Kevin Cheng
We are dedicated to providing you the very best volunteer experience possible! This involves a lot of logistics, collaborating with our wonderful Board of Directors to organize large events and making sure that we answer any and all questions you may have. Never hesitate to reach out to any of us, we'd love to hear from you! Above all else, we want to thank you for choosing to serve this community with us.
E-Board
Alexandra Gergova
Position: President
Year: Senior
Major: English & Political Science
Minor: Legal Studies & Criminology, Law, and Society
Hobbies: I enjoy taking care of my dog (who is the unofficial mascot of VIP!), reading, walking, and partaking in insightful discussions with others!
Why I love VIP: "I love VIP because of the plethora of service opportunities provided to a wide variety of individuals with eclectic interests! The organization facilitates meaningful interactions with the community that are human-centered and reflective. Service, in general, is a crucial way of examining societal issues and supporting methods to address those issues, which is why I love VIP and all that it offers."
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As President, Alex oversees the daily operations of the Executive Board and Project Directors. In addition to leading monthly meetings, she engages with project directors and volunteers to resolve problems and explore creative ways to serve the Champaign-Urbana community. As President, Alex also represents VIP in various campus circles. Her vision for VIP is to nurture an inclusive community of student volunteers that will continue to serve well beyond their years as Illini.
Rachel Bridges
Position: Vice-President, Internal
Year: Senior
Major: Bioengineering
Hobbies: "I enjoy playing the piano, singing, crochet, lettering, baking, and squirrel watching."
Why I love VIP: "VIP has given me and many others the opportunity to interact with the community in Urbana-Champaign in a meaningful and impactful way. The variety and flexibility of events makes it accessible and exciting for everyone involved. Our members and leadership are passionate and dedicated in a way that has inspired me to work harder to serve our community."
As Internal Vice-President, Rachel works closely with our Project Directors. She conducts monthly evaluations and coordinates the growth and development of the group. She and Michael also work cooperatively to plan monthly socials. Her hope for VIP is to foster a community of dedicated volunteers who create a positive impact in the Champaign-Urbana community.
Michael Tiran
Position: Vice-President, External
Year: Senior
Major:Engineering Physics
Hobbies: "I enjoy going for long walks, working out, photography, and cafe hopping."
Why I love VIP: "I love VIP because of all the opportunities to volunteer in so many different ways."
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As External Vice-President, Michael performs many of the responsibilities that help VIP run smoothly. He supports our Project Directors by helping coordinate spaces for events and tracking volunteer attendance at their events. Him and Rachel also plan and execute our monthly socials. His hope for VIP is to provide an environment that allows people to explore their interests while helping the community.
Govind Swaminathan
Position: Treasurer
Year: Junior
Major: Supply Chain Management & Information Systems
Hobbies: Basketball, Football, Video Games, Hiking, Travel
Why I love VIP: "Volunteering is one of my passions. I enjoy getting to be part of an activity that is for the greater good and ultimately helps out the community."
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As Treasurer, Govind handles VIP’s financial operations. He assists the Executive Board and Project Directors in budgeting for their events, as well as completing necessary reimbursements. Govind also takes an active role in organizing large scale events that involve more intensive planning. His hope for VIP is to reach out to underrepresented populations and increase volunteerism within the community.
Abigail Keasler
Position: Engagement Chair
Year: Senior
Major: Speech & Hearing Science
Minor: Disability Studies
Hobbies: I enjoy traveling, kayaking, and trying new foods.
Why I love VIP: "I love VIP because our organization has been involved with service in Champaign-Urbana for many years and it amazes me that VIP continues making an impact 60 years after its founding. There are so many options and projects to choose from when volunteering with VIP that you are sure to leave a positive impact! Plus, it is a great place to find fellow students with similar interests and service goals!"
As Engagement Chair, Abbie maintains communication with past VIP members. She is currently creating a seasonal alumni newsletter that will enable volunteers of years past to see the great work being done by today’s volunteers. She additionally coordinates volunteer outreach and collaborations with other RSOs on campus.
Her hope for VIP is to help alumni stay connected with the organization and to help VIP make a positive impact in the community.
Sophia Young
Position: Public Relations Chair
Year: Senior
Major: Marketing and Management
Hobbies: "I enjoy thrifting, hiking, dancing, listening to music, and traveling!"
Why I love VIP: "I love VIP because it consistently brings together people who have a passion for all areas of community service. Whichever event you attend, you’ll always be welcomed by dedicated volunteers who not only seek positive growth for our campus, but also for themselves."
As PR Chair, Sophia publishes our newsletter, manages our social media accounts, and updates our website. She regularly attends events to document her experiences from the volunteer perspective. Sophia also helps our board members publicize their events throughout campus. Her vision for VIP is to motivate more people around her to be involved in the community, and to share opportunities to volunteer.
Tushar Jain
Position: Public Relations Chair
Year: Sophomore
Major: Industrial Engineering
Minor: Computer Science
Hobbies: Guitar, hiking, thrifting
Why I love VIP: "I love making an impact in so many different sectors of the world. With such an amazing community of people, I have so much fun volunteering!"
As PR Chair, Tushar publishes our newsletter, manages our social media accounts, and updates our website. He regularly attends events to document his experiences from the volunteer perspective. Tushar also helps our board members publicize their events throughout campus. His vision for VIP is to motivate more people around him to be involved in the community, and to share opportunities to volunteer.