Executive Board
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Jason Cotugno
Faculty Advisor
"I have been serving as the Faculty/Staff Advisor for ABLE since 2008. During this time, I've been a fixture at the weekly e-board meetings providing input on programs, events, and activities as needed. I am truly impressed by the incredible students who make up the executive board. Their commitment and dedication has enabled the club to grow with each passing school year. In April 2012, I was honored to receive the Outstanding Student Organization Advisor Award during the annual President's Awards for Leadership Ceremony. In addition to supporting ABLE, I also an one of the two Academic Advisors in the School of Business. (Along with the Director of Undergraduate Student Services, Susan Maloney)."
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Jake Sarlo
President
"I joined ABLE in the Fall Semester of my Freshman year. I was looking for ways to get involved on campus and I first heard about ABLE through a class presentation in my Business School Direct Admit Seminar and decided to join. I wanted to be heavily involved on campus to advance myself professionally and make some friends, and I decided ABLE would be my best opportunity to do that. I have improved my professional skills so much through ABLE and I believe this has helped me in my academic and social life immensely. I am so thankful for the professional and especially the social connections I have made thus far through ABLE. I am looking forward to this semester to see where it takes ABLE, and I can't wait to continue fostering this community which has made me feel so at home during my time in UAlbany!"
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Sara Ghaly
Vice President
"I remember my Spring of Freshman year I attended the ABLE informational. I was looking for ways to get involved on campus, and was immediately drawn to the ABLE internship. I never would have imagined walking into that informational would have changed my college experience for the better. My intern experience was so fulfilling and gave me the courage and ambition to interview for E-Board. I love my current position as creative director, it allows me to take my passion for art and creativity and apply it to my work. I'm excited to watch our ABLE family grow and work together this year!"
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Ryan Mahunik
Secretary
"I joined ABLE in the Spring Semester of my freshman year as I searched to get more involved and to get myself out of my comfort zone. I attended Informational and was sold right away, ABLE was the club for me! I applied for the internship and after being selected, I got to hone in on several skills both as an intern and from general membership. From ABLE I have learned and gained so much that I will utilize as I continue my academic career and even further into my professional career via the various weekly meetings, community service opportunities and workshops. ABLE has exposed me to a whole new world of oppportunities that I strive for each of our members. I am looking forward to what the semester brings and to seeing both our new and returning members!"
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Dan Cavallo
Treasurer
"I joined ABLE my first semester freshman year. As an out-of-state student, I didn't know anyone and was nervous at first to take the step in joining such a massive club. My first semester I met some great people who became my close friends as well as fellow executive board members and I haven't looked back since. I was sure to get involved and did the internship my sophomore year and applied for eboard. Being a part of ABLE was one of the greatest risks I've taken and I'm happy I made it and am able to give back to members and have ABLE help them the way it helped me."
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Bruno Barbosa
Events Coordinator
"I joined ABLE in the spring semester of my freshman year, I always knew I wanted to get involved with people who have the same interests as me, and when I found out about ABLE, I knew they had what I was looking for. Joining ABLE allowed me to get involved on campus and further advance myself in the professional world. Being in the club has helped me become a stronger person in the business world while also giving me a great group of friends. ABLE truly helps students succeed in any aspect they want and I’m glad to be part of such a great group. I can’t wait to see all the past and new faces coming to the club and excited for what the years in the club bring!"
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Stephanie Till
Events Coordinator
“I joined ABLE in the fall semester of my sophomore year after switching my major from human biology to communications with a minor in business. Wanting to get more involved in business-related organizations, I couldn’t have found a better fit than ABLE. From the start, I was welcomed into a supportive and empowering community of like-minded students. In just one semester, ABLE not only provided me with invaluable business and professional insights but also helped me strengthen my networking skills and build meaningful connections. I’m excited to contribute to ABLE’s continued growth and success!”
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Marc Clarizio
Intern Coordinator
“As I entered my sophomore year and solidified my major, I wanted to find involvement around campus that helped advance my career. Through ABLE's informational, I learned about their club and the internship program they offered each semester. After applying and completing that program, I know I made the right choice. I gained valuable skills outside the classroom, such as project development, public speaking, and teamwork. ABLE is an excellent, inclusive, and passionate club on campus dedicated to furthering students from every background. I always look forward to our weekly meetings, where the combination of social and professional environments helps me professionally and socially.”
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Yeimi Umana
Director of Member Relations
“I transferred to UAlbany in Fall 2023. Throughout my first semester, I was looking for a club that would encourage me to get out of my comfort zone both professionally and socially. I joined ABLE during the spring semester by a friend encouraged me to attend Informational. The same day I decided to become a member and later on became an intern. As an intern, it gave me a better understanding and perspective of ABLE and got me to connect with other interns and the E-Board. I am excited to see how my ABLE journey continues this year and can't wait to meet and connect with new members and returning members!”
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Nicole Sperounis
Director of Community Service
“I chose to join ABLE spring semester of my freshman year as I was looking for ways to become more involved on campus. I decided to attend their informational and immediately knew ABLE was something I wanted to be a part of. Everyone in ABLE is so welcoming, creating such a positive environment. I admire how this organization not only helps its members grow professionally, but also gives members opportunities to get involved in community service, which is something I value. I am so excited to be on the J-Board this semester as the community service director and I can’t wait to see all the new and returning ABLE members!”
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Grace McCann
Junior Director of Member Relations
I joined ABLE my first semester freshman year as a way to become involved and to find new friends and experiences. From the beginning, everyone was welcoming and I knew immediately that I was going to gain so much from ABLE. Since joining, I have built real friendships and gained skills that will carry throughout my life. I could not have joined a better club to help myself grow, both socially and professionally. The large scale of ABLE allows members to become well rounded and prepared for success. I hope everyone else who joins will have the same unforgettable experience that I have had so far!
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Alexa Taleporos
Director of Affairs
Coming into UAlbany as a freshman I knew that I wanted to get involved on campus. After learning about ABLE at Block Party I immediately knew it was something I had to be a part of! ABLE is a perfect mix of being given opportunities to grow your professional skills while also creating a close-knit community. I am so excited to get to be a part of an organization that had such a huge impact on my first semester of college and I can't wait to continue to grow alongside this club!"
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