Homecoming Court photos courtesy of Holly Birch Photography
2025 Homecoming Court
Pariyat Aggarwal, Punjab, India, is majoring in marketing and information systems in the Gies College of Business. She co-founded Omnipher, an iVenture backed student-run startup where she led marketing initiatives and campus pop-ups and served as Vice President of corporate relations for the American Marketing Association, building partnerships and opportunities for fellow students. She also works as an Inclusion and Leadership Mentor in University Housing, supporting first-year students in their transition to Illinois. She broadened her global perspective through a study abroad semester in Sydney, Australia. She hopes to pursue a career blending entrepreneurship, marketing, and community impact.
Saliyah As-Salaam, Chicago, IL, is a senior studying civil engineering at the Grainger College of Engineering. As External Vice President of the National Society of Black Engineers, Vice President of EMBRACE, and Treasurer of the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, Inc., she is dedicated to creating a positive social impact in her community. She’s a Co-Lead Engineering Learning Assistant for the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department and an active member of the Morrill Engineering Program. Saliyah is honored to represent Black women in STEM and hopes that her time in Homecoming Court will reflect her journey and continued impact.
Jesiah Bradshaw, Springfield, IL, is studying kinesiology with a minor in psychology in the College of Applied Health Sciences. He serves as President of the Pi Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., works as a Resident Advisor in University Housing, and Is the Lab Coordinator and Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Disability Participation and Quality of Life Research Laboratory. At home, he works at a local hospital as a Rehabilitation Technician and plans to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Jesiah views Homecoming Court as a meaningful honor that reflects his growth, service, and experiences at Illinois.
Sam Christoff, Danville, IL, is majoring in animal sciences. On campus, he serves as Vice President of Standards for the Interfraternity Council and Managing Editor of the Illinois Student Undergraduate Research Journal. His research in the Harley Lab focuses on biomaterials and wound healing. This past summer, he worked at Bellevue Hospital in New York while conducting research at NYU, gaining experience in trauma care and community health. Inspired by mentorship and driven to expand access to care, Christoff sees Homecoming Court as an opportunity to honor both his family’s Illinois legacy and the impact of his time on campus.
Harper Clark, Bettendorf, IA, is a James Scholar pursuing a dual-degree in dance and psychology. On campus, she works as a First-Year Consent and Relationship (FYCARE) facilitator, holds the positions of Community Outreach Director and Choreographer of Illini Student Musicals, is a member of Alpha Gamma Delta where she served as Chapter President, and is a Student Alumni Ambassador. She aspires to attend graduate school to pursue a master’s degree in social work. Harper is overjoyed to be representing the vibrant community of the University of Illinois on this year’s court.
Madison Fanning, Jacksonville, IL, is a leader dedicated to building inclusive communities and advancing student success. She has served as a Resident Advisor, Engineering Ambassador, Program Assistant for Women in Engineering, and Orientation Leader, impacting thousands of students through mentorship and innovative programming. A Chancellor’s Scholar, Kirkwood Scholar, and member of Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, Madison is committed to academic excellence, pursuing degrees in bioengineering and chemistry. She has presented her research at numerous conferences, studied abroad in four countries, led two projects at Engineering Open House, and continues to foster engagement and create impact at Illinois. I-L-L
Ja’Marion Green, Chicago, IL, is a dedicated kinesiology major, aspiring to pursue a Doctorate in Chiropractic studies and impact health care through service and healing. As President of Men of Impact, he champions leadership, brotherhood, and campus engagement. He has also served on multiple executive boards including Central Black Student Union, Ma’at, and The CommU.N.I.T.Y., amplifying student voices across campus. A passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Ja’Marion leads peers as an Inclusion and Leadership Mentor in University Housing. Guided by faith and community, he views service as a calling and plans to continue uplifting others through chiropractic care.
Kamren Mason-El, Alton, IL, is a political science major on the Pre-Law track with a minor in communication. Passionate about uplifting marginalized voices, she serves as President of the Association of Minorities in Political Science and Vice President of the Central Black Student Union. She has also been involved in a variety of initiatives on campus, including the Department of Political Science's Climate Committee, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the NAACP, and Women of Color. She currently interns with the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and is truly honored to serve as a member of the 2025 Homecoming Court.
Ariana Mizan, Champaign, IL, is studying strategy, innovation, and entrepreneurship with a minor in technology and management in the Gies College of Business. On campus, she serves as the elected Student Trustee for the University of Illinois System Board of Trustees and as a senator in the Illinois Student Senate. She has advanced initiatives on food insecurity, student success, and public engagement, and participated in the campus innovation ecosystem through startups and nonprofit ventures. In her free time, Mizan enjoys creative writing and exploring arts activities. Born and raised in Champaign, she is a proud Illini honored to serve on Homecoming Court.
Ethan Mok-Chih, Champaign, IL, is a psychology major planning to pursue a PhD in counseling/sport psychology. Ethan has been a community leader as a chair for the Asian American Association, a mentor in Ascend Business Society, a Counseling Center Paraprofessional, an intern for the Stephen’s Family YMCA, and a head basketball coach at local middle and high schools. Ethan studied abroad in Greece, presented research through his involvement in three cultural/sport psychology labs, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. As someone born and raised in Champaign, he is thrilled to be on Homecoming Court.
Layli Nazarova, Moscow, Russia, is majoring in journalism with a minor in political science in the College of Media. A Hearst award-winning audio journalist, her reporting on accessibility and inclusion has earned national recognition and strengthened campus media such as Illinois Public Media and UI7 Newsroom. On campus, she served two years as a Resident Advisor, is vice president of the Society of Professional Journalists, and leads public relations for Kappa Alpha Pi pre-law fraternity. An active member of SWPA, she focuses on women’s empowerment. Nazarova plans to pursue a career in technology and public affairs journalism.
Odinakachukwu (Odi) Ogbuefi, New Lenox, IL, is pursuing a B.S. in advertising with minors in Informatics and public relations. Dedicated to advancing equity and inclusion in media, she serves as a College of Media Student Ambassador, Agency President in the American Advertising Federation, Public Relations Chair for the Creators of Color Association, and a Student Leader in the Shelley Ambassador Program supporting Black students. Odi has gained professional experience through internships in advertising and financial services and as a Career Prep Fellow with Management Leadership for Tomorrow. She is honored to represent the University during Homecoming.
Sidney Opara-Justus, Chicago, IL, is a Presidential scholar studying community health, health planning and administration. President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Gamma Chapter, she is motivated by the mission “service to all mankind”. Sidney has cultivated her passion for global health advocacy as a College of Aces Global Ambassador and Illinois Global Institute Fellowship recipient. On campus, she has served as a Resident Advisor in University Housing, Illinois Student Admissions Representative, Illini Union Board Member, and Shelley Ambassador for the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center. Sidney is delighted to represent Illinois for Homecoming Court and dedicates this honor to her loved ones.
Gerardo Paramo, Joliet, IL, is studying bioengineering with a minor in chemistry, aspiring to revolutionize healthcare through drug delivery research. As an undergraduate researcher in the Sirk Lab, he leverages genetically engineered bacteria for innovative treatments. Committed to mentorship, he has served as an Organic Chemistry TA, MEP Peer Mentor, and Grainger UPO assistant. Gerardo also leads as president of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), empowering his peers to become the next generation of influential engineers. With plans to pursue a PhD, he hopes to continue his education and mentoring, exemplifying the far-reaching impact of the Illinois experience.
Daniel Patton, Chicago Heights, IL, is a senior majoring in communication with minors in journalism and public relations. He has been actively involved on campus as a Desk Clerk, Resident Advisor, Intern for LAS International Programming, and executive board member of the Central Black Student Union and Men of Impact. A two-time winner of CBSU’s Most Impactful Student Award, he currently serves as President of the Epsilon Xi Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Daniel’s passions include serving as a role model for young Black men and challenging stereotypes. Crowned Homecoming King in high school, this opportunity is a proud, full-circle moment for him.
Lauren Ravury, Glenview, IL, is studying information sciences on the pre-law track. She is President of the Student Alumni Ambassadors, a Charles P. Wolff Intern, and a Lou Liay Intern. She previously served as President of the Asian Pre-Law Association, winning the 2025 Asian American Cultural Center’s Outstanding Student Leader Award, and has held leadership roles in Illinois Student Council, Science Policy Group, and Kappa Alpha Pi. She has also completed internships with the U.S. House of Representatives, Physicists Coalition for Nuclear Threat Reduction, and Land of Lincoln Legal Aid. Lauren is honored to be selected for the Homecoming Court.
Yanaba Schroeder, Kayenta, AZ, is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation majoring in human development and family studies with a minor in American Indian studies. She served two years as a Native American House Ambassador and is an active member of the Student Trustee Cultural Liaison Board. Committed to uplifting Indigenous voices, Yanaba leads “Project Green,” an initiative revitalizing land stewardship and traditional farming to address the diabetes epidemic on the Navajo Nation. She also volunteers with Adopt a Native Elder and the DigDeep Foundation. Yanaba is honored to represent her Navajo heritage and community on the Homecoming Court.
Etienne Sirois, Mount Prospect, IL, is a James Scholar studying landscape architecture in the College of Fine and Applied Arts. As a project manager with Illinois Solar Decathlon, Etienne has continuously led the design and construction of sustainable housing in partnership with Habitat for Humanity during his tenure. Etienne has also served as a college representative and Chair of the Environmental Sustainability Committee in Illinois Student Council, a Discussion Leader for FAA 101, and a Course Assistant for LA 100. As an active designer, he has collaborated on a wide variety of projects, both on-campus and in the surrounding community.
Joya Weissman, Deerfield, IL, is a James Scholar studying sociology and social work with a minor in criminology, law, & society. On campus, she serves as the Community Chair for Students for Environmental Concerns and as an LAS 101 Intern for the First Year Experience Program, for which she was awarded the 2024-2025 Edward W. Collins and Doris Strickland-Collins Intern Award for Excellence in Teaching. Additionally, she co-manages a music venue in Urbana called “Grandma’s House.” Following graduation, she plans to pursue a Master of Social Work and hopes to work in mediation and mental health counseling.
Nya Williamson, Chicago, IL, is pursuing a degree in nutrition and health in the College of ACES, minoring in Spanish and chemistry. Dedicated to philanthropy, her heart for service and community engagement shines through as a lead Student Health Advocate at McKinley Health Center, an ambassador for the Jeffries’ Center, and performances with the UI Black Chorus. While studying abroad in Granada, Spain, she volunteered at a senior care facility. Nya aspires to be a prosthodontist and serve as an instrument for God’s grace, using her gifts to uplift others through faith and compassion. She celebrates this opportunity with gratitude.