Meet the Fellows
Class of 2023
Brendon Brown
Class of 2023
Brendon Brown (pronouns he/him/his) is a member of the 2023 cohort double majoring in biology and chemistry. Brendon was born and raised in Long Island, NY, but has been living in Apex, NC, for the past few years. On campus, Brendon serves as an Undergraduate Research Ambassador to help undergraduates get involved in campus research, and he also works in the UNC HIV Cure Center as a researcher. In his free time, Brendon enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and working out. After college, Brendon is strongly considering either a field in medicine or perusing a graduate degree and working as a research professor.
Ashlyn Clark
Class of 2023
Ashlyn Clark is a senior from Denton, Texas, and is currently earning a double major in Medical Anthropology and Public Policy. On campus, Ashlyn is a member of the quadball (quidditch!) team and has spent the past year conducting research on the military with a professor in the Anthropology Department. Ashlyn is also a long-term intern at the Orange County Department of Environmental Health, where she has worked since her sophomore year at UNC! With strong internal values like honesty, determination, and introspection, Ashlyn could be described by others as ambitious, confident, and kind. She loves to read, hike, cook, and watch subpar reality TV shows, and she can often be found on the campus quad with her dog, Ryder!
Halima Hasan
Class of 2023
Halima Hasan (She/Her/Hers) is a senior undergraduate studying Health Policy and Management (HPM) with minors in Studio Art and Business Administration. She comes from Cary, NC where she grew up all her life. Halima is passionate about health technology and creative design and has had opportunities to practice work in this field through her clubs and extracurriculars. Along with NC Fellows, she is also involved with App Team Carolina as a Product Manager, works as a Graphic Designer for Gillings' Minority Student Health Conference, and serves as an HPM ambassador for rising HPM undergrad students. Outside of school, she enjoys making art, reading, and cooking for her friends.
Amélie Kadackal
Class of 2023
Hi! I am Amélie Kadackal, my pronouns are she/her/hers, and I am from Concord, North Carolina. I am a Psychology (B.S.) major, with minors in Statistics and Data Science! NC Fellows has definitely been a highlight during my time at Carolina as it has pushed me to grow as a student and leader in a nurturing environment. I work as a research assistant in a psychology lab and this past summer, I interned with Labcorp in their IT department! In my free time I enjoy doing yoga, reading, cooking, and making playlists!
Rita Kibicho
Class of 2023
Rita Kibicho is a senior, currently working on a double major in Psychology and Health Policy and Management. Rita was born in Kenya but raised in Durham and she has a passion for public health. More specifically, Rita wants to work on reducing health disparities, increasing health equity, advocating for immigrant and refugee health, and improving maternal and child health. After graduating, Rita intends to go into the healthcare field. Her goal is to go to medical school and be a physician, and she aspires to write, collaborate, and improve healthcare policy using an equitable lens.
Oluwatamilore Kolawole
Job Position
Oluwatamilore Kolawole, is a senior from New Jersey. She is a Pre-Med student majoring in Neuroscience, and is going to earn a double minor in Chemistry and French. Oluwatamilore is proudly Nigerian (Yoruba) and is also a Covenant Scholar. On campus, Oluwatamilore is involved in many spheres: currently, she serves as the Service and Education Co-Chair for the Black Student Movement and the Women in NAACP chair for UNC’s NAACP chapter. She is also involved in SPARK and the Ebony Readers Onyx Theater. In addition to this involvement, Oluwatamilore has been working at the Compass Center since her first year at UNC. She’s been able to do so through the Bonner Leaders Program and she absolutely loves she does. Oluwatamilore is passionate about Black Women’s health and welfare and hopes to carry this passion with her after graduation by providing quality healthcare to her community.
Chelsea Parra
Class of 2023
Bio N/A
John Ratkowiak
Class of 2023
John Ratkowiak is a senior from Oahu, Hawaii, pursuing a degree in Art Direction in advertising. Most recently, he worked as a Creative Intern at Influence Digital, an award-winning advertising agency in London. During his time abroad, John earned his minor in entrepreneurship with the Shuford Program and explored his interests in emerging technology and experimental marketing. On campus, John enjoys dancing with Qué Rico and the Carolina Tap Ensemble. John also enjoys photography and videography, shooting fashion and editorial work for Coulture magazine, in addition to sharing hiking and travel stories on his Instagram (@johnratkowiak), where he has earned features by Air Canada and Hawaii Magazine. In his free time, he can be found catching the sunset or grabbing a cup of coffee with friends! After graduating, John plans to follow his passions to New York City. His portfolio is available at www.johnratkowiak.com.
Ryan Schmelzle
Class of 2023
Ryan Schmelzle is a senior from Fort Myers, Florida, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Communication Studies with a minor in Data Science. Ryan hopes to work in computer vision and machine learning, and he is involved in the Association for Computing Machinery and Carolina AR/VR on campus. In his free time, he has an interest in graphic design, reading, and film.
Robert Susewell
Class of 2023
Robert Susewell is a senior from Henderson NC, and is majoring in Computer Science and Information Science, with a Cognitive Science minor. As part of his ongoing commitments, he is an advocate for the Community Empowerment Fund, is a teaching assistant for the Computer Science department at UNC and is an office assistant in Craige dorm. Outside of school, RObert enjoys working out, traveling, and experiencing new foods. Robert is a first-generation college student, and is a strong advocate ofhigher education as, he has seen firsthand the avenues that can be opened up through a higher education. After graduation, Robert plans to work as a Technical Product Manager for Visa in Atlanta Georgia, and hopes to be a mentor for Visa’s Black Scholars program, so he can encourage minority students to achieve excellence after high school.
Class of 2024
Anna Carmichael
Class of 2024
Anna Carmichael is a junior at UNC. Originally from Washington, D.C., Anna moved to Chapel Hill shortly after, and has considered herself a Tar Heel since birth. Anna is pursuing a double major in Business Administration at Kenan-Flagler Business School, and a second major in the school of education's inaugural cohort of Human Organizational Leadership and Development students. On campus, Anna is an ambassador for the undergraduate business program, a teaching assistant for the business elective Design Thinking, and a member of NC Fellows, among countless other wonderful organizations. Last summer, Anna lived and worked in Dublin, Ireland as an intern for a freelance entrepreneurial consultant and had the chance to backpack all around Europe, and she loved it! After graduating, Anna hopes to pursue a career in human capital or strategy consulting.
Claire Chu
class of 2024
Claire Chu (she/her) is a junior from Cary, North Carolina studying biostatistics, mathematics, and neuroscience. She is passionate about leveraging quantitative methods to advance human health on both a community and global level. On campus, Claire works at the Collaborative Studies Coordinating Center and teaches flute lessons with Musical Empowerment. She recently studied and interned in London, UK, conducting research on intimate partner violence in older adults as part of the Will Froelich Fellows Program. Claire loves spending time with her family and friends, going on walks and long drives, and exploring local coffee shops.
Luz Garcia Lara
class of 2024
Luz is a junior at UNC studying Information Science, Political Science, and Data Science. She is originally from Charlotte, NC, and identifies as Mexican-American. Luz is currently an IT assistant at the UNC School of Government. She is interested in the intersection between government, technology, and development, hoping to work in IT consulting. Additionally, she is passionate about accessible education and Latinx representation in higher education. She wants to start a non-profit that helps Latino students navigate applying for undergraduate and graduate programs.
Ronik Grewal
class of 2024
Ronik Grewal is expected to graduate in Spring 2024. He is interested in research, constulting, and technology, and hopes to be at the cutting edge forefront of the world. Ronik loves to learn and believes in living an adventurous life. Ronik is involved in Honors Carolina and the Student Government at UNC. He is a jack of all trades, and has work experience in Business and Tech, refereeing, and science and research. Ronik has plans to conduct cutting edge research when he graduates, so that he may become a professor one day and inspire other students to learn how he was inspired at his time here at UNC.
Graham Grush
class of 2024
Graham is a Junior from near Asheville, NC majoring in Biochemistry. He is seeking a career in the medical field, using prior work experience and upcoming volunteer opportunities in the hospital setting to help him determine his specific path. He is heavily involved in Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM) where he is beginning his second year as Worship and Music Coordinator. His musical interest extends beyond the church as this semester he is joining the Tar Heel Voices, a co-ed a cappella group. LCM led him to work as Summer Program Co-Director for the Epworth Project, a non-profit dedicated to serving the underserved through home repair construction projects around New Orleans. He is incredibly passionate about sports (Go Heels!) and he expressed this passion by volunteering as a Student Quarterbacks Manager in Spring 2022. His various experiences have allowed him to discern his core values of fun, dedication, and relationships.
Victoria Jackson
class of 2024
Victoria Jackson (she/they) is a junior from Wilmington, NC double majoring in psychology and medical anthropology and minoring in Spanish. She has worked as an undergraduate research assistant on the RAPID study under Dr. David Penn’s Lab since her first year. During summer 22’, she worked as an intern at a college prep camp for neurodivergent teens. Victoria plans to further her interests in mental health by pursuing a PhD in the field of psychology (although she’s not sure what exactly). She has been dancing her entire life and currently is the publicity chair of a dance organization on campus by the name of Modernextension Dance Company. In her free time she likes to thrift (for hours on end), sing, and create Pinterest boards that no one ever sees. You can find her jamming out to music on campus, perfecting her latte art at Coco Espresso Bistro and Bar, or on the steps of Wilson analyzing the outfits of her peers for inspiration for her own!
Rachel Kolb
class of 2024
Rachel is a junior at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill from Naperville, Illinois. She is studying political science and business administration (through the Kenan-Flagler Business School). Alongside her double-major, she is currently working as a researcher for Jury-X where she supports attorneys working towards fair compensation. She fosters her creative side through marching band and has honed her competitive nature doing everything from varsity rowing to intramural pool battleship. With a core value of balance, Rachel makes time amongst all these commitments for her passions of reading, music, and lifting, as well as for spending time with her family and friends.
Margaret Moseley
class of 2024
Margaret Moseley is a current junior at UNC and is majoring in Political Science with a minor in PPE (philosophy, politics, and economics). Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Margaret is pre-law and is working on studying for the LSAT. Margaret's current involvement on campus is with the pre-law fraternity, Phi Alpha Delta. Outside of UNC, Margaret is a certified yoga sculpt instructor and loves yoga, exercising, and being outside. She can be described as hardworking, funny, and positive. Margaret is very passionate about climate change and spends time researching ways to prevent climate seeing where she can help.
Sholeh Najafian
class of 2024
Sholeh is a Junior with a double major in Psychology and Human Development and Family Science and a minor in Mandarin. She enjoys building relationships and would like to pursue a career that centers around service and uplifting her community. Her core values are inclusivity, equity, mindfulness, and joy. She would like to work with children who have disabilities (both cognitive & physical) and later become a professor.
Katie Noble
class of 2024
Katie Noble is a Junior from Wake Forest NC, and is earning a double major in Public Policy and History, and is working towards a concentration in politics, law, and economics. During her time at UNC, Katie has explored her passions for justice and equality by working with UNC’s office of Ethics and Policy, where she does work with human embryonic stem cell research and biometric technology. Katie also founded an organization called Point Blank Period, which provides Womens’ shelters/centers with free hygienic products. Katie is also involved with UNC Young Democrats, Phi Alpha Delta and Phi Mu. After school, Katie aspires to attend law school so she may better fight for women’s rights and voter rights in the state of North Carolina.
Emmanuel Otoah-Gyasi
class of 2024
Emmanuel Otoah-Gyasi is a Junior at UNC Chapel Hill and is currently majoring in Biology on the Pre-Med Track. Originally from Ghana, Emmanuel has always had a keen interest in science. Though he attended low-income Public Schools growing up, which meant opportunities were few and far between, he made sure to make the most of the opportunities he had, so now he is pursuing his dreams to the fullest that he can. On campus, Emmanuel is part of several student organizations, including Level the Playing Field, NC Fellows, Phi Sigma Pi, and the Undergraduate Honor Court. He enjoys participating in many intramural activities, including soccer, basketball, and volleyball. Emmanuel values looking forward to the future, and tries to live by this quote: “Be valiant in your pursuit of what makes your life worth living"
Myles Solomon
class of 2024
Myles is a junior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Education. Originally from San Diego, CA, his family would describe him as an authentic man of faith who values achievement, gratitude, and community. Myles is aiming to pursue a Ph.D. degree in Psychology. His interests lie in stress, motivation, and the behavioral, emotional, and cognitive outcomes resulting from youth's experiences and environments.
Izze Steinke
class of 2024
Izze Steinke (they/them) is a junior from Asheville, NC, and is majoring in Environmental Science. Izze adores every person they’ve ever met, and in their time at UNC, they have enjoyed working in Coker arboretum and volunteering at the NC Botanical Gardens. Izze is currently relishing the chance to explore community building and leadership in the NC Fellows organization. As much as Izze loves human beings, they love Mother Earth more: they feel committed to finding a solution for the climate crisis so that they can save every human and tree and frog on the planet. In their free time, Izze can be found cracking dad jokes, catching cool bugs, and smiling. Izze’s favorite hobbies are dancing around and experiencing joy, and they are so excited to meet you!
Sarah Thompson
class of 2024
Sarah Thompson is a junior at UNC, and is majoring in Journalism, with a minor in American Studies. She aspires to create social change by uplifting and listening to stories by producing documentary films and other forms of multimedia. North Carolina born and bred, Sarah sees the rich and powerful histories waiting to be told. This summer, she was a part of UNC’s Carolina Photojournalism program, where she and other students each made short documentaries in one week at the NC electric co-op in Raleigh, NC. Sarah likes to read, play guitar, make coffee, and spend time with family and friends. She’s passionate about serving others and continuing to challenge herself to learn and grow beyond university.
Karina Vasudeva
class of 2024
Karina Vasudeva (she/her) is a junior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is pursuing a BA in English and Comparative Literature, as well as a BSPH degree in Health Policy and Management at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. She is passionate about health, disability justice, mutual aid, and community service. This has led her to get involved with various clubs, such as the Campus Y, Community Empowerment Fund, Bioethics Society of UNC, and Alt Protein Project. She is also super involved with research about health policy in NC. In her free time, she loves cooking/eating with friends and reading fantasy.
Devin Wu
class of 2024
Devin Wu is from Philadelphia, PA, and is studying business as a junior at the Kenan-Flagler business school. On campus, Devin works at the Carolina Student Union as a Student Leadership Coordinator in the office of Student Life and Leadership, helping to plan events and program for the North Carolina Fellows Program. Devin also serves as editor to the student-athlete storytelling platform UNCUT Chapel Hill and as a life group leader for College Collective at Chapel Hill Bible Church. In his free time, Devin loves connecting with others through sports (Carolina and Philly sports alike), hip-hop music, and cooking. He hopes to find a career serving and helping others in any way he can.
Leon Xie
class of 2024
Leon Xie is an international student, originally from Pretoria, South Africa. He is a business student at the Kenan-Flagler Business School. He has a data science minor, with an emphasis on Real Estate and consulting. Leon also likes to indulge his creativity with an additional studio arts minor. Leon loves to travel and meet people, and he and his family are in the process of moving to the United States. On campus, Leon is involved with Ascend and CBP Symposium, and is part of the NC Fellows Junior Cohort! Leon’s future is uncertain, but he wants to use his Business degree in finance to promote financial literacy in underserved communities.
Aimee Yan
class of 2024
Aimee Yan is a junior at UNC Chapel Hill, and is currently studying Public Policy and Business Administration. Aimee has a passion for equitable economic development and justice, and these passions fuel her drive to pursue internships with a number of organizations, including the U.S. Department of State, Brookings Institution, Rise United Nations Campaign, and Bank of America. Aimee is a proud advocate for Asian American representation, and co-founded Visibility Forward to ensure the teaching of Asian American history in U.S. classrooms. On campus, Aimee is involved with Kenan Scholars, the Allison Mentorship program, and the China Leadership Summit. In her free time, Aimee loves reading, trying new foods, and playing the ukulele.
Class of 2025
Phanisree Akshinthala
class of 2025
Phanisree is a sophomore from Plainsboro, NJ, and is working on a major in pre-business studies. From an early age, Phanisree has been interested in entrepreneurship and business. More specifically, Phanisree’s interests lie in seeing the cross sections of technology and business, and using solutions found in that cross section to solve some of the world's biggest problems. She's involved with Saath Hai Shakti, a South-Asian Mental Health magazine on campus, which does a great job bringing together her passions about mental health advocacy and South-Asian diaspora in the US. In her free time, Phanisree loves reading, watching movies, hanging out with friends, and she'll never say no to a snack!
Kiernan Almand
class of 2025
Kiernan Almand is a sophomore majoring in Computer Science and Communications with a minor in Data Science. Kiernan hopes to use her degrees to bridge the knowledge gap between programmers and the general population in order to foster more inclusive and efficient digital communication. On campus, Kiernan is President of the Omega Phi Alpha National Service Sorority Chapter which she helped co-found in March 2022. Additionally, Kiernan is co-head of the Girls Who Code chapter at UNC and a member of App Team Carolina's Apprenticeship team. Originally from Alexandria, Virginia, Kiernan's proximity to the nation's capital and to the center of US politics inspired her to improve others' lives through civic engagement and service. Kiernan's core values are creating community and giving back through service, two things that motivate her while she navigates UNC.
Taylor Barnhill
class of 2025
Taylor Barnhill is a sophomore at UNC-Chapel Hill, where she is majoring in English with minors in Journalism and Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE). Taylor is from rural Atkinson, North Carolina, where she attended the nearby Pender Early College High School and received an Associate's degree in Arts. While her largest extracurricular involvement is her position as an assistant copy editor for the Daily Tar Heel, she is involved in several other organizations including NC Fellows, Sigma Tau Delta English honor society, and idiosyncrazy (an undergraduate literary magazine). Outside of academia, Taylor enjoys reading, creating artwork, and watching the Great Pottery Throw Down. In the future, she aspires to work in either publishing or journalism — and is excited about opportunities to come!
Kathryn Chao
Class of 2025
Bio N/A
Isaak Davis
Class of 2025
Isaak Davis is a sophomore at UNC Chapel Hill, and is pursuing a degree in Economics with an emphasis on Econometrics. Isaak has a passion for the outdoors (which he attributes to growing up in Asheville NC), and loves hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking. While Isaak’s main focuses at this point in his life revolve around his academic studies, he finds meaning in an ever-expanding community. At school, his community is composed of (but not limited to) the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics society, the Carolina Squash Club, and various Jewish organizations.
Zoe Hiemstra
class of 2025
Zoe Hiemstra is a sophomore at UNC interested in English, Education, and Leadership. On top of being a dedicated student, Zoe works part-time jobs to help pay for college and volunteers in the nearby community. Her job experiences, ranging from camp counselor, restaurant worker and intern at the Undergraduate Theater, provide her with a unique skill set and wide range of experience. Her passion for community service and social engagement also contribute to her adaptability, leadership and growth as a person. In her free time, Zoe loves to spend time with friends, go on drives with the windows down and music up, and read whatever novel has her attention at the moment. Her friends would call her loyal, determined, and kind. One of Zoe’s greatest goals for her future is to make a positive impact on the world around her, and she hopes to start by fostering relationships with every person she meets.
Samuel Hiner
class of 2025
Sam Hiner is a sophomore from Mooresville, NC who is majoring in public policy. Sam is passionate about improving the world, particularly public policy, through entrepreneurial projects. Sam founded and leads the NC Young People’s Alliance, a 501c4 nonprofit and movement of students demanding youth-focused political change. This experience uncovered Sam’s passion for strategy and management, and showed Sam the power of fostering passion among team members. Sam hopes to continue working in positions that enable him to use creative freedom to make a positive impact.
Haylea Ledbetter
class of 2025
Haylea is a sophomore from Hudson, NC studying biology and medical anthropology. Since she was little, Haylea has planned to pursue a career in healthcare. At UNC, she in involved in Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Health Honor Society, Catalyst Conference through the Campus Y, and CPALS. Haylea values individuality and curiosity, ensuring that she takes a mindful approach to the world. She currently works as a Certified Nurse Aide/Home Healthcare Aide, preparing her for her future career. Outside of UNC, she enjoys hiking and attending concerts!
Cecelia Nobles
class of 2025
Cecelia Nobles is a sophomore studying psychology. She enjoys being involved on campus at UNC through the CUAB arts committee, volunteering with Edible Campus, and playing intramural sports with friends. She is passionate about seeking out new service opportunities, forming meaningful connections with others, and is looking forward to traveling more around the world in the future. Cecelia's family and friends would describe her as (sometimes painfully) optimistic, empathetic, and dedicated.
Steven Nuzzolo
class of 2025
Bio N/A
Trent Porter
Class of 2025
Bio N/A
Lizbeth Rodriguez Ramos
Class of 2025
Lizbeth Rodriguez Ramos is a first-generation Latinx student at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a sophomore double majoring in Psychology and Education. Lizbeth comes from a small family, is the proud daughter of immigrant parents, identifies as Mexican-American, and is from the small rural town of Siler City, NC. On her free time Lizbeth spends time with family and friends, journaling, or dancing. She is driven by her passion of serving and advocating for her community. Her passion of advocacy began her first year of high school while participating in El Vínculo Hispano/The Hispanic Liaison youth group leadership program, Orgullo Latinx Pride, and she has also been a summer intern at the El Vínculo Hispano/The Hispanic Liaison. Being involved with the program and organization all throughout high school she was able to find her voice, had the opportunity to connect with her community, and learned what it meant to be a leader. But her love of advocacy did not stop there, Lizbeth continues her passion on campus, and she strives to create a more equitable and just community for others. She is one of the Cultura Co-Chairs for Mi Pueblo, an intern for Semillas de Unidad, and is an NC Fellows. Although at the moment she is unclear of her future career goals, she knows that she wants to work with the Latinx community and make a positive impact.
Sydney Senter
Class of 2025
Sydney Senter is a sophomore at UNC from Honolulu, Hawaii, and is double majoring in Psychology and Media and Journalism. On campus, Sydney is involved with the Mixed Asian Student Heritage club and with the Carolina Ukulele Ensemble! Off campus, Sydney is known for her prolonged experience in coaching and gym management... she was a trampoline gymnast for 14 years, and competed for the US Gymnastics National Team from age 11-19. Sydney’s core values include focusing on being in present in the current moment so that she can better achieve her goals, and so she can better enjoy the Hawaiian rollercoaster ride that is her life!
Aditya Senthil
class of 2025
Aditya Senthil is a sophomore from Concord, NC, planning to major in Biostatistics. Born in Dallas and raised in Wisconsin, Aditya has had a lifelong love for science and working hands-on. Heavily influenced by his parents and older sister, Aditya would be described as hard-working, empathetic, rational, and occasionally boisterous. At UNC, Aditya works as a research assistant, volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and APPLES, and plays intramural sports. Outside of school, Aditya loves to read classic novels, watch his favorite sports teams, and hopes to travel the world.
Shelby Swanson
Class of 2025
Shelby Swanson is a Media and Journalism major from Durham, NC. She is the oldest of four siblings, and the proud daughter of two public school teachers. During the school year, Shelby works at a local bagel shop, and is very involved on campus: Shelby is an assistant sports editor at the Daily Tar Heel, a sibling in UNC’s APO chapter, and is a member of UNC Semillas. Shelby enjoys soaking up the sun and breathing deep... and she loves Pharrell, but acknowledges that “Happy” is a terribly annoying song. In her spare time, she can be found reading or playing basketball.
Rohan Tapiawala
class of 2025
Rohan Tapiawala is a sophomore at UNC-Chapel Hill, and is exploring Business Studies by majoring in Public Policy and Pre-Business Studies. With dreams of going to law school and engaging in sustainable/socially responsible corporate law, his most important core values include collaboration, equity, and leadership. On campus, he is involved with the Undergraduate Student Government, volunteering with the Community Empowerment Fund, and works as a DEI Fellow. He has also worked as an intern at both NCBC and NC FIELD, and as a team leader at Chick-Fil-A. In his free time, he enjoys writing, running, and hanging out with friends.
BJ Tilman
class of 2025
Barbara Joy Tillman, or BJ to friends, is originally from Columbus, GA, and is a sophomore who is currently double majoring in Public Policy and Media and Journalism. In 2019, she founded a non-profit organization, Your Voice, Your Vote (YVYV), that increased voter education and voter registration among youth and first-time voters. To date, YVYV has registered over 1000 young voters across the southeast, many of them from traditionally under-represented demographics. At UNC, Barbara Joy currently serves as Co-Director of Civic Engagement and Outreach Services, as an Honors Carolina Student Association (HCSA) Board Member and a Co-Director of the Honors Carolina Special Initiatives Committee. Barbara Joy was a member of the inaugural cohort of the executive branch’s Richard Epps Emerging Leadership (REEL) program and is a Buckley Public Service Scholar (BPSS). She is a member of the 2025 North Carolina Fellows Program class.
Michaela Tse
class of 2025
Michaela Tse of Charlotte, NC, is a Pre-HPM major with a Japanese minor. An active member of her community, she serves on MASH, AASA, CCA, AAWAC, and AMWHO. Since earning her CNA in high school, Michaela has obtained two years of clinical experience in an oncologist and observational unit. Not one to limit her experiences to one field, Michaela also has extensive management experience in the restaurant industry. Michaela has valued language learning since a young age, and is proficient in both Mandarin and Japanese. Her current career aspirations revolve around the global public health sector, specifically with nonprofits and similar organizations. In her free time, Michaela enjoys cooking with friends, going on nature walks, and writing.
Phoenix Garayúa-Tudryn
class of 2025
Phoenix Garayúa-Tudryn is a sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is currently studying towards a double major in Public Policy and Global Studies, with a minor in Spanish for the Legal Professions. He originally lived in North Carolina, but now resides in the city of Boston Massachusetts. Phoenix is passionate about social change, and the representation of historically marginalized communities. With this background he hopes to pursue a career in international law, incentivizing change on a systemic level.
Sarah Zhang
class of 2025
Sarah Zhang (she/they) is a sophomore from Philadelphia PA and is studying computer science and political science. On campus, they are involved as an undergrad teaching assistant for COMP 110 and Girls Who Code, as well as the institute for politics, student government, and other activities. Sarah is a field organizer for a congressional campaign, and as someone passionate about youth engagement in politics, she is proudest of cultivating an internship program of over 40 students. She is a fierce advocate and activist in her community. In her free time, Sarah enjoys reading, playing piano, and spending outside.