Haley Massanelli leads the way for future students after overcoming hardships

By: Macie Morgan

Haley Massanelli began her leadership career at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), but not without hardships.

Massanelli lost her father during her senior year of high school in 2021. “Starting school at UAH soon after was difficult, but I have grown in so many ways during my time here,” she said despite her challenges. She decided to work hard, and her hard work paid off.

Massanelli is now majoring in accounting and has made the President’s List every semester, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. 

“Haley is one of the greatest students to go through UAH that I’ve seen honestly,” says Connor Francis, friend of Massanelli. Connor added that not only does she succeed in her classes, but also in on- and off-campus leadership and in her budding career.

While Massanelli proves to be an academic powerhouse, she is also excelling in launching her professional career. Massanelli serves on the Leadership Team as the communications director at UAH’s Baptist Campus Ministries (BCM). “Besides all [Massanelli’s on-campus achievements], Haley also puts in the time to meet with younger students by helping them study or by meeting up with them weekly,” says Francis. “I have seen Haley help so many people personally and give up her own time too. ...Haley will immediately reach out to new students who might feel lost or uncomfortable because they don’t know anyone.” 

Since her sophomore year at UAH, Massanelli has also been the corporate accounting intern at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Other than her assigned duties, Massanelli says she devotes her time to ensuring her team prospers in “any other capacity necessary.”

While not on UAH’s campus or at work, you can find Massanelli at her local church, where she serves as the leader of the Discipleship Ministry. Massanelli also volunteers with Awana, a worldwide nonprofit ministry, and children’s church where she mentors younger children.

Massanelli says she loves what she is studying in the College of Business (COB) at UAH. “The COB has been an amazing place for my college experience, and I feel very prepared to begin my career upon graduating,” Massanelli said.

Massanelli has succeeded in her classes while helping other students and serving as a leader and mentor to many. Her advice for other students is to find the positive in every situation, be kind, and always be eager to ask questions.

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