Student Activities
George Mason University

Progam Board Staff

Ana Barrenechea
Assistant Director of Student Activities -- Programming

What's up Patriots! My name is Ana Barrenechea and I have been a member of the Mason Student Activities staff since Spring 2007. I hail from the Annapolis, Maryland area but was born in Lima, Peru. I earned my B.A. in Government and Politics and Anthropology at the University of Maryland and my M.A Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from Virginia Tech. Prior to joining the Mason staff, I was the Assistant Director of Student Activities at the University of Virginia's College at Wise and prior to that I served as the Graduate Advisor to Virginia Tech's Program Board. I was also an ACUHO-I intern at the University of South Carolina.

I am one of the advisors to the Program Board working specifically with the President, the Special Events Committee, Every Freakin' Friday Committee, and.. I also chair the Welcome Week and New Student Days Committee, co-chair the University Homecoming Committee, and plan Summer Socials.

In my free time I enjoy traveling, going to the gym, and scouting out new restaurants. My favorite shows are Grey's Anatomy, Ugly Betty and anything on HGTV or Food Network. I love college basketball and always cheer for the Terps and Hokies. However, I am very excited to be at Mason and ready to catch the Mason Spirit. Go Patriots!

Aaron Whitehead
Graduate Advisor for Programming

What's up? My name is Aaron R. Whitehead and I'm a graduate advisor for Program Board. I'm from Hampton, Virginia and did my undergrad at James Madison University, where I received my bachelor degree of science with a major in psychology. Currently, I'm enrolled in the Counseling and Development Program at George Mason University with a concentration in Community Counseling. I aspire to become a relationships/marriage counselor and do individual counseling for young adults.

At James Madison University I worked with an independent organization called the R. Productions in promoting and coordinating various events around campus. I was also a member of the Association of Black Psychologist, and spent two years on a special events chair for Brothers Of a New Direction (B.O.N.D.) I spent a semester working in Admissions at Mason as well as a semester working on Special Initiatives and Projects as Graduate Assistant in Student Activities where I coordinated a Student Leadership Conference.

In my free time I enjoy watching football and basketball, lifting weights, and playing NBA LIVE. I have been known to always have my cell phone either in my hand or on my ear. I also enjoy Rap and R&B music, my favorite movies are all of the Fridays, Two for the Money, Tombstone, and the Oceans 11, 12, and 13 series. My favorite shows are The Sopranos (R.I.P.) and The Wire.

A quote I like to live by is "Life is too short to worry about the little things. There's always someone with more on their plate than you, so be greatful for what you have instead of ashamed of what you do not have."

Carita Marrow
Graduate Advisor for Programming

Carita is originally from Richmond, VA where she earned her Bachelors from Virginia Commonwealth University in the Arts with a concentration with Painting and Printmaking. She also earned a minor in Fashion Merchandising. Carita now is attending Mason's Masters of Arts' Management Program. While at Virginia Commonwealth University, Carita held several leadership positions including Co-Director of the Activities Programming Board. In addition, she served as a student ambassador, Vice President for Black Latino Student Alliance and Chair of Homecoming Semi Formal Dance. Her leadership experience led her to win VCU's Alumni Association award for her commitment to Student activities and the Richmond Community where Carita was given $1000.

When not planning and event, in her spare time, Carita enjoys hanging out with friends, shopping and organizing. Most of all she enjoys smiling, laughing, and making others laugh!

Will Thompson
Asst Director - Programming

Originally from Richmond, VA, Will (or Willis) went to the College of William & Mary for his bachelor's degrees in music and environmental studies and then M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration. Before coming to GMU, Will was the graduate assistant for the student programming board at W&M.

When he's not advising the program board, he enjoys playing and listening to music, traveling, art, and TV shows like Man vs. Wild and The World Series of Pop Culture. Will found he enjoyed college the most when he tried new activities and got involved in the campus life. He offers the following:
"Students who contribute to their campus form a deeper, more appreciative bond to their institution. Be active in the campus community and see how it makes you grow!"