We are proud of our outstanding students in the Department of ACE and are fortunate to have a group of students to represent the department and tell our story.
The ACE Ambassador Program is a group of trained students who assist prospective students in their college exploration process. Ambassadors work closely with the Department of ACE Undergraduate Programs Office as well as the College of ACES Office of Academic Programs to enhance the admissions process for prospective and incoming students. Our ambassadors also function as leaders and foster a network of peer support where students and prospective students can voice their questions and get information on many aspects of student life.
Graduation Year: 2027
Hometown: Elmhurst, IL
Concentration: Environmental Economics and Policy
Ambassador Bio: Natalie is a sophomore in ACE with a concentration in Environmental Economics and Policy. Within the ACES college she is a part of the Student Leadership Council, and is also a JBT Scholar. She is involved in her sorority, Phi Sigma Sigma and also works at the ARC as a swim instructor and lifeguard!
Graduation Year: 2026
Hometown: Mount Prospect, IL
Concentration: Public Policy and Law
Ambassador Bio: Viktoriya is a sophomore majoring in Public Policy and Law and minoring in Legal Studies. Apart from being an ACE Ambassador, she is also a part of Illinois Student Council, the College of ACES Student Leadership Committee, as well as Pre-Law Honors Society. She is excited to meet and aid new students!
Graduation Year: 2026
Hometown: Dolton, IL
Concentration: Agribusiness Markets & Management
Ambassador Bio: Celestial is a junior majoring in ACE with a concentration in Agribusiness Markets & Management. She is a member of the NACWC (National Association of Colored Women's Clubs), and she mentors for 100 Strong and Trio SSS. She is so excited to meet and interact with the admitted freshmen and transfer students to show them why she loves the College of ACES!
Graduation Year: 2026
Hometown: Ingraham, IL
Concentration: Consumer Economics and Finance
Ambassador Bio: Ava is a junior double majoring in Consumer Economics and Finance and Engineering Tech and Management for Ag Systems. In addition to being an ACE Ambassador, Ava works for Campus Rec and is actively involved in her business fraternity as well as undergraduate research. She is excited to meet new ACE students!
Graduation Year: 2027
Hometown: Aurora, IL
Concentration: Public Policy and Law
Ambassador Bio: CJ is a sophomore currently studying ACE Public Policy and Law, is on the Pre-Law track, and intends to minor in Environmental Sciences within the College of ACES. Outside of class, CJ tutors for the America Reads program, works as a server in a restaurant, and is a member on the Pre-Law Advisory Council. CJ also enjoys spending time with his friends and is interested in pursuing acting within Illinois and local programs.
Graduation Year: 2025
Hometown: Princeton, IL
Concentration: Public Policy and Law
Ambassador Bio: Grace is a junior studying Agricultural and Consumer Economics with a concentration in Public Policy and Law with minors in Business and Environmental Economics and Law. With her degree, she hopes to eventually work in policy development to bring more opportunities to small communities like the one she grew up in. When she is not studying or working for the Department of Crop Sciences assisting with soybean research, she can be found doing one of her numerous random hobbies or cheering on the Illini at a sporting event.
Graduation Year: 2026
Hometown: Carrollton, IL
Concentration: Environmental Economics and Policy
Ambassador Bio: Callie is a junior studying Environmental Economics & Policy with minors in Political Science and Legal Studies. She serves on the risk management team for Kappa Alpha Pi Pre-Law Fraternity and is director of risk for her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta. She is also head of professional development for the Society of Women in Public Affairs and a member of Student Alumni Ambassadors. Callie loves Illinois and is excited to share her appreciation for the ACE major!
Graduation Year: 2025
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Concentration: Public Policy and Law
Ambassador Bio: Amy is a senior in ACE with a concentration in Public Policy and Law. In her spare time, Amy enjoys reading, dancing, playing video games, and will never turn down a good karaoke session.
Graduation Year: 2025
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Concentration: Financial Planning
Ambassador Bio: Matt is a senior majoring in ACE with a concentration in Financial Planning. Along with being an Ambassador, he is also on the Financial Planning Challenge team. Matt is excited to meet and answer any questions that new students may have!
Graduation Year: 2026
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Concentration: Agribusiness Markets & Management
Ambassador Bio: Julia is a junior majoring in ACE Agribusiness Markets & Management. On campus, she serves as the apparel chair for Sigma Alpha Professional Agriculture Sorority, is a member of the National Agri-Marketing Association, and a member of the ACES Student Leadership Committee. She is excited to meet and help new ACE students!
Graduation Year: 2026
Hometown: Jerseyville, IL
Concentration: Agribusiness Markets & Management
Ambassador Bio: Sara is a junior majoring in ACE with a concentration in Agribusiness Markets and Management and minors in International Development Economics and Leadership Studies. She is a JBT Scholar, a member of Collegiate Farm Bureau, serves as Vice Chair of Member Involvement for Student Leadership Council, and ACES Council/PHC Representative for Sigma Alpha Professional Agriculture Sorority.
Graduation Year: 2025
Hometown: Mount Prospect, IL
Concentration: Financial Planning
Ambassador Bio: Karen is a senior studying Financial Planning in ACE with a minor in Business. On campus, she is a member of the Illini Wildlife and Conservation Club as well as MANNRS. She transferred to Illinois her junior year and is excited to assist prospective students and especially transfer students!
Graduation Year: 2025
Hometown: Longyan Fujian, China
Concentration: Consumer Economics and Finance
Ambassador Bio: Kelly is a senior studying Consumer Economics and Finance. She is interested in photography, tennis and the violin.
Graduation Year: 2025
Hometown: Plainfield, IL
Concentration: Financial Planning
Ambassador Bio: Armaan is a junior majoring in Financial Planning on the CFP track. He is an aspiring foodie, is on a mission to find the best study spot on campus, and loves to watch and play almost any sport!
Graduation Year: 2026
Hometown: Pittsfield, IL
Concentration: Finance in Agribusiness
Ambassador Bio: Nate is currently a junior at the University of Illinois majoring in ACE with a concentration in Finance in Agri-Business, while also pursing a minor in Business. On campus he is involved in the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, currently serving as the Treasurer. He is also a JBT Scholar as well as a member of the Student Advancement Committee for the College of ACES. He works part time at the ACES Funk Library as an intern.
Graduation Year: 2025
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Concentration: Financial Planning
Ambassador Bio: As a dedicated Financial Planning major, Sofiya is committed to ongoing learning and skill development within this dynamic field. Her drive for personal and professional growth fuels her success, while she also prioritizes offering guidance and support to her peers as they navigate their individual paths.
Graduation Year: 2026
Hometown: Tolono, IL
Concentration: Agricultural Accounting
Ambassador Bio: Erika is a junior studying Agricultural Accounting. She is a member of Rho Epsilon Student Real Estate Association and works for the ACE business office. She loves meeting people and can't wait to welcome new ACE students!
Graduation Year: 2024
Hometown: Albany, IL
Concentration: Finance in Agribusiness
Ambassador Bio: Gunnar is from Albany, Illinois and his concentration is Finance in Agribusiness. He developed his love for agriculture at a young age helping his grandfather out at the farm. Besides farming, he loves to spend time hunting and fishing.
Graduation Year: 2026
Hometown: Palatine, IL
Concentration: Consumer Economics and Finance
Ambassador Bio: Richard is currently a sophomore in Consumer Economics and Finance with a minor in Business. He loves hiking and playing video games like Valorant.