Alternative
Breaks Team
Introducing the students, staff, and faculty behind Alternative Breaks, the planning, community engagement, playlists, reflection, and all of the moments that make this experience unforgettable. Alternative Breaks fosters experiences centered on connection, curiosity, and dialogue, and because participants travel, learn, and grow alongside one another, it is important to know the people organizing your journey. Whether thinking about applying, exploring leadership, or discovering what Alternative Breaks is all about, this is a great place to start connecting with this passionate team.
All About Alternative Breaks
The Alternative Breaks program here at the Bennion Center was the 3rd of its kind in the country! Established in the mid 1990s, it has consistently run 6-8 breaks over fall and spring going to cities all over the Western US. Each Alternative Break focuses on a particular social or environmental topic, working with host-city community partners and doing education and reflection activities. See the break topics and locations for the 26-27 Academic Year listed below!
Alternative Breaks Admin
Hi I’m Katie! I’m a 2nd year Master’s student at the U studying City and Metropolitan Planning. I love all things community engagement and have been involved in Alternative Breaks since Fall of 2023. When I’m not at work or school, you can find me at bookstores and art museums around SLC, reading a book, or people watching at a park!
Hi! I'm Grace, a sophomore at the University of Utah currently majoring in Health Society & Policy with a Biology minor. I’ve been working as an Alternative Breaks Logistic Coordinator for a year now and am excited for this next semester! In my free time I love spending time outdoors, thrifting, going to music festivals, traveling, cooking, etc.
2026 - 2027 Alternative Breaks Executive Board
Hey there! I'm Dey Victor-Ramirez, a proud chicana from southern Arizona with a passion for community engagement and student empowerment. I've got a knack for connecting with people and problem-solving. In my free time, I enjoy watching horror movies, coloring, and playing games with my friend and family.
Hi! I’m Awa, an architecture student at the U. I love volunteering, meeting new people, and learning about different communities, which is why I love the Alternative Breaks. Outside of school, you’ll probably find me designing, taking photos, or finding new ways to get involved on campus. I’m excited to build community, learn together, and make this an unforgettable experience!
I'm Nicholas Delquadro, going into my best and final year at the University of Utah, studying Biology and Kinesiology. I've learned so much about the self balancing systems of life on Earth and the powerful and intricate movements of the human body, but the most impactful moments through my education were always through action. Cleaning the beaches of San Diego, replacing invasive species in the forests of Portland, and now guiding a new year of Site Leaders and Staff Partners, I'm excited to continue and help others with one of the most impactful learning experiences via Alternative Breaks.
My name is Emily Santana, and I am majoring in Psychology and minoring in Chemistry. When I am not studying, I love exploring Salt Lake City to find the best views and pastry shops with friends, volunteering at my local community theater, and hiking with family.
Site Leaders
Hi, I’m Phaedra! I’m a senior studying Film & Media Arts at the University of Utah and an aspiring media arts teacher. I love documentary storytelling, photography, boxing and travel! As the Queer Advocacy Site Leader for the San Francisco Alternative Break, I’m excited to help our group explore the city’s history of LGBTQ+ advocacy while learning from the organizations and communities continuing that work today. I hope to foster thoughtful conversations, meaningful connections, and an experience that inspires lasting social engagement.
Hi! I’m Shae, a senior at the University of Utah, and I am so excited to be apart of the alternative breaks team! In my free time, I love to be outdoors with my dog Lola! From hiking and road trips to rollerskating, you can find me and Lola exploring the west coast!
Alli Sather lives in North Ogden, Utah and is the middle child of three. Alli graduated May 2025 from Davinci Academy of Science and The Arts. Alli will be a sophomore at the University of Utah studying Cell and Molecular Biology with a minor in Chemistry for the year 2026-27. In her free time, Alli loves to hang out and laugh with her friends and family. She also enjoys going on hikes, backpacking trips, camping, and going on vacations to the West Coast. When she is not out and about, she loves to huddle in bed watching science fiction movies and comedy tv-shows or re-reading her favorite book: The Hummingbird's Daughter by Luis Urrea.
Hello! My name is Emma and I am a third year pre-nursing student at the U. I love to travel, craft, and watch movies. Volunteering and getting involved in community service is one of my main passions, so I am so excited to the be site leader for the Disability Advocacy alternative break in Denver, Colorado!
Hey there! My name is Angelina, but I also go by Angie. I'm a sophomore studying political science and history here at the U, and also minoring in Spanish and sociology. I have hopes of becoming an international lawyer in the future, and am super passionate about my studies. In my free time, I love to watch horror movies, hike, or bake.
Hi! I'm Evelyn, a junior at the U studying Political Science and History! I love being involved in my community and have gotten to do some cool advocacy work along the way. When I'm not in class or working, you'll probably find me at a museum, reading a book, or hanging out with friends!
Hi there my name is Nizhone Johnson, I'm from Provo, Utah. I'm a civil engineering major but a more emphasis in water resources and hydraulics engineering. I love exploring nature and learning about new environments. I have two dogs and love taking them with me to get Dutch Bro's with me.
Hiiiii my name is Emilie and I am a fourth year Computer Science and Applied Mathematics student at the U. I love to read, going out to thrift and taking care of my plants. My plans for when I graduate are not concrete but maybe I'll pursue a masters in sustainability or jump right in to the tech industry!
Staff Partners
Hi! I work in the David Eccles School of Business as an academic advisor. I enjoy working directly with students and helping them work towards their academic and professional goals. I love all things sustainability and I am so excited to be a partner on the Community Land Stewardship break. Outside of work, I love reading, going to concerts and going to community events.
My name is Randi Spencer and I currently work as an Administrative Manager at the Student Health Center. I have been with the Student Health Center for almost 5 years and I love it here! In my free time I enjoy being outside, traveling, spending time with friends and family, and going to concerts. I am excited to be a staff partner and I am looking forward to connecting with others who are also passionate about community engagement, education, and queer advocacy!
Hola! Soy Noemy, and I’m the Program Manager for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Hybrid Pathway at the University of Utah. As a proud first-generation Mexican American college graduate, I’m passionate about creating spaces where students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed. Before transitioning to higher education, I worked in the juvenile justice system, and I continue to advocate for individuals impacted by the justice system. I believe everyone deserves opportunities to grow and thrive. My roots have taught me the importance of comunidad, resilience, and showing up for others. I strive to bring that same pasión and buena energía into my work every day. Outside of work, you can usually find me staying active, traveling, spending time con mi familia y amigos, searching for my next pair of shoes, or listening to Bad Bunny.
Hey! I am an academic advisor here at the U, with the David Eccles School of Business. While working, the favorite part of my job is working with students directly to ensure they are connected to all the information and resources they want/need to obtain their goals! Outside of work I love being outside, typically either climbing or on the water of the Wasatch.
Cha is a community‑focused advisor in Student Health & Wellbeing who is passionate about supporting students through disability‑centered alternative break experiences, helping them build confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging. She brings a grounded, student‑first approach to her work, especially when guiding participants through reflective learning and accessible service opportunities. Outside of work, Cha loves anime, axe throwing, and swimming, and she brings that same energy, creativity, and balance into the communities she serves.
My name is Sam and I love all things related to the environment and sustainability. I've participated in the Alt. Breaks program since I was student at the U ten years ago! Now I'm excited to Staff Partner for the Food & Hunger Break this fall in Seattle, Washington. On my off time from planning events at the Natural History Museum of Utah for my day job, I enjoy watching TV and movies, listening to music of all genres and going backpacking.
Anh Nguyen is originally from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and has spent the past decade living between Vietnam and Philadelphia while traveling extensively. After graduating from Temple University, she worked at the Los Angeles Times and a documentary studio before becoming the Affiliate Coordinator at the Learning Abroad office. She is passionate about experiential learning as a journey of personal growth, echoing T.S. Eliot's words: "And the end of all our exploring / Will be to arrive where we started / And know the place for the first time." In her free time, she enjoys watching YouTube, learning to bead, and planning her next trip.
April is at her best when she’s challenging herself—whether that’s climbing Denali, riding her bike over challenging obstacles, or spending time exploring the mountains. April has been a staff partner for 12 alternative breaks and she especially enjoys environmental focused trips!
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