Student Empowerment Action Committee

Kaytaki Pathak (She/her) is a sophomore environmental science major and special education minor from Massachusetts. She currently serves as a co-chair for SEAC and works to plan events, advocate for students, and guide SEAC team members. Outside of SEAC, Kaytaki does research in the Rubenstein Ecosystem Sciences Lab, is a STEM Ambassador for CALS, and enjoys activities including pottery and intramural soccer.

Jinxi Lin (she/her) is a sophomore political science major with minors in Spanish, Chinese, and civic engagement. She currently lives in Essex Junction, Vermont, but has moved from 5 states and counting. In S.E.A.C., she focuses on communication, primarily managing social media, and shares events, news, and opportunities within the Patrick Leahy Honors College. She welcomes feedback, ideas, and suggestions from the community. Outside of SEAC, she is involved with Vermont Undergraduate Law Review, Shelburne News, Mock Trials, First Gen, and works at the UHN front desk.

Madeline Valentin (she/her) is a sophomore political science major and art history minor from West Hartford, CT. In S.E.A.C., she focuses on inclusive programming, creating a welcoming environment for everyone at the Patrick Leahy Honors College. In her free time, she is a member of the UVM Run Club and UVM Dream, where she mentors kids in the larger Burlington community. 

Maija Ahleman (she/her) is a sophomore sustainability, ecology, and policy major with a minor in law and society from Evanston, Illinois. In S.E.A.C, Maija focuses on communications and amplifying S.E.A.C events and efforts. Maija is also involved with UVM’s chapter of the Society of Ecological Restoration, Yarn Club, and serves on the E-Board of the Mixed-Student Association.

Meili Winchester (she/her) is a junior public health major and psychology minor from Colchester, VT. In S.E.A.C., she focuses on community outreach, increasing awareness, and advocating for social belonging within PLHC. She also serves as president of the Public Health Advocacy Club and a peer mentor for the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and the Office of Accessibility Services. Outside of work, she participates in the Asian Student Union, Partners in Health Engage, and MEDVIDA.

Meredith Gayanilo (she/her) is a sophomore sustainability, ecology, & policy major with a minor in reporting & documentary storytelling from Corpus Christi, TX. In S.E.A.C., she is a Co-Chair focusing on internal affairs, tracking projects, and communication within the committee and the PLHC community. She is also a Resident Advisor through UHDS, a Senator on the Committee on the Environment with SGA, a Marketing Assistant at the Undergraduate Tutoring Center, a Co-News Editor for The Vermont Cynic, a Front Desk Assistant at the MAT Halls, and a Rubenstein Peer Mentor. Outside of work, she loves to run, swim, weightlift, play instruments, and travel!

Shaylee Cahoon (she/her) is a junior wildlife and fisheries biology major from Wrentham, Massachusetts. In S.E.A.C. she focuses on community outreach- assessing student engagement, promoting events, and surveying public opinion in order to build a more accessible and inclusive environment in the Patrick Leahy Honors College. In addition to S.E.A.C., Shaylee mans the front desk at University Heights South (say hi if you see her!), studies bats under Samantha Hoff, and is a member of the horticulture, herbalism, and beekeeping clubs. In her rare moments of free time, she enjoys cooking, baking, hiking, yoga, cross-stitch, attempting to grow plants, and petting cats.