The Team

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Inspired by our own college dining experiences, the Eat Together team is made up of a group of students passionate about changing the university dining scene to strengthen the bonds and experiences that form. Here’s a little bit about us!

Co-Founder + Director

Eric Xiao

As a freshman new to Seattle, it was difficult for me to make new friends on campus. This is why I started Eat Together: to help others make new friends with ease and experience the joy of bonding over food! Don't hesitate to reach out if you want to learn about my experiences leading Eat Together or if you actually want to "eat together" (bah dum-tse ;) )!

Favorite food:

Sichuan hot pot!

Development Lead

Navneeth Dhamotharan

Hey! I'm Navneeth, a Sophomore intending to major in informatics or Computer Science. I joined the Eat Together team as I wanted to make a difference in mitigating the loneliness some students feel as they enter university. In my free time, I love to code, play football (soccer) and practice music on my keyboard.

Favorite food + restaurant rec:

Ghee Roast Dosa and Coconut Chutney- Saravana Bhavan, Chennai

Strategist

Natashia (Tashia) Lo

I joined Eat Together because I wanted to contribute to Eat Together's mission and growth! Their concept is really cool and I wished I knew about it sooner because it is definitely a very easy way to meet people!

Fun fact:

I lived in Thailand for 12 years!

UI/UX Lead

Mumtaz Sheikhaden

Hey! My name is Mumtaz, I'm a junior in Informatics. I’m passionate about connecting people and creating a welcoming community. I joined Eat Together to bridge the gap between my peers, while also creating and designing technology! Additionally, I am an undergrad researcher at the Doty lab (sefs). In my free time I love to play/watch basketball and learn interesting facts.

Favorite food:

Mac and cheese, Kato Kato (Somali food) 😋

UX/UI Designer

Ruweyda Abdi

I joined Eat Together to become more involved in campus life, use my skills to make a difference, and have fun!

Fun fact: I have lots of red panda plushies and themed red panda items!

Developer

Daniel Bejar

I joined Eat Together because I love the idea of bringing people closer through shared meals and meaningful connections. It’s exciting to work on something that can make a positive impact in people’s lives.

Fun fact:

I can cook minute rice in 59 seconds

Developer

Spencer Gardner

Hello! I'm Spencer, a junior studying Informatics. I joined Eat Together because I believe food is a powerful connector, and it gives me the opportunity to help foster student connections through shared meals. Outside of school, I enjoy playing sports like basketball and soccer, as well as playing the piano.

Favorite food + restaurant rec:

Hot Pot, Dolar Shop

UX/UI Designer

Valentina Filizola

I joined Eat Together because the cohort program had a positive impact on me and made me feel more connected to others. I wanted to get more involved and help create that same sense of community for more students at UW.

Fun fact: I have moved 12 times!

UX/UI Designer

Sebastian Hriscu

Hi! I'm Sebastian, currently a first year studying Computer Science. I joined Eat Together because I wanted to get more involved on campus and also build up my skills in UX/UI and collaborative design. I also really love the culture that this app creates on campus especially because it can be really difficult at first to find your people, and I hope that through my contributions to this project I can help further that mission of giving students that easy opportunity to connect and find friends.

Fun Fact: I have pet chickens 🐔

Strategist

Alex Niu

I joined Eat Together as I truly believe that Seattle Freeze is something that can be beaten. I think there's a world of social possibilities at UW that apps like Eat Together can help students tap into. Excited to be here!

Fun fact:

i enjoy playing basketball