2026 Connect Abroad Ambassadors
Samuel Anania
Connect Abroad DISCOVER: Estonia
Hello! My name is Samuel Anania, and I’m from Warner Robins, GA! I love to play drums, take pictures, and hang out with friends! Some of my favorite artists are The Strokes, Massive Attack, and The Cure. I also have a small dog named Sonny who is my king. I love traveling when I can and am dedicated to sharing my experiences with others! I have never been abroad until I had this opportunity, and I am excited to encourage others to get out of their comfort zone and try new experiences!
Peyton Bergquist
Connect Abroad DISCOVER: Morocco
I’m a student of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, double-majoring in Regenerative Bioscience and Applied Biotechnology. By leading student clubs, outreach projects, and sports, I’ve built a passion for connecting people with meaningful experiences. My involvement has highlighted the importance of global experience in developing cultural awareness, adaptability, and global citizenship. As an EL Connect Abroad Ambassador, I’m excited to share my journey, celebrate multicultural perspectives, and help my peers feel confident and inspired as they explore the world.
Adriana Churchill
Connect Abroad DISCOVER: Costa Rica
I’m Adriana Churchill, a proud Hispanic-American studying Business Administration and International Business with a minor in Spanish. Originally from Massachusetts and now living in Georgia, I’ve always been passionate about community, belonging, and building meaningful connections across cultures. As a Connect Abroad Costa Rica Ambassador, I’m excited to share my story and help students step outside their comfort zones, embrace new experiences, and find community wherever they go.
Savanna Cowart
Connect Abroad DISCOVER: Costa Rica
Hey there! I’m Savanna, a Social Work and aspiring pre-med student. I’m a mental health advocate and my ultimate goal is to develop research in performing arts therapy, which makes UGA my home. I love everything creative, from writing to painting, and spend all of my (very limited free time) in some form of creative medium. I would love to get to know you and enjoy making new friends every chance I get. I’m thrilled to serve as an Ambassador for the Connect Abroad program.
Alexandria Criner
Connect Abroad DISCOVER: Türkiye
Hi y’all! My name is Alexandria Criner, and I’m a first year political science and religion double major on a pre-law track from Douglasville, GA. On campus you’ll find me volunteering with University Union, painting nails with ManiCUREs for Alzheimer’s, and practicing my runway walk in the UGA MOPP pageant. I’ve gone on four international trips before with my favorite being to Spain. I love experiencing new cultures, foods, and sights and can’t wait for the journey ahead to Türkiye and beyond!
Elana Ellison
Connect Abroad DISCOVER: Türkiye
My name is Elana Ellison, and I’m a first-year accounting major participating in the Connect Abroad: Discover program to Türkiye! Outside of class, I enjoy reading of any genre, cooking, crocheting, and anything outside. I’m also involved in the Community Council in my dorm, Habitat for Humanity, and the Outdoor Adventures Club.
Ananya Gummaraju
Connect Abroad DISCOVER: Croatia
Hi, I am Ananya Gummaraju, a first-year Genetics major at UGA! I enjoy dancing, graphic design, music, and video editing. I’m thrilled to take part in the upcoming Spring Break Connect Abroad trip to Croatia and contribute media to this year’s PhotoVoice display. As an ELCA Ambassador, my primary goal is to support current and future study-abroad students, and ensure that they feel welcomed, prepared, and financially confident with helpful tools for budgeting and planning.
Alayna Hilton
Connect Abroad DISCOVER: Croatia
I am a freshman studying marketing with interests in learning just about anything. I love talking to people, apples, chicken noodle soup, collecting records, trinkets, and unique finds from antique stores, and I spend most of my free time laughing and making memories with friends. I’m dedicated to leadership, service, and community involvement, from tutoring students to raising funds for causes like the March of Dimes. I’m excited for all the opportunities UGA has to offer and look forward to growing personally and professionally every step of the way.
Jordan Kendricks
Connect Abroad DISCOVER: Morocco
Hey y’all! My name is Jordan Kendricks, and I am so excited to be serving as an ambassador! In my free time, I love to watch TV and movies and listen to music. I am so excited for my upcoming trip to Morocco, as Casablanca is one of my favorite movies.
Caitlyn Ponder
Connect Abroad DISCOVER: Greece
Caitlyn Ponder is a freshman at the University of Georgia who enjoys connecting with others and exploring new opportunities. She is excited to begin her role as a Connect Abroad Ambassador and support students in discovering experiences that broaden their perspectives. Caitlyn has a background in leadership through Georgia HOSA and stays involved in service-oriented activities on campus. In her free time, she loves reading, baking, and going to concerts. She is passionate about building community and helping others grow personally and academically.
Natalie Tetreault
Connect Abroad DISCOVER: Portugal
I’m Natalie Tetreault, and I’m a first-year from Roswell, GA! I’m majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders and I would love to work with kids in the future! I also hope to minor in entrepreneurship or educational psychology. I am involved in the Honors College, my sorority Alpha Xi Delta, and the Catholic Center on campus. I love to be with my friends and family, and my interests are traveling, art, music (especially concerts), golf, and being outside!
Andreas Toney
Connect Abroad DISCOVER: Portugal
I am a rising second-year student from Grovetown, GA, majoring in Health Promotion. As a student with Portuguese heritage, the EL Connect Abroad program holds immense personal significance, offering me the chance to deeply connect with my culture and roots. I am genuinely excited about this opportunity and am equally enthusiastic about helping others realize their own study abroad ambitions and goals.
Isabella Traykova
Connect Abroad DISCOVER: Estonia
Hi! My name is Isabella Traykova, and I am a freshman Honors student intending to study Finance and Management Information Systems. I am very excited about my trip to Estonia this Spring Break, and cannot wait to share more about it! A few things I am a part of at UGA include ALPFA, Atlas Business Society, SMIS, Women in Consulting, and Delta Gamma. Outside of school, I love traveling, working out, going to concerts, and spending time with with friends and family.
Alli Tyra
Connect Abroad DISCOVER: Germany
Hello! I’m Alli Tyra, a first-year Economics and Political Science major at the University of Georgia. I love music, live theatre, and cheering on UGA football! Traveling is a true passion of mine, and I’m thrilled to share my experiences in Germany to inspire future travelers. I’m excited to begin my journey with the Connect Abroad program, and I love meeting new people, so don’t hesitate to reach out—I’d be happy to chat and answer any questions you may have!
Kacey Walker
Connect Abroad DISCOVER: Greece
Kacey Walker is a first year Journalism and International Affairs major from Atlanta, Georgia. She is so excited to join the Experiential Learning team and build the Connect Abroad program. She loves any chance to get more people involved with studying away at UGA. Kacey hopes to one day work abroad as an international correspondent. In her free time, she loves starting a new knit or crochet project, making a new collage in her journal, or listening to Sabrina Carpenter.
Ciara Whimbush
Connect Abroad DISCOVER: Germany
Hey everyone! My name is Ciara (pronounced like the singer!), and I’m traveling to Germany this Spring! This is my second time traveling to Europe and I am SO excited! In addition to Connect Abroad, my on-campus involvements include the Visitors Center, Wesley Church, Student Government Association, and the Kappa Alpha Pi Pre-Law Fraternity. When I’m not running around campus, I’m spending time with my friends or family, journaling, scrapbooking, thrifting, going on walks, trying out coffee shops, or indulging in new TV shows. I cannot wait to bring you all along with me to Berlin and Munich!
