New MOCHA/WOCHA Cohorts 2025-26 | October 2025
Introducing…Our New MOCHA/WOCHA Cohorts
We’re happy to introduce the new cohorts in Men of Character, Honor and Ambition (MOCHA) and Women of Character, Honor and Ambition (WOCHA) for this academic year. They held their first official meeting and get-together last month. It’s a one-academic year leadership program that includes mentoring and monthly workshops with personal, cultural, academic, social, and professional themes.
Gena Willis, assistant director for Affinity Programs and Leadership Development in the Center for Engagement and Student Success says, “The MOCHA and WOCHA programs are designed to develop students as leaders in a holistic way. This helps prepare the students for life after graduation and gives them a competitive advantage. Whether they are going to graduate school or directly into a job/career, these students stand out as leaders amongst leaders.”
Meet the members of MOCHA Cohort #12:
Safieeldin Aboelnen, finance, fourth-year; Hernan Baretto, ASL Interpreting second-year; Damarley Barrett,electrical engineering technology, third-year; Michael Boateng Arthur, cybersecurity third -year; Pearce Brissett, robotics engineering technology second-year; Sami Elboukhari, electrical engineering second year; Gerardo Hernandez, mechanical engineering technology second-year; Key’Mon Jenkins, computer engineering fourth-year; Joshua Michaels-McClean, marketing fourth-year; Jermaine Mortley, diagnostic medical sonography third-year; Joshua Ofori-Nkansah, computer and information tech third-year; Olafisoye Olalere, mechanical engineering fifth-year; Termitayo Osinubi, management information systems third-year; Brett Renaud, physics third-year; Emmanuel Ruiz, robotics and manufacturing engineering technology third-year; Cameron-Javon Scott, mechanical engineering technology fifth-year; Aamir Sohail, computer engineering second-year; Xavier Wiggins, mechatronics third-year, Myles Wilson, interior design fourth year and Emir Yilmaz, cyber security and political science second-year.
And the members of WOCHA Cohort #9:
Temilade Adewale, health and well-being management fifth-year; Serena Akpoyibo, computer science fifth-year; MaryClare Aroh, biomedical sciences and Spanish second-year; Shada Bennett, diagnostic medical sonography fourth-year; Julia Coley, medical illustration third-year; Ahmya Diggins, interpreting third-year; Taylor Drummond , marketing third-year; Jada Farquharson, psychology third-year; Leah Flood, communication fourth-year; Rebecca Miralrio, biomedical sciences third-year, Daijya Robinson, game design and development fifth-year; Blessing Smith, management information systems fourth-year; Alia Ulanbek Kyzy, computer science third-year; Olivia Williamson-Britton, new media design fourth-year; and Janya Wysinger, journalism fourth-year.
Many of these students will form bonds that last a lifetime. The program also has a positive impact on RIT faculty, staff, and community mentors who interact with them. Willis says, “Personally, having the benefit of working with the MOCHA and WOCHA students each year gives me the greatest reward. I get to watch students come in with curiosity and anticipation which develops into a confidence and boldness that far exceeds their expectations for themselves.”