Seeds of Success

A student run organization focused on helping students succeed academically, professionally, and socially

Seeds of Success is a student-run organization sponsored by the College of the Environment and Life Sciences. It is open to all CELS students, and it is focused on supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Our long-term aim is for Seeds students to succeed academically, professionally, and socially. We provide a physical and social space where members can develop a sense of community, as well as leadership and team-building skills both at URI and in their next phase of life through research/scholarship opportunities, educational/career seminars, and creating affinity spaces for members.

As a member of Seeds of Success, you’ll receive:

  • Academic and professional development
  • Research, fellowship, scholarship, and job opportunities
  • Opportunities to build new friendships with peers
  • Fun team-building activities
  • Seeds of Success swag
  • Dinner during our general meetings

Membership

Seeds of Success members should attend at least three general meetings per semester, attend at least 2 Seeds of Success-affiliated events per academic year, and keep in contact with current members and the leadership team.

Leadership team

Rachel Arseneault ’26 (she/her/hers) 
President

“Hi! My name is Rachel, and I am a senior double-majoring in Biological Sciences and Cell and Molecular Biology with a concentration in Microbiology. I also have a minor in Gender and Women’s Studies. I will be your president for this academic year, and I am excited to bring new members into our Seeds of Success family.”
Rachel Arseneault ’26
Chelsea Tay ’26 (she/her/hers)
Vice President
“Hi everyone, my name is Chelsea! I am a senior double-majoring in Biological Sciences and Human Development and Family Science with a concentration in Health and Aging Services on a pre-med track. This year I will serve as the Vice President and am looking forward to making stronger connections with all the members!”
Chelsea Tay ’26

Azaliah Lopes ’27 (she/her/hers)
Secretary
“Hi! My name is Azaliah Lopes, and I am a junior double-majoring in Biotechnology and Cellular and Molecular Biology with a concentration in Biochemistry. I will be the secretary for this academic year, and I am excited to continue getting to know all the members!”
Azaliah Lopes ’27
Mame Issa Ndoye ’28 (she/her/hers)
Social Media and Outreach Chair
“I am a biological sciences major on a pre-med track, and I am excited to experience all the things that seeds have to offer and just be involved in it all.”
Mame Issa Ndoye ’27
Jezell Green ’26 (she/her/hers)
Academic Support Chair
“Hi everyone! My name is Jezell, and I am a senior majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology with a concentration in Biochemistry. I will be serving as the Academic Support Chair for the academic year! I am looking forward to fostering a welcoming environment and supporting students in becoming the best version of themselves.”
Jezell Green ’26
Gavin Borge ’26 (he/him)
Volunteer Support Chair
Astou Dieng ’26 (she/her)
Representative of the CELS Diversity Committee
Rashell Quinonez ’27 (she/her)
Representative of the CELS Diversity Committee
Ashley Ibeh ’26 (she/her)
M.U.S.I.C. / Peer Mentor Liaison
Yadira Silva Rios ’26 (she/her/hers)
Graduate Student
“Hello! My name is Gavin Borges, and I’m a senior majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology. I’m excited to help plan our volunteer events this year and contribute to making Seeds of Success a meaningful and positive presence both on campus and in the local community. I hope everyone finds something they’re passionate about in the events we host, and I look forward to supporting growth, engagement, and collaboration among our members and leadership team!”
Gavin Borges ’26
“Hi, my name is Astou Dieng. I am majoring in Landscape Architecture, minoring in community planning and general business. I am taking the position of the Diversity representative for CELS. I am looking forward to networking and meeting new people.”
Astou Dieng ’26
“Hi, my name is Rashell, and I am currently a Junior double majoring in Cellular and Molecular Biology and Psychology. I am on a Pre-dental Track and am involved with other organizations on campus. I will be taking the position of Diversity Representative for the 2025-26 school year, and I am excited to bring enthusiasm and new ideas to Seeds this year.”
Rashell Quinonez ’27
“Hi everyone! My name is Ashley, and I am a rising senior! I plan to graduate in 2026. I am majoring in Public Health on a pre-med track! My preferred pronouns are she/her. This year, I will be a part of the CELS leadership team, and with that, I hope to bring a lot to the team! My position for the 2025-26 school year is M.U.S.I.C./ Peer Mentor liaison. I am really looking forward to contributing to the betterment of URI and fostering a welcoming and accepting environment for all. I am mostly looking forward to garnering new and beautiful connections with people and, most importantly, making lifelong friendships!
Ashley Ibeh ’26
“My name is Yadira Silva Rios. I am currently a 2nd-year PhD student in the Biological & Environmental Sciences program with a specialization in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems. I am a first-generation Latina with a non-linear journey into my doctoral degree. I consider myself an interdisciplinary food scholar with current research in Southern Ecuador and the region’s small-holder farmers’ livelihood strategies.”
Yadira Silva Rios ’26

ADVISOR

 

Assistant Dean for Diversity & Student Success Initiatives

Office: CBLS, Rm 438

401.874.2898
afgrandidge@uri.edu