PRESIDENT
Bennett Parisi
Majoring in Electrical Engineering
Bennett Parisi is a Graduate Student studying Electrical Engineering at Cal Poly SLO. He began his time in Rose Float during Shock N' Roll, and has since worked mainly in the Electronics Department. Bennett is very excited to continue with Rose Float this year and is looking forward to making new memories with the entire team.
PRESIDENT
Allyson Jane Castillo
Majoring in Mechanical Engineering
I am currently a fifth-year Mechanical Engineering student at Cal Poly Pomona. I started off as a participant on the design team working on pod for the 2023 Road to Reclamation float. Then, I became the Pod Coordinator for the 2024 Shock N’ Roll float, which allowed me to develop hands-on experience in project management and problem-solving skills. I served as the Assistant Design Chair and helped design the boat on the 2025 Nessie’s Lakeside Laughs float. Most recently, I served as the Design Chair for the 2026 Sweepstakes Winning float, Jungle Jumpstart! I am excited to see what this new year will bring as this year’s President!
Daniel Botzbach
Majoring in Mechanical Engineering, Minoring in Mathematics
I'm Daniel, a fourth-year mechanical engineering major, with a minor in mathematics, and a third-year member of the Rose Float team! Since joining the program I've been a Construction team member for Nessie's Lakeside Laughs, a Design element lead for Jungle Jumpstart, and now serve as the Vice President on the SLO campus. My favorite memory in the program is of course hearing that our float won the Sweepstakes award on New Years Day in the early morning pouring rain. Outside of Rose Float, I enjoy coffee and baking at home!
Benjamin L. Philips
Majoring in Mechanical Engineering
Hello, I am a 5th-year mechanical engineering student at Cal Poly Pomona, and this will be my third float year. I worked in the hydraulics department for the previous two floats, as a lead and team member, where I had the opportunity to work in a great team and be part of the operating team on the Jungle Jumpstart float. I am looking forward to seeing what this team can accomplish for this upcoming float and to be there to support them.
CONSTRUCTION CHAIR
Lillian Panning
Majoring in Mechanical Engineering
Going into my fourth and final float, I'm super excited to lead the construction team and create more memories! I started working on hydraulics for our 2024 float, decapitated the Loch Ness Monster as a mechanism lead for 2025, and served as assistant construction chair last year. The people I've met in this program have become my family and I can't wait to use everything I've learned in my career as a mechanical engineer.
CONSTRUCTION CHAIR
Derek Gutierrez
Majoring in Mechanical Engineering
I am a 4th-year Mechanical Engineering Major. I joined this program in 2023 with my first float being Shock n' Roll. Last year I had the privilege of being a Mechanism Lead working on the Lemur and Jaguar mechanisms. I am excited to continue this year as the Construction Chair and lead the construction of another beautiful float. I have a love for all mechanical systems, and I plan on using my Rose Float and engineering experience to lead projects in a future career.
Kyriacos Philippou
Majoring in Aerospace Engineering, Minoring in Astronomy
One of my favorite memories in rose float has been deco week! My first deco week was last December and getting to see the float transform with all the flowers and decorations was so amazing. I also loved the opportunity to interact with so many people, it showed how much passion and enthusiasm everyone has for our float. Excited for another great float year!
Matthew De la Rosa
Majoring in Mechanical Engineering
Hey everyone! I am a fifth-year Cal Poly Pomona student and have been with the program ever since the 2024 Rose Parade season. I have worked on the Manta Ray mechanism for 'Shock n' Roll', the boat mechanism for 'Nessie's Lakeside Laughs', and developed the frog mechanism for 'Jungle Jumpstart'. This program has allowed me to grow as a person as I am able to collaborate with many amazing individuals to develop something everyone can enjoy when it goes down Colorado Blvd on New Year's Day. Being a part of our Rose Float team has been an unforgettable journey and I am excited to see where this year will take us.
Mark Boatman
Majoring in Mechanical Engineering
Jungle Jumpstart was my first float and the euphoria of watching the float go down Colorado Blvd. is an unforgettable experience. I've loved getting my hands dirty working on the float and I'm excited for this years float and to be able to watch it go down the parade route again on New Years Day and be able to say that I meaningfully contributed to it with my engineering experience.
Ryan Donner
Majoring in Electrical Engineering
This is my 3rd year in the Rose Float program and my second year as a mechanism lead. Last year I had the opportunity to design and lead the team to manufacture the macaw mechanism, where I gained so much valuable design, manufacturing, and leadership experience. Having grown up watching the Rose Parade with my family, it is incredibly rewarding to now play a role in bringing a float to life, and apply the information from my classes to enhance my learning.
Erin Wang
Majoring in Industrial Technology and Packing
Hi! I’m Erin, a fourth year Packaging major and Mech Lead from SLO. I’m passionate about the intersection of engineering, materials, and design, and I love how packaging turns scientific ideas into tangible, functional solutions that make people’s lives easier, especially in R&D, structural design, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. I joined Rose Float as a second year during "Nessie’s Lakeside Laughs", and I’ve really enjoyed the fun, the chaos, the problem solving, and getting to work with such an incredible team while seeing our ideas come to life from concept to completion. From working on Nessie's head turn and neck bend mechanisms to overcoming my fear of welding, I’ve learned a lot through each challenge and was grateful to be part of our first Sweepstakes win last year. Outside of school and Float, I’m involved in Epic fellowship, enjoy all things racket sports (lately pickleball), and am always down to explore ideas and try new things!
Paul Grey
Majoring in Biotechnology
I'm a judo instructor and competitor. I love finding late night restaurants to eat all over LA. I'm a huge One Piece fan. My favorite memory is working on the frog mech for Jungle Jumpstart and finally seeing it move on the float for the first time.
Angelica Lanfranconi
Majoring in Mechanical Engineering
I joined Cal Poly Rose Float as a team member in the hydraulics department for Jungle Jumpstart and was instantly hooked. I loved learning how each component worked together to make our animation system come to life, and I had so much fun getting my hands dirty plumbing all our different mechanisms and levers. When I'm not in the lab I like to play french horn and go hiking. I can't wait for another great season with our amazing team!
Julia Hughes
Majoring in Mechanical Engineering
Hello! My name is Julia Hughes, and I’m a junior studying Mechanical Engineering at Cal Poly Pomona. This year, I am serving as a Mech Lead in the Construction Department. Having grown up attending the Rose Parade every year, it’s special to represent Cal Poly Rose Float as a lead. My favorite parts of Rose Float have been manufacturing my mechanisms in the lab, working with fresh flowers during Deco Week, and getting Habit Burgers for team lunch.
Devin Gagnon
Majoring in Mechanical Engineering, Majoring in Physics
My first float was Jungle Jumpstart. I had a great experience and loved that even as a rookie, I was able to make meaningful, hands-on contributions to the float. I joined the hydraulics sub-team which gave me the opportunity to work on cool engineering problems, but I also made a lot of fun memories helping out the Deco department with whatever work they would give me. I’m excited to help build another beautiful float this year!
Jon Tuncel
Majoring in Mechanical Engineering
My first float with the program was Nessie's Lakeside Laughs, with my favorite memory from it being getting to mount the boat as the very first thing that I had worked on. A close second was getting to see the internals of Jungle Jumpstart all come together at once within a matter of days.
Ethan Normington
Mechanical Engineering
I joined Rose Float during Nessie’s Lakeside Laugh because of the strong sense of community it fosters. Through this experience, I gained hands-on engineering knowledge while also developing skills in problem-solving and leadership. One of my favorite memories was working on my own project within a team, taking ownership and seeing it come to life. I also enjoyed climbing through the float to help power everything, which made the experience feel especially immersive and rewarding.
Caitlin Williams
Majoring in Chemical Engineering
I am the hydraulics lead for this coming year. This is my third float and I'm very excited to be more involved in the program. I'm hoping to get closer with my team and to continue meeting more people. I've had lots of fun these past two years with everyone, especially the hydraulics team. I can't wait to see all that we accomplish this year!
Nathan Little
Majoring in Mechanical Engineering
This will be my 4th year in the program; I joined during Shock and Roll: Powering the Musical Current. Outside of this program, I spend my time rock climbing, reading, working with a local foundry, and making personal engineering projects.
Fisher Podrebarac
Majoring in Aerospace Engineering
My first float was Jungle Jumpstart, and my favorite memory has to be waking up at 6am on January 1st to go to the parade, hearing the good news that we won, telling my mom, and her not believing me till she saw it on the news
Karina Francis
Majoring in Electrical Engineering
I started out in Rose Float as a participant working on the ladybug mechs for the 2023 float Road to Reclamation. I then joined the electronics team for the 2024 float Shock n’ Roll. In my third year, I became Assistant Electronics Lead for the 2025 float Nessie’s Lakeside Laughs. Last year, I was Electronics Lead for the 2026 float Jungle Jumpstart. I am excited to continue working and apply what I have learned as Electronics Lead for the upcoming 2027 float.
DESIGN CHAIR
Sarah Vali
Majoring in Child Development
I am a third-year child development major and have been a part of Rose Float for the past three years. From working as a participant and team member during Nessie’s Lakeside Laughs, to leading the team that created the Jaguar and Sun Conures during Jungle Jumpstart, and now serving as Design Chair for the 2027 year, this program has become a meaningful part of my college experience. Through these experiences, I have gained invaluable experience in leading a team, collaborating with others, solving problems, and adapting to change. These are all skills I will continue to use as I pursue a career as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist. I am excited for my final year as we bring to life another extraordinary float!
DESIGN CHAIR
Kate Strickland
Majoring in Mechanical Enigeering
Hiya! I’m Kate, a fifth year Mechanical Engineering student at Cal Poly Pomona. I first attended Rose Float during Newcomer’s Day for 2023’s Road to Reclamation. I was instantly hooked; I knew that the Design department just felt right for me. I loved the idea of bringing our float to life through the design and production of the elements themselves. I had a blast working as an element lead on our dogs Doc and Mocha for 2025’s Nessie’s Lakeside Laughs, and I’m excited to take it up a notch and lead the team as Design Chair this year.
Lexi Breault
Majoring in Landscape Architecture
I am a fifth year at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, majoring in Landscape Architecture and graduating 2027. I was a volunteer in design for 2024's float Shock and Roll: Powering the Musical Current where I got hooked on the very first day. I then became a team member, and eventually moved up to Design Lead and Scales Cordinator for 2025's Nessie's Lakeside Laughs and 2026's Jungle Jumpstart. This year I am Assistant Design Chair ready to help wherever I can! I love how hands on Rose Float is and that it strengthens my problem solving skills which I will take into my future career as a Landscape Architect.
William A. Gideon
Majoring in Biotechnology
Hello! My name is William Gideon and I am excited to serve as the Assistant Design Chair for our 2027 float! This will be my third float after starting on Nessie’s Lakeside Laughs and this program has supported my professional development so much since then! What draws me back to this program is the opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment and being just unserious enough to keep having a good time. I look forward to collaborating with everyone and celebrating another year of student excellence!
“Let’s get this place HUMID!” - Bulbasaur
Celine John
Majoring in Biomedical Engineering
Hi, I'm Celine and the first float I ever worked on was Jungle Jumpstart. My love for art drew me towards design, and I'm excited to serve as a part of the team this year. Career wise, I'm strongly interested in cellular therapies. I'm so glad for all the people I have met in this program and cannot wait to meet our next batch of participants.
Xochitl Berber
Majoring in Food Science and Technology, Minoring in Culinology
My first float was Nessies Lakeside Laughs and I worked on both dog elements. For Jungle Jumpstart, I worked on the lemur, monkey, and robot elements. My favorite memory in rose float has got to be when the judges bell rang right after presenting Jungle Jumpstart. Even though it was pouring it made the float look so perfect and it just was a beautiful moment to celebrate all of our hard work.
Anna Forster
Majoring in General Engineering
I joined Rose Float last year with Jungle Jumpstart within the design department. while being a part of design team I was able to learn many different skills such as welding, shaping, and overall improve my collaboration skills. Through this program, I have met many people who have now become good friends and I look forward to many future experiences within this program.
Elisee Moreau
Majoring in Mechanical Engineering
My first float was Jungle Jumpstart 2026, where I spent most of my time helping bring the monkey and lemurs to life. My favorite memory was the end of design week, since it was the first real moment where everything came together. The float had its elements mounted, foam was sculpted and painted. It was a surreal feeling to see everyone's work finally come together into one massive piece.
Tova Ruben
Majoring in Mechanical Engineering
Hello! My name is Tova and I’m a second year Mechanical Engineering Major. I joined Rose Float as a participant last year for Jungle Jumpstart. I’m so excited to see a float from concept to fully formed, and to keep engaging with this amazing community!
Jennifer Hua
Majoring in Mechanical Engineering
Hello, my name is Jennifer! I am a Design Lead, and this is my second year in leadership.
My major is mechanical engineering, and this is my 6th year. My family had a tradition of watching the parade every New Year, so when I discovered the Rose Float program, I knew I had to join, and now it is my second home! My first float was Shock N Roll, followed by Nessie's Lakeside Laugh and Jungle Jumpstart, where I first started in leadership as Assistant Concealment Lead. My favorite memory was January 1, 2026, when we received the news that we won the Sweepstakes Award. It was raining and cold, but I remembered hugging and cheering with everyone around me, and at that moment, I felt true joy and camaraderie. Rose Float is my forever family, and I hope to come back every year!
Colin Root
Majoring in Landscape Architecture
I am a Mechanical Engineering student graduating this December. I started with Nessie’s Lakeside Laughs in 2025 in the design department before becoming a lead for the Upper Robot on Jungle Jumpstart. I am excited to continue expanding my leadership and engineering experience as a Design Lead with my 3rd float in this program!
Zander DeRenard
Majoring in Mechanical Engineering, Minoring in Materials Engineering
Hello! I have been so blessed to be able to be on our large construction and design teams for the pass 3 floats, in which I was the mechanism lead for a rocking boat mechanism on our 2024-2025 float, Nessie's Lakeside Laughs. I am so grateful to serve as the POD Coordinator for 2026-2027 for my last year at Cal Poly Pomona! The themed entertainment engineering industry is something I have dreamed to be apart of since elementary school, and this program has been a great outlet for that passion!
Keegan Gomez
Majoring in Architecture, Minoring in Sustainable Environments
I'm a 4th year architecture major and this will be my fourth year involved with the program. I was a participant for Shock and Roll and Nessie's lakeside laughs, then I worked on the jaguar and sun conures as a team member this past year. I'm studying abroad this year in Switzerland and Copenhagen but I'm looking forward to this float year as scales coordinator!
Alisson Mora
Majoring in Apparel Merchandising and Management
My favorite memory is during my first float, Shock n’ Roll. During Shock n Roll I developed a neoprene covering for the manta ray. I was draping and I needed a lot of help. It was so cool to have multiple leads helping me pin the shell in place.
DECORATIONS CHAIR
Aubrey Goings
Majoring in Architecture, Minoring in Sustainable Environments, Minoring in Music
My favorite thing about Rose Float is the joy we all have when we come together to create something amazing and representative of who we are as students in this industry; and because of that, I am so excited to see how wonderful my 5th and final float will be! I can’t wait to work with the Decorations team to discover new ways to collaborate with the other departments and learn how to expand what we are capable of. I am proud to bring the skills and experiences I have gained at Rose Float into a future career in themed entertainment or historical preservation architecture.
DECORATIONS CHAIR
Natalie Cano
Majoring in Computer Information Systems
I am a fourth year Computer Information Systems Major. My first ever float was Shock n' Roll and I have been inolved in the program ever since. I have served as Assistant Flower Fields Manager, Assistant Decorations Chair and I am very excited to be serving as Decorations Chair.
Elsa Panning
Majoring in Biological Sciences
I am a biology student at Cal Poly SLO and this is my fourth year in Rose Float and third year on the deco leadership team. From doing my first material test on Shock ‘n Roll to being assistant chair on Jungle Jumpstart, my favorite part of Rose Float has always been working with our interdisciplinary team. Outside of float, I play in the Cal Poly Wind Ensemble, serve as an orientation leader, bird watch, and study reptile ecology. I am so excited to make one more float with this group!
Taite Tephabock
Majoring in Animal Science - General
My first float was Jungle Jumpstart and it was a great combination of the 2 things I love most; flowers and animals! This is my 2nd year in Rose Float and I can’t wait to see what all of us come up with for this next year! I can’t think of a better way to spend my senior year!
Brittanny Andes-McCullough
Majoring in Agribusiness, Minoring in Accounting
I am an Agribusiness major with an Accounting minor, planning to pursue a career in accounting after graduation. I began volunteering with Cal Poly Rose Float in 2018 through my sisters’ involvement before me. Since then, I have gone on to take on a more active role within the program, gaining valuable experience in teamwork and dedication, and making so many friends along the way.
Conner Cunniffe
Majoring in Chemical Engineering, Minoring in Energy Engineering
I am excited to be working on leadership for our 2026 float! Jungle Jumpstart was my first float. I will keep the momentum of our sweepstakes win coming into our new float.
Sofia Wetherhold
Majoring in Landscape Architecture
Sofia is excited to continue her third year in Rose Float as the Material Testing Lead Assistant. Her first float was Nessie’s Lakeside Laughs and her favorite memory is meeting her friend Brittany when they were the only two who joined Deco that year. She loves being part of a creative and close-knit team and looks forward to another great year.
Grace Makahaube
Majoring in Mechanical Engineering
First float was Jungle Jumpstart, favorite memory would be finding out we got sweepstakes in the pouring rain. very cinematic 🙂↕️
Afton Philips
Majoring in Plant Science
Hey there! My name is Afton Phillips and this is my 4th year with CPRF! Some of my favorite memories with the program is waking up early in the morning to harvest marigolds and statice from the flower fields, where were always playing music and having a good time. Let me know if you're houseplant needs saving!
Phung Huynh
Majoring in Biology, Minoring in Chemistry
Hi, my name is Phung, and I serve as the Flowers Field Manager, where I help plan and grow the flowers used on the float. One of my favorite memories was during deco week, when I got to work on Nessie and glue split peas onto her for “Nessie’s Lakeside Laugh.”
Esther Chavez Hernandez
Majoring in Political Science
My first float was Jungle Jumpstart and my favorite memory was seeing the lemur and butterfly I had done some decoration tests for no longer being just a piece of cardboard but fully decorated on the float. Unpopular opinion, I also really enjoyed screening.
Natalie Tok
Majoring in Biology
I joined during Nessie's Lakeside Laughs and this year's float will be my 3rd. I really enjoy seeing the work all the different departments do come together during Deco Week!
Lindsey Hollandsworth
Majoring in Architectural Engineering
My first float was Jungle Jumpstart in 2025-2026, and I feel very proud to have been a part of such a hardworking Rose Float team. I really enjoy being in this immersive hands-on environment where I can get creative with all things organic! My favorite memory from Rose Float was Deco Week last year when I got to work on the tree frog element with my team and process a bunch of the mixes going all over the float! My favorite materials to work with are red chili flakes, ground coffee, and parsley.
Heidi Wiegmann
Majoring in Geology, Minoring in Soil Science
Hello! My name is Heidi and I'm super excited to be working as the Assistant Inventory Lead this year!! A bit about me is that I'm a pretty active person who likes hiking, running and rock climbing. My first float was Jungle Jumpstart and my favorite memory is this past Judging Day. I think Lunch Box looked even better with the rain :)
OPERATIONS CHAIR
Nikki Nittianadan
Majoring in Art & Design
I love watching the Rose Parade and when I decided to come to Cal Poly SLO it was a goal of mine to be part of this community. I love committing time to this program and being able to see a float I worked on drive through my hometown!
OPERATIONS CHAIR
Ki’ilani Versoza
Majoring in Industrial Psychology
This is my fourth year and I’ve been part of Rose Float since my first year, starting during the program’s 75th anniversary with Shock and Roll. For the past two years, I’ve been serving on the merchandise team, and now I’m stepping into the role of Operations Chair this year.
I’m truly excited not just for what we’ll accomplish as a team, but for how much I’ll grow personally through this experience.
Jose Lieras
Business Administration
I joined Cal Poly Rose float because I wanted to try something new during my freshman year. My first float was Jungle Jumpstart, the first ever sweepstakes winning float in Cal Poly history, and it was a huge inspiration to see what a fantastic team can achieve. I hope to carry that momentum into my time as assistant chair and help make this year a great one!
Alfred R. Hernandez Jr.
Majoring in Hospitality Management
I started my Rose Float journey with “Shock ‘n Roll,” where I found a strong sense of purpose and pride in the work. Watching that float come to life showed me the level of commitment, precision, and teamwork this program demands. This year will be my fourth float, and each year I have taken on more responsibility while continuing to invest in the program’s success. Outside of Rose Float, I serve in multiple leadership roles within the Greek Life on campus where I focus on building community and improving the student experience.
Beatrice Legayo
Architecture
Greetings and salutations, I’m Bea!
I’m an artist at heart who always found creativity as a way to express myself. Growing up, I was captivated by the Pasadena Rose Parade and how Cal Poly students turn imagination into these incredible, professional-level floats. In 2025, I joined the team with Jungle Jumpstart and met some of my most passionate and talented friends I’ve ever known. Now, as SLO’s PR and Graphic Design Lead, I’m excited to have the amazing opportunity to show how our organization embodies Cal Poly’s “Learn by Doing” philosophy and share the teamwork and dedication behind every float we bring to life! ☺︎
Belen De Jesus Sanchez
Majoring in Anthropology
Jungle Jumpstart was my first float, but it will forever be my favorite. The memories I’ve made with both long time friends and the new friends I met are ones I’ll cherish forever. Being able to see the progress of the float and seeing all the work and dedication we put in is something I’ll never forget.
Remi Lopez
Majoring in Biological Sciences, Minoring in Bioinformatics
I joined rose float as a participant on the 2026 float, jungle jumpstart, where I was able to meet some of my closest friends and gain new skills. One of my favorite memories has been being able to format our jungle jumpstart hood and input some of my ideas into the creation process. As this years merchandise coordinator, I cannot wait to create more memorabilia so everyone can keep a piece of this years float!
Cynthia Perez
Majoring in Hospitality Management
Hello!! My name is Cynthia and I am a Hospitality management major here at Cal Poly Pomona. This is my third year being involved with Rose Float, and it has honestly been one of the most memorable parts of my college experience. One of my favorite memories was working on Jungle Jumpstart and winning sweepstakes. It was incredible to see all our hard work come together and turn into something amazing. I’m super excited to make the most of my final year and see what new memories I'll get to make.
Rachel Wang
Majoring in Civil Engineering, Minoring in International Business
hi :D My first float was the 2025 float Nessie's Lakeside Laughs, though I did attend Deco Week for Shock n Roll. My favorite thing to do in Rose Float is to explain why I am PR Lead as an engineering major. I also love watching the Float get built from the ground up and help create the story that the general public gets to know.
Outside of Rose Float, I play in either the Cal Poly Pomona Orchestra or Symphonic Winds, and I swim.
Daisy Ayala Aguilar
Majoring in Architecture
Hi! I’m Daisy Ayala Aguilar, a 3rd year architecture student and Pomona’s Graphic Artist Coordinator for the 2027 Rose Float program. I love painting, knitting, crocheting, and baking as it’s how I like to destress from architecture. Rose Float is more than just a program to me, it’s family. I started in construction my first year, helping build an eel fin mechanism, then joined design my second year to help shape the highland cow and Nessie. I’ve also worked on the Jungle Jumpstart crewneck design and Lunchbox’s torso. Each experience has shown me how different every department is, and how well we can all come together. Even when challenges come up, everyone always puts their best foot forward to create something amazing year after year.
I’m excited to see what we create for 2027!
Joshua Ramirez Pacheco
Majoring in Hospitality Management
My first float was Jungle Jumpstart. Some of my favorite memories are the times I would be preparing the meals with hospitality and getting to serve others. It was also fun when merch has its stand because everyone wants to buy merch! Also the special events that the specail events team would come up with, spray paniting shirts and white elephant.
Michelle Wu
Majoring in Accounting
Hello! My name is Michelle and I'm a fourth year at Cal Poly Pomona pursuing my bachelors degree in accounting. My involvement in CPRF started during Shock n' Roll as a DECO participant then as DECO's inventory lead for Nessie's Lakeside Laughs and Jungle Jumpstart. I love how CPRF embodies the "learn by doing" motto, where I get to learn so many new and fun things outside of my major. My favorite memory every year is being with everyone that poured hours of work into the float and seeing it drive down Colorado Blvd with joys of excitement. During my free time, I like to build legos, scrapbook, watch K/C- Dramas and Studio Ghibli films, and cook.