Serena Leung
Co-Site Coordinator |
Third Year
Major: Managerial Economics and Statistics VITA has helped me grow as a professional, a student, and as a person. From an intern to a finance director and now a site coordinator, VITA has given me the chance to realize my potential in a setting beyond the classroom. My experience as a tax preparer has helped me deftly navigate through difficult professional settings and has also allowed me to apply concepts I've learned in class. More importantly, my encounter with each client has given me a new perspective in approaching problems, connecting with people, and understanding myself. My time with VITA has given me opportunities that I never thought existed for me and I hope for others to experience this as well. Hobbies/Interests: Dancing, Learning New Languages, Playing Piano |
Irene Kitamura
Co-Site Coordinator |
Third Year
Major: Managerial Economics and Statistics I had just finished changing my major and was looking for an internship when an acquaintance gave a class presentation about VITA promoting its internship. Immediately, I was interested and wanted to apply because it was exactly what I was looking for! Being in VITA allowed me to expand my skill set by applying what I learned in class in a professional setting. This internship gave me the opportunity to explore the career paths I'm interested in, all the while gave me a better sense of what I want to do with my future while being able to give back to the Davis community. VITA is a unique program that benefits its interns with hands-on, practical experience that is vital in developing as a young professional! Hobbies/Interests: 3-D Bead art, Calligraphy, Origami, Indie Films, Nail Art |
Kristie Kuo
Co-Vice President |
Third Year
Major: Managerial Economics When I first joined VITA, I only intended to try it for one year. My goal was to gain the experience required to file my own taxes. Now, I am in my third year with VITA and I’ve gained more than just basic tax knowledge, I’ve gained a second family. My time with VITA has dramatically changed the way I view the work ethic in volunteer organizations. Aside from meeting new friends, and learning new things, VITA allowed me to immerse myself with people in the Davis community. It also gave me an opportunity to improve how I communicate with others, resolve conflicts, and is always presenting new ways for me to challenge myself. I am both anxious and excited to continue as one of this year’s Vice Presidents! Hobbies/Interests: Cooking/Baking, Traveling, Hanging Out With Friends; Soccer, Movie Nights |
Grace Cho
Co-Vice President |
Third Year
Major: Managerial Economics Minor: Accounting and Technology Management Hello! I am the Co-Vice President of Students in VITA at UC Davis this year, and my career interests lie in advisory, management consulting, and finance. I am passionate about diversifying my experiences and continuously learning from challenging situations, mentors, and peers. Being Lead Intern of VITA last year was one of those engaging experiences that was truly beneficial to my college career. I was able to further advance my knowledge of tax concepts and continue to discover my true interests through hands-on work. Networking with other ambitious, like-minded interns while giving back to the community with pro-bono tax returns, was a unique experience that I hope everyone interested in tax or business pursues. Hobbies/Interests: Travelling, Baking, Watching Movies |
Christine Xuan
Co-Marketing Director |
Third Year
Major: Managerial Economics Minor: Accounting I joined Students in VITA in my freshman year because I wanted to gain internship experience and delve deeper into my career interests. During my two years in VITA, I’ve learned how to adapt to stressful situations in a professional setting, practiced my client-facing abilities, and worked in a team environment. Overall, I highly recommend this internship to anyone seeking hands-on experience during their undergrad! I look forward to helping the community with VITA for a third year! Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, Online Shopping; Lofi Music, Boba, Makeup |
Nicholas Tom
Co-Marketing Director |
Third Year
Major: Managerial Economics I initially joined VITA last year because I thought it’d be a great opportunity to learn more about the field of taxes through hands-on experience working with clients. After going through the internship, I was able to build so many valuable skills; from gaining the financial literacy to understand tax returns, to strengthening communication skills interacting with clients, I learned loads of skills that I can take with me into my future. But even more, I was able to get a sense of fulfillment knowing I am making an impact on individuals in the Davis community, and helping people navigate the confusing subject of taxes. Despite this year being online, I am excited to serve as one of the Marketing Directors and give back to the community through our services! Hobbies/Interests: Bowling, Watching Productivity Videos; Basketball, Podcasts |
Carly Lon
Finance Director |
Fourth Year
Major: Managerial Economics This is my third year with Students in VITA and the past few years have honestly been the most memorable experiences ever. I had no prior knowledge on taxes before and it was a difficult subject for me but working with fellow interns made the whole learning process more enjoyable. VITA has given me the opportunity to improve my communication, analytical and problem solving skills. I first started as a Tax Preparer Intern, then Lead Intern and Webmaster, to now Finance Director, and I am proud to have made an impact within this organization and provided a free service to the Davis community. Now that I am approaching my final year at UC Davis, I am glad that I have learned so much from VITA and even made some life-long friendships from this organization! Hobbies/Interests: Swimming, Hiking, Trying New Food Spots; Gundams, EDM |
Sara Vien
Lead Intern |
Third Year
Major: Managerial Economics and Communication I joined VITA in my sophomore year and it was a really great decision. I knew nothing about taxes but was looking to explore possible career avenues. Being a VITA volunteer has granted me valuable experience with not only our complicated tax system, but also with positively contributing to the Davis community. Through my time in Students in VITA, I gained a sense of confidence to try new things that I was unfamiliar with; I took the opportunity with VITA and acquired lifelong skills. VITA is such a great organization and I love working with everyone here. Overall, I'm super excited for another year with VITA! Hobbies/Interests: Watching Horror Movies, Trying New Food Spots, Hanging Out with Friends; Mukbangs |
Selvin Plato
Lean Intern |
Fourth Year
Major: Managerial Economics As an individual aiming to become a tax accountant, VITA has been able to offer me a transformative experience and valuable insight into my profession. The organization has allowed me to obtain skills in tax preparation and customer service through their many in-person tax site events and through their various training courses. VITA and it’s leaders have helped me improve my communication skills and increase my team-based skills in a professional and inclusive environment. I did not realize how invested I was in the program until after it ended my first year as an intern and I now look forward to continuing as a fellow Lead Intern. Hobbies/Interests: Reading, Biking, Swimming, Cooking |
Samantha Torres
Lead Intern |
Second Year
Major: Philosophy ~ Pre-Law Emphasis You might have noticed that my major really has not as much relation to an organization such as VITA as my fellow classmates, however, you shouldn’t let that discourage you from taking part with Students in VITA. I'll be honest, I did find myself a little out of place because everyone else was majoring in Managerial Economics and they had more knowledge then me, but the people involved in this organization did an excellent job at making every individual feel welcome. This is an organization that not only will help you expand on your professionalism, tax knowledge, communication skills, customer service skills, but it’ll also allow you to meet incredible people who turn out to be lifelong friends. Hobbies/Interests: Dancing, Learning/Trying New Things, Playing Sports (especially wrestling & badminton), Roller Skating; Jigsaw Puzzles, Movies |
Rosanely Alvares
Lead Intern |
Third year
Major: Managerial Economics Minor: Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning, Technology Management This is my second year in VITA after joining last year as an intern. Through VITA, I have learned so many valuable skills that have aided me in my professional growth. Learning to file taxes/financial literacy is such a useful skill to acquire that will help me for the rest of my life. What I love about VITA is that we are able to give back to our community by helping low income families and individuals file their tax returns. Not only did I enhance my professional growth, but I met so many incredible people and was able to give back to the Davis community as well. Hobbies/Interests: Baking, Hiking, Watching Movies |
Clarissa Yau
Advisor |
Fourth Year
Major: Mathematical Analytics and Operations Research Minor: Statistics Being a part of VITA since my freshman year, I’ve grown immensely through the people I was surrounded with. This organization provided an opportunity to build my professional skills which are applicable to jobs in the real world. I was able to work in teams to successfully run the organization and also experience working with clients one-on-one. Additionally, this was a great way to give back to the Davis community throughout my time as a college student. Although I have decided to pursue a different field, VITA was an unforgettable experience where I was able to create lasting friendships and meet those with similar interests. As a graduating senior, I am excited to be the Advisor of VITA in my final year. Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, Hanging Out with Friends; K-pop/Dramas, Games |
Emily Choi
Design Director |
Second Year
Major: Communications and Cinema & Digital Media I first heard about VITA through a friend who was a part of the organization and was interested in utilizing my passion for design for a good cause. Working with VITA has been such an eye-opening experience, collaborating with equally passionate people who are dedicated to helping others. While my field of interest may not be in finance and accounting, working with VITA has allowed me to experience working in a professional setting, and grow my communication skills. Joining VITA this year has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have had because through this organization I was able to meet new people, challenge my skills as a designer and put my efforts towards a positive cause. Hobbies/Interests: Video Editing, Reading, Listening to K-RnB, Café Hopping |
