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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Grace Firman
President
"Coming into University at Albany as a fall freshman I was in search of ways to get involved. I attended ABLE's informational and recognized right away that it was an organization I was meant to be a part of. Little did I know how welcoming the club would be and how many great opportunities would be provided. After the inspiring experience of being an ABLE intern, I decided to apply to be an Events Coordinator. Throughout my semester on ABLE's Junior Executive Board I was graciously guided through this new and ambitious responsibility from quality leaders on the Executive board itself. I could not be more thankful for the connections and friendships that ABLE has allowed me to form. I am overwhelmed with excitement for the bright future that this club holds."
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Jake Sarlo
Vice 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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Ryan Mahunik
Secretary (J-Board)
"I joined ABLE in the Spring Semester of my freshman year as I searched to get more involved and to get myself outside of my comfort zone. I attended the Spring Informational and was sold right away, I knew 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 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. 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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Sara Ghaly
Creative Director (J-Board)
"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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Olivia Dodsworth
Events Coordinator
"I transferred to UAlbany my Fall semester of sophomore year, which is the same semester I joined ABLE. I decided to join ABLE after meeting those at Block Party, hearing everything the club has to offer, and to meet new people. From the workshops, community service, and to the events, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. My favorite aspect of ABLE is organizing events, and seeing how our ABLE family comes together through our members. I strongly believe this club is something every student can benefit from. I am very excited to see how the club will continue to develop and I am extremely happy to be a part of it."
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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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Sam Hurley
Director of Affairs
"When I was a sophomore at UAlbany, I was searching for new ways to put myself out there, socially and academically. After meeting ABLE at Block Party, I attended Informational and decided to join right away! One of my favorite parts of ABLE is learning about the diverse passions of all the members, and seeing visions of the organization come to life. Part of my position is to keep current members engaged with Alumni, and from that role I have seen what past members of ABLE have hoped and dreamt for this student organization. I am always looking forward to seeing past and new faces join our ABLE family, in order to keep our hopes and dreams flowing!"
LinkedIn
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Casey Dwyer
Intern Coordinator
"I joined ABLE in the spring semester of my sophomore year after transferring to UAlbany. As I got more familiar with the school, I wanted to get involved and make the most out of my time here. I had heard about ABLE through a friend and thought it was a great opportunity to branch out of my comfort zone and meet people with similar interests and aspirations. ABLE has provided me with so many opportunities to grow personally and professionally and has allowed me to make great friends and lasting memories. I am grateful for all the valuable skills I have learned and put to use so far and I’m so excited to continue my journey as Intern Coordinator!"
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Marc Clarizio
Intern Coordinator (J-Board)
“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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Joseph Ferreri
Director of Fundraising
"I joined ABLE as a junior year transfer student. From the moment I arrived on campus, I was extremely interested in ABLE. Despite this, the first ABLE event I attended was my interview for the ABLE Internship. Fortunately, the Executive Board overlooked my lack of early involvement and accepted me as an intern. After my first intern meeting, I knew without a doubt that I wanted to be a part of this amazing club and contribute as much as I could. This led to me joining the Executive Board as the Director of Fundraising. Without a doubt, this has been one of the best choices I have made. It has provided me with opportunities to grow professionally and introduced me to some amazing friends both on and off the Executive Board. I am incredibly excited to be a part of this club and look forward to what the future holds."
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Yeimi Umana
Director of Member Relations (J-Board)
“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 (J-Board)
“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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