2025 SWAB Executive Board
Madden Lundy, Executive Director
Hometown: Athens, Georgia
Year: 3rd Year
Majors: Biology and Psychology with an emphasis in Neuroscience
Position Description: As Executive Director, I oversee the organization, operational management, and interpersonal facilitation, collectively aimed at propelling us to come together for a successful Event Day. I work closely with each member of the executive board to bring their ideas to life and help with any problems they might face while doing so. I oversee our weekly meetings and serve as the main point of contact for all things SWAB related!
Why I SWAB: Being from Athens, I wanted to be a part of a service organization at UGA that would allow me to give back to my own community. SWAB's mission inspired me to apply to First Year Council, where I met so many incredible individuals that were dedicated to service work. I knew immediately I had found my people. The combination of the hardworking and passionate people that SWAB has brought into my life and being able to give back to a community that has given me so much is what makes SWAB so special to me. I am beyond excited to continue my service on the Executive Board to continue celebrating the children of Athens!
Shweta Krishnan, Internal Director
Hometown: Marietta, Georgia
Year: 3rd Year
Majors: Journalism and Political Science
Email: internaldirector@swabuga.org
Position Description: I ensure that SWAB’s internal groups run smoothly and support internal co-directors in any way that they need. My position aims to facilitate efficient, intentional communication amongst the internal groups within SWAB including Committee, Ambassadors, and First-Year Council. I organize meetings to discuss internal affairs ranging from service events, fundraising goals, and bonding opportunities so that all member voices can be shared, heard, and celebrated. Fostering a community of open and honest communication ensures that positive leadership across internal SWAB grows.
Why I SWAB: I SWAB because I love being able to give back to the Athens community. As a UGA student, it sometimes feels like the campus is in a bubble, completely separated from the Athens community. I love SWAB's mission to bridge the gap between the UGA campus and Athens community because it helps students be involved and continue to engage with everyone. I know I made the best decision in joining the First-Year Council during my freshman year, and I love being able to contribute to this organization and support its mission throughout my time at UGA. I am grateful to be a part of this incredible organization, and I am honored to serve on this year's Executive Board.
Deeya Khanwani, External Director
Hometown: Peachtree City, Georgia
Year: 3rd Year
Majors: Biology and Psychology
Email: externaldirector@swabuga.org
Position Description: I oversee all of the external positions, including Campus Outreach, Community Outreach, and Recruitment. I am responsible for supervising their communication with people outside of SWAB and helping them with anything they need. I am also in charge of planning any events besides Event Day, including out spring fundraising event.
Why I SWAB: I SWAB to give back to the community that has given me my family at the University of Georgia. As an undergraduate, most of my involvement has been fostered through the school, and I believe elementary students of underserved populations in Athens should have access to the same resources we do. It brings me so much joy to form relationships with younger children that highlight the importance of a community. This organization makes internal members, mentors, and mentees feel a sense of belonging that is incomparable to any other impact I have been a part of. I will continue to stay involved in this organization to create an Event Day that brings hundreds of local children together to provide an opportunity for celebration, fun activities, and gifts!
Keira Cullinan, Director of Event Operations
Hometown: Marietta, Georgia
Year: 3rd Year
Majors: Economics and Management Information Systems
Email: eventops@swabuga.org
Position Description: As Director of Event Operations, I am responsible for planning the logistics of SWAB's Event Day. I work with our venues, transportation providers, internal members, and volunteers to make Event Day as seamless as possible. My job is to coordinate our event in an organized fashion, ensuring safety guidelines that protect the mentors and mentees we serve, and making Event Day an enjoyable and memorable experience for all.
Why I SWAB: I SWAB because I love giving back to the Athens community. Seeing the smiles and laughter on Event Day is one-of-a-kind, and I look forward to the fall semester Event Day each year. It is truly incredible to see the direct impact SWAB makes on the community each year, and I so happy to be a part of it. This organization is filled with people who want to serve the community surrounding UGA, and the people in SWAB are passionate and dedicated about these goals. Being in SWAB has been one of the best choices I have made so far in my college life, and I am so excited to serve on the Executive Board this year.
Sydney Kelly, Director of Mentees
Position Description: I work with 15 elementary schools in Athens-Clarke County to help coordinate the number of mentees that can participate in the Event Day. I also work with Family Engagement Specialists to help determine what items are necessary to mentees for the holiday season.
Why I SWAB: I SWAB because I love pouring into the community around me. When I came to college, I knew I wanted to get involved in an organization that directly impacted and worked with people in Athens and SWAB was the perfect fit! From my first Event Day freshman year, I knew this was an organization I wanted to be apart of throughout college. I have met so many amazing people through SWAB and can't wait for the next year!
Carter Nichols, Director of Mentors
Hometown: Duluth, Georgia
Year: 2nd Year
Major: International Affairs and Public Relations
Email: mentors@swabuga.org
Position Description: As the Director of Mentors, I serve as the primary contact for UGA students who serve as our organization's mentors. I am responsible for all things regarding mentor applications and background checks, mentor training, and mentor's role on Event Day. I send out emails keeping mentors in the loop about Event Day and other fun volunteer opportunities through our organization.
Why I SWAB: I first joined SWAB this past fall on first-year council and realized that it is much more than an organization; it is a community. Not only does SWAB offer a tight knit campus group, but it has also encouraged me to reach parts of the Athens-Clarke County community that I would not have without it. Everyone involved in SWAB is truly passionate about giving back to Athens during their time at UGA and it is truly inspiring. This organization is filled with people who inspire me to find new ways to give back to my community, and I am so grateful to have found that!
Abby Turner, Director of Finance
Hometown: Woodstock, Georgia
Year: 3rd Year
Majors: Finance
Email: finance@swabuga.org
Position Description: As the Director of Finance, my responsibility is to make sure that SWAB remains financially sound. I manage the organization's overall budget, allocate funds to other executive directors, approve purchases, and keep track of donations. In addition, I am responsible for applying for grants and seeking sponsorship opportunities.
Why I SWAB: Between being in FYC my first semester at UGA and in Committee for last year's Event Day, SWAB has blessed me with countless opportunities to learn and grow alongside other members of internal to plan and execute Event Day. SWAB has given me so many friends and memories that have had a lasting impact on my college experience! I also love that SWAB is an organization where you can truly see the impact you have on others.
Anabella van Kempen, Co-Director of Public Relations
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Year: 2nd Year
Majors: Criminal Justice, Political Science, and Sociology
Email: pr2@swabuga.org
Position Description: In my role as the Co-Director of Public Relations, I partner closely with Jackson Tyler, my co-direc, to convey SWAB's mission and values across various mediums. My role includes creating social media visuals, conceptualizing merchandise for our members, and maintaining cohesive digital identity that mirrors SWAB's impactful community values and endeavors.
Why I SWAB: I SWAB because as someone from out of state, I wanted to find not only a community for myself but also a way to give back to my new home (Athens) which I’ve grown to love so much. Being part of a cause that directly supports the local community has made my college experience so much more meaningful. Meeting fellow exec members, committee members, and ambassadors has been such a rewarding experience. It’s inspiring to work alongside people who are truly driven by their passion to help others. Since coming to UGA, I’ve absolutely loved being part of Event Day. Now, I feel incredibly honored to take on a larger role and help connect even more UGA students to SWAB and its mission. This organization has given me a sense of purpose, and I’m grateful to give back through something that means so much to me.
Jackson Tyler, Co-Director of Public Relations
Hometown: Warner Robins, Georgia
Year: 1st Year
Majors: Graphic Design
Email: pr1@swabuga.org
Position Description: As the Director of Public Relations for SWAB, I work alongside Anabella van Kempen, my co-director, to effectively convey SWAB's mission to both UGA and the larger Athens community. I aim to promote the values of SWAB through writing statements, communicating with and engaging students, and utilizing our website and social media accounts. I help to maintain SWAB's presence in a manner that highlights our goals as a growing service organization.
Why I SWAB: I SWAB because I am someone who has always loved giving back to my community. When I came to UGA for my summer orientation, SWAB's table was the first one that caught my eye. Our mission, paired with the ability to become an integral part of the yearly operations by serving on the various Internal groups, is what lead me to applying to First-Year Council. From there, the community fostered by both the people in SWAB and Event Day itself are what will keep me coming back for the next four years.
Kaia Guerrazzi, Director of Fundraising
Hometown: Cumming, Georgia
Year: 2nd Year
Major: International Business, Marketing, and Spanish
Email: fundraising@swabuga.org
Position Description: My job is to coordinate all things fundraising for SWAB. This includes organizing percentage nights with local business, coming up with creative fundraising ideas, ensuring that all mentors and internal members meet their fundraising goals, and applying for grants. The more we fundraise as an organization, the more children we can invite to Event Day!
Why I SWAB: SWAB was the first organization that I became a part of on campus, and I have only grown to love this club and it’s mission more and more. I SWAB because it helps me connect better with the athens community and give back to the city that has given me so much! As college students, it sometimes feels like we take advantage of the parts of this city that we want, and soon move on and move away. SWAB allows me to branch out into the community and celebrate the children of Clarke County who represent our future. As the Director of Fundraising this year, I can’t wait to continue to expand our fundraising efforts and grow our organization to be the best that it can be!
Riza Khan, Director of Event Creativity
Position Description: As Director of Event Creativity, it is my responsibility to create the theme and decorations for all things SWAB related. By coordinating with other Executive board members I aim to transform Event day for a memorable experience for our Mentors and Mentees. I can't wait to get started on this years event day so that we can have yet another successful event day and to bring joy to everyones faces.
Why I SWAB: After serving as a mentor on Event Day in 2022 and getting to witness the kids having an absolute blast, I knew that SWAB was organization I wanted to be more involved in. As someone who loves spending time with children, SWAB was the perfect opportunity for me to partake in a fun activity while also giving back to the Athens community. Serving on committee gave me the opportunity to be a part of the connected SWAB family and experience firsthand the dedication and teamwork that goes into making a memorable experience for the children. SWAB's emphasis on togetherness and spreading joy during the holidays resonates with me deeply, and as an exec member, I hope to spread our impact to as many children as possible.
Lily Smith, Co-Director of Recruitment
Position Description: My co-director, Nando Arriola, and I run and organize the SWAB recruitment process! We set up tabling, SWAB mobile, and Theme Reveal. Our goal is to bring in a lot of great mentors so we can invite many children from the Athens community for SWAB 2025 event day.
Why I SWAB: I SWAB because...
Nando Arriola, Co-Director of Recruitment
Hometown: Canton, Georgia
Year: 2nd Year
Majors: Biology with an emphasis in Neuroscience
Email: recruitment@swabuga.org
Why I SWAB: Being able to spread such joy and positivity in the lives of so many in such a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere is an experience I will look back upon and be incredibly grateful for. I love what SWAB stands for and how it brings people all across the community together to make a difference in each others lives. One truly never knows what anyone may be going through but the way in which everyone loves and uplifts each others spirits especially on event day is one of a kind, that through my example and encouragement want others to be able to experience for themselves. Having the opportunity to translate for two Spanish speaking children on event day was truly fulfilling and has inspired me to place my best foot forward and even pursue a minor in Spanish. I want to inspire this same love within others and motivate them to do be their best self in and out of SWAB.
Caleb Sandler, Director of IT and Optimization
Hometown: Cornwall, New York
Year: 2nd Year
Majors: Finance, Management and Information Systems
Email: ito@swabuga.org
Position Description: I work alongside all executive branches to ensure their IT process are smooth, digitally optimal, and efficient. I manage all back end technological operations for SWAB to help SWAB reach more people, generate more funds, and increase the brand through technological means.
Why I SWAB: The experience I had on event day last year solidified my love for SWAB. The joy captured on the faces of hundreds of Athens kids paired with the day of fun, meaningful mentorship makes the SWAB mission and result extremely joyful. Additionally, SWAB allows UGA students with similar personal missions to band together, collaborate, and work to manage a full fledged 501 (c) 3 organization that has a yearly impact on the Athens community.
Sophia Gambale, Co-Director of Committee
Position Description: Committee is a selective group of passionate, dedicated individuals that brainstorms, fundraises, and plans for Event Day. My goal is to act as a mentor and friend to Committee members while encouraging them to work closely with each other in their Sub-Committees as well as with the Executive Board to foster a stronger connection with the Athens Community, internal SWAB, and each other. Leading Committee is a great way to bridge internal SWAB members who care about SWAB more deeply, and who are looking to get more involved with the details that go into planning and executing a successful Event Day, with the SWAB Executive Board and SWAB's future.
Why I SWAB: This club allows me to serve in a way that i love. The ability to give back to a community that has given so much to me is extremely special and rewarding. I’m at part of a few organizations that are involved with the children of Athens, and SWAB is another way for me to make meaningful connections with them!
Ryan Britt, Co-Director of Committee
Hometown: Woodstock, Georgia
Year: 2nd Year
Major: Marketing with an emphasis in Sales
Email: committee1@swabuga.org
Position Description: Committee is a selective group of passionate, dedicated individuals that brainstorms, fundraises, and plans for Event Day. My goal is to act as a mentor and friend to Committee members while encouraging them to work closely with each other in their Sub-Committees as well as with the Executive Board to foster a stronger connection with the Athens Community, internal SWAB, and each other. Leading Committee is a great way to bridge internal SWAB members who care about SWAB more deeply, and who are looking to get more involved with the details that go into planning and executing a successful Event Day, with the SWAB Executive Board and SWAB's future.
Why I SWAB: Giving back to the community I consider my second home is a something I am deeply passionate about. Through my involvement within SWAB, I am fortunate to contribute by providing local children in Clarke County with both a fun and meaningful holiday experience. The holiday season is one we all treasure, and I am committed to making it a little bit better for as many children as possible. This passion motivates me each year to return to SWAB. Having been part of this organization since my freshman year, I will never forget the impact of event day last year. As a committee member, I was entrusted with facilitating the transportation of mentees to and from their holiday shopping spree. The joy of greeting each child as they stepped off the bus, gifts in hand and the biggest smiles on their faces, is an experience I will cherish forever. Being a part of this moment and helping ensure its success is why I continue to SWAB.
Hailey Neloms
Co-Director of First Year Council
Hometown: Georgia
Year: 2nd Year
Major: Biology
Email: fyc1@swabuga.org
Position Description: As a Co- Director of First Year Council, I work along with my Co- Director Hollis Correa to build a positive and fulfilling environment where first year students feel mentored and supported. As well as lead enthusiastic meetings, organize fundraisers, and plan events that will make event day successful and an unforgettable experience for all! Through our work, we hope to build skills that will inspire these first year students to go out on campus and be leaders themselves and motivate them to continue their involvement within SWAB.
Position Description: As Co-Director of First Year Council, I work alongside my Co-Director Nando Arriola to lead first-year students during their initial Fall semester, introducing them to Shop With A Bulldawg as a student-run organization and the inner-workings of Event Day. I hope to ignite the spark of loving SWAB in these young, ambitious leaders to ensure their community involvement throughout their time at UGA
Hollis Correa, Co-Director of First Year Council
Hometown: Georgia
Year: 1st Year
Majors: Marketing & Theatre
Email: fyc2@swabuga.org
Position Description: As a Co-Director of First-Year Council, I work with my co-director, Hailey Neloms, I lead our largest internal group, plan meetings, work with ambassador members to organize fundraisers and supply drives, and most of all, give off the sprit of SWAB!
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Why I SWAB: Coming into UGA I wanted to get involved in an organization that was making an impact that could be seen outside of my own college bubble, and SWAB was a dream come true. Not only have I made such great connections with those I'm working alongside, but to be able to bless the Athens-Clarke community by the joy we bring to children on event day is so life-giving. SWAB is the bomb!
Hattie Andrews, Co-Director of Ambassadors
Hometown: Decatur, Georgia
Year: 3rd Year
Majors: Public Relations
Email: ambassadors1@swabuga.org
Position Description: Nira Patel and I serve as Co-Directors of Ambassadors, guiding our internal group dedicated to advancing SWAB's mission and spirit. Our year-round efforts are dedicated to supporting the Athens-Clarke County community by engaging in fundraising, recruitment, and fostering new opportunities for SWAB. Most importantly, we guide Ambassadors in celebrating community values and spreading the spirit of SWAB across UGA campus. Together, Brooke and I focus on preparing Ambassadors for Event Day and ensuring that it is a memorable day for all involved.
Why I SWAB: Sometimes, we forget we’re in a UGA bubble when there’s the whole of Athens-Clarke County around us. SWAB is a way to connect with the community and give back to the elementary students of Athens. What’s special about SWAB is that you get to see directly where the fundraising efforts go. The money raised goes directly to our Event Day and holiday shopping for the kids. SWAB brings UGA students together to give back to the community around us, making it one of my absolute favorite days of the year.
Nira Patel, Co-Director of Ambassadors
Hometown: Peachtree City, Georgia
Year: 3rd Year
Major: Biomedical Physiology
Email: ambassadors2@swabuga.org
Position Description: Hattie Andrews and I serve as Co-Directors of Ambassadors, guiding our internal group dedicated to advancing SWAB's mission and spirit. Our year-round efforts are dedicated to supporting the Athens-Clarke County community by engaging in fundraising, recruitment, and fostering new opportunities for SWAB. Most importantly, we guide Ambassadors in celebrating community values and spreading the spirit of SWAB across UGA campus. Together, Brooke and I focus on preparing Ambassadors for Event Day and ensuring that it is a memorable day for all involved.
Why I SWAB: As a freshman at such a large school, finding a sense of community and belonging was challenging. However, when I joined SWAB's First Year Council, I knew I had found my place. Through this organization, I connected with many incredible individuals, some of whom have become my closest friends, united by our shared passion for serving the community. After my first Event Day in 2023, I was left speechless by the impact I was able to make on the lives of children in just a few hours. I will never forget the smile on my mentee’s face and the connection we built—it was a moment that solidified my passion for service. That experience inspired me to take on a greater role in supporting the Athens-Clarke County community, which is why I am so excited to serve on SWAB’s executive board this year alongside a team of dedicated individuals who share that same commitment.
Megan Towe, Director of Campus Outreach
Hometown: Calhoun, Georgia
Year: 2nd Year
Major: Biology & Psychology with an emphasis in Neuroscience
Email: campusoutreach@swabuga.org
Position Description: As Director of Campus Outreach, I work to create collaborative efforts between Shop with a Bulldawg and other campus organizations, in order to expand SWAB. In addition to organizing events on campus and facilitating group mentor sign-ups, I also work closely with the Director of Community Outreach to coordinate Greek Week and homecoming.
Why I SWAB: The reason I SWAB is because I've seen firsthand the yearlong impact that the mentors and this experience have on the children in Athens. Through my time working at the Boys and Girls Club in the area no matter what time of year, the kids would frequently bring up their previous mentors and how much fun they have on event day every year. By getting to see their faces light up talking about this day, I knew I had to get involved. By having the opportunity to have a mentee this past year it was amazing to get to see my impact benefit them directly as well as getting to build meaningful relationships! I'm so honored to be able to serve on this executive board with such driven and compassionate people and give back to the Athens community!
Elizabeth Wilkey
Director of Community Outreach
Hometown: Calhoun, Georgia
Year: 1st Year
Major: Finance, Pre-Law
Email: communityoutreach@swabuga.org
Position Description: As the Director of Community Outreach, I work to create lasting relationships with businesses and organizations through SWAB's sponsorship program and community service opportunities. My goal is to have SWAB celebrate the importance of community and connect with local businesses all year long. I help coordinate service opportunities for all internal members to serve in Athens-Clarke County in a variety of ways. I also create outreach initiatives for sponsorship programs in the community and organize raffles to further SWAB’s fundraising efforts.
Why I SWAB: I SWAB because Athens has quickly become my home, and I want to give back to the community that has given me so much. Seeing the excitement and happiness on the children’s faces during Event Day is an unforgettable experience, and I cherish every moment. Getting involved in SWAB during my first semester as a First-Year Council member introduced me to so many incredible people who share my love for volunteering, and it confirmed that I had found a place where I truly belong. I feel so lucky to be a part of this incredible organization, surrounded by passionate and dedicated individuals who inspire me every day. I hope to continue serving, spreading joy to those in the community, and making a larger impact.