Introducing Our Innovation Interns
Welcome to the exciting world of innovation at the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center! We’re thrilled to introduce our newest Innovation Interns: Samantha Sarenac, Nikko Javier, and Tristan Jarvey. These dynamic individuals bring a diverse array of talents, experiences, and passions to our team, promising to infuse fresh perspectives and creative energy into our projects.
From Samantha’s international marketing aspirations and artistic flair to Nikko’s global business acumen and leadership prowess, and Tristan’s unique blend of psychology, computer science, and military experience, this trio embodies the interdisciplinary spirit that drives innovation. Join us as we embark on a journey of creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial discovery with these remarkable interns.
Learn more about each of our newest interns below!
Meet Samantha
Samantha is a current undergraduate student studying Marketing and Spanish, with a certificate in International Business. As a Milwaukee native, she loves to explore the city and all the opportunities Milwaukee has to offer. An avid lover of the arts, including music, theatre, and dance, she has become a proud member of HYPE UWM. Samantha hopes to study abroad in Spain one day and work on promotional campaigns with global companies or entertainment agencies.
Fun fact: Samantha’s love of music has taken her to national levels as a participant in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. When she is not traveling or performing, you will often see her downtown at the Panther Arena cheering on her favorite sports team, the Milwaukee Admirals.
Meet Nikko
Nikko is a first-year undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he is pursuing a degree in finance with the intent to complement his studies with a certificate in international business. Raised in Wrigleyville, Illinois, Nikko’s life has been shaped by diverse experiences, including a few years living abroad that broadened his worldview and adaptability. After returning to the U.S., he completed high school in Wisconsin, where he cultivated a strong foundation in academics, leadership, and athletics.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Nikko is no stranger to leadership and high-level competition. He has held roles as a sports head coach, applying his skills in mentoring and strategic thinking, and he has a rich background in business through his involvement with DECA. His achievements include winning 1st place at the Wisconsin State Career Development Conference, which highlighted his proficiency in business analysis and presentation.
Meet Tristan
Tristan is an undergraduate Computer Science student at UWM, having previously earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology in December 2022. As an innovation intern at the LEC, he primarily focuses on the LEC website and newsletter.
With over eight years of professional experience across eight industries, Tristan has honed his skills in creative problem-solving, constructive persistence, and continuous improvement. His background includes six years of service in the Army Reserves as a Combat Engineer, completing his service as an E-5 squadron leader of an eight-member squad. During his service, Tristan mentored a high-performing squad member leading to their successful completion of the Army Special Forces Assessment & Selection.
Tristan’s areas of interest include software development (both back-end and front-end), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and natural language processing (NLP). His passion for innovation is evident in his consistent efforts to enhance systems, methods, and ventures for greater efficiency.
Entrepreneurship runs in Tristan’s family, with his parents having founded multiple businesses ranging from hotel development to stereo console renovation and retail. This background, combined with his technical skills and diverse experience, fuels Tristan’s drive to create software and services that improve people’s long-term quality of life.
Fun Fact:
Despite his thalassophobia turning oceans into liquid nightmares, Tristan has twice donned scuba diving gear and plunged into the “abyss.”
Connect with Our Innovation Interns!
Connect with our new interns on LinkedIn to stay updated on their innovative projects and insights!
CLICK INTERN’S IMAGE BELOW TO CONNECT WITH THEM ON LINKEDIN
