Andrew Goodman Campus Teams
Our nationwide network of students and higher education administrators advocates for voting rights on campus through voter registration drives, voter education events, and GOTV activities.
Alabama A&M University
Campus Champion
Monica Clarke
Coordinator, Student Support Services
Monica Clarke
Coordinator, Student Support Services
Monica Clarke is the Freshman Academy Service Learning Coordinator and an adjunct English faculty member.
Team Leader
Kiarra Johnson
Class of 2020
Kiarra Johnson
Class of 2020
From Chicago, Illinois, Kiarra Johnson is a student at Alabama A&M University, where she is majoring in Political Science and minoring in Communications Media. She serves as a Student Activity Assistant, working with the Student Government Association. She was also the 2018-2019 Royal Court Assistant, was nominated Miss Phi Beta Lambda 2018-2019 for the Phi Beta Lambda Business Fraternity Inc., and is part of numerous other clubs and organizations on campus, like the Peer-To-Peer mentoring program. After graduation she plans to enroll in a MS/JD Program. She is so excited to be an Ambassador for The Andrew Goodman Foundation.
Ambassador
Myah Herod
Class of 2023
Myah Herod
Class of 2023
Myah Herod is a student at Alabama A&M University, majoring in Biology, all the way from Music City, Nashville Tennessee. Myah serves as the President of her residence hall and is the Secretary of her school’s Pep Squad. Myah is proud to call herself an Ambassador for The Andrew Goodman Foundation.
Allegheny College
Campus Champion
Andrew Bloeser
Assistant Professor of Political Science
Andrew Bloeser
Assistant Professor of Political Science
Andrew Bloeser is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Allegheny College in Meadville, PA. Before coming to Allegheny College, Andrew completed his B.A. at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and his Ph.D. at the University of Illinois. His research and teaching interests lie primarily in political behavior, participation, and mobilization.
Ambassador
Sydney Franciss
Sydney Franciss
Ambassador
Amya Ruiz
Class of 2020
Amya Ruiz
Class of 2020
Amya Rae Ruiz is a Community and Justice Studies major and an Education minor at Allegheny College. She is a part of The Andrew Goodman Foundation because she is dedicated to fighting voter suppression and mobilizing young people around in communities.
Ambassador
George Ackerman
Class of 2021
George Ackerman
Class of 2021
George Ackerman is an Environmental Studies and Economics major, graduating with the Class of 2021.
Ambassador
Samantha (Sammy) Darris
Class of 2021
Samantha (Sammy) Darris
Class of 2021
Sammy Darris is a student at Allegheny College, majoring in International Studies and minoring in Computer Science. At home in New York City, Sammy enjoys crocheting, coding, and exploring the city with her friends. At Allegheny, Sammy is involved with the Association for the Advancement of Black Culture as well as different dancing groups. In the future, Sammy would like to work at the UN and make migration easier and safer around the world.
Arizona State University
Campus Champion
Jacqueline Sandoval
Director of Programs, Pastor Center for Politics and Public Service
Jacqueline Sandoval
Director of Programs, Pastor Center for Politics and Public Service
Jackie Sandoval is a proud Arizonan and first-generation American. A graduate of Northern Arizona University, she most recently served as the Deputy Communications Director for the Democratic Caucus at the Arizona House of Representatives. She has served throughout all levels of government, supporting and advising elected officials on messaging strategy, policy and effective community engagement across the state.
Jackie is also active in Democratic politics, where she holds numerous leadership roles and applies her expertise in the voting trends of millennial, rural and women voters and fundraising infrastructure. She serves on the executive committee for the Arizona Democratic Party and as a delegate-at-large to the DNC Youth Council, where she represents the Western region of the country. She was elected as a Congressional delegate to the 2012 Democratic National Convention and advises various campaigns each election cycle.
Jackie is devoted to making a difference in her community. She currently serves on several boards, including the Maryvale YMCA, Phoenix Suns Charities, Catholic Community Foundation and Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona. Recognizing the power and responsibility of mentoring, she invests heavily in emerging leaders, empowering women and minorities to become civically engaged and working with organizations that create opportunities for underserved communities. She has received numerous recognitions for her service, including Univision’s 40 Hispanic Leaders Under 40 award. Jackie is determined to make Arizona a greater place in which to live and thrive.
Team Leader
Cyrus Commissariat
Class of 2021
Cyrus Commissariat
Class of 2021
Cyrus Commissariat is a proud Sun Devil majoring in Political Science, History and French with a minor in Sustainability. At ASU he is a member of the Next Generation Service Corps, an organization committed to fostering the next generation of public servants and leaders. Through this program, he has earned a full four-year scholarship and has taken classes on leadership and ethics. While working towards his degrees he has advocated for public education, civic engagement, and further explored his interest in education policy.
Ambassador
Trey Leveque
Class of 2021
Trey Leveque
Class of 2021
Trey Leveque is currently a student in Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University, triple majoring in Business (Global Politics), Business (Law), and Business (Public Service & Public Policy) and a certificate in Cross-Sector Leadership. Starting at a very young age and throughout his educational career, he has been extremely passionate about making an impact in his community and helping others understand the importance of civic engagement. This past year at Arizona State University in his role as Vice President of Policy for the Tempe Undergraduate Student Government, he worked to bring key civic engagement stakeholders together and advocate for more student voting access. He is extremely excited to continue this work as an Andrew Goodman Ambassador in the ASU Civic Engagement Coalition to help students be prepared for the 2020 elections and find ways to continue their civic engagement efforts after 2020. Trey plans to continue his education and pursue a Master’s in Public Administration in the near future with the goal of eventually running for public office at the state and federal level.
Ambassador
Alexis Sammon
Class of 2021
Alexis Sammon
Class of 2021
Alexis Sammon is a graduate student at Arizona State University pursuing a master's degree in public policy. She also holds a B.S. in Public Service and Public Policy from ASU. In her time as a Sun Devil, Alexis has been involved in campus organizations including Undergraduate Student Government and the Next Generation Service Corps. Through these organizations, she has been able to promote civic engagement on- and off-campus, and she is excited to continue this work as an Andrew Goodman Ambassador. Alexis hopes to eventually earn a Ph.D. in public policy and work on issues related to humanitarian relief and international development.
Ambassador
Anusha Natarajan
Anusha Natarajan
Anusha Natarajan is an undergraduate student at Arizona State University majoring in Sociology and History. At ASU, Anusha is involved in Changemaker Central, Barrett Honors College Council, and State Press. She is passionate for education equality, and would like to practice human rights and constitutional law in the future.
Ambassador
Ayesha Ahsan
Class of 2021
Ayesha Ahsan
Class of 2021
Ayesha Ahsan is a student at Arizona State University double-majoring in Economics and Sociology, with hopes to eventually attend law school. She has been involved with several political campaigns and advocacy organizations, such as the ACLU, and is passionate about activism and the empowerment of marginalized voices. Ayesha's interests also lie in nonprofit work and she currently works for an on-campus nonprofit called Changemaker Central, an organization dedicated to inspiring and catalyzing social change.
Bard College
Campus Champion
Sarah de Veer
Outreach Coordinator and Special Event Administrator
Sarah de Veer
Outreach Coordinator and Special Event Administrator
Sarah de Veer coordinates engagement opportunities both on and off-campus for students who are interested in community service, activism, voter rights, and science outreach. She is also one of Bard’s Transportation Coordinators, to help students get to those off-campus opportunities and academic fields for the Engaged Liberal Arts and Sciences classes. Before joining the CCE staff, Sarah earned her Bachelor’s degree through Bard’s Film Production and Electronic Arts department, specifically focusing in documentary and community connections.
Campus Champion
Erin Cannan
VP of Student Affairs & Deputy Director, Center for Civic Engagement
Erin Cannan
VP of Student Affairs & Deputy Director, Center for Civic Engagement
Erin Cannan joins the center staff after 15 years in the Division of Student Affairs at Bard. Erin arrived at Bard in 1995 as assistant dean of students/director of first-year students, responsible for orientation and student activities. She was promoted to dean of student affairs, responsible for the oversight of 12 departments within the Division of Student Affairs, and overseeing the work of the dean of campus life.
As deputy director of the center, Erin’s primary focus is on the development of local volunteer and internship opportunities. She facilitates local connections to school districts, government, and business while working to develop partnerships within the center network.
Erin earned her B.A. from State University of New York at Geneseo in 1992 and a master’s degree in student personnel services from Edinboro University.
Team Leader
Ava Mazzye
Class of 2020
Ava Mazzye
Class of 2020
Ava Mazzye is a student at Bard College where she studies Political Studies and concentrates in Latin American and Iberian Studies. She serves as a member of the Fiscal Committee in student government and in the leadership of Bard Democrats. Ava became interested in the politics of voting after working on the Zephyr Teachout for Congress Campaign and serving as a Poll Worker during the 2016 elections.
Ambassador
Rhayne Orta
Class of 2023
Rhayne Orta
Class of 2023
Ambassador
Katarzyna (Kathy) Gaweda
Class of 2021
Katarzyna (Kathy) Gaweda
Class of 2021
Kathy Gaweda is a student at Bard College, where she is studying Global and International Studies. She began interning with the Vote Everywhere team at Bard in February of 2018 and officially became an Ambassador in September 2018. Besides her work with AGF, Kathy works at Bard's Center for Civic Engagement. Kathy is so grateful to be working with AGF and is looking forward to making a positive change on Bard's campus.
Baylor University
Campus Champion
Mito Diaz-Espinoza, Ph.D.
Associate Director for Civic Learning Initiatives, Academy for Leadership Development
Mito Diaz-Espinoza, Ph.D.
Associate Director for Civic Learning Initiatives, Academy for Leadership Development
Dr. Zaragosa “Mito” Diaz-Espinoza is originally from Waco, Texas. He completed his undergraduate studies at Texas A&M University, then went on to receive a Master of Science in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Baylor University and completed his Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The title of his dissertation is “I’m here for a reason: Motivational factors of first-generation Latino males to attend college”. Dr. Diaz-Espinoza currently serves as the Associate Director for Civic Learning Initiatives in the Academy for Leadership Development at Baylor University which focuses on engaging undergraduates in leadership, service, and civic initiatives. He has worked in the areas of first-generation college student support, admissions and recruitment, academic advising, and diversity programs. His career includes working at a community college, a state educational agency, and both public and private four-year universities.
Team Leader
Alan Bond
Alan Bond
Alan Bond is originally from San Jose, California, and is currently studying Political Science at Baylor University. Previously serving as the External Vice President for Student Government, he is highly committed to serving students and others to make sure all voices are heard. He is a part of many on-campus organizations including Pre-Law Society, as his graduation plan is to attend law school with future aspirations to be a prosecutor at his local District Attorney’s office.
Ambassador
Konnell Woods
Class of 2021
Konnell Woods
Class of 2021
Konnell Woods is studying Political Science at Baylor University. Originally from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Konnell developed his high level of commitment to serving others with the help of 6 siblings and his parents, John and Jerline Woods. Konnell currently serves as the Vice President of NAACP, while being apart of many on-campus organizations. After graduation, he plans to go straight to law school and positively impact social justice efforts today.
Bergen Community College
Campus Champion
Angie Goldszmidt
Honors Program Coordinator
Angie Goldszmidt
Honors Program Coordinator
Ambassador
Robin Yoo
Class of 2020
Robin Yoo
Class of 2020
Han Eul (Robin) Yoo is an honors student at Bergen Community College completing an associate’s degree in Philosophy. At his first year at Bergen, Robin volunteered as an International Conversation Partner, and placed 1st in Bergen’s 11th Annual Speech Competition. The following year, Robin was elected to serve as Chief Justice of the Student Government Association and be the student voice for student conduct, safety, and equity. Additionally, Robin serves as Chair of the Elections Committee and Co-Chair of the Breathe Clear Campus Taskforce, utilizing grant-funding to change the college’s smoking policy and provide cessation resources for smokers struggling to quit. Outside of school, Robin volunteers at Pony Power Therapies, a non-profit in his hometown of Mahwah, NJ. As Director of Service of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Robin also helps to coordinate volunteer events and promote civic engagement. Robin hopes to earn a bachelor’s degree in Moral Philosophy and continue to law school so he can fight for people’s rights and fight against injustices. In his free time, Robin enjoys going to shows, rock climbing, and exploring new places to eat and drink.
Ambassador
Jenna Santacroce
Class of 2020
Jenna Santacroce
Class of 2020
Jenna Santacroce is studying Environmental Policy at Bergen Community College. She is an active environmentalist both on and off-campus and has founded her college's Sustainability Association, presented her research at international conferences, and completed a coastal conservation internship program in Thailand. She is interested in civic engagement, specifically policy and legislation, because she recognizes that humans' quality of life is declining due to pollution and resource depletion and believes that new policies will be most effective in stunting human-induced damage. After earning her doctorate in Environmental Leadership, Jenna plans on working for the United Nations in environmental affairs to help better living conditions for people worldwide.
Binghamton University
Campus Champion
Alison Twang
Associate Director, Center for Civic Engagement
Alison Twang
Associate Director, Center for Civic Engagement
Alison Handy Twang is the assistant director at the Center for Civic Engagement. In this role, she is broadly responsible for promoting, developing and expanding community engagement opportunities for students. Alison oversees a number of community engagement initiatives, including the Bridging the Digital Divide Project, campus political engagement efforts and CCE's partnership with Promise Zone Community Schools. Before joining CCE, she worked in the nonprofit sector, focusing on philanthropy and student and young adult civic engagement. She received her bachelor's degree in political science and master's degree in public administration from Binghamton University and is currently pursuing her PhD in community and public affairs. She serves as president of the board of directors for the YWCA of Binghamton/Broome County and as a member of the advisory committee for the Rural Health Service Corps/AmeriCorps program. She currently resides in Binghamton with her husband, Dylan, and their chocolate lab, Keene.
Ambassador
Rochelle (Shelli) Cohen
Class of 2021
Rochelle (Shelli) Cohen
Class of 2021
Shelli Cohen is a math major at Binghamton University and is hoping to get her Master’s in Public Administration in the near future. She hopes to use her love for problem solving, strong critical thinking skills, and passion for making a positive impact to combat social injustices. Shelli is excited to use her planning, organizing, and implementation skills in order to empower young people to use their voices by registering and getting out to vote.
Ambassador
Arianna Reyes
Class of 2022
Arianna Reyes
Class of 2022
Arianna Reyes is a student at Binghamton University. She is currently double majoring in Political Science and Economics. She is well versed in campaigning, fundraising, and advocating for policy issues. She is incredibly passionate about civic engagement and hope to work in politics after she graduates. She is ecstatic to be working with the Binghamton team as an Andrew Goodman Ambassador after transferring in Spring of 2019 and working as Voter Engagement intern at Stony Brook’s Center for Civic Justice. In addition to being an Ambassador, Arianna holds multiple e-board positions for various institutions on campus.
Ambassador
Sophia Geringswald
Class of 2020
Sophia Geringswald
Class of 2020
Sophia Geringswald is a student studying Political Science, with a concentration in Global and International Affairs, on track to pursue a master's degree in Public Administration. She has experience campaigning, fundraising, working with local governments, and participating in issue advocacy. These experiences have inspired a passion to change the world, and she believes political engagement is the key. She is thrilled to be an Andrew Goodman Ambassador because, since transferring to Binghamton in Fall of 2018, she has had the opportunity to learn more about and participate in AGF's mission of increasing voting accessibility.
Ambassador
Phariha Rahman
Class of 2021
Phariha Rahman
Class of 2021
Phariha Rahman is a student at Binghamton University double majoring in English and History. In addition to working with The Andrew Goodman Foundation, Phariha is a news writer for the Binghamton Pipe Dream.
Bowling Green State University
Campus Champion
Paul Valdez
Associate Director, Center for Community & Civic Engagement
Paul Valdez
Associate Director, Center for Community & Civic Engagement
Paul Valdez is a 2004 graduate of Bowling Green State University, with a Bachelor of Science in Geology. He graduated from Indiana University, Bloomington in 2007 with a Master of Science in Higher Education and Student Affairs and is currently writing his dissertation for the Higher Education Administration Doctoral Program at BGSU.
Team Leader
Alyssa Tomins
Class of 2021
Alyssa Tomins
Class of 2021
Alyssa Tomins is a student at Bowling Green State University studying Economics with a minor in Business Pre-Law. She is a scholar in the President's Leadership Academy at BGSU and hopes to further develop as a leader on campus through service. She is also a member of NAMI and enjoys making a difference in her community. After graduating from BGSU, Alyssa hopes to attend law school. She is honored and excited to work for The Andrew Goodman Foundation as an Ambassador and hopes to leave a lasting impact on her campus.
Ambassador
Carlie Pritt
Class of 2021
Carlie Pritt
Class of 2021
Ambassador
R. Harrison Carter
Class of 2021
R. Harrison Carter
Class of 2021
Harrison Carter is a student at Bowling Green State University majoring in Political Science in the College of Arts & Sciences. He serves as a Senator for the university's Undergraduate Student Government and also spends time helping with the student organization Feed My Starving Children. He is passionate about service to the community and active citizenship and is honored to serve as an Ambassador for The Andrew Goodman Foundation.
Case Western Reserve University
Campus Champion
Kelly Schmidt
Coordinator, Center for Civic Engagement and Learning
Kelly Schmidt
Coordinator, Center for Civic Engagement and Learning
Team Leader
Mamadi Jallow
Class of 2021
Mamadi Jallow
Class of 2021
Mamadi Jallow is a student at Case Western Reserve University, studying Computer Science and Political Science. He was born and raised in the Bronx, and in his free time, he can usually be found baking or reading a new book. He is looking forward to being an Andrew Goodman Ambassador!
Ambassador
Ingrid Gillies
Class of 2023
Ingrid Gillies
Class of 2023
Ambassador
Johanna Chikuni
Class of 2022
Johanna Chikuni
Class of 2022
Cornell University
Campus Champion
Amy K. Somchanhmavong
Associate Director, Community Service-Learning and Partnership
Amy K. Somchanhmavong
Associate Director, Community Service-Learning and Partnership
As Associate Director of Community Service-Learning and Partnership Amy has dedicated herself to purposeful work that produces lasting impact. Amy's programs encompass student-centered programs such as the Public Service Scholars, to faculty engaged scholarship via action research in teaching and practice, to delivering collective empowerment initiatives for improved community health and wellbeing. Most recently she launched the Patient Care Advocacy Team (PCAT) program in collaboration with Cayuga Medical Center and Cornell Career Services to expose students interested in the field of medicine to a direct service partnership with Cayuga Medical Center for what Amy refers to as a process of instilling and building a "culture of care” into healthcare for future practitioners.
Ambassador
Keelin Kelly
Class of 2020
Keelin Kelly
Class of 2020
Keelin Kelly is a student at Cornell University studying Environmental and Sustainability Sciences and Development Sociology with a minor in Social Inequality in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Besides being an Ambassador, she is an Environmental Policy Analyst in the Roosevelt Institute, a member of Epsilon Eta, and a member of the Cornell Wind Ensemble. Keelin is passionate about youth civic engagement and is looking forward to a year filled with civic engagement and get out the vote efforts across Cornell’s campus.
Ambassador
Michael Golden
Class of 2020
Michael Golden
Class of 2020
Michael Golden is a student at Cornell University studying mathematics with an interest in studying government and economics as well. At Cornell he has worked as a member of the Community Voices Digital Storytelling Project that connects students with local Ithaca/Tompkins County residents who are immigrants, refugees, and/or political asylees to create short videos detailing a particular story each person wants to tell. He is also part of Cornell University Hip Hop Heads, APO National Service Fraternity, and Cornell Organization for Labor Action. Michael's interest in voting stems from the belief that everyone should be able to use their voice. Both the legacy of The Andrew Goodman Foundation and the legacies of Goodman, Chaney, and Schwerner in standing up for voting rights make him proud and honored to have the opportunity to work with AGF towards achieving the same goals.
Ambassador
Jenna Oliver
Class of 2020
Jenna Oliver
Class of 2020
Jenna Oliver is a student at Cornell University, where she is studying Government and English. She hopes to one day work in a field where she can advocate for the rights of the under-served and promote equality. Her interest in helping people directly spurs from her experience volunteering in Bolivia, where she led workshops to develop reintegration skills for imprisoned youths. From this experience, Jenna learned that affecting change can start in small communities as well as from changing national policies. When not engaging in political activism, Jenna enjoys reading books and taking walks in Cornell’s Botanic Gardens.
Dillard University
Campus Champion
Dr. Nia Haydel
Director, Academic Center for Excellence Director, Thompson/Cook Honors College Assistant Professor, Urban Studies & Public Policy
Dr. Nia Haydel
Director, Academic Center for Excellence Director, Thompson/Cook Honors College Assistant Professor, Urban Studies & Public Policy
Dr. Nia Woods Haydel is the Director of the Academic Center for Excellence, the Thompson/Cook Honors Program and Assistant Professor of Urban Studies and Public Policy at Dillard University. Dr. Haydel has been a higher education professional for over 18 years working in Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, Academic Affairs and Intercultural Relations. In her current role, she oversees the University’s retention initiatives, as well as academic advising, progression and academic enrichment initiatives and service learning for first-year students, and coordinates initiatives for Honors students. Additionally, she is responsible for assessment initiatives within the first-year experience. Her research interests are in the areas of social justice specifically focusing on power and privilege, and the responsibility of higher education to educate the community on social injustice (higher education as a public good). She earned a B.S. in Psychology from the University of New Orleans, M.S. in Higher Education Administration from Texas A &M University and a Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies from Georgia State University. She resides in New Orleans, LA with husband and their 3 children.
Team Leader
Jamya Robinson
Class of 2022
Jamya Robinson
Class of 2022
Jamya Robinson is a student at Dillard University. In addition to being a Vote Everywhere Ambassador, she is also the co-founder of Students of Color Against Gender Violence, a member of the university's Mock Trial Team, and a Thompson/Cook Honors Scholar.
Ambassador
Jermany Gray
Class of 2022
Jermany Gray
Class of 2022
Jermany Gray, originally from Jackson, MS, is a Political Science major and a Criminal Justice minor at Dillard University. At Dillard University, Jermany strives to promote equality, inclusion, intellectual discourse, and civil engagement. Post graduation, Jermany plans to attend law school with the hopes of becoming a Public Defender.
East Carolina University
Campus Champion
Alex Dennis
Assistant Director, Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement
Alex Dennis
Assistant Director, Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement
Alex Dennis is the Assistant Director for Curricular Programs in the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement at East Carolina University. He currently oversees leadership and civic engagement programs with curricular components at ECU, including Citizen U (student version of a citizens academy), the Williams Leadership Award Program, democratic and voter engagement efforts on campus, and the planning of our four national days of service. Prior to his time working in student affairs, Alex worked as an academic advisor for the College of Arts and Sciences at ECU and prior to that he worked as a high school social studies teacher. He received his MS in Counselor Education from East Carolina University and his BS in Social Science Education from Appalachian State University.
Campus Champion
Tara Kermiet
Associate Director, Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement
Tara Kermiet
Associate Director, Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement
Tara Kermiet is the Associate Director in the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement at East Carolina University. She currently oversees leadership and civic engagement programs with curricular components at ECU, including a three-year leadership development experience, democratic engagement, and service-learning. Prior to her time at ECU, Tara served as the Assistant Director of University Commons & Student Involvement at the University of West Florida, a Residential Learning Coordinator at Virginia Tech, and as the Director of Student Activities and Service at LaGrange College. She received her M.Ed. in Higher Education Student Affairs from the University of South Carolina and her B.A. in Communication from Virginia Tech.
Team Leader
Amrina Rangar
Class of 2023
Amrina Rangar
Class of 2023
Amrina Rangar is a student at East Carolina University and is studying Biology and History. In addition to being an Andrew Goodman Ambassador, Amrina is an active member of the environmental club, ReLeaf, and a member of the Honors College. She is looking forward to inspiring the students at East Carolina to become more civically engaged as well as encouraging her fellow students to exercise their right to vote.
Elon University
Campus Champion
Bob Frigo
Associate Director, Kernodle Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement
Bob Frigo
Associate Director, Kernodle Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement
Bob Frigo is the Associate Director of the Kernodle Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement at Elon University.
Team Leader
Elanor (Ellie) Snyder
Class of 2020
Elanor (Ellie) Snyder
Class of 2020
Elanor (Ellie) Snyder is from Vienna, VA. She is majoring in policy studies with minors in political science and women’s, gender, and sexualities studies. At Elon, Ellie is actively involved in the Political Engagement Working Group and the Liberal Arts Forum. She is very excited to be a part of The Andrew Goodman Foundation and to encourage civil discourse and civic engagement on Elon’s campus.
Ambassador
Trevor Molin
Class of 2023
Trevor Molin
Class of 2023
Trevor Molin is a Political Science and Economics double major from Wake Forest, NC. On campus, Trevor is involved in Student Government, Elon Volunteers, and a number of advisory committees and councils. He is looking forward to work with AGF to promote civic engagement on Elon’s campus and beyond!
Ambassador
Andrea Sheetz
Class of 2022
Andrea Sheetz
Class of 2022
Andrea Sheetz is majoring in Sociology and Economics. In addition to Elon Votes, she is involved in the College Fellows program, Active Minds, Yoga Club, and works in the Kernodle Center and as an economics tutor. Andrea’s passion for civic engagement was fostered through her volunteer experiences which revealed the impact of an inequitable society, especially on young people. She is excited to empower the Elon community to become more civically engaged and open to civil discussion about important issues.
Fairleigh Dickinson University - Metropolitan
Campus Champion
Dr. Kyle Kattleman
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, Political Science and International Studies
Dr. Kyle Kattleman
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, Political Science and International Studies
Ambassador
Caroline Seminario
Class of 2022
Caroline Seminario
Class of 2022
Ambassador
Jonathan Miller
Jonathan Miller
Ambassador
Ana Gjorgjeva
Class of 2023
Ana Gjorgjeva
Class of 2023
Ambassador
Micalina Gallo
Class of 2021
Micalina Gallo
Class of 2021
Georgetown University
Campus Champion
Carly Henry
Chief of Staff, GU Politics
Carly Henry
Chief of Staff, GU Politics
Carly Henry spent four years working for Georgetown’s Office of the Vice President for Global Engagement and the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs before joining GU Politics. During this time, she earned her MBA from the McDonough School of Business. Prior to working at Georgetown, Carly worked with Keppler Speakers Bureau in their University and Performing Arts division, where she worked with institutions around the country to bring top speakers from business, world affairs, politics, entertainment, education, literature, sports, and leadership to their campuses. Before beginning her career in Washington, D.C., she worked for a nonprofit in Florida and served as National Journal’s convention coordinator during the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida. Carly received her undergraduate degree in Business Management from the University of South Florida and her MBA from Georgetown University.
Ambassador
Thomas Connelly
Class of 2021
Thomas Connelly
Class of 2021
Ambassador
Shelby Benz
Class of 2023
Shelby Benz
Class of 2023
Hailing from Modesto, California and Las Vegas, Nevada, Shelby Benz is a student enrolled in Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service. Although her academic pathway is uncertain, she is eager to continue learning, exploring, and trying new things throughout her four years living in the nation’s capital. Shelby has a passion for helping people, mobilizing others for causes rooted in compassion, and tackling institutionalized ills through public policy and social advocacy. Shelby is excited to be a part of the GU Votes team and part of a movement to cultivate a more civically engaged youth community. Outside of her studies, Shelby is a member of the women’s rowing team, and enjoys planning fundraisers, meeting new people, and being politically active.
Ambassador
Michael Lundgren
Class of 2022
Michael Lundgren
Class of 2022
Born and raised in San Francisco, Michael Lundgren is a student at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, majoring in Regional and Comparative Studies with a minor in Chinese. Through his work with GU Votes and The Andrew Goodman Foundation, Michael hopes to engage his community in working to revitalize civic engagement and build a culture around voting. Outside of GU Votes, Michael is a Carroll Fellow and Lannan Fellow at Georgetown, as well as a student leader in Catholic music ministry.
Ambassador
Natalie Long
Class of 2022
Natalie Long
Class of 2022
Originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, Natalie Long is a student at Georgetown University. She is majoring in History and Government with a minor in Spanish. Natalie is thrilled to be part of the GU Votes team and an Andrew Goodman Ambassador, as her passion for voting rights is fueled by her belief that our democracy only works when everyone is able to have their voice heard. Outside of GU Votes, Natalie is a member of Alpha Kappa Psi and enjoys traveling, playing with her dog, and watching the Hoyas basketball team.
Ambassador
Sarah Bryant
Class of 2022
Sarah Bryant
Class of 2022
From Nashville, Tennessee, Sarah Bryant is a student in Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service. Studying International Politics with a minor in Latin American Studies, her passion for policy and civic engagement drew her to GU Votes during her first semester on campus. Since volunteering to register students to vote for the 2018 midterm elections, Sarah has sought out more ways to get involved with improving the voting culture at Georgetown. She is thrilled to be part of the GU Votes team as a campus Ambassador.
Georgia State University - Atlanta
Campus Champion
Byron Jones
Interim Director, Civic Engagement
Byron Jones
Interim Director, Civic Engagement
Byron Jones is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, and proud product of the educational system in Georgia. Byron currently serves as the Interim Director for the Civic Engagement office. Prior to assuming this role, Byron has served in various capacities at several University System of Georgia (USG) institutions including admissions recruiter and counselor, international recruiter and student advisor just to name a few. Byron received a B.A. from Morehouse College and his M.Ed. from Mercer University. He is currently a doctoral student in Higher Education Leadership with an anticipated graduation date in December 2019.
Byron is a former Fulton County Youth Commissioner where he developed a passion for service and giving back to communities both locally and internationally. He currently serves on various nonprofit boards and is a member of a plethora of volunteer organizations. Additionally, he serves as an on-campus advisor for the following student organizations Big Brothers Big Sister, C.L.O.U.T., Hands on Atlanta, Panther Breakaway and the YMCA. Byron is an ethical leader who models daily what he wants from the students he serves at Georgia State University and he encourages everyone to get involved and Make a STATEment.
Campus Champion
Dr. Michael Evans
Senior Lecturer, Department of Political Science
Dr. Michael Evans
Senior Lecturer, Department of Political Science
Michael Evans is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Political Science at Georgia State University. He teaches undergraduate courses on American government and constitutional law, and graduate courses on teaching politics and civic skills at the college level. He is author of an American government textbook and conducts research on teaching effectiveness. He also leads a GSU project lab called "PACTL: Project on the Advancement of Civic Teaching and Learning." Students in that lab help Dr. Evans produce and curate teaching materials for civic educators in an effort to empower more young Americans with the skills and knowledge they need to participate effectively and responsibly in American democracy. Dr. Evans holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of Maryland, an MA in Political Science from Western Washington University (WWU), and a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from WWU.
Team Leader
Ari Jones
Class of 2020
Ari Jones
Class of 2020
Ari Jones is an M.S. Candidate in Neuroscience at Georgia State University. Ari was active duty in the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. He currently serves in the Navy Reserves while he finishes his degree. He is involved in the NAACP on campus serving as the Graduate Advisor. He plans on attending medical school thereafter and then serving as a full-time Military Physician.
Ambassador
Evan Malbrough
Class of 2020
Evan Malbrough
Class of 2020
Evan Malbrough is a student at Georgia State University where he majors in Public Policy with a focus in Governance and a minor in Cello Performance. Evan started his work in government as an intern for the Cobb County District Attorney's Office during the summer of 2015. In the summer of 2016, he interned for the Smyrna Office of David Scott where he did constituent services. In Spring 2017 he interned under Jim Stokes at the Public Defender's Council and did public research. In the summer of 2017, Evan became a Research Fellow for the Department of Defense under the Assistant Secretary of Defense for readiness. He plans to return to the Pentagon to continue his legislative affairs research. Evan was the 2017-2018 President of the Young Democrats of Georgia State University. He also works as a professional Cellist in the Atlanta area.
Georgia State University - Clarkston
Campus Champion
Robert (Bob) J. King
Associate Professor, History and Political Science
Robert (Bob) J. King
Associate Professor, History and Political Science
Campus Champion
John Paul (JP) Peters
Civic Engagement Advisor
John Paul (JP) Peters
Civic Engagement Advisor
JP Peters is the Civic Engagement Advisor for the Civic Engagement Office at Georgia State University Perimeter College where he services five different campuses including our Clarkston Campus. The goal of the office is to connect each of our campuses to their communities and the Greater Metro Atlanta Area by providing and supporting opportunities for community service and action that promote awareness, learning, and leadership development. In addition to working with The Andrew Goodman Foundation, JP works with the three Food Pantries for Perimeter College, Panther Breakaway, and the MLK Day of Service to name a few.
Before his time at Georgia State University Perimeter College, JP worked two years as an AmeriCorps VISTA through the South Carolina Campus Compact at the University of South Carolina Upstate and Coastal Carolina University. While serving he focused around the universities alternative break program, student veteran services, food deserts and community garden development in the two communities. He earned his B.S.Ed. in Exercise Science and Kinesiology from Georgia Southwestern State University and M.Ed. in Higher Education from Columbia College (SC).
Team Leader
Sofie Mostafa
Class of 2022
Sofie Mostafa
Class of 2022
Sofie Mostafa is a student at Georgia State Perimeter College who is pursuing environmental engineering. She is the vice-president of the History of Politics club, where students gather to discuss opinions surrounding current and past events. The lack of concern and action surrounding climate change propelled her into political activism. Sofie is excited to be working as an Ambassador with The Andrew Goodman Foundation and do her part to increase voter participation among young folks.
Ambassador
Tim Merrill
Class of 2021
Tim Merrill
Class of 2021
Grand View University
Iowa State University
Campus Champion
Karen M. Kedrowski, Ph.D.
Director of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics and Professor of Political Science
Karen M. Kedrowski, Ph.D.
Director of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics and Professor of Political Science
Dr. Karen M. Kedrowski is Director of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics and Professor of Political Science at Iowa State University. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and the University of Oklahoma, Norman. Dr. Kedrowski’s research agenda focuses primarily on women and politics and civic engagement. Prior to coming to Iowa State, she spent 24 years at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, where she served in many roles, including Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Most gratifyingly, she led the University’s civic and voter engagement efforts.
Team Leader
Hayat Sumael
Class of 2021
Hayat Sumael
Class of 2021
Hayat Sumael is a member of the Class of 2021 at Iowa State University studying Criminal Justice and Women's and Gender Studies.
Ambassador
Kara Dieke
Class of 2022
Kara Dieke
Class of 2022
Kara Dieke is a student majoring in Economics and Political Science at Iowa State University. She decided to pursue Economics after the 2016 Presidential Election as she wanted to better understand the politicians’ economic policies and how they would impact everyday people. Once she has graduated, she hopes to work in public policy analysis in the public sector.
Ambassador
Zachary (Zack) Johnson
Class of 2022
Zachary (Zack) Johnson
Class of 2022
Zack Johnson is a student at Iowa State University majoring in Political Science and Data Science and minoring in Economics. He is involved on campus in research within the Political Science Department, as a Community Advisor within the residence halls, plays tuba in Iowa State's tuba/euphonium studio as well as sousaphone and bass guitar in ISU's marching band and pep band. Zack is passionate about seeking out the answers to why STEM students vote at such a low rate and doing things that will help to buck this trend.
Kutztown University
Campus Champion
Leah Cassellia
Director, Office of Student Involvement
Leah Cassellia
Director, Office of Student Involvement
Leah is the Director of Student Involvement at Kutztown University. She received her BA from University of Delaware and her MA from Kaplan University. Leah has worked for both public and private institutions and has extensive experience in housing, residence life, new student orientation, student activities, and student union operations.
Team Leader
Julia Laudadio
Class of 2020
Julia Laudadio
Class of 2020
Julia Laudadio is a Social Work major and Philosophy minor at Kutztown University. She is the president of the Social Workers and Advocates at Kutztown and the Public Relations Chair for Student Government Board Diversity Council. Her passion for activism led her to pursue a position on the Vote Everywhere team and she is honored to carry on Andrew Goodman's cause.
Louisiana State University
Campus Champion
Len Apcar
Wendell Gray Switzer Jr. Endowed Chair in Media Literacy Manship School in Mass Communication
Len Apcar
Wendell Gray Switzer Jr. Endowed Chair in Media Literacy Manship School in Mass Communication
Len Apcar holds the Wendell Gray Switzer Jr. Endowed Chair in Media Literacy, is a fellow at the Reilly Center for Media and Public Affairs and is a Professional-in-Residence. His teaching interests include how people can evaluate both media sources and information so they can fully participate in our representative democracy. He has been a Visiting Professor at the University of Hong Kong where he taught digital media courses.
In a nearly 40-year professional career at The New York Times and at the Wall Street Journal, he has been a reporter, Web editor, Washington editor and Asia editor. As editor of nytimes.com, the site won virtually every major online award for news, opinion and photography.
As chief Asia editor based in Hong Kong he helped create a 24-hour global newsroom for online and print. At the Journal he was a reporter in Detroit, Washington and Dallas.
He holds an M.S. from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism and a B.A. in political science from Claremont McKenna College in California.
Team Leader
Claire Hadlock
Class of 2020
Claire Hadlock
Class of 2020
Claire Hadlock is a senior at Louisiana State University majoring in Political Communication with a minor in Business Administration. Claire is currently the media strategy intern for Louisiana State Department of Treasury, and she also manages several media campaigns for local Baton Rouge businesses. In her role as the Director of Media and Communication for Geaux Vote LSU during the 2018 midterm cycle, Claire successfully launched the @GeauxVoteLSU social media profiles used to encourage voter registration, promote events, and share the mission of The Andrew Goodman Foundation with LSU students. As a Vote Everywhere Ambassador and President of Geaux Vote, Claire hopes to gain momentum with voter registration and mobilization efforts in her community leading up to Louisiana's 2019 Gubernatorial election in the fall and the 2020 Presidential primaries in the spring.
Ambassador
Grace Bordelon
Class of 2020
Grace Bordelon
Class of 2020
Grace is a senior at Louisiana State University majoring in Political Communication with a minor in English. She is currently a Governor’s Fellow, immersing herself in her state’s culture and politics. She served as the Event Coordinator for Geaux Vote LSU during the 2018 midterm cycle and is thrilled to be an Andrew Goodman Foundation Ambassador for the 2019-2020 school year. Grace is grateful to her mom for always dragging her to the polls as a young girl and drilling in her the importance of being an engaged member of her community. She is a firm believer that progress starts at the polls and is excited to show Louisiana how impactful young voices can be.
Mesa Community College
Campus Champion
Duane Oakes
Faculty Director, Center for Community & Civic Engagement
Duane Oakes
Faculty Director, Center for Community & Civic Engagement
Duane Oakes’ passion for helping students achieve success is what sets him apart. Colleagues rave about his department, his staff calls their operation a well-oiled machine because of Duane, and students, past and present, know his kindness and generosity of spirit. His commitment to the ideals of service learning, community service, and scholarship are strong but no stronger than his dedication to instilling those ideals in the students he serves. In this, Duane never wavers: students come first.
Team Leader
Kimberly (Kim) Morrow
Class of 2020
Kimberly (Kim) Morrow
Class of 2020
Kim Morrow is a member of the Class of 2020 at Mesa Community College where she studies Social Work.
Ambassador
Emma Ross
Class of 2023
Emma Ross
Class of 2023
Emma Ross is a student at Mesa Community College, where she enjoys the opportunity to be involved in her community. She was able to compete in a national competition in Washington, D.C., where she was inspired to be involved and learn more about government. She believes that it is very important to be involved, and she is excited to help other students become more civically engaged. She enjoys being an Andrew Goodman Ambassador and registering students to vote. She loves the country she lives in and wants to contribute to its success.
Ambassador
Elizabeth Ward
Class of 2020
Elizabeth Ward
Class of 2020
Elizabeth Ward is a student at Mesa Community College. In the future, she hopes transfer to Arizona State University to earn her bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice/Social Justice. She is the Executive Vice President of ASMCC/Student Government. She also works with the Campus Elections Engagement Project (CEEP), is a mentor and tutor for at risk kids at Care Partnership, is the National Volunteer Coordinator and an Advisory Board Member at Ready Set Go Foundation, and is a member of the Community College Engagement Advisory Board. She received the 2019 MCC Service Scholarship in recognition of her outstanding service to the community.
Miami Dade College - Kendall
Campus Champion
Zachary (Zach) Glembin
Director of Kendall Campus, Institute for Civic Engagement and Democracy (iCED)
Zachary (Zach) Glembin
Director of Kendall Campus, Institute for Civic Engagement and Democracy (iCED)
Zachary Glembin earned a bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, and a master’s degree from the Clinton School of Public Service at University of Arkansas. During college, Zach lived in the Multicultural Learning Community, a university initiative that brought diverse groups of students together to learn about social justice and civic engagement. National service changed the trajectory of Zach's life and career.
After earning his bachelor’s degree, he joined AmeriCorps, and then served in various leadership positions including Team Leader, Program Manager, and Program Director (in both Milwaukee and Miami) with the national educational non-profit, City Year – including two years at North Miami Senior High. While in grad school, Zach completed an international service project consulting for a social entrepreneurship accelerator in Thailand, and served as a delegate for a Model Arab League Conference in Morocco. Prior to joining MDC, Zach served as a Program Officer with The Children's Trust of Miami-Dade County, partnering with community based organizations that work directly with children and families, ensuring contract compliance and quality programming.
Team Leader
Stephanie Trujillo
Class of 2020
Stephanie Trujillo
Class of 2020
Stephanie Trujillo is a Cuban-American Honors student at Miami Dade College's Kendall Campus. She is majoring in Psychology and hopes to attend law school in the future. She is passionate about the arts and spends her free time painting, writing, or on stage. She loves performing monologues and making the audience truly tune in to the character’s emotions. As an Andrew Goodman Ambassador, Stephanie hopes to encourage voter participation in her community and empower the youth on her campus.
Ambassador
Daniela Mulet
Class of 2020
Daniela Mulet
Class of 2020
Daniela Mulet is a Cuban-Mexican immigrant who attends the Honors College at Miami Dade College to pursue an AA in Political Science. She became an Andrew Goodman Ambassador because she is deeply passionate about the implementation of civil rights and liberties in the United States and Latin America. Furthermore, she seeks to engage and immerse her peers in a more proactive and knowledgeable civic life. She is experienced in campaign management, organizing, legal drafting and research, and public relations.
Miami Dade College - North
Campus Champion
Alison (Alley) Kasney
Director of North and InterAmerican Campuses
Alison (Alley) Kasney
Director of North and InterAmerican Campuses
Alison Kasney received her Bachelor degree in Psychology from Metropolitan State University of Denver. She is a current candidate for a Master of Science in Education in the program of Community and Social Change at University of Miami. Alison has worked extensively with youth from early childhood to young adult in a variety of settings, and brings this experience combined with a passion for youth empowerment to Miami Dade College. Her most favorite experiences with young people have been through experiential education, specifically backpacking, snowboarding, and mountain biking with them through the Rocky Mountains. She believes through service-learning and civic engagement students' personal character and community networks can be strengthened to support their educational and career paths. Alison's personal commitment to MDC InterAmerican is to "inform herself to inform others" in order to provide actionable opportunities for change.
Team Leader
Hali Braynon
Class of 2020
Hali Braynon
Class of 2020
Hali Braynon is an Honors student at Miami Dade College's North Campus. She is majoring in Animal Science and is interested in going into a career working with animals. In the future, Hali is planning to transfer to continue her studies as a Pre-Vet major. Hali is a certified Veterinary assistant and is currently volunteering at Caring Hands Animal Hospital to gain experience. She also has previously volunteered at the Humane Society, the Miami Book Fair, and Arch Creek Animal Hospital and Boarding. Additionally, Hali is apart of NAMI, which is a club that brings awareness to mental illness and to advocate for people who live with a mental disorder. Her passion for making the environment a cleaner and safer place led her to join the YES! Club. As an Andrew Goodman Ambassador, she will advocate for voting rights in her community and promote democracy.
Ambassador
Alexander Pereda
Class of 2020
Alexander Pereda
Class of 2020
Alexander Pereda is an Honors student at Miami Dade College's North Campus. He is studying to obtain an Associate in Art’s degree in Business Administration and English. Within his first year as a student, Alex proudly represented MDC at the Global Citizenship’s Salzburg Seminar, Phi Beta Lambda’s state competition, and as an officer of Political Science and Phi Theta Kappa. Alongside the time spent within these organizations, he continued to improve his local community by forming a coalition of students whose mission was to improve educational equality throughout Miami-Dade County. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring the wonders of his city, reading, and volunteering for Local 1403, the Miami-Dade Firefighter Rescue Union. Alex has devoted much of his time to the arts. Attending theatre productions and writing novels have become two of his favorite hobbies. Through a fusion of both arts and academics, Alex plans to enter Law School and work later in life within international proceedings and the corporate setting.
Miami Dade College - Wolfson
Campus Champion
Carla Santamaria
Director of Wolfson Campus, Institute for Civic Engagement and Democracy (iCED)
Carla Santamaria
Director of Wolfson Campus, Institute for Civic Engagement and Democracy (iCED)
Carla Santamaria is a graduate of Miami Dade College and returns with many years of experience promoting civic learning, engaged citizenship, and democratic involvement. She is a strong believer in the importance of reflection as a tool of learning and growth for students and experienced professionals alike. Prior to joining the team, Carla held multiple roles at the University of Miami, working to promote leadership development, civic engagement, and service-learning. She is a two-time AmeriCorps alumna, serving with both the VISTA and state programs.
Her passion for civic engagement has taken Carla on internships, volunteer opportunities, and countless events engaging local, state, and national elected officials. Carla is the recipient of the Florida International University School of International and Public Affairs Service Excellence Award and the Florida Campus Compact VISTA Member Recognition award. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a certificate in Latin American and Caribbean Studies from Florida International University. She earned a Master of Science degree focused on community and social change from the University of Miami, where her research focused on non-traditional students’ conceptualization and implementation of civic engagement activities.
Team Leader
Bruny Alonso Orama
Class of 2020
Bruny Alonso Orama
Class of 2020
Originally from Cuba, Bruny Alonso Orama is an Honors student at Miami Dade College's Wolfson Campus. During high school, Bruny was the Vice President of the National Honors Society and the Parliamentarian of the Future Business Leaders of America, along with other roles. As a college student, Bruny has held leadership positions in Generation Action and the non-profit Bracelets for Commitment, along with volunteering with the National Alliance of Mental Illness. She is honored to have won the 2018-2019 Miami-Dade County League of Cities Scholarship Internship, UFMDC Sandra Mickely Memorial Scholarship Award, and the Gilman Scholarship.
Ambassador
Maria Paura
Class of 2020
Maria Paura
Class of 2020
Originally from Brazil, Maria Paura is an Honors student at Miami Dade College's Wolfson Campus. Maria has always been interested in economic and public policy issues and decided to pursue them in her professional career by majoring in Economics. Her academic goal is to transfer to a four-year institution in Washington, D.C., where she could pursue her studies while experiencing the political climate at the core of American politics. With ongoing dedication, she hopes to work for the federal government and apply her mathematical and economics expertise to act on social inequalities prevailing nationally. Maria is also an active member of her local community in Miami, where she volunteers for diverse nonprofit organizations and participates in Miami Dade College's student clubs.
Miami University
Campus Champion
Eric Buller
Director, Harry T. Wilks Institute for Leadership and Service
Eric Buller
Director, Harry T. Wilks Institute for Leadership and Service
Eric Buller serves as the Director of the Harry T. Wilks Institute for Leadership and Service at Miami University. This office recently (Fall 2019) merged the leadership office with the Office of Community Engagement and Service, thereby consolidating the following missions into one office: Leadership Development, Community Engagement, Service/Volunteerism, Service Learning and Civic Engagement. Eric holds an Ed.D in Higher Education Administration from the University of Kansas, an M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership from the College of William and Mary, and a B.S. from the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Ambassador
Reena Murphy
Class of 2021
Reena Murphy
Class of 2021
Reena Murphy is a student at Miami University studying Chemistry and Environmental Science with a minor in Disability Studies. She is a member of the Associated Student Government, Alpha Omicron Pi, and has had significant involvement in Residence Life. Reena became interested in civic engagement after serving on the Village of Maywood's (IL) Youth Delegation in high school. In the future, she plans on going into accessibility or environmental policy.
Ambassador
Andrew Devedjian
Class of 2021
Andrew Devedjian
Class of 2021
Andrew Devedjian grew up in Deerfield, IL and is now a student at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio studying Political Science, Global & Intercultural Studies, with minors in Middle Eastern, Jewish, & Islamic Studies and Comparative Religion. Besides being an Andrew Goodman Ambassador at Miami, he is an Off-Campus Senator for Miami's Associated Student Government, a Board Member for Miami's Student Center, and a member of the Beta Theta Phi Fraternity. Outside of Miami, Andrew is a member of the Armenian Youth Federation along with being the Co-Founder and Board President of an international nonprofit called Project Global Story.
Midway University
Campus Champion
Ryan Poynter
Director of Residence Life and Multicultural Programs, Student Affairs
Ryan Poynter
Director of Residence Life and Multicultural Programs, Student Affairs
Team Leader
Jessel Martinez
Class of 2021
Jessel Martinez
Class of 2021
Jessel Martinez is a student at Midway University majoring in Criminal Justice. Inspired by struggles her parents faced, Jessel decided to major in criminal justice, a field where she felt she could make a difference in the lives of others. While attending Midway, Jessel plays on the women's soccer team. She is a mentor in the PATH program and participates in the Kaleidoscope programs which promotes diversity and awareness among students and the community. Through her talent in the arts, Jessel promotes her passion for community activism. Her greatest accomplishment was getting recognition for being the first Latina to make a mural which represents diversity among her community in Versailles, Kentucky. Jessel has also painted a mural at the Middle School she once attended in Woodford County. She has been an active member of the Latino Leadership College Experience Camp where she has gained a lot of leadership skills. She has also been a member of Kentucky Dreamers Coalition. Jessel dreams to have a position where she can help others, especially those who lack a voice in the community.
Montclair State University
Campus Champion
Mariel Pagan, Ph.D.
Director, Center for Student Involvement
Mariel Pagan, Ph.D.
Director, Center for Student Involvement
Mariel Pagan has served as the Director of the Center for Student Involvement since September of 2017. The Center for Student Involvement houses the Office of Civic and Voter Engagement at Montclair State University. Mariel holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership, Management and Policy from Seton Hall University, an M.A. in Counseling Services from Rider University and a B.S. in Diplomacy & International Relations from Seton Hall University.
Team Leader
Emily Falcioni
Class of 2020
Emily Falcioni
Class of 2020
Ambassador
Jehan Abayhan
Class of 2021
Jehan Abayhan
Class of 2021
Jehan Abayhan is a student at Montclair State University majoring in Accounting. From a young age, she was surrounded by voting advocates, and she feels fortunate and excited now to be apart of an organization like The Andrew Goodman Foundation. Through being an Ambassador, she hopes to educate others on the significance of voting rights and meet many like-minded individuals. She also volunteers with organizations like Montclair State University's Rec Board, Love Your Melon Campus Crew, and Relay for Life, while making the Dean’s List each semester.
Pace University
Team Leader
Erin Wilson
Class of 2020
Erin Wilson
Class of 2020
Erin Wilson is a student at Pace University. She is majoring in Criminal Justice and minoring in Political Science. She is very excited to help empower voters and enable students to make an educated vote in the upcoming elections. In addition to voting rights and voter engagement, she is also passionate about criminal justice reform and gun control. Erin is also on the e-board for Criminal Justice Society at Pace University and is a student leader of Pace Students Against Gun Violence, a nonpartisan student group aimed at reducing gun violence. After graduation, Erin hopes to go to law school and study civil rights law so she can use her privilege to help others.
Ambassador
Emma Beach
Class of 2023
Emma Beach
Class of 2023
Emma Beach is a student at Pace University's New York City campus. She is double majoring in Political Science and Peace and Justice Studies, with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies. Emma is part of the Women’s Leadership Initiative through Dyson College of Arts and Sciences. She is extremely passionate about women’s rights and reproductive rights. She plans on going to law school after graduation. With a law degree, she would like to be a social activist and aid in the fight for gender equality. As an Andrew Goodman Ambassador, she is excited about helping her peers become active in democracy.
Paul Quinn College
Campus Champion
Dexter D. Evans
Associate Dean of Students & Alumni Affairs
Dexter D. Evans
Associate Dean of Students & Alumni Affairs
Queens College
Campus Champion
Emanuel Avila
Associate Director of Judicial Affairs and Service Learning
Emanuel Avila
Associate Director of Judicial Affairs and Service Learning
Emanuel Avila is the Associate Director of Judicial Affairs and Service Learning for Queens College, part of the City University of New York. In his role, he is responsible for monitoring the code of conduct, academic integrity policy, and any other matters related to conduct. He also serves as the Voter Registration Coordinator, crisis response administrator, and supports the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. He has been the Campus Champion for Queens College's Vote Everywhere team since 2014.
Team Leader
Ethan Jenkins
Class of 2020
Ethan Jenkins
Class of 2020
A student at Queens College, Ethan Jenkins moved from rural Ohio to New York City to pursue his dreams on becoming a political leader and helping others. He is the Vice President of the Golden Key International Honour Society, a member of the Academic Senate, and a Resident Assistant at The Summit. Ethan hopes to continue his transition to New York by gaining new volunteer, academic, and professional experiences, as well as becoming a campus leader at Queens College. Ethan aspires to have a long political career and to help people locally in New York City and all across the country.
Ramapo College
Campus Champion
Karen Booth
Assistant Director for Civic Engagement, Center for Student Involvement
Karen Booth
Assistant Director for Civic Engagement, Center for Student Involvement
Karen Booth has worked in the civic and community engagement field for more than 20 years. For the past seven years, she has supervised Ramapo College's Civic and Community Engagement Center. The Center houses the Alternative Break Program, Leaders in Service, Student Leadership Programs, New Jersey Campus Compact's Changebuilder Initiative, and other co-curricular community and political engagement efforts. The Center also partners with faculty from time to time on currriculum-based civic involvement efforts. Karen has pursued graduate studies in religion and theology at Drew University Theological School. After studying at Tusculum College in Greeneville, Tennessee and Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts, she earned her undergraduate degree from William Paterson University.
Team Leader
Claudia Wetzel
Class of 2020
Claudia Wetzel
Class of 2020
Claudia Wetzel is a student studying Business at Ramapo College. She is a student coordinator at the Civic and Community Engagement Center on campus and a member of Alpha Phi Omega, a coeducational service organization. In addition to working on campus, Claudia plays field hockey for the school team. During her first year at Ramapo, she earned Dean’s List both semesters and was inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta, a first-year national honor society.
Ambassador
Nicholas Bykov
Class of 2021
Nicholas Bykov
Class of 2021
Nicholas Bykov is a Political Science major at Ramapo College of New Jersey. He serves as a Senator-at-Large in the Student Government Association (SGA), as Co-Music Manager of Ramapo’s college radio station WRPR, and on the Executive Board of the Ramapo College Honors Program. In addition to this, he is a Campus Leader for Democracy Matters and a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor society. In his free time he enjoys hiking, nature, and music.
Ambassador
Elsu Mathew
Class of 2021
Elsu Mathew
Class of 2021
Elsu Mathew is a student at Ramapo College of New Jersey, where she is majoring in Biology with a PA concentration. She is part of the Sophomores Advancing in Leadership program, and she was a 2016 Nominee for National Youth Leadership Forum: Medicine and also was selected for the National Academy Of Future Physicians And Medical Scientists Award Of Excellence. Elsu stays active by doing volunteer work such as food drives, collecting clothes and other items for children in need, and helping out at elder citizens' homes. In the future, she plans to work as a Physician Assistant and to apply to medical school.
Rutgers University
Campus Champion
Erin Capone
Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Rutgers School of Social Work
Erin Capone
Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Rutgers School of Social Work
Erin Capone serves as the Director of Development for the Rutgers School of Social Work, overseeing the school’s major and principal gifts, alumni relations, and special events. Erin previously served as development director of The Andrew Goodman Foundation and executive director of Overcoming Obstacles, which are both nonprofit organizations dedicated to developing critical skills in today’s youth. Erin has presented nationally on this topic and made media appearances on NBC, FOX, and the Solutions Webcast hosted by Clemson University.
Erin began her career as a children’s social worker after graduating with an MSW from New York University and a BA in Social Work from Rutgers University.
Team Leader
Noelia Vicente
Class of 2020
Noelia Vicente
Class of 2020
Noelia Vicente is a senior at Rutgers University and is expected to graduate with her BASW in May 2020. Her minor is criminology, and she intends to pursue her Masters of Social Work through the Advanced Standing program. She is passionate about policy and administration and hopes to achieve a great deal in these areas. Noelia is currently an intern with the Perth Amboy Office of Economic and Community Development where she is collaborating to raise awareness involving the importance of research in regards to the National Census. Noelia is in the process of coordinating programs to get the community excited about their civic involvement. She is currently working on an independent study to develop an app to aid in the struggle of Environmental Justice advocates globally. After receiving her degree, she aims to work with coalitions of preservationists and advocate for legislation related to this looming social problem.
Simpson College
Campus Champion
Seth Andersen
Executive Director, John C. Culver Public Policy Center
Seth Andersen
Executive Director, John C. Culver Public Policy Center
As Director of the John C. Culver Public Policy Center, Seth Andersen works with students interested in pursuing careers in politics and public service. The Center’s nonpartisan programs complement Simpson College’s Engaged Citizenship Curriculum by encouraging students to actively participate in our democracy and consider public service as their life’s work. Andersen fosters student development through the Culver Fellows program, which awards four-year scholarships to incoming Simpson College students who demonstrate a commitment to public service. He works with the Culver Fellows and Simpson College faculty and professional staff to educate the campus community and the broader public through the annual Culver Lecture, which brings prominent national figures to campus to meet with students and deliver a public lecture. The Culver Center also sponsors political debates, candidate visits, policy forums, and student trips to Washington, DC, state capitols, and presidential libraries.
Prior to joining the Culver Center, Andersen served as Executive Director of the American Judicature Society, an independent national organization dedicated to improving the administration of justice. He also served on the staff of the American Bar Association as Special Assistant to the President and Project Manager for the Standing Committee on Judicial Independence. He has written and spoken extensively on judicial independence, judicial selection, and the jury system. In addition to directing the Culver Center, Andersen develops financial and community support for arts, cultural, and music-related enterprises in Central Iowa. He created and produced Critical Mass, a weekly music critics’ program that aired on community radio station KFMG 98.9 FM in 2014-2015, and contributes his event planning and management experience to major concerts and festivals such as the 80/35 music festival, Hinterland music festival, Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival, and the Des Moines Social Club’s annual Food Truck Throwdown. Andersen holds a degree in history and American Studies from the University of Kansas.
Team Leader
Abby Schulte
Class of 2020
Abby Schulte
Class of 2020
Abby Schulte is a Culver Fellow from Keota, Iowa. She is majoring in Political Science and History with a minor in Women and Gender Studies. Along with the Culver Fellowship, she is a member of the Speech and Debate Team, Simpson College Democrats, Simpson Feminists Club, and the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. Abby has always been interested in politics but decided she wanted to pursue a career in it while working on a civic engagement project during the Iowa Caucus that involved getting presidential candidates to visit her small rural high school. During her Culver Fellowship, she has volunteered for the Hillary Clinton campaign and spent a summer interning at Congressman Dave Loebsack’s District Office in Iowa City. She was also awarded the Rising Star Award by Iowa’s Second District Democrats in 2017. After graduation, Abby plans to attend law school. She would like to pursue a career in either civil rights law or policy and would like to one day run for office.
Ambassador
Drake Wood
Drake Wood
Drake Wood is a student at Simpson College where he studies Political Science and Religion. He serves as a member of the Internal Affairs Committee in student government and in the leadership of the Simpson Young Republicans. Drake is also a member of the Simpson Debate Team and the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. Drake hopes that he can help change the world one vote at a time!
Ambassador
Kylie Doupnik
Kylie Doupnik
Ambassador
Levi Lefebure
Class of 2020
Levi Lefebure
Class of 2020
Levi Lefebure is a Culver Fellow from Fairfax, Iowa. At Simpson College, he is majoring in Political Science, Mathematics, and History. He is involved with Cross-Country, Track & Field, Student Government, Debate Team, and College Republicans on campus. Upon leaving Simpson, Levi hopes to find work in some level of policymaking. Policy has interested Levi from a young age, because of how much of a difference for good it can make. He is excited about being an Andrew Goodman Ambassador because it allows him to be as involved in politics on campus as possible.
Spelman College
Campus Champion
Cynthia Neal Spence
Associate Professor, Department of Sociology Social Justice Fellows Program Director UNCF/Mellon Programs Director
Cynthia Neal Spence
Associate Professor, Department of Sociology Social Justice Fellows Program Director UNCF/Mellon Programs Director
Dr. Cynthia Neal Spence is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Spelman College and Director of the UNCF/Mellon Programs. Her teaching and research interests in the areas of sociology, criminology, law, and violence against women support the Law and Criminology concentration in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. Dr. Spence has served in the capacities of Assistant Dean for Freshman Studies, Associate Academic Dean and Academic Dean at Spelman College. Her interest in issues of higher education access, service-learning, gender role socialization and violence against women frame her research, writing, community service involvement, and public speaking. Her publications include “A Woman’s College Perspective on the Education of Men” (2004) New Directors for Student Series and “The Spelman College Total Person Commits to Positive Social Change” (2006), Engaging Departments: Moving Faculty Cultures from Private to Public, Individual to Collective Force for the Common Good. Her most recent publication “Does Race Trump Gender? Black Women Negotiating their Spaces of Intersection in the 2008 Presidential Campaign” is included in the edited volume “Who Should Be First? Feminists Speak Out on the 2008 Presidential Campaign” (2010). As Director of the UNCF Mellon Programs, Dr. Spence creates, manages and oversees a suite of future faculty development and faculty career enhancement programs for UNCF (United Negro College Fund) students and faculty. The UNCF/Mellon Programs are housed at Spelman College and funded by the Andrew Mellon Foundation.
In her newest role, Dr. Spence serves as the Faculty Lead for the Spelman College Social Justice Fellows Program. Dr. Spence is committed to helping Spelman women fully actualize their commitment to “making a choice to change the world “through social justice advocacy. She has served as a consultant for the Ford Foundation Institutional Transformation Project, the University of Chicago Provost Initiative on Minority Affairs, the Agnes Scott College Center for Teaching and Learning and the Georgia Department of Corrections. She currently serves as Faculty Trustee on the Spelman College Board of Trustees and is the former chair of the Board of the non-profit agency Men Stopping Violence. She is a member of the Board of Directors of Georgia Women for Change and the Women’s Solidarity Society for the Center for Civil and Human Rights. Dr. Spence is a graduate of Spelman College where she earned her B.A. degree. She earned both the Masters and Ph.D. degrees from Rutgers University. She is married to Harold W. Spence and they are the proud parents of two daughters, Christie ’05 and Courtnee ’08.
Team Leader
Keymari Johnson
Class of 2021
Keymari Johnson
Class of 2021
Keymari Johnson is an Economics major at Spelman College from Lexington, Kentucky. She aspires to become a Corporate Lawyer.
Ambassador
Alix Swann
Alix Swann
Alix Swann is a student at Spelman College, an all women’s historically black college in Atlanta, Georgia. She is majoring in International Studies and minoring in Comparative Women’s Studies. Her main interests fall into civic engagement, reproductive justice, and education advocacy. At Spelman, Alix is part of the Social Justice Program, where she works to “make a choice to change the world through social justice advocacy.” She looks forward to helping fulfill this mission through contributing to the Andrew Goodman Vote Everywhere program and bringing civic engagement to Spelman and the Atlanta University Center.
Ambassador
Gabrielle (Gabby) Slaughter
Class of 2020
Gabrielle (Gabby) Slaughter
Class of 2020
Gabrielle Slaughter is a Political Science major from Stone Mountain, Georgia. Gabrielle aspires to be a prosecutor who aims to focus on crimes against women and children. She was inspired to take this path because of her work with the Fulton County District Attorney’s office in the Crimes Against Women and Children Unit. Gabrielle also wants to keep social justice at the center of her future career. Inspired by her upbringing and the Kalief Browder documentary, she plans on focusing on the school to prison pipeline as well as advocating for the rights of formerly incarcerated people. Gabrielle is also the Vice President of Gifted Girls of Grace. This service organization focuses on uplifting teenage girls in the metro Atlanta area by teaching sisterhood, etiquette, culture, and self empowerment. Gabrielle is inspired by civil servants such as Arthur Liman, Andrew Goodman, and Thurgood Marshall because she believes that they are selfless in their decision to fight for justice. She plans to carry on their legacy.
St. Lawrence University
Campus Champion
Lisa Torrey
Associate Professor of Computer Science
Lisa Torrey
Associate Professor of Computer Science
Lisa Torrey is a member of the faculty at St. Lawrence University, in the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics. Along with Ed Harcourt and Choong-Soo Lee, Lisa conducts the computer science program at St. Lawrence. Before arriving there, Lisa graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 2009 and of Dartmouth College in 2003.
Campus Champion
Wendi Haugh
Associate Professor of Anthropology and African Studies
Wendi Haugh
Associate Professor of Anthropology and African Studies
Wendi Haugh is a cultural and linguistic anthropologist with a joint appointment in African Studies. She spent her junior year abroad in Kenya, and she has done research in northern Namibia on the ways that people construct a sense of national identity in songs, speeches, talk radio programs, celebrations, and conversations. She is currently launching a new research project on birding, bird guides, and bird-related ecotourism in eastern and southern Africa. She teaches Cultural Anthropology, Humans and Other Animals, Peoples and Cultures of Africa, and Environmental Conservation in Africa. She enjoys travel, bird watching, and hiking in her spare time.
Ambassador
Grace Vensel
Class of 2021
Grace Vensel
Class of 2021
Grace is a student double majoring in Global and Francophone studies, with a concentration in Peace Studies. She loves to travel and meet new people, something that she hopes to do more of in the future. In addition to being an Andrew Goodman Ambassador, Grace is also a French tutor at St. Lawrence’s Language Resource Center. Grace’s interest for politics blossomed as a newly registered voter, and her passion was fostered through involvement in the 2018 midterm elections. In the future, Grace hopes to continue to work on breaking voting barriers, tackling voter apathy, and developing civic engagement within her communities.
Ambassador
Ella Charlesworth
Class of 2021
Ella Charlesworth
Class of 2021
Ella Charlesworth is a student at St. Lawrence University majoring in Sociology and minoring in Public Health and Gender & Sexuality Studies. Besides being an Andrew Goodman Ambassador, she also is a Volunteer Services Program Manager, Admissions Ambassador, and co-founded Planned Parenthood Generation Action on her campus. Ella is passionate about increasing voter education and access, as well as growing civic engagement in her community.
Ambassador
Niamh Creedon-Carey
Class of 2021
Niamh Creedon-Carey
Class of 2021
Niamh Creedon-Carey is a student at St. Lawrence University majoring in history and government. She’s from Plattsburgh, New York and has always felt passionately about politics. She first became interested in voter registration while interning for a local congressional campaign in high school. In addition to civic and political causes, Niamh is passionate about human rights and has worked as a student activist coordinator for Amnesty International. She looks forward to working with The Andrew Goodman Foundation to increase political engagement on campus.
Stony Brook University
Campus Champion
Steven Adelson
Co-Director, Center for Civic Justice
Area Coordinator
Steven Adelson
Co-Director, Center for Civic Justice
Area Coordinator
Steven Adelson is a Residence Hall Director in the Department of Residential Programs at Stony Brook University, and now also serves as Co-Director of the Center for Civic Justice. Since arriving in 2012, Steven has contributed to the university's transformed commitment to civic and democratic engagement for several years, and he is thrilled about the opportunity to position civic justice as a cornerstone of the student experience. Steven is a two-time alumnus of Stony Brook University: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (2015) and Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration (2017). In addition, Steven is pursuing his Doctorate in Education at Northeastern University. Steven's research interests include undocumented immigrant identity development and its effects on access to higher education, and college student democratic engagement.
Team Leader
Elif Onay
Class of 2021
Elif Onay
Class of 2021
Elif Onay is a student at Stony Brook University studying Biology, but whose greatest passions fall within the area of politics. Originally from Staten Island, New York, Elif has contributed mightily to several of the organization's "Get Out the Vote" efforts, weekly voter registration initiatives, and as a volunteer and facilitator at the Community Dialogues on Immigration in America and Safety & Justice. Elif looks forward to honoring the legacy of Andrew Goodman and so many others who lost their lives for doing what they knew was right and just.
Ambassador
Erin Byers
Class of 2022
Erin Byers
Class of 2022
Erin is a student at Stony Brook University’s Honors College studying Political Science and Psychology with a minor in Writing. Besides being an Andrew Goodman Ambassador, she is the Team Leader of the Voter Engagement Committee in Stony Brook’s Center for Civic Justice. Erin is passionate about equitable voting practices and criminal justice reform and is excited about the year ahead to further Stony Brook’s dedication to civic engagement. As an Ambassador, she hopes to bring new Get Out the Vote initiatives to campus and work with other Ambassadors around the country to start to solve large-scale issues on local levels.
Ambassador
Tamara Smith
Class of 2021
Tamara Smith
Class of 2021
Born and raised in New York City, Tamara is an Economics major and Political Science minor with dreams of changing the world. Her goal is to attend law school and ultimately become a Supreme Court Justice, dedicating her life to ensuring social justice for all. Her passions include eradicating voter suppression, equal and quality education for all, and criminal justice reform. She is determined to exemplify leadership and civic engagement within her community.
Ambassador
Lucy Gordon
Class of 2021
Lucy Gordon
Class of 2021
Lucy Gordon is a student at Stony Brook University with a double major in Psychology and Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies with a minor in Biology. Lucy serves as the lead of the Community Engagement team at Stony Brook’s Center for Civic Justice. Lucy is driven by her passion for social justice education, women’s rights advocacy, and making sure students feel that their voice matters on campus and in the larger community. Along with her work at the Center for Civic Justice, Lucy is an Undergraduate College Fellow for the College of Science and Society and a research assistant in biology education. Along with weekly tabling and voter registration events, she has facilitated Community Dialogues on Freedom of Speech and the #MeToo Movement, and looks forward to piloting a new community dialogue topic on Gendered Expectations in Society. Lucy is excited to be an Ambassador for the Andrew Goodman Vote Everywhere program where she hopes to continue to increase civic engagement on campus and honor the legacy of Andrew Goodman.
SUNY Geneseo
Campus Champion
Nicholas (Nick) Palumbo
Interim Director of Leadership and Service, Center for Community and Adjunct Faculty, Department of Psychology
Nicholas (Nick) Palumbo
Interim Director of Leadership and Service, Center for Community and Adjunct Faculty, Department of Psychology
Nicholas Paul Palumbo is the Interim Director of Leadership and Service at the Center for Community. In this role, he is responsible for promoting, developing and expanding leadership and service opportunities for students. Nick oversees a number of leadership initiatives, including the Geneseo Opportunities for Leadership Development, Livingston Cares Service Trips, and the on-campus Voter Engagement Taskforce. Before joining the Center for Community, Nick has been serving the Geneseo community since 2016 as an adjunct faculty member in the department of psychology teaching courses in adolescent and child development, motivation psychology, and advance research methods. Prior to that, Nick was at the University of Rochester where he served as a project manager and adjunct professor in the department of counseling and human development. Nick earned a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Geneseo, a master’s from Syracuse University, and an advanced certificate in online teaching from the University of Rochester. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in human development from the University of Rochester. Nick enjoys spending time working with undergraduate students on research projects, reading, writing, and traveling to the Adirondacks. Nick also loves to cook and is always trying out new vegan recipes.
Team Leader
Rachel Wallisky
Class of 2021
Rachel Wallisky
Class of 2021
Rachel Wallisky is a Political Science and History major from Horseheads, NY. At SUNY Geneseo, Rachel is a Student Leader Mentor through the Geneseo Opportunities for Leadership Development Program (GOLD), a member of the Phi Alpha Delta professional pre-law fraternity, and swims distance on the SUNY Geneseo Swimming and Diving team. After graduation, Rachel plans to attend law school to become a prosecutor.
Ambassador
Julia Muller
Class of 2022
Julia Muller
Class of 2022
Julia Muller is a student studying Biology and International Relations from Rochester, NY. At SUNY Geneseo, Julia is a Leader Mentor in the Geneseo Opportunities for Leadership Development (GOLD) program, as well as the secretary for Roosevelt Institute at SUNY Geneseo, and a member of the Geneseo Pep Band. She is excited to work with The Andrew Goodman Foundation to encourage her fellow students to get involved in the democratic process.
Ambassador
Sara Wendell
Class of 2020
Sara Wendell
Class of 2020
Sara is a Psychology major and Human Development minor at SUNY Geneseo. Sara is passionate about research in the field of Psychology and the ways that humans interact, and she plans to attend graduate school to get a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology to continue her studies on human behavior. In the Geneseo Opportunities for Leadership Development Program (GOLD), Sara is a Leader Mentor where she collaborates with other mentors and participants on projects related to leadership and many other issues, such as voter engagement. In the fall of 2018, Sara helped with voter registration and at the polling sites on election day, which sparked her interest in The Andrew Goodman Foundation and civic engagement. She plans to continue to help with these projects her senior year and educate her campus on the importance of elections and voting.
Tennessee State University
Campus Champion
Cara Robinson
Associate Professor in Urban Studies
Cara Robinson
Associate Professor in Urban Studies
Dr. Cara Robinson is the Interim Department Chair for Social Work and Urban Studies and an Associate Professor of Urban Studies at Tennessee State University. Dr. Robinson received her Ph.D. in Urban Affairs and Public Policy from the University of Delaware where she wrote her dissertation "Informing Democracy?: Election Coverage by Cable News Networks in the 2008 Presidential Election."
Team Leader
Aniya Bryant
Class of 2020
Aniya Bryant
Class of 2020
Aniya Bryant is a senior majoring in Agricultural Sciences with a focus in Environmental Science and Urban Studies. Her interest in politics grew her junior year of college when she decided to add a second major in Urban Studies. Aniya loves to travel and volunteer with various organizations in Nashville. Upon graduation, Aniya plans to attend graduate school and get a master's degree in Education.
Ambassador
La Toria Lane
Class of 2020
La Toria Lane
Class of 2020
From Memphis, La Toria Lane is a senior Political Science and Urban Studies double major at Tennessee State University. At the University she is a member of the Honors College, University ‘Aristocrat’ of Bands, Phi Eta Sigma, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She has been an Andrew Goodman Ambassador for the last two years and wants to continue advocating for student civic engagement. Upon graduating in May, La Toria would like to continue her education by obtaining her Masters of Public Administration and later attend Law School.
Texas Woman's University
Campus Champion
Dr. Stephanie Krauth
Associate Vice President for Student Engagement, Office of Student Life
Dr. Stephanie Krauth
Associate Vice President for Student Engagement, Office of Student Life
Dr. Stephanie Krauth is the Associate Vice President of Student Engagement at Texas Woman’s University. She has been in the student affairs profession for over 30 years in various areas, including Residence Life, Greek Life, Orientation, and Student Conduct. As AVP for Student Engagement, Dr. Krauth focuses on the leadership and engaged citizenship development of the students at Texas Woman’s University. TWU was thrilled to be able to present its civic engagement initiatives at the 2019 CLDE conference and is designated as a Voter Friendly Campus and All-In Democracy Challenge institution.
Team Leader
Cassandra Gonzales
Class of 2023
Cassandra Gonzales
Class of 2023
Cassandra Gonzales is a Political Science major at Texas Woman’s University with an emphasis in Politics. She is passionate about encouraging civic engagement and fighting for social reform both on campus and in her community. She enjoys participating in community service and contributing time to political campaigns and marches. After graduation, she intends to go to graduate school and earn her doctorate in Political Science in order to continue to advocate for change.
Ambassador
Fiama Villagrana Ocasio
Class of 2022
Fiama Villagrana Ocasio
Class of 2022
Fiama Villagrana Ocasio is a student at Texas Woman’s University studying Political Science and minoring in Communication Sciences & Disorders and Spanish. Fiama is originally from Houston, Texas where she is involved in various social justice movements, especially those affecting the Latinx and LGBTQ+ community. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, catching up on podcasts, and writing. In the future, she hopes to return to Houston to promote civic engagement and work for a non-profit.
Tougaloo College
Campus Champion
Cynthia Palmer
Executive Director, Veterans of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement, Inc.
Cynthia Palmer
Executive Director, Veterans of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement, Inc.
Cynthia Goodloe-Palmer currently serves as the Executive Director of the Veterans of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement, Inc., since 2012. She previously served as the coordinator for the organization. Previously she worked at Jackson State University as the Resources and Media Technology Manager for the Margaret Walker Alexander National Research Center. Most recently, she served as the Operations Director for the 2011 Return of the Freedom Riders 50th Anniversary Reunion (Jackson, MS), the Executive Director for the 2014 Freedom Summer 50th Anniversary Conference (Tougaloo College) and also served on the 2013 50th Anniversary Committee for the Commemoration of the murder of Medgar Evers. In addition, Cynthia also served on the 2015 50th Anniversary of the Bridge Crossing Jubilee in Selma, Alabama.
Music has been a passion of Cynthia’s before serving in the aforementioned jobs. She has toured in 35 of the 50 United States and has performed internationally in the following places Alaska, Canada, Bermuda, West Indies, England, Germany, France, Brazil, Holland, Trinidad, Tobago and South Africa. Cynthia has been featured on the "Bobby Jones Gospel Show" on The Word Network and is a 3-time winner at the Mississippi Gospel Music Awards. She was the first gospel singer to sing at the Jewish synagogue in Dayton, Ohio.
Cynthia has recorded and self-produced 5 CD’s, entitled "Just Enough Faith To Try," "Anointed Psalms of Praise," “A Soulful Christmas," "Heaven is the Place to Be," and “The Best of Cynthia Palmer; The Ultimate Collection." Cynthia produced the highly successful CD for Message Magazine, the oldest black religious magazine in the country.
After returning to Mississippi in 2000, Cynthia founded the Canton Gospel Music Association (CGMA) located in her hometown of Canton, MS. Since 2006, this organization has awarded 95 music scholarships to up and coming musicians.
Cynthia is a recording artist, songwriter, producer and serves on the board of directors of the Mississippi Opera and Women For Progress, to name a few. She is the proud daughter of Flonzie Brown Wright and the late Edward Goodloe, Sr., and currently resides in Jackson, MS.
Campus Champion
Precious Vines
Student Success Coach, Student Academic Success Center
Precious Vines
Student Success Coach, Student Academic Success Center
Precious Vines is a Student Success Coach in Tougaloo College's Student Academic Success Center.
Team Leader
Latrice Johnson
Class of 2020
Latrice Johnson
Class of 2020
Latrice Johnson is an English major and Pre-Law minor from Oklahoma City, OK. Attending the historic Tougaloo College, she serves as Secretary of the Tougaloo Ambassadors and Meritorious Scholars and Treasurer of the Reuben V. Anderson Pre-Law Society while remaining actively involved in several other organizations.Through her involvement with the RVA Pre-Law Society and NAACP, Latrice has gained experience in administering campus-wide voter registration drives and get-out-the-vote efforts. She is dedicated to improving the civic engagement of her generation and institution. As an organized leader, Latrice plans to express her passion for voting and civil rights by enhancing the campus morale and political involvement through her work as an Andrew Goodman Ambassador.
Ambassador
Jazmine Baylor
Class of 2020
Jazmine Baylor
Class of 2020
Jazmine Baylor is a student at Tougaloo College, where she studies Biology. She is originally from McComb, MS, and aspires to become a medical physician.
Towson University
Campus Champion
Luis Sierra
Assistant Director, Office of Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility
Luis Sierra
Assistant Director, Office of Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility
Luis Sierra is a student affairs professional from Miami, Florida. He strives to empower students to have an impactful one-of-a-kind college experience, in which they become leaders and active citizens through not only their academic life but also their co-curricular involvement.
Team Leader
Sophie Bertrand
Class of 2020
Sophie Bertrand
Class of 2020
Sophie Bertrand is a student leader taking action addressing the issues of civic engagement and democratic participation. In the past two years, she has utilized campus resources to educate the student body about the significance of their roles in the community, especially in the democratic system. She has actively registered students to vote, hoping to increase overall political engagement on campus and playing a significant role in making Towson University recognized by TurboVote and the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge as a "Silver Seal Campus" with a voting rate of 60.7% - one of TurboVote's top 40 campuses for voter engagement in 2017. In addition to her efforts with the campus student government on an initiative to make voting easier and more convenient for students, she is currently working in concordance with several local universities to host a conference pertaining to the state of democratic participation and civic engagement in the hopes of directly engaging with students and officials to discover what needs to be done and follow through to increase voter turnout, especially pertaining to the rapidly growing population of youth voters.
Ambassador
Jonathan Townes
Class of 2021
Jonathan Townes
Class of 2021
Jonathan Townes is a student at Towson University studying Political Science. He is a Baltimore City native, dedicated to helping create a community that is conducive to the growth of all the city’s inhabitants. Jonathan Townes has been involved politically since 10th grade in high school, working for Councilmen Brandon Scott of the second district in Baltimore City. He has also served two consecutive terms on the Baltimore City School Board of Commissioners representing the youth population of the city. Jonathan is currently working on the gubernatorial campaign of Jim Shea and Councilmen Scott. When he is not debating the effectiveness of the education system in Baltimore City or trying to save the world, he enjoys drawing, singing, and spending time with his little sister. Jonathan is passionate about helping others and hopes to be able to change the world.
Tufts University
Campus Champion
Sherri Sklarwitz
Associate Director of Student Programs
Sherri Sklarwitz
Associate Director of Student Programs
Sherri Sklarwitz works with the programs team at Tisch College to support research and evaluation in addition to facilitating connections with student organizations across campus. She earned her doctorate in 2015 from Boston University, and her research focused on designing assessments to understand how student attitudes can change after participating in global citizenship coursework. Prior to beginning her graduate studies, Sherri taught civics to middle school students in Somerville. She earned her B.S. from Cornell University in Industrial and Labor Relations, and her M.Ed. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Team Leader
Lidya Woldeyesus
Class of 2022
Lidya Woldeyesus
Class of 2022
Lidya Woldeyesus is a student at Tufts University studying Political Science and Civic Studies. As and Andrew Goodman Ambassador, she is passionate about tackling the barriers to voting for students of color, which are both structural and cultural. Gearing up for the 2020 Presidential Election, she is excited about using her platform to help her peers recognize their constitutional and civic responsibility to vote!
Ambassador
Alejandra Carrillo
Class of 2022
Alejandra Carrillo
Class of 2022
Alejandra Carrillo is a student at Tufts University majoring in International Relations. A Los Angeles native, Alejandra has been politically active inside and outside her community since high school. She is an Events Team Leader for JumboVote and a Tisch Scholar. As an Andrew Goodman Ambassador, Alejandra seeks to empower youth voices and increase civic engagement at Tufts University and beyond.
University of Alabama
Campus Champion
Richard Fording
Professor, Department of Political Science
Richard Fording
Professor, Department of Political Science
Richard C. Fording is the Marilyn Williams Elmore and John Durr Elmore Endowed Professor of Political Science at the University of Alabama. He earned his B.A. at the University of Florida (1986), and his Ph.D. from Florida State University (1998). His primary teaching and research interests include public policy, race and politics, state politics, social movements, and quantitative methodology. He is the author or coauthor of articles appearing in a variety of journals, including American Political Science Review, American Sociological Review, American Journal of Political Science and Journal of Politics. He is the coauthor of Disciplining the Poor: Neoliberal Paternalism and the Persistent Power of Race (University of Chicago Press).
Team Leader
Ben Leonard
Class of 2020
Ben Leonard
Class of 2020
Ben Leonard is a student at the University of Alabama from Collierville, Tennessee. He is majoring in Marketing and minoring in Political Science. Ben has served as the CEO of Forza Financial, worked as an intern for the University Fellows Experience, raised funds for nonprofits, contributed to the Honors College Student Advisory Board, and volunteered in several Tuscaloosa elementary schools. Last summer, Ben interned for his district’s Congressman and one of Tennessee’s U.S. Senators. In the fall of 2018, Ben left UA for a semester to work for the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., where he supported the Metropolitan Policy Program. Currently, Ben interns in Tuscaloosa’s City Hall for Mayor Walt Maddox. On campus, he is involved in the University Fellows Experience, Honors College Ambassadors, the Blackburn Institute, and the Andrew Goodman Vote Everywhere program. In his free time, Ben enjoys running, reading, and listening to podcasts. He hopes to attend law school after graduating from The University of Alabama.
Ambassador
Alli Swann
Class of 2022
Alli Swann
Class of 2022
Alli Swann is a student at the University of Alabama double majoring in political science and English with a minor in social innovation and leadership. As a University Fellow, member of The Blackburn Institute, and proud Honors College student, Alli is passionate about civic engagement, leadership, and service on campus and in her community. Following her graduation from UA, Alli hopes to attend law school. Honored to serve as an Andrew Goodman Ambassador, Alli is eager to work alongside UA’s team to make sustainable change and leave a positive impact on her campus.
Ambassador
Meredith Saylor
Class of 2022
Meredith Saylor
Class of 2022
Meredith Saylor is a student at the University of Alabama majoring in Economics with a minor in Public Policy. Along with her work with The Andrew Goodman Foundation, she is an active member of the Student Government Association, and serves as an Honors College mentor. After her undergraduate career, she hopes to continue on to earn her master’s in Economics, and eventually work in monetary policy.
Ambassador
Samuel (Sam) Reece
Class of 2021
Samuel (Sam) Reece
Class of 2021
Samuel Reece is a student at the University of Alabama from Montevallo, AL. He is majoring in Political Science and American Studies and minoring in Creative Writing and Social Innovation & Leadership. Sam is part of the University Fellows Experience and the Honors College and worked as an Honors College and David Mathews Center for Civic Life Jean O’Connor-Snyder Intern in the summer of 2018. He is also a member of the Blackburn Institute Class of 2020. He is involved in the Alabama Model United Nations Conference, teaches recorder to third-graders as the Flatwood Elementary Coordinator for Engage Tuscaloosa's NoteABLE program, and writes on comic books, superheroes, and their place in pop culture in the "The Splash Page" series for the Crimson White Culture Section. He is planning to attend law school after graduation, focusing on public interest work.
Ambassador
Shana Oshinskie
Class of 2020
Shana Oshinskie
Class of 2020
Shana Oshinskie, a student studying Journalism at The University of Alabama, grew up in a very small town in New Jersey, where her interest in access to unbiased information and its correlation to civic engagement began. More specifically, however, Shana is interested in the voting rights of freed felons and citizens of marginalized communities like the Alabama Black Belt, the lack of participation in local elections, and how these concerns can be ameliorated by access to high quality local and national journalism. She will spend her summer of 2017 in the rural community of Marion, Alabama, working with the Jean O'Connor-Snyder Program and various local nonprofits to improve local journalism and voter registration.
University of Baltimore
Campus Champion
Anthony Butler
Director of Transitions and Community Engagement
Anthony Butler
Director of Transitions and Community Engagement
Anthony Butler is the Director of Transitions and Community Engagement at UB. He has more than a decade of experience in the areas of student development, community engagement and developing community partnerships, student leadership and transition programs, and non-profit PR and marketing. In his role as Director of Transitions and Community Engagement, Anthony is responsible for planning University of Baltimore’s new student orientation, commencement exercises, community engagement opportunities, and strengths-based initiatives. He also teaches the senior capstone course in the College of Public Affairs’ Community Leadership and Nonprofit Management program. He has a bachelor of arts in English from Salisbury University and a master of arts in Publications Design with a specialization in creative writing and publishing arts from University of Baltimore. In his free time he enjoys writing fiction and poetry.
Team Leader
Willow Goode
Class of 2020
Willow Goode
Class of 2020
Willow Goode is a student at The University of Baltimore studying Government and Public Policy with a minor in Philosophy. From a young age, she has been politically active. In the future, Willow hopes to attend law school and work for social change. She enjoys working with The Andrew Goodman Foundation to help encourage more people to be involved in the democratic process.
Ambassador
Carleen McLeod
Class of 2020
Carleen McLeod
Class of 2020
Carleen McLeod is a graduating senior at the University of Baltimore and is majoring in English. She hopes to make sure the student body at UB are registered and fully aware of their voting rights and to attend law school in the near future.
University of California - Berkeley
Campus Champion
Dr. Sandra Bass
Associate Dean of Students and Director, Public Service Center
Dr. Sandra Bass
Associate Dean of Students and Director, Public Service Center
Dr. Sandra Bass joined the Center in January 2015. As Director, she provides leadership to the Center and support to its team. Sandra received her PhD in political science at Berkeley and her doctoral research explored police behavior, community organizing, and the dynamics between police and communities of color in Oakland and Seattle. Upon completing her program, she was appointed as assistant professor of Criminology and Political Science at the University of Maryland, College Park, where she integrated service learning into both her undergraduate and graduate courses. In 2002 Sandra joined the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, and in 2010 she was selected to lead the Foundation’s girl’s education, women’s leadership, and reproductive health program in Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2012, Sandra volunteered for the Obama campaign in the battleground states of Nevada and Colorado, and later, was appointed executive director of Teach With Africa. Sandra holds a BA from San Jose State University, and an MA and PhD from UC Berkeley, all in political science. She also serves on the regional Board of the Jefferson Awards Foundation, the Chancellor’s Community Partnership Fund, and is the immediate past Board Chair of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights in Oakland.
Team Leader
Miyako Iwata
Class of 2021
Miyako Iwata
Class of 2021
Miyako is a student at UC Berkeley pursuing a major in Political Science and a minor in History, with a strong interest in voting rights, civic engagement, and congressional affairs. On campus, she works to bring down barriers to voting as an Andrew Goodman Ambassador and Voter Registration Manager of the ASUC Vote Coalition. An Oregon native, Miyako previously spent two summers interning in U.S. Senator Ron Wyden’s Eugene district office. Most recently, she worked for Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) in his Washington, D.C. office as a legislative intern with a focus on healthcare and education policy. Currently, Miyako is working to found the first-ever “PAC-12 Voting Challenge” to encourage college students across the West Coast to vote during the 2020 election. She is looking forward to partnering with The Andrew Goodman Foundation to make sure that young people are making their voices heard in our democracy—in 2020 and beyond.
Ambassador
Rachel Sondkar
Class of 2020
Rachel Sondkar
Class of 2020
Rachel Sondkar is a senior at the University of California, Berkeley majoring in Political Economy with a concentration in The American Legal System. Strongly believing in the importance of activism, Rachel has been politically engaged throughout her educational career. She currently is part of the campus’ Vote Coalition, which increased campus voter turnout in the 2018 Midterms, as well as has partnered with administrators and other student leaders to create the Civic Engagement Coalition. Coming from a family of freedom fighters, Rachel has learnt at an early age the importance of uplifting marginalized voices. Her published piece “Secular India?” explains the necessity of having an inclusive democracy. Rachel is excited to be an Andrew Goodman Ambassador and to continue educating and motivating young voters. She hopes to work towards making the nation a place where there is truly “liberty and justice for all.”
University of Central Arkansas
Campus Champion
Lesley Graybeal
Director of Service-Learning in the Division of Outreach and Community Engagement
Lesley Graybeal
Director of Service-Learning in the Division of Outreach and Community Engagement
Lesley Graybeal is the Director of Service-Learning in the Division of Outreach and Community Engagement at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Arkansas. She earned her BA and MA degrees in English and Ph.D. in Social Foundations of Education at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia and previously served as faculty member and Service-Learning Program Coordinator at Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, North Carolina. In her role as Director of Service-Learning, Lesley’s work includes community partnership development and nonprofit support, faculty development in community-engaged pedagogy and scholarship, and coordination of co-curricular service and civic engagement opportunities for students.
Team Leader
Greta Hacker
Class of 2021
Greta Hacker
Class of 2021
Greta Hacker is a student majoring in Public Administration with minors in Honors Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Writing. Greta developed her interest in public service during high school, when she worked to increase citizen access to information, technology, and educational programming as an employee of her local public library. She continues her public service work in college as an intern at the University of Central Arkansas Center for Community and Economic Development, where she helps to provide training and technical assistance to communities around the state of Arkansas. She is an active member of the UCA Debate and Forensics Team, works as a peer tutor at the UCA Center for Writing and Communication, and serves as an ambassador and councilmember for the UCA Schedler Honors College. Greta is excited to serve as an Andrew Goodman Ambassador at UCA and hopes that her commitments to education, civic engagement, and service will have a positive impact upon the program.
Ambassador
Javier Hernandez
Class of 2021
Javier Hernandez
Class of 2021
Originally from Rogers, AR, Javier Hernandez is a student at the University of Central Arkansas double majoring in Environmental Science and Political Science. At UCA, he is involved in Young Democrats, Latino Student Association, Food Recovery Network, and Student Government, among other organizations. He has a passion for the equal opportunity for everyone to participate in our democratic process. He is excited to be serving as an Andrew Goodman Ambassador, getting to share knowledge about the registration and election process and energizing his campus to vote.
University of Chicago
Campus Champion
Purvi Patel
Director, Civic and Campus Engagement
Purvi Patel
Director, Civic and Campus Engagement
Purvi Patel joined the IOP in February 2019 as the Director of Civic and Campus Engagement. In this role, she advises the IOP’s Civic Engagement student leadership, builds relationships with community partners, and works on civic engagement program development and strategy. Previously, Purvi worked as an administrator in diversity and student life at Washington University in St. Louis, Loyola University Maryland, and Oberlin College. Purvi is from Dallas, Texas and graduated with a B.A. in History from Loyola University Chicago, and a M.A. in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University.
Team Leader
Joshua McKie
Class of 2021
Joshua McKie
Class of 2021
Joshua McKie is a student at the University of Chicago, majoring in Public Policy, Philosophy, and Religious Studies. He is a New York City native who currently works at Sunshine Enterprises with a goal of empowering communities and people that have been disempowered in order to create a more politically equal society. Joshua's hobbies include running, taking walks, playing harmonica, and spending time with his family and friends.
Ambassador
Kate Clement
Kate Clement
University of Dayton
Campus Champion
Grant Neeley
Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Political Science
Grant Neeley
Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Political Science
Grant Neeley teaches and conducts research in several public policy fields, public administration, state politics and political behavior. Prior to joining the UD faculty, Grant was on the faculty at Texas Tech, the University of Cincinnati, and Ball State University. He also serves as a Public Affairs Officer in the Navy Reserve. He has played on and coached several collegiate club lacrosse teams.
Grant served as the Director of the MPA Program at UD from May 2007 to August 2014. In 2014, he became the Director of Graduate Academic Affairs for the College of Arts and Sciences. He is currently the chair of the Department of Political Science.
Campus Champion
Hunter Phillips Goodman
Executive Director, Fitz Center for Leadership in Community
Hunter Phillips Goodman
Executive Director, Fitz Center for Leadership in Community
Dr. Hunter Phillips Goodman serves as the Executive Director of the Fitz Center for Leadership in Community at the University of Dayton. She believes strongly in the power of community and neighborhoods to make a positive difference in partnership with local universities.
As a nonprofit executive director, fundraiser, researcher, student advocate, teacher, and higher education professional, Hunter has a passion for strong, vibrant leadership and community based partnership.
Team Leader
Anna Rose Redgate
Class of 2020
Anna Rose Redgate
Class of 2020
Anna Rose Redgate is a senior at the University of Dayton majoring in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations and minors in Marketing and Political Science. She is extremely excited an honored to be working as an Andrew Goodman Ambassador at UD, and strives to carry on Andrew Goodman’s legacy. Through partnership with the University of Dayton’s Fitz Center for Leadership in Community, Anna Rose and her team work to promote civic engagement on campus through voter registration, mobilizing voters to the polls, and creating or partnering with other organizations to increase civic engagement on campus and in our community. In addition to being an Ambassador, Anna Rose works as a Communication Student Manager for the Women’s Center on campus, enjoys writing, volunteering in the Dayton community, and spending time with her wonderful friends at UD.
Ambassador
Emma Speyer
Class of 2022
Emma Speyer
Class of 2022
Emma Speyer is student at the University of Dayton where she is studying Public Relations with a minor in Political Science. She is a member of the women’s rowing team at UD and is hoping to connect students athletes and civic engagement during her time with AGF. After graduation Emma plans to attend law school in her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio and pursue a career in politics.
Ambassador
Abby Medler
Abby Medler
Abby Medler is a student at the University of Dayton in Ohio. She is majoring in Political Science and is very involved on campus, including in Student Government Association Committees for Campus Unity and Campus Safety. She is also in a group called Peers Advocating for Violence Education (PAVE) and is an active volunteer at Abolition Ohio. Abby became especially interested in voter engagement during the 2018 local elections in which she recalls being disappointed that so few of her peers turned out to vote.
Ambassador
Erin DeCero
Class of 2021
Erin DeCero
Class of 2021
Ambassador
Sean Newhouse
Class of 2020
Sean Newhouse
Class of 2020
Sean Newhouse is excited to be an Andrew Goodman Ambassador at the University of Dayton, where he is a Political Science and Journalism double major. He has traveled extensively, studying in China and interning in London, England. Besides being an Ambassador, Sean is involved with his campus newspaper and Alpha Phi Omega. His favorite TV series is “The West Wing.”
University of Florida
Campus Champion
Cynthia Barnett
Environmental Fellow, The Bob Graham Center for Public Service & Environmental Journalist in Residence, The UF College of Journalism and Communications
Cynthia Barnett
Environmental Fellow, The Bob Graham Center for Public Service & Environmental Journalist in Residence, The UF College of Journalism and Communications
Cynthia Barnett is a Fellow at the University of Florida's Bob Graham Center for Public Service, where she works on environmental civics, ethics, and leadership and teaches the Center's campus-wide Civic Engagement course. She also serves as Environmental Journalist in Residence at UF's College of Journalism and Communications, where she teaches environmental reporting. She is author of the water books Mirage: Florida and the Vanishing Water of the Eastern U.S. (2007); Blue Revolution: Unmaking America’s Water Crisis (2011); and Rain: A Natural and Cultural History (2015), long-listed for the National Book Award. She’s written on the environment for National Geographic, the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, the Atlantic, Discover, Salon, Politico and many other publications. Her next book is a history of humanity and seashells, tapping a beloved icon of nature to help the general public engage with our impacts to the sea.
Team Leader
Jenna Tingum
Class of 2020
Jenna Tingum
Class of 2020
Jenna Tingum is a pre-med student at the University of Florida majoring in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience. Besides being an Andrew Goodman Ambassador, Jenna volunteers at the local hospital and works as a Resident Assistant on campus. After graduation, she hopes to go to medical school to become a Neurologist or Psychiatrist. She is passionate about civic involvement, community service, and mental health advocacy and is very excited to work with The Andrew Goodman Foundation to promote student engagement throughout UF and Gainesville.
Ambassador
Nomfumo Manaba
Class of 2021
Nomfumo Manaba
Class of 2021
Nomfumo Manaba is a student at the University of Florida where she is completing a dual degree in Political Science and Journalism. Nomfumo’s interest in civic engagement was ignited during the student-led Fees Must Fall protests, which happened in October 2015 in South Africa. Nomfumo is also a member of the African Student Union and a contributing writer for Spoon University, an online publication. She hopes to go to law school and eventually work in media or corporate law in her home country, South Africa.
Ambassador
Katharine (Katy) Frey
Class of 2021
Katharine (Katy) Frey
Class of 2021
Katy Frey is a student from West Chester, Pennsylvania, majoring in Environmental Management of Agriculture and Natural Resources, with a minor in Sustainability. Since high school, she has had a strong passion for politics and voting rights. As an Andrew Goodman Ambassadors, she wants to help encourage more Gators to become civically engaged. Her mantra is "your voice does matter," which is why she dedicates herself to Gators Vote Everywhere and tries to empower students to vote. She is also the President of the UF chapter of She's the First, a national nonprofit organization that sponsors girls' education in low-income countries. In her free time, she enjoys exploring nature, doing yoga, and watching documentaries.
Ambassador
Shae’Erica (Shae) Horne
Class of 2021
Shae’Erica (Shae) Horne
Class of 2021
Shae'Erica Horne is a pre-med student majoring in Biology at the University of Florida. She is a recent graduate of Fitzgerald High School where she was an active member of 4-H, the Technology Student Association, BETA Club and Y-Club. She served as chairman of the Junior Board of Directors at the Community Banking Company of Fitzgerald and served as a poll worker for numerous elections. In her spare time, Shae enjoys traveling, reading, dancing and singing. Her passion for civic involvement and the medical field stems from her natural desire to want to help others. She has a focus on marginalized people and communities. As an Andrew Goodman Ambassador, Shae hopes to eliminate the idea that one vote does not count while increasing voter turnout in young adults and minorities. Her future plans are to gain a possible minor in public leadership and attend medical school at Harvard University to become an anesthesiologist.
University of La Verne
Campus Champion
Myrna Hugo
Program Coordinator for the Office of Civic and Community Engagement
Myrna Hugo
Program Coordinator for the Office of Civic and Community Engagement
Myrna Hugo is a Program Coordinator for the Office of Civic and Community Engagement. In her role, Myrna works with students to foster one of the university’s core values of community engagement through community-based learning opportunities. She also coordinates with community partners to identify and support collaboration that builds a culture of civic engagement within their neighboring communities. Prior to joining the University of La Verne, Myrna was a member of the President’s Office administrative team at the University of Redlands.
Ambassador
Abrelle Negrete
Class of 2022
Abrelle Negrete
Class of 2022
Abrelle is an Honors Education Major at the University of La Verne and is involved in the Campus Activities Board as a committee member and the Multicultural Club Council as Treasurer. Getting students involved is very important to her, and she is thankful to have the opportunity through being an Andrew Goodman Ambassador. She hopes to get students involved, not just in spirit, but politically within the community, state, and even the country.
University of Louisville
Campus Champion
Pamela Nessle Curtis
Director, Office of Student Involvement
Pamela Nessle Curtis
Director, Office of Student Involvement
Pam Nessle Curtis has over thirty years of professional experience working in Student Affairs. Pam serves as the Director of the Office of Student Involvement at the University of Louisville. While at UofL, she has also served as the Director of Civic Engagement, Leadership and Service at UofL, Associate Director for Residence Life, and as a Resident Director, among other titles. Pam is proud to have helped lead UofL to earn two Voter Friendly Campus designations and is excited about working with AGF and our two student Ambassadors heading into the 2020 election.
Pam’s professional involvement includes serving as the Inaugural Chair of the UofL Student Affairs Professional Development Committee. She also has served as the chair of the SACSA Career Services Committee and Vice President of Professional Development for two years. She has been on the executive board to CPAK (College Personnel Association of KY) as the Conference Chair. Pam has also served on the planning team for the Dialogue on Diversity held in Louisville each year. Pam has done numerous professional presentations on the state, regional and national levels on student conduct, leadership and staff training and development.
Pam received her Bachelor of Arts degree from SUNY Cortland and Master of Education degree from the University of Florida. Pam has two millennial sons, Jake and Jeff, who are a constant source of fun, amazement and learning. She loves to walk her dogs every day.
Team Leader
Eowyn (Wyn) Garfinkle Plymesser
Class of 2022
Eowyn (Wyn) Garfinkle Plymesser
Class of 2022
Wyn Garfinkle Plymesser is a student at the University of Louisville, majoring in Communication with a minor in Jewish Studies. During her time at UofL, Wyn has been involved in a variety of organizations, in differing leadership positions; she is currently the president of UofL’s Hillel, PR Chair of her service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega, and an Ambassador for Ban Conversion Therapy KY. Wyn believes that our vote is our voice, and every election is our opportunity to have our voices heard. As a queer Jewish woman, she believes that voting is how we can all stand up to oppressive systems that are currently in place. Just like her vote, every other vote matters. She is beyond excited to be an Andrew Goodman Ambassador and cannot wait to see UofL become an even more voter-friendly campus!
Ambassador
Austin Dillon
Class of 2022
Austin Dillon
Class of 2022
Austin Dillon is a student at the University of Louisville majoring in Economics and Political Science, as well as minoring in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. He is involved with various student groups on campus, including Greek life and the Engage Lead Serve Board. As a long-time admirer of the United States' unique system of government, he loves seeing students invest their time to learn about and to engage with our nation’s political institutions. He is thrilled to serve as an Andrew Goodman Ambassador!
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Campus Champion
Erin Byrnes
Lead, Democratic Engagement and America Reads
Erin Byrnes
Lead, Democratic Engagement and America Reads
Erin Byrnes has served as the Lead for Democratic engagement since the fall of 2016 and directs nonpartisan student voter registration, engagement, and education across the University of Michigan’s central campus. She also coordinates the Big Ten Voting Challenge, a friendly competition to enhance student participation in the democratic process across the Big Ten Conference.
Erin grew up in Dearborn, MI where she was recently elected to serve on the City Council. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and a former New York City Teaching Fellow, with a Master’s in Education from CUNY.
Team Leader
Meredith Days
Class of 2021
Meredith Days
Class of 2021
Meredith Days is a student at the University of Michigan, studying Public Policy at the Ford School of Public Policy, and minoring in Community Action and Social Change. Outside of her work with The Andrew Goodman Foundation, Meredith is involved in the Roosevelt Institute, a progressive public policy think tank, as the Internal Membership Chair, and organizes University of Michigan’s Alternative Spring Breaks program as a member of the Communications and Operations team. In her free time, Meredith enjoys cheering on Michigan sports teams until she loses her voice (GO BLUE), baking with her friends & family, and exploring old bookstores.
Ambassador
Cory Dubin
Class of 2021
Cory Dubin
Class of 2021
Cory Dubin is a student at the University of Michigan, majoring in Political Science and minoring in History. As an Andrew Goodman Ambassador, he works with faculty, staff, and student organizations to increase student voter registration and election turnout. Cory has an interest in U.S. Public Policy with a focus on higher education, electoral politics, and Reconstruction-era history. In his spare time, Cory enjoys watching movies, cheering on the Michigan football team, and rooting for the New England Patriots.
University of Mississippi
Campus Champion
Dr. Norris (EJ) Edney III
Director, Center for Inclusion and Cultural Engagement
Dr. Norris (EJ) Edney III
Director, Center for Inclusion and Cultural Engagement
EJ Edney graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Psychology, in 2013 with a Master of Arts in Higher Education/Student Personnel, and in 2019 with his Doctor of Education in Higher Education. He currently serves as the Director of the Center for Inclusion and Cross-Cultural Engagement at the University of Mississippi where he works to enhance efforts to support diversity, equity, and inclusion.
EJ’s work and research focuses on mentoring and its capacity to affect issues of equity and access for marginalized student groups. His work has received numerous awards including the Donald Cole Award for Excellence in Mentoring (2016) from the University of Mississippi Black Student Union and the Laws Innovation Award from the University of Mississippi School of Education (2018).
EJ has worked in various areas on campus, which have provided him a broad set of experiences. Prior to joining the CICCE staff, EJ served as Program Coordinator for the Luckyday Scholarship Success Program and as a Coordinator for National Pan-Hellenic Council fraternities and Sororities. EJ’s professional experiences have helped to galvanize his passion for supporting and promoting equitable access to student success. As such, he has been a consistent fixture on numerous committees and working groups assembled to approach issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
EJ is a mentor, scholar, educator and leader. He is also a proud father to Norris “Rocky” Edney IV and Nora Eden Edney and life partner to Adrienne Edney.
Team Leader
Marcus Stokes
Class of 2022
Marcus Stokes
Class of 2022
Originally from Oxford, Mississippi, Marcus Stokes is a student majoring in Business Administration & Political Science. He currently serves as the Director of Outreach for College Democrats, working to get others involved in the political process. He also is active in various campus organizations in various positions. His passion in life is to educate and engage minority communities on the voting process and its impact.
Ambassador
Je’Von Franklin
Je’Von Franklin
Je’Von Franklin is a proud native of Brooksville, MS. He is a 2018 graduate of Noxubee County High School. After graduating NCHS, he attended East Mississippi Community College where he obtained his Associate of Arts in Communications in 2019. While at EMCC, he served as a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the Residential Association, and as Basketball Manager. Post EMCC, he accepted a full academic ride to the University of Mississippi. He currently serves in numerous roles on his campus including NAACP Vice-President, Cabinet Member of Black Student Union, Student Ambassador, and just recently has been named Student Assistant for The University’s Center for Cross Cultural Engagement. He is majoring in African American Studies with a minor in Education. He plans to finish his bachelor’s degree and pursue his master's degree in Higher Education. His ultimate career goal is to become President of a Historically Black College or University.
University of North Carolina - Charlotte
Campus Champion
Sean Langley
Assistant Director for Campus & Volunteer Outreach
Sean Langley
Assistant Director for Campus & Volunteer Outreach
As the Assistant Director for Volunteer Outreach, Sean Langley serves as an outreach liaison between UNC Charlotte and the wider Charlotte community. In 2014, he co-founded the Niner Student Pantry that provides UNC Charlotte students experiencing economic hardship with healthy, emergency food. In the spring of 2014, Sean’s office partnered with the Department of Sociology to lead a Habitat for Humanity service learning trip to El Salvador where students built homes side-by-side with Salvadoran families, learning about their culture and lives. He serves as an adjunct professor in the Department of Sociology where he teaches courses on race and ethnic relations and social movements.
Campus Champion
Tamara Johnson
Research Associate for Academic Planning and Analysis, Office of the Provost
Tamara Johnson
Research Associate for Academic Planning and Analysis, Office of the Provost
As the Research Associate for Academic Planning and Analysis, Tamara Johnson researches and communicates UNC Charlotte’s student success and community engagement initiatives to the broader campus community, and designs programming that supports engaged scholarship and enriches the student experience through experiential learning, community engagement, and international education. As adjunct faculty in the Department of Global, International and Area Studies, she teaches courses on globalization and global cities, as well as food justice in South Africa (where she was a Peace Corps volunteer and a Fulbright scholar). She received her doctorate in Geography from UNC at Chapel Hill in 2011.
Team Leader
Kiley Murray
Class of 2020
Kiley Murray
Class of 2020
Kiley Murray is a Masters of Public Administration student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In May of 2018, Kiley graduated with her Bachelor's degree in Political Science. She currently serves as the Graduate Assistant for the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity in the Dean of Students office. She has previously served as the Vice President for the Roosevelt Institute for Public Policy at UNCC spearheading a nonpartisan initiative on campus and worked as an Administrative Assistant to the Director of the New Hanover County Board of Elections (NC) during the 2016 election.
University of Pennsylvania
Campus Champion
Faustine Sun
Academically Based Community Service Coordinator
Faustine Sun
Academically Based Community Service Coordinator
Faustine Sun is the Academically Based Community Service (ABCS) Coordinator at the Netter Center for Community Partnerships at the University of Pennsylvania. A recent Penn alum, Faustine spent her undergraduate years encouraging students to become more involved in the Philadelphia community and has continued to do so in her new role as the liaison between Penn faculty, students, and community partners. Her main goal is to support and encourage students on their way to becoming more democratic, civically-minded citizens.
Team Leader
Eva Gonzalez
Class of 2022
Eva Gonzalez
Class of 2022
Eva Gonzalez is a student at the University of Pennsylvania, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Hispanic Studies. She is a co-director for Penn Leads the Vote and is passionate about encouraging civic engagement on campus. She spent the summer working on a policy brief on college student voting rights in Pennsylvania and hopes to continue working on legislative advocacy in the future.
Ambassador
Tvisha Malik
Class of 2023
Tvisha Malik
Class of 2023
Originally from Houston, Texas, Tvisha Malik is pursuing a B.S. in Economics in the Wharton School and hopes to concentrate in Public Policy. Tvisha is excited to join the team and incentivize civic engagement in the West Philly Community.
University of San Francisco
Campus Champion
Angeline Vuong
Assistant Director, Public Service Programs
Angeline Vuong
Assistant Director, Public Service Programs
Angeline Vuong joined the McCarthy Center in 2017 as the Program Manager of Community-Engaged Learning. She oversees the Center’s undergraduate public service programs and supports community-engaged learning across the institution. She has a diverse background in the public sector, specializing in immigration, economic and community development issues for government agencies and non-profit organizations. Most recently she worked with UNICEF to design mentorship and education programs for in Vietnam and at the Center for American Progress in Washington, D.C., managing social and economic policy analyses for communities of color. She holds a Master of Public Policy from the Goldman School of Public Policy at UC Berkeley and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Studies from Trinity University. A native of Texas, Angeline is passionate about social justice, educational equity, youth engagement, and immigration issues.
Campus Champion
David Danahue
Director, Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Services and the Common Good
David Danahue
Director, Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Services and the Common Good
David Donahue, the new director of the Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Services and the Common Good, is also joining the School of Education as an affiliated professor of education. Prior to USF, he was at Mills College for 23 years as a faculty member in the School of Education, working in teacher education and the doctoral program, and most recently was interim provost. He is the recipient of Mills College’s two highest teaching awards: The Sarlo Award and the Metz Chair. His research interests include teacher learning generally and learning from service-learning and the arts specifically, and he is a widely published scholar on topics including service-learning in higher education, human rights, diversity, and personal identity.
Team Leader
Amaya Fox
Class of 2021
Amaya Fox
Class of 2021
Amaya is a student at the University of San Francisco where she is studying Political Science. She hopes to one day work for a nonprofit organization or the education department so that she can work on reforming the public education system and unequal funding practices at a state level. She is originally from Tacoma, Washington where she volunteered for a nonprofit writing center whose focus was to provide educational enrichment and opportunities to students in under-resourced public elementary and middle schools. Amaya also served as a senator on the ASUSF Senate and is a part of USF's Title IX Task Force.
Ambassador
Ariana Robert Martinez
Class of 2021
Ariana Robert Martinez
Class of 2021
Ariana Robert Martinez is a Psychology major, double minoring in Natural Science and Public Service and Community Engagement at the University of San Francisco. She was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, where she lived most of her life and where her interest in community organizing and civic engagement was sparked. She's passionate about her roots, culture, and more importantly about speaking out against political and social injustices in Puerto Rico. At USF, she's working on developing her leadership skills, getting more hands-on experience in community organizing, and as a first-generation college student, working on setting an example for her younger siblings. She truly believes that voter registration and education are the fastest ways to reform and create a society that is fair for all people.
University of South Carolina - Upstate
Campus Champion
Dr. Allison Pingley
Associate Professor of Political Science and Civic Engagement Coordinator
Dr. Allison Pingley
Associate Professor of Political Science and Civic Engagement Coordinator
Allison Clark Pingley, Ph.D., is the Civic Engagement Coordinator and an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of South Carolina Upstate. Her teaching and research focuses on American politics, and specifically political behavior, campaigns and elections, and political parties.
Team Leader
Makenzie Duncan
Class of 2021
Makenzie Duncan
Class of 2021
Makenzie Duncan is a Political Science major and Pre-Law minor at the University of South Carolina Upstate with hopes of attending law school. Makenzie is the President of Engage at Upstate, an organization dedicated to improving civic engagement on campus in partnership with The Andrew Goodman Foundation. She is passionate about political activism and participation. Her long term goal is to work with nonprofits whose work is aimed at providing legal services to marginalized communities.
Ambassador
Sharan Ravishankar
Class of 2021
Sharan Ravishankar
Class of 2021
Originally from Greenville, South Carolina, Sharan Ravishankar is majoring in Political Science and minoring in Pre-Law. He is currently the Student-Body President of the University of South Carolina Upstate. He has also been the Student Body Treasurer, Honors Program President, and Student Ambassador. His passion in life is to help the community through being elected into a public office.
University of Utah
Campus Champion
Kyle Tucker
Programs Coordinator, Hinckley Institute of Politics
Kyle Tucker
Programs Coordinator, Hinckley Institute of Politics
Kyle Tucker is a Programs Coordinator for the Hinckley Institute of Politics. His work includes assisting with the Hinckley’s internship programs, website and data management, organizing an annual university-wide speech contest, and overseeing the voter and civic engagement initiatives of the Hinckley Institute in partnership with The Andrew Goodman Foundation. Kyle is a recent graduate of the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a Spanish minor.
Team Leader
Jonas Warner
Class of 2022
Jonas Warner
Class of 2022
Jonas Warner is a Political Science major at the University of Utah with a minor in Art History Studies. Throughout his political engagement experience, Jonas has gained leadership positions such as executive head of his city’s youth council and speaker of the house for his high school’s student congress, as well as a leadership position in his university’s Public Lands advocacy group. With a passion for youth civic involvement, Jonas has led multiple efforts in his school to create lasting political change in the community through the creation of the Timpanogos Alliance for Social Change (TASC), a student activist group focused on mobilizing students under the voting age to create efforts in building a safer community for all.
Ambassador
Sierra Marty
Sierra Marty
Ambassador
Lauren Harvey
Class of 2022
Lauren Harvey
Class of 2022
Lauren Harvey is a student at the University of Utah where she studies Ethnic Studies and Political Science with an emphasis in Law and Politics. She serves as a member of the Government Relations Board in student government and is a Service Scholar at the service center on campus. Her interest in politics flourished during the summer after her senior year of high school when she interned for former Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski’s office. She hopes to one day become a Supreme Court justice, and her friends call her “The Next RBG”.
Ambassador
Jacqueline Mumford
Class of 2020
Jacqueline Mumford
Class of 2020
Jacqueline Mumford is double majoring in accounting and political science with a passion for tax legislation, voter registration and still plays Candy Crush. Outside of academics, she is the Director of the College Democrats, a board member on the Student Fund for Public Trust and an assistant editor for the Utah Daily Chronicle. She believes that voting is more than a civic duty: it’s an opportunity to implement change, and as such, is passionate about getting voters excited to cast their ballots.
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Campus Champion
Cristina Johnson
Assistant Director of Civic Engagement and Communications, Morgridge Center for Public Service
Cristina Johnson
Assistant Director of Civic Engagement and Communications, Morgridge Center for Public Service
Campus Champion
Lisa Chambers
Associate Director, Morgridge Center for Public Service
Lisa Chambers
Associate Director, Morgridge Center for Public Service
Team Leader
Tamia Fowlkes
Class of 2022
Tamia Fowlkes
Class of 2022
Tamia Fowlkes is a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, planning on majoring in Journalism and Political Science. She is thrilled to have an opportunity to positively influence her peers in her role as an Andrew Goodman Ambassador. In her time at UW-Madison, Tamia has served in various organizations that have further developed her passion for serving her community and creating inclusive, engaging spaces to talk about policy including: UW-Madison’s Associated Student Government Legislative Committee, Bell Magazine, and Period: The Menstrual Movement. She is excited to continue working towards making UW-Madison a more civically engaged campus during her sophomore year.
Ambassador
Elizabeth (Beth) Allen
Class of 2022
Elizabeth (Beth) Allen
Class of 2022
Beth Allen is a student at UW-Madison majoring in Communications and Political Science. She has always been curious about the influence of media on democracy, and she hopes to learn more about the intersection of these domains through her role as an Andrew Goodman Ambassador. Politics have always been a subject of fascination, but she realized the depth of her passion when she began her position as a Communications Intern in the Office of the Governor. Beth is excited to work as an Ambassador, spreading her excitement about voter engagement and social justice in her campus community and beyond.
Virginia Commonwealth University
Campus Champion
Dr. Jacqueline Smith-Mason
Associate Dean and Director of Academic Affairs, The Honors College
Dr. Jacqueline Smith-Mason
Associate Dean and Director of Academic Affairs, The Honors College
Jacqueline Smith-Mason, Ph.D., joined The Honors College in 2004 and serves as the Associate Dean and Director of Undergraduate Research. She previously taught courses in criminal justice and political science in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at VCU. In addition, she has also held various policy research positions in state government.
Her research and teaching interests include public policy affecting women, families and children, challenges facing the American criminal justice system, public sector management and issues related to honors education.
Dr. Smith-Mason received her Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration and M.S. in Criminal Justice from VCU, as well as her B.A. in Sociology from George Mason University.
Team Leader
Matt Tessema
Class of 2022
Matt Tessema
Class of 2022
Matt Tessema is a first-generation college student born from an immigrant family originating in Ethiopia. He was born and raised in northern Virginia and is currently a student at VCU studying Broadcast Journalism with his sights set on law school after graduation. He is the founder and president of the Pre-Law Society at VCU and hopes to utilize his legal education to become a voice for the under-represented and unprivileged. His goal through The Andrew Goodman Foundation is to inspire his campus to feel obliged to involve themselves in the community and represent their opinions in the polls consistently.
Western Carolina University
Campus Champion
Amanda Hanson
Assistant Director, Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning
Amanda Hanson
Assistant Director, Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning
Amanda Hanson (she/her/hers) began working in higher education more than a decade ago as an AmeriCorps VISTA. She has her MA in College Student Development and Administration from Shepherd University. Through working in offices at four different campuses across the country, she extensive experience with engaging student leaders in the civic and community engagement process. Currently, she serves as the Assistant Director for Student Community Engagement in the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning at Western Carolina University. In this role, she is the advisor to the Student Democracy Coalition, a student-led, student-run non-partisan organization that has been has won national awards for their work to increase voting efforts on campus. Outside of higher education, she owns a small portrait photography business and enjoys spending time with her dog.
Campus Champion
Dr. Lane Perry
Director, Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning
Dr. Lane Perry
Director, Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning
Dr. Lane Perry currently serves as the Director of the Center for Service Learning and is an adjunct faculty member of the Human Services Department (College of Education) and the Entrepreneurship Program (College of Business) at Western Carolina University. Lane completed his Bachelor of Business Administration, Masters of Adult Education and Training at the University of Central Oklahoma, and Masters of Entrepreneurship at WCU. As a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar, New Zealand International Doctoral Research Fellow, and Canterbury Doctoral Research Fellow, he achieved his Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education degree at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Lane has presented and published extensively in the fields of community engagement, service-learning, global citizenship, and pedagogical approaches to disaster response. He currently serves as a co-editor of the International Journal for Research on Service-Learning & Community Engagement. Most recently Lane has been recognized as the 2015 North Carolina Campus Compact Civic Engagement Professional of the Year, the 2015 co-recipient of the John Saltmarsh Award for Emerging Leaders in Civic Engagement, and the 2017 Gulf South Summit Community Engagement Practitioner of the year.
Lane lives by the belief that the only thing better than watching someone grow, is helping them grow. He believes that with the fertile soil of higher education (and all the watering an idea needs) a student, faculty, or staff member have only one choice – and that is to grow! He strives to help others grow in their passion, purpose and calling on a daily basis and in turn, he gets to consistently live his purpose and calling. Currently, Lane lives in Waynesville, North Carolina with he wife, Dr. April Perry (Associate Dean of the Graduate School), his five-year-old daughter Prescott Perry, 14-month-old daughter Pennon Perry, and his golden retriever – Riley.
Team Leader
Hannah Fraser
Class of 2020
Hannah Fraser
Class of 2020
Hannah Fraser is studying Sociology and Spanish at Western Carolina University in hopes of one day reforming America’s education system. She believes that civic engagement begins with education; fostering an understanding of cultural diversity, equality among genders and races, mental health awareness, and strengthening communication between people will help our country come together. In her spare time, Hannah enjoys yoga, hiking and spending time in nature, music (whether it’s playing, listening, or singing), and making people laugh. She is proud to be a part of The Andrew Goodman Foundation.
Ambassador
Sara Mears
Class of 2020
Sara Mears
Class of 2020
Sara Mears (she/her/hers) is a senior majoring in Political Science, Business Law, and International Studies at Western Carolina University. Sara has been involved with Western Carolina University's Student Democracy Coalition since the beginning of 2018, has completed a fellowship with Campus Vote Project and currently serves on their Student Advisory Board for the 2018-2019 year, and has been an Andrew Goodman Ambassador since the beginning of 2019. Further, Sara has completed an organizing internship with Democracy North Carolina and has completed an administrative internship with the Jackson County Board of Elections. Sara is passionate about increasing civic engagement for all and is proud to be an Andrew Goodman Ambassador.
Ambassador
David Benoit
Class of 2020
David Benoit
Class of 2020
David Benoit, hailing originally from Boston, Massachusetts, is a Political Science and International Studies student at Western Carolina University. As a student heavily intertwined with his community, he is also a Residential Assistant, a Student Government Senator, and the recipient of the Gaither M. Keener Political Science Scholarship. He also represents Western Carolina University at the state level through his position with the UNC Association of Student Governments, where he serves as the Associate VP of Campus Outreach. He has since joined the Student Democracy Coalition and received the honor of being an Andrew Goodman Ambassador. Through his positions as an RA, SGA, and UNC ASG, he has dedicated his time to advocating for improving student life both here and at the state level. David would like to thank both The Andrew Goodman Foundation and Western Carolina for this amazing learning experience.
Xavier University of Louisiana
Campus Champion
Russell M. Frazier, Ph.D.
Department Head, Department of Political Science
Russell M. Frazier, Ph.D.
Department Head, Department of Political Science
Dr. Russell M. Frazier is an Orlando, Florida native, and he currently serves as Department Head of Political Science at Xavier University of Louisiana. Dr. Frazier was recently honored in the Cambridge Who’s Who Among Executives, Professionals and Entrepreneurs, a nationally distributed publication recognizing exceptional members of our national community. He is also a former Southern Regional Education Board and Benjamin Lever Doctoral Fellow. Dr. Frazier is an active member of the American Political Science Association and an active member of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA). In addition to Dr. Frazier's professional and scholarly endeavors, he serves his community through many Xavier University community initiatives, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity incorporated, and recently served as a Board member for the New Orleans Court Appointed Special Advocates organization.
Prior to Dr. Frazier’s Xavier University faculty appointment, he served as a Western Kentucky University Post-Doctoral Fellow; Special Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Director of Student Programs at Southern University and A & M College; and as the Director of Residence Life at Kentucky State University. He has a progressive and diverse career in higher education that spans almost 20 years. As a result, Dr. Frazier has published multiple articles concerning effective policy implementation, effectively taught complex course material, successfully directed complex administrative agencies, and managed successful academic programs.
Dr. Frazier began his B.A. studies at Kentucky State University where he completed his undergraduate degree in criminal justice. After working for the Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts, he earned his second degree from Kentucky State University: A Master of Public Administration. After serving several years as a public agency administrator, he earned a Ph.D. in Public Policy with a concentration in community development at the University of Arkansas. Dr. Frazier’s desire to understand the intricate mechanisms associated with community development is what led him to pursue this area of study.
Aside from Dr. Frazier’s community service and busy career demands, he also manages the responsibility of being a father to his son, Brandon Frazier. In his free time, he enjoys reading literature relative to his research interests: community development, policy implementation, policy evaluation, and organizational theory.
Team Leader
Jaleel Ross
Class of 2021
Jaleel Ross
Class of 2021
Jaleel Ross is a Political Science major from Lafayette, Louisiana. As an advocate for social justice both on his campus and in his community, Jaleel has served as the Vice President of his university's chapter of The College Democrats. While holding this position, Jaleel was able to engage, educate, and mobilize student voters in elections both on and off campus. Additionally, Jaleel has also been a part of various organizations geared toward service, leadership, and social justice on his campus.
Ambassador
Tia Alexander
Class of 2021
Tia Alexander
Class of 2021
Tia Alexander is a student at Xavier University of Louisiana pursuing a Political Science Pre-Law major with a minor in Philosophy. A native New Orleanian, she enjoys attending college in her city and remaining close to its culture and her family. In her free time, Tia enjoys running her Pre-Law Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta as its President, participating in AGF voter engagement efforts with her peers, and volunteering with CourtWatch NOLA. In the future, she hopes to attend law school.