UVU's Presidential Internship Program is a distinguished internship held in the Office of the President, with the goal of providing students from all backgrounds with the chance to learn from and engage with UVU's executive leadership team. Each intern will work closely with a member of UVU's cabinet to develop and implement high-impact projects on behalf of the university's leadership. Students will obtain a better understanding of UVU's purpose, fundamental values, and an inside view of higher education by working with the cabinet. Students will develop skills to enhance their education, careers, and personal lives.
Londan Duffin is a goal-oriented junior at Utah Valley University, pursuing a major in Graphic Design with a double minor in French and Art History. Thanks to a strong foundation in student leadership from various departments on campus, he currently interns for Kara Schneck and her Chief of Staff duties. He’s found exceptional care from various UVU professors and mentors that have led him to create award-winning graphic designs and magnify the Social Media Project Lead position for the Wolverine Ambassador Program.
Outside of the office, Londan enjoys the simple pleasures of thrift shopping, playing card games with his family, and peeling an orange in one peel. He is also the Digital Creative Director for Wayfare Magazine, combining his love for art curation and theology. After graduation, he’s committed to furthering his education by pursuing a graduate degree. Londan takes pride in being a Wolverine and looks forward to future campus engagement.
Abbie Fisher is a social equity researcher and senior at UVU completing her undergraduate in Psychology. As a hobbyist, she enjoys movie nights in with homemade treats and the occasional hike through our beautiful mountains. She’ll also never say no to a night out at the roller rink!
Her campus involvement includes a history of mentoring at the Melissa Nellesen Center for Autism and acting as the research assistant for the Women in Business Impact Lab. Abbie has also been recognized at UVU as the UVU 2023 Oxford Map the System Research Competition winner and as a UVLC highlighted speaker on Person-First Leadership.
She now works as a Strategy and Design Fellow for the Center for Social Impact and the Presidential Intern to University President Astrid Tuminez. As a Presidential Intern, Abbie works with executive university leadership at UVU to drive impactful change on campus through strategic research, design, and collaboration.
As a student and professional, Abbie is passionate about creating positive social change through connecting interdisciplinary research with systems design and policy development. In the future, she hopes to work with private and public sector organizations to develop policies prioritizing social/environmental equity and sustainability.
Kacie Huff is a growth-minded senior majoring in Applied Communication with a minor in Public Relations and Strategic Communication. Although she has always been interested in strategic messaging and connecting personally with diverse audiences, her previous work in the Public Speaking Lab created her passion for writing and communication skills at UVU. As a Presidential Intern, Kacie brings her ambition and eagerness to work with Kara Schneck in the Marketing & Communications Department, where she is gaining valuable experience in her field. She loves sharing how proud she is to be at UVU and how it has strengthened her education, talents, and interests.
As a first-generation student who transferred from southern Indiana, Kacie values the importance of building a community and meaningful connections with people. Her dedication is evident in both her academic and personal life. She enjoys staying active, shooting 35mm film, hiking, thrifting, and sharing her love of music. She is committed to seeking chances to learn and grow, and UVU has opened many opportunities for her.
Grace Wingate is pursuing a degree in Operations and Supply Chain Management with a minor in Applied Economics and is expected to graduate in Spring 2026. With a solid foundation in data analysis, Grace is dedicated to optimizing business processes and enhancing decision-making. Following her undergraduate studies, Grace hopes to attend law school and work in business law.
During her time at UVU, Grace has shown her commitment to student leadership and UVU values in various roles. She participated in the Residential Community Leadership program, where she played a key role in connecting students to UVU resources. She currently serves as an Honors Ambassador with a focus on setting program goals and shaping the future of the program. Grace is passionate about UVU student life and has worked to advocate for students and their needs. At UVU, she discovered her passion for leadership, learning, community building, and higher education.
Outside her academic and leadership pursuits, she enjoys crafting, crocheting, and sewing. She is also an avid musician, finding joy in singing and playing the guitar and piano.
Tracee Jones, majoring in Personal Financial Planning with an emphasis in Data Analytics and a minor in Business Management, is passionate about leadership, growth, and making a difference. As a second-year LEAD program member and now Team Lead, Tracee mentors a dozen students through UVU's leadership development program, helping them build confidence through hard work. Her involvement with UVUSA’s Green Team sparked her passion for student engagement and its positive impact on academic success.
While working at UVU’s Food Pantry in the CARE Hub, Tracee became more aware of the hidden hardships students face, deepening her commitment to community service and nonprofits. Outside of her leadership roles, she enjoys gardening, where watching things grow mirrors her personal journey. Despite challenges like her knee surgery, which taught her resilience, Tracee is determined to reach her goal of becoming a public speaker. She aspires to use her voice to advocate for financial independence, educating others on how to achieve their dreams while giving back to their communities.
Kaleb Rodriguez is a professional drummer entering his senior year at UVU. He is majoring in University Studies with a minor in Event Planning and a completed certificate in Leadership for Personal and Social Impact. Kaleb is passionate about student stories and program development, which he continues to work on as the intern of the VP of Institutional Advancement.
In his free time, Kaleb likes to maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising and cooking homemade meals. He also enjoys riding motorcycles, playing board games, and spending time with loved ones.
Kaleb grew up performing music with violin at the age of 3 and later learned percussion at the age of 11. He performed frequently at Murray High School and graduated with honors in 2021. After graduating high school, he continued his pursuit for music where he has been able to become the captain of the UVU Drumline. He has pursued many other paths of interest with job experiences in the medical field, nature preservation, education, and many more. Kaleb hopes to stay involved with the music industry using his events and leadership experience.
Ralph Tuminez is a senior at UVU pursuing a major in Business Management and a minor in Finance. He is set to graduate in the spring of 2025 and plans on pursuing a career in commercial banking after graduation.
Born in Iloilo City, Philippines, and raised in Orem, Utah, Ralph’s parents taught him the importance of education early on, causing him to be a strong academic. His pursuit of higher and enhanced education led him to UVU’s Honors Program, where he has enjoyed an enriched educational experience at UVU.
Ralph also has an enthusiasm for helping and working with people. This desire to help others was strengthened during his volunteer mission in Brazil and California and is what led him to pursue business and the Presidential Internship. During his time at UVU, Ralph has had many opportunities to work in cooperation with other students and organizations, including a study on gender in the workplace for the Women in Business Impact Lab.
Outside of his studies, he can be found at the gym or outdoors, where he enjoys weightlifting, fishing, hiking, and camping with family and friends.
Macie Savage, from Draper, Utah, is a senior majoring in Art and Design. She is also pursuing a double minor in Art History and Marketing. Working in the Office of the Provost, Macie is the Presidential Intern for Deputy Provost, Kat Brown. Macie has a passion for higher education and has enjoyed her time working at UVU. Before starting this internship, she worked as the Employer Relations Assistant in the Career and Internship Center. Following graduation in May of 2025, Macie plans to pursue a career in Graphic Design and Marketing.
As a Presidential Intern, Macie is the student voice in academic policy. She also sits on the committee for Academic Scheduling and serves on the UVU Ira A. and Mary Lou Fulton Library Advancement Board. Some of her responsibilities include the faculty newsletter, working on faculty issues related to students, and other projects as assigned.
Diego Alejandro Martinez Cardenas is a junior majoring in Software Engineering with a minor in Finance. Originally from Ecuador, Diego moved to Utah to find new educational and personal growth opportunities. As a Presidential Intern, he works on enhancing UVU’s digital experiences for students and staff, driven by his passion for technology and innovation. Diego is also deeply involved in the UVU community. In addition to his internship, he mentors international students through the International Student Council, helping them adjust to life abroad and building a strong campus community. He also volunteers as a Trip Leader with the Outdoor Adventure Center, organizing outdoor trips that encourage students to explore and connect with nature.
Before his current role, Diego worked as a back-end developer with the Excellence and Innovation Initiative, where he helped create an AI-driven chatbot. He also co-led an Alternative Spring Break trip to San Diego with the Center for Social Impact, blending his love for technology and community service. Outside of work and school, Diego loves nature and adventure. He enjoys hiking, fishing, and discovering new trails. He is passionate about travel and always looks for new experiences and places to explore. Diego believes in stepping out of his comfort zone, whether it's trying new foods, learning about different cultures, or enjoying the outdoors.
Keila Herrmann is a first-generation college senior at UVU planning to graduate Spring 2025 with a BA in Public Relations and a double minor in Marketing and Event Planning. Though originally from Washington and Idaho and a Texan at heart, Draper, Utah, has been home for most of her life.
Keila started her UVU experience in 2019. Shortly after enrolling, COVID-19 impacted her education, and she moved home to support herself financially and decided to pursue and complete her Master Esthetician’s license. In 2022, she returned to UVU and changed her major from Marketing to Communications to better fit her career goals of working with brands to create consumer experiences and develop campaigns for brand engagement.
Keila loves UVU and firmly believes in the many opportunities the university provides its students. Having received exceptional care and guidance from professors and mentors, she desires to give back by creating memorable events to ensure every student and staff member feels valued.
Keila plans to pursue a career in brand marketing and event planning in beauty, fashion, or sports-related industries. She is grateful for her husband and family members who support her and encourage her to follow her dreams. She loves traveling, exercising, the outdoors, her husband Chase, and their energetic golden retriever, Trout.
Jake Allen, a senior at UVU, currently serves as the presidential intern for Clark Collings, the General Counsel. Pursuing degrees in Art and Design and Business and Analysis, he brings a unique blend of analytical thinking, creativity, and strategic leadership that he leverages to build a legally compliant, ethical, and safe campus environment. In addition to his internship, Jake is the Lead Ambassador of the UVU Honors Program. Chosen for his visionary and tailored approach, he has been instrumental in launching new student success initiatives.
Jake’s passion for law and student success began at UVU’s Center for Constitutional Studies. His creative skills contributed to award-winning marketing that encouraged student engagement with civic virtues and the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution.
In addition to his dedication to work and school, Jake enjoys spending time with his family, playing guitar, and creating art. After graduating, he plans to pursue a J.D. and engage with mission-focused organizations.
Estrella Chinchay is a junior at Utah Valley University, striving for a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photography. Beyond her photography studies, Estrella has dedicated her time to student leadership. She has contributed to campus culture through her roles as a Social Impact Fellow, University Innovation Fellow, and currently as a Presidential Intern for Dr. Rasha Qudisat in the Office of Institutional Engagement & Effectiveness. In these positions, she has played a key role as a change-maker by creating long-lasting projects with positive impacts, including presenting at national conferences, publishing research, and working closely with first-generation students.
In addition to her leadership roles, Estrella enjoys engaging in the worlds of art and social impact. She is a published artist in art education journals, has exhibited several pieces in museums along with solo shows, and works closely with local creatives in mixed media productions. She is also the current president of Raices, a Latine club on campus. Her long-term goals include acquiring an MFA in Photography and continuing to work in the fashion and music industries. Driven by her passion for student leadership and community impact, Estrella is dedicated to using her skills and experiences to inspire positive change and foster a collaborative environment both on and off campus.
Zachary McEwan is a business management student focusing on international business. He will graduate in May 2025. After his freshman semester with the UVU Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), Zachary joined the Utah Army National Guard as a carpentry and masonry specialist. This was an incredibly formative experience that increased his passion for leadership, loyalty, and resilience. As a current leader in the ROTC program, he continues the tradition of exceptional mentorship and care his past leaders showed him.
Upon graduating, Zachary hopes to be commissioned as an Infantry officer in the active duty component of the U.S. Army, with the goal of graduating from Ranger School and serving as a platoon leader. Zachary has a habit of choosing the harder path to test and develop himself. For this reason, he applied to become a Presidential Intern with Val Peterson in the Administration and Strategic Relations Division for UVU.
For much of his college career, he worked as a life coach at a local residential treatment center for traumatized adolescent children in the healing process. Among his hobbies are sports, spending quality time with family, and learning through podcasts and books. Chop Wood Carry Water by Joshua Medcalf is a recent favorite.
