained a new perspective that I hope to utilize in my future endeavors. Moving forward, I now have the ability to pursue my interests in business through VSB as well as have the confidence to apply my business knowledge to real-world scenarios.”
Email: tdangler@villanova.edu
Trisha Dineshkumar
CLAS '26, SBI Summer '23
Major: Political Science
Minors: Business, Business Law
“SBI opened up countless doors and new experiences for me. I learned an immense amount about myself and the professional world. It was the best decision I made for my undergrad experience.”
Email: tdineshk@villanova.edu
Olivia Dupre
CLAS '25, SBI Summer '23
Major: Economics
Minors: Business, Finance, Real Estate
“SBI was one of the best decisions I made for myself as an undergraduate student. As an Economics major in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, SBI provided me the invaluable opportunity to delve into my passions for Finance and Real Estate. Upon completing my business minor, SBI allowed me to seamlessly pursue these subjects as additional minors within VSB.”
Email: odupre01@villanova.edu
Elle Fallon
CLAS ‘24, SBI Summer ‘22
Major: Communication (PR and Advertising concentration) and Psychology
Minors: Business, Business Analytics
“Prior to completing SBI, I knew I had an interest in exploring business, developing myself professionally, and expanding my network. However, I felt lost and uncertain of how to navigate those endeavors. Post SBI I feel extremely equipped to purse those leads and have obtained the support of professors, connections with professionals, and relationships with peers that I am confident will guide me in reaching my aspirations.”
Email: efallon4@villanova.edu
Zoe Garrett
CLAS '26, SBI Summer '23
Major: Communications
Minor: Business, Political Science, Business Law
“I was initially interested in SBI because of the comprehensive business curriculum it offered. However, the program has provided me with so much more, including opportunities to refine my professional skills, to forge meaningful connections with my peers and professors, and to gain real world experience in the business sphere. SBI extends far beyond the summer and has greatly supported both my academic and professional goals.”
Email: zgarre01@villanova.edu
Mark Gorman
COE ‘26, SBI Summer ‘23
Major: Civil Engineering
Minor: Business
“SBI was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever been a part of! From the meaningful connections formed with classmates and professors, to the valuable business skills and professional development opportunities, SBI has helped me create the path for my future.”
Email: mgorma13@villanova.edu
Emmet Greenwood
CLAS ‘24, SBI Summer ‘22
Major: Communication
Minors: Business, Chinese, Marketing
“SBI is the best thing I have done at Villanova. it provided me with a strong foundation in business that enabled me to succeed in my internship this past summer with confidence. From the education I recieved, to relationships I developed, SBI is something that I would recommend to anyone."
Email: egreenwo@villanova.edu
Isabelle Kellezi
CLAS ‘25, SBI Summer ‘22
Major: Communications
Minors: Business, Real Estate
“SBI has provided me with a fundamental business background that can be applied to any field I chose to pursue. The program has also extended opportunities within VSB that I would not otherwise have access to, such as the pursuit of a Real Estate Minor."
Email: ikellezi@villanova.edu
Sofia Krzewicki
CLAS '26, SBI Summer '23
Major: History, French & Francophone studies
Minors: Business
“SBI opened my eyes to career fields that supplement and intersect with business, including law. I recommend it to students who are not only looking to supplement their primary major(s), but to challenge themselves and see where the program can take them!"
Email: skrzewic@villanova.edu
Kaitlyn Lee
CLAS '26, SBI Summer '23
Major: Statistics
Minors: Business, Computer Science
“SBI was an amazing tool to broaden my educational experience at Villanova. In addition to learning about the intricacies of business, I was able to make invaluable connections with many professionals and my peers.”
Email: klee61@villanova.edu
Mark Guzman Lizarazo
COE ’25, SBI Summer ‘22
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Minors: Business, Communications, Computer Science, Mathematics, AI/Machine Learning
“As an Engineering major, SBI has provided me opportunities that I never realized was possible. Ranging from a solid business foundation, a stronger professional presence, access to scholarships, a VSB mentor, to even being eligible to apply for a Marketing/Media Trip where I was able to visit companies like Omnicom, Fox, IBM, and Google. Without the investment in SBI, this all would not have been possible and has only strengthened me to become a well-rounded person while still giving me time to pursue other minors.”
Email: mguzmanl@villanova.edu
Mark Maloy
CLAS ‘24, SBI Summer ‘22
Major: Economics
Minors: Business, Finance
“SBI provided me with excellent professional knowledge as well as access to other VSB classes that will help me not only at Villanova, but in my future career. I would recommend the program to anyone considering it."
Email: mmaloy2@villanova.edu
Bryn McConnell
CLAS '26, SBI Summer '23
Major: Communications
Minors: Business, Spanish, Accounting
“I learned so much through SBI, granting me the amazing opportunity to apply those skills in my current courses and beyond as I continue exploring the world of business.”
Email: bmcconn1@villanova.edu
Katie Miller
CLAS '25, SBI Summer '22
Major: Psychology
Minors: Business, Communications
“Not only was my experience during SBI invaluable, but the opportunities that have come because of it have just solidified my gratitude to this amazing program!”
Email: kmille66@villanova.edu
Aakash Patel
CLAS ‘25, SBI Summer ‘22
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Minors: Business, Mechatronics
"SBI provided me with the business skills, perspective, and professional career building network that perfectly compliment the engineering school.”
Email: apatel78@villanova.edu
Grace Phillips
CLAS ‘24, SBI Summer ‘21
Major: Biology
Minors: Business, Finance, Political Science
“As a biology major, it is uncommon to pursue a business minor as many people don't understand just how valuable it is. SBI truly helped me broaden my horizons through the exposure to the business world that the program offers, and it led me to discover my interest in the intersection of biology and business!”
Email: gphilli4@villanova.edu
Brianna Puorro
CLAS ‘25, SBI Summer ‘21
Major: Biology
Minors: Business, Italian
“Villanova’s Summer Business Institute was one of the best experiences that has led to countless opportunities. In just ten weeks, I built relationships with teachers and peers as well as explored new business academic areas. I highly recommend the program to all students thinking about SBI because of the educational journey it offers which has prepared me for future professional experiences.”
Email: bpurorro@villanova.edu
Brenna Schattenkerk
CLAS '26, SBI Summer '23
Majors: Computer Science and Statistics
Minors: Business, Business Analytics
“As a computer science and statistics major, my SBI experience provided invaluable insights into the intersection of technology and business. The program provided me with a well-rounded skill set, enhancing my analytical abilities and broadening my understanding of how to apply my technical expertise in a business context.”
Email: bschatte@villanova.edu
Savannah Sebra
CLAS '26, SBI Summer '23
Major: Communications
Minors: Business, Data Analytics
“SBI has been the greatest decision I made in my academic career. It allowed me to gain a strong foundation in the world of business while discovering my passion for data analytics. In just ten weeks, my entire trajectory has shifted, opening doors I never thought possible. SBI has been transformational, changing my life and future career in ways I couldn't have imagined.”
Email: ssebra@villanova.edu
Abby Thompson
CLAS ‘24, SBI Summer ‘21
Major: English and Psychology
Minors: Business
“Choosing to do SBI after my freshman year was one of the best decisions I made. I have the opportunity to explore endless possibilities offered at Villanova and gain business knowledge that I know will benefit me, no matter which career path I choose.”
Email: athomp38@villanova.edu
Koko Uyeda
CLAS '24, SBI Summer '23
Major: Physics
Minors: Business
“As an upperclassman Physics major navigating career options, SBI helped hone my business-related interests and expand my professional network tremendously. I am excited to utilize this network as well as newfound business acumen moving forward.”
Email: suyeda@villanova.edu
Zachary Yekta
COE ‘25, SBI Summer ‘22
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Minor: Business, Aerospace, Finance
“SBI opened my eyes to the world of business and has allowed me to take the deeper plunge into my business interests. It has truly expanded my possibilities as an individual.”
Email: zyekta@villanova.edu
Alexandra Welch
CLAS '26, SBI Summer '23
Major: Communications
Minor: Business
“When I was first introduced to SBI, I was continuously told that it would open the doors to countless opportunities. Now, having successfully completed the program, I can 100% guarantee that it has done just that and more. Even just months after its completion, I have been able to network and connect with some amazing and inspiring individuals, who have given me immense experience and confidence, leading me down the pathway of success in my academic journey and future endeavors.”
Email: awelsch@villanova.edu
