Student Leaders

Areeba Abdul Aziz

"Hi! My name is Areeba and I'm excited to contribute to a program that is at the forefront of real estate education. This role allows me to connect with industry professionals, mentor fellow students, and deepen my understanding of the dynamic real estate market. I'm eager to help foster a strong community within the department and share my passion for real estate with others, while gaining valuable experiences that will shape my career. My overall goal is to provide new and prospective students with the resources they need to succeed in the corporate world."

Courtney Begoon

"A goal I have as an ambassador for the Blackwood Department of Real Estate is to meet and connect with as many classmates and future Hokies as I can! I felt very welcomed and encouraged last year as a freshman and I want to do the same in the coming years! I am excited to meet many new people and continue sharing my love of real estate."

Kaitlyn Dubé

“I am proud to serve as an ambassador for the Blackwood Real Estate Department. My hope is to provide guidance and assistance to my peers about the unique opportunities available, whether that be attending an ICSC or ULI Convention, joining the Mulroy Real Estate Challenge Team, or becoming a member of the Real Estate Club. I encourage my fellow students to build connections through collaborating in classes and attending networking events. I look forward to meeting you soon!”

Brady McDonald

"I'm excited to share my passion for the Blackwood Department of Real Estate and the impact it has had on my growth as a student at Virginia Tech. I’m eager to connect with students and parents who are interested in the program's incredible opportunities. My goal is to inspire and build confidence in future students as they explore the vast world of real estate. I look forward to meeting prospective students and helping them discover all that this field has to offer!"

Allie Richards

"I'm super excited to be serving as an ambassador this year. I think this is a great way to get students excited, intrigued, and eager to learn about real estate: just like me! My goal this year as an ambassador is to show students and their families why real estate is a great option to study in college and the immense amount of opportunities the Blackwood Department of Real Estate has to offer. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone this year!"

Ian Trainor

"As a student ambassador for the Real Estate Department, I’m excited to provide information to the student body and prospective students about a department that’s become so important to me over the past few years. Studying real estate at Virginia Tech has been an amazing experience and has provided me with opportunities I never would have thought possible. I look forward to meeting all of you."

Justin Folkman

"I'm thrilled to be a Peer Mentor because I'm passionate about helping incoming students navigate through their transition to Virginia Tech, just like others did when I was in their shoes. As a rising junior in Real Estate, I'm eager to support you in finding your path, making the most of every opportunity, and enjoying a successful college experience."

Jackson Giovara

"I'm thrilled to be a Peer Mentor because I'm passionate about helping incoming students navigate through their transition to Virginia Tech, just like others did when I was in their shoes. As a rising junior in Real Estate, I'm eager to support you in finding your path, making the most of every opportunity, and enjoying a successful college experience."

Zach Girardi

"I am from Millbury Massachusetts, going into my senior year at Virginia Tech. I am a double major, majoring in Real Estate Finance and Commercial Development and Investments. On campus I am also involved in the Real Estate Club, Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity and the National Society of Leadership and Success. This will be my first year as a peer mentor for the Real Estate Department and I look forward to the opportunity!"

Katie McCullough

"I am very excited to be in my second year as a peer mentor for the Blackwood Department. I am looking forward to continuing to connect with our new students and providing a supportive environment as they begin this new chapter in their lives. I aim to provide professional, academic, and personal guidance while sharing helpful resources, services, and opportunities to assist in the student’s development and education within our department."

Molly Strout

"As my third year as a peer mentor, my goal is to continue to create a welcoming space for new students to seek guidance with their transition into college. I look forward to creating a supportive space that fosters a sense of community and confidence among Real Estate students."