Anthony Carmona | President
Undergraduate Scholar
Major: Cell and Molecular Biology
Minor: Biomedical Physics
Anthony Carmona is a senior pursuing a degree in Cell and Molecular Biology with a minor in Biomedical Physics. He is a provost scholar, a member of the Phi Delta Epsilon pre medical fraternity, and the secretary of the Mexican American student association. He loved tutoring and working with the youth during his time in high school and worked with the Hispanic services council to help Hispanic students in his area with their schooling needs. He plans to go to medical school to become an orthopedic surgeon and help people in countries that do not have access to adequate medical care. Anthony loves to run and draw in his free time. His goal in life is to provide aid and a friend to as many people as possible which he feels will be fulfilled by a career in medicine.
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Maria Ramirez | Treasurer
Graduate Scholar
Major: Masters in Criminology
Maria A. Ramirez is a second-year Master's student in the criminology program. Her academic journey took root at the University of South Florida, where she obtained a Bachelor's degree in criminology alongside a minor in political science. Maria's path to success led her to secure an invaluable internship at the renowned Rossen Law Firm, a leading criminal defense law firm in South Florida, where she refined her legal skills and deepened her understanding of the justice system. Combining her passion for justice with a heart for others, she later found purpose as a dedicated victim advocate and intervention specialist at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, providing unwavering support and comfort to those in need. She enjoys painting, having a good laugh, helping others, and performing new activities!
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alexis soyster | SECRETARY & HISTORIAN
Graduate Scholar
Majors: Doctorate in Nurse Anesthesiology
Alexis is a graduate of both the University of South Florida, where she earned her B.A. in History and her B.S in Marketing, and Florida State University, where she earned her B.S. in Nursing. In her undergraduate study, Alexis was a member of the Sigma Theta Tau and Phi Eta Sigma honor societies, and was a recipient of the Eileen Mahan Scholarship, the Capital Regional Health Scholarship, and the Florida Academic Scholars Award. After graduation, Alexis worked as a registered nurse in a vascular intensive care unit at Tampa General Hospital, where she was a preceptor for new nurses, worked as a charge nurse, and chaired her unit council. Alexis was also a charge nurse on an overflow ICU unit opened during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Andrea bustamante | marketing chair
Graduate Scholar
Major: Masters in Marketing
Andrea Bustamante is a graduate student in the USF Marketing M.S. program. She is also a project manager at EMB Builders & Contractor, the social media manager at Innovative Technology Education Fund, and the former Hispanic Professional Women’s Association communications chair.
In 2021, Andrea graduated as a USF King O’ Neal scholar with a B.A. in Global Business and a B.A. in English. During her undergraduate experience, Andrea held various leadership positions, studied abroad in London and Barcelona, presented in two research conferences, and was a mentee in the Hispanic Professional Women’s Association’s Mentorship Program.
Andrea’s time with Kosove began in 2017 when she was inducted as an undergraduate scholar. Since then, Andrea has served as VP of Community Service, On-campus President, Alumni Board Member, and Alumni Vice President. She is grateful for the opportunity to return as a graduate scholar.
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Lauryn Tanner | COMMUNITY SERVICE CHAIR
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Undergraduate Scholar
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Lauryn Tanner is a graduate of the Collegiate Academy at Leto High School in Tampa, Florida, where she served as president of the Black Culture Club, President and Founder of Beyond the Book Club, and was a member of the Red Cross Club, National Honors Society, DECA, PTSA, and Mu Alpha Theta. Lauryn established a Little Library at Leto to provide free books to the community. She is a member of the Brain Expansion Scholastic Training (BEST) Academy which partners with the USF to provide resources to high-school students interested in pursuing healthcare. She is a member of the Judy Genshaft Honors College where she is majoring in Biomedical Sciences. Lauryn competed as a varsity athlete with Team Tampa Rowing for 4 years and continues her passion for rowing with the USF Rowing Club. She is an Athena Society Young Woman of Promise and a Positive Coaching Alliance Triple-Impact Competitor. Her ultimate goal is to travel the world and provide dental care to those in need as an orthodontist. When she’s not rowing or studying, she loves singing, writing, and going to the beach.
Jordon Myrick | Legacy Project Coordinator
Undergraduate Scholar
Majors: Sociology and English with a concentration in Creative Writing
Jordon Myrick is a fourth-year undergraduate student pursuing degrees in Sociology and English with a concentration in Creative Writing. Passionate about storytelling and community engagement, Jordon spent her high school years volunteering as an elementary school tutor, teacher’s aide, and youth group student leader.
With a commitment to fostering equity and increasing the visibility of underserved communities through storytelling, Jordon began her experience at USF working as a staff writer for the Oracle newspaper. She also worked as an English, Grammar, and college preparedness tutor for high school students in the Tampa Bay community. Currently, she is an active member of the Judy Genshaft Honors College, serving as an Honors Ambassador and Peer Mentor. She works with the National Conference of Black Political Scientists (NCOBPS) as an undergraduate research assistant and essayist. Additionally, Jordon has participated in the 2023 Brush Arbor Community Engaged Field School, a summer program based in Starkville, Mississippi, that teaches university and graduate students how to perform decolonial, Anthropological research through the preservation of a local, historically Black cemetery.
In her free time, Jordon enjoys reading, listening to music, spending time with loved ones, and going on nature walks.
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dana john | media Director
Undergraduate Scholar
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Dana John is an IB graduate from Strawberry Crest High School. She is currently a second year Biomedical Sciences major and a candidate for the 7 year B.S./M.D. program through Morsani College of Medicine. Dana currently works as a Medical Assistant in hopes of becoming a doctor one day. She was a National Merit Scholar and graduated top 10 in her class. Dana was awarded the Athena Society Young Woman of Promise Award and was given the opportunity to intern for Congresswoman Kathy Castor. She also took on various projects such as improving the educational system in a small rural village of Costa Rica. She served as President of “Chargerthon,” during which she inspired a 133% increase in membership and raised over $43k for the patients at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. Dana continued her passion for Dance Marathon by joining USF’s “Bulls for Kids” and serving on the Marketing Committee. She also joined the Publicity and Campaigns Committee of "Doctors Without Borders" where she advocates for equality and accessibility of medical care. She is active as a Youth Coordinator at her church to plan events, conferences, and fundraisers.
In her free time, she loves to read, dance, go to the beach, and spend time with family and friends. She is beyond thankful for the opportunity to join the Kosove Society and continue to make a difference in her community.
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SASHA FOWLER | member
Graduate Scholar
Majors: Masters in Educational Leadership and Graduate Certificate in Non-Profit Management
Sasha Fowler earned her Bachelor’s degree in English Literature at USF and is so excited to continue her graduate degree as a bull with the Kosove Society! Sasha comes from a generation of immigrants that left the Dominican Republic to build a dream for their families in the states. Today, her family’s perseverance resounds deeply in the work that Sasha is doing to ensure that their sacrifice was not in vain. Sasha is currently pursuing a Master’s in Educational Leadership with a graduate certificate in non-profit management. After working as a high school English teacher for six years, she realized that her calling extends way beyond the classroom. She aspires to work in an administrative role at both the district and state level, so she can work to close inequitable achievement gaps. Moreover, she wants to be part of a paradigm shift that enables teachers to redefine what it means to be an influential educator. Most importantly and dear to her heart, Sasha is passionate about mentoring young women. She started her own non-profit organization, BLOOM Girls Club which creates a space that empowers young women to tap into their full potential. It is important for every student to know that they matter and are seen. Her hard work has awarded her top 12 candidate for Hillsborough County Public Schools teacher of the year award and has been voted most inspirational teacher twice. Moreover, she has been an active member of different organizations such as Florida Multicultural District- AG working as a young adults coach and youth leader. This allowed her to not only empower underserved youth, but to also serve the community by feeding the homeless, volunteering at health fairs, and leading conferences to equip students with the necessary resources to be successful. For Sasha, it is important to do all things for the glory of God in excellence and in love.
She is humbled and honored to know that an organization like Kosove is willing to invest in her future in such a generous way. She is extremely thankful and will do all she can to make the Kosove family proud!
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Norbert Ming | member
Graduate Scholar
Majors: Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesiology
Norbert is a first-year graduate student pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesiology. He earned his Bachelor of Science at Florida State University, where he completed his pre-health requirements before working as a public school teacher in Orlando. During that time, he delivered innovative instruction of Chemistry, Physics, and Biology standards, and integrated 3D printing into the curriculum. He also sponsored a community service club and was recognized by the Florida Department of Education as a Best and Brightest Educator three years in a row.
Building on his passion for education and science, Norbert transitioned into the field of nursing, where he has continued to make an impact. He attended the University of Florida for his nursing degree, where he received the Charlotte M. Liberty Academic Scholarship and the Dean Kathleen Ann Long Scholarship. He joined the highest-acuity intensive care unit at UF Health Shands Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. While in the Medical ICU, he served in roles as a preceptor, unit educator, and Chair of the Education & Research Committee. Additionally, he worked as an Organ Procurement Coordinator across North Florida, managing organ donors in intensive care units, evaluating organs for donation, and assisting surgeons during recovery. Norbert also leads the Public Relations Committee for the editorial board of the Journal of Nurse Anesthesia Education. Norbert enjoys fostering community through fitness classes or exploring new local restaurants.
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Elle Acosta | member
Undergraduate Scholar
Majors: Biology with a concentration in Evolution and Ecology and Women & Gender Studies
Elle Acosta is a third year member of the Kosove Society. They are majoring in biology at USF in the hopes of becoming an environmental activist and traveling the world, hopefully including Antarctica, to study a wide variety of ecosystems. In high school, they refounded their school's Gender and Sexuality Alliance and was the president of the club for two years. They were also the treasurer of the school's activism club and a senior class officer during their senior year. Elle has volunteered at multiple nonprofits, including their city's animal shelter and LGBTQ youth organization. Some of their favorite activities are singing, reading, baking (and eating sweets in general), and kayaking.
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Alani Rodriguez | member
Undergraduate Scholar
Majors: Biology
Alani Rodriguez is a junior pursuing a degree in biology with a concentration in animal biology in hopes to one day become a veterinarian. Growing up in a military family, she moved several times throughout her life. By the time she turned seventeen, they had relocated eleven times, experiencing life in the United States and three other countries. During high school, she moved four times in the middle of the school year, navigating these transitions throughout her crucial academic years. Despite these frequent moves, she remained focused and determined in her studies, graduated as her high school class salutatorian, and participated in various community service projects and school clubs. While in high school, one of Alani’s greatest achievements was when she collaborated with a small group of students to establish a school organization called the Intersection, which promoted the diversity of students, where she led and organized a group social media page and a variety of school events for the group. As she continues through college, Alani continues to participate in clubs and volunteer. She is currently the President of the Biology Club at USF and the Social Media Manager for the Undergraduate Veterinary Medical Society. In addition to this, she volunteers in the Zalamea Lab and the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center. Lastly, in her free time, she enjoys shadowing her at her favorite veterinary clinic, gardening, and baking.
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Grace Angeli | member
Undergraduate Scholar
Majors: Biology and Environmental Science
Grace is a third-year student in the Judy Genshaft Honors College double majoring in Biology and Environmental Science with the goal of becoming a Wildlife Ecologist and Conservationist. She hopes to work with nonprofits or accredited facilities in wildlife field research and conservation efforts. So far, she has worked and volunteered at many accredited facilities including ZooTampa, The Georgia Aquarium, and soon the Florida Aquarium as she completes an animal care internship this fall. Grace has also been involved at USF by serving as a Resident Assistant in Maple Hall and being a Co-Chair of the 2023-2024 JGHCSC Volunteer Committee. During her year with council, a record amount of money was raised to support Dance Marathon at USF. She also served as the Service Director of the USF Student Environmental Association. She loves to volunteer and give back to her community and is especially passionate about environmental efforts and animals. Her hobbies include playing the cello in the honors orchestra, scuba diving, and doing wildlife photography. Her photos have been displayed in the honors building and published in Thread Magazine. Grace is extremely grateful and excited to be joining the Kosove Society.
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Kaitlyn Orlick | member
Undergraduate Scholar
Majors: History and International Studies
Katie Orlick is a graduate of the International Baccalaureate program at T.R. Robinson High School. She served as a messenger for the Florida House of Representatives, was a member of the City of Tampa Mayor’s Youth Corps, and served on the Citizens Advisory Committee to the Hillsborough County School Board. Additionally, she was President of Robinson’s chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America, where she won numerous awards from the District to National level. Katie was also Secretary of the National Honor Society and was elected to serve on Robinson’s Honor Council. Katie loves to give back to the Tampa Bay community. As a United States Congressional Intern for Congresswoman Kathy Castor, Katie helped constituents with issues such as immigration and veterans’ affairs. She has volunteered for the 13th Judicial Circuit’s Teen Court, as well as various organizations that work to alleviate food insecurity. While in high school, she also worked part-time as a barista at Starbucks. Another meaningful part of Katie’s life is her dedication to working with children. She has tutored children from underserved communities while also organizing clothing, book, and toy drives to support these children.
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She is a member of the Judy Genshaft Honors College and has been awarded the Genshaft-Greenbaum Global Explorers Scholarship, as well as the University of South Florida’s Presidential Scholarship. Katie is majoring in History and International Studies and plans to attend law school upon graduation. She is extremely honored and grateful to be a member of the Kosove Society. Katie is excited to continue her love of volunteerism while being surrounded by an incredible group of scholars and alumni.
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YUVIKA ARORA | member
Undergraduate Scholar
Majors: Biomedical Sciences
Yuvika Arora is an International Baccalaureate graduate from Strawberry Crest High School in Dover, Florida, ranked in the top three percent of her class. Her high school years were marked by significant leadership and service roles, including serving as President of Crest FBLA, where she led over 300 members and was recognized as Florida FBLA’s nominee for National Office. She also founded her school's Key Club, and held officer positions in both the Class Council and Mu Alpha Theta, showcasing her commitment to the student community. Additionally, she was an active member in the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society.
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Outside the classroom, Yuvika's passion for community service is evident through the 170+ hours she dedicated to volunteering at AdventHealth Hospital’s Women’s Center. She also served on the board of the Hillsborough County Youth Leadership Council, advocating for causes such as homelessness. As a member of the 2023 Alumni for Four Star Leadership under General Tommy Franks, Yuvika upholds the values of Caring, Common Vision, Character, and Communication in all aspects of her life. With a clear vision for her future, she plans to major in biomedical sciences on the premed track, aspiring to work with children. She is thrilled and honored to join the Kosovo family to continue making a positive difference in the world.
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Isabel Oliveira | member
Undergraduate Scholar
Majors: Psychology and Behavioral Healthcare
Isabel is a third-year student pursuing dual majors in Psychology and Behavioral Healthcare. Her passion for psychology is driven by a desire to impact the lives of others directly and profoundly. This drive has led her to actively participate in various community service initiatives and organizations from high school to university. Recently, she was honored to be elected as the President of USF Rotaract for the 2024-2025 term, where she previously served as the Fundraising Chair, successfully raising over $1,500. Through her involvement with the Rotaract club, she participated in several community service events, such as the WellFed Nutrition Education at Ybor Garden, where she assisted in teaching weekly classes formulated to enhance nutrition literacy among youth.
At USF, Isabel is also a Research Assistant for two laboratories focused on addiction, recovery, and therapy methods: the ART and DEXTER labs. This experience enhanced her love for psychology and sparked her interest in the addiction side of the field. Additionally, she is one of the 13 scholars of the Summer Research Institute at the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, where she researched perspectives and trends on drug use among college students in collaboration with the Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance. Through this experience, she confirmed her love for research and clinical work and decided to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology in the future, with the goal of impacting as many people as possible and changing her "tiny corner of the world," inspired by Emma Morley from the novel One Day, one of her favorite books. In her free time, Isabel enjoys karaoke with friends, baking, movie nights, and sunset walks. She is truly honored to become a part of the Kosove Society and looks forward to the friendships, connections, and community impact she will be a part of through the Kosove Society."
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