Protect Our Pack is UConn’s university-wide bystander intervention program to educate our community on effective intervention methods for a problem. Training programs are interactive and cover a variety of issues including sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking, bias-related situations, and others. All incoming students receive an initial training program during orientation. Additional interactive Protect Our Pack educational programs are provided throughout the year upon request and are tailored to meet the specific needs of the student group, class, team, etc. Protect Our Pack is directed by Jenn Longa, Hannah Halloran, and Alanna Torres-Laboy.
Mission
To embolden Huskies to intervene when problem situations arise by providing accessible, comprehensive, and inclusive bystander intervention programming to all students.
Vision
To build and sustain a community free from harm.
About Protect Our Pack
What are Pack Leaders?
The UConn Pack Leaders are volunteer-trained students who provide educational programs to their peers on intervening in problem situations, particularly in issues of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and stalking. They also provide intervention strategies in bias-related incidents, hazing, depression and suicidality, and problematic substance usage. To become a Pack Leader students submit an application and are interviewed and screened by the Assistant Dean of Students for Victim Support Services and Bystander Initiatives, the Coordinator for Student Support Services and Bystander Initiatives, and the graduate student for the program.
Pack Leaders are required to attend training as well as weekly meetings and to commit to two semesters of participation. Pack Leaders are not expected to be experts on all related topics, but to have an understanding of the concerns facing students and a desire to help others realize they can make a difference by stepping in when problems arise.
What does Protect Our Pack do?
Pack Leaders and Dean of Students staff work together to provide training to students and employees on sexual violence, domestic/dating violence, stalking, and bias-related incidents. They raise awareness about resources and support for victims/survivors and educate the campus community on bystander intervention through social media, tabling events, and collaboration with other student organizations and university departments.
How do I request a training from Protect Our Pack?
To request a training program please submit a request here. For other questions, contact Jenn Longa, Assistant Dean of Students for Victim Support Services & Bystander Initiatives at jenn.longa @uconn.edu, contact Hannah Halloran, Coordinator for Student Support Services & Bystander Intervention at hannah.halloran@uconn.edu, or call 860-486-3426.
How do I become a Pack Leader?
We would love to have you join Protect Our Pack! To apply, please submit an application here. For other questions, contact Jenn Longa, Assistant Dean of Students for Victim Support Services & Bystander Initiatives at jenn.longa @uconn.edu, contact Hannah Halloran, Coordinator for Student Support Services & Bystander Intervention at hannah.halloran@uconn.edu, or call 860-486-3426.
Meet the Pack Leaders!
Alanna Torres-Laboy (she/her/ella)
Graduate Assistant, Dean of Students Office
Graduate Program: Higher Education & Student Affairs ’25
I joined Protect Our Pack because I believe in creating environments on campus where students feel safe, valued, and heard. The topics we bring awareness to provide students the resources to gain support through the situations they may face so in turn they can do well holistically.
Samantha Valle (she/her/hers)
Campus: Storrs
Major: Political Science and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
I joined POP because I am passionate about building safe and inclusive spaces where people can feel empowered. I am particularly passionate about raising awareness for campus sexual violence and I am grateful to have the opportunity to be apart of change to end toxic campus culture.
Jieun (Jin) Park (she/her/hers)
Campus: Storrs
Major: Physiology and Neurobiology (PNB)
Minor: Psychological Sciences
Protect Our Pack gave me the opportunity to get leadership and wider perspectives. I could learn more about the intervention strategies for bias, problematic substance usage and work with students from all of the campuses.
Dora Harag (she/her/hers)
Campus: Storrs
Major: Exercise Science on a pre-med track
I joined Protect Our Pack to get involved on campus and help educate people on the importance of healthy relationships!
Abigail Beran (she/her/hers)
Campus: Storrs
Major: Undecided
I joined POP to create a safer environment for students here at UConn, while being able to make a difference by being educated on how I can help other students.
Alyssa Bredefeld (she/her/hers)
Campus: Storrs
Major: Allied Health Sciences
I joined POP to help connect students with on-campus resources and to help create an inclusive and safe UConn community. One fun fact about myself is that I was an extra in a movie that will be coming out in February 2024.
Stan Cross (he/him/his)
Campus: Storrs
Major: Communication & Sociology
I joined Protect Our Pack because I believe that with my background I could contribute to the community around me and do my part to help others. I think that it is very important to be a part of something bigger than ourselves to encourage a safe environment.
Camille Gendron (she/her/hers)
Campus: Storrs
Major: Healthcare Management
I wanted to be able to to learn more about how to be helpful and cope with mental health struggles and sexual violence. I am a huge helper, so being able to take what I know and share that knowledge and experience with other people is very rewarding for me. I also wanted to become more involved on campus and I knew that Protect Our Pack would be a great step to take in helping me do so!
Amanda Moghadasi (she/her/hers)
Campus: Storrs
Major: Animal Science on the Pre-Vet track
Minor: Biology
Jenn had come and spoke to our team about becoming a pack leader and I think what really stood out to me was the ability to truly help make a difference in someone’s life. No matter what happens we are all human and no one should ever need to face difficult times alone and I feel that this group can do really great things and create those interpersonal relationships that people in those situations definitely need.
Chisomo Phiri (she/her/hers)
Campus: Waterbury
Major: Allied Health Sciences
Minor: Studio Art
I joined POP to make a difference on campus and support the student community!
Chloe Landers (she/her/hers)
Campus: Storrs
Major: Allied Health Sciences
Minor: Spanish
I joined POP because I wanted to meet new people and make new connections! I also want to work on creating the best environment possible here at UConn.
Eduen Smith (They/Them)
Campus: Storrs
Major: English
I joined Protect Our Pack because I just transferred to UConn and I wanted to contribute to my new community somehow. I’m very excited to get to work! A fun fact about me is that I have never had a hamburger, and don’t really have the desire to try one. If someone wants to try to change my mind let me know! I am interested in pursuing a career in public education.
MaryKate Ward (she/her/hers)
Campus: Storrs
Major: Allied Health Sciences
I joined Protect Our Pack to give back to the UConn community that has given so much to me. I wanted to educate myself, and have the ability to be an outlet for teammates, athletes and fellow students on current issues happening on campus everyday. Everyone deserves a positive, supportive environment and I hope to be a small part of that!
Lauren McAloon (they/them)
Campus: Storrs
Major: Animal science with a focus in livestock management
I joined Protect Our Pack because I want to know how to help other students in any situation and make sure they feel safe and comfortable on campus.
Melanie Luna (she/her/hers)
Campus: Storrs
Major: Sociology
Minor: Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
I joined POP because I wanted to get more involved on campus my sophomore year. I care deeply about the topics POP talks about, as well as creating a safer and more educated space for our community here at UConn. It’s important that as huskies, we work together to implement positive change around us! A fun fact about me is that I’m a leap year baby! (4 years old as of right now)
Taylor Tracy (she/her/hers)
Campus: Storrs
Major: Political Science
Minor: Crime and Justice
Why I joined: I was approached during the involvement fair and I thought it was a great way to get involved here at UConn and to better the UConn community. I also really liked protect our pack because it’s a safe space to talk and be there for others as well as spreading awareness for certain issues that are occurring in our community!
Kelly Sauter (she/her/hers)
Campus: Avery Point
Major: Marine Sciences
I joined Protect Our Pack because I believe education and awareness are the best tools to promote a safe campus experience for all.
Taylor Pannell (she/her/hers)
Campus: Storrs
Major: Biology and Communications
I joined POP because it’s a unique experience in which I can help foster a safe and educational environment for students, while also gaining a skill set that transcends beyond college. I hope to become a friend and a resource for those in need!
Norah Rome (she/her/hers)
Campus: Storrs
Major: Political Science
I joined protect our pack because I wanted to make a difference at UConn! I wanted to be able to help create a safe and inclusive space for everyone. I also joined to get involved here on campus and have the opportunity to meet new people!