About UD Alternative Breaks
Mission, Vision and Values
The University of Delaware Alternative Break (UDAB) organization immerses student-led teams in direct service and experiential learning with community organizations to increase knowledge of social justice issues and encourage life-long active citizenship. UDaB programs consist of a weeklong experience to work with a community over winter or spring break. Each program has a focus area that ranges from the environment to domestic violence to disabilities and much more, and involves significant education of such focus area(s) before, during and after the alternative break. Partial scholarships are made available based on financial aid.
Mission and Vision
UDAB focuses on promoting social justice by providing opportunities for students to engage in mutually beneficial service with a vision to develop a community of active citizens.
Core Values
- Community
Our work strives to build an abundant community, recognizing the unique gifts and talents of every member. It strives to create equitable, inclusive and intentional spaces. - Diversity and Social Justice
Our work strives to be welcoming and to value all people, not despite, but because of our differences. We value the strength in perspectives within diverse groups of people, and we do not see our work possible without learning from one another. Our work is built around equity and inclusion, ultimately contributing to the goal of a socially just world. - Mutually Beneficial Service
Our work strives to create partnerships that address community-identified needs and support local community organizers, while promoting an educational and developmental experience for student participants. We work in solidarity with the community organizations and individuals we encounter, striving to promote allyship and engagement before, during and after the alternative break experience. - Intentionality
Our work strives to align our mission and vision with all four actions. We aim to cultivate values-based decisions and leadership.
History
UDAB began in 2010 and piloted its first program during the 2011 spring break. In that first year, 92 students participants and 12 student leaders traveled to five communities to pursue service projects. In 2017, 538 student participants and 56 student leaders traveled to 24 communities over winter and spring break, contributing almost 18,000 hours of service and learning an immeasurable amount from those they served.
Please Consider a Donation to UDAB
UDAB has been the recipient of support from the families and friends of participants. We are grateful for all the support from the University community and contributions from donors.
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Meet UDAB Leadership
Student Directors
Connor Coyne
he/him
Hey there! My name is Connor Coyne and I am a senior biomedical engineering major from Baltimore, MD. Through UDAB, I have been able to aid in environmental disaster relief in Puerto Rico and learn about the fight against housing insecurity in New Bern, NC. UDAB has given me the opportunity to meet many amazing people and connect with different communities. This year, I am excited to serve as a UDAB Student Director and help engage people in social justice through service!
Olivia Hayes
she/her
Executive Board
Danielle Blachar, Fundraising Chair
she/her
Hi! My name is Danielle Blachar (she/her) and I am a senior from Westchester, NY. I am majoring in Elementary Teacher Education & Multilingual Learner Education with a minor in Leadership. I’ve been involved with UDAB throughout my time at UD as a program participant with Habitat for Humanity and Gwen’s Girls, a site leader with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and on the exec board! Apart from UDAB, I am involved on campus as a Blue Hen Ambassador, SNF Ithaca Student Leader, Siegfried Fellow, Access:Ability Scholar and director for the UDance Dance Marathon. As the fundraising chair, I’m looking forward to utilizing my passion for service along with new ideas and perspectives to support the growth of UDAB!
Marykate Sharkey, Social Media and Marketing Chair
she/her
Hi everyone! My name is Marykate Sharkey, and I am a third-year Leadership major with a concentration in Non-Profit Management. I have had the privilege of participating in two UDAB programs and being a site lead for one so far; each UDAB program I have been a part of has been a truly life-changing experience where I have met the most incredible people. This year, I am serving as the Social Media and Marketing Chair, and I am so excited to get to experience another part of UDAB and make the biggest impact I can!
Josalyn Stack, Recruitment Chair
she/her
2026 Winter Site Leaders
Allie Briggs
she/her
Hi! My name is Allie Briggs. I am a senior PR Communication major with Advertising and Event Management minors, and I am from Hingham, MA! I’ve been a part of UDAB since my sophomore year and have had the amazing opportunities to serve on two UDAB programs, one being Puerto Rico! Outside of UDaB, I am the President of The Women’s Network, an executive board member of PRSSA, an FYS Peer Mentor and a member of Greek Life. I am so incredibly excited to serve as a site lead this year and make lifelong friendships and memories with you all :))
Aidan Lam
he/him
Hi UDAB! I am a junior History Major from New York and I am very excited for this upcoming year of service. I have been on a winter and spring program. Both were great experiences and I can’t wait to be back at it. I am very excited to meet the participants and work with my fellow site leads on what will be a great year for UDAB.
Mia Sebak
she/hers
Hey y’all! My name is Mia Sebak, and I am from Morrisville, North Carolina which is just right outside Raleigh (the capital). I am a senior Sports Health major on my way to getting a Masters in Athletic Training. I am hoping to one day become an athletic trainer for the NFL. In addition to UDAB, I am also involved in other areas of the Leadership and Service Office, and I am completing the Community Engagement Scholars program here on Campus. I have been on three other UDAB spring programs in the past (two of which I was a site lead for :)), and I am excited to be a site lead for this year’s winter program to Puerto Rico working on disaster relief!
2026 Spring Site Leaders
Jordyn Blachar
she/hers
Hi everyone! My name is Jordyn Blachar and I’m a sophomore Psychology & Public Policy major from Katonah, NY. Here on campus I am a QUEST Peer Mentor and a Tour Guide and I’m involved with Hillel and UDance! This past Spring I participated in my first UDAB program in New Bern, NC and had the most incredible experience. I can’t wait to become a Site Lead with my amazing peers, learn more about service, and share these experiences with all of you!
Sofia Caamaño
she/hers
Hey everyone! My name is Sofia Caamaño and I’m a third time UDaB site leader. I led the Chesapeake Bay Foundation program my first year and the Jonesville, VA program my second year. I’m a senior kinesiology major with a minor in strength and conditioning. I’m an active member of PEK, the kinesiology frat on campus, and planning on completing Tier 4 of BHLP. Some of my favorite things include smiskis, going to a good flea market, hanging out with friends, RnB/hip-hop music and exploring new restaurants. I’m super excited to meet everyone and lead my third and final program!
Mary Connolly
she/hers
Hey! I’m Mary Connolly and I’m from Canton, MA. I’m a sophomore Psychology major with minors in Human Development & Family Sciences (HDFS) and Education. In Spring 2025, I was a participant in the New Bern program and am thrilled to be joining the site lead team to continue my passion for service during my time at UD! Outside of UDAB I’m a dancer in DRDC, a member of Alpha Epsilon Phi and a coach of Learn to Skate and Learn to Play Hockey for kids at our rink on campus. I’m so excited to experience more of the magic of UDaB and help others find their passion for community involvement and service this year.
Katie Friedman
she/her
Hi everyone! My name is Katie Friedman and I am an Honors Nutrition and Medical Sciences major from Seattle, WA. On campus, I am involved in QUEST as a peer mentor, USingers, Blue Hen Leadership Program (BHLP) and Yoga Club! In my free time I enjoy spending time outdoors and with friends, thrifting, and reading! Over winter of 2024, I went with UDAB to Puerto Rico on a service program and made tons of incredible friends and had the most incredible experience doing service and interacting with the local community. I can’t encourage you to go on a UDAB program enough, and am so excited to meet you all as a spring site lead!
Ryan Gellner
he/him
Hi all! My name is Ryan Gellner and I am an environmental science major with two minors in insect & wildlife conservation and geography! This is my third UDaB program so far, with my first one as a participant at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and my second one as a site leader at Bread for the City! Outside of UDaB, I am a Resident Assistant on campus and am involved in other organizations, like UDance and organizations related to my college! I am thrilled to be a Spring site leader and to continue learning about social justice issues!
Kate Hall
she/her
Hi! My name is Kate and I am a Senior majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology. This will be my third UDAB program! I was a participant in New Bern and a site leader for CBF this past Spring. I love UDAB because it provides students with opportunities to challenge themselves, build connections and make an impact with a number of communities and organizations. I’m so excited to meet everyone and share this incredible volunteer experience!
Peter Macyko
he/him
Hello everyone! My name is Peter Macyko and I am a junior majoring in Kinesiology and double minoring in Strength & Conditioning and Health & Wellness from Southern Maryland. I have been a part of this past Spring UDAB program and I loved the experience and community so much I want to be a part of more! I’m lucky and honored to be a part of different clubs and organizations at UD, such as the UD’s Emergency Care Unit, PT interest club and the Y-Chromes all-male a capella group. I love being a part of my UD community and building close connections with fellow students and mentors!
Ethan Roseman
he/him
Hey! My name is Ethan Roseman and I am a Junior Biology and Medical Scholars major from Mount Laurel, New Jersey. Outside of UDAB, I am also involved in the Medical Scholars program, I’m a QUEST peer mentor and I’m a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. My favorite things to do in my free time are play golf, hang with friends, watch movies and go to the gym. During my sophomore year, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in our New Bern program during my spring break. We partnered with Habitat for Humanity and explored redlining within the community.
Luke Ryan
he/him
Hey everyone! My name is Luke Ryan and I am a sophomore majoring in construction engineering and management. At UD I am involved in many things from club cycling and various intramurals to being an RA. I got to experience UDAB for the first time in the spring of 2025 when I participated in the spring break program and got to help volunteer with Habitat for Humanity in New Bern NC. I am very excited to lead my first program this year and help others experience all the good that UDAB does.
Kiersten Schmitt
she/her
Hi everyone! My name is Kiersten Schmitt and I’m an environmental engineering sophomore from Burke, VA. I’ve had the opportunity to participate in two UDAB programs so far: disaster relief in Puerto Rico and bay restoration with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Outside of UDAB, I’m a member of Engineers Without Borders and I enjoy reading, writing and drawing. I’ve learned a lot from UDAB and made some great friends, and am excited to lead my first program this spring!
Sasha Sehgal
she/her
Hi everyone! My name is Sasha Sehgal and I am a sophomore environmental engineering major with a civil engineering minor. On campus I am service secretary for Alpha Phi Omega, an RA for South Academy and of course involved in UDAB! I had the incredible experience to participate in the Puerto Rico program last winter where I learned more about creating sustainable change and engaged in disaster relief. I am beyond excited to lead my first program and explore how myself and others can better support the communities around us!
Brianna Walters
she/her
Hey everyone! My name is Brianna Walters, and I’m from Long Island, NY. I’m a third-year Applied Molecular Biology and Biotechnology major with minors in Medical Diagnostics and Neuroscience. At UD, I’m involved in the Biotechnology Club and intramural sports. I’ve had the privilege of participating in two UDAB programs, each of which has helped me grow as a person. Through these experiences, I’ve learned a lot about social injustices and how I can apply that knowledge to make a difference in my community. I’m excited to be a spring site leader this year and can’t wait to have fun with everyone! 🙂
