Meet Mikey Mahoney: Inspired to Lead

Mikey’s legacy and the lasting impact of HuskyTHON on her journey

Like many freshman students, Mikey Mahoney was nervous about coming to UConn with its large campus and student body. “I didn’t know what to expect,” she remembered, “or what I would find that made me feel like myself.” Shortly after joining a nursing club, she was introduced to HuskyTHON, a year-long philanthropic effort at UConn to raise funds and awareness for Connecticut Children’s. Her interest was piqued, she signed up, and two weeks later, she was a Dancer Representative. “I felt like I found a spot where I could be myself, have fun at Trivia Nights, and do an amazing thing all at once.”

I never imagined a group of college students could come together to make something so inspiring.
Mikey Mahoney, Vice President of Internal Relations, HuskyTHON Management Team 2024-25

Growing into HuskyTHON leadership

Mikey’s role as a leader in HuskyTHON quickly grew. Her sophomore year, she took on the responsibility of Morale Captain, which in turn inspired her to interview for the Management Team. She spent her junior year “having the time of my life on the Internal Relations Team. I knew I had to continue for my senior year.” This year, she is capping off her HuskyTHON experience as the Vice President of Internal Relations.

Hard work leads to memorable moments

Mikey’s most memorable HuskyTHON moment was Night Of 2024, the 18-hour dance marathon and culmination of the year. “It was my first year on the Management Team, planning the event with my Internal Relations Team, and experiencing the magic of it all coming together for the first time.” It wasn’t just the fundraising reveal at midnight that made this her favorite moment. “It’s the year-long work we put in, watching it all come together, getting to see 4,000-plus college students dancing together, watching the Miracle Kids have a giant smile on their face, seeing their parents enjoy a day with much less stress, and witnessing everything our team had planned come to life.”

Connecting others to the cause

Mikey is a New Jersey native, but there’s no magic secret to her ability to connect her far-flung network to a children’s hospital several states away. “I just talk from the heart. Being passionate about something is the key step and I am so lucky to be genuinely inspired by HuskyTHON and Connecticut Children’s. I love talking about unique things the hospital has, like the curving hallways or the Love Your Melon vending machine. Talking about the Miracle Children at Night Of and the difference that we get to make in their lives—that is a feeling anyone can catch onto.”

Mikey Mahoney and a friends make their entrance into HuskyTHON 2024

Discovering a passion for pediatrics

When Mikey arrived at UConn, she knew she wanted to be a nurse, but wasn’t sure exactly what kind of nurse. Her experience with HuskyTHON helped her refine her career goals. “Over time, I watched my love for pediatrics grow. I’m happiest when I am with the Miracle Children, watching them laugh, hanging out with them on Night Of, and giving them a chance to be a kid.” She plans to pursue a career in pediatric nursing. “I look forward to transferring my love and inspiration I have found in HuskyTHON into my future nursing career and being the best nurse I can be for these kiddos.”

HuskyTHON has taught me that loving everything you do makes all the difference, and I hope to spread that energy throughout my life.
Mikey Mahoney, Vice President of Internal Relations, HuskyTHON Management Team 2024-25

Mikey’s Legacy and the impact of HuskyTHON

In her four years at UConn, Mikey has proven to be a talented and inspiring fundraiser, helping to raise over $100,000 for Connecticut Children’s—and her parents are her biggest cheerleaders. “They absolutely love the cause and adore how passionate I am about it. They share the mission of HuskyTHON and Connecticut Children’s with everyone they know.” When asked how she achieved so much, she said, simply, “I think the excitement you see on my face when I talk about how positive this organization has been for me, the passion I express when asking for donations and explaining the hospital, and the connection to my career are the reasons. It is heartwarming to see how many people can come together to do something great, and I am so thankful for the generosity I have been greeted with.”

This is Mikey’s final year on the HuskyTHON Management Team, but that doesn’t mean her commitment to HuskyTHON is ending. “I would love to continue giving back to the cause, whether by donating to friends at UConn for the HuskyTHON Donor Drive, contributing to Connecticut Children’s, or giving back through my future career. Every single person who donated to me made an impact, whether it was $1, $100, or $1,000. Every single donation changed a child’s life.”