Kennedy Campbell, Chicago, Ill., is studying Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, with a Health Diversity Concentration on the pre-medical track. Campbell is passionate about giving back to students and her community. On campus, Campbell is a student ambassador at the Office of Minority Student Affairs, La Casa Cultural Latina, and the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center. Kennedy was featured on Amazon Prime’s The College Tour (Season 1, Episode 5), where she talks about diversity and her campus involvement. In her hometown, she works with her non-profit The Pilsen Promise Project with her siblings to address food insecurity in her community
Hannah Caraway, O’Fallon, Ill., is dedicated to promoting healthcare equity and education in her future career as a physician. Throughout her time at the university, Caraway has been heavily involved in Undergraduate research, publishing a study exploring alternative treatments for antibiotic-resistant bacteria as a first author. Studying Integrative Biology Honors and Chemistry, she has enjoyed helping students in both programs as an IB Peer leader and Chemistry TA. Caraway is involved with her social sorority, Alpha Omicron Pi, previously serving on their executive leadership council, and is currently the president of the Greek Honor Society, Order of Omega.
Mark Cruse, Flossmoor, Ill., is studying Marketing in the Gies College of Business. Orange and blue runs through his blood as demonstrated through both his siblings and father attending the university. He likes to stay involved on campus, some include, being President of the National Association of Black Accountants in his sophomore year and founding the Black Business Network organization a year later. Outside of the classroom, Cruse works in Gies as an Admissions Intern and also is a resident DJ for campus events such as Spring Jam 2022. Post-graduation he will be joining Bain and Company in Chicago.
Amartya Dave, Aurora, Ill., is studying Bioengineering in the Grainger College of Engineering. Dave is currently the Director of Recruitment at the Carle Illinois biomedical pre-incubator AxisMED, Outreach Chair for the Biomedical Engineering Society, and Logistics Co-Chair for the Udaan Bollywood-Fusion Dance Competition. Having co-founded dialysis startup “Nephra” and worked with iVenture Accelerator, Dave has been heavily involved in expanding undergraduate medical innovation. Dave is also an experienced student-researcher, having presented work on congenital heart surgery and multiple sclerosis. Dave is currently applying to medical school and is committed to upholding the Illinois tradition of excellence in all he does.
Catalina Delgado, Crestwood, Ill., is studying Advertising and Public Relations in the College of Media. On campus, she is involved in the American Advertising Federation which helps local small businesses with their advertising efforts. Delgado is also a student representative on the College of Media’s Academic Misconduct and Capricious Grading Committee and works as a student grader for the Masters of Strategic Brand Communication program. As the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants, Delgado believes it is an honor to serve on the 2022 Homecoming Court based on her academic achievements, campus leadership, and community involvement.
Zoe Hannon, Palatine, Ill., is passionate about integrating creativity into business solutions and bringing people together. Inspired by Illinois’ innovative community and equipped with majors in Supply Chain Management and Marketing with a Spanish minor, she started her business Shine Açaí aimed at brightening the lives of others. On campus, she is involved as the Course Management Assistant for BUS101, Recruitment and Philanthropy Chairs for Alpha Kappa Psi and former President of Chi Omega. Hannon attributes her success to her values of passion and kindness instilled by her Greek roots and family’s encouragement. Post-graduation, Hannon will pursue a career in consulting.
Elena Hawkins, Lynwood, Ill., is a senior majoring in Community Health with a concentration in Health Education and Promotion, on a Pre-Dental track. Hawkins plans to apply for Dental school following graduation to obtain her DMD. On campus, she’s a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated serving as the financial secretary. She’s also the president of modeling organization, Moda Bellissima, and has been a James Scholar since her freshman year. She looks forward to hosting the Illinois Leadership Center’s LeaderShape Retreat as the On-Site Coordinator next spring. Hawkins is so proud to be an Illini and extremely honored to be a representative of Homecoming Court!
Eric Hegemann, Falls Church, Va., is studying Accountancy at the Gies College of Business with a minor in Computer Science. Within Gies, Eric is involved in accounting research, a teaching assistant for BADM 211, and, during the spring semesters, working as a member of the Gies Admissions Team. During the Fall Eric dedicates most of his time to the Marching Illini as a member of the drumline where he helps spread Illini spirit at every football game.
Alexandra Johannes, Nashville, Ill., is a James Scholar studying Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications in the College of ACES with minors in Animal Sciences and Public Relations, and an Undergraduate Research Certificate. Johannes is a member of the 4-H House Cooperative Sorority, ACES Student Advancement Committee, and Collegiate Farm Bureau. She is currently an intern at Osborn Barr Paramore and a past intern for ACES Study Abroad, Women Changing the Face of Agriculture, and Top Ag Cooperative. Johannes is grateful for the opportunities the University of Illinois has provided her and is excited to be a part of Homecoming Court.
Fantah Kabba, Romeoville, Ill., is currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science + Anthropology. On campus, she is highly involved in the UIUC chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers as well as the Illinois Women’s Rugby team. Outside of school, she is passionate about making efforts to increase diversity in the tech industry and enjoys hanging out with her cat, Ellie. Post-graduation, Kabba will be working full-time as a Software Engineer at Microsoft. She is excited to stand on the Homecoming Court and be one of the representatives of how unique the Illinois experience is.
Jason Liu, Hinsdale, Ill., is studying Accountancy within the Gies College of Business. He serves as the External Vice President for Illinois Business Council and has made significant contributions to both the organization and the community via his leadership responsibilities. His commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion has led him to spearhead efforts in recruiting prospective students to join the Illinois community as an Admissions Representative. He is passionate about bringing change to his community through providing resources to those from underrepresented communities. Liu is appreciative to his supportive family and friends for making his experience at Illinois truly exceptional.
Lauren McMillan, Tiskilwa, Ill., is studying Agricultural Organizational and Community Leadership with a double minor in Agribusiness and Media. She is heavily involved on campus, whether it is various agricultural organizations, sports student sections, or other student advancement opportunities. These experiences have led McMillan to be passionate about helping others change the world. McMillan is applying to graduate school where she hopes to pursue a master’s degree in Strategic Brand Communication. McMillan believes it is a blessing to represent the college thorough Homecoming Court and plans to work hard to make the best impact on her school and community.
Mariama Mwilambwe, Bloomington, Ill., studies political science, global health, and legal studies. She is passionate about improving the global food system through law and policy. On campus, Mwilambwe has served as student trustee, Charles P. Wolff Intern for the Institute of Government and Public Affairs, and intern for the Education Justice Project. Mwilambwe recently joined the 2022 cohort of Truman Scholars, and currently serves as Vice President of Undergraduate Law Review, Office of Government Relations Fellow, and works at the Student Sustainable Farm. She is excited to give back to the Illinois community that has given her so much.
Prthivi Nese, Buffalo Grove, Ill., is studying Supply Chain Management and Information Systems in the Gies College of Business. She is passionate about building strong, diverse, and inclusive communities. Nese is Vice President of Development for Illini Fighting Hunger and is a 3rd year intern at the Asian American Cultural Center. She enjoys organizing and leading events for the large Asian and Asian American population on campus. She has earned the Outstanding Asian & Asian American Undergraduate Student Leader Award. Nese is proud to be an Illini and is honored to be a part of Homecoming Court.
Kyra Robinson, Chicago, Ill., has a passion for philanthropy as she actively promotes the welfare of others. Currently a Shelley Ambassador associated with the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center, she is also a volunteer at the Habitat for Humanity in Champaign County. As President of The Kat Walk Modeling Agency, Vice President of Reaching Across Classes, and Treasurer of Central Black Student Union, she loves to engage with other ILLINI. While studying communication and public relations in the College of Liberal Arts, she has interned at BET Networks Chicago and The Office of Technology Management at UIUC.
Emily Smith, South Bend, In., is pursuing a BA in Urban Studies and Planning and a minor in Landscape Studies. Illinois has shaped her into a confident and interdisciplinary leader- she has been a project manager for Enactus- a social entrepreneurship organization, VP of Social Standards for a sorority, and an ambassador for the College of Fine & Applied Arts while working two jobs on campus. She previously interned with the City of Indianapolis, creating Indiana’s first Eviction Prevention Plan to ensure that eviction is a last resort and will continue to fight for housing justice in graduate school.
Jada Thomas, South Holland, Ill., is studying Interdisciplinary Health Sciences with a concentration in Health Behavior Change while on the pre-med track. On campus, she is one of the captains for the Fighting Illini Cheerleading Team, secretary of Aspiring Women in Health and a proud member of the Gamma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Thomas aspires to become an obstetrician gynecologist and to actively contribute to lowering the maternal mortality rate for Black women. She is honored to be on this year’s court and always excited to represent the Illini.
Zhara Trott, Fayetteville, NC., is a passionate first-generation student studying Finance at the Gies College of Business. Dedicated to service and mentorship, she’s honored to have served as the Vice President of Professional Activities for Delta Sigma Pi professional business fraternity, Vice Chair of Professional Development for The National Association of Black Accountants, Section Leader for the Professional Responsibility and Ethics course at Gies, and regularly volunteers. Post-graduation Zhara will be joining Goldman Sachs in Private Wealth Management at the New York City office. Zhara is humbled and honored to have been selected as a member of the distinguished Homecoming Court.
Robert Walker Jr, Freeport, Ill., is pursuing a degree in Communication and Media. His notable roles on campus are serving as an Intern for the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and a Sr. Residential Advisor (SRA) for University Housing. He is a McNair Scholar conducting research, a devoted member of Student Alumni Ambassadors, and was the 2022 Co-director of Illinois Sights and Sounds. Other Illini experiences includes working for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions (ISTAR) & Fighting Illini Athletics. He is grateful for the opportunities the University has provided him and is honored to serve on the Homecoming Court.
