2025-26 Path to UW Ambassador Team

Meet our Path to UW Ambassadors—dedicated student staff at the University of Washington who are current UW transfer students who are excited to support other students on their pathway to and through UW! You'll see these team members supporting a variety of Path to UW events, drop-ins, and workshops both at the Seattle Colleges and at UW throughout the year. While they are not academic advisers, they are here to share their stories about their UW journey and support you wherever you are at in your UW transfer too - pre or post transfer. Come say hi to them at one of our events!

Allie Goodman-Callendar

Allie Goodman-Callendar

Major: Political Science, International Studies, Minors in Global Health, Human Rights, & Public Policy

Transferred from: Seattle Central College

About the transfer journey

Growing up in Seattle, I was drawn to the vibrant UW campus and the affordability of in-state tuition. The Path to UW program made my transfer seamless by helping me complete major prerequisites and connect with campus resources and opportunities. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Rome through the Political Science department. I am so grateful for the opportunities UW has given me and highly recommend the Path to UW seminars to anyone considering a transfer. 

Tips and encouragement
One of my favorite aspects of UW is its diverse student body. My peers bring a wide range of perspectives and experiences that have challenged and broadened my understanding of complex global issues! Definitely take advantage of the vast resources and opportunities available here at UW. From clubs and academic support to research and campus events, there are countless ways to explore your interests and build meaningful connections. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone: engage in your classes, go to your professors' office hours, talk to your peers, and make the most of your time at UW!
Favorite UW place

Visiting the Tateuchi East Asia Library to lock in before exams!

Anthony Pham

Anthony Pham

Major: Public Health: Global Health
Transferred From: South Seattle College

About the transfer journey

Hi! I’m Anthony, a Public Health Global Health major who transferred from South Seattle College. I chose UW because of its strong focus on equity, community, and the wide range of opportunities to grow both academically and personally. For anyone thinking about transferring to UW, I encourage you to explore the many resources available there’s a supportive community here that truly wants to see you thrive.

Tips and encouragement
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or put yourself out there, UW has so many resources and communities waiting to support you! I really appreciate how many communities and support systems are available for students from all kinds of backgrounds. I’ve felt genuinely welcomed and supported through programs, mentors, and peers who want to see each other succeed. It’s a big campus, but there’s always a space to feel seen, heard, and connected.
Favorite UW place

One of my favorite places to hang out is the Hans Rosling Center for Population Health, it has quiet study spaces, beautiful views of campus.

Henry Hong

Henry Hong

Major: Aeronautics & Astronautics Engineering
Transferred From: North Seattle College, Seattle Central College

About the transfer journey

My transfer experience was a studious one, more so attempting to meet all the prerequisites for the transfer and then the general requirements for the degree. Through the Seattle colleges, I was involved in building my own rockets, now through UW I am involved in building an aircraft. What I studied has left me in more confusion than what I started with because there are so many options out there, but has led to a greater appreciation of how I got here

Tips and encouragement

Explore the advantages and opportunities you have as a UW student!

Favorite UW place

The campus at UW is a beauty to look at, especially with exploring the different areas of the campus. A favorite UW place is Odegaard Undergraduate Library!
 

Iqra Mohamed

Iqra Mohamed

Major: Psychology (BA)
Transferred From: Seattle Central College

About the transfer journey

My name is Iqra Mohamed and I'm a UW Seattle Student in the psychology department. Finding UW on my path to becoming a psychologist was the most exciting college journey I've had so far. As a transfer myself I hope every incoming student recognizes they do belong at UW and there is always space for more!

Tips and encouragement
I love the accessible academic resources to students both virtually and in person. I feel valued and supported knowing UW has a support system in place. Don't be afraid to try everything! There's so many unique and once in a lifetime experiences during your time here and it's all catered to be accessible to you.
Favorite UW place

Cafe on the Ave, because it has the best Alfredo pasta.

Kaleni Ramirez

Kaleni Ramirez

Major: Public Health - Global Health
Transferred From: North Seattle College

About the transfer journey

I transferred to UW to continue pursuing my studies in public health and education. During my time at community college I was able to build community and was apart of student leaderships and mentorship programs that have helped me as a student, but also help incoming students. Transferring can be an overwhelming process, but it has helped me create a strong foundation that i'm excited to continue building at UW.

Tips and encouragement
I appreciate the opportunities that it has to offer such as events, clubs, research, and the many resources, and it can be overwhelming sometimes. Advocate for yourself and don't be afraid to ask questions because everyones there to support you!
Favorite UW place

Chill at the quad with friends when the weather is nice

Kathleen Benefiel

Kathleen Benefiel

Major: Foster School of Business, Human Resources Management
Transferred From: North Seattle College 

About the transfer journey

Going to the University of Washington has always been a goal of mine since I knew what college was, growing up in Seattle I knew about UW and had visited a couple times from a young age. Due to financial struggles in my senior year of high school, I knew going to UW for all four years was not possible. But thanks to the Seattle Promise program and Path to UW program, I was able to transfer to UW with ease, saving me a lot of time, money, and stress!

Tips and encouragement
Always know you are never alone no matter how big or small your struggles may seem, there will always be resources and people available for you.
Favorite UW place

I really like hanging out at the HUB! Not only is there a lot of food options there if hungry, but I also go there to study, hangout with friends, or even bowl!

LoveGrace (LG) Guirnalda

LoveGrace (LG) Guirnalda

Major: Intended Psychology or Sociology
Transferred From: North Seattle College

About the transfer journey

I am a proud Filipina that started my college journey at North Seattle College through the Seattle Promise program. I have just completed my first year at UW and have also worked with many other transfer students through the Path to UW seminars and through my past position as a peer navigator for Seattle Promise. I encourage students interested in transferring to UW to apply and to be prepared, and reach out or get involved any way that you can. Joining one of the Path to UW seminars over the summer is a great start!

Tips and encouragement
Being a transfer student does not make you less worthy as a person, get involved and have fun!
Favorite UW place

I love sitting in the quad on a sunny day! :)

Randon Serikawa

Randon Serikawa

Major: Medical Laboratory Science
Transferred From: North Seattle College, Prior Bachelor's from Concordia University

About the transfer journey

UW was my top choice to transfer since it is an R1 research university with a highly successful and integrative Medical Laboratory Science program (please ask me more about the major/career if interested!). Since it is such a big University, I made it a point to connect with people and tap into resources ahead of transfer which helped make the transition smoother. Now I'm hoping to pay it forward and be a connection or resource for future students and make their own UW journey a bit easier.

Tips and encouragement
I appreciate the scope of resources and extracurriculars available to allow students to find themselves. There's so many resources, clubs, and opportunities at UW I would recommend not being afraid to advocate for yourself and just go for it.
Favorite UW place

I actually like the cafeteria at the Montlake Hospital. It's cheaper than most places on campus, food is good and there's daily specials.