Leadership Team

Rachel DiSesa (MS '16 & PhD '23)
President

Dr. Rachel DiSesa serves as the Assistant Director of Enrollment Marketing at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy, supporting Pharm.D., online graduate and continuing pharmacy education programs. In her previous role at the College of Veterinary Medicine, she oversaw the marketing and outreach activities for the UF Veterinary Hospitals. Dr. DiSesa earned her bachelor's from the University of Phoenix and both her master's and PhD from the University of Florida in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication. Her research examines development of communication and teamwork behaviors in healthcare professionals, focusing on adult learning and interprofessional education programs. ​

Brenna McKeown (BS '18)
Vice President/President-Elect & Scholarship Chair

Brenna McKeown is a dedicated marketer in the retail industry and a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion. Identifying as a Transracial Chinese Adoptee, she grew up in Tampa, Florida, and earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Florida, where she was actively involved in student organizations within the Warrington College of Business and the Dean of Students Office. In her free time, Brenna enjoys cooking, running, and spending time with her dog and a good book. Her commitment to creating inclusive environments and promoting well-being defines both her professional and personal life.

George Ryan Perez (CPE '03 & MiDAS '14)
Secretary

George Ryan Perez is a full-stack lead software developer.  He received both his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Florida College of Engineering with a master's degree in Digital Arts and Sciences.  He previously served as the UF AAA treasurer from 2020-2024. Living in Alachua, Florida, he spends his free time writing music and comics.

Elly Liao-Warren (BS '07)
Treasurer & Director of Development

Elly Liao-Warren is a Board Certified Coach and the founder of ENSPIRd Life Coaching, a heart-centered organization that helps clients create more balance, fulfillment and happiness in their lives. Along with this, she is a real estate investor and part of the Mayor's Asian American Advisory Board for the City of Jacksonville.  Elly previously served as the UF AAA secretary from 2023-2024 and Southeast regional fundraiser from 2022-2023. Elly is passionate about serving her community and spreading more love and kindness to the world.  In her free time, Elly enjoys spending time with family & friends, trying new restaurants (self-proclaimed foodie) and traveling.​

Lauren Vu (PSY '19)
Director of Social Media Engagement

Lauren Vu currently serves as a lead educational consultant in the ed-tech industry. Before being a consultant, she was a 6th grade STEM teacher in Oakland, CA through Teach for America. In addition to teaching and addressing education inequity, Lauren is passionate about psychology and health disparities within marginalized communities. She previously served as the UF AAA president from 2022-2023. In her free time, Lauren enjoys exploring the San Francisco Bay Area, cooking, and making music on her ukulele​.

Maddy Gastador (BS '24)
​Director of Recent Graduate Engagement

Maddy Gastador majored in psychology with an emphasis on behavioral cognitive neuroscience at the University of Florida. She served as an academic, social and networking event coordinator for first-year students with Finding Our Identities Through Networking and Development (FiND). Maddy also developed programs focusing on cultural awareness and intersectionality for early arrival students within UF's Center for Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement.

Bryan Coronel (MHA '20)
Past President

Bryan Coronel has been a Gainesville resident since 2002, when his family moved here from the Philippines. In his professional career, he is passionate in driving optimization and efficiency in healthcare through project management. Bryan earned his bachelor's in Health Administration from Florida Gulf Coast University and his master's in Health Administration from the University of Florida.  He previously served as the UF AAA president from 2023-2024. Bryan loves spending time with his wife and two children, being outdoors (when it's not so humid!), and watching movies/playing video games. 

Michael Do (BS '10)
Bach Lien Tong Duong Scholarship Chair

Dr. Michael Do is a practicing optometrist in Atlanta, GA and has served as the scholarship advisor to the Association of Asian Alumni. He is a committed to supporting the Asian American community and is most proud for spearheading the UF Association of Asian Alumni Scholarship Fund and the Bach Lien Tong Duong Scholarship. Dr. Do believes in enhancing eye health and empowering students, and making a positive impact on both individual lives and the broader community. He is an avid fisherman and loves all things sports, specifically mixed martial arts. Dr. Do loves to travel with his family and spends his time bonding with others over food.

Starla Chew-Gleason
UF Asian Faculty & Staff Association Advisor

As the AFSA liaison, Starla Chew-Gleason provides updates to the AAA leadership regarding significant developments, achievements, and ongoing projects at UF, ensuring that alumni remain informed and connected with their alma mater. She offers insights and perspectives from the faculty and staff community to help facilitate the flow of information between UF and the alumni community.

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The UF Association of Asian Alumni extend its thanks to all former board members and contributors!

Jamilyn Bailey (2012)
Michelle Brumwell (2017-2019)
Alex Cena (2013-2016)
Phillip Cheng (2014-2022)
Sandy Chiu  (2020)
Marcus Tran Degnan (2017-2019)
Avani Desi (2011)
Whitney Fung (2012-2014)
Dennis Ngin (2011-2013)
Anthony Nguyen (2015-2017)
Diana Nguyen (2015-2017)
Henry Nguyen (2020)
Vi Payulert (2021-2022)
Michael Satyapor (2014-2017)​