Student Advisory Board (SAB)

Sam Mendoza

President

Hello, I am your 2026-2027 UHPSAB President! I am a junior double major in Human Resource Development and Philosophy. As a bilingual first gen queer latina I understand the work it takes to get here and what we need as students to thrive. I am also Vice President of our NEIU ALPFA chapter and member of La Olla, my passion is to give back to our communities and support my peers. 

Favorite Snack: Mangos and Kopiko Coffee Candy  

Fun Fact: I have 2 dogs and share a birthday with one of them! 

Mia Guzman

Vice President of Events

My goal is to make the Honors program enjoyable and welcoming to everyone. Attending these events can allow our community to feel more connected and friendships can flourish. I enjoy listening to music and eating delicious food. As a psychology major, I also spend a lot of time reading and writing. SAB is here to support you!

Favorite snack: Oreos

Fun Fact: I love traveling
 

Abigail Akitah

Vice President of Service

I am a Human Resource Development major at Northeastern Illinois University, with minors in Human Resource Management. I am passionate about creating meaningful connections, developing people, and contributing to a positive community. As a member of the University Honors Program, I am excited to contribute to the UHP community through service, leadership, and collaboration. I look forward to making a positive impact through my role on the SAB.

Favorite snack: Small chops

Fun Fact: I love organizing things by color​

Ameerah Balogun

Transfer Student Representative of SAB

Hello! My name is Ameerah Balogun, and I am a 4th-year Information Technology student and this year's Transfer Student Representative of the SAB. My career aspirations are to be a web designer, web developer, or an AI engineer—wherever my path in IT leads!

As a transfer student myself, I understand the unique experience of acclimating to a new university environment. I am excited to be a part of the SAB and help ensure that our transfer student community feels connected, supported, and engaged. I look forward to working with the board to create beneficial events for the entire student body.

Favorite snack - Motts Fruit Snack, Nutella Biscuit, Parle G, Ribena, Nigerian snacks, Friendly Farms Key Lime and Coconut Whole Milk Greek Yogurt 

Favour Ogukwe

Treasurer

Gannon Hosticka 

Senior Representative

Greetings, my name is Gannon Hosticka and I am serving as the senior rep this year for the Honors SAB. I will be finishing my B.A. in Psychology this Spring as well as my minor in Child Advocacy Studies. I intend to pursue grad school to receive an MSW such that I can become a licensed therapist.

Favorite Snack: Pretzels

Fun Fact: I have 8 siblings

Atidade Akinwale

Junior Representative of SAB

Hello All, my name is Atidade Akinwale.

I am excited to get to know you better. Some things I care about are mental health, community and good food. I have found a passion for getting to know others and listen to different life experiences and learning new things about the world. This is part of what inspired me to major in biology, with hopes of pursuing a career in psychiatry.

Favorite snack:  Round crackers, strawberry yoghurt and KitKat

Fun fact: I am from an ethnic group with the highest twin birth rate in the world
 

Selmin Ilke Esin

Sophomore Representative of SAB

Hello! It is my third year in America. My major is Biology, neuroscience in minor and in dentistry track. I am working in the Biology/ Chemistry prep lab. I love making new friends so if you see me on campus say hi! I went to Korea this summer for Study abroad, and I love to see new places!

Favorite snack: Berries, honey cake, sweet potato, sunflower seeds!

Fun Fact: I am currently learning my fifth language!

Amira Morchid

Freshman Representative of SAB

Hi I’m Amira, I’m a freshman at NEIU, majoring in biology and on the pre-medicine track with the future goal of becoming a physician specialized in either psychiatry or women’s reproductive health. I’m excited to be apart of the UHP SAB for this academic year and am looking forward to starting my education here at NEIU in the UHP <3

Favorite snack: Hot Cheetos

Fun Fact: I am a certified nurse assistant!