Student Directors

Juliana is a junior majoring in Marketing with a minor in Psychology. She currently serves as the Social Coordinator for the Professional Leadership Program and works as a Social Media Marketing Assistant for Travelers Cantina, a family-owned restaurant. Long-term, she aspires to become a Brand Manager and ultimately launch her own company. PLP has played a significant role in her professional development, equipping her with the skills and experiences needed to succeed in the business world. Through her involvement, Juliana hopes to help other students grow and access the same opportunities that shaped her journey. Outside of UNT, she likes to stay active, surround herself with friends and family, and enjoys being outdoors.

Mia is a senior majoring in Marketing and Criminal Justice with a minor in psychology. After completing her undergraduate studies, she plans to attend law school and pursue a career in corporate law. She is actively involved on campus through Phi Alpha Delta, a pre-law fraternity, and serves as a Life Group Leader with Chi Alpha Campus Ministries.

PLP has been a transformative part of Mia's college experience. This program strengthened her communication and leadership skills, grew her confidence, and provided invaluable guidance, especially through her mentor. Now serving as a Student Director, Mia hopes to help others build authentic relationships and experience the same personal and professional development she found through PLP.

Outside of academics, Mia loves spending quality time with friends and family, staying active, and traveling whenever she can.

Daniel Jubert is a junior in the College of Merchandising, Hospitality & Tourism, majoring in Hospitality Management with a minor in Marketing. Now in his second semester with the Professional Leadership Program (PLP), Daniel serves as the Student Director of Marketing, where he is dedicated to expanding PLP’s visibility and helping more students benefit from the opportunities the program provides. Throughout his time in PLP, Daniel has strengthened his communication, leadership, and adaptability skills while engaging in meaningful mentorship and professional development experiences. He is committed to using his creativity and initiative to contribute to PLP’s continued growth. Outside of his academic and leadership roles, Daniel enjoys running, producing multimedia content, and cooking—interests that allow him to express creativity, stay active, and connect with others.

Riya Arun is a senior pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Communication Design with a minor in Art History. As Creative Director for Patsy and Jane, she brings a thoughtful and intentional approach to design, while also taking on freelance graphic design and user-experience design work. The Professional Leadership Program has played a meaningful role in both her professional and personal growth, helping her strengthen her public speaking and job skills, and connecting her with a mentor and a network of industry professionals who have shaped her journey.

Beyond her work with Patsy and Jane, Riya has developed a deep passion for accessible and equitable design, which are values she plans to carry into a full-time career as a user-experience designer after graduation. Her commitment to inclusive design reflects a broader belief that thoughtful, people- centered work can create a real impact. In her free time, Riya loves to sew, play video games, and draw.

Ulemelero Mkaka is a Finance and Business Computer Information Systems major at the University of North Texas. She serves as the Marketing Director for the Professional Leadership Program (PLP), where she supports branding and outreach efforts to enhance student engagement and program visibility. She also works on campus as a Supplemental Instruction Leader for ACCT 2020 and an ACCESS Peer Mentor, supporting student success both inside and outside the classroom.

Ulemelero is passionate about combining creativity and strategy to build meaningful connections and drive impact. She is committed to personal and professional growth and aims to leverage her experiences to pursue a career in corporate finance with a global perspective. Outside of academics, she enjoys traveling, hiking, dancing, and spending time with friends.

Claire Perlick is a senior majoring in Cybersecurity. She serves on campus as President of Women in Computing. Through the Professional Leadership Program, she has developed confidence in networking, public speaking, and her leadership abilities with the support of her mentor and peers.

As Social Coordinator, Claire aims to create events that bring together students from all majors and backgrounds, helping them build lasting connections. She aspires to be a Student Director who makes others feel supported and confident in their professional growth.

In her free time, Claire enjoys a range of hobbies, including arts and crafts, exploring Downtown Denton, and has recently taken up disc golf.

Jazmin Contreras Martinez is a Junior at the University of North Texas, double majoring in Finance and Public Relations/Communications with a minor in Business Marketing. As the Social Coordinator for the Professional Leadership Program, she is dedicated to fostering connection, collaboration, and community among members. Through her role, Jazmin strives to create engaging events that strengthen relationships and encourage authentic leadership development within PLP.

Outside of PLP, Jazmin served as the Philanthropy Director for Kappa Kappa Gamma and as a Peer Ambassador for First in Business, where she mentors students and helps them navigate academic and professional opportunities. She also manages her own entrepreneurial venture in the beauty industry, combining creativity and business strategy to deliver exceptional client experiences.

Her involvement across campus has taught her the importance of servant leadership, adaptability, and intentional communication. Jazmin strives to inspire others to lead with authenticity and gratitude, values that guide her work both in her organizations and in her community. In her free time, she enjoys running, blogging, and spending time with friends and family.

Kennedy is a senior majoring in English with a concentration in Language Arts and a minor in Spanish. She is also pursuing her Secondary Education Certification. After completing her undergraduate studies, she plans to go to graduate school. While doing this, she also plans to teach English abroad. She is actively involved on campus. She serves in PLP as a student director and is a member of the Spanish Writing Club.

Building on her academic involvement, PLP has been an amazing experience for Kennedy’s college journey. This Program allowed her to get out of her comfort zone and experience a new program filled with amazing peers, helping her have better communication and build better ethical skills for the real world. As a Student Director, Kennedy hopes to help share this experience with others and be someone whom others can rely on for any type of guidance, throughout the Program and outside as well.

Outside of Academics, Kennedy loves to go on runs and hikes, in addition to cooking/baking for her family and friends. Not to mention traveling any given chance, too!

Dakshayani is a Cybersecurity major at the University of North Texas, and she is really interested in growing in security and technology while also becoming a stronger leader.

When Dakshayani first started, public speaking was something she struggled with a lot. Over time, she pushed herself to get better by putting herself in situations where she had to speak, lead, and interact with others. Through PLP and her experience as a Student Lead at the Spark Makerspace, she has been able to build more confidence in how she communicates and leads people.

PLP has helped Dakshayani step out of her comfort zone and become more intentional about her growth. It’s also given Dakshayani the chance to meet people who motivate her to do better and think bigger.

As a Student Director, she wants to create a space where people feel comfortable growing, even if they’re unsure of themselves at first, because she has been there too. Dakshayani believes leadership is something you build over time through effort, consistency, and being open to learning.

Outside of PLP, Dakshayani enjoys spending time with people, having meaningful conversations, and reading books.

Krisha Chintakunta is a junior at the University of North Texas pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Information Systems with Honors. She is passionate about the intersection of business, technology, and leadership and is actively involved in campus organizations that support her professional development.

Through the Professional Leadership Program (PLP), Krisha has developed her leadership, communication, and teamwork skills while building meaningful connections with peers and Student Directors. She values PLP for its mentorship opportunities and the supportive community that fosters both personal and professional growth.

Krisha serves as a Student Government Association Representative on the UNT Union Board of Directors and is Vice President of Professional Activities in Delta Sigma Pi, where she leads professional workshops, speaker events, and networking initiatives. She has also served as a mentor and orientation leader within the UNT Honors College, supporting incoming students as they transition into college life.

As Recruitment Chair for PLP, Krisha is committed to giving back to a program that has played a key role in her development by helping students discover opportunities for leadership, mentorship, and engagement within the organization.

Outside of academics and leadership, she enjoys photography and creative arts, including drawing, painting, and diamond painting, as well as collecting vintage cameras.

John Pelaez is a Finance major at the University of North Texas College of Business. As a Student Director and Liaison in the Professional Leadership Program (PLP), he fosters a collaborative environment where members grow personally and professionally. His work in PLP has strengthened his leadership, communication, and networking skills and shaped his professional journey.

Beyond PLP, John gained industry experience by interning at Charles Schwab, where he learned about financial services and further developed his skills. While in PLP, he attended events such as Andrews Distribution, engaged with guest speakers on time management and presentation skills, and built valuable connections with peers, mentors, and professionals. These experiences increased his confidence and professionalism, preparing him for a career in finance.

John supports communication and collaboration within PLP, encouraging member engagement. He is dedicated to helping others develop skills and maximize their PLP experience. Outside of academics and leadership, he enjoys the gym, golf, and spending time with friends and family.

Jasmine Cambric is a Marketing major on track to graduate in the Spring of 2027. Outside of her academic pursuits, she is the proud owner and operator of her own business, Jaasdiidit. In her free time, she enjoys staying active through working out, expanding her mindset through self-help books, and unwinding with a good movie.

Her involvement in PLP has been a transformative experience, pushing her to sharpen her communication skills and completely reshape the way she approaches challenges and obstacles in her life. The program has not only helped her grow academically, but personally as well.

She is someone who is deeply motivated by continuous growth and self-improvement. A quote she recently came across in a TED Talk by Amy Cuddy captures her philosophy perfectly — "Don't fake it till you make it, fake it till you become it." These words serve as a daily reminder that confidence is not just performed, it is built, and she is committed to becoming the best version of herself every step of the way.