Homecoming Court photos courtesy of Holly Birch Photography
2024 Homecoming Court
Nevin Adams, Homewood, Ill., is studying Kinesiology, planning to pursue medicine post-graduation. On campus, he has displayed his passion for healthcare and mentorship in numerous facets. Nevin is currently the Pre-Health Coordinator at the University’s Career Center, guiding students along their academic and professional journeys. Previously, he served as the President of the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students. He aims to address disparities in underrepresented providers, and lessen the burden of social determinants of health. He is honored to serve on Homecoming Court, and represent the unique Illini experience.
Curtis Althaus, Savoy, Ill., is a dancer, electrochemist, and aspiring astronaut double majoring in Chemistry and Astrophysics. During his time on campus, he promoted Latin dance through organizations like Dance 2XS Caliente and the Sazón Collective, mentored students as an Undergraduate Research Ambassador and Campus Honors program mentor and researched the fundamentals of battery chemistry in the Rodriguez-Lopez Lab and at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. He plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Electrochemistry and hopes to continue researching, mentoring, and dancing through grad school and beyond.
Jasmin Aquino, Chicago, Ill., is studying Studio Art with a concentration in Fashion, in the College of Fine and Applied Arts. As a first-generation Latina, she is applying to graduate schools for Fashion Design to promote sustainable fashion and battle clothing insecurity. Jasmin is passionate about being a mentor and giving back to her community. She works as a student staff coordinator at La Casa Cultural Latina and is the President of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated. She is also helping to reestablish the chapter of Order of Omega, a Greek Honors Society, as one of the membership directors.
Emma Darbro, Plainfield, Ill., is a James Scholar studying Brain and Cognitive Sciences with a minor in Informatics. On campus, she works as a First-Year Consent and Relationship Education (FYCARE) facilitator, recruits for iKIDS, a Beckman Institute research project, and is a Course Assistant for STAT 107. She leads the Planned Parenthood Generation Action chapter on campus and ran the Chicago Marathon in 2022. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Illini 4000, a student-run nonprofit, where she cycled across the country, from NYC to San Francisco, this summer to fundraise for the organization's cancer research beneficiaries.
Courtney Dillon, Chicago, Ill., is a James scholar pursuing a dual degree in Sociology (pre-law) and Journalism with minors in Criminology and Political Science. She is President of Women of Color, Risk Manager of Kappa Alpha Pi Pre-law Fraternity, a Humanities in Action Scholar, and holds leadership in Latinx in Law and National Association of Black Journalists. Courtney has interned at the Women’s Resources Center, Champaign County Public Defender’s Office, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, and Department of Sociology. She plans to attend law school to become a civil rights attorney. Courtney is honored to represent the University during Homecoming.
Ashley Equihua, Summit, Ill., is studying Nutrition and Health at the College of ACES with a minor in Public Health. She is passionate about local and global health, advocacy for underrepresented groups, mentorship, and demonstrates a commitment to service. On campus, Ashley serves as a Nutrition Peer Educator at the McKinley Health Center, trip coordinator for Global Medical Training, community service chair for Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS), ambassador for the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, and actively participates in local volunteering efforts. Upon graduation, Ashley plans to attend medical school and apply her nutrition expertise to advance medicine. She is privileged to have been selected for the Homecoming Court and extends her appreciation to the University, proud to represent first-generation Latine students.
Carter Evans, Auburn, Ill., is a James Scholar in the Political Science Honors Program with minors in Legal Studies and Business. He serves as Director of Engagement for Illinois Student Council, Chair of the Campus Student Election Commission, and Chair of Greeks Support Homecoming. He previously served as President of Alpha Delta Phi fraternity, winning the 2024 IFC Outstanding President of the Year award, and is involved in Kappa Alpha Pi Pre-Law Professional Fraternity. As an Army ROTC Cadet, Carter is preparing for a future as a commissioned officer, transitioning from the orange and blue to red, white, and blue!
Ayanna McDaniel, Chicago, Ill., is a James Scholar studying Education Administration and pursuing a career within higher education. Ayanna has dedicated her time at UIUC to volunteering within her community through her involvement in both Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity. She has worked diligently to provide welcoming and diversified environments for students across campus through her positions as an Inclusion & Leadership Mentor and BNAACC liaison, and strives to make real changes on campus through her involvement with the Student Success Advisory Board (SSUAB). She is honored to be a part of the 2024 Homecoming Court!
Monica Milanowski, Niles, Ill., is a Gies Scholar studying Supply Chain Management with minors in Spanish and Earth, Society, & Environment. On campus, she has served as President of the social entrepreneurship organization Illinois Enactus, on the executive board of Students Consulting for Nonprofit Organizations, and as a teaching assistant in the business administration department. Passionate about climate equity and democratizing environmental knowledge, she works with several national climate advocacy organizations to expand access to environmental education and advocate for equitable, sustainable policy reform. Monica is honored to represent the Illinois community as a member of the 2024 Homecoming Court.
Tegan Rehn, Galesburg, Ill., is a James Scholar studying Elementary Education. She is volunteer coordinator for Camp Kesem, a free summer camp serving children through and beyond a parent’s cancer diagnosis. She worked as a tour guide for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and spent two summers working for new student registration. She served Chi Omega on the executive board, interned at Spurlock Museum, volunteered at Wesley Food Pantry and an Urbana school, and served as a teaching assistant for the Food Science and Human Nutrition department. She is honored to be a part of the court representing this community.
Emilio Reyes, Lafayette, Ind., is majoring in Journalism with minors in Spanish and Communication. He serves as President of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Inc. and actively contributes as a member of the Student Alumni Ambassadors. Over the past three years, Emilio has been a committed Residential Advisor, dedicated to fostering community and leadership. Also, as co-creator and anchor of En Vivo Contigo, the first college-based, student-run Spanish broadcast in the Midwest, he connects diverse audiences through impactful storytelling. Emilio is honored to be selected for the Homecoming Court, seeing it as a testament to the vibrant Illinois community.
Kristian Robbins, Plainfield Ill., is studying Spanish and History with an endorsement in ESL. On campus she is the President of the NAACP, and a Graf Intern at the Illinois Leadership Center. She is also involved in CBSU’s Cotton Club, the Shelley Ambassadors, LAS Brand Ambassadors, Golden Apple, and ACTS Campus Ministry. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated for which she serves as the Financial Secretary and Chaplin. She has future aspirations of being a teacher that works closely with English language learners (ELLs) and operating her own daycare/preschool business that serves the working class of Chicago.
Yureni Roman, Wheeling, Ill., is a James Scholar pursuing a double major in Organizational Psychology and Spanish, with a minor in Leadership Studies, in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Passionate about student advocacy, she has been active in campus organizations like the Student Success Undergraduate Advisory Board, La Casa Cultural Latina Advisory Committee, I-CAUSE, and as a Richard Chavez Ambassador. Yureni also contributes through research in the Organizational Psychologists Implementing Machine Learning (OPTIMAL) Lab. She plans to pursue a Master’s in Human Resources and is honored to represent Illinois on the Homecoming Court.
Ben Shapiro, Deerfield, Ill., is studying biochemistry and statistics with aspirations of attending medical school. Passionate about pharmacological innovation, he contributes to groundbreaking research in the Chan Lab, developing novel compounds to treat and detect cancer. As president of Illini Hillel, Ben has played a key role in organizing community events, fostering cultural connections, and combating antisemitism. His extensive campus involvement includes serving as Vice President of the Bioscience Journal Club, Molecular Biology Peer Advisor, Emerson Fellow at StandWithUs, and Carle Hospital Ambassador. A dedicated athlete, Ben has completed a 70.3 Ironman and is passionate about powerlifting.
Rawnie Singh, Los Angeles, Cal., is studying Electrical Engineering at the Grainger College of Engineering. Rawnie serves as the President of Women in ECE, and is an Electrical Lead in EV Concept. She is passionate about using engineering to bring technical and social good to the world and its people. In her free time, she enjoys adventuring, reading, and playing sports with friends. Rawnie has been very grateful to find a welcoming home here at Illinois and is honored to be selected as a member of the Homecoming Court. She dedicates this one to her hometown and childhood friends & family who made her who she is today.
Jae’da Thompson, Chicago, Ill., is a senior studying Interdisciplinary Health Sciences and minoring in Public Health. On campus, she has had many different roles including her time as a Resident Advisor, Illinois Student Admissions Representative, and as a Circuit Orientation Leader for the Bruce Nesbitt African American Cultural Center. She also serves as the community service chair for the Alpha Nu Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. She is overjoyed to be serving on this year’s Homecoming Court and the opportunity to join this diverse group of student leaders from various different areas of campus.
Sydney Turner, Chanhassen, Min., is studying Psychology and Communication as a James Scholar, YMCA Bailey Leadership Scholar, and recent Humanities in Action Scholar. On campus, she has held leadership positions in Writers Organizing Realistic Dialect (W.O.R.D.), Planned Parenthood Generation Action, and the Women’s Resources Center. Her other complementing involvement is in UI Black Chorus and several fashion shows. Additionally, Sydney is a Board Member of two national organizations, EducateUS and SafeBAE, and is the Director of Outreach and Education of the latter. After graduation, she will attend law school. Sydney is deeply honored to serve on the Homecoming Court.
Andres Vazquez, Chicago, Ill., is pursuing a degree in Urban Studies and Planning with a minor in Environmental Economics and Law. On campus, he is actively involved in the Student Planning Organization, interns with the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment’s Environmental Leadership Program (ELP), and is a member of the University of Illinois Astronomical Society. Additionally, Andres operates the telescope at the campus observatory. He dedicates himself to public service, earning recognition through the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service, which took him to Buenos Aires, Argentina, and various countries in Oceania. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career focused on improving public transportation and green spaces in cities worldwide.
Evan Walker, Flossmoor, Ill., is studying Advertising with a dual minor in Informatics and Business in the College of Media. On campus, he has been involved in various organizations including the American Advertising Federation, the Black Business Network, Illinois Business Consulting, Phi Eta Sigma, and the American Marketing Association. Additionally, he works as a marketing supervisor for the Siebel Center of Design and previously worked as a research assistant in the College of Media. He believes that being selected for the Homecoming Court is a great honor and allows him to showcase how the university has molded him into the man he is today.
Anjali Yedavalli, Peoria, Ill., is an Integrative Biology major with minors in Public Health and Chemistry. Her campus and off-campus involvement reflects her passion for research. As a Research Assistant in the Aging, Caregiving, and Technology Lab, Anjali is committing to advancing health equity. She also conducted summer research at Johns Hopkins University and the Mayo Clinic devoted to combatting bioethics and health challenges. Additionally, Anjali is the President of the Illinois Rip Chords, a competitive treble a cappella group, and a member of MannMukti, an organization dedicated to destigmatizing mental health in the South Asian community.
