Meet The Team
The Lion’s Pantry Leadership
This passionate group of student leaders serves The Lion’s Pantry and upholds its mission. From securing volunteers and donations to managing our website, these students are committed to ensuring that their peers are supported and fed. The Pantry remains a student-led resource within the Penn State community.
Juan-Rodrigo Solares
President
Hometown: Guatemala City, Guatemala
Biography: Rodrigo started out as a general volunteer beginning his fall semester. Starting his spring semester, he began working as a pantry manager and was soon joined the executive board as Cub Pantry Coordinator as he wanted to take on a new role with new challenges. He soon embarked on this new position within the organization, overcoming challenges and expanding the cub pantry system on campus. He is now the vice president, eager to help the organization and expand it!
Madison Jackson
Vice President
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Biography: Madison Jackson is The Lion’s Pantry’s Vice President! In the past, Madison served The Pantry through her roles as a volunteer and Outreach Director. This year, she hopes to create more opportunities for student engagement and volunteerism at The Pantry!
Hanna Kline
Treasurer
Major: Biochemistry and German
Hometown: Elizabethtown, PA
Biography: Meet Hannah Kline, The Lion’s Pantry’s Treasurer! Although this is her first role with The Pantry, Hannah has experience managing funds through Penn State’s Science Olympiad. At home, she dedicates her time to an organization that helps provide children with adoption grants. She is excited to place food orders and receive donations at The Pantry. Welcome to the team Hannah!
Julian Mueller
Facility Director
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Tarrytown, NY
Biography: Julian has been an avid volunteer at his local community food pantry for many years, so it was only natural for him to get involved with the Lion’s Pantry at Penn State. He first joined the Lion’s Pantry as an intern in the Fall of 2022, and through this experience, decided to take on a broader role as part of the executive board. Julian wants his fellow students to know that the Lion’s Pantry is a welcoming place and an incredible resource to those that may need a helping hand. Julian looks forward to brainstorming sessions with his peers and finding new ways to retool operations to make the pantry the very best it can be!
Katie Martell
Secretary
Hometown: State College, PA
Biography: Katie Martell is returning to serve another term as The Pantry’s Secretary! Prior to her role as Secretary, she was a volunteer at The Pantry. Katie is excited to continue her service to the community; one of her goals for the upcoming semesters is tofocus on community outreach and student engagement.
Maddalyn DiMichele
Engagement Director
Major: Labor and Human Resources
Hometown: Cranberry Township, PA
Biography: Maddalyn is a positive, energetic, and optimistic student that is excited to be a part of Lion’s Pantry’s Executive Board. She is looking forward to working with the team and connecting with every member!
Thomas Breil
Outreach Director
Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; minoring in Chinese and Health Policy and Administration
Hometown: Rome, NY
Biography: Thomas is excited to exercise his abilities as an advocate for The Pantry and to explore the potential for new collaborations that can benefit The Pantry and all UP students! This is his first year with The Pantry and he is eager to uplift students and make a positive change in the community.
Meaghan Collins
Facilities Director
Major: Psychology, Minor: Rehabilitation and Human Services
Hometown: Yardley, PA
Biography: Meaghan Collins is The Pantry’s new Facilities Director! She chose to dedicate her time to The Pantry because she wants to make a direct impact on the State College community during her time as a student. She is excited to work with The Pantry’s interns and volunteers to make sure The Pantry runs smoothly. Welcome, Meaghan!
Tejas Gatehouse
Food Access Director
Major: Finance and Philosophy
Hometown: Short Hills, NJ
Biography: Tejas is a sophomore finance and philosophy major involved with The Lion’s Pantry as the Food Accessibility Director. He is also involved with the business clubs Old State Realty and Leveraged Lion Capital. His favorite hobbies include cooking and running!
Maxwell Rennenberg
Food Drive Director
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Yardley, PA
Biography: Meet Max Rennenberg, The Pantry’s Food Drive Director! This is Max’s first role within The Pantry, and he is eager to share his ideas and hopes for The Pantry’s future. This position appealed to him because he wanted to be a part of the food drive process and help organize it.
The Lion’s Pantry Communications Team
Makenna Labor
Communications Director
Major: Advertising, Minor: Digital Media Trends and Analytics
Hometown: Leonardtown, MD
Biography: Makenna Labor serves as The Pantry’s Communications Director. She is entering her senior year in the Bellisario College of Communications. Her main focus is maintaining The Pantry’s social media presence and coordinating brand cohesion across all platforms. She also guides the Communications Team regarding upcoming projects and new communications initiatives. Her favorite part of working with The Pantry is the collaboration! When Makenna isn’t behind a computer screen, you’ll find her sailing with friends at Stone Valley!
Justin Choi
Web Design Intern
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Fairfax, Virginia
Biography: Justin is currently a juinor majoring in Computer Science tasked with the maintenance of the Lion’s Pantry website. As a part of the Communications Team, his job is to ensure that the website stays updated and easy to navigate for anyone who needs information about the Lion’s Pantry.
