OFFICERS
Shehroze Akhter
President
Shehroze Akhter is currently a senior at UTK majoring in Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology and is also minoring in Hispanic Studies. With his education, Shehroze hopes to the earn the privilege to make a difference in others lives by pursuing a career in healthcare. He has given back to the local community by serving through organizations such as AED, Clinic Vols, and the Chancellor’s Honors Program. By taking on the role as President, Shehroze is excited to provide opportunities for families to live in healthier environments, create a strong sense of community in the campus chapter, and overall enrich the Knoxville and UTK community.
My name is Sophia Rhoades and I am a junior majoring in American Studies and minoring in political science and psychology. I have been a part of UTK’s Habitat for Humanity Chapter since my freshman year! I have served as the organization’s public relations officer and treasurer and this year I’m excited to serve as the Vice President! I love working with the Knoxville Habitat and I love how it is so close to campus! I can’t wait to build relationships with the Habitat families this year through our UTK chapter!
Sophia Rhoades
Vice President
Izzie Dancer
Events Coordinator
Hi! My name is Izzie Dancer and I am the Events Coordinator for the UTK Chapter of Habitat for Humanity. I am currently a sophomore majoring in Chemistry and minoring in Retail and Consumer Sciences. Along with Habitat, I am involved in Campus Events Board, the Baptist Collegiate Ministry and the Chancellor’s Honors Program. I joined Habitat last year and fell in love with the organization. Their love for the community and helping others is truly inspiring. If you have not had the chance to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, I highly suggest it!
Lauren Brown
Treasurer
My name is Lauren Brown and I’m currently a sophomore at UT. I grew up in a small town near Dayton, Ohio, so it has been exciting to see all that Tennessee has to offer. I am studying Economics and International Business right now, and plan to attend law school after I graduate. I am excited to study abroad in London during the Spring 2020 semester as a member of the Smith Global Leadership Scholars program. I joined Habitat for Humanity last year as a freshman and fell in love with the organization’s mission. This will be my first year as treasurer, and I can’t wait to help budget our expenses so we can reach our goal of co-sponsoring a house! I have volunteered with many organizations throughout high school, but there is truly no better feeling than helping a family build their new home.
Lauren Davis
Secretary
Hi! My name is Lauren Davis and I am currently a sophomore majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Sustainability. Some fun facts about me are that I love being outdoors, rock climbing, and I play the trumpet in the Pride of the Southland marching band! Along with Habitat, I am involved in the Chancellor’s Honors Program and also volunteer at Beardsley Farm, which is a community garden dedicated to food security for all and promoting sustainable urban agriculture. I found Habitat simply because I thought construction experience would be interesting, but after spending a year working alongside amazing people who are dedicated to building houses so that families can have homes, I truly found a passion in giving back to my community. I am super excited for this upcoming year, and I can’t wait to continue helping the Knoxville area alongside the UTK Habitat chapter.
Tez Shepard
Publicity Officer
Tez is currently a senior double majoring in Biochemistry & Cellular & Molecular Biology and Neuroscience. He has been a member of Habitat for Humanity since his freshman year, and he has thoroughly enjoyed every opportunity the organization has given to him. Outside of H4H, he has indulged in volunteering at Fort Sanders, conducting researching in Corbetta's Infant Perception-Action lab and Nebenfuhr's Cell Biology of Plants lab and the Chancellor's Honors Program. In his free time, he's either at the gym, at the pool, playing volleyball or simply watching Netflix. After UT, he aspires to go to medical school and merge into Pediatric medicine.
