OUR MISSION
The mission of The Academies by Harvard Student Agencies is to provide opportunities for high school students that transcend traditional classroom topics. We hope to be the connection between students from all backgrounds and Harvard-quality exploratory courses. Through collaborative work with peers across the globe and access to trained Harvard undergraduate instructors, we are dedicated to helping all students feel confident in navigating their futures.
OUR HISTORY
The Summer Business Academy was launched as an initiative under HSA Tutoring in 2014. Over the next four years, The Academies expanded rapidly, adding programs in new subjects. In 2018, The Academies was established as an independent agency within Harvard Student Agencies, the largest student-run business in the world.
We currently are proud to offer 10 different curriculums both on-campus and virtually to students around the world.
Meet the Team
Our executive team is composed of five Harvard undergraduate managers who directly oversee all aspects of The Academies. Our panel of advisors includes faculty at Harvard University, esteemed business professionals, and corporate members of Harvard Student Agencies.
Aidan Zaphiris
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Aidan is a rising junior in Winthrop House who is concentrating in Economics. He is originally from Boston, but is of Greek and Irish descent. He is a huge fan of all Boston sports and likes to play soccer in his free time. He is a Dunkin' Donuts lover and is strangely good at country club sports.
Sarina Sajjadi
OPERATIONS & STRATEGY MANAGER
Sarina Sajjadi is a rising sophomore in Quincy House on the Pre-Law track. She is Persian and lives in Toronto, Canada. She loves to read and watch film. Outside of The Academics, she loves playing volleyball, going to the beach, and spending time with friends. In her free time you'll find her decorating her dorm room or taking her 5th nap of the day.
Brandon Ukonu
OPERATIONS & PERSONNEL MANAGER
Brandon Ukonu is a rising sophomore from Houston, Texas concentrating in Economics. In his free time you'll probably find him practicing for his next football game, playing video games, or reading. He is also really into Basketball and hopes to one day get front row seats to watch Stephen Curry play.
Michael Mauro
CONSULTING MANAGER
Michael Mauro is a rising junior from Long Island, New York concentrating in Economics and hoping to go to Law School. Outside of HSA, Michael plays club ice hockey for Harvard and enjoys spending time outside or with friends. Michael also likes to travel and has been to 24 counties.
Kathlynn Yao
PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER
Kat is a rising sophomore from Shanghai, planning to concentrate in Neuroscience and Classics who will be living in Mather House. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing pickle ball, and going on long walks with friends.
Ian Kowalczyk
MARKETING ANALYTICS MANAGER
Ian is a first-year Polish student in Thayer from Dallas, Texas, concentrating in Mechanical Engineering and Economics. At Harvard, Ian spends his time designing mechanisms for microrobotics research and working with tech start-ups. In his free time, Ian enjoys late-night dinners at Felipe's and losing his work income on Kalshi.