Homecoming Court photos courtesy of Holly Birch Photography
2026 Homecoming Court
Natalie Beltran, Elmhurst, IL, is studying agricultural and consumer economics in the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. On campus, she has been involved in various organizations, including Kappa Alpha Pi pre-law and government fraternity and the Student Alumni Ambassadors. Beltran is hoping to pursue a career in law and policy. She believes the University of Illinois has shaped her into someone she could not have imagined becoming, offering opportunities for growth, both personally and academically, that have far exceeded her expectations. Being selected for Homecoming Court reflects that transformation and an honor she will carry with her always.
Fernanda Castillo, Chicago, IL, studies psychology and Spanish with a minor in social work. Admitted through the Access and Achievement Program, she has given to Illinois through her leadership and service. Fernanda serves as President of the United Greek Council, a Counseling Center Paraprofessional, and a proud member of the Delta Chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. She served as a Residential Advisor in University Housing’s Graduate-Upper Division Halls and as a Student Programming Coordinator at La Casa Cultural Latina. Fernanda is honored to serve on Homecoming Court, dedicating this recognition to her loved ones and campus support systems.
Alexis Chiet, Skokie, IL, is studying social work with a minor in disability studies in the School of Social Work. On campus, she serves as the Disability Advocacy and Education Advisor for Illini Service Dogs, a Student Alumni Ambassador, a Child Development Lab worker, and the Secretary, Social Media, and Events Coordinator for Illini Chabad. She also served as Vice President of Academic Development for Sigma Delta Tau. Chiet plans to pursue a Master of Social Work degree specializing in school social work. She considers it a true honor to serve on Homecoming Court, reflecting her transformative Illinois experience.
Morgan Cloman, Chicago IL, is an elementary education major aspiring to become a teacher with a goal of pursuing administration. Working to build up the community, she serves as the Vice President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and executive board member of the NAACP. Exemplifying her passion for teaching the youth, she has served as the President of Strengthening and Empowering Educators of Diverse Status’ as well as being a Golden Apple Scholar. Morgan is honored to be serving as a member of the 2026 Homecoming Court and excited to continue her journey after graduation.
Clarissa Harrington, Springfield, IL, is studying community health in the College of Applied Health Sciences. She currently serves as President of Mannie L. Jackson’s I-LEAP program, President of Minorities in Public Health, and Intern at Uniplace Christian Church. Clarissa is also a member of the Alpha Nu chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc., where she serves as Financial Secretary. She hopes to pursue a graduate degree in public health, and research radicalized health disparities. Clarissa is honored to serve on the Homecoming Court. She believes the opportunity is a culmination of the experiences she had at Illinois.
R. Fisher Houston, Deerfield, IL, is an Integrative Biology Honors Program senior and researcher in the Marks Lab, studying how desiccation-tolerant resurrection plants survive harsh droughts. As a Chancellor’s Scholar, Fisher spent the summer representing Illinois in Japan as the 2026 Yanai Goodwill Ambassador. He’s also served as an anthropologist on the Huanangue Valley Archaeological Project and is a campus leader in sustainability as president of Beekeeping Club, Green Leadership Council, and the Prairie Project. Fisher plans to apply skills gained from working with plants and people to solve global environmental challenges facing life on Earth.
Da’Miya Jackson, Joliet, IL, is studying molecular and cellular biology on the pre-nursing track at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and serves as President of the Black Greek Council, Co-President of 100 STRONG, and President of DiverseCurlz. Da’Miya also works as a Student Intern at the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center and as a GUARD Facilitator with the Women’s Resources Center. Through leadership, service, and community involvement, she is passionate about uplifting others and creating a meaningful Illinois experience. She is honored to represent Illinois on the 2026 Homecoming Court.
Gabriel Lee, Alton, IL, is studying engineering technology and management for agricultural systems, with a concentration in Energy & Environment & minor in Business. On campus, he serves as a Resident Advisor, President of the Central Black Student Union, a member of the National Residence Hall Honorary, and a member of the Central Residential Funding Board, and served as Supporting Chair of Men of Impact. As a first-generation college student, Lee believes his selection to Homecoming Court reflects the transformative power of the Illinois experience, and he hopes his journey encourages other first-generation students to pursue every opportunity Illinois offers.
Anius Love-Finch, Chicago, IL, is double majoring in industrial organizational psychology and organizational communication. On campus, he shapes culture as a Director for the Illini Union Board and holds executive positions in BNAACC, Men of Impact, and three other organizations. He is a Dean’s List scholar, inductee into two prestigious honor societies, and Operations Manager for Success Junkie. Next fall, Anius will enter Illinois’ MHRIR program. He believes serving on Homecoming Court demonstrates his path toward achievement and commitment to his community at home, proving to his little sister there are zero ceilings on what she can accomplish.
Ashley Mandujano, Wheeling, IL, is studying advertising with minors in business and public relations. On campus, she serves as Student Marketing Coordinator at La Casa Cultural Latina, Chapter President of Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc., and a member of Phi Chi Theta Professional Business Fraternity. She previously served as Internal Vice President of the Association of Latino Professionals for America. As a first-generation student, Ashley has found community at Illinois while creating spaces where others feel supported and empowered. She is honored to represent the Illinois community and hopes her time on Homecoming Court reflects her commitment to service, leadership, and belonging.
Madison Mullen, Calumet City, IL is pursuing a B.S. in Architectural Studies and Sustainable Design with a minor in business. Madison serves as the Treasurer for the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs Inc., Membership Director & Event coordinator for the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students, and the first Black Student Union Liaison for CBSU. Madison has also served as the President of Salongo and is an Inclusion & Leadership mentor where she educates students about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Madison trusts in God every step of her journey as she works toward becoming a successful and respected architect while inspiring other Black women in STEM. Madison is honored to represent Illinois for homecoming court.
Akbiyke Omurzakova, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, is studying Clinical Psychology with a minor in Social Work, aspiring to become a therapist. A Dean's List honoree and Equity & Inclusion Leadership Certificate Fellow, she has focused her research and advocacy on women's rights, leading The Healing Project. On campus, she is interning with the Student Engagement Center's Marketing and Communications team and serves as an SAA Ambassador. Dedicated to clinical work, Akbiyke interned in Residential Admissions at Cunningham Children's Home and currently interns at The Autism Program at the Family Resilience Center. Akbiyke is honored to represent the Central Asian community on Homecoming Court.
Shivani Patel, Itasca, IL, is studying supply chain management and information systems at the Gies College of Business. She is passionate about paying it forward and creating opportunities for others to find their place at Illinois. She has pursued this through her roles as a Residential Advisor, BUS 101 Section Leader, and Gies Admissions Intern where she supports students navigating their transition to college and connects prospective students with the Illinois experience. Patel has also held leadership roles in Student Alumni Ambassadors and Society of Women in Business. She is honored to represent Illinois on Homecoming Court and celebrate the community that has become her home.
Christiana Coco Pembele, Champaign, IL, is a senior studying sociology and communication, with a minor in criminology, law, and society. She has served in various LAS roles, including Access & Achievement Program Student Intern, First-Year Experience Peer Mentor, and Brand Ambassador. She has conducted and presented her research at the Undergraduate Research Symposium and taught religious education at St. Patrick’s Parish since high school. Christiana is President of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.’s Delta Psi Chapter and Communications Co-Chair for Alpha Kappa Delta. She is honored to serve on Homecoming Court and represent Illinois through leadership, mentorship, and service.
Kirsten Schaefer, Saint Joseph, IL, is studying biochemistry and public health. During the school hours, you can find her researching antibiotic resistance or helping with REACT, a chemistry education outreach program. Additionally, she is the President of the human rights organization Amnesty International and Vice President of the YMCA Student Board. Kirsten promotes health by addressing food insecurity, access to education, and community safety. A lifelong Champaign County resident, Kirsten is proud to be on the homecoming court and hopes to be an Illini that kids can look up to like the ones she admired growing up.
Norah Springborn, Pekin, IL, is pursuing a double major in English and communication. After studying abroad in the United Kingdom, she put her passions for international education, intercultural communications, and higher education into action through her work with the Liberal Arts & Sciences International Programs and Undergraduate Admissions as a campus tour guide exemplifying the international impact of the Illinois experience. Norah is a proud four-year member of the Marching Illini, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, and the Campus Honors Program, as well as a dedicated Dial-A-Carol volunteer. Norah is overjoyed and humbled to represent the vibrant University of Illinois community. I-L-L!
Darian Tabrizi, Los Gatos, CA, is studying bioengineering with a minor in computer science in the Grainger College of Engineering, aspiring to advance personalized medicine through computational research. A Cancer Scholar and Mayo Clinic SURF fellow, he spent nearly three years in the Leggett Lab studying breast cancer metastasis. As Vice President of BMES, he connects students to research and career opportunities, and he co-wrote the grant that launched the Mobile Bioengineering Lab with BMEJC, bringing STEM workshops to underserved middle schoolers. Tabrizi plans to pursue a career in research and is honored to represent Illinois on Homecoming Court.
Stephen Thomas, Aurora, IL, is studying bioengineering in the Grainger College of Engineering. Thomas serves as the President of MedLaunch UIUC, a teaching assistant in the Bioengineering Department, and a personal assistant at Beckwith Residential Support Services. Thomas has also contributed to research in multiple fields, including epilepsy, glioblastoma, spinal cord stimulation, and pain throughout his undergraduate studies. He hopes to expand upon these experiences to pursue a career at the intersection of engineering and medicine. Thomas is honored to participate in Homecoming Court and wants to use this opportunity to share how unique Illinois experiences transformed his journey.
Dontavious Williams, Rockford, IL, is a distinguished scholar studying clinical/community psychology with a minor in public health. He strives to advocate for minority mental health and education, as he plans to pursue a doctorate degree in school psychology. On campus, Dontavious serves as the President of Men of Impact, a Counseling Center Paraprofessional, and served as an I-SUMMER Scholar researching youth substance use. Dontavious has studied abroad in Cape Town, South Africa and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where he volunteered at a psychiatric hospital and a social NGO. Dontavious is truly honored to represent his communities on Homecoming Court.
Sophia Witola Reyes, Champaign IL, studies bioengineering with a minor in computer science. She’s involved with the National Society of Black Engineers, where she’s served in several leadership roles and is a physics instructor through CARE. She’s conducted undergraduate research spanning clinical and synthetic-biology, is active in K-12 STEM outreach and mentorship, and volunteers in local clinical settings. After graduation, Sophia plans to pursue a career in both medicine and research while continuing to champion equitable, accessible healthcare and education. Having grown-up in Champaign, she’s especially grateful to represent her hometown and dedicates this honor to those who’ve shaped her.