Alejandro Bastien Olvera is a 3rd year student of the master's in fine arts in Theatre for Youth and Community at the School of Music, Dance, and Theater. He is a theater facilitator, teacher, and performer. He is originally from Mexico City, where he studied Theater at the National University, and then he studied Theater philosophy in an academic exchange at the University of Buenos Aires. Alejandro became interested in community theater when he learned that theater was not exclusively a tool to create entertainment but an art to build safe, creative, and political processes where participants can rehearse change and gain agency over their life narratives using theater techniques and drama methods.

His life objective is to keep on co-creating with the LGBTQI+ communities in the Phoenix area and in Mexico City specially with the young populations and the trans communities to transform the phobic system we live on and promote safe spaces where LGBTQI+ growing population can thrive. Currently he collaborates with theater companies, refugees for queer people, and in academic settings. Ultimately, he wants to design and apply theatrical processes that lead to institutional and political change.

 

 

Samantha Briggs is a second year MFA student studying Theatre for Youth and Community in the Herberger Institute of Design and the Arts. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Westfield State University with a BA in English Education and a minor in Theatre Arts, and she is one summer away from earning an MA in Literature from Middlebury College’s Bread Loaf School of English. Before moving to Arizona for graduate school, Sam taught high school English and ran the theatre program at a regional high school in Central Massachusetts. She is also a teaching consultant and co-director for the Western Massachusetts Writing Project (WMWP), where she leads workshops and professional development sessions for students and teachers focused on writing practices, social justice education, and antiracist literature instruction.

Her experiences as a public school educator led her to become passionate about educational policy and teacher advocacy. She is particularly interested in classroom censorship laws and issues of academic freedom, and hopes to advocate for the rights of teachers everywhere. After completing her degree, Sam wants to continue her journey as a teacher-leader and be a champion for equitable education practices and teacher’s rights in American public schools.

 

 

David is a graduate student studying chemical engineering and molecular biology. He recently graduated with three bachelors of science degrees in chemical engineering, molecular biology, and physics. Through his education, David first hopes to achieve his own economic security and refine his critical thinking ability, so that he may tackle any challenge as a public advocate or leader. Ultimately, David hopes to have a dual career. He would be a professional researcher in developing novel human medicines and the founder of a non-profit organization that aims to educate the American youth, particularly minorities, about how they can achieve economic security for their future. His foundation would empower downtrodden individuals to think decades in advance and achieve what they desire most in life.

Born and raised in the lower socioeconomic neighborhoods of West Phoenix, David has faced many struggles that come with being an ethnic minority. He firmly believes his disadvantaged state is also his greatest strength; it has instilled in him hard work, perseverance, and an appreciation of his Mexican heritage. With these experiences, David strives to do all he can to significantly improve all people’s standard of living, particularly those in disadvantaged communities.

 

 

Anusha Natarajan is a rising senior studying sociology, history, political science, and applied quantitative science with a minor in Spanish and certificates in political economy and social science research methods. She is originally from Denver, but has lived in Arizona for most of her life. Anusha has been involved in her community since middle school and has been involved in the field of voting and elections since her senior year of high school.

Throughout her time in college, Anusha has developed programming targeting voter education to combat election misinformation and research the factors that influence students from turning out more for the presidential elections rather than midterm elections. She is looking forward to spreading awareness on how citizens can be involved in their communities in the Spirit of Service Scholars and tackling her passions on cultural diplomacy and election education. After graduation, Anusha wants to focus on quantitative political science and researching how other countries have been tackling election misinformation.

 

 

Caroline Pernat is a fourth-year undergraduate in the College of Health Solutions earning a bachelor’s degree in Medical Studies and honors degree through Barrett theHonors College. Additionally, Caroline is earning a certificate in Cross-SectorLeadership through the organization Next Generation Service Corps. She is originally from Victoria, Minnesota, and moved to Tempe in 2019 to study at Arizona State.

During her time as ASU, Caroline has gained experience through research and work in both the nonprofit and public sectors to better understand the health inequalities in theUnited States. She has crafted a personal mission to devote her work to address the healthcare needs of underserved populations. In addition, Caroline looks to explore the role that intercultural friendships have on the wellbeing of refugee communities as well as host communities to promote economic and social benefits. Currently Caroline is working in the Office of University Affairs under the title of Social Embeddedness Analyst, working to integrate ASU into the communities it serves, and engage its community partners.

 

 

Clay Robinson is a senior studying Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership, and Political Science in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Future of Innovation in Society in the College of Global Futures. He is originally from Hilmar, California, a small agriculture community in the Central Valley. Clay became interested in finding responsible climate solutions and forging a sustainable agricultural future after growing up in a farming town and experiencing the effects severe drought firsthand. He hopes to advocate for common-sense climate solutions that help farmers establish sustainable practices and reduce our overall environmental impact, drawing on technological innovation and indigenous knowledge.

As a student, Clay serves as State Director for the American Conservation Coalition, Chairman of the Arizona Federation of College Republicans, and Executive Editor of the Western Tribune, an online publication he co-founded in 2021. Clay also works full-time as Content Lead for the Resolute Group, a Phoenix-based political consulting firm and serves in the Arizona National Guard. He plans to pursue a graduate education in public policy and global management with the hope of bridging the gap between people and policy to better serve Arizona.

 

 

Rebeca is a second year Master's student studying Sustainability Solutions in the College of Global Futures. As an avid hiker, one of her passions is volunteering with local outdoor organizations through trail maintenance and cleanups to help out the trails that have given her a place of peace and a physical challenge. Rebeca is one of the American Hiking Society’s 2022 Next-Gen Trail Leaders connecting with elected officials on the importance of protecting public lands and providing equitable trail access to all. As a trail advocate she stays up-to-date on the latest rezoning laws, conservation issues, and trail funding opportunities in the Phoenix metro area and shares this information with others to mobilize action.

Her dedication to preserving the Sonoran Desert is in order for future generations to enjoy the beauty and stillness. As a 2022 EDF Climate Corps fellow she is working with municipalities and schools on energy efficiency actions to lower their environmental impact. She aspires to connect the outdoors, sustainability, and advocacy to create an environment where more people have their voice heard and there is equitable access to the outdoors. Originally from Puerto Rico, she traded the hot and humid for the hot and dry.

 

 

Sarah is a junior studying Biological Sciences with a minor in Spanish. She is an Arizona native who grew up in Mesa, moved to Tempe and now spends most of her time in Tempe since starting at ASU. Sarah has always enjoyed learning about science, but also developed a strong interest in public policy after joining the Mayor's Youth Advisory Commission in high school. In college, Sarah served as a director with the ASU Student Alumni Association which promotes school spirit, pride and traditions. Additionally, she was part of a youth voter engagement team focusing on helping young people become more active and educated voters. Through this, she saw that many candidates and policies had some scientific correlation, such as the Arizona Corporation Commission or climate legislation. The COVID-19 pandemic opened her eyes to the intersection of science and policy, showing her that she can combine her interests.

Sarah is passionate about becoming a scientific expert and researcher who works to create policy on issues like climate change, environmental injustice, and pandemic or epidemic outreach to ensure that healthy communities and environments are accessible and common, both locally and globally.

 

 

Destinee is a Phoenix native who has completed undergraduate and master's degrees at Arizona State University. She is currently a senior studying for concurrent degrees in Social Work and Public Administration through Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.

Destinee first started volunteering when she was in the sixth grade and continued since then, volunteering at places such as Glendale Public Library, Banner Thunderbird Hospital, and St. Mary's Food Bank. Community service is where Destinee found her love for social justice advocacy and education reform. She hopes to work in the public sector after graduation to be further able to advocate for her community. She would like to become a leader who can influence, persuade, and encourage her team to perform to the best of their abilities. Destinee works at Maricopa Community College as their District Speech and Debate coach where she coaches college students how to compete in competitive speech and political debates.

As a student, Destinee has interned at Banner Del E Webb Hospital ́s intensive outpatient for behavioral health and substance abuse as well as Fresh Start Women's Foundation. Destinee aspires to utilize the experience gained through the Spirit of Service program to learn more about how to develop pedagogical approaches to training a team, as well as broadening her understanding of human resource management, public finance, and policy analysis.

 

 

Haniyah Syed is a senior studying biomedical sciences with a minor in Spanish language studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She currently resides in Chandler, Arizona and became interested in advocating for people with chronic conditions and disabilities following the diagnosis of her brother with autism spectrum condition. She works as a habilitation provider and a respite care provider in her spare time and aspires to become a neurologist or psychiatrist in the future. As part of an underrepresented minority as well as seeing the inequity of healthcare through the eyes of her brother, Haniyah hopes to reduce stigma around disability in her community and increase access to healthcare for all groups.

 

 

Abril is a Sophomore studying Political Science and Justice Studies. She is from Glendale, AZ, and grew up a part of a family of Mexican immigrants. Abril grew interested in health care and immigration advocacy after seeing the intersectionality of immigration status and access to public benefits, such as health care. Abril has done a fellowship with Alien to AZ that aimed to advocate for in-state tuition for all Arizona Dreamers. She has lobbied Arizona and U.S. Legislators to advocate and push for immigration-related policy. She is passionate about organizing for her Latinx community, people experiencing homelessness, LGBTQIA+ rights, and displaced communities through research projects and community organizing. Following graduation, Abril is continuing on to law school and hopes to continue activism through involvement in local and national politics. Her ultimate goal is to someday run for office to continue serving her community and be their advocate.

 

 

Ella is an incoming junior studying Global Studies and International Letters and Cultures (Arabic Studies) in Barrett, the Honors College at ASU. She is originally from Lake Havasu City, Arizona, but moved to Tempe in order to study at a larger institution. Growing up in the age of social media, Ella became interested in information systems within public discourse and advocated for critical engagement with politicized topics. She worked as the Civic Engagement Chair for Change maker Central (Tempe), where she created opportunities for ASU students to participate in civic engagement processes with the hope of increasing voter turnout in the next election. Being involved with the Next Generation Service Corps and an ASU/DOD funded research project, she utilizes curiosity, analytical skills, and insightful thinking to work towards an interconnected world. After finishing her education, Ella hopes to advise public policy around global cooperation through in-depth inquiries, including case study research and on-the-ground immersion.

Ariana is a rising senior studying Neurobiology at Arizona State University with minors in both Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership and Studio Art. Ariana became interested in understanding the role of the social determinants of health in wellbeing when attempting to establish a link between health care, education, and social context in her various leadership roles.

Ariana was raised in Chandler, and is a first-generation American born from a Mexican-Persian immigrant family. She is passionate about empowering low-income, minority communities. Ariana served as Director of Health and Wellness at ASU where her team was able to successfully implement a free menstrual product initiative. Inspired about discovering new linkages between the humanities and STEM fields, Ariana was commissioned by ASU to paint a mural capturing this mission.

Later, she joined Teach for America as fellow teaching 3rd grade reading in the Phoenix area where she witnessed the educational inequities that exist for students. Ariana spends her time volunteering as a Bedside Child Life volunteer where she provides artistic therapeutic play and craft activities for children in Phoenix Children’s Hospital. She plans to pursue a career in medicine and, more importantly, hopes to become a lifelong advocate for kids.

 

Lorena is a senior double majoring in Economics and Supply Chain Management at the W.P. Carey School of Business with certificates in Risk Management, International Business, and Business Data Analytics. She was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona but is a dual citizen of the Eastern European country of Bulgaria. Since working to create a holistic health education course during high school, Lorena has been passionate about increasing awareness about menstrual equity and period poverty within her local community. In her time at Arizona State, Lorena has been an active member of Sun Devil Mock Trial and was the founder of a student organization called Devils Go With The Flow, an on-campus advocacy group that works to provide free menstrual products to individuals at ASU who cannot otherwise afford them. She is involved with CCAP Across The Map and works to provide educational material about cervical cancer and HPV in minority populations across Arizona and globally.

After graduation, Lorena plans on working in the supply chain industry in order to gain an in-depth knowledge of business operations management and planning. By honing her skill in business, she aspires to one day go into non-profit administration.

 

Lydia is a second-year graduate student in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, where she is pursuing her master’s degree in public policy and a graduate certificate in public administration. She also received her bachelor’s degrees in economics and political science at Arizona State University. Raised in the Phoenix metro area, Lydia became interested in economic policy after serving in various roles at the Congressional Research Service and Arizona State Legislature, where she is currently a fiscal analyst at the Joint Legislative Budget Committee.

Lydia is invested in creating a global community and volunteers as an English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor in Spanish-speaking communities and as a Model United Nations program advisor. She seeks to promote equality and is also fiercely passionate about combating racial discrimination and sexual violence through her leadership roles on the National Board of Alpha Phi Gamma National Sorority, Incorporated, and in student government at ASU.

Lydia plans to continue a career in public service as an advocate for sustainable and equitable economic development.

 

Kylie is a master’s student studying journalism and mass communication in the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She is an Arizona native and recently graduated Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, a minor in public policy, and a certificate in cross-sector leadership from Arizona State University.

During her undergraduate years, Kylie interned with the local NBC affiliate 12 News, Arizona PBS, the Arizona Board of Regents, and the Maricopa County Department of Public Health. On-campus Kylie served as the Vice President of Policy in Undergraduate Student Government where she advocated for students, registered first-time voters, and increased civic engagement. Kylie is passionate about storytelling and believes journalism is an essential public service for the health of democracy. This desire to learn about the intersection between journalism and public policy led her to study abroad in the United Kingdom at the University of Bristol on a Fulbright Scholarship with the US-UK Fulbright Commission.

Now, you’ll find Kylie on Channel Eight reporting on health and border issues for the Arizona PBS news division, Cronkite News. After graduation, she plans to work in television news and attend law school.

 

Stephanie is a senior at Barrett, The Honors College studying Public Service & Public Policy (Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions) and Management (W.P.Carey School of Business). After joining Undergraduate Student Government (USG) as a first-year student she developed a strong interest in public policy as she worked to impact health policy and initiatives at the ASU Tempe campus. As a student, Stephanie has been involved in her community through various leadership roles in USG, Barrett, and ASU Changemaker. Stephanie has been able to participate in several internships around the capital that have helped to build her policy knowledge - during the 2021 legislative session she was a Policy Intern for the House Democrats, working with the Ways & Means and Appropriations committee members to pass legislation that would serve all Arizonans.

Stephanie is currently working on her thesis, focused on public values governance, and is an involved alumni member of the ASU Tillman Scholars community. She plans to continue her education by attending law school and to pursue a career in public policy, working to create positive community impact through innovative policy solutions.

 

Trevonte “Tre” McClain is in his second year of a Master of Science degree concentrating in Internet and Web Development. He is originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin but moved to San Tan Valley, Arizona, for professional development. Tre became interested in educating underserved communities in STEM and the digital divide because of the lack of technical knowledge accessible to him growing up in low-income status. Trevonte operates Mighty Making, a nonprofit that assists low-socioeconomic individuals and families to become well versed in technological knowledge.

Trevonte has several years of professional experience in the Information Technology field. Trevonte is a Research Assistant in The Coley Space Lab, where he assists with creating awareness of the disparities minorities face in STEM and how to overcome those obstacles. Trevonte assists the Arizona Supreme Court Foster Care Review Board as a board member, and mentors individuals on the seriousness of domestic violence through the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence.

Trevonte plans to continue his education with a doctorate to bridge Information Technology and Education. Trevonte intends to expand his nonprofit Mighty Making into a full-fledged community center and become a one-stop shop to assist various communities.

 

Amy is an incoming junior studying Public Service and Public Policy with an emphasis in Law and Policy in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. She is from Phoenix, Arizona. When she began volunteering and interning for various organizations, Amy became interested in international law, immigration rights, community advocacy, and health disparities. She volunteered and interned with organizations like Opportunities for Youth, Making Caring Common at Harvard Graduate School of Education, Together We Elect, Planned Parenthood Arizona, and others. These organizations encouraged and sparked a passion for advocacy and policy change, so now she uses this passion for supporting vulnerable communities by using volunteer and intern experiences and through academic experience as paralegal studies and public service major.

Amy has a passion for public service and hopes to develop her skills through the rest of her academic career and continue her journey as a public servant in hopes of leading an organization working on public policy on issues involving vulnerable communities, immigrants, refugees, or international law.

 

Madison Rock is a native Arizonan who is passionate about guiding young people through processes of self-empowerment, solving public problems, and developing strong, resilient communities through public service and civic engagement. She is currently a graduate student pursuing an Executive Master of Public Administration in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. Madison earned a BS in Public Service and Public Policy (Sustainability) and certificate in creative city development from ASU in 2017.

Madison supports strategic initiatives designed to improve Arizona’s civic life as the Senior Program Coordinator for Civic Health Initiatives at the Center for the Future of Arizona. She is deeply engaged in School Participatory Budgeting (SPB), a first-of-its-kind initiative where students “learn democracy by doing” by making decisions over public budgets. She has supported the model from early adoption through expansion across six school districts. Madison is also an international mentor on SPB with People Powered: a global institution on participatory democracy. She is eager to refine her leadership approach, deepen her commitment to public service, and expand her knowledge of the public sector to tackle tough challenges and create a bright future for her community through democratic innovation, public policy, and widespread social change.

 

Claudia Sanson is a first-year graduate student pursuing her Master’s in Public Policy at ASU’s School of Public Affairs, and was awarded the Sackton Fellowship. She recently completed her bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in English Literature. Claudia gained an interest in politics and policy during her senior year of high-school in her government class, where debates often occurred. Back then, she wanted to prove others why a certain answer to an issue was correct. Now, she is passionate about finding the best answers to the state’s and world’s policy issues, supported with research to support her evidence.

Claudia has worked in non-profit organizations, for local congressman Ruben Gallego, with the Research Staff at the Arizona State Senate, local campaigns, the Department of Administration, and is currently working as a research assistant for ASU’s Center for Urban Innovation--a research center that focuses on city management and urban policy. She aspires to work as a policy analyst for state legislatures.

 

Sydney Stephens is an honors junior studying medical studies in the College of Health Solutions and Barrett the Honors College. She is originally from Compton, California, but currently resides in Tempe, Arizona. Sydney became interested in Health & reproductive health disparities among women and in low-income & minority communities after witnessing her hometown community being negatively affected by healthcare disparities.

Sydney hopes to bring awareness to low income communities by informing them of various health topics. She has volunteered with Cedar Sinai Medical Center and local non-profits. She was involved in a mentoring program through Martin Luther King Jr. Outpatient Center in Los Angeles, California. Sydney currently is a community assistant fort he college of health solutions and works as an event program coordinator with Barrett the Honors College and is a part of the University of Arizona Pre-Medical Academy. She was also a participant in the Mayo Clinic-Barrett the Honors College Premedical Scholars Program. Sydney aspires to attend medical school and become a physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor. She is passionate about the healthcare field and advocating for those that are disadvantaged.

 

Brianna is a senior pursuinga B.A. in Global Studies and a B.S. in Public Service and Public Policy with a concentration on Emergency Management and Homeland Security along with a certificate in Cross Sector Leadership. Her degrees are housed within the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions and the School of Politics and Global Studies. She is originally from Atlantic City, New Jersey where she discovered her passion for advocacy after living through Hurricane Sandy.

Brianna seeks to improve emergency response frameworks locally and globally to ensure the safety of our most vulnerable populations. She aims to develop more inclusive policies on the local, state, and federal level that foster community resilience. As a student, Brianna is a member of the ASU Public Service Academy and president of the ASU Emergency Management Student Association. She has contributed to a variety of research teams including serving as a policy analyst for the ASU President’s Office and now as a student innovation analyst for the Office of Applied Innovation. Brianna aspires to pursue a career in service leadership on the ground responding to natural disasters and supporting humanitarian intervention in conflict zones.

 

Emily is a Senior studying Social Work at the Arizona State of University’s School of Social Work, through the Tucson office. She was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. Emily became interested in child welfare from a young age due to personal experience with the system. She knew early on that she wanted to be a part of healing for child victims, but did not know where to start. In 2018 she started researching the benefits of a Social Work degree in which she could achieve her personal goals.

Emily hopes to change the cultures surrounding child welfare and enhance the child abuse prevention services available to the community. Emily works at the Children’s Advocacy Center in Tucson and is exposed to many preventable tragedies of child maltreatment, only magnifying her passion for helping this population. Emily also started her internship at the Department of Child Safety this semester and is excited for the new challenges ahead of her.

She aspires to a career as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker to help the vulnerable population of children and youth that have experienced trauma in their lives. It is important to Emily to not only heal the hurt and vulnerable, but to prevent such traumas from happening at all.

Ayesha is an honors student entering her senior year studying Economics and Sociology in The College while also pursuing a minor in Justice Studies and a certificate in Socio-Legal Studies. Born in Houston, Texas, and raised in Chandler, Arizona, Ayesha always knew that she would attend ASU and is a member of the 2017 cohort of the Leadership Scholarship Program. She has been heavily involved in efforts to increase civic engagement among the student population through positions in Changemaker Central Tempe, the Andrew Goodman Foundation, and Young People For. Ayesha is passionate about pursuing justice for minorities through the legal system and increased representation in the courts, which she discovered during her timeat the ACLU of Arizona and the Alliance for Justice. Upon graduation, she plans on attending law school and pursuing a career in civil rights law, through which she hopes to serve underrepresented communities

 

 

Michelle is a third-year J.D. candidate at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. She originally hails from Northern Michigan where she gained a love for the outdoors and a strong desire to work toward a better culture of health through law and policy. Prior to law school, Michelle worked for several tribal health organizations in congressional relations and policy analysis. As a student, Michelle is involved in the Native American Law Students Association (NALSA), the Health Law Society, and recently served as the Spring 2020 Director of Advocacy for the Graduate and Professional Student Association. She hopes to continue being an advocate for strong and equitable health and food systems well beyond graduation.

 

Kristina is a second-year MFA candidate studying Theatre for Youth & Communities in the Herberger Institute of Art and Design.She comes most recently from the DC Metro area.Kristina became interested in youth advocacy and collaborative leadership with youth in community and municipal settings after teaching high school theatre and dance for over ten years.Through her artistic practice as a director and deviser, she hopes to work together with communities to create performances, educational and engagement opportunities, and build relationships that center youth to promote cultural and democratic sustainability.As a student, Kristina sits on the Diversity and Inclusion Student Committee for the School of Music, Dance & Theatre and serves as the coordinator for MDT Engage.Kristina's research currently centers on developing forms of digital performance and leveraging zoom and other digital platforms for audience engagement and participatory theater.She hopes to apply this research outside of theatre-specific settings to work in education, housing, or public health sectors to foster participatory democracy and citizen investment.Please visit www.kristinafriedgen.com to learn more about her work.

 

Chase is a senior studying Global Management: International Business and Culture in the Thunderbird School of Global Management. Originally born in Kent, Washington, Chase has lived in Phoenix, Arizona for most of his life. After joining a youth leadership non-profit, DeMolay International, when he was 12, Chase found a calling developing youth as community servants and the leaders of the future at a local, statewide, and international level of the organization. He has crafted programs steering youth through high school and into college and is currently developing a non-profit internship experience as the President of the Arizona DeMolay Foundation. As a former Director of Changemaker Central’s West campus operations and the Supreme Court Justice for ASU West, Chase stays busy representing student interests both inside and outside of campus. Accepted into and still applying to various law schools around the country, Chase plans to pursue a career as an appellate attorney helping others find justice while remaining engaged in charitable organizations he loves.

 

Trey is a senior studying Business (Global Politics), Business (Law), and Business (Public Service & Public Policy) in the W. P. Carey School of Business and a Cross-Sector Leadership Certificate in theWatts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. He is an Arizona native born and raised in Gilbert and Chandler. Trey became passionate about higher education access and equity when he was appointed to Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher initiative Inaugural Student Advisory Board and hopes to increase access for first-generation, low income, and minority students across the country. Additionally, his interest in civic engagement -with a focus on voter engagement and youth participation -began early on with his involvement in the community growing up andhe hopes to continue to improve voter engagement, education, and turnout in elections. As a student, Trey is involved in the Undergraduate Student Government as the Chief of Staff, serves as a member of the ASU Civic Engagement Coalition and is an Andrew Goodman Ambassador.He aspires to continue his work as a public servant by running for office at some point and plans to pursue a concurrent MPA/MBA program to further develop his ability to lead and advocate for others.

 

 

Betsy Muñoz is a senior honors student studying Public Service and Public Policy with a concentration in Law and Policy at the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. Betsy is an Arizona native and has lived here all her life, specifically within Tolleson and Phoenix. She attended Glendale Community College and graduated cum laude in 2018 with an Associate in Arts. At Glendale Community College, Betsy was an officer of the Associated Student Government, the Individual Events Captain of the Maricopa Speech and Debate Team, and a program participant of the Student Public Policy Forum. Through her time in the Student Public Policy Forum, Betsy became passionate about education policy and it became her career focus. She aspires to create a more equitable K-12 public education system at both the state and national levels, where each child can have access to a quality education regardless of their zip code or socioeconomic status. Betsy is a current intern for Achieve60AZ, a non-profit organization whose focus is to increase postsecondary attainment rates among Arizona adults, ages 25 to 64, and is a student worker for the ASU Office of Government and Community Engagement.

 

 

Trey Nilles is a graduate student studying Public Administration at the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. Trey previously graduated from Barrett, the Honors College and the W.P. Carey School of Business with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. He is originally from Surprise, Arizona. As a volunteer tutor for elementary students at a local YMCA, Trey was exposed to the important role communities play in shaping future opportunities for youth. Since then he has served as a GFOAZ Scholar with the City of Sedona, Arizona where he learned how municipal governments can leverage their resources and policies to create better lives for residents. Currently, Trey serves as a Marvin Andrews Fellow in the School of Public Affairs where he helps conduct research into local government policy, innovation, and partnerships while also serving communities in Arizona. After graduation, Trey intends to attend law school and use local government as a platform to create social, educational, and career opportunities for the next generation of Arizonans.

 

 

Maya is a Senior Honors student studying Political Science and Global Studies, along with a Minor in Public Policy/Public Service and two certificates in International Studies and Political Entrepreneurship through Leadership. She is originally from Southern California, but mostly grew up in Glendale, Arizona. Maya became interested in Public Service during the 2016 Election when it became clear that, in America, there are not enough political leaders who fight for minority voices and equal opportunities, and she hopes to one day do exactly that. As a student, Maya had the opportunity to complete a variety of internships with organizations that promoted civic engagement within the State of Arizona, including at the Arizona Advocacy Network which fights to protect voting rights for all. She is a proud McCain Institute Program Participant, as well as former Arizona Legislative Intern for the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. Currently, Maya is working for Mi Familia Vota, an organization whose mission is to expand Latino political access and outreach, especially in communities which have now been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. She aspires to pursue a career as an elected public official that leads with empathy and compassion, while promoting strong democratic ideals.

 

Alexis is an accelerated Master of Public Administration candidate, planning to graduate in May of 2021. She earned her B.S. in Public Service and Public Policy from ASU in August. Originally from York, Pennsylvania, Alexis moved to Phoenix to attend ASU, but she hopes to make it back to the east coast one day. In her time at ASU, Alexis has been involved in the Next Generation Service Corps, Undergraduate Student Government, and the Andrew Goodman Foundation’s Vote Everywhere team. She has also worked at the Arizona State Senate and for the ASU Foundation. As a firm believer in the idea that one must really know a community to be able to serve it well, Alexis’ plan post-graduation is to serve in the Peace Corps as a first step to a career in international development or foreign policy.

 

 

Tiffany Thornhill is a final year masters of public administration (MPA) student at the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. She holds a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) with a minor in nonprofit leadership and management. Tiffany was enrolled in a concurrent MSW/MPA program at Watts college completing her masters in social work (MSW) May 2020. Originally from Portland Oregon Tiffany moved to Arizona in the summer of 2011. Tiffany is passionate about breaking down the walls of systemic oppression here in the US and abroad in Africa. She found her passion for this as her and her familyhave been victims of systemic oppression. As a student, while pursuing her BSW at ASU, Tiffany was a Nina Scholar recipient. She now works as a Graduate Assistant for the ASU Nina Scholars program serving as a mentor. Tiffany completed her MSW practicum as a clinician at a residential treatment facility and also studied abroad in Africa working with victims and survivors of child labor and sex trafficking. Tiffany intends to work in the non-profit sector and use her voice, influence, and education to advocate for those affected by systemic oppression.

 

Samantha is a second-year master’s student studying Public Policy. She was born and raised outside of Seattle, Washington and has been living in Phoenix for the past year. Samantha is passionate about advocating for women and youth, especially those who are living in high risk situations. She is also a strong advocate for youth in the foster care system. During her educational career, she has volunteered with several organizations focusing on at-risk, homeless, and foster care youth, as well as in a victim’s assistance office helping survivors of domestic violence. She as also been active on several political campaigns in both Washington and Arizona. After graduating, Samantha hopes to work within the world of public policy advocating for non-profits to ensure their programs are given the resources they need to support their clients.