The Unity Gospel Ensemble
Spreading the message of love, peace, and unity through song.
The Executive Board
Nicole Thomas, President
I am a junior here at Northeastern, born and raised in Philadelphia. I am Criminal Justice major, with a Psychology minor. I have been a member of the UGE since the beginning of my freshman year. I have served as Secretary and Vice President. Now I am honored, excited, and proud to serve as the President of the Unity Gospel Ensemble. In my time at Northeastern I have also served as a Lead360 Blueprint Mentor and as a Leadership Consultant.
So far I have completed one co-op at Wellington Management Company in the Legal and Compliance department here in Boston and I am preparing for my second at MIT Lincoln Lab. I have also done two Dialogue of Civilizations. My first dialogue was to Venice, Italy where I studied Art History & Photography and the other was to Grenada and Carriacou where I studied Afro-Caribbean Music and Ethnomusicology. I love music, good food, and being a Husky!
Daniella Kabongo, Vice President
I am a fourth year student at Northeastern. I grew up in the quirky town of Portland, Maine where the shorelines are beautiful, the air is crisp, and winter lasts until April. I have an avid interest in social justice issues and as such I am earning a combined major in Criminal Justice and Human Services.
I love to spend my extra time writing and reading, as well as engaging in clubs such as the Northeastern University Interfaith Council and volunteering for organizations like LIFT-Boston and The Haley House Bakery. I have a passion for music and praising God!
UGE has been my second family since I was a freshman and I have had the pleasure of serving as UGE's treasurer, president, and currently as the vice-president. I'm really looking forward to singing with you all in the fall!
Taylor Smith, Secretary
I am a junior Music History and Analysis major at Northeastern. While growing up in Connecticut, music was always my favorite thing whether I was in a musical at school or when I studied the piano and guitar. I guess that I always had the music in me! In addition to being a member of the NU Jazz Choir and Combo, I have also been a member of the Unity Gospel Ensemble since my sophomore year. This year, I am absolutely grateful for the opportunity to serve as the secretary for our tight-knit and loving UGE family!
Lily Tiarks, Treasurer
I am a second-year student at Northeastern with an English major anda math minor. I origninally hail from Santa Fe, New Mexico, and music has always been an important part in my life. I joined UGE in the spring semester of my first year at Northeastern, and I am so grateful to be a part of this loving community! This is my first semester serving as treasurer, and I will strive to always put the decimal point in the right place in our budgets.
DeVicka Cheston, Public Relations
I am a first year student at Northeastern, pursing a combined major in Human Services and American Sign Language. I was born in a tiny town in North Carolina, but I spent the better half of my life in Philadelphia, PA. Music has been a major part of my life since I was very young, and I've always had a special connection with Gospel music. UGE is one of the first student organizations I've had the pleasure to join at Northeastern, and I feel so blessed to have found such an enthusiastic, loving group of people. I am honored to be a part of UGE's E-board!
Jared Powell, Spiritual Leader
My name is Jared Powell. I am a third year student at Northeastern University. I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in Secondary education. I enjoy playing the drums, writing psalms, and old school movies. The thing I love the most is singing and music. The harmony between the two is such a work of art. In the future, I hope not only just to teach English in a middle school somewhere but also to make an impact in a child’s life.